McGuffey society elects officers, looks to programs

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society elected officers and announced programs at its annual business meeting Feb. 28.

Elected officers for 2015 are Richard S. Scarsella, president; Shirley Eckley, vice president; Tom Eckley, treasurer; and Margaret Grace, secretary.

The WHMHS also has begun its membership campaign. Members receive advance notice of all programs, preferred event seating, a discounted rate on purchases and a discounted rate on storytelling bookings.

The society conducts several activities during the year. The Annual Founder’s Day and Pioneer Award Ceremonies take place in the fall at the William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School.

The Front Porch Storytellers provide entertainment.

Recipients of the award are David Tod; Helen Stambaugh; Gibby James; Bruce and Nancy Beeghly; the Tony Lariccia family; Harry Meshel; and Al Bright and Regina Rees, Youngstown State University professors emeritus.

Taking place quarterly are the Lifetime of Memories programs. They begin at 10 a.m. Saturdays at Kravitz’s Deli Meeting Room, 3135 Belmont Ave., Liberty.

Free refreshments and a 50-50 raffle are available, and goodwill offerings are accepted.

The 2015 schedule is March 21, Nancy Beeghly, retired Vindicator columnist; June 20, Patrick Ungaro, Liberty Township administrator and former Youngstown mayor; and Sept. 15, the Rev. Edward Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church.

Nonmembers are invited. Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are welcome.

The WHMHS is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous children’s author, who wrote the McGuffey Eclectic Readers, first published in 1836 and still in print. He was raised in Coitsville and his home site is a national historic landmark.

For information, call the society at 330-726-8277.