2 — Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday...

Final reservations are due byMarch 16 for the 2011 Leader’s Cir-cle event, which will honor nomi-nees and recipients for the CivicLeader award, finalists and the re-cipient of the Athena award, andthe Indiana University of Pennsyl-vania President’s Medal of Distinc-tion recipient Edward K. Bratton.

The Leader’s Circle event isMarch 24 at Rustic Lodge. Cost is$30 per person and tables of eightor 10 are available for groups.Reservations can be made at theChamber of Commerce, 1019Philadelphia St.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and theawards program starts at 7 p.m.The event is open to any memberof the community.

The Civic Leader Award recog-nizes individuals who have a life-time of volunteer service designedto improve the quality of life in In-diana County; demonstrated cre-ativity and initiative in serving theneeds of Indiana County; and pro-vided significant leadership and ahigh level of involvement in proj-ects designed to advance andmake Indiana County a betterplace in which to live and work.

The Athena Award is recognitionof a man or woman who hasachieved excellence in their careeror profession; made outstandingcontributions to Indiana County;and opened doors of leadershipopportunity for women in busi-ness.

The IUP President’s Medal ofDistinction is the highest non-de-gree award presented by IUP. It

was established in 1985 to honorcitizens of the state and regionwhose contributions in the areasof professional achievement andpublic service are of national sig-nificance or whose contribution isof special significance to the uni-versity.

Bratton, of Indiana, will receivethe 2011 President’s Medal of Dis-tinction from Dr. David Werner, In-diana University of Pennsylvaniainterim president, at the 2011Leader’s Circle event March 24.The award is in recognition ofBratton’s public service.

“IUP is very proud to honor Mr.Bratton with this award,” Wernersaid. “He has supported IUP in somany ways, from student scholar-ships to support for projects andprograms that benefit both theuniversity and community. He is atrue humanitarian who caresdeeply about his community andthis university. It will be my pleas-ure to thank him in this formal wayfor his lifetime of service.”

Well-known for his support ofcommunity initiatives, Bratton hasbeen honored with several presti-gious awards for his service, in-cluding the Male Civic Leader ofthe Year award in 2002 for a life-time of service to the communityand the 2001 William Penn Distin-guished Citizenship Award fromthe Penn’s Woods Council of theBoy Scouts of America, ChestnutRidge District. In recognition ofthis honor, the Penn’s WoodsCouncil established a Camp SephMack summer camp scholarship

in Bratton’s name for deservingyouth.

He also received the AmericanCancer Society Excalibur Award in2002 and 2004, which recognizescommunity leaders and donors forexceptional generosity to theAmerican Cancer Society. The an-nual Grocers Fight Cancer event atGiant Eagle has raised nearly$500,000 for cancer research andtreatment. Bratton is the owner ofGiant Eagle in White Township.

The Red Cross honored Brattonin 2003 with the Exceptional Hu-manitarian Service Award inrecognition of his more than 40years of service to the organiza-tion.

In 2000, he was named the GOPMan of the Year at the annual Indi-ana County Republican Men’s

Club banquet for his lifetime con-tributions to the organization. Heis a founding member of the cluband was its first president.

Bratton has also been recognizedby the United Way of IndianaCounty with membership in itsTocqueville Society, offered tothose who contribute at least$10,000 annually to the UnitedWay.

He honored in 2004 as the BellRinger Award winner at the IUPAthletic Hall of Fame banquet forhis contributions to IUP.

In November 2009, Brattonmade a $1 million commitment forconstruction of IUP’s KovalchickConvention and Athletic Complex.In recognition, IUP’s Council ofTrustees designated the athleticsuite in the Kovalchick Complex asthe Edward K. and Joanne R. Brat-ton Athletic Suite.

He has also provided funding forthe Edward Bratton-George Hath-away Endowed Scholarship forathletics and is a supporter of theIUP Crimson Commons, a projectto recognize student-athletes.

Bratton began his work in thegrocery industry at Steiner’s Mar-ket in 1950 and with Giant Eagle in1984. In addition to his ownershipof the local Giant Eagle, he is a co-owner of stores in Altoona, Ebens-burg and Bedford. He is founder ofGiant Realty.

Bratton is known in the commu-nity for his commitment to manyorganizations, especially thosethat serve youth, including the GirlScouts, Boy Scouts, Future Farm-ers of America, Big Brothers BigSisters of Indiana County (now BigHearts, Little Hands) and theYMCA.

EDWARD BRATTON... President’s Medal of Distinction

Leader’s Circle event to honor nominees2 — Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday, March 11, 2011

Quota Internationalof Indiana, Pa. Inc.

is proudto nominate

JENNIFER MYERS (Civic Leader)and

ROBERT VARGO (Civic Leader)Quota International of Indiana, Pa. Inc. is also proud torecognize all of our past nominees and Civic Leader andATHENA recipients ... and we salute the spirit ofselflessness and community service exhibited by ALL ofthe nominees and recipients, past and present.

Quota International of Indiana, Pa. Inc. celebrates55 years in Indiana and is part of an 90-year-oldinternational organization with clubs throughout theworld. Quota International of Indiana, Pa. Inc. is52 members strong and is open to all, serving deaf andhard of hearing individuals and providing aid todisadvantaged women and children.

For more information about Quota International ofIndiana, Pa. Inc., contact Club President, ConnieMcCardle, at 724-463-3295, write to us at PO Box 932,Indiana, Pa., or visit our website,www.indianapaquota.org.

