By Ed Harris Editor Leonard Marcheselle has volunteered and worked at the Apple Harvest Festival in various background roles since its inception. This year, he steps to the forefront, as the parade grand marshal. “We always try to look for someone that has made a contribution to the festival and the community,” said Apple Harvest Supervisory Committee Co-Chairman Chris Palmieri. Palmieri said Marcheselle fits this criteria and then some. Marcheselle has coordinated the bed races during the festival and has helped out with the Kiwanis and Elks Clubs through the years. In addition, he has served on numerous civic groups in town, including the Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education. His community work has earned him several awards, including the Gold Medal award from UNICO, the Person of the Year honor from the Southington YMCA and the public service award from the Southington Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great honor,” Marcheselle said. “I’ve been working with the Apple Harvest Festival for a good number of years.” Marcheselle, along with other members of the Kiwanis Club, has worked the festival since day one. Back in those days, the Kiwanis had a booth that sold soda and pretzels. [...]
By Ed Harris Editor Leonard Marcheselle has volunteered and worked at the Apple Harvest Festival in various background roles since its inception. This year, he steps to the forefront, as the parade grand marshal. “We always try to look for someone that has made a contribution to the festival and the community,” said Apple Harvest Supervisory Committee Co-Chairman Chris Palmieri. Palmieri said Marcheselle fits this criteria and then some. Marcheselle has coordinated the bed races during the festival and has helped out with the Kiwanis and Elks Clubs through the years. In addition, he has served on numerous civic groups in town, including the Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education. His community work has earned him several awards, including the Gold Medal award from UNICO, the Person of the Year honor from the Southington YMCA and the public service award from the Southington Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great honor,” Marcheselle said. “I’ve been working with the Apple Harvest Festival for a good number of years.” Marcheselle, along with other members of the Kiwanis Club, has worked the festival since day one. Back in those days, the Kiwanis had a booth that sold soda and pretzels. [...]