Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 14:06

Annual Event Announces New President, Board Members and Recognizes Accomplishments

Pictured (left to right) Matt Damich, Paul Harris recipient, Debby Puglia, President, Fred Foster, outgoing President

Pictured (left to right): Fred Foster, outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Belle Vernon Area passes the gavel to Debby Puglia, President for the 2025-2026 year.

Pictured (left to right): Paul Harris Awards were presented to Belle Vernon Area Rotary members at the Club's recent President's event: Denise Sztroin, Paul Harris recipient, Debby Puglia, President, Chris Giannamore, Paul Harris recipient, and Fred Foster, past President.

The Rotary Club of Belle Vernon Area celebrated an annual tradition, President's Night at Corelone's Bar and Grill on June 26. The tradition includes the current President handing over the gavel over to the new President. Fred Foster was recognized and thanked for a tremendous year and congratulations were extended to Debby Puglia, who will lead the Club through the next Rotary year. Puglia announced the new slate of officers, and the Board Members who will serve through 2026: Vice President, Chris Giannamore, Secretary, Brian Pirilla, and Treasurer, Matt Damich. Board Members, which includes the officers will beFred Foster, Tom Yoder, Deb Keefer, Denise Sztroin and Mike Carney

Puglia also reviewed the Rotary's past years accomplishments, among those were:

Securing a District Grant that resulted in a $6,000 donation of equipment to Joy Riders, a disability bike rider program.
Distributed 40 Caring Bags to local Police and Fire Departments
Granted $12,500 in scholarships to Belle Vernon Area and Frazier Students
Granted two RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership) scholarships
Adopted two families in the Belle Vernon/Perryopolis for Christmas, providing children's gifts and family needs.
Donated to Belle Vernon and Frazier School District "Caring Closets," for students' necessities not provided at home.
Purchased six Rotary Peace Poles, a project of International President Stephanie Urchick
Donated to the Bag Brigade and other food banks
Supported disaster relief in storm damaged areas in U.S.
Donated $1,000 to Belle Vernon Interact to give to the charity of their choice.
Hosted 24 Students of the Month and their parents for dinner and awards
Hosted two Interact Banquets for Frazier and Belle Vernon Area Clubs
Donated Rotary bench to the Belle Vernon Youth Sports Association using recycled plastic
Held a successful Blood Drive
Participated in "Mon Valley Night Out" and "Fun Fest"
Other donations to Avenue of the Flags, West Newton, The Blackburn Center, bicycles to North Belle Vernon Borough, and to help international students access the internet.

The Club conducted two successful fundraisers, the "Rotary Regatta on the Yough," and the "Rotary Pancake Festival," and donated a total of $31,500 to the community and beyond in the past year.

Paul Harris awards were given to Matt Damich, for his diligent work as Treasurer and Denise Sztroin for all of her efforts in the recycling project and more, and a Paul Harris +2 to Chis Giannamore for her constant coordination of activities with the Belle Vernon Area and Frazier Interact Clubs. Brian Pirilla was handed the post office key for his new stint as Secretary.

The Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club was established in 1933, and serves the communities in the Belle Vernon Area and Frazier School Districts Meetings are held every Thursday at 6:30pm at Cedarbrook Clubhouse Grille. Find out more about Belle Vernon Rotary at www.bvarotary.com and Facebook/BVARotary page for weekly updates and information on the Regatta on the Yough, the club's signature event.