A FOND FAREWELL

Margaret Cinotto, Frontenac, has done a great job of using her musical and business skills for her community, but doesn’t seek praise or acclaim.
But she couldn’t avoid it Tuesday at the Frontenac Junior-Senior High School spring concert. This was her final concert after serving as Frontenac Music Department accompanist for nine years.
There were roses on her piano, along with a card signed by students. They also surprised her with a special song.
“Mrs. Cinotto has been my ‘right hand man’,” said Linda Evans, music director. “She has subbed when subbing was needed, and spent many hours of accompanying and practicing in order to help the choir and band members achieve their best performances. Her leaving will be a big hole in our department.”
Originally from Humboldt, Cinotto said that she came to the Pittsburg area in her senior year of college.
“I started studying piano when I was 7, then went to the organ and studied organ at Iola Junior College,” Cinotto said. “In college I was a business major. I worked 30 years for American General Finance, and retired from that in 1999.”
She spent 28 years as organist at the Frontenac United Methodist Church, and has been very active in the Mt. Carmel Auxiliary.
“I was auxiliary president last year and I’m vice president this year,” she said. “I do the books for the gift shop, and also work at the front desk.”
At the auxiliary’s annual meeting in January she was recognized for 2,000 hours of volunteer service.
Cinotto’s husband, Gary Cinotto, was at Miners State Bank, now Labette Bank, for many years and recently retired. She said that they will now be spending much more time in Olathe, where her husband’s children and other family members live.
“There’s also a new grandbaby there — she’s about eight months old,” Cinotto said. “My parents are here, though, so I’ll spend some days every week here.”