First Romano Foundation donations benefit young people

Goshen — The Frank J. Romano Foundation has made its first-ever donations since its launch last August. The foundation presented its first gift, of $750, to the House on the Hill Day Care Center in Goshen, an early learning center that serves the children of migrant workers. It also granted two scholarships to Goshen graduates. Frank Romano’s daughters — Carolyn Romano, Amy Byers, Kelly Jeffers, and Dina Prosser — started the foundation to honor their father’s lifelong dedication to public service and to continue his legacy of charitable work. He was councilman, then supervisor, on the Goshen Town Board, and before that served on the Village of Goshen’s Zoning Board of Appeals. He also did volunteer work with the Italian-American Club. Club member Lou Capella, a town councilman, recalled that his friend “just loved bringing food baskets and Christmas gifts to the children of migrant workers at House on the Hill.” Romano died on July 17, 2007, at the age of 66. The foundation granted two Frank J. Romano Memorial Scholarships — one for $1,000, one for $500 — to members of the Class of 2010 at Goshen High School. The scholarship winners are Megan Nicole Eisenbacher, who will attend SUNY Geneseo this fall, and Joseph A. Dittert, who will attend Lackawanna College (for other scholarship winners, please see page 14 ). “We’re looking for students who are interested in pursuing a career in public service and that have been involved in community service,” said Amy Byers. “We also take into account academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and evidence of leadership qualities and good citizenship. Eligible candidates must enroll in a two- or four-year undergraduate program.” Next up for the foundation is its first 5K race and its second dinner/dance, both with a target date of Oct. 23. For more information about the foundation, visit www.fjrfoundation.org or call 978-897-1514.