WARREN Pledged money will support events

Events such as Noon in the Park, Chalk on the Walk and Opening Night will continue.
WARREN -- The Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County has approved several actions to continue events this year, contingent on receiving community support.
"Several local businesses and individuals have pledged funds to allow Noon in the Park's eight-week run," said Andrew Barkley, FACT president.
Events include Chalk on the Walk scheduled for July 26 and Community Day in the Park set for June 28.
The continuation of the events had previously been in question because of the council's money shortage.
Bobbie Brown, FACT director, who has been on vacation for the past two weeks because of the council's lack of funding, has returned to work and will coordinate FACT's summer programs. She also will continue to plan Ghost Walk, Opening Night and the Arts in Education program.
Mayor Hank Angelo announced last week that the city would give $8,000 in community development money to the council and another $2,000 from Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority to keep council programs going.
Raising the money
A garage sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Diana Lynne Photography, North Park Avenue, to raise money for FACT. The Downtown Warren Business Association plans a mixer from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today on the second floor of the Hippodrome. A benefit raffle for the council also is set.
"The council operates with an annual budget of approximately $100,000 with Opening Night, a family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration of the arts costing nearly $50,000 each year, and we plan to offer as complete an event as funds will permit," Barkley said.
The mission of FACT is to preserve and promote the practice and appreciation of the fine arts among all the people of Trumbull County. For more information, to offer volunteer assistance or to become a sponsor of FACT related programming, call the council office at (330) 399-1212.