Page 17 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - March '25

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 17
Jupiter Senior Softball News Festa Italiana from page 16

John Katulak, a stalwart of the Jupiter Senior Softball a JSSA member) and his For the entire
Association (JSSA) for more than two decades, was enshrined wife Millie Frantz. As family, there will
Feb. 7 as the organization’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee. the 2023 Hall of Fame be festival rides
A large crowd of senior softball players plus Katulak’s inductee, Katulak’s brass and carnival
family members attended the event at Jupiter Community nameplate was added games for all
prior to Winter League games. Scheduling conflicts delayed to the award plaque on ages. Little
his formal induction until February. display at the park. Smiles will be
The JSSA Hall of Fame was created in 2020 to The Hall of Fame was on site with fun
memorialize “those very few members who have made an established in 2020 in kids’ activities.
extraordinary impact on the association.” honor of longtime JSSA T h e o f f i c i a l
Katulak’s accomplishments include serving 12 years member Ted Battistone festival charity
on the JSSA Board of Directors under five different who received the award is Little Smiles.
commissioners. He was assistant commissioner, treasurer, posthumously. Other This nonprofit
entertainment director and founder of the sponsorship honorees are Mike or gani zati on
program with local businesses. Richmond, 2021; Gerry tirelessly works
Richard Sewell, JSSA vice-commissioner, presented Elias, 2022; and Mike to bring smiles to
Katulak with the framed Hall of Fame citation which Manasia, 2024. children’s faces
lauded him for his service and accomplishments, including The Jupiter slow- by allowing them
the following. “His intricate knowledge of the game is pitch softball program to be kids during difficult times. They will be on site
legendary to those who play alongside him, and it has been is sponsored by the with kid-friendly activities.
said he exudes an on-field presence that possesses ‘one nonprofit Jupiter Senior A special thank you to our inaugural sponsors:
of the loudest voices’ but also the biggest heart. He truly Softball Association in John Katulak admires his Galbani, Beachside Golf Cars, Schumacher Auto
exemplifies the core tenets of the JSSA Mission Statement.” cooperation with Jupiter’s Hall of Fame citation that he Group, Aperol Spritz, American Bath and Shower,
Katulak, who turns 76 on March 18, said, “It was a Parks and Recreation received from Richard Sewell. Stormtight Windows, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia,
great honor to be respected by all of my peers in softball Department. For more Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At, and Tom Cerrito, who
and I appreciate it very much.” He was joined at the information go to www.leaguelineup.com/jssa or contact spearheaded getting this festival to Wellington, of
enshrinement by his wife Debbie, brother Arthur (also Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791. Cerrito Electric.
Admission is $5, and children twelve and under
are free with an adult. Sponsorships are available and
special VIP seating will be available on Eventbrite.
com. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. To learn more visit
https://wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.