Youngstown Connection members find group is life-changing

YOUNGSTOWN — Some learned about the group through friends or family, others by reputation, but all agree that membership in the Youngstown Connection has made them not only better performers but better people, too.

The singing and dancing group made up of ninth- through 12-graders from the city and surrounding school districts has been invited to perform in Italy at three venues, singing Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, at the Piazza della Signoria in Florence and at Teatro Ghione in Rome.

They hope to go this summer but must raise $60,000 for the trip.

“We already have $31,000 pledged,” said Carol Baird, director of the group, started in 1988. “We’re more than halfway there.”

A pasta-and-meatballs dinner is set for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Christ Presbyterian Church, corner of Hopkins and Canfield roads, as a fundraiser. The Youngstown Connection will perform, too. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children younger than 8. Both eat-in and take-out are available.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com