Northampton County Celebrates Community Excellence at 2025 County Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2025

WHO: County Executive Lamont G. McClure

WHAT: Honors Local Businesses, Volunteers, Veterans, and Community Leaders

[Northampton County, PA] – Northampton County proudly hosted its annual County Festival on October 11, 2025, bringing together residents for a day of celebration, community, and recognition. Despite rain showers during the award ceremony, the event continued with enthusiasm and spirit, as County Executive Lamont G. McClure, County Controller, Tara Zrinski, and County Commissioner Jeff Warren presented awards to outstanding individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and dedication strengthen our communities.

“This festival is a celebration of everything that makes Northampton County extraordinary, our businesses, our volunteers, our veterans, and the everyday citizens who uplift their neighbors,” said County Executive McClure. “Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the incredible community pride we felt today.”

The following awards were presented:

Outstanding Business (6 Awardees)

·        All Aspects At The Barn – Ray & Becky Higgins

For creating family-centered community events and fostering togetherness.

·        Fanatics Majestic Athleticwear – Stephanie Hartzell

For hosting over 25 blood drives since 2011 and supporting emergency needs.

·        Harvest Home Meats – Rich DiFebbo

For sustainable farming practices that promote soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.

·        My Little Farmstand – Dominique Koehler

For exemplifying generosity and community spirit through local support and donations.

·        Valley Fruits & Veggies – Deb Colitis

For advancing agritourism and contributing to a healthier, more resilient county.

·        HangDog Outdoor Adventure – Michael McCreary & Carleen Rack

For inspiring courage and community through outdoor recreation and local partnerships.

Outstanding Emergency Personnel (3 Awardees)

·        Keith Kutz Sr. – Washington Township

For over 50 years of volunteer service and dedication to emergency response and fundraising.

·        Chandler Biechy – Borough of Bath

For steadfast support in traffic control and community safety at local events.

·        Todd Pysher – Portland Borough

For leadership as Police Chief, promoting accountability and responsible public service.

Good Samaritan (2 Awardees)

·        Beth Duyssen – Nominated by Portland Borough

For championing small businesses during crises and advocating for local resilience.

·        Lisa Borick – Nominated by Borough of Nazareth

For her tireless volunteerism with Nazareth Day and the July 4th Kazoo Parade.

Outstanding Veteran (7 Awardees)

·        Buddy Yeager – For active participation and community care for fellow veterans.

·        Bruce Shellock – For providing vital medical equipment and lifelong service to others.

·        David Alercia – Founder of Saint Michael’s Warriors, supporting veterans and first responders.

·        Paul Haldaman – Vietnam Veteran and longtime youth sports coach and civic leader.

·        Peter Reisen – For preserving remembrance and speaking on the importance of honor.

·        Mark Santos – Air Force Combat Veteran and Habitat Lehigh Valley volunteer.

·        Freddie Reed – Veterans Brotherhood leader and mentor in County Treatment Courts.

Outstanding Volunteer (8 Awardees)

·        Gloria Domina – Advocate for abused women and children, fundraising champion.

·        Sally Handlon – WDIY 88.1 FM – Community radio leader and public media advocate.

·        Greg Vennemann – Public education supporter with Proud Parents of Bethlehem Area SD.

·        Elaine Jones – Miller-Keystone Blood Bank – Over 1,700 volunteer hours supporting donors.

·        Tony Sabino – Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – Engaging tour guide and historian.

·        Janice Ostock – Bethlehem Emergency Shelter – A decade of hands-on service and leadership.

·        Tom Marko – Bethlehem Emergency Shelter – Technology mentor and dedicated shelter volunteer.

·        MaryAnn R. Lilly – Borough of Bath – 40+ years with Bath Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Outstanding Youth (3 Awardees)

·        Evan Tamandl – Borough of Nazareth

For creating a public orienteering course and reinvesting in community spaces.

·        Lilah Goldfarb – Borough of Bath

Founder of the “Free Market” and active Junior Council Person.

·        Yotzael Cerezo – Community Bike Works

For service through bicycle building, school supply drives, and youth engagement.

Outstanding Municipality Employee (3 Awardees)

·        Debra Dreisbach – Borough of Nazareth

For decades of dedicated service and leadership within the police department.

·        Justine Caiazzo-Strouse – Palmer Township

For outstanding event coordination and interdepartmental support.

·        Deanne Werkheiser – Upper Nazareth Township

For exemplary professionalism and commitment across multiple township roles.

Northampton County Citizen of the Year

·        Kassie Hilgert – ArtsQuest

Honored for visionary leadership in arts, culture, and community engagement.

###