Brownsville chamber acknowledges achievement of one of its members
BROWNSVILLE — The Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce applauded one of its longtime members Tuesday for being recognized at the state level and receiving two achievement awards.
John Moores, president of the Izaak Walton League’s Brownsville chapter, is definitely deserving of the honorable awards, said chapter Treasurer Barbara Carroll, who was instrumental in seeing his efforts and contributions acknowledged.
“He’s been president for quite some time, and we really appreciate all his efforts,” said Carroll, who also serves as president of the Brownsville Free Public Library board of directors.
“I’m honored, but I must say I didn’t do it all by myself,” Moores said of the other chapter members. “I want to thank them, also.”
Moores has been active with the local chapter since its inception in 2001 and has served as president for five years.
Moores is the recipient of the 2014 Ike of the Year Award presented by the Pennsylvania Division of the Isaak Walton League of America, which recognizes Moore’s current and longstanding service to the chapter, the division and the community.
Moores is also the recipient of the local 2013 Judge John W. Tobin Chapter Volunteer Appreciation Award, presented for his outstanding devotion to the Brownsville chapter and in recognition of his contributions in furthering the ideals of the league.
According to its website, the Izaak Walton League was founded in 1922 and is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. With more than 240 local chapters nationwide, the league takes a common-sense approach toward protecting the country’s natural heritage and improving recreation opportunities for all.
At the meeting, Moores reminded that final preparations are being made for the league’s 6th annual Fishing Rodeo, slated this year for Saturday, June 21, at Patsy Hillman Park in Luzerne Township. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and contestants ages 6-16 must be accompanied by an adult and supply their own fishing gear. The tournament will run from 9 a.m. to noon, and prizes will be awarded in each age category based on the size, type and number of fish caught. Hot dogs and drinks will wrap up the event.
Moores said that because of a personal surgery scheduled a few weeks prior to the event, any help in preparing for this year’s tournament would be greatly appreciated. Anyone in interested in helping can call him at 724-785-6765.
On the subject of upcoming events, chamber President Frank Ricco reminded that tickets are on sale for chamber’s annual recognition dinner, slated for Saturday, May 24, and this year honoring the Giannetti family. The event, to be held at the Sons of Italy hall, located at 16 Race St., begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
Ricco asked for the chamber’s help in making sure the event is a success.
“Please consider attending and maybe selling a ticket or two,” Ricco said. “Hopefully, we can get a respectable turnout, but as of right now, the tickets are not moving very fast.”
Tickets are $30 per person and are available by calling 724-785-4160.
In other business, chamber members:
n Issued a reminder that fireworks tickets will be on sale soon to help offset the cost a fireworks display planned for July 3. Tickets are $10 and will be available for purchase through chamber members or by calling 724-785-3600 through May 29. The winning ticket will be redeemable for a $8,000 cash prize.
n Announced that the recent annual cleanup day was such a success that organizers are considering holding the event on a more frequent basis.
n Announced that the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. will be publishing a special edition of its newsletter in recognition of the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary.