Toby Oriolo, Butch Bianchini, Frank Barbetta, Larry Daniels, Jr.
Bob Liberatore & his guiding influence, Coach Anthony “Chic” D’Angelo, BHS ‘42
Senior CLASS
by Cate Murway
Giving back is a vital part of a full and rewarding life.
All five American Presidents from Ford through Clinton declared, "Our obligation, distinct and unmistakable, is to assure that all young Americans have … an opportunity to give back to their communities through their own service." Thus the "give-back" notion has been a key premise in the current push for community service, as espoused by former President Bush in his State of the Union address.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Seating is limited! Reserve your ticket today to attend the BSAA Inaugural Anniversary Ball at “The Maltese Room” on Friday, May 1, 2009, celebrating their 5th year.
The Bristol Senior Athletic Association has become synonymous with charitable acts and giving back to the community. The members are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bristol's proud academic and athletic history through fellowship and providing incentives for young athletes and scholars with a model blueprint for tomorrow.
They currently have raised in excess of $40,000 for scholarships to be awarded at the 2009 through 2012 graduating classes.
The journey thus far has been exciting and rewarding while the BSAA members, full of persistence, intelligence and ingenuity, are executing its vision and mission.
They show wisdom, talent, knowledge, respect, humility and most of all, character.
Old-fashioned values like respect and self-discipline should never be forgotten or replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.
“If you have much, give of your wealth; If you have little, give of your heart”
Virtually anyone can benefit from having a mentor. Most well-known, accomplished and successful people can identify people in their lives who acted as their mentors, benefiting from their accumulated wealth of knowledge.
First and foremost, it is yet another proof - as is repeatedly evidenced by all great achievers in life - that the mind creates reality. In other words, what you dwell upon becomes your reality.
This is another common feature of highly successful people. They all have someone they turn to, or seek to emulate and properly owe a debt of gratitude.
So if you seek excellence in a particular field, the first thing to do is to locate someone who already excels in it and make it a point to make their acquaintance.
“You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.”
BSAA President Emeritus Robert Nicholas Liberatore, Sr., BHS ‘57/Villanova ’61/U of PA Wharton School has proven to be ingenious in his presentations. Bob is an optimistic gentleman apparently ever enthusiastic about life and living.
He was dubbed “Libby” in school, and “a basketball player who has won fame as the shooting star in every game.”
This “shooting star’s” ability to communicate with the BHS students has always inspired and motivated them to reach for the stars. He can be recognized as a man with a plan, and the discipline to make that successful plan work; one of which is to assist Borough students, reinforcing self-esteem and augmenting their ability.
Bob feels passionate about “perpetuating what is good about the Borough”.
Per January ‘06 Pilot article by Stephen Row, “ the BSAA president Liberatore, finest ball player to ever come out of BHS, stressed that the Hi-Potential Program considers their budding scholars a worthwhile investment and will work with them, monitoring their progress and providing remedial help if necessary.”
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”
The Bristol Senior Athletic Association’s mission is to mobilize alumni athletes to reinvest in their community and their alma mater. Along with BSAA funds, they have secured grants from the Grundy Foundation, Arkema, Bristol Lions Club, Lower Bucks Hospital, Dow Chemical [Rohm & Haas], GlaxoSmithKline and 1st Federal of Bucks County for an innovative, vibrant and positive program that targets budding young scholars who have the potential for academic excellence.
This program differs from the scholarships for young athletes; “Hi-Po” looks to foster intellectual confidence in students who demonstrate academic potential, are involved in extra-curricular activities, such as the school newspaper, student council or the debating team, but are not necessarily athletes.
“Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.”
VP Armand Joseph “Butch” Bianchini, BHS ‘60/Rider/SJU confirms the association goal, “The focus is to give back and reconnect the BHS grads and the students”. Football/baseball athlete Butch grew up “across the street from Memorial Fields” and has continued his athletic involvement in his current hometown of Delran, NJ as President of the Delran Athletic Association, as well as coaching the 14 & 15-years-old youth baseball travel team. It was his friend, cutting edge leader, Louis J. [Lou] Manzi, VP of Global Recruitment [GlaxoSmithKline] who was secured a $3500 grant for the Hi-Potential Program.
Recording Secretary Navy Yeoman 3rd Class Dominick Joseph “Toby” Oriolo, BHS ’45, “wants to see BHS kids get a scholarship and help to bring back the BHS legacy”.
Toby’s 1945 yearbook confirmed, “A good pal who’s full of fun; popular and well liked by everyone!”
The football/baseball/basketball/track & field athlete is a cousin of BSAA treasurer, BHS Hall of Fame’s “Bristol Bomber”, James Marvin Sottile, Sr., BHS ’49. Jim was “the all around athlete. You’ll never see him admit defeat.”
Toby and Jim have played fast pitch softball together.
Assistant to Toby, Frank Albin Barbetta, BHS ’50 was a basketball/ baseball athlete who achieved the title “All Bucks County Catcher” in 1950.
Toby enthusiastically shared, “Frank’s my right hand man.”
