Barry Kline receives James P. Oliver Award
Barry Kline, a Shady Grove grocer, is the 2011 recipient of the James P. Oliver award. The recognition was sponsored by the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes business associates who contribute personal time and service beyond normal community service. The award is named for the late Oliver, who was active in community affairs and served on Greencastle Borough Council for nearly two decades.
Chamber executive director Joel Fridgen presented Kline with the citizenship award at its annual meeting and banquet Sept. 22 at Green Grove Gardens.
Kline, 52, said he was honored for the recognition but "I like to stay in the background." With his brother Terry, he operates Kline's Grocery. Their late father Ray opened the store over 50 years ago.
"We like to do our part," said Kline, "and carry on the community service record our dad started. We want to give back to the community for their support of us."
His mother, Mary Lou Kline, was present at the ceremony. His wife Bonnie works in the bakery section of Kline's Grocery. They have two children, Kevin, 24, and Katie, 21.
Kline's service
Fridgen shared Kline's contributions to the community at large with the audience of 187, a record attendance. He is past president of Shady Grove Ruritan Club, served on the board of directors of the Greencastle Baseball/Softball Association for 14 years, coached youth baseball, started the fall Little League baseball program, is a member of Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. No. 1, and supports its carnival and special events by supplying materials at cost.
Kline, through Ruritan, is involved with the Boy Scouts and Venture Crew, supports the scholarship program for Shady Grove graduates and a Veterans Day program. He donates to church groups and provides meals for away golf matches for the Greencastle-Antrim High School golf team. He contributes to the Grove Food Bank.
He has also supported Greencastle's First Friday for the past two years, is a member of the Nittany Lion Club, and backs the Penn State "Thon" event. He is involved in a golf tournament for the Wounded Warrior program and the Fisher House Project in Rocky Springs, which gives housing to families of veterans receiving treatment at VA medical centers. Kline also provides water, snacks and financial support for Summit Health's Cancer Center and promotes Breast Cancer Awareness. He was diagnosed in May, underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and the prognosis is positive, said Fridgen.
Annual meeting
Chamber board president Marissa Burt, in looking over the crowd representing businesses and organizations, said, "I see the true definition of a community here. Greencastle should be proud."
She welcomed new board members John Flannery, Tracy Burger and Paul Schemel, and bid farewell to Brian Hissong, Sharon Ruppenthal and Ed Warren. For the first time, the evening featured a silent auction as a fundraiser for the chamber.