The Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award

Polly Murphy was a dedicated community volunteer and an inspiring leader, known for her ability to rally others to join her in seeing projects through to completion. She was deeply involved in local organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Central Dauphin PTO, and also managed her own small business. Alongside her husband Joe, she contributed to numerous community initiatives, including the Lower Paxton Historical Commission.

Polly, along with co-chair Pam Jones and a team of over 30 volunteers, organized the 250th anniversary celebration of the Village of Linglestown in 2015, featuring a parade and two-day festival. In 2017, they spearheaded the 250th anniversary of Lower Paxton Township with a daylong celebration at George Park.

Following these successes, the Lower Paxton Community Foundation was established, with Polly serving as its first Vice Chair. She also co-founded the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt, which has grown to include over 120 craft exhibitors, a living nativity, live entertainment, and children’s activities, drawing more than 7,000 attendees annually.

Polly was instrumental in launching the Independence Weekend Family Celebration at Heroes Grove, featuring a Salute to the Flag Ceremony and a family-friendly festival.

Though Polly passed away in 2022, her legacy lives on through the work of the Lower Paxton Community Foundation and the many volunteers she inspired.

The Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award honors individuals of all ages and backgrounds who embody Polly’s spirit of volunteerism and have made a meaningful impact in making Lower Paxton a great place to live, work, and play.

Nominations For The Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award

Who Can Be Nominated?

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and have made a significant contribution to making Lower Paxton a great place to live, work, and play.

Who Can Nominate?

Nominations may be submitted by members of the public, Township officials, or the Lower Paxton Community Foundation.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations are due by February 23, in honor of Polly Murphy’s birthday.

Nomination Retention

Completed nominations will be retained for consideration for up to three years.

Click Here to Nominate An Individual for The Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award

2024 Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award Recipients

Marilyn Dowling – Key organizer for Linglestown’s 250th and Lower Paxton’s 250th celebrations, as well as the Christkindlmarkt.
Ethan Erb – Eagle Scout and leader of the Canned Jam project at Heroes Grove.
Don Goss – Committee member for the Linglestown 250th and Lower Paxton 250th, and member of the Historical Commission.
Joanne Grant – Active volunteer at the Friendship Center.
Lisa Hanna – Community volunteer with a focus on Lower Paxton Parks and Recreation.
Jonathan Hart – Advocate for Disabled Veterans through the Linglestown Legion.
Kirby Lentz – Lower Paxton Senior Van driver and retired Public Works Foreman, recognized for his service to the community.
Major Gen. Walter Pudlowski – Significant contributor to the Heroes Grove project.
Carolyn & Neil Raup – Key contributors to the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt and Lower Paxton Community Foundation.
Judy Schaefer – Active member of the Historical Commission and contributor to the Linglestown 250th celebration.
Jim Seidler – Dedicated community volunteer with a focus on Lower Paxton engagement and the Friendship Center.
Charles (Chip) Stoyer – Community volunteer and supporter of Possibility Place.

2023 Polly Murphy Spirit of Volunteerism Award Recipients

Bob Brightbill – Dauphin County Technical School Teacher and dedicated community volunteer.
Gina Casner – Active volunteer with Lower Paxton Township Park & Recreation.
Richard Comiskey – Committed volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Denise Deimler – Key contributor to the Linglestown 250th and Lower Paxton 250th Anniversary Celebrations, and the Lower Paxton Historical Commission.
Sally Garber – Advisor for Central Dauphin East High School Key Club, Team Scott Inspire, and Cub Scouts.
Ed Hine (posthumous) – A 55-year volunteer in Lower Paxton Township, 17 years as President of Colonial Park Fire Company, Honor Guard Captain at the American Legion, and contributor to the Linglestown and Lower Paxton 250th Anniversary Celebrations.
Andy Enders – Volunteer for Dauphin County Library, Keystone Human Services, and the Lower Paxton Community Foundation, as well as a key organizer for the Linglestown and Lower Paxton 250th Anniversary Celebrations.
Sandy Prahl – Longtime community supporter and volunteer with the Friendship Center and Dauphin County Historical Society.
Wesley Schooley – Dauphin County Technical School student actively involved in the Lower Paxton community.
Bill & Susie Seeds – Longtime community supporters, recognized for their work on the re-development of Linglestown Square.
Sharon Swank – Key contributor to the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt and Lower Paxton Community Foundation.