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The Historical Association of Lewiston has announced its 2022 award winners, who will be honored at “Lewiston Jeopardy.” This event is slated for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Brickyard Brewing Company’s banquet room on Center Street.
In making the announcement, HAL President Ken Slaugenhoupt stated, “Our award winners have more than proven their devotion in preserving and promoting Lewiston’s rich heritage. Their hard work and generosity over the years has enabled us to make tremendous strides in achieving our mission, and we are most grateful for their community spirit, pride and commitment in upholding Lewiston’s reputation as one of the best small towns in America.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Leandra Collesano, who was the chairperson of this year’s Lewiston bicentennial celebrations.
Slaugenhoupt said, “There were dozens of volunteers who ensured a successful event, but Leandra was the shining light of inspiration and leadership during the years of planning. She kept it all together and led the way in organizing a tremendous effort that will certainly go down in the history books!"
The Business of the Year Award will go Rocco and Carla DelGrosso, owners of the contracting firm Krislyn Co.
Slaugenhoupt said, “The DelGrosso’s deep love for Lewiston – much of which is behind the scenes – has had an amazing impact on our success. They are always asking how they can help, and we are proud to call them friends and benefactors. Ever since Rocco worked as our prime contractor for the magnificent Tuscarora Heroes Monument in 2013, we have developed a close relationship that has reaped many rewards for Lewiston, including the construction of the beautiful veterans ‘Circle of Honor’ memorial at Academy Park. We are proud to announce Krislyn Co. as our Business of the Year.”
Well-known Lewiston enthusiasts Bill and Barb Vrooman will receive The Friends of History Award for their support and advocacy of historical causes throughout the years.
Slaugenhoupt said, "Bill can trace his ancestry to Lewiston’s earliest days, and his family has been a pillar of this community ever since. His dad was a town councilman, and Vrooman Drive was named after him in his honor. Bill and Barb have carried on the tradition and have been an extremely powerful force in preserving our local culture. Few people realize Bill and Barb donated the iconic clock tower at Fifth and Center Street that has greeted visitors far and wide. They are deserving of our deepest appreciation.”
Two senior Girl Scouts and freshman at Lewiston-Porter High School, Lauren Fura and Elizabeth Adamson, will be presented the Bruce Sutherland Outstanding Contribution Award for their production of a new walking tour that provides verbal descriptions of Lewiston’s most historical landmarks.
Slaugenhoupt said, “This project dramatically enhanced our abilities to share our history with everyone. Today, anyone with a phone can get online and access the walking tour that describes 54 different locations in the village. We thank Lauren and Lizzie for a truly outstanding contribution to HAL and the Lewiston community. Our former leader, Bruce Sutherland, would have been very impressed and proud to have his name associated with this wonderful project.”
Lauren’s parents are Larry and Tanya Fura. Lizzie is the daughter of George and Jenny Adamson.
Major sponsors this year include: Rocco & Carla DelGrosso of Krislyn Co., Niagara County legislators Rebecca Wydysh and Irene Myers, Robert MacVie Inc., Jeff and Marla Williams, and Hardison Funeral Home.
Other valued sponsors include: Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Health Systems Services, Apple Granny, Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, Giusiana Architects and Engineers, Montante Group, Rudy and Mary Ann Aranyosi, Tim Hortons, Susan Geissler Studio, Warren's Village Hardware, George S. Adamson Real Estate & Estate Planning, Brown and Company LLP, Susan Reinhardt, Rhoney Funeral Home Inc., The Nut Hut, Francis M. Williams Trust, Jeff and Jessica Streb, Niagara County Community College, Vincent A. Cancemi Sr., Claudia Keeler Real Estate, Lund Leather, Mayor Anne Welch, Stuart Sports, Peter Coppins, UPS, Niagara Frontier Golf Club, Tom Hanna East Coast Water Colors, Lewiston VFW Post 7487, Joe Grabka, Tom Eaton, Niagara Frontier Publications, Lewiston Love and Bin There, Dump That.
“Lewiston Jeopardy” is open to the public, with tickets $45. Those interested in attending can get reservations by calling the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214. Organizers anticipate a sell-out so early reservations are recommended.