Before ever taking office, Joe Lee, the newest Village of Hilton trustee, had earned an impressive reputation for giving back to his community. Lee has served as the chair of the Hilton Apple Fest Committee for the past four years, is the past president of the Hilton Lions Club, is a member of the St. Leo's Knights of Columbus, sits on the Village's Enhancement Committee and is an active volunteer for the Salvation Army - ringing the bell 11 times this season. He was appointed a trustee last June when Trustee Fran Blonsky moved to Greece. More impressive than his community service resume is the depth of his commitment to Hilton. "I just can't get enough of helping this village," Lee said. His peers have noticed. Wayne Wirth has served alongside Lee through their involvement in the Knights of Columbus. Lee has served as the recorder for the organization. This year he is coordinating their youth free throw contest. "He's a spark plug," said Wirth. "You'll find him at the front end of everything." One of Lee's real passions is the Hilton Apple Fest. He got involved several years ago taking charge of two soda booths. The committee was having a hard time staffing volunteers for these booths because the work was not enjoyable. Lee made some changes to the way the booths operated that really benefited the volunteers. Solving that challenge really got him hooked. "Keeping the festival organized is a big challenge," Lee said. "You're using all volunteers and you're bringing 20,000 to 30,000 people into a small area." Lee has always been up for a challenge. The 53-year-old moved to Hilton as a high school junior in 1968. The oldest of six, Lee was recognized as a talented basketball player in his hometown of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. However, the class he transferred into was considerably larger than the handful of students in his class back in Pennsylvania. Undaunted, Lee earned a varsity spot and All County honors. His mother, Theresa, watched many of those basketball games, but believes the strength of Lee's character developed well before moving to Hilton. "He was a great kid growing up," Theresa said. "When they would have to sell something to raise money, he would be the first one to hit the streets and he always seemed to sell the most." Lee's hustle can be found in every organization with which he associates. Also, on his own, he does what he can when tragedy arises, such as a nearby house fire last year, and the flooding of the Village II apartments more recently. "When I'm in an organization, I'm not in it for a badge or a hat. I'm in it to get things done," Lee said. He plans to use his energy while a village trustee to provide more activities for children, especially during school breaks. Lee said the village really needs to look closely at the facility that Parma offers families and decide if there is more that can be done locally. He also is eager to work with his fellow trustees to attract more businesses to Hilton. Lee said he couldn't focus on community service like he has without the loving support of his wife of 24 years, Debra. The couple has two grown children, Michael and Raquel, and two grandchildren, Jack and Chloe. He also credits his father-in-law, Al Howe, for setting a good example through his service, and his parents for developing his character. "I love being in the village," Lee said. "As I stayed around here I could see how the village takes care of its people." Or, how some if its people always seem to take care of the village. |
