2009 Community Stars picked
By MARLY KOSINSKI Tribune ChronicleFrom a high school senior to an 86-year-old, this year's group of Community Stars is a mix of youthful enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to volunteerism.
The Tribune Chronicle, in cooperation with the Trumbull-Mercer Chapter of the American Red Cross, will honor 12 people for the commitment and service they have shown to their communities during the eighth annual Community Stars banquet at Packard Music Hall and Convention Center in Warren.
Community Stars are ordinary people who make life better through extraordinary efforts. These individuals, through their acts, have left a notable impact on their community and have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the name of giving back.
Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the Tribune Chronicle, said 56 nomination letters were received - some of them from former Community Stars and others from family members and friends of the nominees.
Ten awards will be given to 12 community members who were selected by a panel of local business leaders.
"We are excited to have winners from such a broad age range and diverse backgrounds. It was difficult to pick just 10 because there were so many worthy nominees,'' Shafer said. ''It is our pleasure to honor them for their extraordinary efforts.''
Christinia Gargas, interim executive director of the Trumbull-Mercer Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the organization is proud to be part of the Community Stars event, which "honors the unsung heroes of the community."
She said as a humanitarian organization, the Red Cross knows the importance of volunteers and how their efforts are the reason the agency exists.
"We also are pleased to have several of our volunteers among the winners," Gargas said.
Those volunteers are John and Marian Scott of Cortland, who were nominated by Gargas for their 10 years of service as disaster relief volunteers. The couple has traveled all over the country to help those in need, including New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"Whether individuals have been devastated by fires or floods, at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., many residents in our community can reflect upon their own personal accounts of feeling hopeless, not knowing where to turn or how to pick up the pieces after a disaster. John and Marian have dedicated themselves to being there for these families, not only to provide them with Red Cross disaster relief, but also to provide them with a shoulder to lean on, a warm smile and a gentle voice of hope," Gargas wrote in her nomination letter.
Marjorie Sudimack of Warren, 86, began driving for the Red Cross in 1973, transporting ill patients to doctor appointments and treatments until the agency stopped providing the service about five years ago. She continued her transportation duties, first on her own and now for the Western Reserve Independent Living Society and the American Cancer Society.
She also volunteers as an administrative assistant at SS. Peter and Paul Church, where she is a member. Sudimack was nominated by attorney Ned Gold.
The other 2009 Community Stars are:
- James Barbe of Bristolville, a 19-year member of the American Legion Post 540 and Trumbull County Honor Guard, which participates in military funerals. He was nominated by fellow veteran and legion member Roger Gardner, who was a Community Star in 2005.
- Lucille Bickel of Champion, who has been volunteering at the Clothes Closet at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Warren for more than 30 years. She was nominated by 2007 Community Star Jean Bolinger of Cortland.
- Bill and Cordie Davis of Southington, who have led and planned 35 construction mission trips in the United States and abroad. They also have participated in neighborhood cleanups and have fed the hungry as part of their church, Warren First Church of the Nazarene.
- James Economos of Warren, who has operated his family's business, The Saratoga Restaurant, for more than 50 years. He is a member of about two dozen community organizations and is an advocate for revitalizing downtown Warren, including as a member of Trumbull 100, the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau and National Packard Museum. He was nominated by 2006 Community Star Sam Lanza.
- Vickie Harkelrode of West Farmington, who started a scholarship foundation for high school seniors in honor of her two sons, who both died tragically at the ages of 9 and 18. She was nominated by Janelle Ream.
- Melanie Jones of Warren, a social worker who is very active as a Girl Scout leader and church mentor. She was nominated by two people - her daughter, Sparkle, and lifelong friend, Darlene Williams.
- Roderick Lewis Jr., a senior at Warren G. Harding High School, who has used his own money to buy school supplies for needy children, host neighborhood parties and buy food for needy families. He also is active in his church and the YWCA. He was nominated by his mother, sister and several fellow volunteers.
- Loretta J. Pernice of Warren, pastor of Elim Christian Center, who started Pathway Sober House, an outreach ministry for recovering addicts, the homeless and families in crisis. She was nominated by several church members.
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DRC573
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02-01-09 4:18 PM
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God Bless all of you for giving unselfishly to the community. You truly are Stars! Dave Clouser
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Herewegosteelers
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02-01-09 8:39 AM
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Here we go steelers here we go!!!
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