She defines the word "volunteer." On Sunday, her peers validated Jane Oppenheim's devotion to the community.
Amos Lodge 136 of B'nai B'rith, a Jewish community service and human rights organization, presented Mrs. Oppenheim with its Americanism Award.
"Jane has been an outstanding community leader," said Edward A. Monsky, co-chairman of the 61st annual Americanism Award dinner. "Jane really exemplifies that."
The dinner, held at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton, brought together dozens of prominent local figures who would round out the who's who list of Northeast Pennsylvania - all there to honor and support Mrs. Oppenheim, of Scranton.
"I'm totally overwhelmed, delighted and excited," she said.
Throughout her life, one thing has remained very clear: a passion for community service.
She has volunteered with several local community-focused organizations or served on their boards, including the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Community Medical Center, Scranton Area Foundation, United Way, Everhart Museum, Keystone College and Temple Hesed.
And she follows a family tradition.
Her father-in-law, I.E. Oppenheim, who founded the Scranton Dry Goods department store, and her brother-in-law, Ellis M. Oppenheim, received the Americanism Award.
The award is given to individuals who devote themselves to volunteering, community and public service.
Past recipients include Gov. William W. Scranton, the late Gov. Robert P. Casey and Senior U.S. District Judge William J. Nealon.
Perhaps with this legacy of devotion to others in mind, Mrs. Oppenheim issued a challenge to those gathered at the dinner.
"Go out and find one new young person to get involved" with volunteering, she said. "We need people who will stand on our shoulders."
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