Ribelins, Laura Wunderle, Sean Short to receive Raven Awards June 7
A former councilman and his wife, the treasurer of Raven Packs and a trustee with the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair are among those who will will receive Raven Awards from the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the city.
Ryann Kuchenbecker, executive director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Raven Awards will be distributed at 6 p.m. June 7 at the Ravenna High School auditorium. There is no charge to attend and no registration required. A reception will take place after the ceremony at West Main St. Winery, Brewery and Cider House.
Lifetime achievement: Bruce and Lucy Ribelin
Bruce and Lucy Ribelin will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. They were nominated by Councilwoman Amy Michael, who served with Bruce Ribelin on council and hailed his service there, as well as his wife's service as a pharmacist and the city's representative on the Board of Health.
Michael said Bruce Ribelin was a government teacher and coach of football and track in addition to his service on council. His wife was "the Ravenna CVS pharmacist that everyone loved going to see even when we felt terrible, she would always greet you with a smile and ask how you were."
After retirement, the couple worked with the school to pass levies, supported the Friends of the Parks playground project and supported the Portage County Democratic Party. Lucy Ribelin, Michael said, worked "long hours" to help the city join the Portage County Health District, now serving as the city's liaison to the county board, and once served with the farmers market when it was in Ravenna. Both help with projects such as Raven Packs, which provides packs of food for students in need, and the Christmas giveaway at the Center of Hope, which provides hot meals to the community.
"They are private and do things because they care," Michael stated in her nomination. "They are a true example of a Lifetime Achievement. What the two of them have done together, not many can say that they have even come close."
Citizen of the year: Laura Wunderle
Laura Wunderle, a parent and founding member of Raven Packs, will be recognized as citizen of the year. Wunderle was nominated by the Ravenna School District, which outlined her service to students through various programs, including Raven Packs.
Wunderle, a mother of three students in the district, is married to Matt Wunderle, who is a teacher and coach at Ravenna High School. She helps with athletic events, serves as president of the PTO, participated in the Strategic Planning Initiative and has served as treasurer of the district's levy committee.
She is a founding member of the board of Raven Packs and also serves with her church, Ravenna Community Chapel.
"She is a super amazing person who makes us all better," her nomination form states.
Volunteer of the year: Sean Short
Sean Short will be recognized as volunteer of the year. Short, a trustee with the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, was nominated by Lindsey Short, who said Sean has donated "hours and hours" to the Balloon A-Fair.
"Not a day goes by that he’s not working on something for this event.," the nomination states, noting that Short is a trustee and handles all public relations for the event, and also operates a Jeep and car show for the Balloon A-Fair.
"No one is more involved or more hands on than Sean," the form states. "There are a ton of hours of behind the scenes work."
Other awards
New businesses to be recognized include WellNow Urgent Care, The Haven of Portage County, Lori Sams Insurance Agency, Apex Solutionz Tree Service, Gypsy Sol Boutique, The Boston Group, Quick Med, LightSpeed Hosting, Carrie’s Hair Boutique, Manifest Beauty, Minute Men and Lav’s Grooming LLC.
WellNow Urgent Care will be recognized for new construction.
Those being recognized for new renovation include Ravenna Township board of trustees, Grandview Cemetery, Longmeadow Care Center, ETNA House, Children’s Advantage, Portage County Health Department, Bear’s Vintage Motorcycle Museum, and Capture Life Photography by Davinda.
Gary and Tricia Krause also will be recognized as Honorary Way Recipients for 2022, as well as three Ravenna High School students who received scholarships, Hannah Chrin, Alexis Guy and Sunshynne Kawskay.
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ribelins, Laura Wunderle, Sean Short to receive Raven Awards June 7
