The Sharpsburg Parks and Recreation Commission has a new member.
Resident Barbara Pugliese was sworn in to the volunteer position by Mayor Kayla Portis on April 24.
The retired United Steelworkers accounting department employee said she was looking for an opportunity to help her town.
“I decided this would be something I would enjoy,” Pugliese said after the council meeting. “I just think we’ve got to get more stuff for the kids in the borough to get them active so they’re not getting in trouble.”
Pugliese, an Upper Burrell native and 1977 Burrell High School grad, bought a house in Sharpsburg in 1990, just a few doors down from her future husband and lifelong borough resident, Louis.
“He didn’t know I bought it,” Pugliese said of the move. “I bought it on the corner of 12th Street. I put (an announcement) in a Christmas card. It said, ‘Guess who’s the owner of 225 12th St.?’
“He was born and raised at 221 (12th St.). He owned 219. Then he owned 222 and then he moved (in with me at) 225.”
They met while working for the former Portec Rail Products Inc. The pair were married for 29 years until his passing on July 23, 2019. He was 82.
Pugliese, 65, said she hopes to bring back basketball tournaments like the ones she saw when she first moved to Sharpsburg.
“They used to have tournaments every weekend down at the 13th Street Park until they took the basketball courts and made it parking,” she said.
Parks and recreation chairperson Mallory Helbling said Pugliese is a great fit for the group.
“There’s many things that make her a good fit, but the standout one is just her enthusiasm,” Helbling said. “I’m excited to get to know her better and work with her closely.”
The commission was formed in July 2022.
Pugliese’s addition brings its membership up to seven people, including at least one nonresident.
Councilman Corey Ochai said the commission is one of his favorite borough committees. He lauded its planning and contributions to the community.
They organize a variety of community events, including Funnel Cake Fridays at Kennedy Park.
The event, in partnership with the Rotary, takes place from 5-8 p.m. every Friday in June.
Activities include music, live entertainment, vendors and lots of food.
Sharpsburg-based nonprofit Roots of Faith will have its resource fair at the park on June 6 in conjunction with Funnel Cake Fridays.
A touch-a-truck event is planned for June 13 at the park as part of that week’s celebration.
There are two spots still available on the commission.
Its meetings usually take place at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the borough building.
The May 19 meeting was moved to the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization building at 511 Main St. due to the primary election taking place at the borough building the following day.
More information about the parks and recreation commission is available at sharpsburgborough.com.