The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-03-31

Herbert s. Smith, general-secre- tary of the Y. M. c. A., principal speaker last night at the celebration of "Mel Kelly Night" at the Brook lyn branch, lauded the director as one of the most capable men in the "" organization. The speaker praised the accomplishment of the honored guest during his IA years of service to the Brooklyn and Town Plot communities, and touch- ed briefly on many incidents which he said were important as well as interesting to all concerned. MT. Smith closed his remarks by pre- senting the guest of honor with a personal present. More than 250 were in attendance.
 The program for the evening comprised two basketball games, boxing, vocal. dancing, and instru- mental entertainment. In the main game the All-Stars defeated the Brooklyn "" Eagles, 38-28, and in the preliminary, Duggan grammar school beat B. w. Tinker 16-6. In- cluded among the principals of the boxing bouts were Nal Galullo, Frank Santoro, and Louis Grella.
 Other entertainment features were contributed by Katherine M. Mas triano, Frank Rondinaro, Ralph Passaro and William Macchia.
 The general activities were ar- ranged by Frank Berardi, president ofg the. Inter Club council, assisted by Michael Purcaro.
 The affair was very informal, and its informality gave expression to the genuineness of their feeling of high regard and appreciation. The program ran through the entire evening and at the close, hundreds came to shake the hand of the man they sought to honor.
 General Secretary Smith expressed the high regard in which Secretary Kelley is held by the other 16 sec retaries on the YMCA staff. He said Ire president and the officers of the YMCA appreciate this ex- pression of regard which you are showing for Mel Kenney, because there is no employe of the YMCA who stands in higher esteem.
 "FIe came to the Brooklyn branch when it was opened in 1918. During his 19 years of service, the general secretary and the board of directors have never had single worry, be- cause it was known that with Mel Kelley on the job, everything was all right.
 "ae is most efficient workman. This expresses itself in the care and upkeep of the YMCA building, in the handling of the finances, in his faithfulness to duty, and above all in the love which he puts into his work"
 Mel Kelley is alway just as you see him. He is "Kelley" all the way through. The YMCA board can safely trust him as secretary, and the youth of Brooklyn have found that they can trust him as friend.
 Under his leadership, the Brook. lyn YMCA has progressed steady in regard to the youth of this com- munity. Starting with board of management appointed from the in dustrieS, this branch graduated to a board chosen from the community and now the board of management is composed of young men, each of whom is elected to represent a self governing club. You and Mel Kelley together, have thus built this YMCA branch into the life of the Brooklyn community, and the central board of directors and the community of Waterbury would have me say We are proud of you
 President Frank Berardi, in pre- senting Secretary Kelley, said Mel, the boys thought they would like to arrange this little party for you. as a means of showing you how much we think of you. You have been untiring and many times sac rificing, in your work for us, and lest you might understand how we feel about it, we arranged this affair as testimony to you and to your work here"
 Secretary Kelley in reply said: T naturally am deeply touched and greatly pleased, particularly SO be- cause I know that this affair was spontaneous and arranged by you boys. yourselves. I have greatly en-