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Doris |
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| The strength of any city is reflected in the civic mindedness, leadership and service of its citizens. Certainly representing the best in public spirited citizens is Doris James, 14th winner of the Grindstone Award. Her warmth, energy and sincere devotion to the highest values in life has helped make Berea a finer place to live and work. Because this unselfish woman has preferred to stay in the background, doing her good works behind the scenes, Doris James's many community and humanitarian involvements were not widely known. But, as people often found, whenever a helping hand, advice or understanding was needed, Doris James was there. Her Berea roots are deep. Not only was she born and raised here, but her grandfather, C. W. Heineman, owned Berea's first laundry, on Front Street. Doris's father, A. J. Heineman, ran a dairy business in Berea for many years. Among her greatest contributions to our city has been her volunteer service to the Berea Welfare Association. She has served this organization for 40 years as a member and has headed it since 1968. She and her husband, Tom, had three sons, each of whom went all through the Berea schools. It was natural, therefore, that Doris would become active in PTAs the Boosters Club and the PTA Council during their school years, much of the time performing chores few others wanted to do, Since their sons were athletes, Doris and Tom James spent long hours in volunteer work for athletic teams, particularly swimming. No matter what the activity, her dedication was the same, helping others. This sort of selflessness also characterized Doris James's volunteer activities as chairman of the Berea Service Unit of the Salvation Army. She also has given much time to FISH, the Christian service organization. Doris was educated in the Berea schools. She attended a business college and worked for several years before her marriage. She is an active member of the Berea United Methodist Church, and also belongs to the Berea Garden Club, Berea Historical Society, Daughters of America and Berea Collectors Club, a group of antique collectors. Doris and Tom James live on Race Street and have six grandchildren. Holiday Inn, Middleburg Heights |
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| Presented February 24, 1981 | Holiday Inn, Middleburg Heights | ||||||||||