Quota International of Indiana, Pa. Inc.: WE SHARE ...

our time, talents and resources

ATHENA AWARD2000: JoAnne Peterson2001: Stella Boron, M.D.2002: Charles Spadafora2003: Megan White2004: Kathy King2005: Carol Fry2006: Denise Clawson2007: Dr. Edwina Battle Vold2008: Elizabeth Gregg2009: Laurel Diznoff2010: Gladys Knox

CIVIC LEADER AWARD2000: Ellen Ruddock and Mike Donnelly2001: Sadie Smith and Robert Marcus2002: Nancy Sherry and Ed Bratton2003: Kay Smith and Harry McFarland2004: Mary Beth Akbay, Donna Griffith and Tom

Harley, Don Huey2005: Michelle Fryling and Glenn Brant2006: Joanne Torrance, Terry Appolonia, Becky

Farren and Steve Wolfe

2007: Susan Shank and Carl Kologie2008: Kris Mellinger and Bill Otto2009: Kathleen Mack and Fred Yun2010: Hastie Kinter and William Simmons

IUP PRESIDENT’S MEDAL OF DISTINCTION

■ Sen. Patrick J. Stapleton, March 24, 2000■ Florence E. Helwig, April 11, 2000■ Susan S. Delaney, March 29, 2001■ Clarence Stephenson, March 16, 2002■ Roger Reschini, March 13, 2003■ Olive M. Fornear, March 16, 2003■ Joyce Murtha, Aug. 5, 2003■ James C. Miller, March 18, 2004■ Bernard J. Ganley, Aug. 27, 2004■ Robert D. Duggan, March 10, 2005■ Gealy W. Wallwork, March 16, 2006■ Dr. Ruth A. Riesenman, March 15, 2007■ Retired Maj. Gen. Rodney D. Ruddock and his

wife, Ellen Sylves Ruddock, March 13, 2008■ Nancy Newkerk, March 19, 2009■ William Montgomery, March 18, 2010

PAST WINNERS

Continued on Page 3

NOMINATED BY: Indiana Busi-ness & Professional Women

Patricia Holmes’ devotion to ed-ucation, youth, family and com-munity runs as a common threadthroughout her résumé of service.

A lifetime member of the Penn-sylvania Parent Teacher Associa-tion, Holmes served as a commu-nity service representative for theIndiana County Head Start PolicyCouncil Board. Indiana CountyHead Start operates five preschoolcenters throughout the county andprovides essential services to eligi-ble children and families.

Holmes was appointed a lifemember of the Indiana CountyNAACP in 1996 and has served asvice president for 12 years. She isco-chairwoman of EducationCommittee and the Scholar-Ath-

lete Award Committee.She has also chaired the Ethnic

Heritage Committee, as well as theMartin Luther King FreedomMarch and served on the FreedomFund Banquet Committee.

The Chevy Chase CommunityCenter has benefited fromHolmes’ leadership for more thana decade. She served as vice presi-dent of the board of directors for12 years, and Holmes currentlyhelps guide the Fundraising andPublicity committees. She also hasbeen board secretary.

Holmes chairs the Diversity andMembership committees of theIndiana Branch of American Asso-ciation of University Women. Sheis a member of the NotableWoman Committee, as well asboard secretary.

Holmes serves on the board of

Indiana County CareNet, whichprovides training and organizationfor volunteers from religious con-gregations and the greater com-munity to provide compassionatecare and practical services to theelderly and those at risk of losingtheir independence. Holmes tookleadership reins on the two com-mittees, Fundraising, and Budgetand Finance.

She serves as secretary of theboard of directors for The Centerfor Family Life in Indiana, as wellon the Fundraising Committee.

Activism and political awarenessis an important part of Holmes’ ré-sumé. She is the secretary of theIndiana County Campaign to endHomophobia and takes an activerole in fundraising and publicityfor the Federation of DemocraticWomen of Indiana County.

Holmes is very active in herchurch. She served as board secre-tary for the First Unitarian Univer-salist Church of Indiana and is amember of the Fundraising Com-

mittee. She chairs the PublicityCommittee and is a member of theWorship Service Committee.

Finally, Holmes appreciates therole of the arts and culture in thecommunity. She serves on theboard of the IUP African AmericanCultural Center.

She served as board secretary forthe Indi-Annas chapter of theSweet Adelines’ International Or-ganization, a worldwide organiza-tion of women singers committedto advancing the musical art formof barbershop harmony througheducation and performance.

Currently, Holmes serves as amember and participant of pro-duction of plays and musicals bythe Indiana Players and is also amember and participant of the Tri-State County Music Association,Chapter 17.

Leader’s Circleevent to honor

nominees

Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday, March 11, 2011 — 3

701 Philadelphia St.,

Downtown Indiana

Phone 724-349-4200

www.gattirx.com

We congratulate Kay Smith on her Athena award nomination!

Thank you for your outstandingcommunity service.

Thank you to all our community volunteers who work to make Indiana

a great place to live and work.

Without the work of valuable volunteers,many projects, fundraisers, and

grassroot efforts would not be possible.If your life has been touched in some way by

a volunteer, let them know — say Thank You.

Congratulations To All NomineesEagle

StrategiesLLC

A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER

Larry A. Catlos, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®

Financial Adviser674 Philadelphia Street, Suite 200, Indiana, PA724.463.7788

of Indiana Countythanks

all the volunteers whohelp us succeed in our mission.

Thanks to volunteers, The Arc of Indiana County was established asa non-profit agency in 1973. Volunteers continue to work to achieveour mission which is to include all children and adults withdevelopmental delays or other disabilit ies in everycommunity by identifying barriers/best practices, buildingpartnerships and realizing solutions.

We welcome volunteers to support our activities and to serve on ourLegislative, Education, Community Outreach, and Public AwarenessCommittees.

