Poised for Project
Kathy Reitinger, Regional Main Street coordinator from the Economic Opportunity Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is assisting Youngsville, Sheffield, Sugar Grove and Tidioute with revitalization efforts, said that the Youngsville team, the borough and the ROY group have been working diligently toward their community revitalization goals, including the proposed streetscape, the new borough building, ADA accessibility and creating a true Heritage Route 6 gateway community.
She said many volunteer hours have been invested, along with donations and money raised through planned fundraisers and grants toward the goals and improvements. Youngsville is poised and ready to take on its capital improvement streetscape project. If all goes as planned, initial bids for construction are slated to begin in the fall of 2010.
According to the National Main Street Center's Main Street Success Stories book, similarly-sized communities that have improved their sidewalks streetscape have seen great progress and increased businesses to their downtown. For example, Corning, Iowa with a population of 1,800, saw 50 new businesses, an increase of 20 percent for commercial rental rates, 62 new jobs and rehabilitation of 60 properties in a seven-year span of time. Corning's initial budget was $21,000 and over $874,000 was reinvested in the area since the inception of its Main Street program.
Reitinger said, "Size does not matter when it comes to economic development, business recruitment and downtown improvements. A strong commitment and hard work can accomplish many things."
Christmas Tree Pickup
Youngsville Borough's Christmas tree pickup began Tuesday and will continue through Jan. 15. Leave trees at the curb.
Sled Riding Party
Youngsville Borough Recreation Commission is sponsoring a sled riding party at Pool Hill on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. Free hot dogs and hot cocoa will be available.
Women's Strength
Building Program
"Strong Women Strong Bones" - a women's exercise and nutrition program, will be held at Otterbein United Methodist Church, Pittsfield, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The required orientation for new participants will be Monday, Jan 18 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The ten-week program begins Wednesday, Jan 27 and continues through mid-April. To register and cost information, call certified instructor Anne Hernandez of Youngsville at 563- 3241 by Jan 15.
Past participants can join doing level II exercises at the same time. The purposes of the program is to build muscle mass, improve balance and flexibility, build bone and joint health, and reduce the risks of aging as osteoporosis. Past comments from women include: "I can play with the grandkids easier, I have energy to enjoy life, others motivate me to keep exercising, my balance is better."
The 20 classes include nutrition information such as understanding food labels, medications, cooking hints, foods and their nutrition, eating patterns, etc. This program is part of Tufts University women's health research and adapted by Penn State University Extension wellness programming, in cooperation with the Otterbein Untied Methodist Church. Call Phyllis Wright, coordinator, at 726-1198 for information.
Winter Woods Walk
The Penn State Cooperative Extension is holding a Family Winter Woods Walk on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. Families will learn about the area's natural and cultural world in the winter woods. Those interested are asked to meet at the Buckaloons Recreation Area.