Boardman twins discover downtown and 'community' in today's Streetscape efforts

YOUNGSTOWN

Shortly after meeting Christina Buccino, 16-year-old twins Nektarios and Theoni Kasamias were happy to get their hands dirty to help her with a beautification project.

The Boardman High School 10th-graders were a little nervous initially, but they overcame their apprehension to focus on the bigger picture.

The interaction among the three may seem small or insignificant to some, but it epitomizes a core piece of community building – the kind that many city leaders contend continues to be a key part of revitalizing not only downtown Youngstown, but the surrounding areas.

‘I heard about it in the news and was interested in helping out,” Nektarios said, referring to Saturday’s 17th annual Streetscape beautification project. “Everyone is very friendly.”

“It’s nice seeing how much of a community we can be,” added his sister, Theoni.

Youngstown CityScape coordinated the four-hour program, themed “We Canna! Canna You?” named in honor of the late Dick Mills, who, during his participation in Streetscape, planted cannas, which are tall, brilliantly colored flowers.

More than 600 volunteers and dozens of groups undertook a variety of beautification efforts in Central Square, Smoky Hollow, Wick Park, next to the John Young Memorials and several other areas and neighborhoods throughout the corridor, noted Sue Jones, a Streetscape committee member.

Before her participation in Saturday’s project, Theoni went from having little interest in gardening to being inspired to start her own garden, she said.

Brother and sister also said they were grateful to be part of Youngstown’s revitalization and resurgence, and that more people should see what downtown has to offer.

For more on the day's event and the annual planting effort, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.