The Shepherdstown Rotary Club has presented its annual Vocational Service Award to Ernest L. Fuss.

The award is given each fall to an outstanding community member who embodies values and principles that exemplify Rotary values, especially service above self.

Rotarian Dr. James Price made the presentation at the Club’s November 20 weekly breakfast meeting at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown.

Dr. Price said Mr. Fuss is “a true Shepherdstonian . . . a good, kind, humble man who has always been ready to jump in and help with community projects.”

A Shepherdstown native and professional electrician, Mr. Fuss was instrumental in starting the town’s annual Christmas celebration some 20 years ago, and for many years strung all of the downtown Christmas lights himself.

He was also part of the group that built the Rumseian Experiment, the town’s half-scale replica of James Rumsey’s 1787 steamboat, in the 1980s, and in 2000-2001 he was involved in the reconstruction of the McMurran Hall bell tower.

“When you live in a community you give back to the community, and that’s what I’ve tried to do, ” Fuss said. “And I’m not the only one; we’re very fortunate to have so many people in this community who do so much.”

Rotary Club Vice President Paul Woods closed the presentation ceremony by thanking Mr. Fuss for “your years of selfless service.”