Distinguished Service Award

Joe Ayersman is well known within the sports community for his “phone book” of accomplishments. Many in this community know him as a babysitter, an employee at Bryan’s Dairy, Jr. High Football player and High School Wrestler, a History Teacher, and an Army Sergeant.
After 36 years of military service from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard of the 28th Division, he has stated that retiring with the rank SFC E7 he was a very proud member of the “B” company.
Joe took on many coaching roles over the course of 33 years. At one point or another taking the role of head coach for Waynesburg Central Junior High Football, Wbg. Junior High Wrestling, and Waynesburg Central Varsity Wrestling. During his time as a Varsity coach, he was able to put 5 WPIAL Championship titles, as well as 3 WPIAL runner up titles under the teams belt. He is well known for producing 3 state champions during that time, Joe Throckmorton, Doug Haines, and Dave Thomas. He is the only wrestling coach to obtain WPIAL titles in Class AAA and AA. He accredits these achievements to his wrestling mentors, Frank Bonifield, Bucky Murdock, and Ernie Closser. These mentors contributed to his mindset on and off the mat, also helping his model for his 33 year teaching career as an American History and Social Studies teacher.
In 1988, Joe was honored to be inducted into the Wash-Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Hall of Fame.
When leaving Central Greene’s Campus, Joe spends time with his life Lila (happily married for 59 years), and his 4 children (2 sons and 2 daughters). His impact in our classrooms and sports community is something that has continued to be carried on through generations.

Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee joined Waynesburg University as Executive Vice President in October 2009, working closely with then-President Timothy Thyreen. He was unanimously elected President of the University by the Board of Trustees in September 2012 and took office July 1, 2013.

Under Lee’s leadership, Waynesburg University has received national attention for the economic outcomes of its graduates. Studies published by The Brookings Institution, The Economist, USA Today and MONEY Magazine have placed Waynesburg University at the top nationwide for this type of category.

Also under Lee’s leadership, the University has been recognized regionally by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Best Place to Work for 2015 and internationally as one of the most beautiful Christian college campuses in the world. In March 2015, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) awarded Waynesburg University reaccreditation for a ten-year period, and in September 2015, the University was awarded Imani Christian Academy’s 2015 Leadership in Service Education Award. The University was also named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for eight consecutive years.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the University developed and implemented a health and safety plan that allowed for the successful completion of the 2020-2021 academic year in-person and on-campus without layoffs or reduction in benefits to any employees.

Lee recently led the $23 million revitalization of the Paul R. Stewart Science Hall, a major renovation project that overhauled the interior of the building and updated its exterior to match the overall architectural context of the University’s campus.

During his time as president, the University has also grown in programmatic offerings, including the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership. In addition to its undergraduate programming, the Stover Center annually hosts a continuing legal education seminar for judges, scholars and practicing attorneys at Jesus College in Cambridge, England.

The University has also implemented a Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, chaired by Dr. Melinda Walls, the recently elected President of the United States Association of Small Business Entrepreneurs and a member of a PRAXIS subcommittee on nonprofit entrepreneurship. A Pathways Center has also been developed, focusing on integrated and comprehensive student success. Part of this new program is the University’s Achievement Academy, which offers college courses to high school students as well as seminars and other services to post-graduates.

Lee has served as the Chair of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Presidents’ Council and on the Board of Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). He was recently appointed to the NCAA Division III Board of Governors. Lee previously served as Chair of AICUP’s Members Services Committee for two years, from July 2020 through June 2022, and was recently elected secretary/treasurer of AICUP’s Board of Directors.

In 2022, Lee was named a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and received a peer-reviewed “Very High Rating” in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale Hubbell. He was selected as an awardee of the Pittsburgh Business Times 2017 Outstanding CEO’s and Top Executives. He was a co-recipient of the Southpointe CEO Association’s World Class CEO Award for 2016 and was named to The Pennsylvania Business Central’s Top 100 People list of 2013. He was also the recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) General Greene District of the Laurel Highlands Council’s 2015 Good Citizen Award and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®, having spoken and written extensively on workers’ compensation and labor and employment law topics.

The Charleroi, Pennsylvania, native and son of the late Gilbert G. Lee Jr. and Donna Duvall Lee is a 1977 graduate of Charleroi Area High School and a 1981 graduate of Waynesburg University. After graduation, he formed a multi-line insurance business, building the business while also attending law school. Lee sold the business upon graduation from law school and joined the law firm of Steptoe and Johnson. He became a partner in the firm in 1998 and managed a practice group consisting of nine attorneys and 15 paralegals.

During this time, he remained active at Waynesburg University and was instrumental in the formation of the University’s Alumni Council. Dedicated to his alma mater, Lee served as a member of the Board of Trustees including Chair of the Academic Matters Committee and Board Secretary.

He is an elder at the Presbyterian Church, has served on the Greene County Planning Commission and is a graduate of Leadership West Virginia. He is an Eagle Scout, has served on the Executive Board for the Mountaineer Area Council Boy Scouts of America and is a member of the Fort Jackson Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Lee has served on the Board of Directors for the Union Rescue Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia, the Harrison County Bar Association Board of Directors, the Westminster Foundation of West Virginia and the Howe Cemetery Board. He was a volunteer fireman for more than 13 years

An endurance athlete, Lee is a finisher of three Ironman Triathlons and six marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon and Death Valley Marathon.

He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathryn, and they have two children and two grandchildren.

Many people know Barb from several places. Known for being a rotarian, an advocate, and a volunteer since retirement. Once working at the Hallmark in the Greene Plaza, her always smiling face and helpful spirit made her a favorite of many of the stores’ customers.
After departing Greene Plaza, Barb took a position at Community Action Southwest (now known as Blueprints). Her volunteer spirit was born here. One of the events from Washington County that she decided to put a spin on for our county took place at the Greene County Courthouse, and it soon became not only Community Actions biggest fundraiser but also one of the signature holiday events in our area.
Shortly after EverGreene Technology park was built, Barb went to work for one of the original tenants, the R.J. Lee Group. She took on community liaison tasks where she served alongside leaders to work on outreach. She left R.J. and finished the workforce years by retiring from the Director position of the Greene County United Way. She worked with partner agencies that all provide a wide range of services for the underserved of Greene County. She began the now widely successful “Stuff the Bus” which to this day continues to serve families and children in our area when school is right around the corner.
Post retirement, Barb devotes more time to local non-profit organizations that are near and dear to her heart. She has served the Rotary Club of Waynesburg in officer and chairwoman positions. She is the current President, holding this office for the 2nd or 3rd time. Prior to President, she served as the secretary for many years and was even our District Governor. She was the force behind the Rotary Winter Wonderland Gala that was held for several years at the courthouse prior to the pandemic. She co-chaired the original committee for Rotary’s Flags for Heroes project, and the flags still fly at the fairgrounds for July 4th and Veterans Day annually.
Barb is still a member of the Corner Cupboard Food Bank Board of Directors and the Community Foundation of Greene County Board of Directors. She is currently an individual member of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, having served as a board member multiple times, held several offices and chaired numerous committees. She is also a past member of the Washington Health System Greene’s Auxiliary.
While now officially retired, she exhibits the definition of volunteerism with grace and humility by continuing to fill her days with volunteer service, traveling with her husband Pat, and enjoying time with her family and grandchildren.

This year’s Distinguished Service Awards are presented to a couple, Margaret and John Rock, better known as Peggy and Jack.

We’ll start with Peggy… well known throughout Greene County for her commitment to service, Peggy is originally from New Wilmington in Lawrence County. Born into a family of six children, she studied at Waynesburg College, earning a B.A. in history and her good works began in earnest in Greene County.

