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Muscolino Retiring from Newark’s Alex Eligh Community Center

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The Village of Newark would like to thank Mike Muscolino for his 45 years of service to the Newark community as Director of the Alex Eligh Community Center (AECC). On January 1, 1980, Mr. Muscolino took the helm of an organization that had been fraught with significant turnover in the position of Director and has been a stabilizing force ever since. He is a familiar, friendly face, who over the years has left a lasting impression on children and some grandchildren of the students he once taught as a Middle School Social Studies teacher. His focus has always been on engaging and uplifting the children of the community.

In 2018, Mike Muscolino, Newark High School Class of 1967, was inducted into the Newark Hall of Fame and reporter Alan Brignall wrote, “Muscolino has served as the executive director at the Alex Eligh Community Center since 1980, organizing the community’s youth recreation activities that have impacted the Newark school district’s sports programs for many years.

He has received the Friend of Section Five Award, the Wayne County Youth Board Service to Youth Award, and the Newark Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.

Muscolino also coached the Newark varsity softball team for 16 years. His teams won three league titles and three Section Five championships. The Reds advanced to the state final four twice during his tenure, winning the 2003 state title. He was named Section Five Coach of the year that season, and five times was honored as Finger Lakes East Coach of the Year.

Muscolino also has been involved as a coach and supporter of Newark football for 30 years. He was a founding member of the Newark Reds Gridiron Club and has been the organization’s treasurer throughout its existence.”

A friend and mentor to many, he has served on the Wayne County Youth Advisory Board, Newark Chamber of Commerce (as both President and Board member), Newark Rotary, the Village of Newark Economic Development Alliance (VONEDA), and the “Home for the Holidays” committee. Through the years, his wife, Sue, has been by his side for AECC events such as the Halloween and Christmas parties as well as golf fundraisers.

The Village will begin the process of hiring a new Director who Mike will train until he retires in September of 2025. Showing his dedication to the children, AECC, and Newark, Mr. Muscolino will be available as a consultant on an as-needed basis after his September retirement.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney stated, “Congratulations to Mike on this outstanding achievement. His commitment to serving students and young athletes in Wayne County highlights the best in the people of our District. Thank you for your dedication and service to our community for over 45 years!” 

Senator Pam Helming stated, “Mike Muscolino has made a tremendous, positive impact on the children and families in the Newark community for nearly half a century.  Whether as the AECC Director, a varsity coach or as a mentor on the Wayne County Youth Advisory Board, Mike has consistently lived his life as a servant leader by always putting others first and advocating for the Newark community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mike for his outstanding public service and wish him the best on his retirement.”

Assemblyman Brian Manktelow stated, “For 45 years Mike Muscolino has been a strong presence in the Village of Newark. Over this time he stabilized the Alex Eligh Community Center, giving students a place to go after school and community members a place to stay active and learn a new skill. His presence has radiated across our community. His legacy will be remembered by the athletes he coached, the students he mentored, and all the generations of residents who have ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Mike Muscolino is a prime example of what makes our community so special.”

Mayor Jonathan Taylor stated, “On behalf of the Village of Newark and the entire community, I’d like to thank Mike for his devotion to the thousands of kids that have participated in the Alex Eligh Community Center programs throughout his 45 years as Director.”

AECC Board President, Alex Quku stated, “Mike has been faithfully committed to the Center through 45 years of challenges and opportunities. His dedication, quick wit, and knowledge will be missed; his passion will always be a part of AECC’s legacy.”

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