Contact The Arc of Indiana County120 North 5th St., Indiana, PA 15701

[email protected]

PATRICIA HOLMESFemale Civic Leader Award Nominee

He is also a supporter of theChevy Chase Community Center,Indiana County Community Ac-tion Program, Pathways Project,Visiting Nurse Association, AlicePaul House, Luther Ford CharityGolf Classic benefiting the unem-ployed of Indiana County, IndianaGroup Homes and the Meals onWheels program.

He is a member of Calvary Pres-byterian Church, where he hasserved as chairman of the Stew-ardship Committee, institutionalrepresentative for the Boy Scoutsand a member of the Christian Ed-ucation Committee, the Diaconateand the Session.

He and his wife, Joan, are theparents of two children, Melindaand Timothy.

One of the highlights of theevening is the guest master of cer-emonies, Bill Flanagan.

Flanagan has served in this rolefor the past several years. He is ex-ecutive vice president, corporaterelations for the Allegheny Confer-ence on Community Developmentand its affiliated regional develop-ment organizations: The Pennsyl-vania Economy League of South-western Pennsylvania LLC, thePittsburgh Regional Alliance andthe Greater Pittsburgh Chamber ofCommerce.

Continued from Page 2

NOMINATED BY: Quota Interna-tional of Indiana

Jennifer Myers’ passion hasbeen helping women and chil-dren through mentoring andraising funds for special pro-grams and events in IndianaCounty.

A recognized leader during her20-year tenure with S&T Bank,Myers has put her leadershipskills to use with local organiza-tions such as Quota Internationalof Indiana and the YMCA of Indi-ana County to raise funds andawareness in pursuit of this pas-sion.

Myers has belonged to QuotaInternational for 11 years, duringwhich time she has been presi-dent, past president, boardmember and, currently, fundrais-

ing co-chairwoman. She works with other club

members to support causes tohelp disadvantaged women andchildren and the hearing im-paired.

During the past six years, shehas organized the club’s majorfundraiser, the St. Patty’s Open,which has yielded $58,000 for or-ganizations such as Big Hearts-Little Hands, Salvation ArmyTreasurers for Children, AlicePaul House and ICCAP, as well asmentoring initiatives of theQuota club.

As a member of the club’s Men-toring Committee, Myers reachesout to disadvantaged childrenand provides them with essentiallife skills through career fairs, in-terviewing skills, etiquette din-ners and one-on-one interaction,

as well as organized fun activi-ties. The programs have touchedthe lives of more than 150 chil-dren in the area. Myers recentlyco-chaired an event for Alice PaulHouse which raised approxi-mately $40,000 for things such asnew beds, a fenced play area,playground equipment and abasketball court.

In six years with the YMCA,Myers has been second vice pres-ident/board development, chairof the CEO search committee in2009 and co-chair of fundraisingcommittee, and now serves asthe chief volunteer officer for theboard of directors.

Myers has co-chaired theYMCA’s annual golf outing thathas raised more than $70,000 inthe last four years.

These funds help with YMCA

membership fees for those whocan’t afford the monthly fee, aswell as subsidizing summercamp memberships for disad-vantaged children.

Myers has brought her organi-zational and leadership skills tobear on other roles at the YMCA,helping with the selection ofboard candidates and the chiefexecutive officer and reachingstrategic goals of the organiza-tion.

She was appointed the chair-woman of the CEO search com-mittee when there was a vacancyin 2009.

Myers is very active in the OurLady of the Assumption CatholicChurch.

A lifelong member, she is theco-chair of the annual churchfestival, which has raised $55,000in the last two years for thechurch and its philanthropy.

Myers has been the treasurer ofthe Altar Rosary Society for threeyears and was also a church lec-tor.

Among her other communityactivities, Myers belongs to theElks Lodge #931 Ladies Auxiliaryand has belonged to the Women’sClub of Homer City.

She was president of theWomen’s Club of Homer City fortwo years and helped organizerecognition of senior female stu-dents of Homer-Center HighSchool with the Student of theMonth program, as well as select-ing scholarship winners and or-ganizing annual communityevents.

Her five-year experience withJunior Achievement helped pre-pare her for a successful career inthe banking profession, as well ashelping students with financialissues.

Myers is currently the vice pres-ident-enterprise sales facilitatorat S&T Bank.

She has also been vice presi-dent in three other areas, includ-ing regional manager in Arm-strong, Butler and Alleghenycounties, retail sales facilitator,and community banking manag-er of the Indian Springs Office.

Myers has been well recog-nized at S&T Bank for her leader-ship, as well as her ability to in-struct and communicate, allskills that have served her well inthe community.

She won the Directors Awardas an outstanding performer inthe organization who hasdemonstrated above and beyondbehaviors and skill sets.

4 — Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday, March 11, 2011

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THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

The Indiana CountyLeader’s Circle Committee

salutes the spirit of selflessness

and volunteerism of all of thenominees.

JENNIFER MYERSFemale Civic Leader Award Nominee


Walter L. LewisMale Civic Leader Nominee

We are truly proud of all your accomplishments

CongratulatesSmith, Lewis, Chess& Company, LLP

our partner

Salutes All Civic Leader& Athena Nominees

Their extraordinary leadership, creativity,and foresight are evident in their

ongoing volunteer efforts to improvethe quality of life in Indiana County.

For this we thank them.

CongratulationsAthena Nominees:

•Holly B. Rougeaux •Betsy Sarneso •Kay B. SmithFemale Civic:

•Patricia Holmes •Jenn MyersMale Civic:

•Walter Lewis •Michael McElhaney•Tom Ott •Bob Vargo

President’s Medal of Distinction:Edward K. Bratton

Order Online @ www.romeos-pizza.com

NOMINATED BY: Kiwanis Club ofIndiana:

Michael McElhaney has been abusy member of the Indiana com-munity in a variety of civic, reli-gious and community endeavorssince 2006. McElhaney is thefounder and current president ofthe Family Promise of IndianaCounty. The Family Promise is anational organization and at thelocal level it offers an InterfaithHospitality Program to homelessfamilies in Indiana County.

