MOUNT VERNON – Mayor Matt Starr announced the four Mount Vernon Volunteers of the Year – 2023 during the First Friday event, with Paul McNeal, Dena Hess, Mike Pryjda and Russ Mentzer honored for the time and talents they have shared.
“Each of our volunteers has their 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 a deep affection for Mount Vernon and can share their own blessings with the rest of the community,” Starr said as he introduced the four volunteers.
Paul McNeal, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Paul McNeal is the coordinator of Athletic Development at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He coordinates and develops partnerships for the MVNU Athletic Department in that job. He works to create a bigger footprint in the Mount Vernon community through partnerships, community service and volunteerism, Starr said.
On Friday, McNeal regularly provides Experience Mount Vernon MVNU Athletics Activity Zone. He is a member of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Planning Committee and a regular sponsor. He’s also a founding partner and sponsor of PAK United with the Mount Vernon Police Department.
McNeal is a member of the Science Play Initiative (SPI) board and the Mount Vernon Rotary Club. He volunteers for the Woodward Opera House and Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival. And he’s involved with the Pleasant Street Elementary Adoption program.
He created the Champions of Character game program to bring local elementary and high schools to enjoy MVNU College Athletics. And he serves as a regular Ambassador at Chamber of Commerce events around the county.
“A good friend and someone you want in your corner – I’m very proud to honor Paul McNeal as a 2023 City of Mount Vernon Volunteer of the Year,” Starr said.
Dena Hess, The Woodward Opera House
Dena Hess serves as the manager of The Woodward Opera House.
“Although this position is seven days a week and often times greater than 10 hours a day, she considers finding time to volunteer for our community is of great importance,” Starr said.
She was born and raised in Knox County and is proud to call Mount Vernon “My Hometown,” he said.
In Mount Vernon, she has served the city in these volunteer positions: 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, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast committee, of Experience Mount Vernon’s Events committee and a partner of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival.
“Dena is a person who lights up the room whenever she walks in. People are naturally drawn to her vibrant and genuine smile, and she has a way of making people welcome, important, and smile themselves,” Starr said.
Mike Pryjda, Specialty Outdoor Services
Knox County native Mike Pryjda owns Specialty Outdoor Services, a local tree care company, after being mentored under Dave Williams of Dave Williams Tree Service.
Pryjda is a member of Mt. Zion Mason Lodge, the Kokosing Valley Rotary Club and the International Society of Arboriculture. He continues his education with the International Society of Arboriculture.
He’s a frequent sponsor for Local little league and co-ed softball teams. He provided his time and talent in helping with the Public Square tree removal public engagement project. He offers valuable support to the Mount Vernon Shade Tree and Beautification Commission, often throwing in additional services to help the city manage a well-maintained and beautiful urban forestry, Starr said.
Pryjda also is a Fire Department first responder and helped support the Knox County Sheriff’s Office by funding its K-9 program. He also supplies support for the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Nova therapy dog, helps buy lunches, and financially supports PAK United events.
A regular supporter of Ariel-Foundation Park, he also offers help with MTVarts.
He sponsors the Police and Fire Departments’ softball tournament and financially supports the Police Chaplains Association of Mount Vernon.
“I am extremely grateful to this man for all that he does for us,” Starr said.
Russ Mentzer, 39-year Dominos owner
As the owner of Dominos in Mount Vernon for 39 years, Russ Mentzer supported countless nonprofit organizations with pizza, Starr said. He has helped feed volunteer groups such as Food for the Hungry, various high school and college sports teams, and school clubs.
Mentzer has been active in the financial and in-kind donations to MTVarts.
“He takes time out of his own schedule to go and clean up areas around the city like the viaduct, the bike paths, and the Kokosing River Corridor,” Starr said.
Has been a staunch supporter of PAK United, a sponsor of little league baseball and softball teams and has supported the Fire Department by offering pizzas during training exercises.
Mentzer has sponsored events for New Directions, the Mount Vernon Merit Court and the United Way of Knox County.
Starr said Mentzer has three incredible girls and three great sons-in-law but treasures the blessing of five granddaughters.
The mayor said that Mentzer puts his faith in action and shares his blessings with his community.
“Russ is a dear friend of mine and someone who I trust implicitly. He really is one of the most genuine and generous people I have the pleasure to know and call a friend,” Starr said.
“This community thrives because of the extraordinary effort and commitment of volunteers. This year’s honorees are no exception,” he said. “I know that these individuals do not get involved and put so much effort into serving the community as volunteers for the recognition. However, this is something that we always like to do to show appreciation from the community for our value system – we take care of our community, and we try to make our world a better place.”
