Saxon Club honors Man, Woman of Year

Photo

Baker

Photo

Lieb

YOUNGSTOWN

At its annual benefit goulash dinner March 19, the Youngstown Saxon Club honored its Man and Woman of the Year.

The Ladies Lodge Branch 22 of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons honored Bonnie Baker. The Men’s Lodge Branch 30 honored Rick Lieb.

Making the ladies lodge presentation was June Hoetzel, Branch 22 president, and presenting for the men’s lodge was Ernie Roth, Branch 30 president.

Michael Teutsch Jr. was presented the Saxon Honor Pin for meritorious and devoted service by the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons National President Thomas J. Manning.

The Rev. Mark Bell of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church gave the invocation, and entertainment was provided by the Saxon Brass Band. James Mauch was master of ceremonies.

Baker was born Aug. 3, 1942, in Youngstown, to Robert and Edith Baker of Greenville, Pa. She attended Youngstown City Schools and graduated from South High School in 1960. In high school, she worked for the south side branch of the Youngstown Public Library.

She attended Youngstown State University, concentrating on art and business, while working in the art department of General Fireproofing Inc.

After college, she joined her family’s business, Baker Plastics Inc. She became the corporation’s president in 1978 and owner in 2005.

While at Baker Plastics, she volunteered on the advisory boards of Junior Achievement, Rescue Mission and several other civic organizations. In 1972 she formed the Summer Wind music group. As the group’s vocalist she performed in venues in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Youngstown, and continues her interest in music.

Baker is a member of Canfield Presbyterian Church. She has won awards for her art work and several pieces have been displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art. She studied art with Clyde Singer and George Faddis at the Butler. She is a 25-year cancer survivor.

For the Saxon Club, Baker serves on various committees and events, including the ladies and couples bocce leagues, flea markets, mother/daughter banquets and basket auctions. She served as president of Ladies Branch 22 for seven years, retiring in December 2015.

Man of the Year Rick Lieb was raised in Cleveland and graduated from St. Joseph High School, where he participated in Radio Club, football and track.

He joined the U.S. Air Force and served for 4 years and 9 months.

Lieb moved to Youngstown in 1969 for a position at Materials Technology Corp. He later worked for the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Vienna and traveled extensively, retiring in 1999. He has held many part time jobs and now operates a small lawn service business.

His interests include reenacting the Civil War as a Union soldier.

A Saxon Club member since 1991, Lieb has served as a trustee, New Years Eve chairperson and President’s Ball chairperson. He also has served as the club’s 300 Club chairman for 10 years.

He is a member of Argus Masonic Lodge 545 and American Legion Post 301.

Lieb and his wife Marcie have six children, 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Baker and Lieb are members of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons, a fraternal benefit society.