McElhaney has spearheaded aneffort to recruit, organize and trainat churches. He has conductedmore than 40 church and commu-nity presentations in the past year.

McElhaney currently serves aspart-time director of Habitat forHumanity in Armstrong County,

but he made his mark in IndianaCounty as YMCA executive direc-tor for three years.

During that time, $2.3 millionwas raised for YMCA camps underhis guidance, and he secured a Ca-pacity Building Grant from theprestigious Kresge Foundation.

The YMCA International CampCounselor Program selected McEl-haney as an ambassador to travelto Germany, Estonia and Poland.

Four times McElhaney has beena YMCA National APD (Associationof Professional Directors) choirmember, and he was selected sixyears to the prestigious staff of theYMCA Northeast Regional Leader’sschool for YMCA Teens (PACAA).

He is past president of the YMCAAPD, New Jersey.

As a successful YMCA director,McElhaney had an active role in

the Indiana County Chamber ofCommerce, the United Way, Chil-dren’s Advisory Commission

Health Committee and IndianaCounty Community Action Pro-gram, and he increased the philan-thropic emphasis on youth pro-grams in Indiana County.

He is the current leader in Indi-ana Rotary and Indiana Kiwanisclub fundraising. McElhaney par-ticipates in many communitycharity fundraisers to help organi-zations such as Quota Club, OpenDoor, Downtown Indiana, BigHearts/Little Hands, Alice PaulHouse, LifeSteps and Circle “K” atIndiana University of Pennsylva-nia. McElhaney chaired theAgency Division for the UnitedWay campaign.

He participated in the Elm StreetProject, a residential revitalizationproject, and was a member of theRose Society in Indiana.

McElhaney is involved with the

Rotary Club of Indiana-Midday ondifferent levels.

He is president-elect of the club,chairman of the Rotary Youth In-ternational Committee, a memberof the Rotary District Adult GroupStudy Exchange Committee,leader of Rotary district youth ex-change activities and the teamleader for the Rotary mission tripto the Dominican Republic.

McElhaney was selected to rep-resent Rotary District #767 to leada Rotary exchange program inJapan. He is a member of the Indi-ana County Housing ConsortiumTask Force.

McElhaney is a board member ofthe Indiana Kiwanis and chairmanof the Kiwanis Bingo Board. Healso volunteers for the IndianaLions Club quarterly communitydinners.

MICHAEL McELHANEYMale Civic Leader Award Nominee

NOMINATED BY: Associates atSmith Lewis Chess & Co

Walt Lewis has a rich historywith Indiana County institutions.

Lewis’ involvement with Indi-ana University of Pennsylvaniaspans six decades, from his un-derclassmen years in the late1960s to the present. He is cur-rently a member of the EberlyCollege of Business and Informa-tion Technology Advisory Boardand volunteers in the mentor-ship program for the Eberly busi-ness honors students.

A co-founder of the CPA firm ofSmith, Lewis, Chess & Co. LLP,and managing partner of the In-diana office, Lewis was most re-cently inducted into the IUPBusiness Hall of Distinction, and

in 2009 he received the Depart-ment of Accounting alumniaward.

Lewis is a member of PhiKappa Psi service fraternity andDelta Sigma Phi fraternity, wherehe helped to establish the Alum-ni Control Board. He was one ofthe original members of the IUPCenter for Family Business. Mostrecently, he was a member of theDivision I Advisory Committee.

As a member of the IUP AlumniAssociation board of directors,Lewis was treasurer from 1980 to1985 and one of the foundingmembers of the Maroon andSlate Booster Club. When JohnWelty became IUP president in1985, Lewis was a member of thePresidential Search Committeethat brought Welty to IUP. Lewis

also served as chairman of theIUP President’s Council Fund in1997.

In 1992, he was recognized forhis outstanding achievement,service to the community anddedication to the high ideals ofthe university with the IUP Dis-tinguished Alumni Award.

Lewis recently completed anine-year term with the IndianaRegional Medical Center Boardof Directors. He served as secre-tary, as well as a member of theexecutive financial committeeand the joint conference com-mittees. His association with thehospital also included eight yearson the Indiana Healthcare Corp.board of directors — five years astreasurer and three years as sec-retary/treasurer.

Lewis co-chaired the member-ship committee during his six-year tenure on the board of di-rectors of the Indiana CountyChamber of Commerce from2003 to 2009. He became an ex-officio member of the chamberin 2010.

Lewis served as a member ofthe S&T Bank Advisory Boardfrom 1999 to 2010, and is cur-rently on the Cambria-RoweBusiness College AdvisoryBoard.

Through his CPA firm, Lewishas touched the lives of IndianaArea High School students with awork study program that intro-duces them to the accountingprofession.

He is a member of both theAmerican and the PennsylvaniaInstitute of Certified Public Ac-countants.

During the 1980s, Lewis servedon the board of directors of theUnited Way of Indiana Countyand was treasurer for manyyears.

He belonged to the Indiana Ro-tary Club for 30 years and re-ceived the Paul Harris FellowAward, given to members whomeet a high professional andpersonal standards set by nation-al Rotary founder Paul P. Harris.While with the Rotary Club, hewas one of the organizers of theIndiana High School awards din-ner.

Jimmy Stewart returned to In-diana in 1983 for his 75th birth-day celebration and Lewis wastreasurer of the official celebra-tion event.

He coordinated fundraising forthe sale of the commemorativemedallion.

