Mahoning Valley's loss is North Carolina's gain

Mahoning Valley's lossis North Carolina's gain
EDITOR:
More often than we like, we read in the newspaper about a factory or business moving or closing. This certainly is not good news for the economic health of the area. As we struggle to rebuild our community, every little setback hurts.
Another problem, in addition to losing businesses, is losing community leaders. I am writing specifically about Kenneth J. Wilson. Ken and his wife Mimi are building a new home in North Carolina to be closer to family since their three children and six grandchildren live in the Carolinas.
Ken retired from Standard Register where he was a sales manager. Forty some years of using his interpersonal skills in this position have made him outgoing and people-oriented. He has put those skills to use serving many organizations in the Mahoning Valley.
Ken was a member of the YMCA as a youngster during a very challenging time in his life. Having that refuge helped him get through this time. And now Ken has continued his membership and is helping youth and adults fulfill the mission of the Y. He is currently president of the Youngstown YMCA Board of Trustees and a long-time board member. His organizational efforts and unmatched skills were instrumental in raising the capital to construct the new suburban family branch YMCA.
He is a long-time member of the Youngstown Library Board currently serving as president. Under his tenure, the new Poland and Austintown libraries were built. Ken is chairman of the Boardman Zoning Board of Appeals; on the Board of Trustees of the Western Reserve Care System; past president of Boardman Rotary; and past president of the Boardman Booster Club. Ken is not just a member of these organizations, he takes his membership seriously and is an active participant in each group. As they say, ask a busy man to do something and he will get it done.
Our community is going to sadly miss his dedication, leadership, volunteerism and service that led so many different organizations toward their goals and made their visions a reality.
Ken Wilson is a true friend and leader. We will sorely miss him. Our loss is North Carolina's gain.
KENNETH L. RUDGE
Youngstown
X The writer is chief executive officer of the Youngstown YMCA.
And speaking of people who will be missed ...
EDITOR:
Since you usually only receive complaints, we thought you might like to hear about a wonderful person. His name is David Mitchell, we call him Mitch. He is a very dedicated mailman. He has transferred to the Boardman Post Office. Our loss is certainly Boardman's gain. He is a very caring individual. Bringing smiles and joy to many residents here at Brandywine Apartments. We realize that he has a lot of other homes and businesses to deliver to but he is just so special to us here at Brandywine. He is already sorely missed.
If you ever decide to have a post-person of the year, Mitch would be our number one choice.
GERT PASTORIE
Youngstown