SOLON — Members of the Solon Community gathered for an open house Saturday, June 24 at the Solon Public Library to honor and congratulate Don Ellis on being named the Solon Senior Citizen of the year. Ellis received his recognition last month at a city council meeting and is the 25th person to receive the award.
During his 48 years in Solon, Ellis, now 69 years old and recently retired from the Solon State Bank, has been an integral part of life in the community. He has spent 43 years as the Treasurer for the Solon Area Community Foundation, 47 years as Treasurer for the Solon Beef Days Committee, is the grandstand announcer for the annual Solon Beef Days Parade, has spent 26 years’ worth of Friday nights during the fall in the press box as the Voice of Solon Spartan Football, and 35 years as the Voice of Spartan and Lady Spartan basketball. Ellis also was the Voice of Lady Spartan Softball for many years.
During his May recognition Ellis said, “I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for the time that I’ve been in Solon. I love this town, love this community. To be honored as a Senior of the Year when I look across and see Pat Ikan and Sandy Hanson, Phyllis Fiala, Larry Meister, it’s a true honor and I’m thrilled to be in the same company as some of the 24 that have preceded me.”
Don Ellis shares a laugh with Pat Ikan.