Filmmaker seeks folks who recall Yankee Lake

Filmmaker seeks folks
who recall Yankee Lake

John Jurko II, who is making a documentary film about the history of Yankee Lake, is seeking people who have memories about the community that they would like to share. “Yankee Lake: The History and the Legend” will tell the story of Jurko’s Romanian immigrant family, and the entire community. The Jurkos built Yankee Lake, which saw its heyday in the 1930s through 1960s. It was a resort that offered swimming, ballroom dancing and performances by big bands. Jurko is conducting research and interviews. To learn more or to contact Jurko, go to yankeelakehistory.com.

Maluso and Blackson
have show at Alberini’s

NILES — The cabaret duo of Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson will return to Alberini’s Restaurant, 1201 Youngstown-Warren Road, Dec. 21 to perform supper club style music. Maluso and Blackson will entertain in two seatings — at 6 and 8:30 p.m. — at the spacious and elegant restaurant. Reservations can be made by calling Alberini’s at (330) 652-5895. Titled “Comfort And Joy — Songs of the Season,” the program will feature classic holiday music, as well as Broadway tunes, love songs, nostalgia and several of Blackson’s original songs. Blackson will play the piano for diners and will be joined by Maluso for a song or two every 15 minutes.

Youngstown Connection founder honored

YOUNGSTOWN — Carol Baird has been recognized by the Ohio Senate for her 20 years directing the Youngstown Connection, a song-and-dance performance group of city high school students. Baird founded the troupe in 1988 and continues to run it.

A reunion dinner will be held next year to honor Baird. All past members of Youngstown Connection are being invited. The date and location have not been set. Baird retired in July after a long career with Youngstown city schools. She taught at Princeton Junior High and South High before being named superintendent of creative and performing arts, a position she held for 25 years.

‘Wizard’ performance added in New Castle

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Because of strong ticket demand, the New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., has added an extra performance of its current production, “The Wizard of Oz,” at 6 p.m. next Sunday. Other remaining performances will be at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call (724) 654-3437.

Christmas concert includes singers

SALEM — The Kent State University-Salem Community Choir will present its annual free holiday concert, “Christmas Classics,” at 3 p.m. next Sunday in the KSU-Salem City Center Auditorium. The program will include selections from Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Handel’s “Messiah” as well as Christmas carols. Tapestries of Ohio, a 12-member vocal ensemble, will perform songs from its annual madrigal dinners and combine with the Salem choir on selected pieces. The KSU-Salem City Center is the former Salem Middle School, 230 N. Lincoln Ave.

Victorian dinner-theater

GENEVA ON THE LAKE — A dinner-theater production of “A Charles Dickens’ Victorian Christmas” will be held Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 8-30 at the Oak Room. The Victorian-themed show will include music, parlor games and short stories, as well as an adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.”

Dinner will be served by a troupe of Victorian actors. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $40 for adults ($30 for children 12 and under). For reservations, call (440) 466-8650 or go to GenevaLanding.com.

Mercer school choirs
to sing at courthouse

MERCER, Pa. — Local school choirs will perform beginning Wednesday in the Mercer County Courthouse rotunda in the annual series of Christmas concerts at local high schools and one middle school according to the following schedule. All concerts are at 12:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted: Wednesday, Commodore Perry; Thursday, Oakview Middle; 11 a.m. Dec. 10, West Middlesex; Dec. 10, Sharon; Dec. 11, Reynolds; Dec. 12, Sharpsville; Dec. 14, Greenville; Dec. 17, Mercer; Dec. 18, Grove City; Dec. 19, Lakeview; Dec. 20, Hickory; Dec. 21, Farrell.