WARREN Auction will aid river project

The Riverwalk amphitheater could be up and running by summer.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Officials hope to break ground in the next few weeks on the first phase of the Riverwalk project.
To ensure that funds are in place, Warren Rotary will conduct its annual auction, which in recent years has aided the project.
The event will be from 5 to 11 p.m. Nov. 17 at Packard Music Hall on Mahoning Avenue.
The schedule: Doors will open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with introductions by auction chairman, Andy Bednar. Auctions will begin at 5 and 8 p.m.
Heather Hoy will sing the national anthem, and Warren Day School's Pint-Size Patriots will sing "God Bless America" and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
This group consists of 10 to 15 children ages 4 to 6.
Invocation will be given by Rotarian Charlie Crouse, and Rotary President Barbara Didion will provide the evening's welcome. Masters of ceremony will be Trudy Bayman and Bill Horton.
The theme of this year's auction is "Tropical Paradise," and tickets cost $30. For more information about reservations, call Stephanie Shaw at (330) 841-2222.
A big help: Rotarian Genevieve Bauman said the auction last year raised $44,500 and the Rotary has raised more than $130,000 for the Riverwalk project.
Several other organizations, including Trumbull 100, have also worked to see the project through. The State Controlling Board kicked in $275,000 for the project in June 2000.
The multiphase Riverwalk project consists of plans for restoration of the nearby historical Kinsman House and construction of an outdoor amphitheater, festival grounds and a promenade.
The project will link walkways and paths along the Mahoning River, from Burbank Park on the north side of town to Gould Steward Park on the south side.
A glitch: Construction bids for the first phase have been opened, but the project was delayed by some last-minute archeological concerns.
Mike Keys, director of Warren Redevelopment and Planning, the agency overseeing the project, is expected to meet in Columbus today with officials at the Ohio Historic Preservation Office to make final adjustments to plans.
The amphitheater may be up and running for summer, Key said.
davis@vindy.com