Lewis has volunteered manyyears to various purposes. He re-ceived the national American Le-gion Award in ninth grade, andhe participated in the Big Broth-er/Big Sister program while astudent at IUP.

Lewis coached and managed inthe Indiana Little League, and heand his wife, Suzanne, served ashost to a child in the IndianaEvergreen House program in the1980s. He has volunteered yearsof tax preparation assistance tosenior citizens organizations inIndiana.

In 1988, Lewis co-chaired theIndiana County Workshop Voca-tional Service’s annual holidayluncheon, and in 2010, Lewiswas an advisory member of theSt. Thomas More capital cam-paign.


We salute the people who volunteer their timehelping victims of domestic violence, sexualassault and other crimes in Indiana County.

It is only with their help that theAlice Paul House can offer 24 hour

crisis intervention and supportto the people we serve.

TThhaannkk YYoouu!!

or e-mail [email protected] you’d like to help, please call Melodee at:

LAUREL B. DIZNOFF, ESQ.

724-465-1088

CONGRATULATIONSto all the nominees!

Thank you for all yourgood work.

IND IANAMIDDAYROTARY

CLUBIndiana Midday Rotary is comprised of approximately

30 community members who are dedicated to the concept

“Service above Self”Stop by St. Andrews on Thursdays at noon to find out

why our club is growing and how we’re doing wonderful things in your community and across the world.

For more information contactRyan Renz at 724-388-5693

Congratulations to all of theaward nominees.

WALT LEWISMale Civic Leader Award Nominee

NOMINATED BY: Indiana RotaryClub

Tom Ott is a fixture in local Ro-tary clubs. His current servicewith the Indiana Rotary Clubbegan in January 1992 and has in-cluded two years as bulletin edi-tor, six years on the board of di-rectors, one year as club presi-dent and four years as club secre-tary.

He continues as chairman of avariety of club projects.

Ott began his Rotary servicewith the Clearfield Rotary in De-cember 1984.

His seven-year tenure includedsix years as club bulletin editor.

Ott’s record of community serv-ice covers a broad range of re-sponsibilities and activities.

He served with the IndianaChapter of the American RedCross for nine and a half years,during which he was appointedto the board of directors for athree-year term from 2002 to2005. Ott was re-elected for sec-ond (2006-08) and third terms(2009-12).

He also served as chairman ofBuilding Committee for threeyears and vice chairman of theboard for two years, and he hasbeen the board chairman since2010.

Education and its role in thecommunity are an important partof Ott’s résumé.

He currently serves as a mem-ber of the Indiana County Tech-nology Center General AdvisoryBoard.

The board is a strategic plan-ning steering committee estab-lished to assist in providing direc-tion for future student develop-ment needs within our local com-munity.

Ott is an active Advisory Boardmember, as well as a previousBusiness Co-Chair of the Alliancefor Business and Education Lead-ership (ABEL) Committee.

In this role, Ott has joined other

local business leaders and educa-tors to focus on developingmeaningful educational experi-ences and potential career oppor-tunities for students and facultywithin the business communityvia such programs as Educator inthe Workplace and Student toWork.

Ott, an administration managerat the Homer City Generating Sta-tion, serves as its representativeto the Indiana County Chamberof Commerce, the PA Chamber ofBusiness and Industry, the PAFoundation for Free EnterpriseEducation, the Indiana CountyWorkshop Advisory Board andthe Pittsburgh Regional Alliance-Pittsburgh Regional ChampionsProgram.

His community service extends

to the church, where he is an ac-tive member of the St. ThomasMore University Parish.

He has served the parish as thechairman of the Finance Com-mittee for the past nine years. Heis a Lector and a Eucharistic Min-ister.

Ott and his wife, Rita, mentorengaged couples preparing formarriage. He is also a member ofthe Knights of Columbus, CouncilNo. 1481, Indiana.

Ott is a past member ofClearfield Elks.

He was assistant scoutmasterfor the Penn’s Woods Council ofthe Boys Scouts of America,coached Little League and partic-ipated in the annual IndianaCounty Fair and local antiqueauto club events.

In 2009, Ott received HomerCity Generating Station’s EMEEmployee Recognition Award forOutstanding Performance andTeamwork.

Among his other accolades, Ottwas presented the American RedCross Honor Society Richard W.McGee Leadership Award in Sep-tember 2005 by the IndianaCounty Chapter American RedCross board of directors.

In 2004, he received FacilitatorCertification from the Senn-De-laney Leadership ConsultingGroup Inc.’s Teamwork and Lead-ership training program. Ott alsoreceived the 2003 PA Governor’sAward for Outstanding Labor/Management Relations, and hereceived the 2000-01 CommittedRotarian award.


Camp OrendaCamp OrendaCamp OrendaCamp Orenda1278 LionsHealth Camp Rd.

Indiana, PA 15701

For info about Camp Orenda Phone 724-349-5236Camp Orenda is supported by: Lions Clubs in District

14J, United Way Agency & Private Contributions

Camp Orenda provides a safe summercamping experience. It is staffed by

professional counselors and volunteers and is opened to all handicappedchildren & adults, ages 8 thru adult

on a non-discriminatory basis.

Thanks to the public for their continued support of Camp Orenda.

2011201120112011201120112011When You Volunteer ...

Everyone Connects...

Our Thanks Go Out To AllThe Wonderful Volunteers In

Our Community!

Member F D I C

Elderton State Bank Elderton (Main Office) Kittanning Rural Valley

www.eldertonbank.com

724-354-2111 724-543-2111 724-783-2111

TOM OTTMale Civic Leader Award Nominee

Elizabeth Gregg,ATHENA nominee

To achieve equality for all women in the workplace

through advocacy, education and information.

Best of luck to allnominees.

“HOW WONDERFUL it isthat nobody need wait asingle moment beforestarting to improve theworld.”

