Ricki Stringfellow, of Emmaus, recently was recognized by the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services as a community Unsung Hero for her dedication as a volunteer.

The Unsung Hero designation recognizes volunteer efforts of older Americans.

In a nomination letter, Stringfellow is described as follows:

“Ricki has many interests and is engaging to talk to. Her enthusiasm is contagious. She isn’t afraid to jump right into projects or committees and help others.”

A volunteer at the Emmaus Public Library since 2017, Stringfellow is a champion of the importance of books and reading.

Her nomination continues:

“She works at the circulation desk with a twinkle in her eye, assisting patrons and staff, checking materials in and out, registering new patrons for library cards, answering questions and anything else she can help with.”

Stringfellow also gives of her time with local civic and community organizations such as the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library, the library fundraising committee and Kiwanis. A former educator and coach, “she taught ‘adulting’ and GED in county prisons for more than 20 years,” according to her nomination letter and participates in church mission trips. Stringfellow also ran a catering business for a decade and enjoys gardening.

“Her dedication and commitment to libraries remain a vital part of her life,” her nominator writes.

A luncheon and program hosted by the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services honors those recognized as unsung heroes. However, pandemic restrictions suspended the luncheon and agency officials instead traveled to present honorees with citations, yard signs, flowers and balloons, according to a video from the agency linked through the agency’s web page on the Lehigh County website.