Published Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Herald Staff Writer
Michael Wright, a lifelong Farrell resident, worked as foreman for McLean's Trucking during the 1980s. When the company went bankrupt in 1986, he and other workers lost their jobs with the mill's termination.
"When I lost that job I lost everything," Wright said.
He was offered an opportunity to transfer, but said he didn't want to leave the area. With his youngest son only six months old, times got rough and he was forced to stand in a food line.
"But that was okay. That was the good Lord's will," he said. "I'm here now."
Now the executive director at the Shenango Valley Community Warehouse, Wright says he can empathize with those in need because he's been there.
"You'll trade your life to make sure they (your children) have milk," he said.
The community warehouse, which has a network of pantries, is a major source of food for those pantries along with other selected agencies. Right now, local food donations are down, he said.
"It's the economy. We don't have as many donations coming in. General Mills, Kellogg's, those big guys, we don't get as much as we used to," he said.
"Even locally it's bad. We have seen a bump, but the need isn't going away. There's going to be even more people (in need) added on this year," he said.
Wright, 49, has worked at the community warehouse for 20 years. He wears many other feathers in his cap as well, including vice president of Farrell Area School Board, which he joined six years ago to fill an unexpired term. With his children in the school system, Wright insisted on getting involved with the board.
His interest also was sparked when things occurred in the district that he didn't agree with, he said. When the vacancy for a two-year term came up, Wright handed in his bid and was picked from six other candidates.
After the term ended he decided to run again for a four-year term, largely because he wanted to "make a difference."
"I'm still trying to do that (make a difference) and run for re-election. It will be my last term," he said.
There are many children today growing up in single-parent homes and Wright says he hopes to make a difference in those childrens' lives, too. He said the absence of fathers means someone has to fill the role and support those children with guidance.
When he was growing up in Farrell, he said the climate was much different than it is today. "There was a lot more here, businesses, people. Things were nicer. You didn't have to worry about the drugs. They were here but not to the extent that they are today. It was nice growing up in Farrell," he said, adding that he considers the valley a great place to raise kids.
"Every area has its drawbacks," he said. "If you raise them right they'll be able to survive and hopefully go right," he said.
Wright is a member of Greater Morris Chapel A.M.E. Church in Farrell, where he sings in and directs the church choir and also fills in as pastor steward when the preacher is away. He also serves on other boards in the community, but humbly declined to name them. "I try to do the best I can wherever I am," he said.
Wright graduated from Farrell High School in 1971 and went on to attend Point Park College, Pittsburgh, graduating in 1975 with a degree in administrative management. He's pursuing a master's at Geneva College, Beaver Falls.
When Wright isn't busy being a husband, father and community mentor, he's making people laugh. He performs stand-up comedy, and does Christian comedy for local banquets, fund-raisers and churches.
"Laughing is the best stress relief," Wright said.
He and his wife Rosalyn have been married 27 years and have two sons, Maurice, 24 and Marcus, 21.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com