UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — The message of the night that resonated: "Be kind."
In the spirit and legacy of Mr. Fred Rogers, Lehigh Valley Public Media honored three community members — including one of its own — who reflected Rogers' ideals with its annual Good Neighbor Awards at the Delta Hotels by Marriott on Wednesday night.
The recipients of the Good Neighbor Awards were Jamie Musselman, Grover Silcox and Philip Jackson.
Thanks to our readers and local support! A little b-roll from tonight’s Good Neighbor Awards @PBS39Channel @LVNewsdotcom pic.twitter.com/VGImmeRDPt
— Micaela Hood (@micaelahood) May 22, 2024
Eight years of 'Good Neighbors'
This was the eighth year for the awards ceremony, which benefits Lehigh Valley Public Media’s Good Neighbor Fund, established to support LVPM’s education outreach programs.
"It has been my privilege to tell the stories of the amazing people in the Lehigh Valley. Some were public figures, most were ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and generally in service to others."Grover Silcox, host of "Counter Culture" on PBS39
Lehigh Valley Public Media is comprised of PBS39, 91.3 WLVR and LehighValleyNews.com based at the Univest Public Media Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
It also organizes education programs across the Lehigh Valley, partnering with teachers and nearly two dozen school districts.
Loving words from mom
Musselman is one of five trustees of the revered Harry C. Trexler Trust, and president of Musselman Advertising founded by her parents, Jim and Bertie Musselman, in 1957.
Jamie Musselman is a former board member of Lehigh Valley Public Media and a longtime champion for the arts in the Lehigh Valley.
Her mother Bertie presented her with the award.
"Jim and I set by example, all virtues of good citizenship and involvement with your community. And Jamie, you have surpassed anybody's expectations," Bertie Musselman said.
Musselman's award was in the form of a red sweater — a nod to the beloved knit cardigan worn by Mr. Rogers — as were all the awards given to nominees that night.
Community broadcaster
After watching a pre-recorded video that offered endearing and congratulatory messages from his colleagues at Lehigh Valley Public Media, Silcox thanked his biggest fans — his viewers and the people who live and work in the Lehigh Valley.
"It has been my privilege to tell the stories of the amazing people in the Lehigh Valley. Some were public figures, most were ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and generally in service to others," he said.
"I am so grateful to all of those people, good neighbors, all for the generosity they showed in sharing their stories and experiences — the veterans, the nurses, the doctors, the sick, the educators and students, the artists and entrepreneurs, the nonprofits serving others. And the list goes on and on and on."
Silcox, host of the old Emmy Award-winning "Counter Culture" show on PBS and other programs, will celebrate his 18th anniversary with PBS39 in October.
Volunteering with the youth
Jackson was honored for his work with the youth in the Lehigh Valley — specifically children in the foster care system and those who have been abused or neglected.
He is the founder of Jackson Strategies and currently serves as board chairman for Valley Youth House.
Jackson has also served on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown, and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
He reflected on a previous youth-themed event while talking about the importance of giving back to others in need.
"The eye-opener for me was the necessity of the need. Young people were lined up around the block waiting to have access to resources. There's a need there, but the need is so great," he said.
Scholastic Scrimmage in 2025
Next year's Good Neighbor Awards will raise awareness for PB39's' Scholastic Scrimmage, which will mark its 50th year starting later this year.
The high school quiz show features students from local high schools who compete in a diverse range of academic subjects.
