Steve Callipare

From the time that Steve Callipare first became a volunteer fire fighter for the Oklahoma Fire Department he has wanted to see them get a new hall. And now, twenty-six years later, he is watching his dream unfold. In the building that was once the Oklahoma Elementary School an incredible transformation has taken place. The upper section of the old school has been turned into one of the most beautiful creations that this area has seen.

The construction on the new banquet hall started last October and according to Steve, he’s been there ever since. Although he is a full-time police officer in Vandergrift, Steve has made himself available to help co-ordinate the companies for the sound system, lighting, or whatever comes up. “Every day there’s something different.”

Luanne Cibik from Gilpin Township helped with the interior design; the lighting and the pictures on the walls. Steve credited Representative Joseph Petrarca for helping them get the project underway. “We got grants and Representative Joseph Petrarca has helped us out. I can’t say enough about him. Anything we needed help with he will help us out with it.” They also got a loan at Farmers Bank in Kittanning for the construction.

After seeing the hall with my own eyes I must say I’m very impressed. It has been beautifully and tastefully done. The chandeliers and soft candelabra lighting casts a glow of warm elegance over the hall. The hall is quite large and has the capacity to seat 350 comfortably. Adjacent to the dining area is a brand new kitchen equipped with all the appliances you would possibly need to cater a large event.

Although the hall has been completed and is ready to be rented out, Steve is still a steady presence on the scene. They have begun construction on a truck garage located next to the building and he plans on being on the work site until the entire project is complete. To watch the video, go to: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1459