Working with no fewer than 42 organizations over the years, her tireless dedication led her to hold elected officer positions in more than 15 of those organizations. Her service interests ranged from helping children (Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Cub Scouts, Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to cultural (Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Symphony) to animals (Save-A-Horse Sanctuary, Greene County Humane Society) to locally based service organizations including Greene County Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Waynesburg Rotary Club. In addition, Peggy has also been a businesswoman and was the Office Manager at St. Ann Church of St. Matthias Parish in Greene County for 18 years. Always humble and kind, Peggy is known as the go-to person who will row the boat and not rock it.

Jack, on the other hand, is a Greene County native and US Air Force veteran, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War as a flight-line mechanic working with the B-47 Strato Fortress.  After stints in the Robena Mine and with West Penn Power, Jack attended the State Police Training School at Hershey, and served as a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police for 27 years.  He had special duty assignments to Johnstown during the Johnstown flood disaster of 1977 (when 12 inches of rain fell in 24 hours and 41 people were killed as dams failed) and with the Flight 427 airplane disaster near the Pittsburgh Airport in 1994, which killed all 131 persons on board.  He also served for 17 years on the Pennsylvania State Police Scuba Team!

In addition to his public service as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Jack has maintained memberships in many, many organizations throughout the area, ranging from the Laurel Valley Corvette Club and the 4-H Horse and Pony Club to Rotary International (Waynesburg Club), the Greene County Humane Society and Greene County United Way.  He is also in the Fourth Degree Chapter of the St. Ann Church of St. Matthias Parish Knights of Columbus.

The value of community service is well known to those in the audience, and certainly Peggy and Jack exemplify dedication to the place where they live.  But as a side note to the benefits that can be gained from community service: Peggy and Jack met at the Rotary Club and married in 2000.  Community service certainly has its rewards!

If you’ve spent time at some of Greene County’s historical landmarks, cruised on in to 50s Fest, or possibly even needed help along the road to recovery, chances are you’ve encountered George ‘Bly’ Blystone in your travels. Bly’s talents and willingness to help others have made him an integral part of our southwestern Pennsylvania community. And he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Bly was born and raised in California and grew up in the Valley and Hollywood. The Blystone family was from this area of Pennsylvania, having settled here in the 1700s. The family eventually made their way to Wisconsin and then to Hollywood for the film industry. In 1970 Bly moved to Greene County with his friend John Eckerd and his family. John and Bly were both Civil War buffs and wanted to be closer to Gettysburg. Greene County was a perfect fit with a “cheap farm for sale.” Bly spent 40 years in reenactment as part of Knapp’s Battery and his time with the reenactment group led to his longest volunteerism – The Greene County Historical Society Museum.

Knapp’s Battery headquartered at the museum’s location on Rolling Meadows Road. At the museum’s grand opening, the Battery was part of the flag and later began holding reenactments there. Bly began volunteering at the museum, and he celebrated 50 years as a museum volunteer in April. Through the museum, Bly also became involved with the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop in Rices Landing. At the time, the foundry was owned by the Greene County Historical Society; it later was sold to Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation in 2009.

When Rivers of Steel took over ownership in 2009, restoration efforts were increased. Bly continued his services, additional help was found, scrap and trash were thrown away, and the foundry was cleaned up. Now the foundry is open every Sunday for tours.

George also got Bly involved in the 50s Fest & Car Cruise held annually in downtown Waynesburg. His involvement started small, but when George died, Bly was determined to be a part of the event and began parking cars the day of the event. Bly is also a member of the committee and instrumental in the organization of the goody bags provided to attendees at the event.

Bly is also the caretaker for the clock at the county courthouse in Waynesburg. Because he had worked on the museum’s clock and got it running, Farley Toothman reached out to Bly to get the courthouse clock working. After a workman said it was unfixable, Bly took a look, did some research and was able to find the necessary gears to fix it, which he did. The clock has been running since 2010.

But it’s Bly’s work in recovery that is the most meaningful for him. As a recovering alcoholic with 42 years sober, Bly has spent decades helping others on the same path. He is currently  on the Human Services Board of Directors and on the Drug & Alcohol Committee. “If I don’t have my work in recovery, I don’t have anything,” Bly says.

When Bly came out Gateway Rehab in 1979, he realized that while the groups talked about being anonymous, “If I’m anonymous, nobody knows. And that’s not good. I told myself and everyone else that I wasn’t going to be anonymous.”

After his time at rehab, Bly got a job at the hospital through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). As Bly worked at the hospital and the staff there learned more about him, thanks to his pledge to not be anonymous, he began helping those that came into the Emergency Room that were drunk or needed help with alcoholism. During his sixteen years at the hospital, Bly started an Alcoholics Anonymous group at the hospital to help others.

“Alcoholic Anonymous teachers you how to live another way. A lot of that stuff is naturally in my everyday life. One day at a time, one minute at a time. It all works.”

After leaving the hospital, he and a group of others started Steps Inside in 2002. Through Steps Inside and the Community Recovery in Rural Communities Committee, volunteers began helping with addiction and recovery, while spreading the word that there was help available. Community outreach included a march for addiction awareness in Greene County, a role in the Town Hall Meetings, and providing information at local events.

The group’s community efforts branched out to include an additional resource for those in recovery. In 2014, the men’s Oxford House Cumberland in Waynesburg was opened. In 2016, the Bird Sisters Oxford House for women was opened. Both homes had high success rates but unfortunately, had to close due to dwindling resources. But that hasn’t stopped Bly or Steps Inside. They continue to provide outreach for community members struggling with addiction and recovery.

In 2019, Bly was honored with the Jack McCracken Award during the July Rain Day celebration. The award is presented “to an individual who has been a humanitarian, civic leader, role model, who served God, family and community with integrity and an open heart.” Bly received a plaque on the Rain Day stage during the awards ceremony. This award was only the start of the cascade of recognition that Bly was to receive over the next couple of years.

In early October, the Tourist Promotion Agency of Greene County introduced the Hospitality Awards to recognize events, employees, and volunteers for their dedication, service, and community involvement. The Hospitality Volunteer of the Year honors a volunteer who goes above and beyond normal volunteer responsibilities and judged on outstanding service to their place of volunteering, community, and visitors. The announcement that Bly was the winner was made even more special by the fact the event was on his birthday. He even got a birthday cake!

Receiving the 2019 Distinguished Service Award is John “Buzz” Walters. Mr. Walters is a graduate of Mapletown High School and a veteran of the U.S> Marines. He began a teaching career in 1960 at West Greene High School where his love of sports also turning into coaching. He coached football for 8 years and wrestling for 32 years. He also coached at two other high schools in the area.

He is recognized throughout southwestern Pennsylvania as a crusader of worthy causes, particularly those with military or community roots. He frequently leads the Pledge of Allegiance at county commissioner meetings and when the courts convene. If you see him out and about, he will most likely be on his way to a meeting of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Greene County United Way, the 40-8, the Veteran’s Council of Greene County, Knights of Pythias, Marine Corps League, Retired Coaches Association, United Methodist Church, Loyal Order of the Moose, American Legion, or to one of the many other worthy causes that lie deep in his heart.

In 2017, he received the John C. “Ace” Mann Blue Cap of the Year Award by the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania during a special convention held in Harrisburg. The award is designed to recognize a member of the America Legion, or Legionnaire, who exemplifies the goals and objective set forth by the American Legion.

Over the years, he has served his community in many ways and has received many honors, awards, and titles for his efforts. In addition to being a teacher and coach, he has been an active volunteer and a businessman. His endless passion for local worthy causes he has been a tireless volunteer for many organizations throughout the county and state. But honors and awards are not why he has served and touched the lives of so many. His service comes from within and from a heart the size of Texas.

The first thing that generally comes to mind when folks hear his name is his passion for the annual Leatherneck’s Christmas toy drive “Toys for Tots”. This is a project that he is passionate about, but just one of many. This project reaches 500 plus children each year making the Holiday a little brighter for families facing tough times.

He spearheaded the restoration of the landmark Crouse School on route 21 West just before the village of Rogersville. As a member of the Greene County Historical Society, he worked to secure funding to help with the repairs, donations of materials, and volunteer to help with the work.

