By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA — Glen Warner is this year’s Wine & Walleye Festival goodwill ambassador.
This position, known as the fish commish, has been a fun way to promote and support the city’s Wine & Walleye Festival, featuring the area’s award-winning wines and world-class fishing.
“We look for a person of great admiration who has served the Ashtabula-area community over the years,” said Jim Timonere, president and chief executive officer of the Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce. “Mr. Warner’s civic-minded efforts and dedication to the greater Ashtabula area are quite fitting for the Fish Commish role.”
Ellie Herzog, another notable citizen, filled the 2009 fish commish role.
Warner has participated in numerous civic initiatives and was fundraising chairman for the new Allied Health Sciences building at Kent State University-Ashtabula. He also was involved in bringing the Amistad Freedom Schooner to Ashtabula, worked with the Free Wheelchair Mission, and he’s the current president of the Ashtabula Foundation.
“It’s a privilege to support these events, which truly celebrate the rich natural resources of Ashtabula County,” Warner said.
An ordained Baptist minister, Warner served for 10 years as the minister of the Second Congregational Church in Ashtabula.
Most recently, Warner retired from Molded Fiber Glass after 35 years of service in a variety of roles, including vice president of marketing, sales and community relations.
Warner is married to Nancy Morrison Warner, is a board member of Molded Fiber Glass Cos., and the couple has two children and five grandchildren.
The Wine & Walleye Festival is held Aug. 28-29. Just as last year, the walleye fishing tournament will be held on Saturday, and wine will be available on both days in the vicinity of Bridge Street.
Bennett Fish again will serve the walleye and perch sandwiches and dinners, and a variety of artisans and crafters will set up their wares along Bridge Street. Entertainment will include live music by local performers.
