Oct 8, 2003 3 min read

I was delighted to see that the Molinaro Band of Connellsville is finally getting some overdue recognition. I’m referring to the three large tribute wall panels on the side of the Molinaro Law Building in Connellsville. Those panels were beautifully painted by South Connellsville artist Gerald Lloyd Metzger, assisted by his granddaughter, Caitlyn Bovard. The occasion is the commemoration of the 90th year that the Molinaro Band has been actively participating in parades, civic activities and musical events in and around Connellsville and Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1913 by Michael S. Molinaro, who directed the band until his death in 1936, the Molinaro Band has had four other directors through the years: Amedeo E. Molinaro, Carmine V. Molinaro Sr., Henry L. Molinaro and the current director, Henry F. Molinaro.

Hundreds of area musicians, including many music directors of area schools, have marched with the Molinaro Band. The Molinaro Band also has been a venue for high school students and graduates who wished to have active musical lives.

In the first quarter of the 1900s, it was common for many communities to have town bands. Gradually, most of those town bands disbanded. However, Connellsville’s Molinaro Band is one of the few town bands to survive for nearly a century of active musical performances.

All of us should be proud of the contributions in time and talents that Molinaro Band directors and members have made through the years. For example, during World War II, the Molinaro Band played patriotic musical selections at each departure and arrival of military troop trains, no matter the time of night or day. The Molinaro Band, along with the celebrated Canteen Ladies, were vital fixtures at the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station on Connellsville’s North Water Street during the critical period of our country’s history.

Whenever you see a Molinaro Band director or member, express your thanks for a job well done through 90 eventful years. Also, thank Gerald L. Metzger and his granddaughter, Caitlyn Bovard, for the outstanding artwork that they produced in commemorating the Molinaro Band’s 90 years of musical service to our communities.

William G. DeMiere

Connellsville

Poor taste in cartoon choice

This is concerning the political cartoon which depicted the president of the United States with puckered lips ready to kiss the behind of a male figure labeled “France.”

This is the most offensive and crude item the newspaper has ever printed. It is obvious that whoever chose this cartoon has let their hatred of President Bush overcome their judgment and standards of taste.

A nasty-minded young schoolboy could be expected to try and sneak a crude and vulgar item like this into the school newspaper, but it is also expected that a teacher with good judgment would stop it. Newspapers have the freedom to choose any political slant, but it is possible to still maintain some decent standards.

John Daley

Uniontown