"This is such a moving experience," internationally acclaimed author/biographer Deidre Bair told an audience of nearly 300 in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

"Watching the film, seeing my family and so many other special people brought back wonderful memories ... I had tears in my eyes," Bair said.

Bair, the former Deidre Bartolotta, was among the more than 75 individuals featured in Laura Magone's documentary, "One Extraordinary Street," focusing on famous, successful and "just ordinary" people who grew up on Park Avenue in Monongahela.

Now living in Connecticut, Bair said the documentary "captures the spirit of these wonderful people who share in a legacy of family and community that should be emulated across our country."

"Many of us left (Park Avenue) and live elsewhere, but our hearts remain here," Bair said. "And our gratitude remains deep to those who led the way and iNFLuenced our lives, many of whom still live here."

Others spotlighted in the documentary also returned home to attend the premiere showing of the film produced and directed by Magone. They offered similar sentiments.

"This is a typical Park Avenue Day -- a good time with great people," retired Army four-star Gen. Carl E. Vuono said. "Laura did a hell of a job. She poured her heart and soul into this project and that's evident with such a wonderful film."

Vuono, whose distinguished 34-year military career included service as the nation's 31st Army Chief of Staff, said the documentary "sums up the beginnings of our lives."

"The people of Park Avenue laid the foundation for all of us, inspired us in so many ways," Vuono said. "We all came from humble beginnings but we were rich in the sense of understanding love of family, love of country, the importance of an education and the need to be selfless. We learned to treat everyone equally and with dignity. This (the documentary) should be a must-see for people everywhere, especially as a learning tool and inspiration for our younger generation."

Another general, Colin Powell, who served as Secretary of State during President George W. Bush's first term, offered a strong testimonial to Vuono in the film.

"Carl was my mentor. He had a major iNFLuence on my (military) career and on my life," Powell said. "He is a treasured friend."

Dr. Fred Cox, a chiropractor who starred for 15 years in the National Football League as the Minnesota Vikings' placekicker and who also is the inventor of the Nerf Football, said "everything (about Park Avenue people) on the film is true."

"You're the reason we became successful," Cox told Park Avenue and Monongahela residents. "You're the reason we went out and did things, became successful. You raised us to have pride in our families, in our community and in ourselves. Growing up here was a special experience because someone was always there for you, whether it be family or neighbors or someone you met on the street. Someone was always saying, 'We're proud of you.' Because you cared, we cared ... we wanted you to be proud of us."

Cox poignantly recalled his late father, Walter Cox, who founded the Park Avenue grocery that still carries the family name.

"My father was an orphan who was on his own from the time he was 13," Cox recalled. "Like others of his generation, he worked a lot of jobs to raise his family and never complained. I'll never be like him, but I've always given it my best shot."

Cox also extended his appreciation to his "extended family ... everyone in Monongahela."

"I'll always remember what I was taught in this community," he said. "We will always be grateful to those who were there to give you a pat on the back, a kick in the butt, to pick you up and dust you off. My best memories of life are right here."

Cox also brought a lighter touch to the program as he noted that he and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl championships, are both products of Park Avenue.

"We have eight Super Bowl appearances between us," said Cox, who appeared in four Super Bowl games with the Vikings. "Between us, we have a .500 record, because Joe won four of them. But two guys from the same street in the same town being in eight Super Bowls? I think that's pretty amazing."

Also spotlighted in the film, Montana thanked "everyone who helped me ... growing up in Monongahela."

"Everything I learned, the success I've been fortunate to enjoy, came from here," Montana said.

Cox's nephew, Dr. Walter R. Cox, an obstetrician-gynecologist on staff at Monongahela Valley Hospital, also is featured in Magone's documentary.

"Some people say there must have been something in the water that produced so many outstanding people," Walter Cox said after watching the film. "But that's not true. It was, and continues to be, the people who live there. They are one big family. For me, it's been a fantastic experience."

Two other physicians, Ronald E. Pellegrini and Philip P. Ripepi, also offer touching segments in the film.

"Growing up there provided a true sense of family, appreciation for hard work and the values that were so prevalent among the people around you," said Pellegrini, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon at UPMC. "My dad was out of work when I graduated from high school, so I couldn't go to college at that time. I worked in the (coal) mines for the next year and a half and was determined I would (get a college education).

"I didn't dwell on the situation, I knew what I had to do because of what I had learned about determination and commitment. The film emphasizes the heart and soul of the people behind that guidance."

Ripepi, a native of Gallatin, called Pellegrini the "most accomplished cardiovascular surgeon and most caring physician I have ever known."

"Ron epitomizes what it's all about -- family values, a hard work ethic and caring for others," Ripepi said. "The people of Park Avenue took care of each other."

Many of those interviewed for the documentary spoke fondly of the late Father Joseph Abbate, longtime pastor of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church on Park Avenue. Abbate was praised as "an advocate of the people, the champion of many causes on Park Avenue, in the community and beyond."

Aldo Bartolotta, president of Mon Valley Foods, which owns and operates Giant Eagle supermarkets in the area, praised Magone and emphasized his deep love for his family and hometown.

"I'm so pleased for Laura because this project has meant so much to her," said Bartolotta, Bair's uncle and long recognized and respected as a community builder. "Anyone who sees (the documentary) will understand what I mean when people ask me if I would ever change anything in my life. My answer is always 'No.' I would want the same family, the same friends, the same career, the same people."

John Taylor Gatto, who grew up on Park Avenue, returned for the premiere of the documentary. An educator, a writer and an internationally recognized advocate of school reform, Gatto reaffirmed his thoughts that Magone's work is "an important part of American history."

"Laura's idea for the documentary was brilliant," Gatto said. "Her passion to tell this wonderful story was unbridled. You could see it in her eyes. The spirit of Monongahela emphasized in her work is what we need in this country. All small towns in the United States should do this."

Gatto, as eloquent with the spoken word as he is with his writing, offered a symbolic Amen to the reaction of those in attendance as he recounted a message to his mother many years ago.

"I told her those of us who left and have enjoyed success elsewhere owe so much to those who supported us, nurtured us and encouraged us to chase our dreams," Gatto said. "We need to thank them for everything. As the film shows, they made us realize what is important in life. We thank you."