Once a rock star, always a rock star.

Tamaqua's Tom Banditelli, the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's 2014 Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award Recipient, has been a rock star for the community for decades, through his "unselfish dedication and volunteer service."Banditelli received the award during the 64th annual dinner for the chamber; and he's the 51st person to receive the award."I'm honored and proud to be listed with the 50 people who have received the award," Banditelli said. "I want to thank my wife, Carol, and my family and friends, and thank the community for the support of my business throughout the years, and I thank God for his many blessings."Banditelli and his family own and operate Tom's Autobody and Marine, celebrating its 50th year in business this year. He serves on the board of directors for the chamber, and chairs the annual Trout Fishing Derby, which started Saturday."We're here tonight to celebrate a person who gives so much to the community, and who by his leadership has influenced others," said chamber executive director Linda Yulanavage. "He can always be counted on to step forward, always ready to share his love and knowledge of fishing, and really shows what it means to be a good neighbor."Banditelli was a member of the Air Force Band and also played bass guitar and trumpet in the 1970s for a band called Angie and the Strangers.He volunteers his time with many organizations, including the Tamaqua Community Partnership, Schuylkill Trout Unlimited, Tamaqua Baseball, Tamaqua Italian Club, and the Tamaqua Arts Center, where he and his family have established the Christopher Banditelli Memorial Fund.Since 2000, Banditelli has been involved with preserving and promoting the recreational value of the Owl Creek Reservoir as a green space for hiking, biking and fishing. He also annually places a "Santa Mailbox" in Tamaqua's Depot Square, and transports Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the Depot Square Park.Attendees at the annual dinner received the Chamber's 2014 Community Progress Report, which includes a recap of progress in the borough, as well as information about public services and businesses.Highlights in the progress report include:The Owl Creek Reservoir repairs, which involved restoration of both the upper and lower dams. The nearly 1,000 acres surrounding the reservoirs and open year-round to the public.The Hometown Heroes Program, which offers the families and friends of all veterans the opportunity to display their photograph and service record on banners, installed on light poles in town. The program became so popular that there's a waiting list.The opening of the Performing Arts Hall at the new Tamaqua Community Art Center.The opening of a new playground in the Dutch Hill section of Tamaqua.Yulanavage said that improvements to the community start with one person, such as Tom Banditelli."It's important that we contribute to our community," she said. "You can see what a difference one person can make."