The Cranberry Public Library's 2023 Spirit of Giving Awards were celebrated Oct. 10 with a reception at the library. From left are Leslie Pallotta, library director; honorees June Bruschi, Dr. Melissa Karski and Scott Garing, chief at the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company; and Tom Parkinson, library board president. Submitted Photo

The 2023 Cranberry Public Library Spirit of Giving honorees were recognized Oct. 10 at a reception held at the library.

Leslie Pallotta, library director, said the reception honored not only the three recipients of the award but was celebrated during the library’s 50th anniversary and the 10th year for the Spirit of Giving Awards.

“The Spirit of Giving Award was established to honor Bruce and Conni Mazzoni,” Pallotta said. “Without their clear understanding of what it takes to build community, we would not be the strong library we are today.”

One honoree was the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company for their work every day to keep the township safe, plus their restoration of the library’s firetruck book shelf in the children’s department.

“They presented this special shelf along with a collection of children’s books about fire fighting,” said Eric Vollmer, library board vice president. “Their dog mascot, along with volunteer members, have been to many story times and children’s events over the years, and they are always front and center at our popular Touch-a-Truck events.”

The business recipient of the Spirit of Giving Award was Dr. Melissa Karski and Dr. David Spokane of Karski & Spokane Orthodontics in Seven Fields.

Tom Parkinson, library board president, presented the business award and said the pair have supported the library by sponsoring the 50th anniversary family mini-golf outing and Summer Reading program, as well as other projects.

Pallotta recognized June Bruschi, a 15-year library volunteer.

Pallotta said staff and patrons alike look forward to Bruschi’s time in the library, and that she was among the first volunteers to return after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the library.

“Some think that this was due to sheer boredom from being stuck at home for months, but I know it is because June really would do anything that we need her to do,” Pallotta said. “To date, June has logged over 2,000 hours of volunteer work with the library, and Tuesdays are now ‘June Day.’”

She said Bruschi is “funny and authentic and has a heart of gold.”

The Spirit of Giving Awards reception was sponsored by Cranberry Township Community Chest.