Ground to be broken in June for center for Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Groundbreaking for The Gelhaar Center, which will house the Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute, will occur in early June.

Named for the late Charlotte C. Gelhaar, the center will be an addition to the east side of Park Vista’s Gathering Room.

The Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute has surpassed its campaign goal of $1 million, allowing it to enter into the next phase of expansion.

Lorilyn Shandor, campaign and gift-planning director for Park Vista of Youngstown, said the campaign committee had raised $1,014,000 for program endowment and capital improvements, noting that outstanding community support had made it possible.

“I think that the Mahoning Valley’s belief in Park Vista and its mission really sustained this effort,” said Shandor. “Park Vista, and now the institute, is a staple of the Youngstown community. Folks know the effort we put into this project, and they trust that it will be done at a high caliber.”

The announcement was made at a small donor event in March, during which Shandor outlined next steps for the growing institute.

A five-year plan is in place to grow endowment funds for programming in the institute’s four lecture series: The Harris Lecture Series on History and Political Science; The Gelhaar Lecture Series on Arts and Culture; The Kyle Lecture Series on Religion and Spirituality; and the Wellness and Rehabilitation Lecture Series. Shandor said this will ensure growth and continued improvement of the institute’s offerings.

The Gelhaar Center will include an atrium, additional restrooms and a classroom with state-of-the-art technology to aid those with vision or hearing difficulties and provide access to virtual learning.

Attached to it will be an enclosed sculpture garden featuring works from local and regional artists. The first piece, anticipated to be revealed at the groundbreaking, has been commissioned by Park Vista residents Roger and Gloria Jones.