Oneonta resident Tony Mongillo, 89, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Albert E. Morris Award by the Greater Oneonta Historical Society.  This award is given annually to a "person of distinction who has contributed to Oneonta's history."

A reception to honor Tony will he held this Sunday, April 28 from 2-4 pm at the History Center (432-0960)

Tony and his lovely wife Ann have been listeners of the Big Chuck morning show on WDOS ever since it began in 1989.  Tony is known far and wide as one of the region's most popular and familiar artists.  He is famed for his depictions of the old trains that used to be prevalent in Oneonta.  Tony spent more than four decades working for the D&H railroad.

Tony is a great guy.  He has been on many of my Big Chuck buses over the years.  While most people send a card or a note to recognize a birthday or holiday, Tony sends drawings!  And I have a closet full of them.  Tony has sent me original drawings over the last 25 years to mark my birthdays, Christmas, just to say hello or for no reason at all.

Here are some of my favorites:

This one is from Christmas, 2002....

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This is one he sent me when he heard my Mom and Dad were celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.....

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And of course there are the trains.  Always the trains.....

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Here is a funny one from 2010.  Tony heard me tell stories on the air about being a Cub Scout.  He found a photo of my in my scouting days and sent this card along.......

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And again...the trains!  This one is from 2004......

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Here is another funny one from Tony.  Years ago I was asked to read Dr. Seuss to children at the Southside Mall during the week of his birthday.  Tony found a picture of me doing it, and appropriately put a dunce cap on my head!

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Do I have a favorite Tony Mongillo drawing?  Yes.  This one came to the radio station on September 27, 2009 for my 60th birthday.  I love it....

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Congratulations on your award, Tony!

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