A local nonprofit organization will honor five community leaders for their devotion to Northeast Pennsylvania.
Officials with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania will award the Governor Robert P. Casey Medal for a Lifetime of Service to Senior U.S. District Judge William J. Nealon and his wife, Jean, Sally Bohlin, Michael Delfino and Randy Palko at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on April 18.
"We really want to call attention to people who focus on service and giving back to the community," said Jesse J. Ergott, the organization's executive director. "That's what our organization is all about."
The Scranton-based nonprofit, formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Services of Lackawanna County, helps area residents become homeowners and keep their homes through an assortment of programs.
The award is given out annually in recognition of community members who "have faithfully invested their time and talents to the betterment of the quality of life in Northeast Pennsylvania," the organization said in a news release.
Judge Nealon is the longest-serving judge in the history of the 3rd U.S. Judicial Circuit, a jurisdiction that includes district courts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the Virgin Islands. The award recognizes his career and his wife's dedication to him and their family, Mr. Ergott said.
Mr. Delfino is the founder and owner of the Circle Drive-In movie theater and flea market in Dickson City. He has served on numerous boards and made considerable donations to local organizations.
Ms. Bohlin is the former executive director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and has served in both professional and voluntary leadership positions with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Scranton Tomorrow, Countryside Conservancy, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Mr. Palko has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania during his more than 30 years of service to the organization.
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