Tamaqua is being re-invented and will be better than it was 50 years ago, said Dale Freudenberger, 2002 Citizen of the Year, to some 120 who turned out Wednesday for the 52nd Annual Tamaqua Community Dinner held at the community center.

The presentation of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce 39th Annual Citizenship Award to Freudenberger highlighted a night of celebration in which the chamber took pause to acknowledge community spirit and celebrate successes along the way.

Chamber President Joseph M. Plasko made the award presentation to his friend and former schoolmate, bringing the crowd to its feet, but not before telling the audience, “Dale was into history when history wasn’t cool.”