Gary Cox presenting a plaque to Terry Mistretta. It reads: “In honor of its namesake, this Tourism Award recipient demonstrates a commitment to hospitality, admiration for this county’s natural resources and steadfast contributions to the betterment of our community through tourism initiatives. Mr. Letchworth established a legacy to preserve beauty and heritage with his generous gift of bountiful land – thusly becoming our first “tourism advocate.” You are in stellar company. Photo by Bob Oswald.

If there was a tourism booster club, Terry Mistretta could be elected president by voice vote There’s nobody I know who comes close to Terry’s devotion that Mount Morris remain a tourist destination. From her office as president of the Mount Morris Historical Society, she spends countless hours giving tours to visitors of its home, the Mills Mansion.

Terry is the organizer of the Annual 19th Century Holiday Candlelight Dinner in the MillsMansion, and she is the originator of the Mount Morris Italian Festival, now in its 13th year. Both events attract people to Mount Morris from all over the area.

Terry received the William Pryor Letchworth Award for Excellence in Tourism from the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Office last week during the 3rd Annual Harvest Luncheon at the Quality Inn Valley Oak Center, Geneseo.

Presenter Gary Cox, York Historical Society President and last year’s tourism award recipient, said “Terry, you have combined years of service as an advocate of LivingstonCounty and Mount Morris with a keen appreciation for what truly makes a destination attractive to visitors.

Your work on behalf of the Mount Morris Historical Society, the General William Mills Mansion and the Mount Morris Italian Festival are just a few examples of the dedication you have shown to your community.”

See complete story in our Nov. 12 print edition.

Tagged as: County, Mount Morris