Donations made to local groups

WINTERSVILLE -- Local business owner Mike Petrella made several donations totaling $15,000 to several local organizations through his "give back to our community" from Ohio Valley Natural Relief on April 26. The event was held outdoors and included Joel Scipio with Grow Ohio, a medical marijuana cultivator and processor, who represents Third and Goal Foundation; Ryan Bradley of Wintersville United Methodist Church; Dan Wilson of VFW Post 275 in Steubenville; John Weber of VFW Post 5303 in Woodsfield; Molly McGovern of the Friendship Room; and Tom Cottello of VFW Post 626 in Bellaire.

Each organization plans to use its donation for various projects such as community outreach groups, veteran support and support toward serving those in need. Petrella said he prides himself with giving back to the community where he was born and raised.

Petrella was one of 56 original applicants in Ohio to receive a medicinal marijuana dispensary license, at which time he was the youngest sole owner in the country. Ohio Valley Natural Relief opened its doors in 2018 on the first day medical marijuana was sold in Ohio. Petrella gained interest in the marijuana field in 2016 when his father, Craig Petrella, was diagnosed with cancer and had negative side effects and reactions to traditional forms of treatment and pain management.

Each day OVNR is open, Petrella said, the business is making it possible for medical marijuana patients to have accessibility to their medication in their community without having to travel long distances.

The OVNR staff is thoroughly trained and continues education to give local patients the best guidance for their needs, he added.

OVNR is located at 840 Canton Road and can be reached at (740) 792-4267.