Rosemarie Maio honored for theatre work

NETCONG-The Growing Stage Theatre has honored Rosemarie (Roe) Maio with its coveted V. June Hinds Awards for Volunteerism. The award was presented at the theatre's 6th Annual Ovation Awards reception on Wednesday, May 25. Maio has served Growing Stage Theatre since it moved to Netcong 10 years ago. She is a member of the theatre's advisory board and marketing committee, and presently edits the theatre's newsletter, Stage Whispers, as well as providing the graphic design of both its season playbill and annual dinner program. The V. June Hinds Award for Volunteerism is named for one of the theatre's founding trustees, who was an artist and educator for over 35 years in the Chester school system. Throughout her life, Hines demonstrated a dedication to young people, recognizing the capability to teach through the arts long before it became fashionable. Her devotion to young people continues to influence the theatre today as it serves young patrons and their families. Tom Romano, managing director, noted at the reception that if a community is fortunate, its conscience is its journalist; if it is truly fortunate, that journalist is more than just a reporter or pundit, he or she participates in the life of the community. Maio is a Stanhope resident with decades of experience in the newspaper business. She is the former president and publisher of New Jersey News Publishing and the former general manager of the Mount Olive/Netcong/Hackettstow Weekly. Maio has been the co-chair and a committee member for centennial celebrations in both Netcong and Stanhope. She edits Stanhope's community newsletter and works on an advisory committee for the Stanhope Board of Education. Additionally, she has been a member and/or officer of the Netcong Business Association, Stanhope Chamber of Commerce, Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hackettstown Trade Association. The Growing Stage Theatre is a registered not-for-profit organization, the only professional member theatre of the Actor's Equity Association in New Jersey that is solely dedicated to young people, offering main stage productions, school outreach presentations and educational programs. The Historic Palace Theatre, on Rte. 183, home to the Growing Stage Theatre, is listed on both the national and state Register of Historic Places.