Agency set to recognize volunteers in the Valley

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Volunteer Services Agency Inc. is kicking off National Volunteer Week 2008 in the Mahoning Valley by recognizing the work of exemplary volunteers.

The recognition is getting support from the FirstEnergy Foundation, which announced that Denise DeBartolo York and the DeBartolo Corporation; Cindy Matthews, WFMJ TV 21 News anchor; Jeff Shaffer from Avalon Golf and Country Club; and Karen Fox from First Energy will join in the recognition event.

These individuals and groups will be recognized during the Fifth Annual All Community Volunteer Recognition at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St.:

UGeorge L. Grim, nominated by Boy Scouts of America Western Reserve Council.

UDave and Sue Mahan, nominated by Hospice of the Valley.

UNicole McElroy, nominated by Beatitude House.

UMarian D. Palomaki, nominated by Youngstown Cityscape.

UWilliam Smith , nominated by Hayes Middle School.

UVolunteers of S.O.P.H.I.A., nominated by Marilyn Fritch.

ULucy B. Zinz – nominated by Trumbull Mobile Meals.

The 2008 National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek ways to engage in their community.

The 2008 NVW is sponsored by Target and is an initiative of Points of Light & Hands On Network. The week was first designated as an annual observance by President Nixon in 1974.

For more information about National Volunteer Week activities, visit the Volunteer Services Agency Web site, www.volunteerservicesagency.org.

In addition to the Our Valley’s Volunteers award recipients, 17 Project Blueprint candidates will be honored and graduate from the training and development program offered to the community through the support of the Home Savings Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation of The Mahoning Valley and United Way Youngstown/Mahoning Valley.

Project Blueprint board training and development provides comprehensive knowledge and connects a network of talented and resourceful professionals.

Those who have completed the training are:

Jennifer Andre, Samantha Pearson Carter, Rose Copeland , Joyce Davidson, James Gibbs , Barbara Kelly, Gerianne Klepfer, Debra Kostelic, Sarra Lyle, Jerry Maruskin, Julie Maruskin, Jacqueline Jeanette Scott, Denise Sudano, Kathryn J. Wickline, Stephen Wickline, Deidre Windom and Kimberly Zaksek.