Several people who have helped the Palmerton community have been recognized for their efforts.

Borough council recently acknowledged Barry Scherer, Randy Smith, Marjorie and Joe Federanich, and Margaret Porambo for their many years of dedicated service.

Barry Scherer

Scherer began his service to the borough as a councilman in January 1980, and served the community as an elected official for 24 years, many as council president.

He became employed with the Palmerton Water Department in February 2005 and served as a water operator, and then department coordinator until March 2014, at which time he became the Public Works Supervisor until his retirement in April.

Scherer also volunteered with the Palmerton Fire Department for 40 years.

“I humbly accept this honor. It’s a great honor,” Scherer said.

Scherer added that it’s been his pleasure to serve the residents of the borough.

He noted that he was born and raised in the borough, and will remain here until his time is up.

Randy Smith

Smith began his service to the borough as a part-time patrolman in May 1981, and then became a full-time patrolman in March 1984, a capacity he served in until he became police chief in October 2008 until his upcoming retirement in January.

In the process, he also upheld the department’s motto of “To Protect and Serve” for nearly 41 years.

Smith said he was going to “ride off into the sunset.”

“It’s been a pleasure for me,” Smith said. “I did enjoy it while it happened.”

Marjorie and Joseph Federanich

Marj and Joe spearheaded a project earlier this year to refurbish the historical bandstand in the borough park.

They arranged for installation of a steel railing, upgrades to outlets, replacement of fixtures to accommodate LED lighting, installation of microphone jacks in the ceiling, refurbishment of the floor, new landscaping and repainting of wooden surfaces.

“We don’t do what we do for recognition,” Marj said. “We just love this town and want to keep Palmerton on the map.”

Margaret Porambo

Porambo organizes a giving tree and delivers Christmas and Easter flowers for her church.

A member of the Palmerton Concourse Club since 1979, she organized a wish list for victims of domestic violence, served as treasurer, and organizes the membership pamphlet.

Porambo volunteered at the Palmerton Adult Day Care for 20 years, and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, served as secretary of the board of directors for 10 years and delivered meals for over 22 years.

“I worked in the health field, and my time spent with volunteering was spent helping people,” Porambo said. “Thank you very much for this honor.”