and perhaps the oldest bell ringer in the USA!
(Dominick Telesco, his
daughter Carol Rice, and Lieutenant Walter Droz Jr. at Dom's 100th birthday
party.)DOM IS 100
and perhaps the oldest bell ringer in
the USA!(Dominick Telesco, his
daughter Carol Rice, and Lieutenant Walter Droz Jr. at Dom's 100th birthday
party.)
STAMFORD - 1912 was a memorable year for many reasons: the Titanic sank; Fenway Park opened; Woodrow Wilson was elected the 28th President of the United States; and, most of all, Dominick Telesco was born. One hundred years later, 2012 becomes equally special too as a milestone year. While the Titanic is still on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and Woodrow Wilson will always be the 28th President, Fenway Park celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Boston Red Sox have even won a World Series, and Dom is celebrating his 100th birthday!
Dom's daughter, Carol Rice, sent an email inviting The Salvation Army to this unforgettable birthday party. She also asked if the Army would send him a letter of recognition for this very special occasion. Carol also told us how Dom is a graduate of Syracuse University and an avid supporter of their football and basketball programs, as well as a lifetime Yankees fan and Giants, UConn, and Notre Dame supporter. He also has as deep a love for The Salvation Army as we have respect for him.
Why? Well, he was a long-time member of The Salvation Army Stamford Corps' Advisory Board and a "bell ringer" for 60 years with the Stamford Rotary Club until he "retired" at 98 years of age! Although we know many 60 year olds who have rung the bell for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, we don't know any other 100 year olds that have rung the bell for 60 years!
The party was held on March 27, one day after his birthday, at the Edgehill continuing care retirement community in Stamford. Many of Dom's friends were in attendance. There was food, beverages, laughs, applause, heartfelt conversations, and many "walkers" too. Numerous civic groups paid tribute to Dom with certificates, special pins, and congratulatory letters as he was honored for the countless milestones he has accomplished in the community in his rich lifetime. When it came time, The Salvation Army's Lieutenant Walter Droz Jr., Stamford Corps Officer, happily presented Dom with his own "engraved" bell and thanked him for his years of service to the Army. Lt. Droz reflected, "It's an honor to meet such a wonderful man. We, the Army, could not do our work and fulfill our mission without our many volunteers. When I meet a gentleman like Dominick, it reminds me how we are truly blessed to be part of such distinguished company. We thank God for Dom, and we thank Dominick for all his help."
(The
executive decision was made to only use three candles on the cake to
celebrate!)
(Lt. Droz presenting Dominick with his own "personally engraved" bell.)