OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

Shown above with Father Davis of St. Leo's Church is Mrs. Carm Caggiano, one of the two sisters who were honored for their outstanding service.  Unfortunately, her sister, Josephine Sorge, decided to attend an earlier service, which was unusual, so she missed the surprise presentation by WKBI's Liz Adwell.            Photo by Liz Adwell

Retiring Elk County Commissioner Joe Koch (shown above) along with retiring St. Marys Mayor Jerry Marshall were honored in December, 2003 for their long service to the people of the area.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

For March, 2003, to

Members of US Army Reserve

347 Order Master Detachment

In normal times, they are "Weekend Warriors", but these are not normal times, and the Call to Active Duty went out to members of the unit in St. Marys.

These GI’s will serve our country in a land far away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Their work is essential to world peace and survival.

The pride and support and love of our community go out to these hometown soldiers.

And, by their commitment in a land so far away, they are all having a significant impact on this place we call home.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

For March, 2003, to

Members of PA Army National Guard

In normal times, they are "Weekend Warriors", but these are not normal times, and the Call to Active Duty went out to members of the unit in Ridgway.

These GI’s will serve our country in a land far away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Their work is essential to world peace and survival.

The pride and support and love of our community go out to these hometown soldiers.

And, by their commitment in a land so far away, they are all having a significant impact on this place we call home.

Radio Station WKBI Is pleased to present the

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

For February, 2003 to JAMIE PHIPPS

The water from a broken pipe upstairs was so high in the Elk County Council on the Arts’ Gallery in Ridgway, that it was squirting out of a keyhole in the door. Jamie Phipps, the Executive Director and her group of helpers were faced with a tremendous task – saving what could be preserved, including precious artwork, as well as all of the files and records. Firemen and police joined, as did other folks who just wanted to help.

Rather than throwing up her hands and bursting into tears, she quickly began to reorganize things, finding places for scheduled activities, and then obtaining a "dry" temporary location on Main Street. Jamie was tactful and caring when dealing with artists whose works may have been damaged by the water. Throughout this unexpected ordeal, she was optimistic and constant. Her quick and beneficial work has had a significant impact on this place we call home.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN  AWARD

For January, 2003 to TECLA PONTIOUS

The adults who lead Girl and Boy Scout activities help in so many ways to bring good things to the attention of acquisitive young minds.

Over a period of 25 years, Tecla Pontious, as a Girl Scout Adult Leader, worked with young ladies of the area, watching them grow into mature young women and adults. Their troop’s activities were always carefully planned, from merit badge work and cookie sales to theme parties with an international flair, learning about civic and current events, as well as environmental awareness, and teaching about caring and sharing as the girls collect items for CAPSEA.

Today, Tecla has a Brownie Troop, and works with a new generation of girls whose mothers she had led years ago. The circle continues.

Truly, Tecla Pontious is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

For December, 2002 to KAREN LUNDIN

Twenty years ago, Karen started "The Christmas Day Happening" providing a place for those who would be alone to go and share a holiday meal. The first year 40 attended. The next year it got so big it was moved to the Fire Hall in Ridgway, and has grown to 250 persons today.

Karen coordinates the volunteers, who donate food, cook, serve, and deliver to those who can’t attend. She makes sure Santa shows up with treat bags for the children. On this 20^th anniversary a grateful community says thanks to Karen and her group of volunteers for brightening the lives of countless persons, including those who are alone, or who have lost loved ones and have a special need on Christmas.

Truly, Karen Lundin is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

Radio Station WKBI

Is pleased to present the

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN

AWARD

For November, 2002 to

Coach Tom Launer

Someone figured out that Tom Launer has coached more kids than Joe Paterno.

For over 30 years, Tom has worked with kids’ sports in "The Burg". He helped to organize the Johnsonburg Shamrocks Midget Football Team, who were the league champs 5 years in a row. He is still their President. He coached the Senior Legion Team for 4 seasons, and then started Junior Legion Baseball. He’s been in Little League Coaching, Knothole, Youth Football, and was a Soccer Coach. At the school, he’s been a part-timer on the coaching staff involved with Wrestling, Track, Baseball, and Football. He started the Men’s Softball League, and headed it for 10 years. Kids of all ages love Tom. As someone said, "he has done more for the youth of Johnsonburg than any other citizen!" We agree.

Tom Launer is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

Billie has been a faithful member of the Board of Elk Regional Medical Center, and her fellow board members see her deep concern for the patients and families served by the hospital. According to someone who was a neighbor for many years, Billie Diehl is a caring and helping friend to hundreds of people.

Each day, she is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

These two sisters, who are in their late eighties, have been volunteering all their lives. They currently give of their time during visits of the Red Cross Bloodmobile, and you see them at many fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.

As they help with funeral dinners at St. Leo’s Church, they offer kind words of comfort to the sad family members. They help in the cafeteria at Elk County Catholic School, are active in the Catholic Daughters of America and the Elk County Extension Office. Over the years, they volunteered countless hours at the hospital in Ridgway.

We honor these two sisters, not just for the work they have done and are doing in the community, but because of the marvelous example they have shown to others who today are following their example, and freely giving of their time, too.

Every day of their lives, Josephine and Carm do things to help others. Truly, they are having a significant impact on this place we call home.

As a Paramedic with STAT MedEvac, Bob Marnatti of Ridgway routinely helps to save lives. And so it was during the night of July 26-27 that Bob’s ‘copter was called to help in the rescue work for the nine trapped miners in Somerset County.

They waited hopefully and expectantly as drillers continued to sink a rescue shaft and pump water out and air in. He and the others cheered as the first, and then all nine were lifted to safety. Bob and his crew flew one of them to the hospital, so Bob was one of the first to speak to him after his ordeal.

Not all of Bob’s flights are as happy. But like all caregivers and rescue personnel, they answer all calls. Bob has always found time for his family and others; such as running the T-Ball League, and other activities.

Our lives are made better by persons like Bob Marnatti, who is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

Radio Station WKBI Is pleased to present the OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD For July, 2002 to JIM AUMAN      

According to someone who grew up in the same neighborhood, Jim Auman has been kind and concerned about others all his life. He watched as his mother made sure little kids who came into the family store got lots of candy for their penny, and realized you get more out of what you give than what you receive.

It is this same Jim Auman who arranges the Annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Veterans at St. Marys Church. Having served overseas during the war, Jim feels strongly that those who gave their lives should be remembered and honored by each new generation.

He has long been active in veterans organizations and also the St. Marys Historical Society, where he maintains albums and "drawers full" of precious photographs. He keeps an up to date list of deceased veterans for the society.

Jim Auman has many friends, and each recognizes that he is having a significant impact on this place we call home.

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD

For June, 2002 to  HON. VERNON D. ROOF

Sadly, this award must be presented to the family of Judge Roof, because his life was cut short early this month.

But, universally, the respect and appreciation of what this humble man did during his life has made the selection process very easy. "Buddy" Roof never forgot his roots, and as he rose to become the President Judge for Elk and Cameron Counties, he understood justice, he respected the law and the Rule of Law.

He was never too busy to listen to concerns of a friend or a stranger. And, he never asked people to call him "Your Honor" instead of "Buddy", except to preserve the dignity of the courtroom.

Judge Roof successfully combined his career and his family and his church and his community. Many cannot do this.

He did not seek the spotlight of attention. Nor, was he timid in rendering legal opinions. He understood the trust that was placed in him as a defender of the Constitution and seldom was criticized because his reasoning and decisions were crystal clear.

There is no question about it. Judge Vernon Roof has had a significant impact on this place we call home.