Anne Frank

Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday, March 11, 2011— 98 — Indiana Gazette Salute to Community Service, Friday, March 11, 2011

Reschini Agency, Inc. Crown Benefits Administration, Inc. T.F.I.D., Inc.

Congratulations to all the nominees. Thank you for all you do for our community.

Lend a Helping Hand.

NOMINATED BY: Quota International

Bob Vargo has a long history of com-munity involvement and leadershipin Indiana County.

It started in the early 1950s, andVargo served as president and chartermember of the Indiana Jaycees in1957 and 1958.

It began anew with his involvementwith the Indiana Rotary Club in the1970s and continues to this day.

Today, Vargo is executive director ofHabitat for Humanity in IndianaCounty, a part-time post he has heldsince 2005.

Vargo has been a board member ofthe Community Guidance Centersince 1992.

He is an honorary member of theIndiana Rotary Club, for which heserved as treasurer from 1974 to 1979and as president in 1982 and 1983.

Vargo is a member of the VFW Club

and a corporate board member of Cit-izens’ Ambulance Service.

He stays active as a member of theIndiana Ballroom Dance Club, forwhich he has served as secretary andtreasurer.

In addition to Vargo’s commitmentto the Community Guidance Center,he also volunteers time to the CirclesProgram through the Indiana CountyCommunity Action Program.

The Circles Program guides low-in-come families to self-sufficiency bypairing families with community al-lies, and ICCAP is the lead agency forthe local campaign.

Vargo’s other philanthropic com-mitments include a board member-ship on the Indiana County chapter ofthe Blind Association and a pastmembership in the Knights of Colum-bus.

An employee of National Mine Serv-ice Co. from 1953 to 1990, Vargo also

worked for five years as a marketingrepresentative for the Indiana CountyVocational Workshop, now known asICW Vocational Services.

The ICW teams with local businessto provide individuals with realisticwork experiences that help developappropriate work skills and behav-iors.

Vargo is a graduate of Indiana Uni-versity of Pennsylvania. He servedfrom 1990 to 2005 as president of theIUP Alumni Association of IndianaCounty.

Vargo was the first Indiana CountyRotary Club member selected to bean honorary member. Vargo is also aRotary Club Paul Harris Fellow.

The award is given to members whomeet the high professional and per-sonal standards set by national Rotaryfounder Paul P. Harris.

Vargo was previously nominated forthe Civic Leader Award in 2000.


Congratulat ions Congratulat ions Congratulat ions

and thank you and thank you and thank you

for your ser vice . for your ser vice . for your ser vice .

Th e St ud en t Co-op I s Your Campu s Partn er Th e St ud en t Co-op I s Your Campu s Partn er Th e St ud en t Co-op I s Your Campu s Partn er

BOB VARGOMale Civic Leader Award nominees

“EVERYONE can begreat becauseeveryone can serve.You don’t have tohave a collegedegree to serve. Youdon’t even have tomake your subjectand your verbagree to serve. ...You only need aheart full of grace.A soul generated bylove ...”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Best Wishes to all of the nominees as it is indeed an honor to be nominated!

Meetings Monday 5:30 pm at the Rustic Lodge

Rotary Shares

Rotary Club of IndianaChapter 5229

CongratulatesRotarians

KAY SMITH and TOM OTT

NOMINATED BY: Indiana CountyAthena Recipients

Holly Rougeaux has been part ofthe Indiana Area School Districtfamily since 1995 and has affectedthe community positively througheducation initiatives and commu-nity service. She has been a rolemodel for women, demonstratinginitiative in every building she hasworked by bringing the communi-ty to the school where studentscould participate and contributemeaningfully. Rougeaux is cur-rently an Indiana Junior HighSchool mathematics teacher andsponsors the Junior High AthenaClub, which has been inactive forseveral years. She coordinates theAthena Leadership Forum lunch-eons for students and communityleaders, as well as other student

annual activities such as the powerluncheons and etiquette lunch-eons. She has sponsored otherAthena activities since taking hercurrent position in 2008, includingthe Pick-A-Cause 5K for two years,which raised $5,000 or more perevent, benefiting Wounded War-rior, American Cancer Society,breast cancer awareness/research,the Indiana County Humane Soci-ety, Children’s Hospital of Pitts-burgh, the American Heart Associ-ation and the American DiabetesAssociation.

Rougeaux has also been a bellringer for The Salvation Army’sRed Kettle Drive and planted flow-ers for the community with theBuilder’s Club in front of the PennDOT building. She also raised ap-proximately $300 through FlexGroup Room 231 for Hopeful

Hearts. Rougeaux started andsponsored the first elementaryAthena Club at the Horace MannElementary while principal therefrom 2006 to 2008. While a mathteacher at the senior high schoolfrom 2003 to 2006, Rougeaux start-ed the high school Athena Cluband sponsored several Athenaevents, including multiple blooddrives, cut-a-thons and powerluncheons for networking and eti-quette instruction. During hertenure there, she was co-internalcoordinator of the AccreditationFor Growth through the MiddleStates Commission on secondaryschools and secured continued ac-creditation without stipulations.

From 2001 to 2003, Rougeauxwas assistant principal at the sen-ior high school and organized sev-eral assemblies, including a Veter-

ans Day assembly, which was cre-ated with pictures of currentlyserving military members and vet-erans; African-American History

Month assembly, where she organ-ized and created with student as-sistance; and the Women’s HistoryMonth assembly for the seniorhigh students on April 29, 2003,where she created and implement-ed with student assistance.

