In honor of Older Americans Month, 22 Lehigh County residents and one group of about 70 people were honored as part of the Lehigh County Aging and Adult Service’s 21st annual tribute to Unsung Heroes.

One of those honored was Diane Schrameyer, of North Whitehall.

This tribute honors older adults in the Lehigh Valley who have displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enrich the lives of others in the community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 celebration looked a little different.

Instead of the annual recognition ceremony, honorees received certificates of recognition, flowers, a pin and yard sign delivered to their homes.

According to her tribute:

“Diane Schrameyer has volunteered on the Pennsylvania Council on Aging in the Southeast Region for years.

“In her tenure, she has proved to be a dedicated, passionate, and smart advocate.

“She faithfully attends all meetings, where she brings genuinely significant issues that the PCoA can address.

“She has a deep understanding of the aging network, what older adults need, and how to connect the two and is gifted at making connections that benefit older adults.

“She was an asset before the onset of the pandemic, and a pillar during it.

“Even before March 2020, when the pandemic caused national shut-down orders, Diane was a leader on the Social Isolation Task Force of the PCoA.

“When the pandemic began to restrict the connections older adults could make in-person, the Task Force pivoted and Diane, who was already heavily involved, increased her commitment to the work.

“She dutifully attended every meeting and took a leadership role in our work to assess telephone reassurance programs.

“She began researching and evaluating every program in her area that called older adults to see how the PCoA can help replicate or support their work.

“She didn’t stop with her region, she kept working and digging for solutions.

“She called other states, she researched technologies, she championed high-impact programs, all while she balanced her needs at home as a caregiver.

“Diane is the loving caregiver of her mother, but she also cares daily for her granddaughter, who is now an active toddler.

“She masterfully juggles her personal responsibilities with her dedication toward older adults.

“She often attended meetings with a baby in a high chair next to her, or on her lap, commanding her attention while focused on contributing to the task force efforts.

“Her ability to be a dedicated support for so many is an inspiration.

“It has been a privilege to work with Diane on the PCoA.

“She is someone who everyone can rely on, has a well of expertise, and a true passion for advocating on behalf of older adults.

“Her work in the past year has helped to create and replicate meaningful programs to keep older adults connected.

“Her enthusiasm for positive change, combined with her wiliness to dedicate her time and effort toward older adults, has resulted in a positive impact for not just her community, but the entire state.

“I can’t think of a better recipient of the Unsung Heroes Award.

“It would be truly gratifying to see someone who has dedicated so much of her talent, time and effort toward making the lives of older adults better be rewarded for their commitment.”