The John J. Dillon PASR Service Award, which began in 2004, provides the opportunity for chapters to recognize individuals that have given service to the Association. Dr. John J. Dillon was a past president of the Association who was a consummate PASR volunteer. He held a record thirty-eight positions in PASR ranging from the local to the state level.

Dr. Dillon retired from the Superintendent’s position in the Brentwood Area School District in 1986. Continuing his concern for education and his peers he immediately became a member of PASR. During his twenty-one years as a member he provided tremendous service to the organization. He was greatly involved at the chapter and region level, but most especially at the state level where he was an instrumental figure in helping PASR to become what it is today. He served as president of PASR in 1994 and 1995.

PASR wanted to develop a way to recognize the outstanding service provided to the Association by individual volunteers at the local, region, and/or state level. Since Dr. Dillon was an ideal member, the PASR Board of Directors decided to name this recognition award in his honor.

Each chapter may grant the John J. Dillon PASR Service Award annually to the member of its choice. The Executive Committee for each chapter may nominate one person to receive this recognition. Eligible candidates include any volunteer serving PASR at the local, region, or state level except a current chapter president, region director, region representative, or statewide officer.

An annual listing of the John J. Dillon PASR Service Award recipients is produced, framed, and hung on display at PASR Headquarters in the John J. Dillon Hall of Fame. Additionally, a certificate is provided to the chapter president for presentation by the chapter to its honoree.

The establishment of this annual program gives recognition to members who contribute outstanding service to our association and its members. A listing of each year’s honorees will be framed and displayed in the “John J. Dillon Service Hall of Fame” at the PASR Headquarters in Mechanicsburg, PA.

“Chapters may name but one person each year, and the honoree must be someone other than the current chapter president.”

In order to provide objectivity in the selection of honorees, the Carbon County Executive committee has established the following criteria:
The nominee should:
• Express continual willingness to serve other members.
• Contribute service that will strengthen the local and state association.
• Express “PASR Pride” with a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
• Provide useful ideas when participating in the organization.
• Have ability to work constructively with others by listening to, sharing with, and supporting the efforts of other members.

Procedure for Selection of Honoree

1. All members are given an opportunity to place a fellow member’s name in nomination for the award. Nominations are to be mailed to the association secretary by October 31. A short statement of support should accompany the nominee’s name.

2. Carbon Chapter PASR Executive committee will review nominees and make a final decision to be announced at the spring meeting.

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JOSEPHINE STRAUSSER-2011 CARBON DILLON AWARD RECIPIENT

Bloom where you are planted.

It’s a proverb I believe most of us have heard at some time. Most of us strive to achieve it—sometimes. And sometimes, we pretty nearly do.

Our 2011 recipient of the John J. Dillon award, on the other hand, is the epitome of the proverb. Jo Strausser has been transplanted quite a few times, and each time she’s thrived, blooming on her own, and improving the lives of all those in her surroundings .

She graduated cum laude from Albright College, where she was awarded a special service award, a precursor of events to follow. Her first accepted position was as a secondary school English teacher in Lancaster County. Her second position had her take her talents to New Holland. Then on to North Brunswick, New Jersey. King of Prussia followed, where she was recognized for her talents by being chosen as chairperson of the department.

In addition to her professional duties, she served in leadership roles in the Business and Professional Women’s organization and PSEA, while also filling the organist’s chair in several churches, for at least 35 years, as I calculated. As if this weren’t enough for this petite lady, she has partnered with her husband in an antique and collectibles business.

She assists in Vacation Bible School and Sunday school. She cares a great deal about the beauty of her surroundings, as evidenced by her actions in cleaning the roadside in her development.

Now, how much more can one lady accomplish?

Well, we’re here to honor her for her contributions to Carbon County PASR, so there is obviously more. Since she retired and headed to our hills, she joined the organization in 2001. She has served at president, media contact for TV 13, historian, and chairperson of the Public Relations Committee. As Historian, she provides all the background information for any member who requires it when honoring fellow members, seeming to pull old newspaper articles out of thin air. She writes the words that make us all look good in the local and state newsletters.

It is as Public Relations chair that she has really blossomed. As Vince says, she is one of the major components that help Carbon PASR be so successful. She has the ability to relate well to people, not only as a good listener, but also as a great doer.

No matter the event or project, she ensures that all media are informed, and you can count on seeing coverage and photos in “The Times News”. Our presentations frequently appear on TV 13’s 6:00 news! All of the good things we do, and there are many, she brings to the attention of the public. We are all very lucky that Jo is not only audacious annually, but is also perennially perfect!

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