Mayor issues proclamation for local boxing club
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Joe Helman been a boxing legend in Punxsutawney for most of his life, and at Monday’s borough council meeting, he was honored by mayor Richard Alexander, who presented him with a proclamation.
“He’s lived in Punxsutawney his entire life,” Alexander said, adding that for the past 50 years, he has participated in the local boxing program.
Alexander said
Helman started as a boxer and is now the owner and boxing coach for Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League (WPAL) Helman’s Gym.
“He has helped hundreds of youth, boys and girls, as well as men and women, stay off the streets and off drugs by providing another alternative to fill their vacant time,” Alexander said. “He has never asked the borough of Punxsutawney for anything; he has done all of this on his own with the love of the sport of boxing and the love of the participants.”
Alexander said that Helman has done all of this without any compensation.
“Now, I take this time to proclaim the second week of March every year as Joe Helman’s Boxing Club and Joe Helman Trainer Week.
In other business, council approved:
• Music in the Park: The committee requested once again the opportunity to use Barclay Square from Thursday, July 13, through Thursday, Aug. 24, to hold Music in the Park.
• Oldies concert: Tim
Krise requested the use of Barclay Square for a free oldies concert Friday, Aug. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Police officer probation: Punxsutawney Borough Police Chief Matt Conrad said that Caesar Maruca has completed his 90-day probation period and requested that he be promoted to full time.
• Arbitration Attorney: Nick Gianvito, solicitor, asked that council approve attorney Patrick Lavelle to be the arbitration attorney to meet with Young and Bell townships regarding the new sewage rates.