Block party scheduled near Wick Park

September 4, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — The 4th annual Back to School Block Party will be Saturday and Sunday on Park Avenue, next to Wick Park and Stambaugh Auditorium on the North Side. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. both days.

The event is sponsored by the Stopping the Violence Committee.

Live entertainment will include a variety of music, including gospel, hip-hop, Hispanic, R B, soul, jazz, reggae and blues; poetry, dancing and mimes.

There will also be a plus-size style show, a hair show and a car-bike show, and a crazy nails/crazy kicks contest, with cash prizes to the winners.

Those who want to take part in the party as a vendor, performer or contestant should call DVA at (330) 261-1877; or Harriet at (330) 559-9513.

PBS 45/49 offers help with digital TV transition

KENT — On Feb. 17, all full-powered television broadcast stations will complete a transition to digital television (DTV) that has been mandated by Congress.

Most affected will be those who have an analog TV set and receive their signal from an antenna. They will need to use a converter box.

Another way to continue using an analog set is to subscribe to a cable, satellite or other pay-service company. A third alternative is to buy a television that has a digital tuner.

To educate consumers about the transition, Trina Cutter, PBS 45/49 president, will conduct free presentations at area libraries. The presentations will explain DTV options, demonstrate how to install analog converter boxes and answer questions.

All of the hourlong sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. Registration is recommended but not required. Call (800) 554-4549.

Here are the meeting dates and times:

Trumbull County, Sept. 16, Howland Branch Library, 9095 East Market St.

Mahoning County, Sept. 23, Austintown Branch Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road.

Columbiana County, Oct. 7, Columbiana Public Library, 332 N. Middle St.

Chorale seeks members

SHARON, Pa. — Shenango Valley Chorale is seeking new members for the 2008-09 season.

Auditions will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Penn State Forum in Sharon, by appointment only. Call (724) 301-7832 to reserve a time.

Auditions are open to all voices this year — sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. No preparation is necessary.

The chorale will begin its new season with rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Forum.

On the cover

Pictured on the cover is Clyde Singer's 1949 painting "Early Edition," which depicts people reading The Vindicator.