By JENN RAGO

Special to The Press

May 18 was no ordinary day for several very extraordinary people.

Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services organized its 22nd annual “Tribute to Unsung Heroes” award presentation.

This event honored 17 older Lehigh County residents who displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enhance the lives of others throughout their communities.

Patricia Leibensperger of South Whitehall Township, was among those honorees nominated as Unsung Heroes.

In 1965 then President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the older Americans Act, declaring May Older American Month. Lehigh County has celebrated this event annually for 22 years.

The theme for this year’s nominees was “Age My Way.”

Guests were welcomed by Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Executive Director Clayton Reed Jr.

Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Aging Robert Torres gave the opening remarks.

Both men presented certificates and citations to each recipient.

According to Leibensperger’s tribute:

“My mother-in-law, Patricia Leibensperger, now 90 years old, is a selfless member of our Lehigh County community. Pat, as she is called, has always been a creative crafter, having been a sewer, quilter, knitter and crocheter for many years. “In fact, she has made beautiful quilts for our entire family.

“Her community service began many years ago with volunteering many hours, as a mentor for teachers and students at South Mountain Middle School, sharing her computer skills for a number of years. Pat has been computer savvy from becoming proficient in operating and dismantling computers, from their inception. She did this between babysitting for her great-grandchildren and raising three puppies for the Seeing Eye Association.

“What has been most inspiring has been Pat’s mission in the most recent years, of knitting and crocheting hundreds of beautiful hats, mittens, socks, headbands and lap robes she graciously donated to various charities, hospitals, schools and nursing homes in the Lehigh Valley.

“Pat began this venture from her apartment in Macungie. At that point, all her items were completely hand made. After Pat’s years of knitting in Macungie, she moved to Brookview Senior Apartments. At her new residence she continued her handiwork until she came upon a new method to increase her output as well as decrease the discomfort in her arthritic hands.

“With her inquisitive nature, she discovered hand crank knitting machines that would make her venture even more productive. This process resulted in needing to hand knit about ¼ of her projects, with the crank machine knitting the rest.

“When arthritis in her shoulders made this difficult, she met a lovely lady, Dolly Miller, who volunteered to learn and crank the machine for Pat which greatly decreased her discomfort.

“Currently Pat and her friend Dolly, have produced hundreds of knitted items donated to the needy in Lehigh County. Donations of tiny “Preemie Hats” have been made to local hospitals. Various churches and schools with needy children have been recipients of many much-needed hats and mittens.

“They recently donated 166 hats to ShareCare, a Bethlehem Ministry, where Pat has donated previously. Knitted lap robes have been given to local hospitals and nursing homes. Pat is also donating socks, headbands, hats and lap robes to the Cedarbrook Gift Shop, where many residents shop.

“Despite having difficulty ambulating, this altruistic, 90-year-old motivated matriarch of her family continues to selflessly support her community.

“With the support of Dolly and her unselfish assistance, Pat keeps the needy supplied with warmth for their heads, hands, feet and laps with lovely crafted projects.

“I nominate my mother-in-law, Pat Leibensperger for creating and continuing this wonderful endeavor for our community.”