He serves on many non-profit boards in the county and is a Masonic Chaplin, member of the American Legion where he served as Commander of the Mt. Morris Legion for 30 years before moving to the same position in the West Greene Legion. His volunteer service does not end with local organizations. In his place of business, Walters Takedown Tire Shop located in Rogersville, houses a wide collection of military, sports, and local historical memorabilia. The shop is worth a visit and guests will leave with a better understanding of the man behind the counter, the place that he calls home, and the importance of serving others with a grateful heart.

Sister Audrey Quinn, joined the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh in 1959 and taught for 25 years in Catholic schools in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg.  In 1989, Sister Quinn came to Greene County to live and minister.  From humble beginnings in a sparsely furnished old farmhouse, she began addressing unmet needs of those around her.

In 1990 she came across a poster seeking foster parents.  Shortly after she became a “Foster Mom” through Greene County Children & Youth services nurturing over 160 foster children, ages 3 days through 16 years. So vested in the mission, she served as President of Greene County’s CYS Foster Parent Association.  Raising the children also inspired her to do more for the wider community.

A regular volunteer with Greene County Habitat for Humanity; Meals on Wheels; St. Ann Soup Kitchen; United Way Appeals and Greene County Mothers Against Drunk Driving, she has also held board positions with Catholic Charities; Corner Cupboard Food Bank; Greene County Children & Youth; Greene County Human Services; Greene County CASSP and the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.  She coordinates the Produce to People program and handles the recruiting of volunteers for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s monthly program to distribute free food to more than 500 needy families in Greene County.

On her 10^th anniversary of arriving in Greene County, along with fellow Benedictine Sister Sue Fazzini, the pair founded “Heart ‘n Sole”, a program to make sure every child in Greene County has a good pair of shoes to start the school year.  The program has provided thousands of new school shoes.  The sisters handle the solicitation, donation collections and distribution of shoes each year.

Presently, as the Director of The Salvation Army Greene County Service Center, she continues to serve by maintaining a free clothing/household good warehouse and coordinates with Emergency Disaster Services for those in dire need of immediate assistance. She assists clients with basic needs  such as food, clothing, utility and rent assistance.   Under her direction the Service Center provides a free summer camp and facilitates programs with other social service agencies throughout the County by coordinating fund-raising efforts, public relations and volunteer recruitment.

          Her work has not gone unnoticed.  In 2008 she was chosen from 3,000 nominees from across the country as one of the “100 Extraordinary Women” sponsored by Kraft Foods. In 2009 she was selected as a top ten finalist from among 3,500 nominees in the CVS Pharmacy “For All The Ways You Care” program and earned an appearance on Good Morning America.  2010 brought the “John McGrady Award” and 2016 the Jack McCracken Award, both for Outstanding Service to Community.

When Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful was published in 1907, the Randolph and Baily Agency (page 120) had been providing insurance and real estate services for 27 years, having been founded in 1880.  Rather than being business owners, Chuck was taught that his family’s role was more of a stewardship — not only for their family, staff, and clients’ assets, but also for the welfare of our community.  Not much has changed in four generations, although they did get rid of the spittoon.

He has been privileged to serve on several local advisory boards;

Children and Youth Services, United Way, Boy Scouts, GCID, GCIDA, GARC, the hospital, tourism and SCI Greene.  He has also worked in a number of capacities with “at risk” young men.

In addition to these, he is most proud of being a cofounder of Greene County Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Habitat has partnered with over 60 families in owning their first home.  He also cofounded the EAL/Greene County College Opportunity Program in 1985. It ran for a decade and mentored over seventy high school students who wanted to be the first members of their families to go to college.  Fifty of them achieved that goal.

Currently, one of the things he is most excited about is being President of Rocky Bleier’s Beating the Odds Foundation. To date, this organization has influenced over 300,000 junior high and high school students with an inspirational curriculum for their personal success.  Four of our county school districts have had Rocky in to speak and are able to utilize their program.

He and his wife Shirley have three sons, and now assist with fourteen grandchildren, who are their closest neighbors. Wellness is an important family value and they are all very active.  Chuck still does short triathlons and 5K’s.  They are actively involved at First Presbyterian Church, where he grew up.

Finally, he and Shirley feel strongly that one of the main reasons God put them on the planet was to mentor college students.  After college, in 1973, they worked at Waynesburg University for three years as residence hall Directors as staff members of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), a college ministry based in Pittsburgh. Sixty-five other CCO campus ministers have followed them here, almost all of whom were hired directly by the University. He continues reaching out to these students, and as long as they will put up with him, (and President Doug Lee allows me), he will continue to do so.

It would be difficult to find someone in Greene County who would have an unfavorable opinion of Gene Rush and his wife, Judy.  In an often thankless and always bittersweet profession, Gene Rush has established himself as a man of character, service and compassion.   His success is due to the trust placed with him and his family because of the consistent and unwavering service they have made a pillar of their lives.

The Rushes have built successful businesses in the last 30 years.  As remarkable and impressive as that is, it remains the least remarkable part of their legacy.

Moving to Rogersville in 1985, Gene purchased the funeral home of the late Robert Lantz.  An Air Force veteran and a funeral director since 1972, Gene brought dignity and impeccable care to all that he did and built a reputation of professionalism and generosity.  Having sincere compassion and dedication to his role in the lives of grieving families, people feel like they matter to Gene because to him, they do.  Every aspect of a person’s time with Gene must and will be perfect as he expects the absolute best for every family.

Gene and Judy opened Rush Grocery in 1993 and became a vital part of the West Greene landscape and welcomed the sense of community that followed and still exists today.  With all their “spare time,” Gene could serve as Secretary of the West Greene Lions Club, a member of the American Legion, Waynesburg VFW, Board of Trustees at Rogersville Methodist Church, Board of Directors of the former Greene County Memorial Hospital, Board of Directors for Community Foundation of Greene County and other civic groups.

Gene and Judy have given a lifetime of service to others in both commitment and deed – offering help to strangers, neighbors, and friends, anonymously, without being asked, without thinking twice.  These are two individuals who, despite their business responsibilities, will reschedule their day to give rides to the doctor, pick up and deliver mail, serve dinners at firehalls and make every person they speak to feel like they are truly valued.

What makes this couple impressive is not simply the financial support or donations; it’s the idea that a person serves simply because they have the ability – a person should give just because they have the means.  It is this reputation that precedes Gene and Judy, and it is that legacy they leave for their children, grandchildren and the people they have served.

 

The Honorable William R. Nalitz joined Judge Grimes on the bench in 1998 (elected to the bench in 1997) when the state General Assembly created a second judgeship to the County of Greene. He was retained in 2007 for a ten-year term and took office in January 2008.
January 5, 2009 – Judge William Nalitz became the first new president judge of Greene County Court in 23 years; with the retirement of the Honorable Judge H. Terry Grimes. The Honorable Grimes remains parttime as a senior judge.
The Greene County judges preside over both criminal and civil cases. The term for a Court of Common Pleas judge is 10 years, and Pennsylvania law states that the judges must retire at the end of the year in which they turn 70 years old.
He is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, DC and Duquesne University of Law; Honorable Nalitz served as Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 in Vietnam, Fourth Infantry Division. Judge Nalitz regularly has taken classes on various judicial topics sponsored by the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges.
He is a member of the Waynesburg Lions Club and a member of the Greene County Bar
Association.
President Judge William Nalitz reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in November
and will step down from his seat on the bench of the Greene County Court of Common Pleas at the end of 2014. Before taking the bench, Judge Nalitz practiced law from 1973 to 1997 in Waynesburg with the firm of Sayers, King, Keener and Nalitz (later King and Nalitz).
Nalitz served as a trial attorney from 1991 until 1999, the year when the state General
Assembly created a second judgeship to the County of Greene. He was retained in 2007 for a ten-year term and took office in January 2008. On January 5, 2009, with the retirement of the Honorable Judge H. Terry Grimes, Honorable Judge William Nalitz became the first new president judge of Greene County Court of Common Pleas in 23 years.

