Pennysaver, Orleans Hub owner retiring from business
Sawicz thanks employees for their dedication and community for its support
Karen Sawicz is pictured with her husband, Paul
The Albion-Holley Pennysaver began in 1947 under Mr. Eugene Gallo. Allen and Herbert Lowman purchased it in 1958. Mr. Roger Strizel and my parents, Vince and Gwen St. John, bought the Pennysaver in 1960. A year later my parents became the sole owners. They changed its name to the Lake Country Pennnysaver in 1977.
I have worked at the Pennysaver almost continually since my parents first became owners with Mr. Strizel. Thirty years ago, in March, 1989, I took over ownership when my parents retired.
Through the years there have been numerous changes; one of the most noteworthy and recent being the birth of the Orleans Hub in April, 2013.
But there have been constants also. One great constant has been the many dedicated individuals who worked with us to produce the Pennysaver, printed products and the Hub. They have always been more like family than employees. Without each and every one of them, none of this would have been possible. We have always tried to provide quality products while serving the Orleans County community. My mom Gwen lived her entire life in Orleans County. She, I and my son Bill all graduated from Albion schools. My dad Vince taught me that the community of Orleans was our family and that we were to serve.
It’s time for me to spend much more time with my family, friends and husband Paul and for the Pennysaver and Hub to begin a new chapter under new owners. I wish them every success.
It’s very hard to say goodbye after having spent almost all of the past 59 years at the Pennysaver, so I will close simply by thanking the talented, wonderful and caring staff, both past and present, for your dedication and effort and by thanking the entire community for your support of our endeavor. The words “Thank You” hardly seem adequate because together all of you made it a joy to come to work every day. I have deep gratitude and respect for what all of you have given to my parents and me over all these years. May God bless you.
Karen E. Sawicz
Owner-Publisher
