BOYERTOWN — Winners of the Boyertown Citizen of the Year Awards will be honored at the 70th Annual Citizen of the Year Gala on April 20.
Organized by the Boyertown Citizen of the Year committee — comprised of past award recipients and community members — the gala will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Proceeds will benefit the citizen of the year winner’s choice of charity.
The overall goal of the Boyertown Citizen of the Year Awards is to recognize those in the community who go above and beyond to help their community, said committee chairman Roger Lehmann, 2013 Citizen of the Year winner.
This year’s Boyertown Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to United Way of Boyertown Executive Director Ken Hunt.
Jeff Shontz, owner of Bear’s Den Fitness, has been named Mentor of the Year. Boyertown Ambulance EMS Chief James Boyer has been named First Responder of the Year. Boyertown student Samantha Jo Dolansky has been named Outstanding Senior of the Year.
This year’s Special Recognition Award, presented to a local non-profit that has gone above and beyond for the community, goes to the Boyertown Area Historical Society.
“They’re all very deserving,” said Lehmann. “Each one of them has different qualities that makes them stand out in different ways.”
The community submits nominations to the committee from December through January. The committee reviews the nominations and decides who the various recipients should be for Citizen of the Year, Mentor of the Year, First Responder of the Year, and Outstanding Senior of the Year, explained Lehmann.
Lehmann said the winners all deserve recognition for their contributions to the community.
The winners will be recognized during the Awards Gala held on April 20 at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.
“What I hope the recipients get out of (the Awards Gala) is a little bit of recognition by the community for that which they do selflessly,” said Lehmann.
The Awards Gala event is also an opportunity for community members to recognize and show support for those who go above and beyond to help the community. The event can accommodate 150 people.
“I hope that the attendees might be inspired to become more involved in their community,” he said.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for a meet and greet with hors d’oeuvres followed by the awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door if space is available. To purchase tickets, visit www.boyertowncoty.com.
Citizen of the Year — Ken Hunt
“Kenneth Hunt has dedicated the last 20-plus years of his life to serving others in the Boyertown area through various volunteer positions and community engagements,” states Hunt’s bio. “His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving positive change and supporting those in need within the community.”
Hunt has been the executive director at United Way of Boyertown Area since 2005.
He has also served as the co-leader of the Boyertown Area Homelessness Task Force, secretary of the Berks-Mont Business Association and a member of the BMBA Philadelphia Avenue Street Fair Committee. He has served as a free AARP tax preparer, delivered Meals on Wheels and tutored youth.
“Ken’s passion for service and his positive impact on the Boyertown area serve as an inspiration to all those around him.”
First Responder — James K. Boyer
“James K. Boyer is a dedicated and experienced leader in emergency medical services, known for his unwavering commitment to servicing both the medical field and the entire community,” states his bio.
Following graduation from Boyertown Area High School in 1987 and his military service in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 to 1991, he became an EMT and paramedic with Goodwill Fire Company Ambulance of Pottstown in 1993, a role he continues today. He has been serving as the EMS Chief at the Boyertown Ambulance since May 2022.
“His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the highest standards of patient care and operational efficiency within the organization.”
His numerous awards and accolades include Paramedic of the Year by both the Goodwill Ambulance in Pottstown (2001) and Trappe Ambulance (2000, 2001).
Boyer was a former Montgomery County 911 dispatcher and flight paramedic with University/Mid-Atlantic MedEvac. He is an American Heart Association CPR instructor and Paramedic Preceptor. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Gilbertsville Fire Company and a volunteer EMT with Gilbertsville Ambulance.
Boyer also volunteers as a youth mentor in the Boyertown Area Senior High intern program, as a longtime coach in the Daniel Boone School District, president and coach of the Amity AC Basketball program from 2005 to 2015, and coach and helper for the DBYS Buddy Ball program from 2005 to 2022
“With 39 years of experience as a first responder, Jim Boyer’s legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire those around him, leaving a lasting impact on the Boyertown community and surrounding areas.”
Mentor of the Year — Jeff Shontz
Shontz is the owner of Bear’s Den Fitness, a gym established in 2022 for the community. He holds CrossFit Level I, CrossFit Level II and CrossFit Kids certificates. Bear’s Den Fitness provides group adult and kids classes and offers nutritional counseling, free public clinics, and training seminars.
Also, Jeff and his wife Jena have served as the community coordinator for the Healthy Kids Running Series since June 2017, after they started the program in the Boyertown area.
“Their commitment to fostering the well-being of children has earned the program accolades such as the Healthy Kids Running Series Presidential Award for multiple seasons, recognizing their series as one of the top five in the nation,” his bio states.
The couple received the Community Partnership Award for Spring 2023 for securing the most sponsorships nationwide and the Healthy Kids Running Series All-Star Award in Spring 2021.
Previously, Shontz served as the president of the Wellness Council of Boyertown and currently contributes as a committee member. He serves as the race director for the Boyertown Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and volunteers for the Boyertown Wellness Fair.
“Jeff finds fulfillment in witnessing the success of others, particularly the joy of children achieving milestones in fitness and confidence. His dedication to creating welcoming and positive atmospheres within the organizations he collaborates with reflects his belief that these spaces should feel like one big family.”
Outstanding Senior of the Year — Samantha Jo Dolansky
“Samantha Jo Dolansky is a dedicated individual whose commitment to both her volunteer endeavors and her community shines through in her actions,” her bio states.
Dolansky currently holds positions at Doc’s Irish Pub, Rally House, and Michael Kors. She volunteers with organizations such as Relay for Life, Wreaths Across America and St. John Hill Church.
“Samantha is deeply involved in her community, contributing her time and efforts to various causes and organizations. From serving on the United Way Board to volunteering at Chestnut Knoll and the Boyertown Area Community Library, Samantha’s passion for making a difference is evident in her extensive volunteerism.”
She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as secretary on the Student Council. Her involvement in organizations includes the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils, Green Cord, and Link Crew.
“Samantha’s accomplishments and contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition as Student of the Month for three consecutive years during middle school. Her passion for excellence and her commitment to service make her a valuable asset to any organization or cause she supports.”
Attributing her inspiration to the Technology Student Association and taking an interior design class, Dolansky plans to attend a university in Florida to obtain her master’s in architecture to pursue her dream of opening her own architecture and realty firm.
Special Recognition Award — The Boyertown Area Historical Society
A non-profit organization founded in 1972, The Boyertown Area Historical Society preserves and celebrates the heritage of the Boyertown area. Their mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret historically significant objects, archival materials, and oral histories to foster a vibrant connection between the past and present for future generations.
“More than just a repository of historical artifacts, The Boyertown Area Historical Society serves as a vibrant center for community engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s legacy and ensuring its preservation for generations to come,” states the society bio.
Owners of the historic Bahr’s Mill, the society ensures its preservation for educational and cultural enrichment. Also, the society hosts the annual Boyertown Halloween Parade, organizes the free Boyertown Community Tractor Show, and hosts monthly programs for the community to delve deeper into local history.
Also, the Boyertown Metal Detecting Club promotes responsible exploration and historical discovery, organizing fundraisers and attracting visitors nationwide to showcase Boyertown’s history.
Other annual society events include the Belsnickel Craft Show that showcases artisans, the Historic Holiday Tour of historic landmarks and decorated homes, and the New Year’s Eve Bear Drop. A recent pop-up exhibit at Chestnut Knoll showcased a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
