A spirited

celebration

in Gowanda

     The stars were out in Hollywood last weekend, but they were just as bright in Gowanda. Just as actors and actresses were presented Oscars for their contributions to the performing arts, Gowanda-area individuals received awards for their endeavors to make the Beautiful Valley Between the Hills a better place to live. The 17th annual Spirit of Gowanda Awards festivities began last Saturday evening (Feb. 28) with a changing of the guard. Outgoing President Barry Hager introduced the Rev. Travis Grubbs, newly elected president of the Gowanda-Area Chamber of Commerce. A village resident for three and a half years, Rev. Grubbs noted in his opening remarks that, thanks to the appointment of an events coordinator - Kathryn Colvin - the Chamber office will now be open five days a week. It was then time for the highlight of the evening, the awards presentation.

     Receiving the award in the Business category were Cliff and Paula Schueler. Before stepping up to the podium, though, Barry Hager spoke, reminiscing about Gowanda’s smallest business - [Schueler’s] hot dog cart.”

     It was after a lengthy stint as successful restaurateurs that the Schulers decided to “downsize.” The ambitious couple retired from the rigors of restaurant ownership and decided to set up the hot dog cart, which enabled them to still enjoy meeting and greeting people from all walks of life. For a number of years, they were a part of the streetscape, poised before Hager’s Flowers & Gifts. The Schuelers served up the best hot dogs around with homemade condiments, and dessert was just beyond the Hager business doorway - a fine chocolate or Jelly Belly chaser.

     Their cart was set up from April until October and attracted young and not so young to savor the all-American hot dog. One story in particular, Hager recounted, was a favorite of Paula Schueler’s. A couple met while waiting in line at the cart and they eventually married. Romance, along with the taste-tempting aroma of grilled hot dogs, was obviously in the air that day.

     Children have also enjoyed the hot dog cart’s presence in town. Youngsters found out that it’s true, Santa never really rested, he had a summer job: selling hot dogs, continuing to make people happy.

     Although the hot dog cart is now under new ownership, the Schuelers are still very active in the community. They are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church; Cliff is an elder and Paula sings in the choir and assists with the children’s ministry. Paula is also a Town of Persia councilwoman. And, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

     As the Schuelers were presented with a plaque that included images of them at the hot dog cart, Cliff expressed their thanks and said, “It’s a wonderful community.”

     Dennis Tingue then spoke about his “friends and neighbors,” Lou and Dorothy Selan.

     Recipients of the Community Service Award, this dynamic duo are staunch supporters of the Hidi and Gowanda areas. Lifelong residents, the Selans have dedicated their efforts to helping Gowanda grow and improving the quality of life in this rural community.

     Tingue noted that “Lou has always been a leader, not a follower; he was one of the founders of Little League Football.”

     In addition to sports-related activities, Lou, an armed forces veteran, has served on Gowanda’s UDEG Committee and is a member of the American Legion and VFW posts.

     Both Lou and Dorothy are a “very important part of the Slovenian Club,” according to Tingue, and Lou, for over 50 years has, as treasurer, assured the club’s participation in assisting local organizations, projects and programs.

     Dorothy, meanwhile, has a long slate of accomplishments as well.

     In addition to a 30-plus year career working for the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center executive director, Dorothy earned her realtor’s license and is currently a member of the National Notary Association, National Association of Realtors, the Buffalo Realtors Association of Realtors, the Gowanda VFW Auxiliary and, as mentioned previously, the Gowanda Slovenian Club. She is very active in the annual Harley Happening at the Hollywood and, most importantly, is office manager of the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce.

     Despite all of their individual activities, the Selans are a team, volunteering when and where needed. Although Lou, upon accepting the award, said the team effort was 51 percent Dorothy, his wife insisted that it’s 50/50, with one helping the other in all their endeavors.

     Dorothy also mentioned that “if there is a project that Louis and I can help with, just ask us and we’ll see if we have the time to do it.”

     Even with their involvement in various activities, the Selans’s philanthropic spirit continues to come to the forefront as they welcome even more challenges in their pride “to be part of this village!”

     Receiving the Spirit of Gowanda Excellence in Youth award was Ashley Certis, a senior at Gowanda Central School.

     A teen who is active not only with school activities’ but in community and church projects as well, Ashley is known for her compassion and concern. Aside from participation in school clubs, organizations, sports and music, she teaches Vacation Bible School at Gowanda Free Methodist Church and worked with others in the church’s youth group to renovate a parish in Rochester. She also takes part in the 30-hour Famine to raise money for families in poverty-stricken countries.

     On patriotic holidays, Ashley can be seen helping to display American flags throughout the village.

     During the summer of 2003, Ashley attended the International Youth Conference in Colorado, and the Buffalo/Niagara Youth Conference.

     Ashley currently is a part-time cashier at Jubilee and, after graduation, plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester to major in music education.

     In addition to the Spirit award, an award from her church for being an outstanding teen was presented by youth worker/Sunday School teacher Mike Johnson, who commented on her “tender heart,” “concern for her peers,” and “great smile.”

     Upon accepting the awards, Ashley said, “I would not be the person I am today if I weren’t living in Gowanda,”

     The nearly 200-strong crowd expressed their congratulations to these award winners through standing ovations. The stars were definitely brightly shining that night; the only thing missing was a red carpet.