Doris “Dolly” Iannicelli, who was a long-term resident of Lebanon County, began her volunteer work in the 1950s by joining the Women & Girls Committee of the YMCA. This committee collaborated with the Director to plan and expand opportunities for girls and women at the Girl’s Department of the Y. When the director left in 1960, Dolly took over the role until a new hire was made, which did not occur. She retired in 1985 after 25 years, during which she and the committees expanded programs such as a Babysitting Course, Beat the Blahs, Holiday for Homemakers, and a Day Camp.
In 1978, Dolly initiated senior exercise programs at the Senior Center and Steven’s Towers. By 1981, she started a Senior Aquacise program despite initial resistance from the male aquatics director, teaching the classes herself with the help of a lifeguard. Another organization where she contributed was the Good Samaritan Hospital, serving two terms as Auxiliary President and being part of the Corporate Affiliate Board of Directors from 1995 to 2014. In the early 1990s, she advocated for a community-wide health improvement initiative, leading to the establishment of the Lebanon County Community Health Council which has continued to operate for over 30 years, meeting the needs of the community.
For her contributions, Dolly received the 2006 Senior Recognition Award from the 50+ Festival. In her 70s, Dolly played a key role in establishing a Dental Clinic to aid children whose parents could not afford dental care. She secured space, funding, and volunteer dentists for the clinic and also volunteered herself. In 2001, Dolly was a finalist for the Governor’s Silver & Gold Award and was recognized in “Giving Back – The History of the Lebanon YMCA” by Bradford Charles.
Dolly Iannicelli was committed to fostering relationships and improving community services, particularly for women and girls in Lebanon.
Posthumously Nominated by Kathy Andrews