Raven Awards recognize Ravenna's outstanding citizens, businesses and students

Diane Smith, Record-Courier
·3 min read

Community leaders known for giving back to the community, area businesses and students who won scholarships and organized a virtual tour of Ravenna buildings were recognized at Ravenna's Raven Awards on Wednesday.

More: Raven Awards will recognize Ravenna graduates, local businesses

The ceremony was originally set to take place outdoors at the Portage Community Bank Stadium in Ravenna, but was moved indoors to the high school auditorium because of the threat of rain. As rain pelted the building and weather alerts went off on many phones, attendees expressed gratitude that the ceremony had been moved inside.

Terry Montz, winner of the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryann Kuchenbecker at the 2022 Raven Awards ceremony held Wednesday evening at Ravenna High School.
Terry Montz, winner of the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryann Kuchenbecker at the 2022 Raven Awards ceremony held Wednesday evening at Ravenna High School.

Terry Montz, a businessman who owns Country Elegance, a nursing home, and Innovative Elegance, a catering business, was given the Lifetime Achievement award. Ryann Kuchenbecker, executive director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce, listed a long list of his volunteer service, which included Parks and Recreation, Center of Hope and charity events, West Main School's PIP program, Portage County Relay for Life, Ravenna's Chestnut Grove Arts District, Catholic Charities, and many Ravenna chamber of commerce events. He also has served on the boards of the Portage County Regional Planning Commission, Celebrate Portage, Ravenna Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Portage County and Family & Community Services.

"Terry is always willing to lend a helping hand without giving it a second thought, and expects nothing in return," Kuchenbecker said. "Terry is very kindhearted, and is a tremendous asset to the Ravenna community."

Montz thanked his family and his longtime partner, Bill McCluskey, for their support. Referring to his years of public service, he said each activity was "a wonderful, wonderful experience."

"All of these efforts have made me into the person I am today," he said.

Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Raven Awards “Citizen of the Year” winner Anne Marie Noble speaks at the ceremony held Wednesday at Ravenna High School.
Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Raven Awards “Citizen of the Year” winner Anne Marie Noble speaks at the ceremony held Wednesday at Ravenna High School.

Anne Marie Noble was awarded Citizen of the Year. Noble is executive director of The Haven, Portage County's homeless shelter, which opened in April after years of planning. Kuchenbecker said Noble, who previously served at the Center of Hope and at Hattie Larlham, "has made tremendous differences in many people’s lives."

"Anne Marie is a very caring person who always helps to give back to Portage County,

she said.

Noble dedicated the award to her late brother, Art DeLong, who she called her hero.

"People ask me why I do what I do," she said. "It's because I can. This community has made it so easy."

Debbie Sunderland accepts her "Volunteer of the Year" Award during the 2022 Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Raven Awards ceremony at Ravenna High School on Wednesday.
Debbie Sunderland accepts her "Volunteer of the Year" Award during the 2022 Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Raven Awards ceremony at Ravenna High School on Wednesday.

Debbie Sunderland was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. Sunderland is president of the Ravenna Historical Society, and also is involved in the Ravenna Lions Club, Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, church and other organizations.

"Debbie is always the first one to show up wherever help is needed and gets right to work, no matter which group she's working with," Kuchenbecker said.

Sunderland said God and her family and friends made her who she is.

"I thank you all for giving of yourself," she said.

Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryann Kuchenbecker hugs Carol Mills, wife of the late Gene Mills, after she accepted the award on his behalf during the 2022 Raven Awards.
Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryann Kuchenbecker hugs Carol Mills, wife of the late Gene Mills, after she accepted the award on his behalf during the 2022 Raven Awards.

The late Gene Mills, who was the Honorary Way recipient for 2021, also was recognized. Mills was past president and a 40-year member of the Ravenna Rotary Club, and headed a program that distributed dictionaries to third graders. Mills' widow, Carol, said children often greeted him in stores to tell him that they still had the dictionary Mills gave them when they were in third grade.

New businesses recognized include Beautiful You By Denise, KMI Wellness, Cricket Wireless, Black Sheep Tattoos, Ravenna Service Experts, White Lotus Kung Fu, Bershire Hathaway Home Services/Stouffer Realty and Serene Tranquility & Spa.

Those recognized for new renovations include Portage County Courthouse, Riddle Block 9 Airbnb, Ace Products and Consulting, UH Portage Medical Center Food for Life, The Corner Station and Longmeadow Care Center.

Coia Sales was recognized for new construction in 2021.

Three winners of scholarships from the chamber, Christian Neff, Julia Fedor and Zack Myers, were recognized. Also honored was a team of 23 students who were part of the inaugural Ravenna High School Honors Civics Class. Kuchenbecker calls them, "The QR code kids," The students put up QR codes on many downtown buildings, allowing visitors to take self-guided tours of historic sites. The codes, when scanned, take visitors to a website the students set up.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at dsmith@recordpub.com or 330-298-1139.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna community leaders, students honored at Raven Awards