Reverend Donald Wilson has spent several years serving the Waynesburg community in more ways than one. Even though he claims to be retired, he is still faithfully serving the local community.

In 1964, Rev. Wilson attended Waynesburg College where he received a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Upon completion, he continued his education by getting his Masters of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Rev. Wilson found a job in West Middlesex, Pa., from 1967 to 2005, where he served as pastor of Lebanon United Presbyterian. He also served as Protestant chaplain at Northwest Regional Correctional Facility of Mercer. In this role, he developed a drug and alcohol self-help program. This program has impacted many of the prisoners’ lives and he continues to impact many people today.

Despite Rev. Wilson being in other parts of Pennsylvania, he always found himself coming back to Greene County. In 1992, Waynesburg University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his professional achievements, community service, leadership skills and involvement with the university. From 1991 to 1999, he served on the Alumni Council, continuing his involvement with his alma mater. In addition, he has been a member of the university’s board of trustees since 2000, with the exception of this past year. Rev. Wilson moved back to Greene County when he retired in 2005.

Upon his return, he served as interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church for five months and at First Baptist Church of Waynesburg for more than three years. He has spent a great deal of his time giving back to this community since his homecoming. To start with, he was chair of the personnel committee of Greene County Historical Society for six years. You can find him making buckwheat pancakes for their annual spring Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast. Another event he assists the Greene County Historical Society with is being chairman of the circus committee. This is the committee that organizes the circus’s stop in Greene County each year. Rev. Wilson loves the circus and takes pride in organizing this event.

He also enjoys serving the community by leading servant song ministries. He has led the annual New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service and the annual men’s spring retreat. He also fills a role on the community advisory committee for Southwest Regional Medical Center and is a board member for Greene County Community Foundation.

In recent years, he is acting as the interim executive presbytery for the Washington Presbytery and interim pastor at the Hewitt Presbyterian of Rice Landings. He also served as the interim director of Christian Life and instructor in New Testament at Waynesburg University. Currently, he is the chaplain for the Waynesburg University football team. In this role he conducts weekly chapel service for the team to get them prepared for game day.

Rev. Wilson is the chair of a committee that established the Annual Muddy Creek Reunion. He also re-introduced and conducts the Greene County Fair Vesper Service. He was one of the founding trustees and is a current trustee of Inspire Greene Leadership Foundation. To add to that, he helped create “Threshing Day” and leads worship service for the Historical Society’s Harvest Festival.

Rev. Wilson has served in many positions throughout his life, contributing to the community in an impactful and positive way. The amount of lives that have been touched by Rev. Wilson’s service is infinite.  Even though he is “retired,” the continuing countless efforts to support Greene County show that his passion for serving this community continues on.

Most people in the area know Tim as “Chief Hawfield”. Time attended Waynesburg College where he me Carol McAndrews who became his wife. After living in the Washington D.C. area for a few years they had a son. They decided they wanted a better place to raise Tim Jr. so they returned to Waynesburg. Tim became a Waynesburg Borough Police officer in July of 1979. Most people don’t know that Tim turned down a job with the Federal government the same day he started with the Waynesburg police Department. His heart was in Waynesburg and that is where he has chosen to serve. In 1981 Tim became Chief of Police and served in that capacity until he retired this past July (2013).

Anyone who knows Tim knows that he didn’t just put in time; he served his community and fellow man. Tim supposedly worked day shift however, if you went to the Waynesburg Police Department late in the evening you would still see him at work handling the next problem that came up. In his capacity as Chief, Tim went above and beyond what he could have done or assigned someone else to handle. Tim was instrumental in promoting the “Officer Phil” Program in the area elementary schools. If you talk with anyone who was a student in the Central Greene School district in the last 30 years they remember Chief Hawfield coming to the school and the messages he and the program addressed. They always counted on seeing him next year. Chief addressed countless organizations including parent groups along with civic and governmental organizations. He always had a message to help the community.

Tim has been a member of the “STOP” grant committee since its inception. This committee deals with domestic violence issues in the county.

He has been a member of the “M.A.G.I.C.” (Making a Great Impact Collectively” committee for many years. This group visits local schools and counsels students on problems adolescents face. He is also active with the “Safe Kids Committee” which focuses on child safety. As a leader in the organization has made sure our community is sage by distributing smoke detectors, bike helmets, and car seats for many years.

Since 1995 Tim has served on the Salvation Army Advisory board assisting local people in need and during times of crisis.

Driving under the influence is a serious national problem that affects many families annually. Tim has always been a strong supporter of stringent enforcement of the DUI laws. Tim spearheaded the Greene County DUI taskforce. He did anything and everything to get the DUI taskforce funded and in operation. he did it all from writing the grant to start the taskforce to being at the Sobriety checkpoints stopping vehicles at 2:00 in the morning. He was always the first one there and the last one to leave. He put countless hours into this effort and if you check the statistics, you will see that he made a difference.

Tim also taught criminal justice courses at Waynesburg College for a few years. Many students received the benefit of Chief Hawfield’s knowledge and experience.

Tim has a great passion for history, particularly for the civil war. He is a walking encyclopedia on the subject. He is also well versed in the local history of Greene County and the Waynesburg area. He has shared this knowledge with many local groups and individuals.

Another of Tim’s great passions is the Boy Scouts of America. He has served as a pack leader. He serves on the District Committee and has for many years. He currently is the District Chairman and a member of the Eagle Scout Board of review. With his longtime commitment to the Boy Scouts, he now witnessing the children he once worked with growing into productive adults using the skills that he taught them.

Chief Hawfield has given countless hours beyond the requirements of his position and the call of duty. His service has always focused on the advancement of Waynesburg Borough and the surrounding communities. In July of this year Chief Timothy Hawfield retired after 34 years of dedicated service with the Waynesburg Police Department. He may have stopped working but he will never quit serving.

Jeff McCracken is a life-long resident of Waynesburg, graduating from Waynesburg Central High School in 1976. He followed in his father’s footsteps and attended one of the top rated pharmacy schools in the country: Ohio Northern University, where he graduated in 1981. At ONU, he was a member of the Kappa Psi social and professional fraternity. Over the years, the fraternity was restructured and is now a national pharmaceutical professional only fraternity comprised of both young men and women. His daughter, Elissa, was a member of the reactivation class of 2008. As a result, they are both proud to say they are “brothers” and yes, they share a secret handshake!

He is the owner of McCracken Pharmacy, an independent retail pharmacy in Waynesburg.  With over fifty years of service to the citizenry, McCracken Pharmacy represents a stalwart pillar of the community and was founded by Mr. McCracken’s father, Jack Hill McCracken, in 1961.  Jeff has over 30 years of experience in the pharmacy profession and was one of the first retail pharmacists in the eastern United States to implement robotic dispensing technology. Customers may not easily be able to discern his passion for keeping the pace with pharmacy technology, but he is dedicated to providing the best service possible. Along those lines, as we all know he has a passion for community service, in his pharmacy and out. Jeff believes that the customer is the most important person in his pharmacy and knows he can count on his loyal and talented staff to convey that message every day.

Jeff has served as both a Deacon and Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg, is a member of the citizen’s Liaison Committee at SCI Greene and the Historic Preservation Society of Waynesburg University.  He is a trustee of the Kappa Psi, Gamma Delta Chapter Board of Directors for Ohio Northern University.  Jeff has been a tremendous help to Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful in their ongoing effort to preserve and revitalize our historic downtown by serving on the Land Trust Committee and the Community Development Committee, giving his vision and leadership to help further the path of making Waynesburg the place that one would want to live and raise their families.  He has been a business member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years and, as did his parents, supports the Greene County Humane Society.

Outside of the organizations in which he participates, Jeff along with his brother John enjoy weekly bowling. They both await those ESPN cameras to arrive on the scene to capture the talents of their team. To date, they have not appeared. Jeff and John, however, are both optimistic: they keep waiting!

