Officials work to restore concerts

LOWELLVILLE -- Village officials are hoping to revive free outdoor Music in the Park concerts at the gazebo on summer Sunday evenings this year.
They plan to solicit donations by letter from local businesses interested in sponsoring these events, said Councilman Keith McCaughtry, chairman of council's newly formed special events committee, which met Thursday evening.
The last season for the summer concert series was 1999. The solicitations of local businesses to fund special events stopped after former mayor Joseph Rossi said no system was in place to assure accountability for the money. The new money will go through the village's special fund account, McCaughtry said.
Councilman Alan Russo said the series might include performances by musical groups affiliated with local schools or community organizations.
Village Administrator Phil Alfano said residents have asked that the concert series be revived.
"The people enjoy it. I think the senior citizens are the ones who really enjoy it," McCaughtry said. "We have a lot of senior citizens in Lowellville that like to go down there, pull out their chairs on a nice day, and listen to the music. I think it's relaxing for everybody."