Youngstown Volunteer Opportunities: Weekend of June 5th

[DefendYoungstown]

1. Annual Youngstown Cityscape Downtown Planting Day

WHEN: Saturday, June 5th - 8am-12pm (Rain Date: Sunday 8am)

WHERE: Central Square (Downtown Youngstown)

CONTACT: Sharon Letson (330) 742-4040 or cityscapedirector@sbcglobal.net

DETAILS: Once again, community and business support is needed for Streetscape 2010. This year's funds will go toward purchasing flowers, shrubs, trees, and mulch. All areas will be cleaned of winter debris and litter prior to the new planting. Priority areas for this year's event are:
• Wick Park Enhancements
• Flower pots along West and East Federal Street
• The oval historic monument in the middle of Market Street/Wick Avenue.
• "The Garden Bunker" on the corners of East Federal, Boardman and Champion Street.
• The stairway that connects Wood Street to Commerce.
• The John Young Memorials at Oak Hill and Spring Common.
• "Gateways" into downtown.
• Fall cleanup and bulb planting.
• Smoky Hollow Memorial maintenance and plantings.
• Wood & Commerce Streets hillside maintenance (below Choffin Career & Technical Center).
• Enhancement of landscape on Walnut Street, Wood Street, and City Hall.

HOW TO HELP: Help is needed in preparing the planting beds and pots. Volunteers plant hundreds of annuals and perennials as well as mulch and water the area on Streetscape day.

Volunteer Groups should arrive by arrive by 7:45 a.m. Please check in at information booth in the Central Square Tent. Free T-Shirts will be distributed to the first 400 pre-registered teams of volunteers. Complimentary danish and donuts will be available. Plant distribution will occur at this time.

• 8:15 a.m. Opening Remarks by Dignitaries and Instructions.
• Volunteer Groups will report to assigned area. Streetscape Volunteers will be available to supervise areas and answer any questions.
• Volunteer groups should assist other groups once their assigned area is completed.
• Complimentary Volunteer & Donor Recognition Party immediately following planting.

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2. Idora Neighborhood Welcome Sign Installation

WHEN: Saturday, June 5th - 9am-1pm

WHERE: Corner of Volney and Old Furnace Road

CONTACT: Jim London (bigjim62@hotmail.com)

DETAILS: From the Idora Neighborhood Association: "Come and join your neighbors to install our first neighborhood welcome sign. We will be creating a planting bed with flowers and herbs around the sign. The sign installation will be followed by a neighborhood clean up for those who can make it. Work gloves, trash bags, t-shirts, and refreshments will be provided. Meet at the corner of Volney and Old Furnace Road. Additional parking is available at the Ford Nature Center. See you there!"

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3. Youngstown Steel Heritage Foundation – Tod Engine Park

DETAILS: Volunteer opportunities every Saturday throughout the spring and summer at the Tod Engine Heritage Park. For more information, email rick@todengine.org

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4. FIRST NIGHT YOUNGSTOWN INC.

DETAILS: FNY is looking for people who would like to volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors of FNY or to serve on one of the many committees that work to make FNY New Years Eve event happen. Those interested can call the FNY office @ 330 744-9966.

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Do you have a grassroots volunteer opportunity in Youngstown and want folks to know about it? Contact Phil at defendyoungstown@gmail.com or phil@mvorganizing.org.