Jeff often goes out of his way to help people, obviously continuing his father’s legacy of selflessly serving our community.  The dictionary defines “serendipity” with words such as “fate,” “destiny,” and “providence.” I believe that not only is it a bit of serendipity that Jeff McCracken is being honored tonight with this prestigious award this evening. Did you know that his father, Jack, was the first very recipient of the award in 1988? I believe that speaks loudly for the values and accomplishments that our town instills in its families. One very important reason Waynesburg is special, is because it can literally grow special families here. And if my skills of observation and memory serve me right, there is yet another younger McCracken in this room this evening: Jeff’s daughter and Jack’s granddaughter.  If you listen to her story, you will learn she represents service in another way. This is yet another example of the best keep secret in southwestern Pennsylvania. Yes, I believe that when Jack McCracken was surprisingly honored as our very first Distinguished Service Award recipient in 1988, little did he know he was starting a family tradition of destiny: and that’s what serendipity is all about. It went around and it came around. And we are all better for it.

With that I proudly congratulate and recognize our Distinguished Award Winner for 2012, Mr. Jeff McCracken.

John has been a lifelong resident of Waynesburg and graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1964, following high school he was a graduate of Fairmont State College in 1968. John served in our local National Guard Company C 724th Military Police, 2nd Battalion located in Waynesburg. In July of 1971 John began his career at First Federal Savings & Loan Association, where he became CEO in 2006 and assumed the title of President-CEO in August of 2008 which he still holds today as well as director. He is also a director for Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. John is very well respected through financial industry and not only represents the bank very well but is always promoting our area to his peers in the banking community.

John is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Greene County United Way, as well as a past member and chair person of the Franklin Township Recreation Board. He is a past board member, officer, and coach of the Waynesburg Baseball Association, Waynesburg Little League Football, Waynesburg Central High School Quarterback Club, and Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce. John is a member of the First United Methodist Church. Having served as PPR Chairperson, church council member, a member of the investment committee and a member of the nominating committee. He is a past master and current trustee of Waynesburg Lodge #153 F & AM a 32 degree Mason and a member of Syria Shrine. John is also currently a board member and on the executive committee of Greene County Industrial Development Corp., a member and chairman of Tax Abatement Review Board for the County of Greene, a member and two time President of Fort Jackson Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, a member and past President of the Waynesburg Lion’s Club, a member of Waynesburg Lodge 461 Loyal Order of Moose, and a member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army of Greene County.

From little league sports to County Tax Review Boards, John has given his time and talents his entire life. When asked, he steps up and serves with only the betterment of our community as his goal and seeing our area prosper as his reward. Distinguished and service are the two words used to describe who he is.

Fuzzy was a member of the US Army. While at Camp Rucker in Alabama, Fuzzy placed the bagpipes for Audie Murphy’s last Oak Leaf Cluster ceremony. Fuzzy was a star on the bagpipes in the 1950’s and still is today.

Fuzzy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Waynesburg College, a master’s degree in music from WVU and post graduate work at Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, as well as working as a Greene County archaeological field associate for the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. He was a music professor at Waynesburg College for 30 years. He originated the Lamplighters in the early 1960’s and conducted the vocal group for many years, forging a love of music for many generations. He also directed the college Kiltie band. He has showcased his musical talents at GNP, presented by Waynesburg College and at Summer Follies which benefits the Greene County office of Catholic Charities. He is considered to be one of the most well-known people on Waynesburg’s campus, a college icon! Fuzzy has been listed in Who’s Who Twice. He plays his bag pipes anywhere they are welcomed- at churches, schools, community events, weddings and funerals. He has led many processions with the bagpipes, as well as making appearances at numerous community functions. He is always seen at Rain Day, Sheep and Fiber Fest, Waynesburg University’s Charter Day, Greene County Historical Museum to mention a few. He has provided at various functions in the county, one recently being the Waynesburg Women’s Club. He visits many rest homes and hospitals.

Fuzzy has entertained practically all of the area schools with his music and storytelling. He was involved with Carmichaels Area Elementary graduation for several years, playing bag pipes as he led in classes, and he is also involved with the Read Across America Program. He has directed many musicals in the area, as well as the All-County Chorus twice.

In 1990, he retired from teaching and was made curator of the Paul R. Stewart Museum at Waynesburg College Museum. He currently gives lectures in archaeology and has previously given lectures on Greensboro Pottery. He has spoken at Warrior Trail Association and Cornerstone Genealogical Society meetings. He received the “Archey Award,” Pennsylvania’s top archaeology award for his outstanding service in archaeology and for significant contributions toward unselfish furtherance of archaeological research, he has done many digs in Greene County. He was the first president of the Paul R. Stewart Chapter of the state society, he has kept the legacy of Prexy Stewart alive through the museum. He was the first recipient of the Paul R. Stewart award in 1999, an award named after the college’s president who served from 1921 to 1963. He was also presented with the community citizen of the year award by the Greene County Pomona Grange in 2009.

Fuzzy to been seen as a great link between the college and the community, not only by serving as the museum curator but also by spending a lot of time lecturing in the field and giving classroom presentations to local schools in both archaeology and music.  He is a preserved of our artifacts and history. A storyteller, musician, artist, curator, and educator. A very charismatic man full of life, love, and imagination. He is known for always finding time for others- and at the age of 82 still knows how to stop and play and spread joy.

Fuzzy has devoted much of his life to preserving the historic heritage of our county.

Judge Grimes is a graduate of West Greene High School, after high school he earned at bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Ohio Northern University.

In his youth, Judge Grimes earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recently presented with the District Award of Merit by the Greene District of Greater Pittsburgh Council, Boy Scouts of America. He has served Scouting for more than 15 years, including assistant vice chairman from 1987-2002, Greene District chairman from 2002-04 and currently as district member at-large.

He served in the United States Army Artillery Branch from 1966 to 1969 and the Army Reserves where he held the rank of major. In 1985, Judge Terry Grimes was elected for a ten-year term and took office in January of 1986. He was retained in 1995 and again in 2005 presiding over the 13th Judicial Court of Greene County, PA. On January 5th, 2009, Judge Grimes retired as the president judge of Greene County Court after holding the position for 23 years, presiding over both criminal and civil cases. Since retirement, he has remained working at the courthouse part-time.

Judge Grimes is a member of the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church in Holbrook, Cornerstone Genealogical Society, the Greene County Gideons Society, the Knights of Pythias, Graysville Lidge, Greene County Historical Society, and the American Legion. He has also served as treasurer of the Son of the American Revolution and the secretary for Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful.

He resides on a farm in Holbrook with his wife, and he enjoys spending time with his 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

Ivan & Adelaide give back to the community freely and kindheartedly. Due to their humble nature, we may never know the full extent of their generosity. They have made many donations to Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg University, Hewitt Presbyterian Church and California University of Pennsylvania.

In December of 2009, they earned honorary doctorates from California University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Nancy Davis of Diliner is a longtime educator and founding coordinator of Westmoreland County Community College’s Greene County Education Center. Dr. Davis currently serves as the Greene County Education Center’s Workforce Development Coordinator. Her role as a public educator since the mid-60’s has influenced Greene County’s young people greatly, but her crowning role has been the part she played in establishing a branch of WCCC here in 1999 with 64 students enrolled. These days well over 200 students attend the college each semester. Through it all, Dr. Davis has encouraged the commissioners and other community leaders to help support this effort so that people of all ages here can afford post-secondary education. Nancy has worked for many years alongside her husband, the Rev. ‘Blackie’ Davis, who pastors Sugar Grove Baptist Church.

She has served as president of the United Way of Greene County, is on the board of the Waynesburg Chamber, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Waynesburg Rotary in 2003.

“A leader is an individual’s reaction and response to their environment. Many have distinguished themselves by fitting this description but what separates Charles Berryhill from the rest is that he has been a catalyst for the rest of us to become leaders.”

