He's been a pillar in the Palmerton community for decades.

If ever there was an award that would befit Richard Nothstein, it's the one he's about to have bestowed on him.About 100 participants are expected at the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council, Carbon County Friends of Scouting Dinner, to be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton.At that time, Nothstein will be presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award for outstanding and distinguished support to the community and Scouting programs.The Boy Scouts of America, North Valley District, said the Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes individuals who set positive examples for others and demonstrate selfless concern and care for their communities.Nothstein, a Palmerton Borough councilman who also co-owns Country Harvest Family Market in Palmerton, was recognized as a Community Hero by Mauch Chunk Trust Company in 2009 for his outstanding volunteer contributions.Support for the Carbon County Friends of Scouting Dinner is provided by the following Eagle Sponsors: Country Harvest Family Market, Diefenderfer Electric, First Northern Bank, PenTeleData, Serfass Construction and William G. Schwab Law Offices.For sponsorship opportunities or ticket information, contact Diane Lariar at 610-465-8563 or

Diane.Lariar@Scouting.orgAbout Minsi Trails CouncilMinsi Trails Council provides leadership and character development programs to nearly 11,500 youth with 4,000 adult volunteers.The council serves young people throughout the Anthracite Region, Pocono Mountains and Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania along with western New Jersey and serves six-counties: Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne and Warren counties.The local Scouting heritage dates back more than 104 years when the council's first Scout troops were established in the Allentown and Easton areas.To learn more about Scouting, visit

www.minsitrails.com.