In a virtual community awards ceremony held last week at the Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park, the Boardman Civic Association handed-out its annual community services awards, including recognition given Lenny Fisher, CEO of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt; and to Joyce Mistovich, who was honored as Citizen of the Year.
      Fisher was honored as Business Person of the Year. He became chief operating officer of Handel’s in Mar., 1985.
      Handels was founded in July, 1945 by Alice Handel, who began serving ice cream out of her husband’s gas station in Youngstown. For many years the company operated its business in the Fosterville area of Youngstown, before moving to Boardman.
      Since then, Handel’s has grown to include locations in California, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Oregon. The menu has expanded to include over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream and yogurt. Handel’s success has been documented in many national publications including USA Today, People Magazine, Chocolatier Magazine, and US News and World Report.
      Recently published books “The Ten Best of Everything” and “Everybody Loves Ice Cream” both recognize Handel’s as one of the best ice creams in the world.
      In honoring Mrs. Mistovich, Mark Luke of the Civic Association noted “You really can’t have a comprehensive conversation about Boardman without mentioning the name of Joyce Mistovich.”
      A 2014 recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award from Boardman High School, Mistovich is a member of the Boardman Park Board of Commissioners and was a charter member of the Boardman Local Schools Fund for Educational Excellence.
      She has served as a supporter and volunteer for many committees in support of capital and levy campaigns for the local park district, as well as Boardman Township and Boardman Local Schools.
      She retired as a teacher in the Boardman Local School District after 37 years, where she also served as program director for the Boardman Schools Television Network (BSTN). Since 2014 she has served as the Director of Education for the Butler Institute of American Art.
      Also recognized at the event were New Building Award, Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates; Refurbished/Remodeled Building Award, Extra Space Storage; Community Service Award, Boardman News/John Darnell; and Past President Award, Stephanie Landers, Boardman Township Deputy Administrator.