The Tribune Chronicle, in cooperation with the Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross, will honor them on March 25 for the commitment and service they have shown to their communities during the sixth annual Community Stars banquet at Packard Music Hall and Convention Center.
Community Stars are ordinary people who make life better through extraordinary caring. Through their actions, these individuals have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make an impact on their community.
More than 70 people have been awarded the honor since the program’s beginning in 2002.
Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the Tribune Chronicle, said the finalists were selected by a panel of judges from the newspaper.
“This year’s winners are very inspiring. From rescuing people from a burning home to empowering youth to achieve their dreams, these stars are truly shining examples,” Shafer said.
Ten awards will be given to 12 recipients this year. They were selected from a pool of 75 candidates; nearly 90 letters were sent to the Tribune Chronicle sharing stories of heroism, selflessness, volunteerism and acts of bravery and kindness.
Awarded honors this year are Nancy and Gary Grusha of Mineral Ridge. The Grushas’ son, Christopher, was born with medical issues that eventually led to his death at age 5. The Grushas donated a set of handbells to his school, St. Stephen’s in Niles, and Nancy Grusha continues to lead the Christopher Grusha Memorial Handbell Choir.
“I was shocked we were recognized, but also touched that the choir received recognition, too,” said Nancy Grusha. “We do this as a memorial, not to receive recognition.”
The other Stars include:
n Charles L. Jaros, Leavittsburg: A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Jaros is a long-time member of the American Legion Trumbull Honor Guard, helping offer the last honors to servicemen and women. He also maintains the Leavittsburg Veterans memorial and works on several efforts to raise money for hospitalized veterans and veterans organizations.
n Brian Kovach, Cortland: Paralyzed in a car accident in 1993 on his way home from his construction job, Kovach went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering and devotes his time to volunteering with his church, Prince of Peace Lutheran. He maintains the church Web site, helps in the nursery during late services and is the chairman for Christian Education. He also has volunteered at Hillside Rehabilitation and Cleveland MetroHealth hospitals.
n Debbie Meeker, Vienna: Meeker is the program chairwoman for Camelot Therapeutic Riding Center for Handicapped Children and serves on the board of trustees. She is caretaker for the eight horses in the center’s stables, and helps raise money for the center’s operation and programs.
n Cindy Michael, Warren: Michael is the grandmother of Christian Pizzulo, 1, and Mason Cross, 5, who were killed by smoke inhalation Sept. 13, 2005, at their Girard home. A fire was set there after their mother, Lena Cross, 22, was stabbed to death downstairs from where they slept. Since the tragedy, Michael has raised money and purchased food and clothing for needy children and families. She joined the local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children and comforts grieving families.
n Fred Palmer, Warren, and Dennis Nickle, Howland: These two men are being honored for their quick-thinking Dec. 2, 2007, that saved nine people and several pets from a house fire. After following a cloud of smoke on their way to work early that morning, Toys ‘R’ Us co-workers Palmer and Nickle alerted and helped to safety Robert Burns, Angela Williams, their four children and three of their friends during a fire that ruined their North Road S.E. home.
n Gussie Reed, Warren: Reed volunteers for the YWCA, is a member of the Warren Junior League, Trumbull Mobile Meals, the American Red Cross and Make a Difference Day. She volunteers at many activities organized by her church, Grace AME, and serves on many church committees and organizations.
n Carmen Santone, Warren: A retired electrical technology teacher for Trumbull Career and Technical Center, Santone travels around the area and the world building homes with Habitat for Humanity. He also volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul dining hall, serves on the TCTC advisory committee, participates each year in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and helps friends and neighbors with electric wiring problems.
n John Taylor, Warren: Through the Trumbull 100, Taylor has been involved in many community projects including the Warren Community Amphitheatre, the Goddess of Speed project and the ice skating rink in Warren’s Courthouse Park. He sits on the board of the Salvation Army and the Mahoning Valley College Access program.
n Deryck Toles, Warren: A former Warren G. Harding and Penn State football standout, Warren native Toles founded Inspiring Minds, a youth outreach organization. He works as a motivational speaker and has established scholarships for high school seniors headed to college.
ateutsch@tribune-chronicle.com