When I became a board member for the Kelleys Island Historical Association, a few islanders asked me why I would want to be a part of the “Hysterical” Association. “What?” I replied. “I don’t understand what you mean.” The response was ”don’t worry, you will!”
The definition of the word “hysterical” as it appears in the Miriam-Webster Dictionary is “showing extreme or unrestrained emotion.”
Well, it will be my second season as a member of the Kelleys Island Historical Association (KIHA) and I can honestly say, we all just may be hysterical! Why? Because all of us have an extreme love and unrestrained commitment to Kelleys Island.
I can’t remember how Ned Williams (KIHA Past President) got my name and number. All I remember was being asked about how I came to
Kelleys Island. That story began in 2000. My now husband Frank and I were supposed to go to Put-In-Bay with some friends. We live in Pennsylvania, and neither of us had never been to any of the Lake Erie Islands. After researching the area, we found Kelleys Island.
We decided to stay on Kelleys because of the Glacial Grooves. Frank is a Geologist. Since we were just dating at the time of our trip, I thought he would enjoy Kelleys Island more than Put-In-Bay due to its geologic history.
Our trip to Kelleys was incredible and we kept coming back…every year! Kelleys became our “go to” getaway! In 2021, we finally made our getaway permanent. We purchased a Kelleys Island home and are now seasonal islanders!
I started to volunteer at the Parsonage Resale Shop. It was a fun
way to give back to the island that gives so much in return. I guess that is how Ned found out about me. When he contacted me about possibly filling a seat on the KIHA Board of Directors, I felt honored.
As Vice President this year, I can honestly say the KIHA Board of Directors are working hard to make the history of the island accessible, fun and memorable for everyone that visits our island! We have a variety of events and special fundraisers coming this season – the Ferry Ride Raffle will be back along with an Arts Fest on August 1st. Be sure to watch our Facebook page for updates and news!
Will there be some hysterics? Possibly! But, remember an extreme love for Kelleys Island is and always will be what motivates us! Here’s to a great 2026 season!
Lisa Lotito
KIHA Vice President & Islander
along with the other Board Members: Justiina Loveless, President Michael Beatty, Treasurer Nancy Easton, Secretary Chad Waffen, Donna Algaase, Jackie Polofka, Teri Betzenheimer
