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Bernard V. |
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| Bernie Kelly had a running start on being known by nearly everyone in the Berea area. His father, Jim, was the proprietor of Kelly's Party Shoppe, on E. Bridge Street, which was the source for two generations of Bereans for beverages and conversation. Bernie, a co-owner of the store, worked there and thus got his start on being one of Berea's greatest boosters. Bernie was born and educated in Cleveland and moved to Berea with his family in 1945 after four years of military service in WW II in the Navy. He got his real estate license in 1952, and, after urban renewal took the Party Shoppe, set up a real estate brokerage at 40 E. Bridge Street. His deep interest in Berea soon led him to assume an active role in civic affairs. He was Safety Director of Berea and a longtime member and Past President of the Berea Chamber of Commerce. He annually has taken charge of the Christmas decorations on the Triangle. His patriotism and respect for Berea's heritage resulted in his setting up the showcase of memorabilia on the second floor of City Hall a] I for future generations. His own office also reflects his love of history and of country. Bernie is a member and Past Commander of the Albert Baesel American Legion Post #91 and for 24 years has served as coordinator and master of ceremonies of Berea's Memorial Day observances and parade. In addition to being an ambassador of good will for Berea, Bernie's enduring fame rests on many lesser-known acts of unselfish humanitarianism. Aid to the elderly or less fortunate in their personal problems, to churches and charitable groups in real estate matters - all at no charge - attest to his love and compassion for his fellow man. Bernie and his wife Julie are members of St. Mary's Church and have four children and 10 grandchildren. Without Bernie Kelly there might not be any Grindstone Award, for he and fellow-Berean Paul Whitestine originated the idea in 1967. For many reasons, Bernie Kelly is a very deserving 13th winner of the Grindstone Award. |
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| Presented February 23, 1980 | Holiday Inn, Middleburg Heights | ||||||||||