Photo submitted to the Times Observer More than 60 firefighters from more than 20 different fire companies participated in a slow burn training in Youngsville on March 10. Volunteer Fire Departments from West Virginia, New York, and throughout Pennsylvania - including Warren County personnel - were present.

Slow burn held in Youngsville

More than 60 volunteer firefighters received various levels of certification and training as they participated in the final “Slow Burn” opportunity that took place in Youngsville on March 10. Volunteer fire departments from West Virginia, New York and throughout Pennsylvania – including Warren County personnel – were present for the opportunity to receive certified training on an actual blighted property. State regulations in West Virginia and New York no longer allow slow burn events like this one to take place and Pennsylvania’s regulations regarding the continuance of in-state slow burns coming into question.

“To say this was a well-orchestrated and highly cooperative event is a tremendous understatement,” Wallace said. “The level of behind the scene preparation for an event of this magnitude was incredible. There was even an on-site accountability board to ensure no volunteer was unaccounted for throughout the day. It was simply amazing to watch as different VFD teams each waited their turn to utilize the blighted property located next to the library for drills that required use of their ventilation equipment, rescue scenarios, real-time experience showcasing how fire behaves in a home, exposure to high heat scenarios, and so much more. Only after each VFD team fully completed their individualized training needs was the house finally set ablaze for a final, culminating training experience that involved everyone there. We want to acknowledge the professionalism and comradery shown by all the VFD personnel present. The level of respect they have for one another and the seriousness with which they approached this full-day event was impressive and noteworthy. On behalf of the library board, I want to reiterate how glad the library was to be able to provide a training venue for so many volunteer firefighters. This opportunity benefited so many VFDs across three states. Although, somehow using the word “volunteers” just doesn’t seem right because the word volunteer almost diminishes the intricate skill sets each ‘volunteer’ has to learn, have, and be proficient in and at such a high level. It really brought home to all of us non-VFD onlookers, just how important it is to support our rural, local, VFDepartments and to acknowledge how fortunate we are to have community members willing to so freely give their own time, energy, and resources to be on standby at a moment’s notice.”

REGULAR LIBRARY NEWS

Free iPhone/computer help: Wednesday, March 20, from 5 to 6 p.m., Youngsville Library offers free one-on-one assistance with users’ iPhone, tablet, android, laptop, and other computer/electronics questions. No appointments are necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Wi-fi Wednesdays happen the third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m.at the Youngsville Public Library. The sessions are a casual, open question-and-answer time for everyone from beginner to advanced. Those attending should bring their fully charged electronic device as well as associated passwords (such as email password, Apple account password, etc. if needed).

Eclipse take-home packets: The Youngsville Public Library has created a 10 page “Eclipse 101 Take-Home Packet” that will be available at the library starting Monday. A solar eclipse will take place Monday, April 8, and the Youngsville area is located inside the path of eclipse totality. Inside the 10-page Eclipse 101 packet is information that includes exact times marking the beginning, middle, and ending of the eclipse cycle in the area, a site map, a link to find exact eclipse paths and times throughout the country, easy to follow explanations about solar eclipses, and information about what is the optimum color of clothing to where during an eclipse and other interesting facts. The packet also includes ways to view the solar eclipse without using certified solar eclipse glasses, including do-it-yourself solar eclipse viewer directions. The library is asking for a $1 donation per eclipse packet to help offset the library’s printing costs for each 10-page packet. Two safety-certified solar eclipse glasses will be given away with each eclipse packet. Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Love Your Library Raffle: The Youngsville Public Library’s 14th annual “Love Your Library” Raffle Extravaganza continues through March 31. There are 13 uniquely themed choices filled with gift cards, cash, and lottery tickets and more. Each of the themed options has a minimum value of $100. For a $5 donation participants will receive 5 tickets to be used toward the theme(s) of their choice; participants can purchase as many tickets as they’d like provided the total amount purchased is in $5 increments (i.e. $5, $15, $20, $35 etc.). All proceeds will directly benefit the Youngsville Public Library. Winners will be contacted by phone, listed in the Times Observer, and also on the Library’s website and Facebook page. Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase chances at the library, from staff, board members or Friends of the Library members. For a downloadable, mail-in ticket form visit the library’s website at www.YoungsvilleLibrary.org or get a hard copy at the Youngsville Borough office, Simple Dicks, or Youngsville Hardware.

