John F. Haubach was surprised two weeks ago when he heard the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society had nominated him for its volunteerism award.

Although he is a member of the society, he was not planning to attend the upcoming meeting.

"They got me out there on a ruse," he said.

On Tuesday, he received the award at the professional organization's annual convention in Seven Springs.

"He's a role model for any community-based committee. We rely on his good sense, great humor and boundless enthusiasm," said Mike Diehl, parks and recreation director for Cranberry, who nominated Mr. Haubach for the award.

Mr. Haubach, of Cranberry, has been chairman for three of the 10 years he has served on the township's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

He started a concert series in Cranberry Community Park 15 years ago. Under his leadership, the series has grown to eight weekday concerts through the summer and two performances during the Fourth of July Community Day celebration.

Mr. Haubach, who is called "Jack," served as a team captain for the building of the community's skate park, which opened last summer. He is planning to start work on about a dozen playing fields in Graham Park for a 2008 opening.

Mr. Haubach, 57, taught special education for 34 years in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and has been a percussionist and a singer for 45 years.

"Your kids are how you begin volunteering," he said.

Mr. Haubach was at the forefront in starting the young girls soccer program in Cranberry in 1984, when his daughters were 4, 5 and 7 years old. As a coach and volunteer, he progressed to become commissioner, then president of the Cranberry Soccer Association.

His enthusiasm and energy are contagious, Mr. Diehl said.

"Jack Haubach's most frequent response is, 'Let's get it done,' " he said.

Mr. Haubach said his spirit of volunteerism comes from having eight brothers and sisters who are all volunteers.

"I guess I have a penchant to see these opportunities. I am blessed with these abilities. My upbringing is you don't hide these [abilities] under a bushel," he said.