×

Leadership group targets memorial

WEIRTON – The members of this year’s Leadership Weirton class are hoping to leave a lasting legacy of their efforts to give back to the community.

The class, which is part of the annual program presented by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, is seeking donations from area businesses and individuals with plans to help with improvements to the veterans memorial on Three Springs Drive.

Chamber President Brenda Mull explained each Leadership Weirton class, as a requirement for completing the program, must plan and perform a community service project.

“I’m really proud of this year’s group,” Mull said. “I think the project they’ve selected will mean a lot to many in our community.”

Previously known as the Weirton Steel veterans memorial, the site originally was dedicated to memorializing those Weirton Steel employees who had served in the U.S. military. In recent years, the site has been taken over by the American Legion Post 10 in the hopes of paying tribute to all Weirton residents who served in the Armed Forces.

Patty Soplinski, a member of this year’s leadership program, said the class had come up with a few options for potential service projects, but in the end felt the memorial project would mean the most.

“We voted that we wanted to give back to the veterans and their families for all they’ve done for us,” Soplinski said.

Class members are accepting donations to assist with the cost of the project, which will include the replacement of seven flags at the memorial, landscaping and the purchase of at least four benches. They plan to have a rededication ceremony for the memorial on May 24, just before Memorial Day.

The timing of the project also is special, according to the program participants.

“A lot of servicemen will be coming home,” class member Larry DeRosa said.

Donations should be made by April 12, can be made payable to Leadership Weirton and sent to the Weirton Chamber office at 3174 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 1, Weirton, W.Va. 26062.

Members of this year’s class and their sponsors are: MaryLee Ammon, Hancock County Savings Bank; DeRosa, West Virginia Northern Community College; DeeAnn Greene-Marszalek, Melaleuca the Wellness Co.; Marisa Marino, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort; MaryLou Martire-Pittman, Weirton Wal-Mart; Karen Mason, Hancock County Senior Services; Jennifer McHenry, Hancock County Savings Bank; Sarah Parsons, Hancock County Schools; Renee Salkovick, the city of Weirton; Alecia Sirk, Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau; Patty Soplinski, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce; P.J. Tokash, Weirton Geriatric Center; and Danielle Welshans, Fairfield Inn and Suites.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today