Part 2: Boyertown Celebrates Small Town Life in Community Events

by Jane Stahl 

Boyertown celebrated itself all day and into the evening on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in events that inspired an afterglow of pride in the creativity, selflessness, and commitment that members of the community share with one another in myriad ways every day.

Citizen of the Year Celebration
As the 90+ vendors packed up at the end of the afternoon from Building a Better Boyertown’s annual “Coming Out of Hibernation” that attracted thousands of visitors, the doors opened at the Museum of Historic Vehicles for the community’s 70th celebration of individuals who have offered their time and talents above and beyond. It was time for the Citizen of the Year awards event.

Shawn Barndt, former recipient of the Citizen of the Year award, and Barbara Lehmann, Boyertown Lions Club member, welcome attendees to the 70th Citizens of the Year gala. 

Over 100 citizens, family members, and friends gathered to thank Ken Hunt, Citizen of the Year; Jeff Shontz, outstand mentor of the year; James K. Boyer, outstanding first responder of the year; and Samantha Jo Dolansky, outstanding high school student of the year, for their unqualified service to the community. Special recognition was awarded to the Boyertown Area Historical Society.

From left: Rachael Kehler, president of the Boyertown Historical Society; Jeff Shontz, mentor of the year; Ken Hunt, Citizen of the Year; Samantha Jo Dolansky, outstanding senior high school student; and James K. Boyer, first responder of the year. 

Awarding Ken Hunt, executive director of Boyertown’s United Way, was especially poignant in light of Ken’s on-going fight against a cancer diagnosis. Extraordinarily humble, unassuming, and private, Ken’s attendance was yet another gift to the community. The crowd offered standing ovations in acknowledgement of the appreciation and concern felt for him.

From left: Michael Rivera, Tracy Pennycuickuick, Ken Hunt, and David Maloney.

Messages from the dignitaries in attendance as well as the honorees themselves emphasized Boyertown’s tagline as a “special kind of place,” a place that prides itself on developing teams that work hard together to make a difference in their community.

Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera noted that “giving back to their community” was evident in each of the resumés of the honored citizens. Both PA State Senator Tracy Pennycuick and PA State Representative Dave Maloney underscored the notion that Boyertown’s “servant hearts” were a “generational” feature.

Above: Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera underscores Boyertown's special qualities. Below: PA State Senator Tracy Pennycuick and PA State Representative Dave Maloney remark on the community's generational "servant hearts."

Boyertown’s popular Master of Ceremonies Jim Davidheiser introduced each of the honorees having asked each what inspired them. 

Mentor Jeff Shontz offered without hesitation that he is determined to help others achieve their goals. Leading by example and removing any doubt that compromises confidence were key to his efforts in a moving story he shared of working on a goal his mother set for herself.

Jeff Shontz and wife Jen reflect the warmth of the crowd honoring their contributions.

James K. Boyer offered that honoring his mother whom he lost at age 18 was an early inspiration. He added that mentors in his life served as examples he was determined to follow.

Samantha Jo Dolansky’s resumé of volunteerism in school and community showcases her gratitude for her family’s support and her desire to “give back” to the community that has provided her with many opportunities.

Samantha Jo Dolansky credits her family's support for the motivation behind her outstanding volunteer efforts to "give back" to her community. 

Rachael Kehler, president of the Boyertown Historical Society, accepted the special recognition award but invited the society’s board members to the podium with her insisting that the society’s success is a result of the efforts of the hard-working volunteers and board members.

Jim Davidheiser recalled previously-awarded “Citizens of the Year” who passed within the last year—former Mayor Marianne Deery, Charles Haddad, and James Tribbett—and led the audience in a moment of silence.

If you missed The Boyertown Area Expression's  series about the award recipients, you can read them here:

Citizen of the Year, Kenneth Hunt

First Responder of the Year,  Jim Boyer  

Mentor of the Year,  Jeff Shontz  

Senior Student of the Year, Samantha Jo Dolansky  

Special Recognition of the Year: Boyertown Area Historical Society

Below, from left: Donna Stauffer; Jim Davidheiser, 35th Citizen of the Year; Mark Heist, and Theresa Heist.  Additional photos showcase the crowd ofcommunity supporters, happy  and proud of their fellow citizens. 

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