MCT Bank recognizes Community Heroes

They are the epitome of what it takes to make our area a better place to live.

Enter David W. Hawk, Shirley J. Stamm, Eric Zizelmann, and Lisa M. Rosenberger, who know a thing or two about making an impact through their volunteer work.

The foursome were unveiled as the recipients of the “2018 Community Heroes” by Mauch Chunk Trust Co. on Friday at the North Street branch office in Jim Thorpe.

The charities selected by this year’s Community Heroes are: Christian Action Counsel of Palmerton Area Churches; the Lehighton Interfaith Fellowship; the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership and the American Hose Fire Company No. 1; and Turn to Us and Girl Scout Camp Evergreen.

This is the 19th consecutive year that Mauch Chunk Trust Co. is recognizing local volunteers, according to its President and CEO Patrick H. Reilly.

“I think we have some wonderful people that we picked this year,” Reilly said. “They are very deserving of the award, and I’m very glad that we chose them.”

David W. Hawk

A resident of Palmerton, Hawk was recognized for volunteering his time and talents for more than 40 years as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout Den Leader, Palmerton Boy Scout Troop 41 Scout Leader and Assistant Scout Leader, Merit Badge Counselor, Palmerton Community Festival volunteer and board of directors, Lower Towamensing Township Recreation Board, Carbon County Fair volunteer, Carbon County 4-H volunteer, Carbon County 4-H Youth Instructor, Lehigh Valley Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association volunteer, Mid Atlantic Cavy Breeders Annual Spring Show volunteer, playing Santa Claus, and Palmerton Musical Theater Group Stage Crew member.

“It’s a very great honor, I’m very pleased and honored,” Hawk said. “It was not something I was trying to get.”

Hawk explained why he volunteers.

“I like to help the kids,” he said. “If I can bring one kid happiness, that’s what it’s all about.”

Shirley J. Stamm

Stamm, of Lehighton, was chosen for her volunteer efforts including the Girl Scouts, Church Choir/Ecumenical Choir, teaching Sunday school, church treasurer, Presbyterian Missionary Ladies, Women of the Lehigh Presbytery, Lehighton Interfaith Fellowship, LIFE Service of Remembrance, World Day of Prayer, Blue Mountain Health Auxiliary, hospital gift shop, Penn State Extension Holiday Program for Carbon County Seniors, CROP Hunger Walk, Community Safety Day, Kid’s Zone, bake sales/cookie sales, spaghetti dinners, and Girl Scout cookie sales.

“We don’t have to be recognized. We do things because we want to,” Stamm said. “We’re here to help people.”

Stamm added that she’s become so accustomed to volunteering that it just comes natural to her.

“It keeps us younger,” she said. “We’re too busy to even think about other things.”

Eric Zizelmann

A resident of Tamaqua, Zizelman was recognized for volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, numerous local churches, Hurricane Andrew Relief Effort, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, American Hose Co. No. 1 Fire Company, Eden Fire Company, Lancaster, Clinton Fire Company, New Jersey, Tamaqua Christmas Decorating Committee, Master of Ceremonies Annual Memorial Day, Service of Remembrance and Parade, Tamaqua Remembers 150th Memorial Day Committee, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra board of directors, Odd Fellows Fraternal Lodge, Tamaqua Historical Society, Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, Tamaqua Public Library board of directors, Tamaqua East End Park, Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation board of directors, National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., fundraising, and TV Station WVIA Telethon/Our Town Tamaqua Series.

“There are so many people just even in Tamaqua, much less the region, that Mauch Chunk Trust serves, who would be worthy of this,” Zizelmann said. “I volunteer because I love people.”

Zizelmann said he’s proud of Tamaqua and does his best to “help make it a place in which it’s so good to live and be a part of the community.”

Lisa M. Rosenberger

Rosenberger, of Albrightsville, was chosen for her volunteer efforts including the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Camp Evergreen, personal care homes, Lion’s Club, Friends of Animals, Carbon County Animal Shelter, Christ Lutheran Church Youth Group, Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Family Promise, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, The Valor House cleanup, Quilts for World Relief, Wreaths Across America, St. Mark’s Church Community Dinner, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Jim Thorpe Olympian Girls Soccer Team, Jim Thorpe Rotary Youth Soccer Team, Penn Kidder Parent Teacher Association, Jim Thorpe Senior’s All-Night Party, chaperoning school events and trips, Carbon County Relay for Life, Breakfast with Santa/Milk and Cookies with Santa, bake sale and soup sale fundraisers, Helping the Homeless, Friends of Camp Louise, Backpacks for Foster Kids, Earth Day clean up in Jim Thorpe, Environmental Center clean up and Petition to save the Maui Dolphins (scouts).

“I’m glad to see I’m in good company. It keeps you motivated when you see them out there,” Rosenberger said. “It’s good to pay it forward.”

Rosenberger added there’s always something you can do, “No matter how big or small.”

“It doesn’t always have to be money,” she said. “Do what you can in any little way.”

The award recipients, nominated by community residents, will be recognized at a banquet at 6 p.m. June 26 at Dean Anthony’s in Jim Thorpe. Mauch Chunk Trust will present each recipient with an award and a $200 donation to the charity of his or her choice.

For Community Hero Banquet information, contact Deborah Bamford at 570-325-0410.