Published: Monday, August 14, 2006
Streetscapes offers good movies, dance
'All About Eve' is this week's feature.
By DENISE DICK
POLAND — It's lights, camera, action and jazz each Friday evening at the Yellow Creek Theater.
Town One Streetscapes started the outdoor theater under the U.S Route 224 bridge over Yellow Creek in the village last summer, showing the free movies each week. This year's series, which will run as long as the weather holds, offers a larger patio space to accommodate more attendees.
Jazz performances also were added. The musicians begin performing about 6 p.m. and the movies, shown on a projector using the bridge support as a screen, begin when it gets dark, usually around 9 p.m.
Joanne Eiselstein, a Streetscapes member, said the jazz musicians, added just a few weeks ago, have been a big hit.
"People love it," she said.
Most bring lawn chairs to the films while others hope to get a seat on one of the large rocks along the creek.
"There really is no bad seat," said John Scotford Jr., another Streetscapes member.
Improvements
The larger brick patio measures 2,500 square feet.
"The patio has 12,500 bricks all carried and installed by Streetscapes members," said Larry Warren, Streetscapes president.
Other additions include tiki torches and landscaping around the patio's perimeter and a grill for preparing sausages, hamburgers and hot dogs for movie viewers.
The landscaping, creek, bridge, torches and other amenities combine to create a serene setting for a summer evening, Eiselstein said.
"It's so neat when the movie flickers in the creek," she said.
This week's feature is "All About Eve," starring Bette Davis. Eiselstein said the group sticks to classic films.
The patio connects the Reed Memorial Stairway with the walking path that runs along Yellow Creek, linking sidewalks on the north and south sides of town.
Warren said that most who come to the movies park in the lot of the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The theater adjoins the lot and the library's hours conclude before the Friday night festivities begin.
The group and library worked together to complete the project.
Eiselstein said that the core group of attendees have been of an older crowd although families and younger people also show up. A recent showing of the original "Cape Fear" thriller drew about 250 viewers.
"We try to have different genres of films," Eiselstein said.
Movie attendance is open to anyone.
"We're in Poland and we welcome the people in Poland, but we welcome everyone to come out," she said. "It's a nice way to spend a summer evening."
Scotford said he hopes that people use the spot for other events, like picnics or family gatherings.
He said that a family fun night is set for later this month during the Friday movie event.
More Stories from Thu, Aug 17, 2006
from vindyJOBS.com