The 13 themed choices are: (#1) “Fill ‘er Up”: $50 Sheetz cards, $50 Kwik Fill cards; (#2) “Dinner & a Movie”: $50 Dipson Theater gift cards, $50 cash; (#3) “Keep on Scratching”: $100 in scratch off lottery tickets; “(#4) “Good Eats“: $30 Applebee’s, $25 Ida Mae’s, $20 Mama Janes, $25 Forester Restaurant, $5 cash; (#5) “Got Ya Covered“: $100 Carter Lumber Gift Card; (#6) “From Outdoor needs to Indoor Fun“: $100 KAM’s logging supplies/outdoor wear, (#7) “Let’s go Shopping“: $50 Walmart card, $25 Tops Markets card, $25 Kwik Fill card; (#8) “You Name It, We Got It + Ice cream“: $50 Youngsville Hardware Card & $50 for “Scoops” Ice cream shop (on-site @ Yngs Hardware and features Pot-o-Gold Ice cream, (#9) “Cold Cash“: $100 bill, (#10) “Yngs Wine & Dine“: $50 Brokenstraw Winery, $25 Huey’s Restaurant, $30 for the Youngsville Dairy Queen; (#11) “Yngs Food & More“: $50 cash, $20 Outlet City/Simple Dick’s, $25 Kwik Fill card, $5 lottery ticket; (#12) “Golf, dinner, cash“: $25 Ribs & Bones, $30 cash, Jackson Valley certificate for 18 holes and ½ a cart, and (#13) “Little Women 4-piece doll set“: a Franklin Heirloom, a four-piece doll set, each doll is in its original packaging and box and includes authentication letter and original doll stand, plus a hardcover copy of the “Little Women” novel by Louisa May Alcott. For more information call the library at 814-563-7670 during business hours or visit YoungsvilleLibrary.org.

BOROUGH NEWS

Borough Office Hours: The Youngsville Borough Offices and Public Works Department services will be closed on Friday, March 28 in observance of Good Friday. Regular borough hours and DPW services will resume on Monday, April 1.

Youngsville Cemetery: The Youngsville Cemetery Board is looking for volunteers to assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the Youngsville Cemetery. Help with tasks such as mowing, trimming, and removal of debris is needed and appreciated. Those interested in donating their time can call Randy McKinney at 814-563-9904.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

Outreach Luncheon: Wednesday, the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church (166 Hessel Valley Road, Chandlers Valley) invites all to join them for their free Monthly Outreach Luncheon. The menu includes homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Serving starts at 11:30 a.m.

Primary Registration: April 23 is the date for primary elections in Pennsylvania, with voter registration ending April 8. The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is April 16. THose unsure where to vote and/or how to register for a political party, go to www.vote.pa.gov or call 814-728-3406.

Craft S: The Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a craft show on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors are needed. The cost is $20 per table, plus a donation item for the YVFD Chinese auction. Call Cindy at 814-563-2277 to reserve a vendor table.

Scholarship Golf Tournament: The annual Youngsville High School Alumni Scholarship four-person golf scramble fundraiser will be on Saturday, May 11, at the Jackson Valley Golf Club. The entry fee is $260 per team and includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, prizes, and donation to the YHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. For more information or to register, call Tim Sandberg, tournament chairman, at 814-723-7087 or send entry fees to Sandberg at 300 Tall Trees Road, Warren, PA 16365; or contact Joe Yaegle at Jackson Valley Country Club at 814-489-7803.

Fun Auction Fundraiser: The annual Fun Auction at Irvine Presbyterian Church (855 National Forge Road, Irvine) will be on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. Crafts, home baked goods, theme baskets, mystery cash items and other unique items will be on the auction block. Food will be available for purchase during the auction.

Art League Show: The Warren County Historical Society (210 Fourth Ave., Warren) is hosting “Then and Now” a Warren Art League’s 70th anniversary show showing more than 20 artists’ work featuring 140 pieces of Multimedia art. The show runs through March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information visit warrenhistory.org.

Easter Egg Hunts: March 30 at 11 a.m. at Friendship Field (Pittsfield), for children ages 0-12 years sponsored by Pittsfield Otterbein GMC.March 30 at 1 p.m. at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church (179 Davis St.), rain or shine, for children toddlers to sixth grade. March 30 at 11 a.m. at Island Park for children 0 to 10 years, sponsored by the Youngsville American Legion and Youngsville Legion Auxiliary.

Easter/Lenten Services: The last Youngsville Area Lenten service series will be on Wednesday at Irvine Presbyterian Church (885 National Forge Road, Irvine). Services begin at 11:30 a.m, with lunch to follow at noon. Upcoming Easter services at Youngsville Free Methodist Church (179 Davis St) will be held March 24, with Palm Sunday services at 9 and 11 a.m., and Easter services March 31 at 9 and 11 a.m.