Hinckley, Ohio is famously known for its annual Buzzard’s Day celebration in mid-March. The world-renowned event is proudly sponsored and organized by the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce, comprised of local residents and business-owners invested in this vibrant community located mid-way between Cleveland and Akron. Proceeds benefit local scholarships.
2020 Buzzard Day CANCELED.
Three Hinckley Chamber Scholarships
Awarded in 2020
Colasanti, Woodall, Zywica
In anticipation of Buzzard Sunday landing on March 15, 2020 to excite greater turnout, and thanks to continued sponsorship support from local businesses, a third One Thousand Dollar Hinckley Chamber of Commerce Scholarship was added this year.
Normally the recipients – Nathan Colasanti, David Woodall, and Lynsey Zywica – would be required to attend the May Chamber meeting to read their winning essays before the general membership. However, with shelter-in-place directives to keep people safe distances apart during the coronavirus pandemic, the Chamber is instead asking Colasanti, Woodall and Zywica to make and submit a video reading, which will be shared online.
An Eagle Scout with Troop 520 in Hinckley, Nathan Colasanti has been an active volunteer for Hinckley events for years. On track to become an anesthesiologist, he has already shadowed at the Cleveland Clinic. A scholar athlete, member of the National Honor Society and National Chinese Honor Society, Nathan is a campus ministry leader, cultivating spiritual as well as sports excellence.
Graduating with an associate’s degree in arts alongside his high school diploma, David Woodall took College Credit Plus courses during high school, to jump start his academic and, ultimately, professional career as a human resources specialist. A member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa at Tri-C, David also works, volunteers and plays sports. He will attend the University of Akron.
Lynsey Zywica takes all challenges seriously. A high-performing student and leader, Lynsey took honors, Advanced Placement, and College Credit Plus courses in addition to working. As a lifeguard and swim teacher, she developed communications, assessment, and management skills. Lynsey’s desire to help and care for others points her toward a career as a physician’s assistant.
The Chamber postponed 2020 Buzzard Day on March 11, 2020, just 4 days before Buzzard Day and Governor DeWine’s closure of restaurants and bars. Because 650 pounds of Buzzard Day special ordered sausage had already been made by Five Brand Star Meats in Cleveland, the Hinckley community was offered the opportunity to purchase 10# boxes to offset the Chamber’s expense. In true Hinckley community fashion, every single box was sold!
With the extension of shelter-in-place dates and the uncertainty of when business-as-usual could resume, 2020 Buzzard Day was canceled at the April 2, 2020 Zoom meeting. The Chamber thanks the community, craft vendors, attractions providers, volunteers and sponsors for their patience and optimism that we might reschedule the event.
Thanks to the Chamber and community volunteers who worked hard to prepare, and then disassemble plans already in place for our annual event: Alison & Dennis Kuzma (2019 Citizens of the Year), Mark Staron-S&S Heating & Cooling, Trish Strazar-Millennium Rehabilitation, Heather Liccardi-Hinckley Women’s Club, Melissa Latta-Minnehaha Water, Kristina Trase-AAA Medina, Hinckley Police Chief Dave Centner, Hinckley Fire Chief Jestin Grossenbaugh, Melinda Mallari-Precision Market Services.
Thanks to our sponsors Kevin Swan-Western Reserve Plumbing, Borden’s Dairy, Pam Rbyka-ReMax Realtor, Pam Nimon Hi-Ho Vacations, Rick Rudolph-Edward Jones, Bob Gutwein-Five Star Brand Meats, Rachel Magill-US Bank, Jim Cahlik-State Farm, John Feagan-M&T Auto Body & Automotive we were able to fulfill our commitment to award three scholarships to an impressive trio of applicants.
Alison & Dennis Kuzma
2019 Hinckley Citizens of the Year
Hinckley Chamber of Commerce’s Powerhouse Duo have been an integral part of the Chamber’s successful efforts to grow our community events into destination happenings. Each, on hers and his own, is an impressive talent; together, they are formidable. We’re proud to have two of the Chamber’s valued members recognized for all they do to benefit the Hinckley and Highland communities. Congratulations Alison & Dennis!
