The Friends of Fleetwood Parks presented the Fleetwood Cadillac Award and the Fleetwood Hometown Hero Award to recognize outstanding community service during a sold-out gala event on March 8.
The purpose of the Fleetwood’s Finest Spring Gala is to recognize individuals and organizations or businesses that have made a lasting impact on Fleetwood and the community.
“The one word that each honoree repeated was the evening was overwhelming,” Eric Schaeffer, gala chairman, said in a statement.
Held at the Fleetwood Fire Company Social Quarters Banquet Hall, the gala included red carpet arrivals and “lots of flashes going off,” a cocktail hour filled with charcuterie boards, buffet dinner, desserts and music by Josh Squared.
“The atmosphere was celebratory and proud. People were excited to support these special individuals and many people were overwhelmed with the recognition,” Schaeffer said.
He said the hall was transformed with red, white and black balloons along with red curtains and lighting into a magical ballroom with a special lit column that featured the four crystal block awards. Black tableclothed tables, along with hydrangeas and red roses, adorned the circular tables throughout the hall.
“Simply put — it was magical!” Schaeffer added.
Little League player Matthew Luckenbill, on seeing the gala hall, stated: “This is not like Fleetwood!”
About 180 people attended, from Little League players to 36 fire company members to Hometown Heroes.
“The event just confirmed what a special place Fleetwood is,” Schaeffer said. “We hope that it also encourages more residents to get involved in the community at any level to continue making Fleetwood a unique hometown and a great place to live. There is no doubt that tonight proved that.”
Fleetwood Hometown Hero Award
“The honorees, I think they thought they were coming to get a little award and were not prepared for the tributes, singing and special gifts to them in their honor,” Schaeffer said. “Because this was the first gala, no one knew what to expect and people were overwhelmed with the event and tributes. It was a night of total celebration for Fleetwood.”
The Hometown Hero Award recognizes an individual or individuals who have contributed exceptionally to the community over the years.
The first tribute for the Hometown Hero Award featured an eight-minute film narrated by Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon) on how the Little League field was built in 1965.
Following the tribute film, retired Sgt. Maj. Bob McDonald — a baritone of the U.S. Army Chorus for more than 26 years — surprised guests singing three songs all about baseball: “The Greatest,” “Centerfield” and “Talkin’ Baseball.”
McDonald was then joined on stage by three Fleetwood Little League players Tony Gilbert, Matthew Luckenbill and Nolan Wolfinger in a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Friends of Fleetwood Parks representative Patty Kenny and the Fleetwood Mayor Suzanne Pittella Touch presented the Fleetwood Hometown Hero Award to Barney Dietrich, 92; Ernie Fink, 85; and R. Joel Schaeffer, 94, for building the Fleetwood Little League Field, now known as Smith Field, in 1965 with the Fleetwood Jaycees.
“We had a great time building the field, and I’m happy the kids are still using it today,” Dietrich said in a statement.
“This is a great honor, and I can’t thank you all enough,” said Fink.
“It took a lot of us to get the job done, and it’s wonderful that it’s still going strong today,” said Schaeffer.
Sen. Judy Schwank also presented each of the honorees with a Senate Citation.
Eric Luckenbill of the Fleetwood Little League Association presented a plaque that will be permanently displayed at the field in honor of the Hometown Heroes. Kenney presented a $500 donation to the Little League for maintaining Smith Field in honor of the three men.
Fleetwood Cadillac Award
The Fleetwood Cadillac Award recognizes outstanding community service by an organization or business and is named in honor of Fleetwood Metal Body Co. in Fleetwood. In the early 20th century, a motorist would buy a chassis from Cadillac, Lincoln, or Duesenberg, then have the body made at places like Fleetwood Metal Body Co.
“It’s what the town was known for, and so we wanted to honor our heritage with the Cadillac Award — something classy, sturdy and stylish,” said Schaeffer.
The Fleetwood Cadillac Award was presented to the Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company for extraordinary community service since 1914.
“It’s a great honor and nice to be recognized by our community. It means a lot,” Fleetwood Fire Chief John Manmiller said in a statement.
A tribute film saluted the Fleetwood Fire Department and its members, followed by McDonald singing “Big Red Truck” and “Ring of Fire,” and a photo montage to McDonald singing “My Way.” Mayor Pittella Touch asked all the fire company members stand to a rousing ovation.
Sen. Schwank also presented a Senate Citation and Kenney presented a $500 donation to the fire company.
“Manmiller also made a special point of calling out Dennis Keim, who has been with the fire company for 70 years since age 16. The audience gave him a standing ovation and Dennis was brought to tears,” said Schaeffer.
After the awards, guests enjoyed desserts and dancing to the Josh Squared Duo.
This is the first year for the annual Fleetwood’s Finest Spring Gala. After Fleetwood celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Friends of Fleetwood Parks wanted to continue the tradition of celebrating Fleetwood and its residents.
“The response has been terrific in support for this event. We had a sold-out gala as well as a number of community supporters that made it possible,” Schaeffer said.
Gala sponsors were Breidegam Family Foundation, Breakfast Brothers, Fleetwood Bank, F.M. Brown’s Sons, Hurston/Schaeffer, Beth Pile, ANITA Trinket and Jean Cantrell.
For 2026, anyone can nominate a Hometown Hero by visiting fleetwoodparks.com.
“The awards recognize people who have left a lasting legacy on the town,” said Schaeffer.
Source: Berkshire mont
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