Before Campbell Rotary Club President Jennifer Carauddo could present the Rotarian of the Year Award, she first had to call the recipient to see if he would even accept it.

“He’s not one for recognition,” says Carauddo.

To Carauddo’s surprise, Robert “Bob” Carlson told her he would accept the award, which recognizes a Rotarian for service extending beyond the community service club.

Carlson, who has been a club member since 2011, has organized annual park clean-ups and tree plantings and has helped organize community events such as the annual Easter parade, Bunnies and Bonnets and the Campbell Community Toy Drive.

“Bob has the uncanny ability to get others engaged,” says Paul Resnikoff, a Rotarian and the city’s vice mayor. “I’ve never heard him say ‘no’ to a project.”

According to Carauddo, Carlson was nominated by club members. Each member had to nominate three people, with the top nominee taking home the Rotarian of the Year honors.

“His energy and passion for community service is so engaging,” Carauddo says.

For Carlson, volunteer service is “just his duty.”

“It’s just something I enjoy,” he says.

Carlson says he’s been involved with community service projects going back to when he first joined the Kiwanis Club in the 1970s. During his 30 years as a probation officer, he worked with gang members and was involved with various community programs.

He has continued his community service long after his retirement in 1998.

“What I call civic engagement is a lifelong learning experience,” Carlson says. “I think if we’re going to succeed as a community, people need to get involved. A great way to start is helping out in the parks.”

Calrson’s passion for parks has led to organizing numerous park clean-ups in Campbell and San Jose.

Carlson says he is aiming high and wants to emulate a clean-up event in Portland that sees about 3,800 volunteers spend the entire day cleaning the city and its open spaces.

“We’ll see what happens in the future,” he says.

Another goal is too boost community engagement among youths. Carlson currently advises a few school Interact clubs, which are Rotary community service clubs for students.

“When I see kids and high school students volunteering at community events, it gives me hope,” he says.

The Rotarian of the Year award will join other awards Carlson has received from assembly members, commissioners and state officials. It just may not be prominently featured in his home.

“Bob doesn’t do anything for the accolades,” Resnikoff says, adding he’s never seen any award hanging or framed in Carlson’s home.