Photo submitted to the Times Observer Members of the YVFD and area Volunteer Fire Departments have been practicing a variety of skills and drills as well as certification training activities at a blighted building recently acquired by the Youngsville Library. “The Library had to purchase this property in order to protect legal access to a newly installed sewer line,” said Library Director Kristy Wallace. “Eventually this building will be demolished and the library will be able to expand parking, but in the meantime the band I wanted to offer the building to YVFD and others for training and drills. We value our community support and this was a way that we could show our appreciation and also pay-it-forward to other agencies. The YVFD and other VFDs will continue using the property for training purposes through March 10. So please be aware that borough residents might hear some sirens and see trucks from all over the county stationed around the property and the library parking lot over the weekend.”

The Youngsville Public Library and the Youngsville VFD have been working together so that the fire department and other area departments can utilize the blighted property that neighbors the library to perform various rescue drills and trainings through Sunday.

Having a location to freely carry out fire and rescue drills and training certifications for these departments is a ‘pay it forward to the community’ decision that the library’s board and director embraced.

Saturday and Sunday will see a larger group of departments coordinating and participating in important training and drills. In addition to Youngsville personnel, borough residents might see and/or hear fire department vehicles from Garland, Starbrick, Sugar Grove, Pleasant and Wrightsville throughout the weekend. There are also fire departments personnel coming from West Virginia, North East and Perry to attend some of the training/drills that will be taking place.

“We are really excited that so many volunteer fire department agencies and personnel were interested in using the blighted property for trainings and certifications,” said Library Director Kristy Wallace. “So far, the YVFD has used the blighted house for ladder drills, repelling drills, and rescue drills and more. They even filled the house with smoke to practice using their full gear. It’s been very interesting.”

“I’d also like to mention that the Library Board and I don’t want residents to worry if they happen to hear Yngs sirens this Saturday and Sunday or if they see some Volunteer Fire Department vehicles heading in the direction of the Youngsville Library–all the proper agencies are in the know and all the drills and training taking place have been approved through the proper channels,” Wallace commented. “There are a lot of Volunteer Fire agencies both in county and even out of state that are using the blighted property for training. Because of the high volume of VFD personnel, we wanted to let area resident know that throughout the weekend, access to a part of Second Street – from North Main to Water Street will be blocked off by Fire Police and that access through Broad Street will be blocked as well; mostly because there will be various fire vehicles and safety vehicles parked in the library parking lot and parked near the blighted property. Plus you have Volunteer Personnel that will need to have access to the property so that they can each participate in different levels of training too.”

In case the drills take longer than expected and, in an effort to continue to coordinate with the schedules of other related agencies and organizations, the Youngsville Library (and access to Broad Street) will be closed on Monday and again Friday, March 15. The library will maintain regular business hours for Tuesday and Wednesday. The two library programs regularly scheduled for Tuesday – preschool story time at 10:30 a.m. and book club at 3 p.m. – will be offered. PA CareerLInk assistance, regularly scheduled for Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., will also be offered.

Love Your Library raffle: Youngsville Library’s 14th annual “Love Your Library” Raffle Extravaganza is happening through March 31. This year there are 13 uniquely themed choices filled with everything from gift cards, to cash, and even a complete “4-piece Little Women” doll-collector’s set. Each themed option 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. Chances are available in $5 increments ($10, $20, $35 etc.). All proceeds directly benefit the Youngsville Public Library. Visit the home page at YoungsvilleLibrary.org for details about downloading a request form and/or other ways to get chances.

BOROUGH NEWS

Boro Spring Cleanup: The annual Youngsville Borough Spring Clean Up date will be Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to noon. The borough clean up is for borough residents only. Identification to show proof of Youngsville residency is required. Clean up will be held in the Borough Building Parking Lot, 40 Railroad St. The cost is $15 per car or $25 per truck. No tires, batteries, paint cans, propane tanks, desktop/laptop computers, computer monitors, computer peripherals (accessories), televisions, or any other electron devices, or other hazardous materials are accepted. For more information, call 814-563-4604.

2023 Real Estate Taxes: April 12 is the last day to pay 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. All payments received after April 12 will be returned. For more information call the borough office at 814-563-4604.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

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. Entry fee is $260 per team and includes: green fees, cart rental, lunch, prizes, and donation to the YHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Interested in participating: send entry fee with a contact name and phone number for the 4-person team to Tim Sandberg, Tournament Chairman 814-723-7087 (300 Tall Trees Road, Warren, PA 16365) or contact Joe Yaegle, JVCC Pro at 814-489-7803.

Thursday Bingo: Bingo open to the public every Thursday night at the Youngsville American Legion (10 N. Main St). Bingo starts at 6 pm, Kitchen opens at 5 pm. Kitchen is also open to the public on Bingo nights. No smoking allowed at Youngsville American Legion from 5 pm – 9 pm on Bingo nights.

Lent Fish Fry: Youngsville Free Methodist Church (179 Davis Street) is having their annual Friday Fish Fry Dinner Fundraiser each Friday-during Lent-from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, ending March 22nd. Take out is available. Cost is $13 donation per fish fry dinner and includes: fish, choice of potato, choice of coleslaw or applesauce.

Guest Speaker at YFMC: Youngsville Free Methodist Church (179 Davis Street) is hosting speaker Dan Mohler on Saturday, March 9th at 10 am and Sunday, March 10th at 9 am and 11 am. Pastor Dan Mohler ministers to thousands each year preaching the full gospel of salvation, healing, deliverance and blessing. This is a free event open to the public, all are welcome to attend.

Lenten Services: Wednesday, Lenten Services begin at 11:30 am, with a lunch to follow at noon. March 13th, Lenten Service will be at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Yngs) and March 20th Lenten service will be at the Irvine Presbyterian Church (Irvine).

Easter Candy Donations: The Youngsville Free Methodist Church is accepting Easter candy donations for their annual Easter Egg Hunt event now through Monday, March 25th. If you would like to donate candy for the Egg Hunt, please drop off bags of individually wrapped candy in the lobby of the Yngs Free Methodist Church (179 Davis Street) or call 814-563-9009. Their Easter Egg Hunt Event is for children who are Toddlers – 6th grade. This year it will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 1 pm, rain or shine.

Spaghetti Fundraiser: Saturday, March 16th from 11 am -2pm there will be a Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser at the New Life Church (18 Second Street, Yngs). Eat-in or Take Out. Come join us! Donations will go to missions supported by CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) through the local chapter, The Allegheny Faith Riders.

Fun Auction Fundraiser: The Annual Fun Auction at Irvine Presbyterian Church (855 National Forge Rd, Irvine) will be on Sunday, March 17th beginning at 1:00 pm. Crafts, home baked goods, theme baskets, mystery cash items, and many more unique items will be on the auction block. Delicious food for purchase during the auction. Come hungry, bring a friend, and join in the fun.