Forest City's Old Home Week celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. For 27 of those years the OHW committee has selected and honored one local resident and one former resident. This year the Distinguished Citizen award was presented to former resident Father Francis Burshnick who presently enjoys retirement in Florida. Father Burshnick has kept in touch with his hometown and his family which still resides in Forest City, including his mother and brother. He returns every year for several weeks to visit family and says Mass in his home parish.
Diana Junior, Librarian at the Forest City Branch of the Susquehanna County Free Library Association was honored as the local recipient for the award.. Described as a tireless worker for the area, Diana has been involved with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Catholic Community of Forest City and the Forest City Volunteer Ambulance Association. Diana resides in Forest City with her husband of 47 years, Andy.Their son, Glenn is the manager of Stone Bridge Inn and Restaurant near Elk Mountain.
The Distinguished Citizen permanent committee is Paul A. Ferraro, John P. Kameen and Tom Butler and they, along with OHW coordinator Seth Wasnock, work with additional committee members from the local civic and service organizations, elected officials from Forest city and Vandling in making their selection for the award.
The awards ceremony was held on Saturday of OHW just prior to the parade that drew hundreds of people to the borough for this yearly event. Master of Ceremonies Tom Butler introduced Father Patrick Albert who gave the invocation which was followed by a welcome from Seth Wasnock who coordinated the committees involved in OHW. Described as the only sane person throughout the whole planning of OHW, John Kameen thanked Wasnock and presented him with a plaque for all his efforts.
Kameen also introduced the past Distinguished Citizens who were present at the ceremony. They included Dorothea Bloxham, Peggy Brager, Capt. Harry Newak, "Chauncey" Zazzera, Mary "Pudgie" Paulin, Edward Tourje, Thomas Butler, Dr. Patrick Mcandrew, Frank Gliha, Paul A. Ferraro, Paul Jones, James and Helen Marsicano.
Committee member Tom Butler had the honor of presenting the award to Mrs. Junior who said she was truly humbled by the selection for such an award. John Kameen presented Father Burshnick with his award. Father thanked his family and God for all he has received. "For all past things, I say 'Thank You' and for all things to come, I say 'Yes', Father said as he received his award.
Heading the elected officials who were on hand to present citations to the honorees was State Senator Lisa Baker who praised those being honored as well as the committee members who were responsible for OHW, brought a citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate. A citation from Susquehanna County to those being honored was delivered by Commissioner MaryAnn Warren and Commissioner Leon Allen. Forest City Mayor Nick Cost handled the honors for the Borough of Forest City.
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