MAHONING COUNTY Springfield HS to be site for Relay for Life

The relay will be held for the first time in this area of Mahoning County.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Several Springfield school board members said they're getting ready to run the race to help beat cancer, and they are prepared to encourage other area folks to do likewise.
The school board gave the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, based in Canfield, approval earlier this month to conduct a Relay for Life event at the Springfield High School track.
The event is set to start at 6 p.m. June 18 and conclude at 6 p.m. June 19.
"I think this will be a wonderful event for our community," said board member Peggy Jones. "It's a worthy cause and something for people to look forward to."
Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families. Team members secure pledge donations and take turns walking or running around a track. The event also will feature food, music and other entertainment.
Seeking volunteers
The ACS is looking for volunteers to help with the local event, the first of its kind in the New Springfield-New Middletown-Petersburg-Poland area. The first relay committee meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the high school.
Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support and underwriting, coordinate logistics, find refreshments, food and prizes, plan entertainment and help with opening ceremonies.
Relay for Life begins with a cancer survivors' walk and a reception to celebrate those who have overcome the disease. The money raised from each event goes toward the cancer society's research, education, advocacy and quality-of-life programs.
The Springfield relay is one of 15 scheduled next year in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.