As a teacher of English for 32 years, he educated future government officials, educators, lawyers, CEO’s, doctors, and dentists to name a few. These individuals developed these careers and then found themselves working alongside Charles in community and municipal service. For a majority of his tenure, he was chairman of said department.

He has been a member of Waynesburg Borough Council over 30 years, most as Council President. He was a zoning board member in addition to other positions of leadership. His interest in community improvement led him to a Board of Directors position with Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful. He also working diligently in the Adopt a Park program. He was known as the self-appointed “Borough Photographer.” He was the bands and drama sponsor for Central Greene School District, with drama he presented many plays and won accolades in state competitions at Bucks County. He also oversaw the Forensics Club, Voice of Democracy competitions and coached FFA members in Parliamentary Procedure.

Outside of school, he was a member of the Rotary Club, Interact, and the Lions Club. He assisted for many years with the “Students of the Month” program. To this day, he still travels throughout the area and volunteers by giving educational presentations in many subjects.

Many to this day still look to him as a mentor, example, and confidant.

Ewing B. Pollock was born on March 25th, 1920, in Waynesburg. In 1942 he earned his Artium Baccalaureates degree from Waynesburg College, and in 1949 was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Jurisprudence Doctor degree.

He practiced law with his father, Lloyd E. Pollock for 20 years and currently is the senior partner of Pollock, Thomas, Morris, & McCall, P.C. He is currently the oldest member of the Greene County Bar, where has served as president and treasurers and recently reached the 50-year milestone as an attorney, serving here throughout his legal career. He has been active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association, serving as Chairman of the Environmental, Mineral, and Natural Resources Section from 1963-77.

He has served on the board at First Federal Savings & Loan Association, Community Bank, and Waynesburg College where he served as director beginning in 1959 and receiving an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 1989.

In addition to serving in the Court of Common Pleas of Greene County for over 50 years, he has been admitted to every level of the state and federal court systems, including the Pennsylvania Superior, Commonwealth, and Supreme Courts as well as the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Known for his dedication to his country, he served four years in the European theater and 32 years in the Army Reserves, reaching the rank of Colonel. Pollock is a long-standing member of the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg where he has served as a member of Session and as a Sunday School teacher. He is a 33rd degree Mason and a former master of Waynesburg. His social memberships include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

He takes pride in his family, in which he and his wife of 55 years are the parents of four children, thirteen grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Many in the community say his contributions to the advancement of Waynesburg have strengthened our community and improved the quality of life for many people.

On November 30th, 1931, John was born in Waynesburg PA. From 1952-54 he served with the White House Signal Corp and from 1954-57 served as Chief of communications at Camp David, Maryland, Presidential Retreat during President Eisenhower’s administration and received the White House Service Certificate. He was route-foreman for Moore’s Bakery in Waynesburg from 1957-63, and in 1963 he started his carpet cleaning business. in 1971, he began Humble and Sons Carpeting.

Upon his return to Waynesburg from military service, he came home to serve the community. In 1958, he founded and directed the first women’s fast pitch softball league in Greene County. He and Bob Lee organized a men’s adult county basketball league. He coached Little League American Legion Baseball for 12 years and in 1972 he formed the Waynesburg Adult Church Basketball League. The Waynesburg Lion’s Club knew him best for his 23 plus years of perfect attendance to all events. He held various offices in the Lions Club and served as the president 3 different times.  John initiated the Lion’s Holiday Koeze Nut Sales and has been chairman for 14 years. He is currently fund-raiser chairman for the proposed $150,000 Capital Improvement Program for the Lion’s Community Park. In 1986 he received the Lion of the Year, the International President Appreciation Award, and was named a Lion’s Melvin Jones Fellow, a Pennsylvania State Lion Foundation Award, Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow, and in 1991 he was named citizen of the year by the Grange. He organized the first 4th of July Celebration in 1991 and has been chairman of this event many times.

John has been a member of the Gideons International for 20 plus years, served as State Scripture Secretary, Area Zone Leader, Gideon Church Assignment Secretary, and served as Chairman of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Bible Blitz.

From 1993-97, at the Church if the Nazarene in Greensboro Pa John served as a Lay Pastor. For a period of that time, he served as supply pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Allison PA. The Pittsburgh District of the Church of the Nazarene presented him with the Distinguished Service award in 1995. Two times a week from 1988-93 he and his wife held church services at the Greene County Jail.

John is now retired from Humble & Son’s Carpet, but he is still as busy as ever. His real love is distributing Bibles and visiting shut-ins and nursing home residents to offer encouragement. His pride and joy are his children that he taught to be self-starters and hard working. His daughter Pamela has a master’s degree in Deaf education and his 3 sons are very successful businessmen.

For more than 55 years, Bob has been a member of the Waynesburg Fire Department where he has served at president for more than 20 years. He set a record because he has been an active member longer than any other person in the company’s 77-year history, is still responding to calls and has answered more calls than any other member.

He has been a director of Greene County Industrial Development Inc and director of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County since 1990. He is a past president of Waynesburg Lions Club and has been designated as a Melvin Jones fellow of the Lions Club Foundation.

For 60 years, Bob has been affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg where he has served as its moderator for 18 years and head usher for 32 years. He has also served as a deacon and as chairman of the building committee during renovations and improvements.

He has served as president of Pennsylvania Automotive Association and has served terms on various dealer committees. This year he is serving as president on their Foundation Committee and in 202, he was named a recipient of the TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award for exceptional performance in their new car dealerships and distinguished community service. He is a Paul Harris Fellow award winner of the Rotary Foundation and is an avid supporter of the Greene County 4-H program where he annually purchases market livestock.  Through all his years of work and service, he is still a family man with four sons and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Fox was nominated for, always has and still exemplifies the ideals of service and respect for family, church, and community.

For twenty years, Rev. Dr. Richard E. Visser has been pastor at the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, and for the past 6 years Carol has been Minister of Visitation and Missions. Rev. Dr. Richard E. Visser and his wife Rev. Carol E. Visser have an impressive resume in terms of serving our community. The Greene County Memorial Hospital is the only service they were both involved in, with Carol serving on their ethics committee for 5 years and Richard on their board for 14 years and a joint conference committee chairperson for 4 years.

Richard served the Greene County Human Services Advisory Commission/Board as a member for 12 years, a co-chairperson for 9 years, and second vice chairperson for 3 years. He also served on the Greene County Chapter American Red Cross Board as a member for 6 years and a chairperson for 2 years. He was a board member on the Greene County FEMA Emergency Food & Shelter for 17 years. He has also been a member for 2 years of the Greene County Senior Outreach and Referral (SOAR) Coalition. For 8 years Richard has served on the State Correctional Institute at Greene Citizens Advisory Board. He has also been on the board at the Community Foundation of Greene County, a 3-year founding member and a 2-year vice-chairperson. He has held many roles at the Waynesburg Ministerial Association, as a member for 20 years, the President for 4 years, and the Hospital Volunteer Chaplain Coordinator for 3 years. He is also heavily involved in the Waynesburg Rotary Club where he’s been a member for 20 years, served a President for a year, and the youth exchange officer for 3 years.

Carol has also served many organizations over the years. She has served as a board member for the Greene County American Cancer Society and Greene/Washington County AMI, Inc. for 5 years. For the Cancer Society she served working publicity for 2 years, and for AMI was President for 2 years. For 3 years, she has served Greene County “Faith in Action,” Greene County National Day of Prayer Committee, and the Christian Sandbox Preschool Committee. She also served as a member of the Greene County Community Concerts Association for 6 years, and as President for 2 years. Carol has served on the Greene County Catholic Charities board for 4 years. Greene County Health and Welfare Council has had the pleasure of working with her for the past 6 years. She was the Chair and on the nominating committee for one year on Bowlby Library’s Board and a member for 2 years. Carol has also worked on the Waynesburg Women’s Club for 7 years as a member and served as the Chair and Calling Committee for 2 years. Reverend Carol has been a member of the Waynesburg Ministerium for 7 years, has served as President for 4 years, and for the past 5 years has been the Hospital Volunteer Chaplain Coordinator.

