By JENN RAGO

Special to The Press

Barbara “Bobbie” Rudolph of Allentown was among the 17 individuals honored as Unsung Heroes on May 18, when the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services organized its 22nd annual “Tribute to Unsung Heroes” award presentation.

These Lehigh County residents have displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enhance the lives of others throughout their communities.

In 1965 then President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the older Americans Act., declaring May Older American Month.

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 gentlemen presented certificates and citations to each recipient.

According to Rudolph’s tribute:

“I am nominating Barbara “Bobbie” Rudolph for the 2022 Lehigh County Unsung Hero Award because she strives to make our community better every day through offering to help in any way that she can, and by making a conscious effort to spread positivity everywhere she goes.

“In our apartment community, B’nai B’rith Apartments, Bobbie volunteers as the treasurer of our Tenants’ Organization, which serves all 282 of our current tenants; at our nutrition site serving meals to an average 30 participants, five days per week; as a floor monitor, which serves 14 neighbors/tenants on her floor; managing and running our snack bar, which raises money for our tenants’ organization; and, in the past, she volunteered to be the point person for Friday night Jewish services and to assist with weekly bingo games.

“In addition, as Bobbie walks through the common areas every day, she makes it a point to say a cheery hello and engage with everyone she encounters. She is also always moving forward, whether it be with her daily fitness routine or with plans. Her positive and motivated attitude is contagious and uplifting!

“Outside B’nai B’rith Apartments, Bobbie stays busy with volunteering her time and care to ShareCare Faith in Action, which provides free volunteer services. Bobbie primarily provides transportation to enhance participant’s quality of life.

“Bobbie also volunteers to provide transportation to local Muhlenberg College students so they can safely travel between their homes and Temple. In addition, Bobbie volunteers as the treasurer for Emmanuel United Church of Christ. In the past, she also volunteered as the volunteer supervisor at Mayfair for 30 years.

“Bobbie is truly the epitome of an Unsung hero. Without her, countless people would not be able to perform essential tasks like going grocery shopping or attending their medical appointments.

“Without Bobbie, my friends and neighbors would have gone without meals. Without Bobbie, we would not have events to look forward to in our community rooms.

“She is always looking for ways to help and is absolutely indispensable; and I do not know what we would do without her. I am grateful to call her my friend and hero and, to nominate her for this well-deserved award.”