Chamber acknowledges winners’ contributions

Eight award winners’ contributions toward Carbon County, its vitality and its economy were highlighted during the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development’s annual awards program held on Friday night in Lower Towamensing Township.

The award winners included:

Dorrie Merluzzi: The chamber praised her for her service to the CCEDC, the Ambassadors Council and the community, saying, “Dorrie has always been a valued member of the council and the community. She personifies the qualities of leadership, direction and motivation for other ambassadors. She is a treasured volunteer and is always willing to lend a helping hand at chamber events with a cheerful attitude and calming presence. Dorrie has served as a welcoming face at many events and has been solely responsible for the décor at the annual awards dinner from 2014-18, as well as other chamber events. She holds an associate degree in arts and science, served in the Air Force as a paralegal from 1980-96, and resides in Palmerton with her husband Craig.

Joey B’s Bar & Restaurant: The business was established in 1988 by Chip and Shari Solt to honor the passing of a dear friend and loving brother, Joey Barbosa. The chamber noted, “the business began as a small-town bar and has evolved into a full-service restaurant. Never in Chip and Shari’s wildest dreams did the two ever anticipate remaining in the industry as long as they have, but much like Joey Barbosa himself, Joey B has become an incredibly important and special part of the Solt family’s lives. Many people have made wonderful memories within the walls of Joey B. Therefore, it is the Solt family’s mission to continue to provide an atmosphere for both old and new friends to gather and create memories. While the future is never certain, a few things will always remain true, the Solt family will continually strive to do their best to grow and evolve, and Joey B will forever remain “Where Good Friends Meet.”

Jenny’s Sweets & More: Jennifer Solt-Cerato is the owner of the Rookie Business of the year. After spending 27 years in health care management, she became a certified professional coach where she strived to help others by promoting acceptance and heal estrangement, later pursuing her dream of being a small-business owner, opening the candy store in Lehighton. The chamber notes, “Loving what you do or sell is highly important. For Jenny, her love isn’t candy; it is for each and every person who walks through her door and recognizes a long-loved favorite candy or discovers a newfound mouthwatering delicacy. She knows she has accomplished her goal when every adult feels like a kid in a candy store and every child feels like it’s Christmas. Her words to live by: “Follow your path, look for signs and trust without fear.”

Jessica Adamczyk: A 2013 graduate of Weatherly High School, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Kutztown University. In addition to her marketing associate position at Heritage Hill Senior Community, Jessica has been an entrepreneur with Younique for the last four years. She also volunteers with the Hazleton and Carbon chambers and serves on the board of the Future Leaders of Carbon County Committee. She is also the business operations manager for the Weatherly Ambulance Association and is a founding member of the Weatherly Recreation Committee.

James Wimmer, Esq.: He began his law practice in Palmerton 55 years ago and served the community and county in many capacities, before retiring at the end of September. His service includes having been a former assistant district attorney, solicitor to the Palmerton Area School District, and chancellor of the Carbon Bar Association. Wimmer served on the boards of the Tri-County State Bank, Bowmanstown, Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Palmerton, of which he presided over the board, and the Harleysville National Corporation. He co-formed the Horsehead Community Development Fund. He and his wife of 56 years, Linda, have two sons, David and Michael, and two grandsons, Sam and Max.

Shelly Lutz, Let’s Save the Dogs Golf Tournament and Adoption Event: Lutz has been volunteering in dog rescue for over 10 years and has been with Red Rock Rescue for three years, working in all aspects of rescue, including pulling dogs from shelters, fostering, fundraising, processing adoptions and transport. The chamber notes, “She absolutely adores all of the dogs and hopes to have her own rescue in the future.” She is the owner and director of the Split Rock Golf Club, Lake Harmony, where she is responsible for the operation of a 27-hole championship golf course and a 140-seat restaurant.

No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum: The No. 9 Mine was left abandoned until a local group, committed to preserving the region’s coal mining heritage, took control of the property in 1992. Known as the Panther Creek Valley Foundation, it began restoration work at the mine in 1995 and first operated mine rides there in 2002. Visitors ride by rail 1,600 feet into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guided walking tour in which tourists can examine the original 900-foot deep mine shaft, walk the mule way where young men guided mules between different levels of the mine, and see a miner’s hospital cut into solid rock. The organization’s mission is to preserve the rich anthracite mining heritage in northeastern Pennsylvania for future generations.

Delaware & Lehigh Pedestrian Bridge and Carbon Trail Connection: The chamber recognized the partnership of the county commissioners and the D&L Heritage Corridor in the realization of the pedestrian bridge crossing the Lehigh River. The chamber noted, “With the completion of the pedestrian bridge connection in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County boasts the first fully connected section of the D&L Trail, spanning 35 miles north to the Black Diamond Trailhead (north of White Haven) and 23 miles south to Cementon in Whitehall Township, across the Route 329 bridge from Northampton Borough. The bridge and trail has already proved its significance in Carbon County’s history and future.”