Since 1983, they have faithfully served our community through many roles. It’s typically known for Richard in a given year to administer 175 board/committee meetings, make 200 personal calls and more than 100 hospital calls, not to mention officiating weddings, funerals, child dedications, and visiting personal care homes and patients; but their greatest role was parents to their three sons, Andy, Tom, and Peter.

Audrey Greenlee has always been known for her care towards everyone, young and old. In 1972, the Waynesburg Senior Center opened and needed Meals-on-Wheels drivers. She was one of the first to step forwards. She stopped and spent time visiting with the recipients and even ran errands for them. Every Thursday for 28 years, she faithfully delivered meals.

Audrey also delivered books from the Bowlby Library to shut-ins for many years until the library was able to obtain a van to deliver the books.

For 15 years, she also volunteered at the Greene County Memorial Hospital.

Many times, Audrey and her husband Dr. D. Paul Greenlee took foreign exchange students into their home.

Audrey is a proud mother of nine children of her own, and three foster children throughout different points in her life.

Though time has passed her yearning to serve hasn’t changed, it’s just changed it’s course. Now, Audrey spends her time on the telephone talking to the many shut-ins she used to deliver meals to since driving is no longer an option for her due to heart problems and certain medications that have led to loss of much of her eyesight.The Senior Center still lists her hours as a volunteer.

Art, 87 years young, was born on the Clyde Varner farm on Rt. 218. He married Ruth Widdup in 1939, and they have one son named Robert. He lost his wife to heart disease in 1981. Before his current job, he has an extensive occupational history. He was in the dairy farm business, drove truck, delivered milk house to house and drove for Acklin Lumber Co., worked building road spur for Fred Fox, and was a mechanic for John Younkin at the garage at the top of the hill on Rt. 19 North, at the corner of Richhill and Morris Street, and worked for Brownsville Tire Center.

Arthur Tennant has made major contributions to the Waynesburg Senior Center over the past 16 years through astronomical phases. He has been a dedicated home delivered meal driver for many years. He checks in on Tuesday morning like clock work to deliver and is available any other given day when there is an emergency to deliver the meals. Not only does he deliver the meals, but he keeps track of all the drivers and computerizes their times which have to be reported at the end of each month to Community Action Southwest.

It was through his effort as a member of the Odd Fellows that the center received a pool table and a computer and printer. Art (Arthur) is also always volunteering his services on a one on one basis. He has been part of the Hillbilly Band and he entertains not in music or song but with humor. He has made many smile at the nursing homes and various Senior Centers. Art is also known as Mr. Fix It. He has hung window blinds, assembled desks, works on the senior centers’ electric, and locks.

Art is a 32-year member of the Waynesburg Elks Lodge where he has served as Treasurer, Trustee and on the House Committee. During the recent financial strain, he stepped up and managed the Elks until it was back on track and financially stable. He is also a 52-year member of the American Legion in Waynesburg and a 65-year member of the Odd Fellows Lodge 469 I.O.O.F. where he served as Secretary and District Deputy Grand Master and was on the Board of Directors at Grove City and for Friendship Manor. Art has been attending Fairall United Methodist Church since he was a boy. He taught the teen Sunday School Class and was acting Superintendent. Art, a member of East Franklin Grange 1709, served as secretary. Art put together bands and callers and helped arrange square dances for that organization.

Rev. Dr. David C. Barrett was born in 1935 and raised in Edgewater, NJ. He was the middle of six children. He graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood N.J. and was employed for three years with the ALCOA Aluminum Company after graduating. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and it was there that he first received the calling of God.

After serving in the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Barrington College in 1961. He entered Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree from the institution in 1964.

During his years at Barrington College, he met Carole Nichols of Bay Shore N.J. who was also attending the college. One year later, in December of 1958, they were married. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church on June 21, 1964.

He served as Pastors at Hebron United Presbyterian Church, Reed Memorial United Presbyterian Church, Beverly Height Presbyterian Church, and in June of 1975, he was appointed to the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg.

In 1989, he received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Waynesburg College. He is a past president of the Waynesburg Ministertum, and has served on the following boards: Chairman of the Salvation Army Waynesburg Service Unit for 15 years. American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Try Again Homes, Habitat for Humanity, and Greene County Association of Retarded Citizens.

Between Washington County and New Jersey, he has served on the Evangelism Committee, Committee on Ministry, Personnel Committee, Committee of Preparation for Ministry, and the Synod Evangelism Committee.

He has been involved in numerous committees for crusades and rallies. He has participated in various community charities and fundraisers and has spent much of his time visiting sick and elderly members of the community.

In addition to the numerous missionaries and religious dignitaries that he has welcomed into the church over the past 24 years, the church has traveled extensively in hopes of strengthening its relationship with God. Over the course of the past 20 years, he and several other congregation members, as well as representatives of other community churches, have traveled overseas to various locations, including Jerusalem and Russia.

He plans to retire in June 2000, after 36 years in the ministry and 26 years in Greene County as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg.

Dr. Smith has been a member of the Waynesburg Community for more than thirty-five years and over this time has accepted leadership roles in numerous community activities and researched, published, and spoken on Greene County history. He was born in Dec. 15th, 1920, in Clarksburg WV. He graduated from Washington Irving High School and Salem College. He earned his doctorate in history from West Virginia University (WVU) and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II. He taught history at Marshall College, WVU, and Fairmont State College. He was the vice president of academic affairs and professor of history at Waynesburg college from 1963 until his retirement in 1986.

He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, where he’s a choir member and serves as vice moderator and church historian. As church historian he wrote The History of the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg published in 1993. He also wrote the 1,200 page, two volume History of Greene County published in 1996 and in 1959 he authored Nathan Goff, Jr.- A Biography. He also served on several committees for the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Smith is a past president of both Fairmont and Waynesburg Rotary Clubs, and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. In 2004, the Rotary Club honored him with a Memory Medallion on a bronze plaque on the First National Bank Building in Waynebsurg.

Dr. Smith and his wife Patricia are the parents of six children and reside in Waynesburg.

Born in Bentleyville PA, he attended Bentleyville schools and graduated in 1941. Post graduation, he worked in the Cokeburg Coal Mine with his father as a Coal Loader. In 1943 he entered the service of the Navy construction battalion. He served two years in the Pacific area until he was discharged in 1946. Following the military, he returned to the mines and eventually promoted to a mine safety director. After 30 years at that same company, he became a federal mine inspector 1972 and moved to Waynesburg in 1974. He worked until 1985 and retired and turned to volunteering.

James Sokoloff has delivered meals on wheels to senior citizens in the Waynesburg area since 1985. He also leads the exercise classes at the center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. He also takes the responsibility of showing a movie every Monday afternoon. When a handyman is needed, he is always available to do odd jobs at the center. He has serves as treasurer and member of the site council. Jim always tries to do what he can to make the Waynesburg center a good place to visit, a good place to meet and a place where many friendly but lonely people can spend several hours with others to help spend time that otherwise would be lonely hours spend alone.

Jim has also been a volunteer at the Greene County Memorial Hospital, as an escort for the past 8 years. For six years, Jim has volunteered at the Waynesburg Hospice Center involved in fund raising, public relations, delivering secretarial kits on secretaries’ day, Christmas tree decorating and tree removal and other miscellaneous jobs as needed.

He remarked that Waynesburg is a good place to live. Many think that many people have been served by a compassionate, dedicated volunteer through his effort and that we as a community are the lucky ones to have had his services throughout the years.

Mr. Stilwell assumed the directorship of the Greene County United Way in 1984 and under his leadership the charitable organization has grown from a $12,000 collection agency to a highly visible year-round presence in the county. In addition to his regular work hours he has amassed over 6,000 volunteer hours for the Greene County United Way; many of these hours spent acquiring and remodeling, along with other volunteers a 90-year-old house on High Street so that they would have a permanent home.

