West Penn Township’s Lions Club held a chicken barbecue on Saturday at the West Penn Community Park from noon to 4 p.m. The event featured live entertainment and the presentation of the Lions Club’s community hero awards.

The community hero awards were given to local groups that pride themselves on bettering and serving their community in any way that they can by West Penn Lions Club President Becky Neumoyer. She praised each organization for their hard work and dedication as they strive to improve the lives of those around them. The club awarded more than $5,000 between nine local organizations.

Receiving $1,000 were the West Penn No. 1 Fire Company, West Penn Township Community Park and the Penn Mahoning Ambulance. Awards of $500 were given to West Penn Township Lioness Club, New Ringgold; Salvation Army, Tamaqua; and the Tamaqua Public Library. An award of $350 was given to Boy Scouts of American, Clamtown, Troop 755. Tamaqua Adult Day Care Center was awarded $300. The West Penn Township Police Department in New Ringgold received $100 for their D.A.R.E. Program.

In closing, Neumoyer once again showed her appreciation for the event’s turnout. She said she hoped that this event would inspire others to join the West Penn Lions Club. Neumoyer credited the overwhelming support from the community for allowing the West Penn Lions Club the opportunity to give these organizations funds to continue their service.