On Friday, October 24 at noon, the Progressive Women’s Association will honor ten local ladies as a Women of Distinction. All of the recipients are of Italian descent in keeping with the PWAs commitment in honoring Italian Culture month.
All of the recipients are being honored for their volunteer efforts in our community. The PWA feels it is important to call attention to the many projects supported by these honorees. And to the success of their efforts..
The luncheon is open to the public and the Keynote Speaker is Denise Steffich who will deliver remarks about the importance of volunteering.
If you would like to attend please RSVP no later than October 21. Seating is limited so please get you RSVP in asap.
The event is sponsored by Davis Funeral Home and Antero Resources is supplying the specially designed award that each recipient will receive.
Be sure to make your reservation and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Jacque Staud Dean
When researching major fundraisers in the area, you will surely find Jacque Dean as a major volunteer. She grew up in an atmosphere of volunteering having witnessed the efforts of her grandparents, the Merandis and her mother, Debbie, support many local successful events.
I’m honored to be nominated as one of the Italian Women of Distinction. I graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fairmont State College. For nearly 11 years, I’ve worked with Energy Transportation & Applied Construction Solutions, while also serving my community through the FBI Citizens Academy and its board. Giving back has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate to help many organizations raise funds for meaningful causes. Growing up in an Italian family, I was immersed in the traditions, culture, and values that have shaped who I am today. From Sunday family dinners filled with homemade pasta to celebrating Italian holidays with extended family, my heritage has instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, family, and the importance of honoring our roots. I loved attending the Italian Heritage Festival — it’s been a special part of my life since I was a little girl, and I was proud to once serve on the court. Today, I’m most proud of my family — my husband Matt and our daughter Amelia — who inspire and support me every day. My Italian heritage continues to be a source of pride and motivation in both my personal and professional life.
Valarie Howe
Valerie’s deep faith, hard work and sense of community shows in her spirit of giving to her community. While raising her children she helped with school events. Valerie has a deep commitment to helping all children in the community. From buying winter coats for those kids in need, and to bringing smiles to the faces of foster children and all children in her community.
Valerie Nicole Martino Howe resides in Clarksburg, where she was born and raised. Valerie is the daughter of Frank Salvatore Martino and Mary and Stephen McCoy. Her great grandparents: Rose and Frank Martino and Sam and Julie Talerico came to the United States from San Giavanni in Fiore. She is a 1991 graduate of Notre Dame High School. She then attended and graduated from Fairmont State University. She is a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Valerie is married to Martin Howe and is a proud mother of three; Jackson (22), Martina (20) and Mary Claire (12). Valerie began designing and making apparel designs with vinyl graphics when she opened her own business, Sweat Shop by Val in 2016. Starting out in a small space in her home, she quickly outgrew the space and expanded next door into her garage apartment. She recently acquired Showstopper Graphics in Nutter Fort in June of 2025 and expanded her business and now specializes in signs and apparel. With the acquisition and merger of the Sweat Shop by Val and Showstopper Graphic there is a combined of over 25 years serving customers throughout WV and she looks forward to the future. Valerie has attended every Italian Festival since it began in 1979. She enjoys the cultural tradition and celebration of the Italian American heritage. Valerie loves spending time and creating memories with her husband and children whenever possible.
Rebecca Korn
Any activities involving Rebecca Korns children will surely find Korns involvement as a volunteer whether it be school activities to church activities.
Rebecca Torchia is an accomplished counselor and community leader with a career dedicated to education, service, and youth development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from West Virginia University and is a licensed Social Worker. Rebecca began her professional career at Genesis Youth Center as a Behavior Specialist, where she provided support and guidance to at-risk youth. She later transitioned into education and currently serves as the School Counselor for Notre Dame High School and St. Mary’s Grade School. In these roles, she has been instrumental in fostering student growth, resilience, and academic success. In addition to her work in education, Rebecca has demonstrated strong leadership and civic commitment through her service in various organizations. She is a past President of the Clarksburg League for Service, a member of the Sacred Heart Association, the Harrison County Student Achievement Board, and P.E.O. Chapter AC. She is also an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, where she has taught First Holy Communion classes and contributed to parish outreach programs. Rebecca’s Italian heritage has been a defining influence in her life, shaping her values of family, tradition, and community. She has been involved with the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival since its founding year, supporting her sister’s family pastry business and helping the festival committee engage student volunteers in service and cultural celebration. Above all, Rebecca values her role as a mother. She is the proud parent of three children: Mary, a student at Duquesne University; Molly, a student at Shepherd University; and Tristan, a sophomore at Notre Dame High School. Rebecca is the daughter of the late Guy “Trumpy” Torchia and Mary Louise Iaquinta Torchia.