Rougeaux began with the districtin 1995 in the same position shecurrently holds. For four years, shewas adviser or co-adviser of nu-merous Student Council commit-tees, and she sponsored or assistedin several Student Council events,including Earth Day 2000 at Ho-race Mann, collected $300 for toysfor children (ICCAP) in conjunc-tion with Horace Mann elemen-tary teachers, raised $3,633 forRenda Broadcasting’s Teddy BearFund Drive through various activi-ties and multiple other schoolwideevents.


Mr. Bratton has played such a vital role in the growth anddevelopment of this area.

In his silent calm demeanor he goes about his businesstouching the lives of many in our community.

From your partners, the McKillop family, and your employees,we would like to say ...

Congratulations on Receiving theIUP President’s Medal of Distinction

HOLLY B. ROUGEAUXAthena Award Nominee


ARTHRITIS can turn a simple taskinto a painful experience.

If you’re in search of relief from Arthritis pain, call us today!

724.357.8152

Richard Kim, D.O. RHEUMATOLOGIST

For more information, please call:

Indiana Regional Medical Center

Indiana, PA MAIN CAMPUS

Indiana Regional Medical Center

at Chestnut Ridge, Blairsville, PA


The Indiana County Chamber of CommerceCongratulates the Nominees for the

Male and Female Civic Leader of the Year,Athena Award and Ed Bratton

as IUP’s recipient of the President’s Medal of Distinction.

You all make Indiana County a betterplace to live, work and play.

LEADER’S CIRCLE 2011The best of the best!







NOMINATED BY: Indiana Busi-ness & Professional Women

Elizabeth Sarneso has devotedthe last 21 years to helping collegestudents elevate themselves per-sonally and academically.

In particular, she has providedsignificant assistance to women inthe development of their leader-ship potential. She has been em-ployed as the assistant director atthe Center for Student Life andStudent Leadership and Greek Lifeat Indiana University of Pennsylva-nia since 2003. Much of Sarneso’scareer has been spent at IUP andwith the Phi Mu National Women’sFraternity. Phi Mu is a women’s or-ganization that provides personaland academic development, serv-ice to others, commitment to ex-cellence and lifelong friendshipthrough a shared tradition. Phi Mu

promotes vibrant living, encourag-ing members to achieve their per-sonal best. During her tenure withthe organization, Sarneso served astint as regional alumnae director.

For the past 17 years, Sarnesohas served in various volunteerroles as a fraternity/sorority(Greek) adviser at various collegesand a member of the Associationof Fraternity and Sorority Advisers.As an adviser, she spends approxi-mately 25 hours per week mentor-ing collegiate women and men intheir roles throughout campus.She also serves as a liaison be-tween the 1,000-student cohortand the Indiana community.

As part of her Phi Mu activities,she participated in the Children’sMiracle Network and a fundraiserfor the children’s ward at IndianaRegional Medical Center.

Sarneso has served for 10 years

on the nine-member volunteerboard of directors of the NortheastGreek Leadership Association. As amember of the Theta Phi AlphaWomen’s Fraternity, she was thefirst recipient of the OutstandingFraternity/Sorority Professionalaward.

Sarneso served as coordinator ofthe annual recognition process forIUP’s Women’s Leadership Recog-nition, and she is a new member tothe IUP President’s Commissionon the Status of Women. She is alsoa member of the Haven Task Force,a comprehensive program de-signed to address the needs ofwomen who are victims of vio-lence and to improve efforts toprevent violence against women.

She served as chairwoman of theScholarship Committee of Busi-ness and Professional Women, ofwhich she has been a member for

two years. During her tenure, sheserved on the Bras for the Causecommittee in 2010. She has also

been a member for two years ofthe Indiana Community Universi-ty Collaboration (ICUC). She hasbeen part of the ICUC Hawk Walkand Meeting 101 workshop com-mittees. During her eight years asan adviser to the IUP Greek com-munity, she has supported annualevents raising money for the AlicePaul House, Habitat for Humanityof Indiana County, Make a WishFoundation of Southwest Pennsyl-vania and West Virginia, Movem-berUSA and The Salvation Army’sTreasures for Children program.

Sarneso served as adviser to theIUP cheerleading squad for twoyears. She is committed to sup-porting the Alice Paul House, theAlzheimer’s Association of Penn-sylvania, the Indiana Fire Associa-tion, Komen for the Cure, thePennsylvania Special Olympicsand WQED.

ELIZABETH E. “BETSY” SARNESOAthena Award Nominee

United Way of Indiana County

We thank all of our donors for their generous support during the 2010 campaign.

Your contributions helped us raise

$778,425Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.


American Red Cross

Indiana County Chapter • 724-465-5678

Congratulations to Tom Ott on his nomination for

Male Civic Leader of the year.

The Indiana County Chapter of the AmericanRed Cross thanks all the dedicated volunteerswho provide life saving Red Cross Services toIndiana County residents. Volunteers are the

backbone of our organization.

We would like to recognize

our co-workers, friends, and

community leaders for all of

their hard work and

dedicated volunteer service

to the Indiana community.

Commissioners Rod Ruddock,

Dave Frick & Patty Evanko

NOMINATED BY: Indiana Rotary

Kay Smith has volunteered hertime and energy to making the In-diana community a better placeto live in a variety of ways.

Since 2000, Smith has served onthe Welcome to Indiana boardand participated in projects tobeautify tree beds on Philadel-phia Street and the downtownarea.

She initiated a project to workwith Indiana University of Penn-sylvania students to beautify thefront of Indiana’s post office andcurrently maintains this projectwith flowers and landscaping.

Smith has also landscapedflower beds at Graystone Presby-terian Church and Gatti Pharma-cy, for which she won the TreeBed award.

During her tenure with Wel-come to Indiana, Smith con-tributed two years (2004-2005) asa board member of DowntownIndiana. She served on the Designand Streetscape Committee andhelped implement historicalplaques.

