That beautiful twinkle that you see in Ewing Park at Christmas time is a labor of love made possible by one man who remains dedicated to the weeks of effort to string the thousands of lights.
For Sam Pawlowski, Christmas in the Park begins in October when he begins the tireless work to complete the massive display. He has been lighting up the park for 25 years.
“I get a little done day by day,“ he said—noting he works from 10 a.m. until noon and resumes at 1 p.m. and works until about 3 p.m.
Pawlowski, 84, is the only dedicated volunteer to the work behind Christmas in the Park.
“I hope we get some more dedicated volunteers,” he said “ I am one of the last ones. I hope new people step up or we won’t have Christmas in the Park.”
He said all help is welcomed, and that people do stop to assist him at times.
Sam Pawlowski is pictured with his Daughter Linda and Son Larry.
“I’m kind of a one man show, and I welcome anyone walking through the park to stop and talk and help,” he said.
Pawlowski is well known around Ellwood City for his volunteer service, and just recently was given a commendation from Ellwood City Borough Council.
In addition to his hard work on Christmas in the Park and serving of the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Committee, he also helps to beautify different areas of the city. He works to keep up the flowers at Legion Park, planting and watering each summer. Also, the reason the plants and flowers at the borough building bloom bright is because Pawlowski keeps them watered.
I do what needs done, and then it looks good,” he said. “I know I did my part. If everyone did that it would be great.”
According to Pawlowski, it takes small efforts to make a difference.
“Instead of talking about it or complaining …. Just do something,” he said. “See a weed, pull it out and throw it away. If everybody does their part it would make a big difference.”
He said volunteering is a no brainer.
“Ellwood has been good to me and my children, so it’s giveback time,” Pawlowski said.
His children, Linda (List), Michael, and Larry are very proud of their dad and they know the hard work, time, and care he puts into his volunteer projects. Larry traveled from Altoona to see Sam receive his award from the borough.
Others have also taken note of his dedication in April of 2011 he was awarded the chamber citizen award and in February of 2016 he was named a Beaver County Times unsung hero.
Hard work has been a constant in Pawlowski’s life. After graduation from Lincoln High School is 1955, he began working at Laslo Brothers where he stayed until he was 25 years old. He also worked at Matthew’s Conveyer, PA Engineering, and Standard Steel Specialty.
Pawlowski said his work ethic comes from his parents.
“My dad was a teacher,” Pawloski said. “My parents grew up during the Depression. My dad worked and taught and had a family to take care of. He did it all.”
He remembers his dad asking him “Do you want to go to school?”
Pawlowski said at that time the students dressed up in white shirts and ties and dress pants.
“I thought I don’t want to wear ties and stuff to go to college,” Pawloski said.
When he is not putting countless hours into his volunteer projects, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and hanging out at the Zelienople Airport watching flight school and landings and takeoffs.
Pawlowski has only one request from the public he serves.
“I need volunteers for Christmas in the Park,” he said. “If you see me working around the park, ask what you can do. Ask what you can do for Ellwood City.”
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