MOUNT VERNON — The four individuals recognized as the 2023 Mount Vernon Volunteers of the Year have one thing in common: They all give of their time, talent, and treasures in special and many ways.
“Each of our volunteers have their own reasons why they’re so active in the community, but one thing is for sure: Our community is richer because of these four individuals who have deep affection for Mount Vernon and are able to share their own blessings with the rest of the community,” Mayor Matt Starr said.
Starr presented the awards at the Aug. 4 First Friday event. The honorees are Paul McNeal, Dena Hess, Mike Pryjda, and Russ Mentzer.
“This community thrives because of the extraordinary effort and commitment of volunteers. This year’s honorees are no exception,” Starr said.
Noting that these four individuals do not get involved for recognition, Starr said it is important to show appreciation because their efforts reflect the community’s value system: taking care of the community and making the world a better place.
“By serving the local community in small ways, they all add up to a collectively wonderful and remarkable impact,” he said.
Paul McNeal
Paul McNeal is the coordinator of Athletic Development at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He coordinates and develops partnerships for the MVNU athletic department and works to create a bigger footprint in the Mount Vernon community through partnerships, community service, and volunteerism. His volunteer efforts include:
- Regularly and faithfully provides Experience Mount Vernon MVNU Athletics Activity Zone at First Friday
- Is a member of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Planning Committee and a regular sponsor
- A founding partner and sponsor of PAK United with the Mount Vernon Police Department
- Member of the Science Play Initiative (SPI) board
- Involved with Pleasant Street Elementary Adoption program
- Created Champions of Character game program to bring local elementary and high schools to enjoy MVNU College Athletics
- Volunteers for the Woodward Opera House
- Volunteers for Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival
- Member of the Mount Vernon Rotary Club
- Regular Ambassador at Chamber of Commerce events around the County
Dena Hess
Born and raised in Knox County, Ohio, Dena Hess says she is proud to call the City of Mount Vernon “My Hometown.”
As manager of The Woodward Opera House, Hess finds her work is seven days a week and oftentimes greater than 10 hours a day. However, she considers finding time to volunteer for the community of great importance. Her service includes:
- Mount Vernon Rotary Club (President for 2022-2023)
- Knox County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
- Organizer of the 9/11 Memorial Climb at Rastin Tower
- Co-Chair for the PAKunited program
- Member of the Memorial Day Parade committee
- Member of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast committee
- Member of Experience Mount Vernon’s Events Committee
- Partner of The Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
Mike Pryjda
Mike Pryjda is a Knox County native and owner of Specialty Outdoor Services, a local tree care company he opened after being mentored under Dave Williams of Dave Williams tree service. He is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture and continues his education with the society. His community involvement includes:
- Member of Mt. Zion Mason Lodge and the Kokosing Valley Rotary Club
- Frequent sponsor for local Little League and co-ed softball teams
- Gave of his time and talent in helping with the Public Square tree removal public engagement project
- Offers his help with MTVarts
- A fire department first responder
- Provides valuable support to the city’s Shade Tree and Beautification Commission, often throwing in additional services to help the city manage a well-maintained and beautiful urban forestry
- Regularly supports Ariel~Foundation Park
- Helped support the Knox County Sheriff’s Office by funding its K9 program
- Helped supply support for therapy dog Nova for the Mount Vernon Police Department
- Helped purchase lunches and provides financial support for PAK United events
- Is a sponsor for the police and fire departments’ softball tournament
- Provides financial support to the Police Chaplains Association of Mount Vernon
Russ Mentzer
Russ Mentzer has owned Dominos Pizza for 39 years and has supported countless nonprofit organizations with pizzas. His favorite motto is by Theodore Geisel (also known as Dr. Suess): “To the world you may be one person, But to one person you may be the world.” His volunteerism includes:
- Active in the financial and in-kind donations to MTVarts
- Has helped feed volunteer groups such as Food for the Hungry, high school and college sports teams, and school clubs
- Takes time out of his own schedule to clean up areas around the city, such as the viaduct, bike paths, and Kokosing River Corridor
- Has been a staunch supporter of PAK United
- Supports the fire department by offering pizzas during training exercises
- Sponsors Little League baseball and softball teams
- Sponsors events for New Directions and Mount Vernon Merit Court
- Sponsors events for the United Way of Knox County
- Has three incredible girls and three great sons-in-law but treasures the blessing of five granddaughters
- Russ is a man who truly puts his faith into action and shares his blessings with his community.
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