BY LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

Lehigh County’s Office of Aging and Adult Services celebrated May 17 with its 23rd annual tribute to Unsung Heroes at Fellowship Community, Whitehall Township.

More than a dozen older individuals and one group were recognized for their time and talents to support others in their communities.

The presentations were made by Clayton Reed Jr., executive director of the Office of Aging and Adult Services, county Executive Phillips Armstrong and Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Aging Jason Kavulich.

According to information provided by the Office of Aging and Adult Services, Lucia Torres of Allentown was one of 18 Lehigh County residents and a group of nine people honored.

This tribute, in honor of Older Americans Month, celebrates 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.

During this annual recognition ceremony, each honoree received a certificate from Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services, a certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and citations from their local legislators.

They also received a book on the history of Lehigh County, an Unsung Hero pin, and Unsung Hero yard sign and flowers.

According to Torres’ tribute written by Giselle Espada, senior center manager, Casa Guadalupe Senior Center:

“On behalf of Casa Guadalupe, we are honored to nominate Lucia Torres as a recipient for the Unsung Hero Award.

“Lucia, also known as Lucy, has been volunteering for Casa for many years. She comes into Casa with a smile on her face and a helping hand wherever we need her. She has helped prepare meals in the kitchen, organized bingo, assisted in events, and always with a smile on her face.

“Lucia also visits many people in nursing homes since her late husband spent the last five years of his life in a nursing home in Allentown. Unfortunately, he passed in 2015. But still, until this day, she takes public transportation and goes twice a week with goodies and a helping hand. She volunteers her time in six nursing homes throughout the Lehigh Valley. She is loved by so many people at Casa and also in our community.

“Lucia also spent two weeks in Colombia volunteering at an orphanage. She helped prepare the meals for the kids, read to them, and also took the time to teach them how to read and write. Although she was only there for two weeks, I am sure she impacted the hearts of many.

“Lucy, by far, has such a loving, caring and passionate personality with a heart of gold. Her smile is contagious, and you will never hear her say no to anyone who needs help. I am looking forward to many more years with her by my side at Casa Guadalupe Senior Center.”