Stars brighten community

WARREN -- They may have had 10 different stories, but one thing this year's Community Stars have in common is they all share the same desire to give back and help others.

The Tribune Chronicle and Trumbull 100 cosponsored the 24th annual Community Star awards dinner Wednesday at a celebration at the St. Demetrios Community Center in Warren.

The recipients were Ken Boring of Weathersfield, Sarah Hirt Buzulencia of Warren, Esther Gartland of Cortland, Molly Halliday of Cortland, Moriah McCorkle of Warren, Lorie Prokup of Howland, Mary Ann Raidel of Bristolville, Tom Smith of Girard, Ted Toles III of Braceville and Joe Warminski of Hubbard.

Ted Snyder, general manager of the Tribune Chronicle, said the awards are presented to show appreciation for the various things that local residents do in their communities to make them stand out.

"The common theme you will find is none of them feel they are doing anything special, but the majority of people in this room feel otherwise. That is what makes them so fitting for the award they will receive tonight," Snyder said.

It's been 24 years since the Tribune Chronicle first began recognizing the best examples of volunteer service to our community and the people who perform those outstanding acts. The Community Star program celebrates Trumbull County residents who go above and beyond to make a significant impact in the lives of others without ever expecting anything in return.

Amanda Thiry, president of Trumbull 100, said while the 10 individuals recognized on Wednesday do not seek the spotlight for what they do, they deserve to be congratulated for their efforts and what they have done to benefit so many others.

Snyder said each of the 10 Community Stars shared a different story about what they have done, but all 10 had in common a sense of giving and selflessness through volunteering in so many ways.

"They are people who give back and do what they can to make their communities a better place," he said

Snyder said each Community Star received a plaque, as well as proclamations from Gov. Mike DeWine, the Trumbull County Commissioners, and 14th District Republican Congressman David Joyce.