McGuffey to have dinner, dance

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The McGuffey Centre will be transformed from a community center to an elegant ballroom for one special night.

A dinner and dance Friday is the final part of a three-event anniversary celebration. The center turned 70 this year.

“This is a milestone,” said Jennifer Miller, executive director. “A lot of people had the dedication and drive to really do something for the neighborhood. This is one of the few neighborhood centers that was really started by the community that is still in existence.”

With no national affiliate or church-group sponsor, the center was truly founded by the efforts of the community, Miller noted.

Community members raised $275,000 to build the original center. A second fund-raising campaign resulted in the addition of a gymnasium.

The dinner and dance will begin with a champagne reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will follow. Just before the dance begins, a short presentation will be made, honoring the center’s past directors.

A special award also will be given. Birdie Welcher, a driving force behind the founding of the center, will be honored posthumously with the visionary award.

“She’s really the community activist that had the vision [for the center],” Miller said.

A slide show including pictures of past directors, center events, past employees and building changes over the years will be shown.

“It will be like a walk down memory lane,” Miller said.

The final part of the evening will be dancing. Jazz music will be provided by Howard Howell and the Point 5 Band.

“I think everybody will be in for a treat,” Miller said.

Tickets are still available for the event. The cost is $50 per person. To reserve a ticket, call 330-744-4377.