Wednesday, August 25, 2010
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
The partnership of four block watches, the business community, schools and faith-based organizations that compose the South Avenue Area Neighborhood Development Initiative will sponsor a Super Summer Neighborhood Party on Thursday.
The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at Metro Assembly of God Church, 2530 South Ave.
The party will feature carnival games, a bounce house for children, music, a dunk tank, free food and beverages.
There will be sharing of health information and crime and safety tips along with distribution of fresh produce by Second Harvest Food Bank. The free event will go on, rain or shine.
Gail Stark, SAANDI committee chair, said the group formed in October of 2009 and includes a 27-block area from East Avondale along the South Avenue corridor to the Interstate 680 interchange.
The block watches are from South Avenue, Gibson Heights, Taft School Area and Lansingville. Stark said there are 1,800 residences and businesses in the area.
Stark and Pastor Al Yanno of Metro Assembly said SAANDI is taking a proactive approach to neighborhood issues including blight and hunger.
“We’re hosting the party to have a positive gathering and show community spirit,” Stark said.
Pastor Yanno said he envisions SAANDI as a coalition “working to make the neighborhood a better place to live.”
For information on SAANDI or the party, call Stark at 330-219-7833 or Pastor Yanno at 330-782-2070.