MAKING A DIFFERENCE Honorees show good will and selflessness

Tragic events brought out the collective spirit of giving in some communities.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bad news often outweighs the good in the memories of many people, but acts of good will and selflessness by individuals across the valleys in the past 12 months are worth remembering.
These are the individuals compiled in The Vindicator's 2002 list of People Who Made a Difference -- assembled by reporters and editors and featuring people from all walks of life who have put others before themselves.
For example, tragedy struck when an early December house fire claimed the lives of five Amish children in Pulaski, Pa. In the wake of that tragedy, dozens of Amish and non-Amish residents joined forces to support the Wengerd family, pledging support in whatever form needed.
Materials were donated. Workers volunteered, and, through tears for those lost and sweat from the physical labor of piecing together material losses, the family home was rebuilt.
James and Donna Winner also attempted to make tragedy a little easier for area families by opening the doors to their home and inn at Tara to displaced residents after the Nov. 10 tornado in Clark, Pa. The inn was also used as a triage center for the injured.
Never a day off
Boardman Township police Sgt. Stephen Riwniak did not lose his nose for crime on a day off last summer. Riwniak spotted several men close to an armored van acting suspiciously. He got the license plate number of the Ford Expedition the men were driving. That number led to three arrests.
Police determined the men were attempting to steal money from the van that contained nearly $1 million. Seven months after the foiled robbery attempt, Riwniak modestly smiles at the mention of the episode and says he was simply doing his job.
Part-time Washingtonville patrolman Frank Anderson is credited with saving what most people value more than money -- a life. Anderson in January covered a critically injured 60-year-man and kept him still while paramedics were en route. Without his assistance, the man would have died or been paralyzed.
Youngstown resident Thelma Fitzgerald has a history of public service that goes back nearly four decades. She has been supplying food, clothing and shelter to the needy from her North Side home since 1966. Fitzgerald, however, does not take credit -- saying her missionary work comes from a higher power.
God "gave me the mandate to do it and so I do it," she said. "My heart goes out to the people who do not have. If not for the grace of God, I would still be right there with them."
Many students have also worked to make a difference in the lives of area residents during 2002. From high school student projects with area hospitals to Youngstown State University students working with the homeless, students gave of their time and energy to help others in need.
jgoodwin@vindy.com