The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles was the place to be Saturday night as the who’s who of Boyertown gathered to celebrate this year’s Citizen of the Year and the Outstanding Citizens of the Year.
This gathering, celebrating its 61st year, took on a new location, new format, and introduced a new award.
Formerly held at Hookies Social Hall, the event moved to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles this year–offering guests a chance to check out the museum’s collection while enjoying hors d’oeuvres.
First Responder of the Year Tim Dierolf was the first honoree to take to the stage. Following a short and sweet acceptance speech, thanking his community and his wife, the crowd could be heard proudly yelling “We have a Tim!”
Student of the Year Abby Jaeger thanked friends, family and the community for all of the support and encouragement she has received. She said that was in “complete and utter shock” when learned she had been chosen for this recognition.
Jim Davidheiser then introduced Charles Haddad to speak about the new award to this year’s event.
Haddad first noted one of the event’s change of venue, and explained the second biggest change to this year’s event-the “Special Recognition” award.
“Special Recognition is more than one person,” said Haddad. “If anything encompasses and accomplishes this recognition-it’s the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.”
“[We] could not give to just one person; what’s happening is more than one person. Boyertown is undergoing a transformation and the railroad is leading that transformation.”
Preston McEvoy of the Colebrookdale Railroad was the first of the railroad’s members to be recognized. McEvoy credited the success of the railroad to the a “great board of directors and CEO.”
Haddad echoed McEvoy’s statements, adding that every organization needs a Chief Executive Officer to “create a vision of what to do and what we are to be.”
With that, Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust President Nathaniel Guest took to the podium.
“The foundation of Boyertown is iron. [We] grew those iron rails into an exciting future and a dream come true,” said Guest. “I’m proud to be a part of the miracle that is Boyertown.”
Haddad encouraged those in attendance to begin thinking about next year, and what group should receive this special recognition.
To honor this year’s Citizen of the Year Lori Carnes, Carnes’ daughter Kelli Miller presented a short heart-felt film featuring her family members, each of which had a special message for Lori.
A tearful Lori Carnes took to the podium following the film, thanking everyone-and specially her husband–for support, love and guidance.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year Shawn Barndt presented to award to Carnes.
“The recipients tonight and before tonight have inspired me; I hope to be an inspiration to others. This is a great community with so much going on,” said Carnes. “Thanks for the bottom of my heart.”
She said receiving this award is one of the most surprising and touching moments of her life.
State Representative David Maloney, Congressman Ryan Costello, Commissioner Christian Leinbach, Boyertown Borough Council President Frank Deery and Boyertown Mayor Marianne Deery were in attendance alongside past Citizens of the year and community members.
Net proceeds from the event benefit the United Way of Boyertown, the Save Our Boyertown Town Clock Foundation and the Boyertown Recreation Board.