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Click here for the Community Stars nomination form.
WARREN -- For the 20th time, the Tribune Chronicle will recognize individuals who go above and beyond volunteering their time, talents and resources to make the community better.
The Community Stars program, which will be co-sponsored by Trumbull 100 for the 11th year, will recognize 10 Trumbull County residents who embody excellence.
But first, nominations are needed from the community.
"There are many people who persevered and made a meaningful impact in the community even during a pandemic. I'm looking forward to reading about those volunteers," Tribune Chronicle community events coordinator Sue Shafer said.
She said the people nominated for the award generally "fly under the radar" and do not expect recognition, which is why nominations from the community are sought.
"Trumbull 100 is thrilled to partner with the Tribune Chronicle to play a part in supporting our Community Stars. We cannot thank this year's recipients enough for their good works and commitment to Warren and our community. We look forward to celebrating all of them and all of their accomplishments," Nate Mullen, president of Trumbull 100, said.
The Tribune Chronicle is accepting nominations now through Feb. 12. The nominations should explain what the nominee does to stand out from the rest.
Last year's winners were:
• Cindy Angelo of Warren, who has been volunteering at the Camelot Riding Center in Southington for more than 20 years. She organizes fundraisers to keep the facility afloat, as well as cares for the horses.
• Beverly Gartland of Warren, who helped Basement Outreach Ministries secure a $50,000 grant and nine computers and also helps distribute food on behalf of the organization.
• Basil and Mary Lou Jarrett of Cortland, who are caretakers of the flags on the state Route 11 overpass on King Graves Road. The couple started the flag project. They also volunteer at the Cortland Lions Club french fry trailer at Lakeview football games. Both also are involved individually in numerous volunteer organizations, including the garden club, Warren Junior Women's League, Lions Club and the Cortland Street Fair.
• Pastor George Johnson of Warren, who volunteers at the Hope Center and does prison ministry and inmate counseling.
• Virginia Logan of Kinsman, who volunteers for numerous activities at Gustavus Federated Church, including going on mission trips to Liberia.
• Terry Mascioli of Cortland, who is on the board at the Warren Family Mission and donates many hours at Hannah's House.
• Ellie Monchak and Jean Potashnik, both of Warren, who put in many hours for the Warren Civic Music Association. Both also are involved at their respective churches.
• John Payiavlas of Warren, founder of AVI Food Systems, who is very involved in local Greek organizations and donates money to various schools, hospitals and other institutions.
• John Streitferdt of Warren, who is a lifetime honorary member of the Champion Fire Department, volunteered with the Boy Scouts and visits veterans at the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Clinic as part of the American Legion.
• Carole Wiley of Cortland, who is very active at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Lakeview Outreach and Fellowship. She was nominated by four different people, receiving the most nominations last year.
The winners will be honored with a virtual program and will be featured in a special section of the newspaper.
This year's class of winners will bring the number of people recognized to nearly 220 since the program started in 2002.
Nominations can be made by filling out a submission form that will run periodically in the Tribune Chronicle and mailing it to Tribune Chronicle, c/o Sue Shafer, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, OH 44483. Submissions also can be emailed to Shafer at sshafer@tribtoday.com, submitted through our virtual newsroom by visiting our website, www.tribtoday.com and clicking the "submit news" button or by clicking on this story and the attached nomination form at www.tribtoday.com.
Based on the submissions, judges will pick 10 people to be recognized. A person can be nominated more than once, but they only can win one time.