Smith has been an Indiana Ro-tary club member since 2002. Shebecame vice president in 2009and president in July of 2010. Shehas participated in numerous Ro-tary activities, including manyfundraising projects, dictionaryprojects for elementary schoolstudents, and AMBA wellnessscreenings.

The United Way of IndianaCounty has benefited from yearsof Smith’s service.

She came aboard in 2002 andjoined the Campaign Cabinet

(2002 to present). She has been anexecutive board member since2006 and the executive boardpresident since 2010. While serv-ing as campaign chairwoman in2008, she was successful in ex-ceeding the fundraising goal byraising $843,000. She participatedin the United Way’s Turkeythoncampaign.

Smith is a member of the Indi-ana business community as co-owner of Gatti Pharmacy and alsoa member of National Communi-ty Pharmacist Association’s auxil-iary. The auxiliary provides 10$2,000 scholarships annually topharmacy students, primarily fe-male. Smith was president from2001 to 2003 and currently chairsthe $500,000 endowment com-mittee.

Smith has served on the IndianaRegional Medical Center HealthAdvisory Committee and has

been president and board mem-ber with the American Associa-tion for University Women from1987 to 2008 with which she wonthe Notable Woman Award in2004.

A friend to the arts, culture andhistory of Indiana County, Smithserved on the Indiana Arts Coun-cil for nine years, including threeas president.

She initiated the Jane WoosterScott “It’s a Wonderful Life” printproject and the print can now beviewed many places in Indiana,including the Renda Broadcast-ing building. She won an IndianaArts Council Distinguished Serv-ice award.

Smith has been a member ofthe Indiana Genealogical Histori-cal Society since 1999, a Jimmy

KAY SMITHAthena Award Nominee

Continued on Page 15

Downtown Indiana, Inc. is proud to have been selected as theEmployer of the Year by the Indiana chapter of the Business

& Professional Women’s Club. The awardis presented to the business or employerwho contributes the most to theemployment, advancement andrecognition of women. Downtown Indiana,Inc. strives to promote and encouragethe role of women in the workplace andthroughout the business community

while strengthening the region’s economic vitality.

899 Water Street, Box 10, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701 724-465-5555 Fax: 724-465-0402 www.indianagazette.com

Congratulations to all nominees.The Indiana Gazette Gazette Printers Shoppers Guide Kerr Promotions Barash Publications


Building strength in our communities

Nothing builds a strong community more than people dedicated to service. That’s why we are happy to call

employees. Because this is a community that is dedicated to its neighbors, families and friends.

FCB Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

2010 American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk at Blue Spruce Park

KIWANIS CLUB OF INDIANAKiwanis is a global organization of volunteers

dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

We are proud of our heritage and recent achievements.Numbers tell the story:

* 89th Anniversary* 92 members strong

* More than 400 children in our student leadership group* Sponsored the Halloween Parade for 52 years

* Honored N.H.S. members 48 years* 59 years sponsoring Little League team

* Our members hold state and national offices* More than $4000.00 scholarships awarded yearly -

started in 1947* Sponsor the Kiddie Farm

* We led the formation of 3 new Kiwanis Clubs inBlairsville, Cresson and Punxsutawney

* Number “1” club 3 years in a row in Pennsylvaniafor service

Join us and help continue our serviceto our community.

Contact Fred Yun at 724-465-7509 for moreinformation, or to become a member

KAY SMITHAthena Award Nominee

Stewart Museum member since1995 and a former board memberand officer of the Monday MusicClub.

She also belonged to the NewCentury Club, was host of theVNA House & Garden Tour in2002 and 2004, and through theCarol Teti Organ Scholarship or-ganization, she helped raisefunds for IUP organ students.

Smith volunteered time as a Sal-vation Army bell ringer andserved her church, GraystonePresbyterian, in many capacities,including elder and a number ofyouth-group associated posi-tions.

As a member of PRO PAPA Mis-sions America, she joined or led13 missions to Honduras since1999, which included the “eye

team” in 2000. She was eye coordinator for

four years, fundraised to procurean auto lens meter and an autorefractor and saw 2,500 patientsthat were fitted with eyeglassesand sunglasses donated by Indi-ana Lions Club.

She was team leader of a con-struction brigade building ce-ment block houses in Honduras,led a trip in April 2010 to con-struct a swinging foot bridge toconnect two villages for school-children to attend school andhelped create support scholar-ships for Honduran children.Smith won the PRO PAPA Mis-sions America & Pro PAPA Mis-sions Honduras 10th AnniversaryAward.

Smith was Civic Leader of theYear in 2003.

Continued from


Bence Funeral Homes ... where you can count on being treated like family.

BENCE-MIHALCIK FUNERAL HOME HARRY J. BENCE FUNERAL HOME, INCBENCE-MIHALCIK FUNERAL HOME HARRY J. BENCE FUNERAL HOME, INC

Carl W. Bence, Supervisor

965 Philadelphia StreetIndiana, PA 15701

Harry J. Bence Jr., Supervisor

655-669 Franklin StreetClymer, PA 15728

724-349-2000724-349-2000 724-254-4342724-254-4342

Seated: Charlotte MangesStanding: Harry J. Bence Jr. & Carl W. Bence

“CARING & SHARING”“CARING & SHARING”GRIEF

SUPPORTGROUP

We are pleased to continue to offer our“Caring & Sharing” grief support groupservices to the community.

Our certified grief counselor, Charlotte Manges,facilitates the support group which is focused ondealing with the grief process and the changesthat death brings into everyday life.

Should you feel the need for such assistance,we welcome you to join us by calling eitherfuneral home location for group information orindividual consultation.

This program is offered by us free of charge asa public service to any family in the community.

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