The central point at the Austintown Township trustees meeting on July 11 was the retirement of Joyce Gottron, currently head of Austintown’s Park Department. Gottron has been working for the township for 34 years, worked with 14 different trustees, maintained an outstanding relationship with the schools as well as many organizations in the area, and throughout her career she has taught and supported environmental causes.
The first to congratulate and thank Gottron for her service was Jack Guittar, vice president of the Austintown Girls Softball League, by presenting her with a plaque stating her induction into the Hall of Fame. Guittar thanked Gottron for all her hard work and dedication to helping the community, especially with the girls’ softball league.
Next to show their appreciation for Gottran were the trustees, Lisa Oles, David Ditzler, and James Davis, as well as Michael Dockry. While recalling stories and memories of Gottron, everyone had nothing but wonderful things to say about her. She will truly be missed and it was stated it was an honor to have her working to improve the Austintown community for all these years.
In other news:
• Trustees thanked all those who attended the 4th of July Parade. The winner of the competition for best float was the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with the Girl Scout Troop 879 coming in second place.
• David Alonso was honored as he reached the title of Eagle Scout after receiving 21 merit badges and completing a project during which more than 1,000 cards were sent to the troops overseas.
• There is still a long list of nuisance complaints, mostly for high, uncut grass. The township is steadily taking care of the properties in question and trustees asked all Austintown residents to please help them out by taking responsibility for maintaining their own yards.
• Oles spoke on behalf of the Senior Center and all of the work they have done to provide entertainment, fun, and friendship for the senior citizens in the area. Oles said, “For seniors who haven’t been to the center, you are really missing out.” She continued, “I could go on and on about the wonderful things the senior center has done for the community.” All seniors in the area are welcome and encouraged to attend the center.
