Community members honored for making an impact on Valley


Special to The Vindicator

DESERVING RECOGNITION: Honored with Valley Impact Awards, which recognized their community service endeavors were, from left, Dave Green, president of UAW Local 1714; Eloise Traina, Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers chairwoman; John Donahoe, GM Lordstown plant manager; Glen Johnson, vice president of UAW Local 1112; Jean Wissinger; and Sister Patricia McNicholas.

CANFIELD — Avion on the Water was the setting for an event that turned Oct. 9 into a special evening for more than 200 area residents. The event was the awarding of the 2009 Meridian Services Valley Impact Awards to members of the community who have made an impact in the world of addiction treatment.

Award honorees included the following:

U Sister Patricia McNicholas, executive director of Beatitude House, who received the Excellence in Service Award for her work on behalf of women and children of the Valley.

U Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers, who received the Excellence in Leadership Award for advocacy initiatives on behalf of Ohio citizens.

U Mrs. Jean Wissinger, who was honored with the Behind the Faces of Recovery Award for her role in her granddaughter’s addiction recovery efforts.

U GM Lordstown and UAW Locals 1112 and 1714 were recognized with the Collaboration in Action Award for their efforts on behalf of the United Way.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Sam Rutigliano, former coach of the Cleveland Browns. He spoke of his years in the National Football League and his role in developing the Inner Circle Support Group, an anonymous program that assisted players struggling with addiction issues.

This is the fifth year Meridian Services, Inc., a behavioral healthcare, 527 N, Meridian Road, has been host for the awards ceremony. The general public is encouraged to nominate anyone for the awards who has made a difference in the life of someone battling addiction and its related issues.

For additional information on Meridian Services or the Valley Impact Awards, contact Ellie Platt, (330) 797-0070, or eplatt@meridianservices.org.

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More