Meglio Pizzeria Named Newtown Area 'Business Of The Year'

NEWTOWN, PA — Meglio Pizzeria, known for its wings, wood-fired pizza and chicken tenders, has been named “Business of the Year” for 2024 by the Newtown Business Association.

The award was one of a handful of recognitions the organization doled out during its Winter Awards Breakfast held inside the Historic Newtown Theatre.

The Business of the Year award is presented annually to an “exemplary” NBA-member business for helping fulfill the NBA’s mission of promoting Newtown as a great place to live, shop and work.

“This year we are proud to honor a business that has gone above and beyond in contributing to our events. From donating food to providing exceptional catering, they ensured that no one ever left an event hungry,” said NBA leaders. “Their dedication to excellence and their unwavering generosity stood out time and time again making our gatherings not just memorable but also delicious. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful restaurants in town that give so much to the NBA, but this year Meglio truly rose to the top.”

The NBA presented its next recognition - its Humanitarian Award - to Christine Edmonds and A Love For Life for its fundraising work in support of pancreatic cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.

The Humanitarian Award honors an individual or group that embodies a selfless commitment to serve others with a generosity of spirit and a heroic dedication to help strengthen and improve Newtown and the surrounding area.

The NBA presented its Humanitarian Award to Christine Edmonds, the founder and president of A Love For Life, for her fundraising work in support of pancreatic cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.

The Newtown-based nonprofit has raised more than a million dollars through local fundraising including Dragon Boat racing, Oktoberfest, the Newtown Shamrock Shuffle, and numerous other events held throughout the year.

“Christine continues to inspire us with her incredible work ethic and kindness,” said NBA President Dave Marcolla. “Her organization is dedicated to raising funds for pancreatic research with 100 percent of the money raised supporting cutting-edge research being done right here in Philadelphia. Beyond their vital mission, they celebrate life, friendship and creating a community driven by hope and action. We’re honored to work alongside her and thrilled to recognize her impacts this morning.”

The NBA presented its President’s Award to Temperance House owner Kathy Buczek, who has continuously opened up her South State Street establishment to groups and organizations to meet.

The award recognizes an NBA member whose dedicated leadership and outstanding contributions exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the community by making the services of the business available to support charitable and nonprofit endeavors.

The NBA presented its President’s Award to Temperance House owner Kathy Buczek, who has continuously opened up her South State Street establishment to groups and organizations to meet. (Patch file photo)

“The Temperance House has continuously opened its doors and space for us to gather year after year,” said Marcolla. “The warm and inviting environment has become a true staple of Newtown and an institution in its own right. They do so much while asking so little in return. We are
incredibly grateful for their generosity and commitment to bolstering connections within our community.”

The NBA presented its Distinguished Service Award to Dan Petty of Edward Jones Investments. Petty chaired the Antique Car Show Committee and the Newtown Holiday Parade and contributed to the success of Welcome Day 2024.

The award is given to a member whose outstanding service has gone above and beyond what could normally be expected of a volunteer to further the growth of their development and excellence of the organization.

NBA President Dave Marcolla presents the Distinguished Service Award to Dan Petty of Edward Jones Investments. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Unsung Hero Award went to Chrissy Stanojev, a digital marketing strategist from Newtown.

The award recognizes NBA members whose selfless acts of giving without seeking personal gain or attention exemplifies the highest levels of community spirit.

“Sometimes the most impactful m come from those who simply see a need and step in without hesitation,” said Petty. “We’re thrilled to honor someone who exemplifies this spirit. At the holiday parade she arrived just to drop off her kids to volunteer. But quickly she became a key part of the day jumping in wherever needed to ensure everything ran more smoothly than we ever anticipated. Her enthusiasm, willingness to help and genuine desire to get involved were nothing short of inspiring. What began as a simple drop off turned into an incredible act of generosity.”

And Lorena Escalera of Penn Community accepted the NBA’s Community Service Award.

The award recognizes members whose dedicated commitment and meritorious service exemplifies an outstanding contribution to the community through benevolent acts and dedication of significant volunteer hours and a demonstrated and genuine desire to serve charitable causes and help those in need.

“Escalera has made remarkable contributions throughout the year leaving an unforgettable mark on our community,” said Marcolla. “She amazed all by coordinating our first ever volunteer day in partnership with the United Way of Bucks County where she led the collection of over 800 pounds of food for those in need in our community.

“Beyond this incredible feat, she bore her passion into running a highly successful Emerging Leaders program in 2024. Members are excited to continue to make a difference as she steps into a new key role of developing networking events in 2025.”

In other news, the NBA announced its schedule of community events this year, kicking off with the 2025 Newtown Business Expo on Wednesday, April 30 at Rafters.

This year’s Welcome Day is scheduled for Sunday, June 8. Organizers are planning to extend the Sycamore Street event from Durham Road to Washington Avenue this year.

Expansion is a theme this year as plans are also underway for a bigger and better Classic and Antique Car Show. “We’re planning on adding 50 more cars,” said Marcolla.

The Newtown Holiday Parade will also be expanding this year with plans to add 50 more floats to the parade, said Marcolla.

The mission of the NBA is to promote Newtown as a great place to live, work, shop and do business, thereby enhancing the economic vitality of the community for member businesses through networking, education, community involvement and coop advertising opportunities.