By Nicole Malczan, Special Writer
ALLENTOWN — If there’s one thing Janice Schmitt has learned about volunteering after more than four decades of working for veterans’ causes is that there’s no room for egos in the trenches.
”No one does the job alone,” says Mrs. Schmitt, 76. “I’ve worked with some really wonderful people over the years. I really don’t want publicity or accolades.”
Nevertheless, Mrs. Schmitt admits to feeling “proud and honored” that the Allentown Lions Club has chosen to recognize her lifetime of community volunteer work by naming her the grand marshal of the 2012 Memorial Day parade.
”This is a recognition that really means a lot to me because I have been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1969,” Mrs. Schmitt says. “I have enjoyed the volunteer work for veterans tremendously; it’s what’s kept me going.”
Mrs. Schmitt, who has lived in Allentown for 51 years, was born in Trenton and spent her childhood in nearby Hamilton. After moving to Allentown, she and her late husband, Fred, ran the Allentown Candy Kitchen on Main Street for many years. It was the Candy Kitchen’s former owner, Chris Theodaris, who first convinced Mrs. Schmitt and her husband, who was a Korean War veteran, to get involved with the American Legion Post 31 in Hamilton and the Auxiliary.
However, Mrs. Schmitt’s volunteer work has not been limited to veterans. She was involved with various school groups for her son Todd, now 50, such as the Redbird Booster Club and elementary school and high school PTA organizations, where she once received a plaque for her service to children in need.
Mrs. Schmitt also served as the president of the Women’s Association of Allentown (WAA), and earned the honor of “Woman of the Year” in 2001. Under Schmitt’s leadership, the WAA also participated in such events as the Holiday Family Tree-Lighting and caroling and other local activities for high school students. The organization, founded in 1980, was forced to disband last year due to its declining membership.
Mrs. Schmitt has always had a passion for helping young people in Allentown, as evidenced by her role in helping to found Does Anybody Care? (or D.A.C), which sought keep teens away from alcohol and drugs. D.A.C. gave teens alternative activities, such as dances and bowling nights, according to Rob Schmitt, the Allentown Lions Club press officer.
”You really make wonderful friends,” Mrs. Schmitt said of her time working and volunteering with these various organizations. She said she’s probably close with about 60 percent of those who she’s worked alongside of.
”I’ve always gotten along with people,” Mrs. Schmitt said. “You never could do it alone.”
The announcement of Mrs. Schmitt’s selection as grand marshal was made earlier this month by Lions Club Parade Chair Rob Strovinsky.
”Janice is the embodiment of volunteerism,” Mr. Strovinsky said. “She has focused on ensuring that our children and our veterans are well taken care of. And that is what the honor of parade grand marshal is all about,” he said.
The 2012 Allentown Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Main and High streets.
Marchers include active military personnel, firefighters and first-aid squad members, Allentown and Upper Freehold dignitaries, the Civil Air Patrol, Allentown High School’s Redbird Marching Band, the Shamrock & Thistle Bagpipe Band, the Crescent Temple Motorcycle Drill Team, Shrine Crescent Temple clowns, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and more.
Horseback riders and antique cars will also participate and there will be a bicycle-decorating contest for children with a prize of a gift basket of toys, games, and stickers.
—J. Degnan contributed to this story.