“I’m his left hand man”, his grandson Joseph Dominic “JD” McEwing chimed in.
Frank’s son-in-law is utility player Joseph Earl McEwing, nicknamed "Super Joe", a Minor League Baseball coach and former Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career [2000-2004] with the NY Mets.
CPA Henry J. Lopez, of Lopez, Teodosio & Larkin, LLC, located in Langhorne, according to Bob Liberatore, “is an incredible individual who has gone over and beyond” to help out the BSAA. He voluntarily assisted them with their income tax and non-profit status, as they exist solely to provide programs and services that are of public benefit.
A committee of members of the BHS staff makes its selections based on the Hi-PO criteria, including the key person, Principal Thomas F. Shaffer and administration, the guidance counselor, teachers and coaches.
To achieve the incredible you have to attempt the impossible!
Mary Kathleen Barbagallo, BHS ‘09/ Ursinus College is a team training marketing assistant at Chick-fil-A, who sponsors Philadelphia Biblical University sports teams.
Hi-Po participant, Mary Kate feels it is “useful to hear others’ experiences and Bob said it was helpful that he had someone to help him”. She sets goals and learned “the harder path is worth it and someone is rooting for you! I recommend it – work hard so you can be part of the program!” Mary enjoys public service and staying involved with people, so her aspirations include government or social work. She will be earning a degree in international relations with Spanish and political science minors.
One of her favorite songs is "Volare" (Italian for the infinite tense of the verb "to fly").
Tenaciously motivated Hi-Po participant Jennifer Ann Jaeger, BHS ‘09/ U. of Delaware remains determined to maintain her grades and community involvement.
Her continuing education plans include Physical Therapy.
Jen has the knowledge, skills and confidence to serve others while achieving her personal and professional goals.
Education is paramount!
Maintaining a 97% average, “Iron Man” Patrick Daniel Sabatini, Jr., BHS ‘09/Rider University is enthusiastic about the Hi-Po program. “Bob is a fellow Bristol resident. It’s great to meet someone who’s reached his full potential. I learned to look outside the box and become interested in entrepreneurship.” Bob Liberatore helped Pat with his college decision geared toward entrepreneurial studies. Pat is a Naga World Champion and a Black Belt Master as well as an owner of Warrior Martial Arts on Beaver Street.
“We need to help younger people recognize their own capacity to do good, and help them discover the rewards of generosity.”
Football long snapper/ track & field athlete, Paul Michael Cullura, BHS ’10 shared that he wrote an essay in the 9th grade for acceptance consideration and he has really enjoyed the Hi-Po program. “I would recommend it to anybody; it’s great for those who want to do something in life, and further their lives.”
“Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do. Because then they will act.”
The BSAA will honor individuals, teams, and special events [1925-1975], bringing to the forefront, the “legacy of achievement” that it was founded upon in April 2004. This anniversary event will bring together the BSAA membership/partners, BHS alumni/student/educators, parents, friends, professionals/businesses and the historic Bristol on the Delaware community. Tickets to the May 1st dinner/event or to sponsor a student are just $35.00.
After 40 years behind WBCB [1490 AM] microphones, radio announcer Vince Reed will be the master of ceremonies.
The cocktail reception including wine and beer and assorted elegant hot hors d'oeuvres is a donation from Joseph L. Romito, the owner of Romito Caterers, Inc./The Maltese Room, who has been serving the Philadelphia and Bucks County area for nearly 30 years. It will be a distinctive occasion with a 4 course roasted stuffed capon dinner, confirming the legacy of achievement while affording an evening’s opportunity to see and socialize with friends and teammates.
“He who allows his day to pass by without practicing generosity and enjoying life's pleasures is like a blacksmith's bellows: he breathes but does not live.”
Join us as a Partner [$400.00]- 10 tickets [6 event & 4 students] includes Donor Reception, Leadership Group [$250.00]- 6 tickets [4 event & 2 students] includes Donor Reception or Associate Team [$125.00]- 3 tickets [2 event & 1 student] includes Dinner.
Please send any contributions to BSAA P.O. Box 31, Bristol, PA 19007.
It’s not too late. You can still pay at the door! The BSAA welcomes you!
Contact Bob 215.968.3410 or Toby 215.788.1343 to reserve your place.
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 1, 2009. Meet some of the Legacy Honorees.
The BSAA is brimming with leaders who have been successful at making a difference in their own communities, providing a wealth of hands-on, practical experience.
They work tirelessly to make the world a better place and will inspire you to give back to create a positive and long-lasting impact in your community and in the world around you.
Bring a pen for autographs and bring your program back full of signatures!
“For your thoughtfulness and generosity, from you I have learned much of life's philosophy. Thank you sincerely”
Inaugural Anniversary Ball
May 1, 2009
The Maltese Room
2049 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA
215.639.2482
malteseroom.com
5:00 P.M. Donor Reception [private invitation]
6:00 P.M. Cocktails [cash bar]
7:00 P.M. Dinner
Recommend a “Spotlight”: e-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
