It’s not Glenn Elliott’s fault there are so many residents in the Friendly City who deserve a little recognition. The mayor gave shout-outs this past Tuesday in his “State of the City” speech to some fine folks who were very deserving, but there are so many more who should be celebrated if only for a moment.
That is why we have taken the time to compile our very own list of Wheeling citizens who make a difference without wanting recognition, and that is why the following folks are receiving these “They Just Do It” Awards.
Christian Kefauver – Not only has Chef Chris stoked the local culinary scene with his WVNCC grads, but for many years he’s traveled throughout the Upper Ohio Valley and the state of West Virginia to teach diabetic children how to prepare tasty, sugarless meals. He doesn’t have to do that. He just does.
Cindy Johnson – A vote would be unnecessary. Hands down, Cindy Johnson is THE Hospitality Queen of Wheeling, W.Va. She was the general manager at The McLure House for 18 years and no matter who owned it, Johnson always made sure the hotel operated smoothly while appearing as attractive as possible before moving on to the entertainment staff at Wesbanco Arena.
Ryan Stanton – Not only is he an educator, but he performs miracles, too. See, Mr. Stanton teaches a class at Wheeling Park High called “The History of Wheeling,” and at the end of it, his students no longer wish to sprint away from their hometown as quickly as they did before the first class.
Crystal Bauer – Dr. Mercer has been a man of service for many years in Wheeling and Ohio County and was rightfully honored by Mayor Elliott, and his Project Hope partner, Crystal Bauer, deserves the same. Crystal is a registered nurse who heads to the woods several times a week, if necessary, and she advocates for members of the homeless population who need help with “the system.” She does that because we won’t.
Joe Gompers – He’s 98 years old, he’s sharp-minded, and Mr. Gompers is full of stories about what Wheeling was during his professional prime. But this brilliant attorney also enjoys sharing what he believes is possible for the city in the future, and he even threatens to stick around long enough to see it for himself.
Tammy Kruse – She is now the new CEO of Youth Services System now that John Moss has retired, and her list of challenges right now is monumental because of the indefinite amount of need of those who wish for the assistance offered by the non-profit. Tammy won’t quit, though. Instead, she will clear new paths and rebuild burned bridges.
John Bishop – John just wants you to be OK. If you’re not, John wants to know what he can do to help. It is residents like him that earn Wheeling the “Friendly City” every day and we thought such an approach to everyday life deserved our official admiration.
Angie Szalay – She was a bartender at the 19th Hole, and then she became the second owner of the 19th Hole after the founder, Allen Kage, passed away suddenly in December 2011. Szalay has been very successful, too, since acquiring the business in December 2012, but that’s not why she is a recipient of this “They Just Do It” Award. Nope, Szalay has earned this honor because she gives back in more ways than most realize.
Denny and Colleen Lee – “Do they need fed?” That’s usually the first question out of Denny Lee’s mouth … and then his wife, Colleen, usually follows with, “How many people are there?” For more than 20 years that is how these owners of two DeFelice Bros. Pizza franchises (in Bethlehem and Wheeling) have approached what they do best to help efforts that have made this town a better place to live. But see, we just eat the pizza, don’t we?
Mary Lufft – Some refer to this fine lady as “Bink,” a nickname earned moons ago and now just engrained in minds forever. Others, though, believe she is the “Godmother of Good” because of her prayers and well wishes, her efforts to organize fundraisers, and her compassion for those without common convenience. And all she asks for in exchange? Smiles. Oh, and the occasional hug.
Sincerely,
Those In the Know
