Even though Nicholas Smith may be retired from the work force, he hasn't stopped to take time off from his helping his community.

On Saturday over 100 business and community members from around the Lehigh Valley gathered to honor Smith during the 22nd annual Spirit Award Dinner hosted by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce at the Northern Valley Emergency Medical Service Inc. in Coplay.Each year the chamber honors a resident who has been dedicated to serving the area through business and volunteering. During the event Smith joined the ranks of fellow leaders and influencers who have been recognized in past years."We honor a person who really represents what giving back means," said chamber staff liaison Alice Wanamaker."We collected nominations for about a month and ended up with four," Wanamaker said.According to Wanamaker, Smith was nominated by fellow chamber board director Monica Sellers.Smith was born Sept. 8, 1934, in Lehighton. Along with his four brothers and two sisters, he was raised on a farm just outside Summit Hill by parents William and Ann Smith.At age 17, Smith joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving with the 165 MP Battalion in Lehighton from 1951 to 1960.In 1957 Smith married his wife, Doris Coffin. The couple have a daughter Jane Anne Meckes and grandson Mathew.Smith kicked off his career in a Lehighton furniture company, eventually moving up the ladder to work for Fullerton Furniture Company, E.A. Roffman Company as the vice president of manufacturing for 26 years before retiring. Not one to sit on the couch, he began his own furniture business, Nicholas A. Smith Furniture, after retirement."He makes custom handmade rocking chairs and he just donates them for raffles and fundraisers," Wanamaker said. "He and his wife are very involved with the community."Smith has been a lifetime volunteer, serving in area organizations including the Rotary Club, 440 F&AM Slatington Masonic Lodge, the Northern Masons Jurisdiction Scottish Rites 32 Degree, the Rajah Shrine Anglers Club and Reading Club, the Christ UCC Church, the Walnutport Fire Company, Emerald Fire Company, Slatington Skeet Club, Wildlife Center, D&L Heritage Trail, the Walnutport Playground Association and the Venture Group."He served our county. He serves our community. He just took it to the next level," Wanamaker said. "In addition to him being a business owner he continues to give back."During Thursday night's Walnutport Borough council meeting, Mayor Wayne Weidner proclaimed April 16 to be Nicholas A. Smith Day."I urge all citizens to join with me in applauding the accomplishments of this individual during his years of dedicated service as a resident of the borough and as a serving volunteer for many years," he said.In addition to recognizing an integral member of the community, the dinner will help raise funds for the Walnutport Canal Association.