Patch Editor, School District, Caverns to Be Honored at 91st Annual Chamber Banquet

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch’s editor, Josh Popichak, will be one of four honorees recognized at the H/LS Chamber’s 91st annual banquet—to be held Friday evening, May 31 at Silver Creek Country Club.

The "Community Commitment Award" demonstrates excellence in connecting with the community for the betterment of its quality of life; the honoree must be well-known by both residents and the business community. Josh Popichak, editor of the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch, was selected to receive this award for going above and beyond the parameters of his job. He doesn’t just report on community happenings, but attends and participates in them and has a tendency towards "good news" reporting. He creates a comfortable online environment equivalent to a community hub, which further encourages the community and local groups to use Patch as an outlet to share both their concerns and accomplishments.

The "Good Samaritan Award" recognizes a selfless act for the betterment of those in need—for publicly showing great compassion for a community member or group in a less than ideal situation. Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin will accept this award on behalf of the Saucon Valley School District, in recognition of their action after Hurricane Sandy, offering the middle school’s gym/locker room for hot showers, the charging of electronics and an overnight shelter. This was the district’s way of showing gratitude toward a community that relentlessly supports them and their students—a sympathetic gesture to their community in need.

The "Small Business Leadership Award" is granted to a business that has demonstrated integrity in everyday management and in reaction to challenging circumstances: a business known for its character and ethics as much as for its duration of operation—one that displays excellence or growth that permeates the community infrastructure. Lost River Caverns will receive this recognition based on an 80-year business history that has survived and accommodated changes in times and trends. Owners Robert Gilman and Beverly Rozewicz will be present to receive this award. As the staple attraction within the community, open for tours since 1930, they bring thousands of visitors to the Saucon Valley every year.

The H/LS Chamber is still accepting applications for the annual Phyllis M. Schnaible Merit award (until April 1)—a $1,000 scholarship granted to a Saucon  Valley senior who demonstrates leadership and community commitment.

Traditionally, H/LS Chamber banquets have honored an annual scholarship winner and one business or community leader. In an effort to keep the evening lively and entertaining, and to eliminate the difficulty in choosing only one honoree each year, the Board developed three annual awards this year. The intention is to create a tradition of granting these honors every year to worthy recipients within the H/LS community.

The cost to attend the banquet is $40 per ticket, which includes a buffet: entrees include your choice of chicken, roast beef or pasta accompanied by salad, vegetables, potatoes, assorted desserts, and iced tea/coffee (cash bar available). Please reserve your seat by May 10 by returning the registration form attached to this blog.