Ronald Avellino will be installed as the 95th President of the Rotary Club of Hazleton at the annual President’s Party to be held at the Valley Country Club on June 24, 2015.
 
Ron has been a member of the Rotary Club of Hazleton since 1998 when he was sponsored for membership by Rotarian Paul Brenner.  Avellino’s Rotary activities have included service on several committees, the Rotary Club Board of Directors and officer duties of Vice President and President-Elect.
 
“One of the goals of Rotary International is the eradication of the disease polio throughout the world.  That’s one of the reasons I joined the Hazleton Rotary Club and Rotary International.” says Ron. “I am a polio survivor.  I’ve seen the horror of the disease and through Rotary International the world can and will be polio free.”
 
“Our Rotary Club has a long history of doing good in the Greater Hazleton Area.  I am proud to serve as the Hazleton Rotary Club President and am looking forward to continuing our projects like providing new winter coats and a Holiday Shopping Spree for area children in need.”  Avellino explains.  “I also want to help our club continue donating a dictionary to every third grade student in the area and continue awarding college scholarships to Area High School Seniors in addition to granting another Make-A-Wish.  These are some of the projects the Club completed this year and I will strive to see them continue in the future.  We will also continue to consider other community project options as they become available.”
 
 
Ron graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Coal Township, PA.  He trained and became a certified X Ray Technician at Shamokin State Hospital and also served at Evangelical Hospital, Lewisburg, PA. He was in the U.S. Army, is a Viet Nam veteran and served in the Army Security Agency.   He is also a life member of the American Legion.
 
He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police and became an airplane pilot obtaining several pilot ratings.  He transitioned into helicopters and eventually moved to Hazleton to fly for the PA State Police for 14 years.  He retired from PSP after 25 years of service.
 
Ron became an entrepreneur and established laundromat, convenience store and tanning salon businesses in downtown Hazleton.  He retired from business after 27 years, but is still actively involved in overseeing several apartment buildings he purchased throughout the years.
 
Mr. Avellino also served on the Board of Directors of Helping Hands and Serento Gardens.
 
Avellino officially takes over the reins of the club on July 1, 2015.  Other officers and Board members will be: Pat Ward, President-Elect;   Toni Frumkin, Vice President;  Bernie Rudegeair, Secretary; Lani Drobnock, Recording Secretary; Pat Owens, Jr., Treasurer; Eugenio Sosa, Sergeant at Arms; and Tim Genetti, Immediate Past President.  Members of the Board will be Fred Attick, Donna Barna, Rev. Thomas Cvammen, Sharon Farver, Gary Lagana, Katherine Oh, Jim Reinmiller, Kenneth Trippett and Alan Whitaker.