Angela Martino
Angela’s spirit of service shines through her willingness to help wherever she is needed. A dedicated volunteer in her community, she has long supported local events, food pantries, school and community services and organizations.
Angela resides in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She attended Notre Dame High School, graduating in 1997. Her great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from San Giovanni in Fiore. An active member of Immaculate Conception Church and the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Angela serves as Office Manager for the Harrison County Emergency Squad, where she has worked for 25 years and counting. She is also the owner of a small business, Angie’s Olives, which she has operated for four years. Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, learning new recipes, and making olives. Some of her fondest memories are attending the West Virginia Italian Festival in Clarksburg. She takes great pride in her Italian heritage and in preserving her family’s traditions.
Lauren Moore
Lauren Moore dedicates most of her free time giving back to her community that she credits for having given so much to her. Many of her volunteer efforts also include activities at her children’s school.
Lauren Marie Moore, born Lauren Marie Snell was born on March 29, 1981 to Diane and Richard “Ski” Snell of Bridgeport. Her Italian heritage comes from her maternal grandmother, Angelena Jerome Smith, whose parents Dominick DiGeronimo (Jerome) and Mariafelice DiScullio immigrated to the United States and Clarksburg, from Chieti, Abruzzo Italy in 1920. She is a 1999 graduate of Bridgeport High School where she was
a three-time state champion swimmer in 1997, 1998 and 1999 earning 1 st team All State recognition, a member of the marching band and was first chair All Harrison County Band for four consecutive years. Lauren’s love for service to her community began in the halls of Bridgeport High School where she was an active member of many clubs, including Key Club and Student Council. Thanks in part to her youth group leader at All Saints Catholic Church. She began volunteering for the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival while in High School and has been an executive board member for more than 10 years. Passionate about giving back to a community that has given so much to her. Lauren dedicates much of her time volunteering at her children’s schools, serving on local boards and coaching. Beyond the WVIHF board, she serves as the chair of Johnson Elementay’s LSIC and is active with the school’s PTA, is a member of the boosters board of directors at Bridgeport Middle School, has been actively involved with the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Star 5K since its inception and is the head coach of the Bridgeport Country Club Swim Team, for 9 years and has coached swimming in WV and NC for 30 years, and works closely with the NCWV Summer Swim Board as a liaison, and is the head gym mom at Champs Central, just to name a few. Lauren received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wheeling Jesuit University and her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University. She married Kent Moore in 2010 and together they share three children, Harper, Hudson and Hadlynn. Lauren is a Network Services Consultant for Peak Health and resides in Bridgeport.
Nicole Lake Nardella
Nicole embodies the spirit of volunteerism through her heartfelt commitment to serving her community, all while raising five children. She gives generously of her time and talents, contributing to charitable events and local initiatives with energy and compassion. Her warmth, dedication, and genuine desire to uplift others make her a true asset and an inspiring example of service.
Nicole is the daughter of Rhenata Fazio Lake and the late Donald Lake. She graduated from Liberty High School and earned her nursing degree from Fairmont State University in 2000. Over the course of her career, Nicole has gained extensive experience in a variety of nursing roles. In 2019, she joined the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation department at United Hospital Center, where she discovered her professional niche. She is passionate about helping patients achieve measurable improvements throughout their 12-week rehabilitation programs and finds fulfillment in supporting their long-term health and wellness. Beyond her professional work, Nicole is dedicated to serving her community. She has volunteered with organizations including Bridgeport’s Junior Women’s Club and Girls on the Run, and regularly participates in local charity events throughout the year. Outside of her career, Nicole considers her greatest accomplishment to be raising her five wonderful children, of whom she is deeply proud, and being happily married to her best friend Nathan Nardella for 23 years.
Stephanie Rock
Volunteering and giving back have been a meaningful part of Stephanie’s life, allowing her to stay connected to both her roots and community. Her strong spirit of volunteering to support local organizations and events has strengthened her appreciation of unity, service, and joy of bringing people together. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the community.
