Local authors publish Jewish history book

Local authors publish Jewish history book

YOUNGSTOWN

“A History of Jewish Youngstown and the Steel Valley” (above) will be released May 1.

The authors are Thomas Welsh, a professional writer and editor who grew up in the industrial center of Youngstown; Joshua Foster, an independent scholar and professional writer who grew up in a family that has been part of Youngstown’s Jewish community for more than a century; and Gordon F. Morgan, a professional writer and editor who grew up in the industrial town of Campbell.

The book was written in partnership with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, and is part of the “American Heritage Series,” by The History Press.

The authors begin in 1837 with a small settlement of German immigrants, which grew to become one of the most influential centers of Jewish life in the Midwest.

The community’s history includes Warner Brothers, Arby’s fast food and Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co.

This project was funded by private donations from individuals and organizations in the Youngstown area, and coincides with the 150th year of Congregation Rodef Sholom, one of the oldest Reform congregations in Ohio.

For information, visit www.historypress.net.

Attis Arts named finalist in competition

CENTERVILLE, OHIO

Midwest Independent Publishing Association recently announced Attis Arts of Centerville, Ohio, as one of the finalists in its 27th annual Midwest Book Awards program.

The publishing firm is a finalist in the category Total Book Design for the novel “Foreverafter: An Odd Adventure,” by K.J. Quint.

The annual award received 192 entries in 30 categories, with all books copyrighted in 2016 by publishers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Winners will be announced May 12 at the Midwest Book Awards Gala in St. Paul, Minn. For information, visit www.bookawardsgala.org.