Historical Society Starts New Year With Awards

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society had its first public meeting of 2024 at the History Center, 310 5th Street, on Monday evening, January 8, 2024.

The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by 101 year old World War 2 veteran, Guy Prestia. Immediately following the pledge, Society Board member and Past-President, Everett Bleakney, inducted the new Board and officers for 2024; President, Bob Morabito; 1st Vice President, Andy Kindle; Secretary, Lois Liebendorfer; Treasurer, Angela Hyde; and Board members, Dylan Baney, Charles Brown, and Blanche Novak.

Unable to attend the meeting and scheduled to be inducted at a future date were 2nd Vice President Beth Wyszomierski, Board members, Kaye Houk and Mary May, and current Past-President Al Kocher.

The guest speaker for the evening was Lawrence County Commissioner and Society member, Dan Vogler, who gave a fascinating talk: “Lawrence County in the 1930s: Forgotten and Offbeat Stories.”

Commissioner Vogler was also a presenter in the Awards Ceremony that was part of the meeting, presenting the “Henry Waters Hartman Award” to Mr. David Barensfeld for his late father, Mr. Robert Barensfeld. The award was to recognize the latter’s many years of dedication, support, and leadership of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society. Robert Barensfeld is only the 2nd person to receive this award in the Society’s 36-year history, the first being Mrs. Helen Powell.

Also recognized for his long and distinguished service to the Society with the “President’s Award” presented by Andy Kindle, was the late Domenic Vicarri. The award acclaimed Dom’s amazing vigor, scholarship, and imagination in service to the Society and Ellwood City.

Receiving the “Historian’s Award” for dynamic leadership and imaginative work in programs and entrepreneurship, presented by Society President Bob Morabito, was Mr. Everett Bleakney.

Two Ellwood City Area Historical Society “Historical Treasures” were designated during the Ceremony. Louise Carroll and Marino Parascenzo were cited for their outstanding, award-winning, and nationally recognized journalism that continues to bring great credit to Ellwood City. They join State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra McCloskey Todd, and experimental particle physicist and founder of the ALPHA collaboration, Professor Jeffrey Scott Hangst, as the only 4 Ellwood City natives so recognized.

Receiving Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition for their significant contributions to the Society’s mission to collect, protect, preserve, and make available the rich history of the Ellwood City Area were, Charles Brown, Kaye Houk, Angela Hyde, Andy Kindle, Al Kocher, Jane Kocher, Lois Liebendorfer, Barbara Mastropietro, Mary May, and Barbara Neff. The contributions of the late Ron Geddes were also recognized by a Certificate.

Refreshments of donuts and cider were served at the conclusion of the meeting. The next Society meeting, open to the public, will be on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the History Center. The guest speaker will be Mr. Tim Hunter of Hunter Brothers Coffee in Ellport. Different flavors of coffee will be featured at that event.

PICTURED BELOW:  (Left to Right) Charles Brown, Everett Bleakney, Dan Vogler, Louise Carroll, David Barensfeld, Bob Morabito. David Barensfeld, Dan Vogler. SECOND PICTURE: David Barensfeld and Dan Vogler.