If you’ve ever enjoyed tennis then you should really give Pickleball a chance. Pickleball offers the best of both worlds: great exercise while you play singles or doubles but on only half the size of a regular tennis court. Thanks to the hard work of Bill Gross, Youngsville’s Island Park now has two Pickle Courts that are open for public use.

Interested in learning more about Pickleball in a very casual atmosphere then you’re in luck. Beginners/Basic Pickleball “classes” will be offered at the Island Park Pickleball courts on Wednesday, from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. These are not formal classes just an opportunity for the novice or beginners to learn the basics about Pickleball.

There is no registration for any of the dates listed and you don’t have to stay the entire time, plus the necessary equipment will be provided. This is a great chance to see why Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports for all ages, especially seniors. You will learn basic Pickleball rules and have the opportunity to engage in casual play. Even if you’re not a new comer to Pickleball, it would still be worthwhile to stop by one of the sessions because you can meet other new players or existing players. If you have questions about the Pickleball “classes” email: BillyHG@verizon.net.

¯ Book Sale: Youngsville Library’s Annual One-Day Book “Sale” will be next Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The majority of the book sale will be held outside under tents, with some materials available indoors as well. In addition to Book Sale items, the Friends of the Youngsville Library will also have a craft table nearby filled with a variety of themed and decorative lighted wine bottle, wind chimes, lamps, Christmas ornaments, and much more.

The lighted wine bottles do not need to be plugged into a socket as they use a string of lights that operate on watch batteries and can be easily replaced for extended use. There will also be hot dogs available from 11 a.m. until sold out. The hot dog station will be manned by our fully vaccinated and gloved volunteers. The $5 hot dog special includes hot dog, beverage, bag of chips, and a homemade dessert. All the materials that are being used for this book sale are from donations that the library has been able to properly quarantine in accordance with OCL protocols.

¯ Library Holiday Hours: In preparation for the Annual Book Sale and to honor the Labor Day Holiday, Youngsville Library will be closed Monday (Labor Day) to Thursday. As always, the Library Drop-box is open 24/7 for returns and the Library’s free-to-the-public Wi-Fi is also available 24/7.

On Friday, Sept. 9 hours open will be noon to 4 p.m., as on this day Friends of the Library will being setting up for the Book Sale. Saturday, Sept. 10 Youngsville Library will be open for not only the Book Sale from 10 am – 4 pm, but will also be offering “regular” library services during that time, such as public computer access, printing/copying, and checking out and returning of materials. Hot dog sale is from 11 am – sold out.

¯ The Youngsville Borough Office and DPW will be closed on Mondayin observance of Labor Day. Garbage pick-up regularly scheduled for Monday will be Tuesday and garbage pick-up regularly scheduled for Tuesday will be on Wednesday. The borough office and DPW will resume regular hours on Tuesday.

¯ Mission Sunday — Sunday, Sept. 18 there will be a special MMS Aviation informational program at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 18 Second St., at 8 and 11 a.m. Special guest will be speakers Chuck and Kathy Egbert. Come to learn about the important mission field of MMS Aviation. Their mission is to prepare people and airplanes for worldwide missionary service. Fellowship Time will follow the 11 a.m. service.

¯ Smokey Night – Chapman Park – Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Chapman Park will have its Annual Smokey Night Event to celebrate Smokey the Bear’s birthday. Smokey Night begins with a parade through the campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. All area children and campers are invited to participate in the parade on either foot or bicycle. The parade ends at the Amphitheater (or Pavilion 4 in case of rain) for a program on fire prevention and to celebrate Smokey’s birthday. All are welcome, no registration needed. Non-campers wishing to participate in the parade, meet at the Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Parking is available in Parking Lot 4.

¯ Taste of Home Festival — Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pellegrino’s Creekside Pavilion (449 Conewango Avenue, Warren). Come join Stephanie Proukou, whose father ran the former Warren Sub Shop, and other families who have had local restaurant businesses through the years for food, music, and a family friendly atmosphere.

¯ Chainsaw Carve – Red Oak Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be a Chainsaw Carve at Read Oak Campground at 225 Norman Road, Russell. An auction will be on Saturday at 2 p.m. There will be xarvers, crafters, food and more. RV and tent sites available as well as cabin rentals.

¯ Chicken BBQ: Saturday, Sept. 10 from ,oon until sold out. The Garland Volunteer Fire Department is having a Chicken BBQ Fundraiser at Friendship Field in Pittsfield. All dinners are to go. Full dinner is a $12 donation and includes: Ç BBQ Chicken, macaroni salad, baked beans and roll. Chicken only is a $10 donation.

¯ Bingo: Garland Fire Hall Bingo will take place Monday. Doors open at 4 p.m., Bingo starts at 6. Kitchen opens at 4. Watch for our new kitchen menu. $30 all you can play on regular cards. Dual Dab Bingo, Even Better Bingo, Quickie Bingo. Follow us for the Power play Jackpot’s.

¯ YHS Alumni Coming Home — Fall brings the annual YHS Alumni Coming Home weekend the first weekend in October. Class reunions have and are being held during the weekend of Friday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 2 as well as other YHS Alumni events. Last year was a grand crowd of Alumni attending, especially classes celebrating 50 years graduation from YHS. Classes held their own gatherings, starting early and continued into the weekend.

This year will be a repeat with four YHS classes attending. YHS Classes of 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1972 will be celebrating memories of 50-plus years agoand the combined community schools of Irvine, Pittsfield, Garland, Grand Valley, Wrightsville, and Lottsville. Classes can view memorabilia, visit with past teachers, take pictures, share pictures, and stories reliving the ‘Best Years of Our Life.’

YHS Alumni events start Friday evening, Sept. 30 with the Alumni Campfire at Youngsville Free Methodist Church Pavilion (179 Davis Street) from 7 to 10 p.m. Alumni are asked to bring a chair, snack to share, and their own NA beverage.

Saturday morning, Oct. 1 at 9 is the Alumni breakfast at Station 61, Youngsville. The side room will be reserved and all YHS Alumni are welcome. Saturday evening is the Alumni Dinner/Dance at the Youngsville Fire Hall. A dinner buffet is prepared and served by the Fire Hall kitchen staff. Doors open at 5 p.m. and reserved dinner buffet is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Reservations are required. The dance will follow from 8 to 11 p.m with the band, TRIXX performing Rock-n-Roll. Dinner/Dance cost is $22 per person. Dinner is reservation only. For dance only, doors open at 8. Cost is $10 per person. All events are open to the public. BYOB, mixer and snacks.

Dinner-dance reservations are to be mailed to Brad Thompson, 230 College St., Youngsville, PA 16371. Please include name, class of all attending, along with your check. Make checks payable to YHS Coming Home Committee. Currently attending for YHS Class Reunions: 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1972. Classes or groups interested in gathering contact: Kathy Irwin 814-489-3535 (Kirwin5@msn.com) or Brad Thompson 814-779-8684.

¯ Wilder Museum – Wilder Museum of Warren County is open Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. through mid October. Come see Warren County’s home for historical artifacts. Admission is $5 per person or $1 per student. Members admitted free.

Also stop by the Museum Gift Shop for a great selection of Historical books, handmade jewelry, sculptures, pottery, painting by local Artisans. Start your Christmas shopping early. Visit www.warrenhistory.org for more information.