Zelie Rotary elects 100th president, to honor 2 at Zelie parade
Richard Gigliotti, of Zelienople, will become the 100th president of the Rotary Club of Zelienople on June 30 at the club’s annual changing of the guard event.
Gigliotti, an insurance broker with Insurance Services of Zelienople, has been a Rotarian since 2016.
“I joined Rotary because I care about my community.” Gigliotti said. “Zelienople is a special place to live, and it’s an honor to serve and lead our club into its second century. “I have four children, and it’s also important to be an example of servant leadership.”
The first service project of the new Rotary year is the Zelienople Fourth of July Parade. The Rotary Club has been organizing the parade for more than 25 years.
At this year’s parade, the Rotary club will honor residents Don Pepe and Jennifer Kaufman for their service to the community.
Pepe will act as the parade’s grand marshal, and Kaufman will be presented with the Doc Viola Service Above Self Award.
Pepe was chosen for his 17 years of service as the borough’s manager. During his tenure Pepe orchestrated the revitalization of Main Street, working with the business association, borough council and staff, and other community leaders. In retirement, Pepe continues his service as a deacon for Divine Grace Parish of the Catholic Church.
Kaufman has volunteered for a variety of community organizations and is an active member of English Lutheran Church, where she serves as council president, events coordinator and participates in the weekly free community meal program. She and borough council worked with former Pepe to form a partnership to utilize the church parking lot for community events.
The annual Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m. on July 4. Lineup starts at 9 a.m. on High Street. Registration for the parade is available on the club’s website at www.zelienoplerotary.org, along with a parade route map.
“We want folks to know that they should come for the parade ... and then stay for the day with a full schedule of activities at the Zelienople Community Park, including food trucks, fun activities and fireworks,” Gigliotti said.
Those interested in parade participation should visit the Club’s website at Zelienoplerotary.org to register. To volunteer, email zelienoplerotary@gmail.com.