Stephanie Rock, is the proud wife to Richard B. Rock and the loving mother of four children—Bailey, Bella, Rylan, and Branner. For the past 10 years, she has worked at United Hospital Center, where she had been fortunate to make a difference in the lives of many. Outside of work, Stephanie loves spending time with her two dogs, gathering with friends and family, cooking, attending sporting events, and making others smile. One of her favorite traditions is making pita pitas with her Aunt Mary at Christmastime. Family is at the heart of everything Stephanie does. She is the daughter of Frank Martino, with his rich Italian heritage, and Mary McCoy, alongside her stepfather Steven McCoy. Stephanie is deeply honored to receive this award and so grateful to those who selected her. What makes this recognition even more meaningful is sharing it with her sisters, Valerie Howe and Angela Martino, who inspire and uplift her every day.
Melissa Romano
With Melissa’s deep commitment to helping others heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve lasting independence—makes her work a powerful blend of professional excellence and heartfelt volunteerism.
Melissa Romano is a licensed social worker, therapist, educator, and content creator whose work focuses on nervous system health, trauma recovery, and somatic healing. She is the Founder of Connected Healing, an educational and community platform that blends neuroscience, somatic therapy, and coaching to help people reclaim regulation and resilience in daily life. In addition, Melissa serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The Change Initiative, where she oversees operations at Phoenix Recovery House, a trauma-informed sober living program for women and children. Through this role, she works to expand access to evidence-based recovery support and to build programs that integrate both healing and long-term independence. Her mission is to make healing accessible, practical, and rooted in both science and community connection. Beyond her professional work, Melissa is proud of being a moment to her 10-year-old son, Cannon, who keeps her grounded, laughing, and constantly inspired.
Natalie Tennent
Natalie has dedicated her life to serving West Virginia, inspiring others through leadership, volunteerism, and her deep belief in the power of community.
Serving and promoting West Virginia has been a passion for Natalie Tennant since she was a young girl growing up on a Marion County farm. As a leader in high school and college and then as the first female WVU Mountaineer Mascot in 1990, Natalie always saw the potential in her fellow classmates and the people of West Virginia and wanted to help them make a difference. She had that opportunity to tell the stories of West Virginia as a television reporter and anchor at various TV stations across the state for more than a decade, Natalie served as West Virginia’s 29th Secretary of State from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her administration, she was a leader in promoting open and engaging government and business-friendly initiatives. Natalie is known as a national leader in voting rights and brought more election advancement to West Virginia than any other Secretary of State. This past fall, Natalie was a Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Resident Fellow where she mentored students in public service, community involvement and policy development. In March, Natalie hosted a group of Harvard graduate students in West Virginia as part of their Future of Coal Regions Study Group. She is also a voting rights advisor for the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School. As a breast cancer warrior herself, Natalie encourages everyone to schedule a mammogram and advocate for yourself when it comes to your health.
Marsha Viglianco
With a heart for service and a passion for helping others, Marsha dedicates her time and talents to uplifting her community and making a lasting difference through volunteerism and leadership.
Marsha was born in Clarksburg almost 70 years ago and grew up in Nutter Fort with the best childhood. Her parents were Matt and Joan Viglianco, and she was the only girl and the oldest child in a house of 6 brothers. Marsha had one son Allen, who has passed away. Marsha’s Italian family roots are from Bagnolo, a small town in the region of Piedmonte at the foot of the Alps in the northwestern part of Italy. Marsha has owned several businesses including seven childcare centers- Chums Early Learning Child Care Centers for 15 years. Clarksburg Movie Cafe, Englewood Movie Cafe, Almost Heaven Bar, The Flower Shop for 15 years where she retired to a beach front rental business in Englewood, Fl until last year before it was destroyed by two hurricanes. At that time Marsha moved back to Clarksburg and has been volunteering and helping different organizations. She is currently volunteering for the WV Italian Heritage Festival and has volunteered nearly 30 years for them, and a board member for three years. She has been chairperson of the streets and vendors among other events. Marsha is a member and current Vice president of the Clarksburg History Museum, Chaplin of the VFW Auxiliary Post 573 in Clarksburg. She also volunteers for the Mustard Seed picking up food supplies. Marsha is also an active member of the Democratic Women’s Club and the Sons & Daughter of Italy and a former Bd member of the Clarksburg CVB. She also served as president of the PWA over a decade ago. Marsha is someone you can count on. She’s a “jack of all trades and master of none”. She keeps a positive mind and keeps moving upward and forward and always looking for a new challenge. Marsha expressed that she is “very honored to be selected as one of this year’s honorees.”