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Struthers block watch group plans projects, fundraising auction
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Melanie Rauschenbach, president of the 1st Ward Block Watch, and Councilman Tony Fire stand in front of the mural on South Bridge Street. The two are planning a fundraiser for Struthers upgrades.
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
STRUTHERS
Melanie Rauschenbach has the feeling most people would love to be more involved in their communities, but work and family commitments all too often prevent them from doing so.
That’s why donating “pretty much anything that’s in sellable condition” — from antiques and collectibles, to glassware and household items, to furniture and tools — to the 1st Ward Block Watch for its upcoming fundraising auction is an easy way to contribute, said Rauschenbach, the organization’s president.
“Everybody has stuff in their house they’re not using,” she said, “and all the money is going back into their city.”
All proceeds from the June 19 auction will be used to help and beautify the city, and in particular its downtown. Rauschenbach said the amount of money raised will depend mostly upon the donations received but she’s hoping for $3,000 to $4,000.
Suggested projects for this year include the addition of benches with planters on the ends, hanging flower baskets and a hand-painted mural inspired by an historical photograph that depicts the area’s booming steel mills and the purple-orange sky overhead.
The group also plans to finish minor detail work on the mural of landmarks significant to the city’s history, which was started last year on a donated wall of American Wire and Shapes on South Bridge Street. The mural was repainted after the group’s first attempt, located on the southwest side of the Vasco Electric Building on State Street, was unexpectedly demolished early last year.
Rauschenbach explained that the 1st Ward Block Watch focuses many of its efforts on the city’s downtown not only because the area falls within the 1st Ward’s borders; it’s also, historically, the place the “city built up from around.”
“It’s important that people don’t forget that we had a beginning somewhere, and that’s where it is,” she said.
In addition to helping raise money for the group’s projects, the auction also is a good family activity. There’s usually something for everybody at an auction, Rauschenbach noted, adding that if this year’s is successful, it may become an annual event for the 1st Ward Block Watch.
Donations for the auction will be collected by block-watch members from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Highland Avenue School, 14 Highland Ave. If interested donors can’t make it, they also can call and arrange for their donations to be picked up.
Items sought include working appliances, baby gear, lamps, toys, art, pottery, boats, cars and jewelry; the group isn’t accepting donations of old TVs, stereo consoles, books, magazines or clothing. The auction itself, hosted by auctioneer Jeff Anglin, will begin at 5 p.m. June 19 in the gymnasium of Highland Avenue School and last about three to four hours. Concessions will be available.
“We’ll keep going till we sell it all,” Rauschenbach said.
Tony Fire, the city’s 1st Ward councilman, explained that starting a block watch was one of his priorities even before assuming office, and said he’s glad to see it “running well” thanks to Rauschenbach and the group’s other dedicated members.
He said, too, that despite its name, the 1st Ward Block Watch isn’t limited to helping only the 1st Ward — its goal is “to help the people of Struthers and the city of Struthers,” and membership is open to all who share that interest.
Meetings typically are scheduled for the last Monday of every month at Struthers City Hall, 6 Elm St. For more information about the 1st Ward Block Watch, contact Rauschenbach at 330-506-7690.