Many people were honored this year for their work in the community. Here are just a few:

A Palmerton businessman was honored this year for his support to various community organizations throughout Carbon County.Richard L. Nothstein was recognized Oct. 16 when he received the 2014 Carbon County Distinguished Citizen Award from the North Valley District, Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America.A Palmerton borough councilman who also co-owns Country Harvest Family Market, he received the accolade as part of the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council, Carbon County Friends of Scouting Dinner. The award recognizes a person who set positive examples for others and demonstrates selfless concern and care for their communities.Participants included Boy Scout Troop 20, Boy Scout Troop 41, and Boy Scout Troop 209.KovatchThe Kovatch family, owners of KME and the Kovatch Corporation in Nesquehoning, received Lehigh Carbon Community College's Collegiate Award of Distinction in October for their continued support and dedicated service to the college.Ann D. Bieber, president of the college, presented the award during a ceremony held at the Kovatch firm. Accepting on behalf of the family was Kathy Kovatch Reaman, director of human resources information systems.The Kovatch family and corporation have been long-time supporters of LCCC.In 2004, the family donated a 37-acre environmental property to the LCCC Foundation.Also present at the awards ceremony were John Kovatch III, CEO of the Kovath firm; Judy Kovatch Lebo, vice president; John Kovatch IV, vice president, and Rick Reaman, CFO.Bieber said, "The LCCC Collegiate Award of Distinction is presented annually by the college's Board of Trustees to recognize a person or an organization or in this case, a family, for unique contributions to the community, faithful service and dedication in support of education, and to humbly honor those select few who have demonstrated their commitment to the college and its students."Shamrock awardRobert "Bobby" O'Gurek of Summit Hill is handicapped. But don't tell him that.O'Gurek, who has cerebral palsy, rides around his town in a motorized wheelchair and talks with a speech output device.Despite this, the Lehigh Carbon Community College graduate runs his own computer website business; he is an active member of the Diligence Fire Company in Summit Hill; he actively works election polls; and he has given speeches in New York City, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington, D.C.O'Gurek received the 2014 "Shamrock Award" from the Irish-American Association of the Panther Valley during a banquet at Kelly's Irish Pub in Lansford.Terry Ahner and Ron Gower