William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-10-01 / 10. szám
WPA dedicates new Kohut Pavilion ROCKWOOD, PA -- On a sunny, warm day tailor-made for a picnic, the WPA honored one of the men most responsible for the acquisition and development of Penn Scenic View In a ceremony held prior to the opening of the fourth annual WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal Fest, Chairman of the Board Steve Varga dedicated a new pavilion in honor of former National Director William C. Kohut. In his remarks, Chairman Varga praised Mr. Kohut for having a vision of what Penn Scenic View could become and credited him with convincing the property's previous owners to donate the land to the WPA's scholarship foundation (see Chairman Varga's full remarks below). Although Mr. Kohut was unable to attend the dedication, his son, William, was present. He thanked the WPA for the honor bestowed upon his father and noted with pride his father's dedication and love for the WPA and Penn Scenic View. William Kohut served as a member of the WPA Board of Directors from 1971 to 1987. Prior to that, he served as a member of the National Auditing Committee for 24 years. Through the years he has been a major contributor to the WPA's scholarship foundation. The Kohut Pavilion stands on the site of the former tennis and basketball courts, located near the Lakeside Lodge. Its poured concrete floor measures 48 feet by 96 feet, providing 4,608 square feet of covered space for picnics, receptions and other large gatherings. The pavilion can accommodate approximately 300 guests. William C. Kohut Jr., cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Kohut Pavilion at Penn Scenic View. The pavilion was named in honor of his father, former National Director William C. Kohut. A Man and His Vision Remarks by WPA Chairman of the Board Steve Varga during the dedication of the Kohut Pavilion We are gathered here to dedicate a symbol of the present and a promise for the future growth of Penn Scenic View. In 1977, William C. Kohut, a former national director of the WPA, had a vision regarding 156 acres located in Rockwood, Pa., William Kohut-Bill-convinced the prior owners of the property to donate the land to the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation. Thanks to his effort, it was possible for the Association to acquire what we today proudly call Penn Scenic View. Bill, along with then-National President Elmer Charles and his fellow directors, saw the great potential and opportunity the property had for our members. Part of his vision was to move the Stable Lodge to its present location, giving it greater opportunity to be used for fraternal events. He also envisioned planting a field of evergreen trees to be sold at Christmas. Over the years, many improvements have been made. We have replaced the spillway, and we continue to make upgrades to our cabins. But, the one that has been a long time coming is the completion of this pavilion. Today, with the approval of the Board of Directors, we dedicate this pavilion the "Kohut Pavilion." We wish to thank Bill for his vision. We hope this pavilion will remind everyone of Bill’s passion, commitment and contributions to Penn Scenic View and the WPA. May God bless Bill for his service to the Association and for making Penn Scenic View a place to be enjoyed by future generations. 1 1 Williu Pen Life, October 2004
