Community Chest will be recognized
CRANBERRY TWP — The Cranberry Township Community Chest has been honored by a statewide organization for its impact on the community.
The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society announced the CTCC will receive the Community Champion Award, which honors volunteer organizations that have made “outstanding and significant contributions” to the parks and recreation facilities and programs in their community.
“Obviously, recognition is nice,” said Bruce Mazzoni, one of nine CTCC board members. “We appreciate it.”
Dave Hutner, program manager with the township parks department, said the department nominated CTCC for the award.
“For parks and recreation, it's incredible what they've done and helped with,” Hutner said. “Four of the five projects they've done are directly related to parks and recreation.
“The things they bring to the community, it's just incredible.”
In 2010, the organization implemented a project of the year program that raises funds to support community improvements.
In 2011, an electronic welcome sign at the intersection of Route 228 and Route 19 was constructed; in 2012, the Centennial Scout Plaza and fishing pond in Graham Park were built; in 2013, Playtime Palace Playground was redone; and in 2014, multiple outdoor fitness stations were bought and installed at Graham Park.
This year, the CTCC is raising money for a fire training trailer and scholarships for firefighters at Butler County Community College. The project also aims to bring more volunteers to the fire departments.
In addition to the project of the year, the CTCC is involved in the Cranberry Township Community Days festival in July, which raises funds for other community projects.
Mazzoni said while the honor is welcome, the volunteers that make each project a reality don't do it for awards.
“We do it for the community good as a whole,” Mazzoni said. “I think getting community members involved in their community and focused on the community is the best aspect.
“We as citizens can really dictate the community we live in.”
The award will be given to CTCC March 24 at the society's annual banquet in Lancaster.
Other members of the CTCC board are Roy Wagner, president; Wendy Lydon, vice president; Chris Bench, treasurer; Gretchen Moran, secretary; and members Bob Gillenberger, Cindy Marzock, Karen Newpol and Cindy Zonts.
