Eight area residents were recognized for their service to youth in scouting as recipients of the 2016 Silver Beaver Award at the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council’s recognition dinner and annual business meeting Jan. 29.

Comprising well over 100 combined years in scouting, the honorees were William Brodniak Jr. from Easton, Allen Edelman Jr. from Whitehall, Richard Kloss from Allentown, Eileen Leicht from Nazareth, John Lyman from Pocono Lake, Alejandro Marti from Kresgeville, Vincent Muller from Orefield, and James Swain III from Bethlehem.

In addition, retired Allentown firefighter Claude Kohl was honored as the Council Alumnus of the Year and received his 70-year Veteran Award Certificate and pin from the Boy Scouts of America. Nyles Possinger and Jerry Still received Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards, and Eagle Scout Jason Herring was recognized for his outstanding service with the Medal of Merit.

Approximately 200 scouting officials and supporters were in attendance at the event held in the East Hills Moravian Church community room.