For the second year the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic
Organization was proud to present the Citizen of
the Year Award, sponsored by Concerned Care
Services, Inc., at the Fall Festival. The citizen
of the year for 2007 is Mrs. Josephine Molinari.
If you ever noticed a perky redhead zipping around town on her bike, kayaking on our lake, or picking up litter, then you have spotted our Citizen of the Year, Jo Molinari.
Josephine Molinari, nee Gulotta, was born and raised in New York City, but like many future Lake Ronkonkoma residents, Jo visited the lake during the summer with her family when she was younger.
If you ever noticed a perky redhead zipping around town on her bike, kayaking on our lake, or picking up litter, then you have spotted our Citizen of the Year, Jo Molinari.
Josephine Molinari, nee Gulotta, was born and raised in New York City, but like many future Lake Ronkonkoma residents, Jo visited the lake during the summer with her family when she was younger.
Pictured, from left to right: Ilona Torraca of Concerned Care Services, Brookhaven Councilwoman Kathy Walsh, Josephine Molinari, Brookhaven Councilman Timothy Mazzei, Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization President George Schramm, and Jim LaCarrubba, Commissioner of Brookhaven’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Sports, & Cultural Resources
From the 1930's into the 1950's, young Jo and her
family traveled east each summer to enjoy the
activities around the lake.
When asked what she remembers most about growing up summers here she said, “It was an age of innocence. There was nowhere in Lake Ronkonkoma that could not be reached by walking or bicycling; cars were used only for special occasions. The woods were filled with blackberries, blueberries and interesting paths to investigate. Families were always involved with each other and the children always had great fun playing and swimming together.”
She met her future husband, veteran Bob Molinari, at New York State College in Brooklyn while taking chemical technology classes. The two have been married for fifty-eight years and have five children: Bruce Molinari, Judy Tramontano, Paul Molinari, Eve Bonadonna and Lynn Sherry.
In 1985 she and Bob, and their family moved to Lake Ronkonkoma to live here year-round.
Both Jo and Bob have always been active in the Lake Ronkonkoma community, donating their time to such organizations as the American Legion, the Historical Society, and the Civic. In the past Jo has also been active with the Boy Scouts and 4H groups, and was the Art Counselor for the Nassau County Boy Scouts.
Jo describes herself as an artist and, jokingly, a busybody. She is an accomplished artist with many shows to her credit, including a recent one-person show at Sachem Library. She also loves to travel, especially in Europe.
As an active Civic member, she participates in our local revitalization efforts and looks forward to the day when more residents travel by walking or bicycling, parks and play areas are easily accessible, and every summer the lake is filled with children playing and swimming together.
A delight to work with and know, Josephine has been an asset to our community and it’s obvious that she really cares about Lake Ronkonkoma. She says that her philosophy of life is: “Roll with the punches and don't make waves...except when you need to.”
Congratulations to Josephine Gulotta Molinari, our Citizen of the Year, and thank you Concerned Care for sponsoring this award once again.
When asked what she remembers most about growing up summers here she said, “It was an age of innocence. There was nowhere in Lake Ronkonkoma that could not be reached by walking or bicycling; cars were used only for special occasions. The woods were filled with blackberries, blueberries and interesting paths to investigate. Families were always involved with each other and the children always had great fun playing and swimming together.”
She met her future husband, veteran Bob Molinari, at New York State College in Brooklyn while taking chemical technology classes. The two have been married for fifty-eight years and have five children: Bruce Molinari, Judy Tramontano, Paul Molinari, Eve Bonadonna and Lynn Sherry.
In 1985 she and Bob, and their family moved to Lake Ronkonkoma to live here year-round.
Both Jo and Bob have always been active in the Lake Ronkonkoma community, donating their time to such organizations as the American Legion, the Historical Society, and the Civic. In the past Jo has also been active with the Boy Scouts and 4H groups, and was the Art Counselor for the Nassau County Boy Scouts.
Jo describes herself as an artist and, jokingly, a busybody. She is an accomplished artist with many shows to her credit, including a recent one-person show at Sachem Library. She also loves to travel, especially in Europe.
As an active Civic member, she participates in our local revitalization efforts and looks forward to the day when more residents travel by walking or bicycling, parks and play areas are easily accessible, and every summer the lake is filled with children playing and swimming together.
A delight to work with and know, Josephine has been an asset to our community and it’s obvious that she really cares about Lake Ronkonkoma. She says that her philosophy of life is: “Roll with the punches and don't make waves...except when you need to.”
Congratulations to Josephine Gulotta Molinari, our Citizen of the Year, and thank you Concerned Care for sponsoring this award once again.