Stargazing in Warren

2023 Community Stars recognized

WARREN -- Shirley Lisk and Carly Liptak appreciate doing their part to keep James Sweet a bit more balanced, though their gratitude extends to Sweet for his unselfish willingness to also move up and out -- as in reaching above and beyond himself.

"He's got so many irons in the fire, but he makes time to keep himself in shape," said Lisk, who works with Liptak at St. Joe's at the Mall, a health and fitness center at the Eastwood Mall in Niles. "His last name goes with his personality."

Lisk was referring to Sweet's community work, quiet and kind nature and desire to give back to the community primarily by operating daily the SS. Mary and Joseph St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and his overall commitment toward helping others.

Liptak added that in addition to learning and practicing solid balance routines and a workout at the gym about three times per week, Sweet enjoys greeting people and making them feel welcome there. Sweet, a U.S. Army veteran and retired U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, often comes with his wife, Kathy, and other family members, she said.

"He's lovely. He and his wife are shining a light."

These and other community-outreach efforts also have made Sweet one of the 11 Community Star recipients who were honored at Tuesday evening's 2023 Community Stars program and dinner at St. Demetrios Banquet Center, 3223 Atlantic St. NE.

Sponsoring the two-hour gathering, attended by several hundred, were the Tribune Chronicle and Trumbull 100, a conglomeration of business and community leaders who seek to improve the area's quality of life.

Sandy Pavlik of Cortland and Joanne Siembieda-Barran of Warren, nominated Sweet as a Community Star.

The other honorees were Sherri Bercheni, Linda Morton Cowin, Kenneth David, Madelyn Fonagy, Justin Meade, Melinda Mock, Jeffrey Ford and his wife, Christine Novicky, Charles Potashnik and Dennis A. Rossi.

More than 200 Trumbull County residents have been recognized and nominated as Community Stars for their community contributions since the program started 21 years ago, Ted Snyder, the Tribune Chronicle's general manager, noted.

"It's an honor to see my sister get this award. She works very hard and is active in the community," Natalie George of Vienna said about Novicky, who is a pharmacist at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and president of the Vienna Historical Society.

George also praised her sister for being a role model for the community, as well as for her efforts in caring for area cemeteries. That work includes cleaning and restoring headstones in disrepair.

In addition, Novicky and Ford, a Trumbull County 911 dispatcher and supervisor, participate in efforts to spotlight Vienna's history.

Pam Clower of Vienna nominated Ford and Novicky.

Preceding the recipients' acceptance of their award were short video clips from those who nominated them and touted their achievements. Nominees included family members, co-workers and neighbors.

"Everything you're pouring into me, I'm pouring back into the community," Bercheni said to co-workers at 717 Credit Union in Warren, where she serves as a vice president of Remote Delivery Experience.

In his remarks, Potashnik thanked previous Community Stars for their community service and outreach.

Mock was unable to attend Tuesday's program because of illness. Accepting the award on her behalf was Mock's husband, David, and daughter Amanda Mock Sell.