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Jim Tressel is keynote speaker at ACTION banquet
By LINDA M. LINONIS
CANFIELD
Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University president, asked the large audience at ACTION’s 13th annual community fundraiser and banquet Thursday to implement three key practices to help improve quality of life in Youngstown, the Valley, the region and country.
The keynote speaker, introduced by Youngstown Mayor John McNally, addressed about 450 people who represented members of the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods and its supporters. The event was at St. Michael Church Family Life Center, 300 N. Broad St.
First, Tressel said, it’s important “to feel good about whom you’re connected with” — in familiar sports terms, your team. “As we get older, our huddle gets larger and who we’re connected with is more people,” he said.
He noted that individuals aren’t significant without having those vital connections to people. “It’s building a team that works well together,” he said.
Second, Tressel said, “reach your potential.” That’s done, he said, by “keeping the bad things out of our bodies.” Eating the wrong foods, consuming too much alcohol, taking drugs, not exercising or getting enough rest is no way to take care of yourself.
He said this was the moment where he was inserting a commercial for the Lake-to-River Food Cooperative grocery store at 818 Elm St. that will open soon.
Tressel urged people to take care of themselves physically and emotionally to reach their potential.
Thirdly, the former YSU and Ohio State football coach, said being away from the Valley for years then returning has given him and his wife, Ellen, a “new appreciation for what has changed and improved.” He said having a positive perspective “is a work in progress.”
In closing, Tressel said the Valley has a “chance to do something special together.”
The Rev. Ed Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown and ACTION board member, said the community organization “brings congregations into intentional and regular contact with one another and creates a dialogue that will improve the quality of life in the Valley.”
The theme this year is “Moving ACTION from Organization to Organism.”
ACTION’s Frances Kerpsack Award honored Herbert Ferguson, public school educator and World War II and Korean War veteran; Dr. Rashid Abdu, who worked to create the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Health Center in the memory of his late wife; and Anthony Lariccia, Valley philanthropist. The Kerpsack family also was recognized.
Entertainment was provided by Joyce Jones of Calvary Ministries International, the Youngstown Connection and Clarence Hodge.
Program participants were the Rev. M. Rosie Taylor, ACTION president; Rose Carter, executive director and lead organizer; Pastor Ellis Payne, Holy Bible Church of God; the Rev. Terrence Hazel, pastor of St. Michael; and the Rev. Robin Woodberry, assistant pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church and executive director of Mahoning Valley Association of Churches. Ray DiCarlo and Jacquie Hays were banquet co-chairpeople.