Connellsville Chamber of Commerce holds dinner banquet
BULLSKIN TWP. – Five Connellsville people and businesses were honored this week at the annual Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce dinner banquet at the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Words like spirit and dedication were heard again and again as the winners took the podium to receive their plaques and trophies and to thank those who had nominated and voted for them.
Awards were presented to Henry Molinaro and the Molinaro Band, Community Service Group; Theresa Jaworski, Community Service Individual; Carmel Caller, Distinguished Citizen; Nancy Henry, Athena; and Roxanne Mongelluzzo and Rick Pritts, Beautification.
Max House, chamber president, paid homage to the award recipients saying, “These nominees make us all strive to be better people.”
House additionally said, “In a time when the news seems to be filled with more and more disturbing stories, it’s nice to stop and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of people right here in our own community.”
In presenting the Community Service Award to Molinaro, chamber Vice President Chris Wagner said, “This award is very special. It goes to a group of individuals who have given generously of their time and talents to the City of Connellsville for more than 50 years.
“I’m honored to be presenting the Community Service Award to a group that has worked diligently to better the Greater Connellsville Community.”
Molinaro, who accepted the award with humility and honor, recalled the band’s roots.
“I just thank God that I’m here to accept this award,” said Molinaro. “When I think back to my Great Uncle Michael Molinaro, who founded the original Royal Italian Band in 1913, and my brother Amedeo Molinaro, who directed the band for 32 years until his death in 1997 when I took over as director, I have to say that I’m proud to be standing here.”
Molinaro said the band has lasted through three generations and has provided music for each of the 121 groups of servicemen who left the City of Connellsville to serve their country during World War II.
Molinaro said the band has 90 registered members, although he admitted that it’s sometimes hard to get more than 25 together for a parade.
“We call all 90 every time we are going to perform,” said Molinaro. “The majority of our musicians are young people, which is a blessing.”
Wagner said Connellsville has always been able to depend on the Molinaro Band to entertain at any civic celebrations.
“They have marched in countless parades throughout the years and have never asked for nor accepted compensation of any kind,” said Wagner. “Henry has always loved music and dedicated himself to sharing it with others.
“He plays with the Silver Tones Orchestra and the Arlington Esquires, sings with the Scottdale Choral Society and has directed the beautiful choir at St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Church for over 40 years. He also gives private piano lessons in his spare time.”
Vic and Gloria Gasbarro nominated Molinaro for the award.
Wagner, in introducing Jaworski, said, “She exemplifies the meaning of service. This very special person has a fantastic heart and has spent many, many hours helping people with physical, mental, societal and spiritual needs.”
Jaworski, who is a pastoral administrator at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville, is involved with the St. John’s Soup Kitchen, formed the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s and initiated a bereavement group for those who have lost a loved one.
Jaworski said the award overwhelmed her.
“I truly appreciate this,” she said. “The majority of the work I do is grief work. I’ve been trained and certified in this work, and I continue my education on my own because of the support of my husband, Philip.
“Truthfully I should share this award with Philip because without him I could never do what I do. He’s my support and also he helps me a lot with what I do and never complains. This is very close to my heart.”
Nick Manzella nominated Jaworski.
Christine Wallander nominated Caller for her Distinguished Citizen award because of her pioneer spirit in assuming leadership roles in the business and service community, at a time when women were not visible in the business world.
Wallander said, “Carmel’s example through her leadership roles, her concern for our community and the citizens of the City of Connellsville demonstrates how one person can make a difference.”
Caller, who was unable to attend the banquet due to a prior commitment in New York, sent a letter to chamber office manager June Newill saying, “I know there are others more worthy of this award.”
Caller also recalled her youth saying, “My parents were immigrants from Italy, untaught, almost illiterate, but good citizens. They were very hard workers, good neighbors and loving parents.”
Caller thanked her family and friends for helping her to become the person she is today.
“All who helped to shape me, encourage me and support me really deserve all the credit for this award. Along the way, many people had an impact on my life and even now I love my association with the Garden Club, the Historical Society, the Christian Mothers of St. Rita’s, the Carnegie Library board and staff who wholeheartedly serve our community.”
Wagner nominated Nancy Henry for the Athena Award.
In nominating her, Wagner said, “After seeing all that Nancy Henry has volunteered with and committed many hours of time to, I feel that she has gone over and above the call of duty not only with her workplace but with all volunteer agencies including the chamber of commerce and the Connellsville community.”
Gretchen Mundorff presented the award to Henry saying, “Nancy has a meticulous record of service to her job, her family her church and to her community, especially Chamber functions and activities. She is a woman that does not allow any grass to grow under her feet.”
Henry said, “There are so many more people in the community who do so much more than I do. There are so many people that are on committees at meetings doing hours and hours of volunteer work.”
Henry told assembled guests that she is “privileged” to be a part of the community and the chamber.
“We live in one of the greatest places in the world. Thank you.”
Past chamber president Tony Grasso presented the final award for Beautification to Connellsville Counseling and Psychological Services, located at 416 S. Pittsburgh St.
Grasso said before Pritts and Mongelluzzo restored the building it was abandoned and condemned house.
“The building was an eye sore to the neighboring businesses, churches and local residents,” said Grasso. “By Aug. 1, 2001, their vision had materialized, and they were ready to move their business into the renovated building.”
Grasso said most of the house remained as it was 100 years ago.
Grasso said gingerbread trim, the marble fireplaces, the cherry arches and staircase, a new roof, extensive exterior painting, new porches and a wheelchair ramp were added to the exterior of the house.
He also said the interior was completely gutted and plastered and a new heating system and central air conditioning were added. The new owners did extensive renovation on the bathrooms and kitchen.
Pritts, a licensed psychologist, and Mongelluzzo, a licensed clinical social worker, are co-owners of the Connellsville Counseling and Psychological Service. Mongelluzzo said, “We wanted to provide an environment that was very comfortable for our clients and one that was very peaceful when they came in.”
“Everyone thought we were nuts when we began this process,” said Pritts. “Both Roxane and I were born and raised in Connellsville, so it really means a lot to us to be able to give something back.”
Pritts said several years ago when he Mongelluzzo decided to strike out and create their own business they had a vision.
“What we have created and what was available in the community exceeded even the dreams we held back then with what we wanted.”