A community service project done by a Palmerton businessman has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Howard Ruben’s efforts in restoring a veterans’ monument for the Borough of Bowmanstown earned him third place laurels in the annual “Take Pride in Pennsylvania” competition.

Ruben, owner of the Towamensing Cemetery, received the framed award from the Carbon County Commissioners, recognizing his contributions to the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s public lands and cultural resources.

Rubin’s project, which took 50 hours of work and cost about $1,500, which he paid for himself, restored the monument that bears the names of Bowmanstown’s veterans of World War I and II.