By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough/Hudson – When the biannual Good Scout Award Dinner was held June 19 at the Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott, two of the most familiar names in their communities were honored: Bob Kays, of Marlborough, and Rosemary Rimkus, of Hudson. Presented by the Boy Scouts” Knox Trail Council, the award recognizes individuals who exhibit the characteristics of Scouting in their daily lives.
Steve Symes, co-chair of the local Good Scout committee, explained why Bob Kays is a good role model for Scouts.
“The honor goes to someone who exemplifies community service and good citizenship,” Symes said, “and that's what Bob Kays has been all about for a long time in the city of Marlborough.”
The community's foremost fundraisers are chaired by Kays, including the Marlborough-Hudson Relay for Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society, and Evening of Giving, which benefits Roland's House, a temporary emergency shelter. He also offers to flip burgers for good causes such as cookouts for the Youth Center at Countryside Village, a subsidized apartment complex.
Kays said receiving the Good Scout Award is a chance for him to thank fellow volunteers for their assistance.
“People who have supported me and do the grunt work never get recognized,” he said. “They help me with these fundraisers, so that gives me the opportunity to reach out and do more.”
The past several inaugural years, Kays co-chaired the Mayor's Charity Ball with Linda Ossing. Proceeds from the event go to the Mayor's Charity Relief Fund, which helps residents in need of financial assistance. The evening's highlight is the announcement of the Humanitarian of the Year, which Kays received in 1992. In 2010, then Mayor Nancy Stevens introduced a new honor: the first Lifetime Community Service Award, presented to Kays.
“It blew me away,” he said, recalling the evening's surprise announcement.
A lifetime of valuable contributions also earned Kays the Good Scout Award, Symes said.
“Bob's leadership skills, quiet nature and humbleness are outstanding characteristics,” Symes added.
As for Rosemary Rimkus, Hudson residents are accustomed to seeing the longtime journalist at town events, then reading her coverage afterward. Someone who is such an integral part of the community deserves the Good Scout Award, said Joan Wordell, the other committee co-chair.
“Everybody in town seems to know Rosemary,” Wordell said. “She's everywhere and always giving her time to other people.”
Rimkus began learning the newspaper business while working as a teen in Hudson at the “News Enterprise,” where she later became a writer and editor. When that paper closed in the 1970s, Rimkus moved to the “Hudson Sun,” where she continues to write her Keynotes column with photos and stories.
While experiencing changes in the business throughout a career spanning more than 60 years, her opinion of newspapers remains the same.
“I really feel there is a place for a weekly paper to chronicle people's lives,” she said.
Rimkus also handles publicity and newsletters for the Hudson Historical Society. The writer said she is fortunate to have found venues to express her love for the town, which she shares with her husband of 57 years, Vic, a retired history teacher and football coach at Hudson High School.
“My husband and I both love Hudson,” she said. “We still get a thrill walking through the rotary.”
Documenting the town's people and events is an accomplishment worthy of the Good Scout Award, Wordell noted.
“Rosemary is an extraordinary woman,” Wordell said. “We wanted to let her know she's appreciated for her all hard work.”
