Groundhog day is Friday, Feb. 2, but patrons of all ages can swing by the library all next week for some groundhog-themed fun.

Each child or adult that visits the Youngsville Library and casts their prediction/vote on our “Spring Is Near” or “Not Quite Here” groundhog chart will receive a free raffle chance to win $10. Two winners will be drawn.

There will also be a special Groundhog Day story time on Friday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Those who can’t make story time but would still like to participate in some groundhog fun can visit the library and take home groundhog-themed take and make activity bags. A snack will be included in each take and make bag. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

Free Tax Assistance Packets: The Youngsville Public Library now has the ACC tax assistance packets that consist of yellow intake Forms, itemized checklists, and a special envelope. This packet is required in order to participate in the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that is being offered through the Allegheny community Center (ACC). VITA can also assist you with the filing of your Property Tax/Rent Rebate, if applicable.

Stop in during library business hours to pick up the information/envelope packet and checklist. Once you’ve included all necessary materials/documents you then drop-off all the packet and intake form at the ACC (42 Clark Street, Warren) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are a senior or make less than $60,000 per year, you are eligible for the free VITA program. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Call 814-723-4180 with questions about the program.

BOROUGH NEWS

Real Estate Taxes: Reminder that 04/12/2024 is the last day to pay your 2023 real estate taxes at the Youngsville Borough Office. No personal checks will be accepted after April 1. All payments must be put in the payment slot by 4 p.m. April 12 or postmarked by April 12. All payments received after April 12 will be returned. For questions call the borough office at 814-563-4604.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

Family Movie Night: Friday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. the New Life Church (18 Second St., Youngsville) will be hosting a family movie night. Admission is free and the movie night is open to the public, with free snacks and drinks included. The movie is titled: “Jesus Revolution” based on a true story. For more information call the New Life Church (a Global Methodist Church) at 814-563-4351 or visit www.newlifegmc.org.

Winter Craft Fair: Friday, Feb 2., and Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a winter craft fair at the Full Gospel Church in Pleasantville (19933 Route 27, Titusville, Pa.). There will be a bake sale and the kitchen will be open.

Storybook Breakfast: Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 to 10 a.m. the Jefferson Defrees Family Center, 207 Second Ave., Warren, will host a story book breakfast while supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Warren County. There will be character visits, photo opportunities, family fun, and a basket giveaway.

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: Rise and shine, ice cream lovers and celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Ekey Marketplace (3800 Market St., Warren) on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Start the day on a sweet note and treat yourself to a breakfast that’s as delightful as it is delicious. Ekey’s will be serving breakfast inspired ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate. Call 814-723-5995 for details.

ACC programming: There are a lot of activities being offered at the Allegheny Community Center this year (42 Clark Street, Warren). If you are interested in any of the following activities or have questions about any of these events, please call 814-723-4180 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(a) Intergenerational Cultural Cooking Class: The ACC held a five-week program in October last year. It was so well attended and so much fun that the ACC is making the Intergenerational Cooking Class a monthly event for 2024. Here’s the recipe: combine kids, grandparents, and parents in the huge ACC kitchen. Add learning and meeting the folks that live in our community and enjoy something good to eat. All ages are welcome to come and cook or bake.

(b) The Culinary Kids Program: This program has been a hit from the beginning. It pairs kids with our seniors. The Kids attend a five-week program. This includes learning kitchen safety, learning cooking skills, interacting with our folks that attend the Center, and having a big dinner that they created with their families at the Center. They are proud of their culinary creations, and so cute with their chef hats and aprons. This year, due to a Dept. of Aging Grant and a Betts Foundation Grant, we will be able to do two of these five-week programs in 2024.

(c) Erie Arts and Culture: In 2023, the ACC was contacted by this organization to host a five week intergenerational art program that was so popular that the 30 seats were filled 2 months in advance. In 2024, the ACC will once again host an acrylic painting class for all ages.

(d) Picnic in the Park: The folks from all five centers will come and enjoy a picnic lunch. There are community centers in Warren, Sheffield, Marienville, Tidioute, and Endeavor. There will also be Pickle Ball tournament for our Silver Sneakers Folks. It’s a great day for everyone to get together. Bus services will be provided. Call for date and details.

(e) Senor Expo: This event is held the last Friday in October at the Youngsville Fire Hall. The ACC has almost 50 vendors that attend. Most of the vendors are some of our local, non-profits that you may not know about. Having our large population of seniors learning about programs and services that can help them is very important. This venue provides a chance to learn, have some lunch, and socialize with their peers.

(f) Women are Wonderful Event: The 22nd Annual Women are Wonderful event is Saturday, February 10th at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center (207 Second Ave. Warren). Doors open at 8:15 am. The cost is just $40 per person and includes breakfast (featuring a Mimosa bar) and lunch, various classes, and new this year will be a chocolate fountain. There will also be door prizes and basket raffles. You must pre-register for your class choices and pre-pay. You can call 814-723-6350 to register or go to https://www.jdfamilycenter.org to complete a pre-registration form and to select your classes. Space is limited. Class options include: self-defense, laughing in your chair yoga, plant based cooking with garden grub, assembling a charcuterie board, easy appetizers, silk screening and chalk painting, belly dancing, financial planning, and more. Event is sponsored in partnership by Zonta Club of Warren and the Jefferson DeFrees Center.