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The theme “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives” has been selected for the 2015 Women’s History Month, which has been celebrated yearly in the month of March since 1987. The selection was made to “present the opportunity to weave women’s stories — individually and collectively — into the essential fabric of our nation’s history,” according to the National Women’s History Project website.
How appropriate is the theme for the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network as they marked the first annual Women’s History Month presentation by honoring two local women with a Distinguished Woman Award? The award is a celebration of a life lived as an example for the betterment of one’s self and also for the good of others.
The women presented with the Distinguished Woman Award at the Women’s Network dinner held on Wednesday, March 11 at Fox Hill Country Club are Helen Brigido, of Pittston, and Lucille Maziarz, of Duryea. Their lives enfold in the same era, span nine decades and they have witnessed events and changes in the world, adding to the threads of the tapestry of women’s history.
Helen Brigido, who celebrated her 95th birthday on March 11, is a prominent figure in the business world on Main Street, Pittston and has been since she was 18 years old. She began her career as a salesperson in Allen’s Shoe Store on North Main Street and was later promoted to store manager, most unusual for a woman during the 1930s era. She is known for her warm personality, infectious smile and caring mannerism to all who shopped at Allen’s Shoe Store. Her spoken command of the Italian language made her beloved by young Italian immigrant mothers. Youngsters whom she especially catered to called her the “Pretty Lady.”
Helen’s next phase in the business world was in the operation of three family-run theater businesses in Scranton, Olyphant, Exeter and a drive-in theater in Pittston. She became a licensed movie projectionist, which may have been a first for a woman in this area.
When her husband Gaetano (Guy) Brigido became a roofing contractor and later proprietor of Quality Roofing and Hardware Store, she worked side by side with him, learning to record and take dimensions of various jobs. Upon Guy’s death, Helen continues to operate the hardware store on South Main Street. Her working hours these days are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Helen is a woman of great faith who begins her day at mass at St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish and is active in parish activities. She has always maintained a positive outlook on life despite trials and difficult times.
Lucille Maziarz, Distinguished Woman honoree, will long be remembered for her very active role in politics as a council woman in Duryea, serving two terms; school board member at Pittston Area School District, serving two terms; and representative on the State Committee, serving 10 four-year terms. Her presence and perseverance in the political field was an indication of her resolve and commitment to the offices she held. It was Lucille’s intent to stand firm in a circle primarily comprised of men and to inspire other women to follow suit.
She relates her presence at political meetings was not met with enthusiasm nor was the welcome mat extended. But she entered politics to make a difference and that she did.
The name of Lucille Maziarz appeared on the ballot as delegate to the Democratic Presidential National Convention for six presidential candidates beginning with John F. Kennedy. She was successful in each one. She has attended the conventions in various parts of the country and found them to be interesting, exhilarating and tiring, for there was much walking, meetings and even a little partying.
Lucille has had the honor of receiving invitations to six presidential inaugurations, including President Barack Obama’s in 2009. The most memorable event was President John Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball that she attended on the arm of her late husband Edward Maziarz. She wore her wedding gown designed and made by her aunt Helen Adonizio.
Lucille’s living room may be a photo gallery. Photos with President Kennedy, Hilary Clinton taken at a luncheon, President Bill Clinton, President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the White House and Nancy Pelosi are a few of many photos you’ll see there.
Lucille served in politics for over 40 years and enjoyed meeting and working with people. She was a trailblazer and example for women entering the political arena.
Helen Brigido and Lucille Maziarz, Distinguished Women, gracious and inspiring with their example, have woven the threads of their lives into our hearts and minds.
The evening was for and about promoting women in business. The women enjoyed having individual photos taken in the Fotobuf booth provided by Tina Seltzer. The tables decorated in green and white in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day featured a shamrock plant from Robin Hill Florist in Exeter. The Purple Squirrel and the Pittston Bakery provided the cupcake desserts in green boxes. Lora Hobbs from Live With It in Pittston provided gifts to the Distinguished Women. The Women’s Network donated $250 to the Pittston Memorial Library in honor of Helen Brigido and $250 to the Care and Concern Clinic in honor of Lucille Maziarz.
Oh, what a night it was for weaving and hearing stories.