Paserba, McCandless honored for distinguished service to community
PENN TWP — From the roaring cheers following the two Distinguished Service Award recipients’ speeches, it was clear the attendees believed in the recipients just as much as the recipients believe in supporting their community.
Gail Paserba, who serves on nearly a dozen civic boards across Butler County, and Ashley McCandless, who dedicates much of her off-hours to numerous organizations, were both celebrated Wednesday night, May 13, at the 75th Distinguished Service Awards dinner at Butler Country Club.
“This award really is the most cherished and respected annual award presented in Butler County,” Millie Pinkerton, co-chair of the award’s committee and member of the Butler Rotary Club PM said.
Paserba was honored as the senior winner — the category for nominees over 45 — while McCandless was honored as the junior winner, for those under 45. They were selected from a number of nominees by peers and associates across the county.
“It has nothing to do with how much money you have, how big your company is or how successful you are. This award is given to you for your service to the community,” Pinkerton said.
Jerry Andree, last year’s senior award recipient, said he believes Butler County is a great place to live because of the numerous organizations and people committed to making it so.
“This year’s awardee stood out for her ability to include her family and career into her passion for service,” he said.
He said when he met McCandless, he was blown away by her positive and caring attitude. He said her energy is infectious and makes others want to help.
McCandless works as controller at United Plate Glass and serves on the boards of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Center for Community Resources. She is also involved in other organizations, such as Butler County Manufacturing Consortium, Butler AM Rotary Club and the Hello Gorgeous program.
She previously said she was inspired while working for Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter and Graham law to be more hands-on in her community. She signed up for the Butler AM Rotary, where she now chairs the membership committee.
“Not only does Ashley embody everything about this award, she embodies everything about Rotary: service above self,” Andree said.
After accepting the award, McCandless shared a little bit about her background and how she got involved in the numerous organizations she works with. She said she was inspired as early as her time attending Butler Catholic School.
“During those years, I participated in numerous service projects from community trash cleanups to church picnics and school fundraisers. Those early experiences taught me the importance of giving back and getting involved in the community around you,” she said.
She said her life changed significantly after joining AM Rotary.
“Rotary opened up several doors for me and countless opportunities for me to serve, volunteer and connect with organizations throughout Butler County,” McCandless said.
She also thanked her family, friends and colleagues for supporting and accommodating her work and volunteerism.
Before presenting the award, Audrianna Bly, 2021’s junior award recipient, spoke about the amount of work Paserba achieved across decades of community service.
“I could try to do her justice by listing all of the organizations she’s impacted, and I certainly could, but we’d be here until next year’s dinner,” Bly joked.
She said it was clear from experience both personal and professional that Paserba is committed to showing up when it matters most.
“She has never done it for recognition. She simply does it because she loves deeply,” Bly said.
Paserba owns International Quality Consultants Inc. She first joined the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs when she and her family moved back to the county in 1987. As her two sons grew up and her husband, Thomas Paserba, died, she stayed involved.
Now, she serves on many boards, including for Butler County Community College, Slippery Rock University, Butler Memorial Hospital Foundation, Butler County Chamber of Commerce and more.
During her speech, Paserba took the time to recognize four people who were influential to her life, including her late husband and 18-year-old grandson.
“(My husband) Tom used to truly say, ‘If you’re not willing to help fix it, you’re not allowed to complain about it.’ He was right. It was important to him that our community be better than it was yesterday,” she said.
Paserba said when she got involved with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Junior Women’s Club of Butler, she learned an important lesson.
“It taught me that my time matters. I could go clean Ritts Park. I could deliver Meals on Wheels. It made a difference. I made a difference,” she said.
She encouraged attendees to do more to make their community a better place to live.
“It’s our responsibility to go out and share that with our community and let our community know that they can make a difference,” she said.
