The Palmerton Lions Club acknowledged 10 nonprofit organizations, as well as two Leo Club Members of the Year during its Community Spirit Night held at the Carbon Career & Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe.

Robert Silliman, club president, presented certificates of appreciation to Leo Club co-advisors Jeanna Baumgardt and Travis Fink.Program committee member Alicia Silliman announced the two Leo Club Members of the Year: Palmerton Area High School seniors Taylor Williams and Alison Young.Bob Silliman said several candidates could have been chosen for Leos of the Year. "It's very difficult to make the choice," Silliman said.Williams plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in social work.Her activities include Leo Club, president; secretary of the high school yearbook club; treasurer of National Honor Society; Environmental Club; Student Council; and varsity cheerleading squad captain.Young plans to attend Penn State University.Her activities include Leo Club treasurer; Student Council president; Environmental Club; and FBLA.Award RecipientsProgram committee member Judy Borger introduced the following recipients of donations totalling $3,000: Aquashicola Fire Company; Blue Ridge Toy and Food Drive; Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches; Dream Come True; Palmerton Community Ambulance; Palmerton Fire Company; Palmerton Area Library; Palmerton Meals on Wheels; Palmerton West End Fire Company; and Trachsville Fire Company.Bob Silliman told the volunteers, "We're very grateful for all that they do for the community."Larry Arner accepted on behalf of the Aquashicola Fire Company."We're in the process of buying a new tanker truck," Arner said. "Thank you very much."George Unangst represented the Blue Ridge Toy and Food Drive."We do this very similar to what the Marine Core League does with Toys for Tots," Unangst said. "Everything we do goes back to the people of Carbon County."Peggy Snyder accepted on behalf of CACPAC, saying the money will go toward the food pantry.Frank Stanek represented Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter. Stanek noted that the organization has fulfilled several dreams so far this year, and has several others in the works.Jean Solarczyk accepted on behalf of the Palmerton Community Ambulance, who said money will be used for wheelchairs.Dennis Behler, representing the Palmerton Fire Company, said there are many uses for the funds, with the new building.Diane Danielson, director of the Palmerton Area Library, said funds will be used for library activities, such as its summer reading program.Darlene Nothstein represented Palmerton Meals on Wheels.Kyle Behler accepted on behalf of the Palmerton West End Fire Company, saying the check would help the department carry out fire prevention activities.Wayne Knirnschild, chief of the Trachsville Fire Company, said the donation will help to supply equipment for a new brush truck.Lions celebrate60 YearsRobert Silliman mentioned that the Palmerton Lions Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary."Hopefully you'll be around for a long time to come," Silliman said. "We're looking for some young blood to carry on the torch."Silliman then thanked all of the organizations for all that they do, and for giving back to the community.""We work very hard, and everything we make goes back to the community," he said.The Palmerton Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Palmerton Library on Delaware Avenue in Palmerton and the third Monday of each month at the Fireline Hotel.Lions Clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.For more information, or to get involved with the Palmerton Area Lions Club, call 610-824-6490.