Lawrence Pietro Award for 
Long-Lasting and Exceptional Service
to the Morgantown Elks Lodge #411

Around 1985, as the Elk of the Year Committee began discussing the possible recipients for that year’s award, they realized several members were deserving of recognition for various levels of involvement and activity. While some participated and volunteered for many activities throughout the year, others did much more for the Lodge year after year.

One committee member pointed out as an example, that Jim Fuller, was not a regular attendee of Lodge Meetings, but in addition to stopping in regularly after work, he had dedicated himself to maintenance and upkeep of the pool for many years. He was part of the Pool Committee which was responsible for painting the pool annually and maintaining its use and financial records. Over the years Jim had spent long hours fixing leaks, replacing pipes, getting chlorine, etc. All at his own expense and without complaint or even being asked. He was personally dedicated to keeping the pool open and maintained for the members and their families.

During this time, there were few public swimming pools in the community and the Elks pool was a big deal, offering a large pool and a small children’s pool.  It was also a great member recruitment tool for the Lodge. The number of members was soaring, and many had joined for only that reason so their children could swim at the pool.

To honor members with long-lasting service to the lodge, but who may not have been particularly active in any given year, the Lodge created the Lawrence Pietro Award. The award was named after a long-time, valued member who bartended into his 8o’s and who was beloved by most of the membership. Lawrence loved the Elks and was always at the lodge.  

Lawrence Pietro Award Recipients

James Fullmer, 1984-85
Paul N. Kapnicky, 1985-86
Donald Gillmore, 1986-87
W.C. DeWeese, 1987-88
Harold K. Curry, 1988-89
William Spencer, 1989-90
Wlfred G. Ogden, 1990-91
Gary Weber, 1991-92
Paul N. Kapnicky, 1992-93
Jeff Lazzelle, 1993-94
David P.McClure, 1994-95
Fred W. Lang, 1995-96
Dan Ornick, 1996-97
Mike Shizak, 1997-98
David Batson, 1998-99
Sam Pinion, 1999-00
Fred Walter, 2000-01

Robert Stankos, 2001-02
Susan Ornick, 2002-03
Clydene Mason, 2003-04
Betsy Stein, 2004-05
Dawn Tater, 2005-06
Dave Hines, 2006-07
Matthew Fowler, 2007-08
Herb Haines, 2008-09
John H. Penn, 2009-10
Lisa Maxey, 2010-11
Lisa Moats, 2011-12
Dave P.McClure, 2012-13
T.J. Eddy, 2013-14
Ted Schock, 2015
Gary Bechdolt, 2021
Jack Richman, 2023​