A night at the opera

A night at the opera

EDITOR:

Opera Western Reserve presented “Madama Butterfly” Nov. 7 at Stambaugh Auditorium, to its largest audience since the local opera company was founded five years ago.

“Bravo” to the very talented lead singers, the entire cast and crew, the orchestra, under the direction of Susan Davenny Wyner, production and scenic director, David Vosburgh, costume and lighting design, as well as the underwriters, advertisers and all staff members, who made this wonderful production possible.

Youngstown Opera Guild sponsored the Georgio Tozzi Scholarship Dinner in the Stambaugh Ballroom preceding the performance.

It made me especially proud to be a Community Representative Board member of Opera Western Reserve, recognizing the growth in attendance and appreciation each year, enabling opera lovers from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to come to Youngstown for a very special evening for the Mahoning Valley.

Looking forward to Opera Western Reserve’s 6th production of “Carmen” by Georges Bizet on Nov. 6, 2009.

DOLORES IANNUCCI

Boardman

An opportunity missed

EDITOR:

My husband and I would like to thank the Vocal Group Hall of Fame members, especially Tony Butala, for the four days of wonderful concerts planned at the Chevrolet Centre last weekend. Over 40 “living legends” entertained us with one spectacular performance after another. You didn’t have to be an “oldie” to appreciate the incredible talent that took to the stage each night.

However, the events were unattended, and it’s a shame more people did not see the significance of such an unforgettable experience. Our Valley should be so proud that we have another jewel in our midst. Please attend future concerts sponsored by this group and keep the Vocal Group Hall of Fame a viable source of fantastic entertainment.

LINDA DeTORO

Liberty

Chance missed to make a sale

EDITOR:

I went to the Chevy Centre to buy tickets for the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Concerts, and was informed that they were not selling tickets at the present time because the Hall of Fame was giving them problems about the seating arrangements. So I called the Hall of Fame and they said the tickets were on sale at the Chevy Centre and that any problem was with the Chevy Centre, not them. I was told to go back to the Chevy Centre and ask for the man who was there at that time from the Hall of Fame. So I went back and waited until the cashier checked it for me and said I could buy tickets.

Now, I wanted general admission tickets and was told the seating was limited and I would not be given a specific seat. It was a first-come basis. I didn’t want to sit behind the stage, so I left without purchasing my 10 tickets. No wonder only a few people went to the concert.

How many other people did they do that to before me? I’m sure having to pay for parking at the Chevy Centre didn’t help matters either.

PAT CIKA

Austintown

Pickets should go home

EDITOR:

This article is in regard to the picketing of Henry Nemenz’s store in Struthers. This store has been a neighborhood icon for years.

Henry’s father and mother started with a small butcher shop in North Lima and it grew into a family business. It is still a family business.

Wherever a store opened, it became part of the community and a good neighbor. He makes donations to fund raisers and is a big supporter of 4H. The people who work at these stores are happy, well treated and enjoyed their jobs. They are working to pay bills and feed their families.

I shopped at the Hubbard store and those people were very upset at losing their jobs. More unemployment.

How many more people will lose their jobs by putting a local businessman out of business? My husband and I have always been active union employees, but this is unfair.

How can you harass people shopping? They should be able to shop where they want. After all these years, why now? Is this a way to limit our choices so when only a few big guys are left, we will be at their mercy?

Go picket WalMart. They are nonunion and sell stuff from China. The Chinese don’t work in union shops and have sent us toys with lead and animal food that killed our pets. Henry buys local produce from farmers in season and buys the 4H livestock at the fair.

With unemployment in our Valley so high, why would you want to make it worse?

GRACE A. HARKLEROAD

North Jackson

Austintown’s good deal

EDITOR:

I applaud the Austintown fire chief and the trustees for the recent purchase of a new fire truck. According the newspaper article, two unusual things happened. First the chief and trustees shopped around to find the best bargain, and second, instead of just tossing out the old truck, they salvaged some old parts, i.e.: siren, hose reel and other reusable parts to put on the new truck, which saved thousands of dollars. They made an effort to get the most bang for the buck.

They showed some fiscal responsibility for the funds they are entrusted with by the taxpayers. And this does not happen everyday. Maybe they could tutor the school boards, WRTA, and Boardman Township.

JOHN CROSS

Austintown