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Member News & Information January/February 2013
Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business
Giving Back in An Outstanding Way When Alvy Kelly turns 80 on Jan. 27, 2013 he will have much to celebrate: a wonderful family that now includes three great grandchildren; Kelly’s Sports, the thriving business he started 40 years ago; the many West Chester community projects he helped fund and build,and a list of accolades he has received for his many community endeavors. On February 5, Alvy will celebrate another achievement when the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) honors him as its 2012 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The award, presented each year since 1948, will be given at the Chamber’sannual banquet at the Mendenhall Inn. When he learned of the award, Alvy, fit and trim at
By: Dorothy Kennedy nearly 80, was taken a back. “I am certainly honored,” he said during an early morning interview at Kelly’s Sports on Matlack Street and Route 202. “I’m still trying to figure out why.” “This all seems like a dream,” he added gazing around. “I don’t look for thanks but it’s certainly nice to be appreciated.” Looking back, Alvy said he began working when he was 9, hunting and trapping muskrat with his late friend, Jim Brice, and selling them for $4 each to a local furrier. Alvy then caddied and set-up bowling pins. He joined the Air Force right out of West Chester High School serving during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He returned home and married Adelyene Izzi Kelly. Alvy and Addy, who passed away in 2005, shared 52 years of marriage and raised three children. continued to page 6
Award Winner Honored for Six Decades of Service By: Dorothy Kennedy The Arc of Chester County has been helping individuals with disabilities and their families for 60 years creating and offering a wide array of services including early intervention and education programs, housing and employment services, transportation and summer camps. For its ongoing, outstanding commitment to the community, The Arc has been named the Mosteller Community Service Award winner by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC). The award, given annually since 1961, will be presented at the Chamber’s annual banquet to be held February 5 at the Mendenhall Inn. Jeanne Meikrantz, who becamethe non-profit organi-
zation’s executive director in October when long-time director Diane Carey retired, said she was excited and honored to learn The ARC waschosen for the award especially given the number of excellent community service organizations in the community. “As the incoming executive director, I know how fortunate I am to have been given the opportunity to join such an incredible organization and community,” she said. “This award is a great testament to the dedication and contributions of those who have worked so hard to fulfill the mission of The Arc and provide quality services to individuals with disabilities and families. Whether hosting an event such as Breakfast with Santa, adopting individuals and families in need during the holidays, advocating for a child’s right to education, continued to page 17
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