Events center opens in McDonald

McDONALD -- Village resident John Black said he always wanted to have a place in the village for residents to go to for a variety of events and activities.

That goal has become a reality after work was done on the inside and outside of the building with the opening this summer of The Center at 114 Marshall Road.

"This was a building that sat empty for 30 years. We have already scheduled different events to be held here. The first one was a card show that was well attended," Black said.

He said the village has been "amazing" to his family so he wanted to give back in some way.

Earlier this year, renovations began on the 80-foot by 32-foot building that included new roof, new lighting and wiring, and new plumbing.

He said people can rent space at the center for various events, noting there was a recent baptismal party.

Black said his son Tyler suggested the card show that included Pokemon cards, which drew a large crowd of between 300 and 400 people, as well as more than 10 vendors. Also planned are wrestling clinics, tumbling classes, children's art classes and a sourdough bread baking class.

Black said his next plans are to expand the parking, with areas across the street and behind the building.

He said he also plans to add lighting and nearby picnic tables so people can sit outside.

Black said the idea for the center came from conversations with his wife, Samantha, about wishing the village had a place for families to gather, learn, create, celebrate and connect.

He said that realization became the motivation for the center.

"I wanted to create the kind of space I would have loved as a child and one that my own family could enjoy today. A place that brings people together and strengthens our community. It's about opening a space for community and memories that will last for years to come," Black said.

Black said years ago, the building was used for a karate studio, a carpet store and a silkscreen shop.

He said the name "The Center" was selected as the focal point of the village and its central location near the school system and other businesses such as the Village Creamery.

"When we held the card show, people were walking from the show to the Village Creamery. It was fun to see so many people in the village enjoying themselves,'' Black said.

He said the center provides a safe space for adults and children to attend events.

"We take any ideas we get for what to hold here. We have had people ask for yoga classes or a motorcoach trip to New York or Niagara Falls,'' Black said.

Also suggested were car shows, sock hops and karate.

He said another idea is after the football games on Fridays to invite some of the former athletes and coaches from different sports. Black said this would be football, basketball, cheerleading and majorettes who could come here and share their stories with the public.

"We can have Lettermen Jacket Nights. They can bring their sports jackets to show and tell their stories of what it was like to be at that game,'' Black said.

He said the idea for Blue Devils Den Nights is to "celebrate the generations of Blue Devils who wore the jackets before us and inspire the next generation wearing them today."

DANCE CLOSET

CLEANOUT

This past weekend was a dance closet cleanout event with many dance studio owners participating in a garage/rummage sale.

Black said the different dancing studios came in to sell costumes and other items to local dancers, gymnasts and tumblers.

"This event helped the dancers find what they needed," he said.

Community members were encouraged to donate homecoming and prom outfits including dresses, suits and accessories, in an effort to bring affordability to the upcoming homecoming season.

Lindsey Argiro of Boardman and her daughter Alana Sfikas of Boardman were looking for costumes, which they found at less expensive prices than at the store.

"This is beneficial to anyone who is a dancer. This is an ideal event to hold. I wish there were more events like this,'' Argiro said.

Sfikas, who is a dancer at Steppin Out Dance Center, said the items she found will benefit her.

"This allows me to find costumes and shoes I need," Sfikas said.

Rosie Jones, 11, of McDonald, who is a dancer, said she is glad there is a center that hosts such events.

Rose Taylor of Austintown, who runs Steppin Out Dance Studio in Niles, which is marking its 30th year in business, said the idea for the event was great.

Brittney Monteforte of McDonald said she has spoken to many people looking for dance items and apparel.

"Dance costumes for competitions can become very expensive so to have items on sale or available at a discount is great. Some people buy online but this way they can have them to look at and try on,'' Monteforte said.

Amanda Rothgeb of Liberty of Jones Dance Academy in Niles said it is nice to provide an event like this.

"These are items that we have collected over the years that someone else may need or want. There are people looking for what we don't need anymore,'' she said.

For information on The Center, visit the website

thecentermcdonald@gmail.com