He has been personally active each year in the Day of Caring for senior citizens, serving as Chairman of the local FEMA board, on the consumer advisory council of West Penn Power, Tri-County Area and serves on the Greene County Country Club’s Board of Governors. He is an active organizer of the Waynesburg Rotary Club, a member of the VFW, Fredericktown American Legion, Waynesburg Elks Club, Greene County Recreation Committee, Health & Welfare Council, Retired Officer’s Association and he coordinate the annual Boy Scout food drive. As a member of the First Baptist Church in Waynesburg, Mr. Stillwell as Chairman of the Mission Board, a member of the Diaconate Board, a member of the Church Council, Vice-Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Vice President of the American Baptist Men and an Adult Sunday School.

Juanita is the owner of Thompson’s Christian book store. Her nomination stated “in her own quiet way, she is like a private United Nations. Her door is always open to any and all of the foreign students in Waynesburg. She befriends them. She lets them know that they have a refuge when needed. She listens to them. She advocates for them whenever possible. She helps make their transition into Waynesburg life easier. She represents the community of Waynesburg very well.”

She was born in Durham, North Carolina. She graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and a minor in English. One of her earliest dreams was to become a missionary. She located to Wind Ridge after marrying her husband whom she met in college, that had become a pastor and was located to preach in Wind Ridge in 1952. Two years later, they had their only child and by 1955, she was on her way to Singapore to start her dream. While on their way to Manilla, her husband, John, rapidly fell critically ill with polio. They knew their dream of being missionaries were over, and talked of opening a book store in Waynesburg though he was confined to an iron lung.

In 1957, their dream of opening a bookstore became a reality. John did all the ordering and book work from his rocking bed in the room off the book store, until his passing in 1977. From here she continued with the book store, and her adapted her mission to those studying internationally. She truly loved spending time with and showing the international students Greene County.

Juanita is a familiar face at the local nursing homes, where she conducts Sunday morning church services. “Greene County is where I want to be. There’s no place in the world I’d rather be than here.”

She is always there to give selflessly of herself to aid someone in need. She serves as a constant reminder that she believes in the dignity of man, no matter what their status in the community. She is such a positive, quiet role model to allow all whose lives she touches. Her door is always open and she is always willing to give help to anyone who needs it.

When told of her winning this award, her first words were, “Why would I ever win anything like that? I don’t deserve it.”

Richard “Dick” Morgan is a retired bank official and one of the most active civic volunteers in the community. He came to Waynesburg in 1941 to attend Waynesburg College but his college career would be interrupted by World War II. Following the war, he returned to college and was co-captain of the football team during the 1947 season.

He graduated from Waynesburg College in 1948 with a degree in business administration. Shortly after, he became a newsman for the Washington Observer-Reporter and spent the next 13 years on the staff at the Waynesburg office. In 1961, he began as a teller at First Federal Savings & Loan Association and in 1984 he was promoted to first vice president. Following 25 years of service he retired on June 1st, 1986.

He states the proudest accomplishment of his long career in business and community service is his marriage to the former Margaret Bell (Peggy) Wiley of Richhill Township. They are the parents of eight children and the grandparents of seven grandchildren.

Mary is a 1928 graduate of Waynesburg High School, she went on to obtain her nursing degree from Homestead Hospital in 1931. After marrying John Parkinson of State College, she returned to Waynesburg in 1941. She primarily worked as a private duty nurse at Greene County Memorial Hospital, and she joined the Greene County Nurses Club in 1942 and is still a high-ranking member. Her instrumental efforts to raise $7,500 toward the purchase of a Life Line Machine for the Greene County Memorial Hospital in 1984 were widely successful.

She worked with the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Waynesburg, the Heart Association, the Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the Human Services Task Force, the American Red Cross for over 30 years where she served on their board, the Greene County Health and Welfare Coordinating Council in 1980, the Community Food Bank where she was named “Person of the Year,” and the Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce where she served on the board of directors. In 1970, she established the United Way of Greene County along side Dr. Richard S. Cowan Jr. She has also been a member of the Community Advisory Council of Waynesburg College’s Nursing Depart, as well as the Bridge Street Commons Advisory Council.

She was most recently known for serving as the chairman of fundraising for Operation Kids Shots, a program that reached children not previously immunized in Greene County. $1,200 was raised and will be used for community education and shots for children. After working and serving for more than half a century as an advocator and supporter of community health programs, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Mr. Carlson is an ordained Presbyterian minister, an educator, a humanitarian, a community activist and native of Greensburg. He graduated from Waynesburg College in 1940 and worked for the College for fifty years as a member of the staff on religious projects, development, alumni relations, and as a teacher. He is the founding chairman of Hospice Care, Inc. which now serves both Greene and Washington Counties, having founded Hospice in 1978 following the death of his wife, Ruby. He served in the Navy for two years in World War II as a Chaplin. He is active in the Waynesburg Rotary Club. Mr. Carlson and his wife ‘Petey’ reside in Waynesburg.

In regards to his education, Mattei was a graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and attended California University of Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia University, the University of Hawaii, and Penn State University.

Mattei began teaching in 1973 for the Intermediate Unit for California. He has now been a special needs teacher for the children in Waynesburg schools. He was nominated for his DSA and the nominator stated he “has contributed a lot to Greene County because he’s touching its future by touching its youth though they may not have a lot of material wealth or academic skills, he helps students achieve self worth.”

Aside for teaching, he has helped serve the school district through founding the New Attitudes Fitness program, a wellness program for Central Greene’s employees and students. He was also the first Greene County coordinator for Special Olympic in 1976, and was a county coordinator for “Hands Across America.”

Harry S. Anderson has been active in fundraising activities for Greene County Memorial Hospital, the Waynesburg Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America, Waynesburg College, and many other organizations. Mr. Anderson is serving as an escort at Greene County Memorial Hospital and is a working member of the committees of Follies. He also delivers meals on wheels for the elderly and has been a volunteer for the American Cancer society since 1951. A charter member of the Lions Club, he has been credited with keeping the Greene County Unit of the American Cancer Society alive for many years and has served the unit in many capacities. The American Cancer Society has honored him with the National Bronze Medal, given to one person in the state each year and it’s “Sword of Hope,” the society’s highest award. In addition, Mr. Anderson was state crusade chairman and chairman of the society’s state board of directors. He was honored by Waynesburg College for more than 50 years of service as a student athletic trainer, fund raiser, and alumnus. He received the President’s Service award in 1977.

Jack was selected as the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award given by the Chamber. Mr. McCracken was educated in Bentleyville schools and graduated in June 1946. He enlisted in the Navy in July of 1946. He traveled the world via the Panama and Suez canals while in the Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1948. In the fall of 1949, he entered Ohio Northern University and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in public health. He married in 1954, and lived in Columbus with his wife until June 1957, when they came to Waynesburg, and he worked as a pharmacist in Jessee L. Ross Drug Store. In January 1961, Jack purchased the East End Rexall Store, where he opened McCracken Pharmacy on March 1st, 1961. In 1964, he purchased the Henderson building, and in 1966 he moved the pharmacy to its present location. In 1966, he took Tom Jackovic in as his partner, and they worked together until Jack’s retirement in 1992.

On May 29, 1999, he received a special award from DeBow Freed, president of Ohio Northern University, for his many years of service and his many contributions to the university.

He was a member of Whiteley Creek Community Church. He was a retired member of Waynesburg-Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, having served as secretary and president. He was a former member of Waynesburg Lions Club and a member of Waynesburg Lodge No. 153 F&AM, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Syria Temple AAONMS and Washington Caravan 2. He was a 32nd-degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, and Past Noble Grand of IOOF 469, Waynesburg. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars 4793, Waynesburg, B.P.O.E. Elks 757, Waynesburg, and Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jack was the true face of “making Waynesburg a better place to live.”