With a twinkle in his eye and an unbridled passion to give back to his community, Eugene “Geno” Roberts has been a catalyst for all that’s right in the town of Palmerton.

A rock and pillar in the community for decades, Roberts has been assured his service to the town in which he was born and raised hasn’t been in vain.

That’s because Roberts was recognized this week as Volunteer of the Year by the Palmerton Lions Club at its annual Community Spirit Night.

Rodney Borger, club president, said the award goes to someone who served the community by putting the needs of others above his or her own needs. He said the award has Roberts’ name written all over it.