They say every cloud has a silver lining. Sometimes we forget that positive events took place during the global pandemic that affected so many in our community.

Recognizing these accomplishments was the theme of the annual dinner meeting of the St. Luke’s Carbon Hospital Auxiliary, held on July 27 at the Lehighton American Legion Post.

Jointly meeting for the first time since group restrictions were eased, the St. Luke’s Carbon Auxiliary is a merger of the Palmerton Hospital Auxiliary and the Lehighton Auxiliary, whose mission is to provide support to the St. Luke’s Carbon Campus.

Following a brief business meeting, the auxiliary presented a check for $10,000 to John Nespoli, president of the St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, and Joe Guardiani, Director of Fund Development. Additionally, the auxiliary awarded three scholarships to 2022 graduates of local high schools who are continuing their education or pursuing their careers in the medical field.

The scholarships included a $1,000 scholarship to seniors at both Lehighton and Palmerton High Schools and a $500 scholarship to a CCTI graduate. These gifts were made possible through some successful fundraisers, including the Nearly New Shop in Palmerton, the Spring Flower, Krispy Kreme doughnut and lottery calendar sales.

A very special honor was bestowed upon Shirley Stamm, who was elected as an honorary member of the auxiliary in recognition of her near 50 years of volunteer service to the Lehighton Campus of St. Luke’s. Stamm was presented a corsage by current Auxiliary President Marj Federanich.

Nespoli was also the evening’s special guest speaker. He thanked the auxiliary for their dedication and continued support, and spoke of the future plans St. Luke’s has for Carbon County.

In addition to leading the expansion of the availability of health care in the region, St. Luke’s is planning to turn the 100-acre Carbon Campus into a “healthy living zone” for local residents. Gardens and walking trails are among the attractions that will become available in the near future. The current Lehighton Campus will become a Behavioral Health Center with the first walk-in mental health clinic opening soon.

The clinic will offer 24-hour support to those in need, including veteran support programs.

If you live in Carbon County and are interested in becoming a member of the auxiliary, please do not hesitate to message us on our St. Luke’s Carbon Auxiliary Facebook page.