Bethel Park residents named citizens of the year

Two individuals who have been actively involved in the community have received citizen of the year honors from Magisterial District Judge Ron Arnoni.
The recipients, Lisa Jenkins and Pamela Tiano, are both former nurses who are each active in several civic organizations and their efforts benefit both Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. The award is given annually to one or more residents who demonstrate strong leadership and display generosity and unselfishness.
Tiano, who has made Bethel Park her home since 2012, has been able to work on several community endeavors after stepping away from nursing in 2017. She worked with the nonprofit Glimmer of Hope Foundation, which funds programs to treat and prevent breast cancer. Her membership in Rotary International, she explained, “opened my eyes to so many organizations that are working incredibly hard to help those in need in many different ways.” To that end, she spearheaded the drive to launch an Interact Club in Bethel Park. Geared toward young people ages 12 to 18, it’s a community service organization that has grown to 100 members and has helped out on food drives, clothing drives, had multiple fundraisers and has lent a hand to the Special Olympics, Adopt-a-Family South Hills and St. Clair Hospital Breast Cancer Foundation. Her work with the Interact Club resulted in her being named Rotarian of the Year by the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary Breakfast Club.
Tiano is also a member of the Bethel Park Historical Society and treasurer for Smiles from Sean, which sends care packages to children and teenagers with medical conditions throughout the continental United States.
“Deciding to raise my family in Bethel Park was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Tiano said. “It is full of heart, great people and amazing local businesses. I have made lifelong friends, and I am proud every day to serve this community.”
Jenkins, a former nurse at St. Clair Hospital and a lifelong Bethel Park resident, is the general manager and buyer for her husband’s business, Jim Jenkins Lawn and Garden Center. Her lengthy resume includes serving on the board of the Bethel Park Historical Society, local coordinator for the National Wreaths Across America program, committeewoman for the Bethel Park Republican Committee, and chaplain of the South Hills Elks Lodge No. 2213. She also participates in the Bethel Park Trolley Beautification Program.
Both Jenkins and Tiano were presented with commemorative medals and certificates. They also received gift certificates from the restaurant, Bella’s on Fort Couch.