"Kudos for Caring" Recycler of the Year Award

Kudos For Raies
by Frank Lewis
Portsmouth Daily Times

In Scioto County when it comes to recycling, cleaning up the community and educating students and adults on the need to go green, one name is synonymous with all those things. That name is Optometrist Kelly Raies. And Thursday afternoon the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District honored her in a surprise event at Hatti Beasly’s on Kinney’s Lane in Portsmouth Ohio.

“Last year, the District came up with a program called Kudos for Caring, and the reason for the program was to recognize an outstanding individual or group that is either into recycling, litter prevention, or trying to make the county green and clean,” said Dan Palmer, director of the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Wast Management District. “When we were thinking about a recipient down here in Scioto County, it was unanimous between the (Scioto County) Commissioners and the District, it was Kelly Raies.” Read more: Portsmouth Daily Times - Your source for local news, classifieds, business listings and events.

Palmer credited Raise with being the first person in Scioto County to form several of the programs. Read more: Portsmouth Daily Times - Your source for local news, classifieds, business listings and events.

“When I first came to Scioto County, everyone came up to me and asked, ‘Have you met Kelly Raies?’” Palmer said.

He eventually met Raies, and he said they began a working relationship immediately.

“She got me participants and really helped me out,” Palmer said. “She’s very active and very supportive of the District. And whenever we have any project, all we have to do is call her and she is on board with us.” Read more: Portsmouth Daily Times - Your source for local news, classifieds, business listings and events.

Palmer worked through family and friends to lure Raies into Hatti Beasly’s for the surprise. In on the action was Raies’ husband, Dr. Michael Raies, who walked her through the door about 3:20 p.m.

“We are all so thankful for all that you have done,” Palmer said as he presented the award to Raies. “Because the District wouldn’t be what it is without good people like you.”

Raies was appreciative for the award.

“Thank you,” Raies said. “I’m happy to have been able to help. And I hope it has helped to make a difference in Scioto County, in keeping it clean and getting everybody to recycle.”

Palmer said Kelly and Michael Raies were the first to step up and offer property when the District held its tire amnesty event in 2010. He then summed up Raies’ importance to the District.

“Just call Kelly and you know it will get done.”

Source Portsmouth Daily Times

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