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WARREN -- For the 22nd year, the Tribune Chronicle will honor the brightest examples of community service and the people who do those good deeds with its annual Community Stars program.
Trumbull 100 will co-sponsor for the 14th year.
The Community Stars program celebrates volunteers who go above and beyond to make a measurable impact in the community and the lives of others. Stories about the 10 winners will appear in a special section in the Tribune Chronicle and will debut at an awards dinner on April 17 at the St. Demetrios Community Center in Warren.
"We often hear, 'I don't have time.' The truth is we do have time. We each have the same amount of time each day, and how we choose to invest that time matters," said Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the Tribune Chronicle. "We want to hear about those community members, volunteers, who use their time and talents for projects or people who matter to them.
"Most volunteers are not seeking recognition for their service to others and the community. For them, it is a way of life, a way to serve their community. Instead of complaining about something in their community, they find a way to help contribute to making their community better," Shafer said.
Last year's community stars were:
Sherri Bercheni of Warren, leader of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council for Inspiring Minds.
Linda Morton Cowin of Cortland, who serves on the Leavittsburg Historical Society and is a founding member of the LaBrae Alumni Hall of Fame.
Ken David of Girard, a highly decorated Army veteran who works in numerous capacities for area veterans.
Madelyn Fonagy of Brookfield, now a junior at Hubbard High School, who is very active in her church, St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna, and is a volunteer for United Way.
Justin Meade of Hubbard, founder of the Autism Awareness Training and Acceptance Program.
Melinda Mock of Warren, president of the Howland Friends of the Library.
Christine Novicky and Jeff Ford of Vienna. She is president of the Vienna Historical Society and he is an active member.
Chuck Potashnik of Warren, who is involved in numerous community organizations.
Dennis Rossi of Warren, who is on the board of numerous organizations, including at W.D. Packard and Trumbull Family Fitness.
James Sweet of Warren, who is involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Knights of Columbus.
Nominations can be made by filling out the 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 or by logging on to www.tribtoday.com and clicking on the "Submit News" button. There is a category for Community Stars.
Nominations should include a detailed explanation of what makes the nominee stand out and a detailed description of what they do. A person can be nominated for the award more than once, but they can win only one time.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 12 and the winners will be announced in the Tribune Chronicle on Feb. 25.
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