RECOGNIZED Richard Sekely receives Masonic award

BOARDMAN -- Richard J. Sekely of Salem received the 2004 Community Service Award during a dinner meeting April 17 at The Georgetown held by Masons from Carroll, Columbiana, Jefferson and Mahoning counties. He is a member of Perry Lodge of Salem.
Steven J. Krekus, the state's top Masonic officer, made his annual visit to the four-county 24th Masonic District event and made the presentation to Sekely.
Sekely retired in 2001 as president and chairman of the board at Sekely Industries after 45 years of service. He became involved with the Northern Columbiana County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and was elected president of its board of directors. He helped organize, plan, develop and implement Habitat for Humanity's office and warehouse, which the organization never had before. Under Sekely's direction, the group went from building one home to three homes a year. Next year's goal is four homes.
Krekus supports the expansion of Masonic youth organizations, Ohio Special Olympics and the charitable foundation managed by Ohio Freemasons. The 130,000 Freemasons in Ohio give $94,000 in college scholarships annually, contribute more than $100,000 annually to Ohio Summer Special Olympics, fund training for hundreds of Ohio school teachers to recognize students at nonacademic risk and give thousands of dollars in charitable gifts to individuals through their foundation.