During its sixth annual award celebration held at the Foundry building on October 1, the Schuylkill River Heritage Center honored former Congressman Jim Gerlach for his efforts in preserving the heritage of the regional community.

During his political career, which includes Senator and six-terms in Congress, Gerlach managed to push through key legislation which helps protect open space and ongoing conservation efforts. Barbara Cohen, president of the Schuylkill River Heritage Center, noted that it was precisely his ability to secure a redevelopment assistance capital program grant that set in motion the restoration of the Foundry building.

“It was truly an honor to work for 24 years in this area both in the state legislature and in Congress,” Gerlach said during his speech, it was my honor “to try to get things done for the community and for the constituents we serve.”

To honor his commitment, Gerlach received a hand blown glass sculpture in colors evocative of a phoenix rising from the flames, with an engraved picture of the Foundry building on the front.

Gerlach also used the opportunity to thank former state Representative Carole Rubley, for her assistance in finding state money for the Foundry project. He also recognized Cohen for her efforts in helping make the borough a “turnaround community”, expressing his joy at being the recipient of the award.

“This room is full of leaders, community leaders, who are working hard every day in Phoenixville, Chester County, for this entire region, and you know what the formula is, trying to come up with a unified vision,” said Gerlach. “When you come together with a consensus on a vision, then those that are elected to office, 99 out of 100 will try to help in that effort. When you do, when you’re part of that team, you get a lot of good things accomplished.”

Gerlach’s successor, Congressman Ryan Costello stated his admiration for the seasoned politician, as a rare true statesman who was a good listener and always trying to help others, saying that he would try to emulate him especially in working with elected officials and finding common ground on which to build consensus on issues.

“Jim always had a way of respecting differences,” said Costello, “and made us feel good about where we live.”