'Chocolate on Trial' opens lecture series

'Chocolate on Trial'opens lecture series
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Lunch and Learn Series, co-sponsored by Friends of Main Library and the YSU English Department, is back again for another season.
The free programs are held from noon to 1 p.m. at Main Library, Wick Avenue, on the second Tuesday of each month from October through May.
The first program will be Tuesday, titled "Chocolate on Trial."
In 1909, the English press reported that slave labor was being used to produce chocolate for the Cadbury Brothers Co. Since the owners were politically progressive and anti-slavery, the public outcry that ensued involved both the exploitation of labor and the disconnection between private and public corporate ethics.
In his book, recently released by Ohio University Press, Dr. Lowell Satre, emeritus professor of history at YSU, explores the scandal and celebrated trial that followed when the Cadburys sued for libel. The issues echo our current concerns with corporate ethics.
Sweet Adelines Chorusselects new director
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Spirit of the Valley Sweet Adelines Chorus has named Dr. Scott W. Dorsey as its new director.
Dorsey is the chairman of the department of music at Mount Union College in Alliance. He conducts the Mount Union Choir and Fire Engine Choir.
Dorsey holds a bachelor of arts in voice from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a master of arts in choral conducting from California State University and a doctorate of musical arts in choral conducting from the University of Iowa.
Spirit of the Valley Chorus is an a cappella chorus for women of all ages. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at 7 at Faith Community Church, 1919 Midlothian Blvd. Women who love to sing are encouraged to come any Monday to rehearsal. Vocal training is not required but helpful. The chorus puts on a yearly show, competes with other Sweet Adeline choruses and performs in the community.
'Children's Letters'to be performed Oct. 29
AKRON -- The humorous yet serious musical "Children's Letters to God" will attempt to answer some of life's biggest questions during its performance at the Akron Civic Theater Oct. 29.
Questions like "Dear God: How did you know you were God?" and "Why do my feet stink?" are answered.
The story addresses the unavoidable issues of the death of a pet, parents divorcing, friends moving away and childhood crushes. The questions asked by the young letter writers include "Dear God, if you're so famous, how come you're not on TV?" and "Are you really invisible, or is that a trick?"
The performance starts at 3 p.m.
For tickets or more information, call the box office at (330) 945-9400 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Stopping the Violencecommittee seeks talent
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Whole Man Ministries Stopping the Violence committee is recruiting youth, adults and sponsors for a basketball league and is holding auditions for the halftime talent shows.
It is also seeking musical artists for a talent search.
The first game will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Rockford Activity Center, 1420 Dogwood Lane, on the East Side.
The musical talent search will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Orthodox Center, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave., on the West Side.
Jewish heritage museumhosts day for families
BEACHWOOD -- The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will hold Family Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16.
Featured performers include The Yiddishe Cup Klezmer Band, storyteller Sharon Zinner and the Art of Dance Academy performing Jewish and Russian folk dances. There will also be craft activities for children. The program is free with museum admission.
Museum visitors can explore the institution's stunning, state-of-the-art exhibitions, films, computer interactives, unique artifacts, documents and images illuminating Cleveland's past, present and future.
The museum is located at 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Maltz Museum members and children younger than 12 are admitted free. For a complete schedule of museum programs, visit www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org or call (216) 593-0575.