Wellsburg Kiwanis honor their longtime members

Tribute also is paid to deceased members

By WARREN SCOTT, Staff writer

WELLSBURG - The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club took time recently to recognize two of its longtime members and remember three members whom the group lost last year.

Legion of Honor awards were presented to Nat "Sonny" Marino of Weirton and Phil Consalvo of Follansbee. The awards are given to Kiwanians who have put in 25 to 75 years of service.

In his 50th year with the group, Consalvo has served as district lieutenant governor and as the club's president and a member of its board of directors. He also has been an unofficial publicity person for the group, taking many photos submitted to local newspapers to promote the club's chicken barbecue, rose sale and other activities.

Consalvo said his favorite Kiwanis activities include the chicken barbecue and pancake supper. He recalled that he became involved with the group after being invited by Jim Dureski, a co-worker at the former Pillsbury Co.

"I enjoy being in Kiwanis and doing a lot of things for the community," he said.

The Salvation Army and the Holy Family Catholic Mission are among local causes that have been supported by the club, which also awards two scholarships to Brooke High School seniors each year.

Also a board member and past president, Marino said he was serving as Brooke County magistrate when local business owner John Cipoletti approached him about joining the group.

Marino said he has enjoyed all Kiwanis activities during his 30 years in the club but particularly likes the chicken barbecue, pancake supper and the Christmas luminaria project.

In addition to selling luminaria to various groups, the club has placed hundreds of the candles along state Route 2 in Wellsburg, the Wellsburg Town Square and outside schools and churches in the city on Christmas Eve, often aided by members of the Brooke High School Key Club.

Marino said, "I enjoy the fellowship with all of the members and working with them on different projects."

Consalvo and Marino were presented certificates from Kiwanis International commending them for their service and lapel pins denoting their highest office in the club by District Governor Aggie Monezis of Weirton.

Audrae Bryant, the club's president; and Sean Jackson, its treasurer; also led the group in paying tribute to three members who died last year. They are: Paul H. Ross, Lawrence "Larry" Reeves and Carol Cox.

The pair said the club is a small but dedicated one, and their absence will be deeply felt. Several family members of the three were present to accept a certificate and memorial clock on their behalf.

In lieu of a memorial clock, a donation was made, at Cox's request, to Wellsburg United Methodist Church, where she was a member and organist for many years.

Representing the three were: Madelon Reeves, Reeves' wife; Judy Fowler and Mark and Cheryl Ross, Ross' daughter, son and daughter-in-law; Leon Cox, Cox's husband and a Wellsburg Kiwanis member also; Steve Cox, their son; Kristen Cox, wife of their other son, Tim; and Brian and Kevin, their grandchildren.

Janice Smith, the group's secretary, noted many of the guests were familiar faces, having assisted with Kiwanis projects over the years, and she encouraged them to remain involved with the group.

Recognition also was given to the members with perfect attendance. They and the number of years they have achieved perfect attendance are: Consalvo, 49; Bill Metzger, 43; Leon Cox, 38; Robert Haas, 31; Marino, 30; Bill Shannon, 21; Bryant, 13; Smith, 11; Ron Ostrosky, 10; Jackson, 9; and Johanna Sanders, 2.

Also honored were past recipients of the George F. Hixson Fellowship award. Through the awards, Kiwanis clubs honor members with distinguished service by making a donation of $1,000 each in their name to the Kiwanis International Foundation's efforts to eradicate iodine deficiency throughout the world.

They are named for the only Kiwanis International president to serve two terms in recognition of his more than 50 years of distinguished service.

Wellsburg Kiwanis members who have been named Hixson Fellows are: Metzger, Shannon, Consalvo, Haas, Cox and Reeves.