Former plaza director honored for her work

By David Skolnick

The ceremony included a garden dedication and a special marker.

YOUNGSTOWN — Claire Maluso is accustomed to putting on events honoring those who contribute to the city.

That was part of her job as the city’s Federal Plaza director, a post she had for about 15 years.

When it came to being the person being honored, Maluso said she was overwhelmed.

“I never expected such a tribute,” she said.

Besides many kind words from various people, Tuesday’s ceremony included a special garden dedication and permanent marker in Maluso’s honor in the city’s Central Square.

“She’s been a fixture in Youngstown, particularly downtown Youngstown, for decades,” said Mayor Jay Williams.

Maluso was first hired as plaza director in January 1988 and stayed until May 1998. She was rehired by city council in September 2003 and retired in January 2008.

As director, Maluso was involved in promoting downtown activities and events and organizing ribbon-cuttings to attract interest in new and expanding businesses.

Tuesday’s event had Maluso’s fingerprints all over it: A portion of a street was closed (the intersection of Federal Street and Wick Avenue for this event), guests received a four-page color program, pastries and coffee, and the event closed with a recording of Petula Clark’s song, “Downtown.”

Many of Maluso’s events when she served as Federal Plaza director followed that formula.

With a smile, Maluso said she helped a little bit, but only because the event’s organizers kept asking her if they were doing everything correctly.

Youngstown CityScape and Streetscape, organizations that help beautify the city’s downtown, sponsored Tuesday’s event with Maluso’s family.

The garden dedicated to Maluso on the west side of Central Square in the city’s downtown includes roses, petunias, daisies and salvia.

The marker reads: “In honor of Claire Maluso. ‘The Lady of the Lights’ who helps all good things grow.”

As Federal Plaza director, Maluso raised money to place lights on the downtown’s trees to make the area look more appealing.

“Her glass is always half-full,” said Sharon Letson, Youngstown CityScape’s executive director. “She always [brings] to the table that positive attitude. She’d say, ‘Keep it clean, light it well and make it beautiful.’ Those are the words CityScape lives by.”

In addition to being Federal Plaza director, Maluso worked as an economic development and community outreach aide for the 17th Congressional District, was the first female vice president of Hartzell’s Rose and Sons, a former Youngstown clothing store, and owned a travel agency for 12 years.

She also wrote a book, “Management by Objectives, A Dollars and Sense Approach” in 1975, published by the Men’s Wear Retailers of America and used as a training guide.

skolnick@vindy.com