Newcomer impressed by area’s enthusiasm for arts

Opinion: July 17, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

EDITOR:

Once again, the Youngstown community has shown, by its support and enthusiasm, how important the arts are to the quality of life in the region. For those who took advantage of a beautiful Sunday, and a mostly cooperative Saturday to attend the Summer Festival of the Arts, you were treated to a wide array of art, poetry readings, music performances, food, and much, much more.

While I am a newcomer to Youngstown, as the new dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Youngstown State University, I must confess a bias toward the arts aspect of the weekend; however, attendees of the Summer Festival of the Arts surely noticed the variety of events. Ranging from Forte on the Fifty and the Smoky Hollow 5K run, to the St. Nicholas Greek Summer Fest and the Tour of the Valley, there was something for everyone last weekend. I could not be more proud to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community that clearly values the arts, and can support such a wide range of events that profoundly improve the quality of life for the region.

While quality of life is crucial, the weekend offerings also had an extraordinarily positive economic impact that cannot be ignored. Clearly, the Summer Festival of the Arts and other events this weekend are an important component of the economic development of this region. The weekend was a true example of how we in the community can collaborate for the betterment of all.

Dr. BRYAN DePOY, dean

College of Fine and Performing Arts

Youngstown State University

Cycling tour was exciting

EDITOR:

I wanted to send this letter to congratulate the winners and all the participants in the “The Tour of the Valley” cycling event last weekend. Being lucky enough to get prime seating at the Rosetti Stone Restaurant patio made for a great day in the sun and a chance to enjoy our downtown Youngstown.

For those who did not attend any of the events of the race over the weekend, you missed an exciting time. The chance to see world class cycling for free in our town was great family fun for all. After hearing many comments from visitors and participants about how well planned the courses were and how well organized the entire weekend was, I am certain to see this event return next year and was proud to hear about our local “job well done.”

From my prime seating not only did I see the start and finish line, but also saw the hundreds of motorcycles approach downtown with a roar, after the Fallen Officer Bike Run. With our troubled economy and less family vacations being taken, I urge everyone to support this community and find pleasure in the events in downtown Youngstown

SUE SCHNEIDER

Boardman

Don’t close the library

EDITOR:

I was sickly as a young boy and my mother would make two trips a week to the West Side Library to keep me occupied with reading materials.

The closing of such a source of knowledge and recreation for the West Side citizens only testifies to the lamebrain solutions that some Youngstown politicos come up with. Shame.

HARMAN ANSEVIN

Austintown