Yesteryear lives today: Lake County America250 Committee’s journey comes full circle
Published by: The News Herald
Original article found here.
The past is present.
The future is now.
After nearly three years of official planning and extensive preparation, the year of the United States of America’s semiquincentennial has finally arrived, with a flurry of themed events having filled the calendar to date.
While Independence Day will certainly take top billing in 2026 as the culminating celebration, additional post-July 4 galas in multiple iterations, such as historical dedications and rededications, memorials, parades, performances, public art spaces, unveilings and remembrances will continue throughout the milestone year.
And, to date, happily behind the frenzied scenes in Lake County is, foremost, of course, the Lake County America250 Committee, a body made up of community members, local leaders, elected officials and dedicated volunteers.
Chaired by Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik, the committee collaborates with Tour Lake County, the Lake County History Center and other organizations and regional partners to promote the nation’s shared history.
Individuals assisting with America250 include Morris Beverage III, Morgan McIntosh, Chris Galloway, Dale Fellows, Elaine Crane, Todd Demshar, Dan Maxson, Paul Palagyi, Linda O’Brien, Matt Hebebrand, Ante Logarusic, Lisa Lewins, Jen Yorko, Suzanne Nahumck, Tricia Johnston, Shorhonda Osagie-Erese, Mike Cook, Becky Lynch and Cory Blackledge, among others. After recognizing Revolutionary War veterans buried in Lake County with the unveiling of a bronze historical marker in Painesville in July 2023, the delegation was set to move forward, Plecnik noted.
“This committee has helped our community to recognize the historic events leading up to our nation’s founding in 1776,” he said. “Our founders had a collective vision, and that vision continues today. Together, this year represents just one more glorious step for the United States of America’s future because we are not simply passive observers — we are active participants in the American Revolution.”
Additionally, the New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has played a major role in coordinating a surge of 250 activities.
“As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, it has been an honor to play an integral role in planning for America’s semiquincentennial celebration,” said Debby Kocsis, state vice regent, Ohio Society National Society DAR. “These past three years have gone by quickly, but I believe the committee has truly made its mark on Lake County.
“However, America’s celebration does not end on July 4,” she added. “Commemorations will continue through 2033, honoring the many accomplishments and historic events that shaped America’s beginning.”
An “unofficial-official” kickoff took place mere days before Memorial Day, with the committee’s Heritage Tree Planting at Veterans Park in Painesville, an initiative led by America250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading the state’s celebrations and commemorations.
Painesville was chosen as the site in recognition of its role as the county seat.
“The settlers weren’t building a town, they were building a community….a place like Veterans Park where you can look and see the freedom that has lived on,” said Painesville Council President Jim Fodor. “Planting this tree is (also) a small but meaningful way to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. “It’s a reminder that strong communities are built over time, often through efforts whose full impact we may never see.”
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