By MARIEKE ANDRONACHE

Special to the Press

The Cetronia Fire Company’s Centennial Anniversary was recognized by Lehigh County commissioners during their Aug. 14 meeting.

The fire company was formed in January 1924 by 24 residents with a common goal to help the community.

By that May, membership had grown to 305 members, and E.C.H. Glick was named its president.

The fire company has been at its current location, 3950 Broadway, Cetronia, South Whitehall, since 1959.

The board’s proclamation states: “Throughout the years, the fire company has also been a community steward through various sponsorships and programs and their social club is an important community partner and contributes funding annually to various area nonprofits and the fire department.”

Commissioners Chairman Geoff Brace added his kudos.

“The volunteers and the leaders of the organization for 100 years have done their work with great fidelity and bravery,” Brace said. “Currently, there are 305 members of the company.

“That’s a significant organization and I think we should give appreciation for the work that these individuals do.”

A special celebration will take place at the fire station on Aug. 24.

In other matters, commissioners awarded Northern Valley EMS (NOVA) $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan.

The money will go toward the replacement of one ambulance and the remounting of three others.

The board also distributed funds through the Community Development Block Grants to various organizations in the Lehigh Valley.

In administration, Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley was awarded $18,700 for certification outreach and registry and North Penn Legal Services was awarded $4,000 for fair housing-related educational outreach, online resources and printed distribution materials.

In public services, Aspire to Autonomy was awarded $22,000 for mental health therapy.

Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley was awarded $25,000 for Lehigh Career and Technical Institute support.

LCTI received $30,000 for the workforce training program.

The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living was given $14,943 for 25 households with housing options, community services and more.

Manito Life Center was awarded $30,000 for therapeutic riding.

Meals on Wheels was given $15,000 for stable food support and North Penn Legal Services was awarded $12,000 for its legal assistance project.

In housing, New Bethany Inc. was awarded $44,103 for a kitchen update and the creation of an office and Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley was awarded $45,014 for urgent roof repair and HVAC replacement for low- and moderate-income homeowners.

Lehigh County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $75,000 for spot blight remediation.

In public facilities, Coplay Borough was awarded $185,471 for street resurfacing, Emmaus Borough was given $80,000 for curb cuts.

Macungie Borough will receive $75,000 for sanitary sewer rehab and Salisbury Township will receive $59,190 for sanitary sewer rehabilitation.

Slatington Borough was awarded $89,605, $96,465 and another $94,165 for road reconstruction.