Middletown honors Paula Kearns for two decades leading the Community Foundation

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors formally recognized Paula Kearns on Dec. 6 for her contributions as founder and longtime executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation.

Town officials credited Kearns with spearheading the foundation's formation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and with helping to direct grants and sponsorships that supported township programs, scholarships and a K‑9 unit for the police department. The board presented a plaque dated 12/06/2021 honoring Kearns' service as executive director and officials read several recognitions from the Pennsylvania State Senate, the state House and U.S. congressional offices; staff said a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor.

Kearns told the board she is stepping back from the executive‑director role but will remain involved with the foundation and thanked the board and community for the recognition. "I have enjoyed every single minute that I've served on the Middletown Community Foundation, and I'm not leaving the board, just stepping back a little bit," she said.

The recognition included brief remarks from state and federal representatives' offices and expressions of appreciation from township staff and volunteers.