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Girard musician to be
honored March 30

Daniel Gainey a Junior from Girard-130 lb. weight class took fourth place in Div. III sectional tournament at Rootstown. The top four placers move on to the district tournament in Maple Heights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS.

Gary Bass a Senior from Girard-171 lb. weight class took first place in the Div. III sectional tournament at Rootstown. Gary puts much effort into taking down his opponent.

Henry Racich. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

The Penn-Ohio Polka Pals an organization of fifty professional polka musicians who are dedicated to preserving the musical ethnic heritage have voted to honor Henry "Hank" Racich of Girard as their Man of the Year for 2008. Hank will be honored at a gala banquet at the DeVieste's banquet hall in Warren on March 30.
Hank was born in Girard to Jim and Jennie Racich. He is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, local 86-242 and the Slovenian National Benefit Society Lodge 643 of Girard. He started taking instructions on the accordion at the early age of five and began his professional career at the age of fourteen.
Some of the bands that Hank has played for are: The Saddlemates, Stan Kobal and the Airliners, The Steve Garchar Orchestra, the Norm Kobal Orchestra, the Jimmy Ament Band and for the past 22 years the Al Hreno Orchestra. Being an admirer of the late, Johnny Pecon, Hank has followed in his footsteps throughout the years. Hank is also a composer of polka's and waltzes, many that were recorded when Hank was with the Garchar Band. They include: My Pretty Girl polka, Terri Ann polka, Blue Mountain waltz, El's waltz, and Thanks, Hank polka. The last he recorded with the Al Hreno Band for the Polka Pals 20th Anniversary CD. Hank likes to say he's "over the hill" but don't believe him… He's a player!
While in the Navy Seabees, stationed in the South Pacific, Hank would take his accordion and travel the various service hospitals to entertain the injured troops.
Hank and his wife El have been blessed with three daughters, Kim, Terri Ann and Janet and four grandchildren.
The banquet will be held on March 30 cocktails at 4 p.m. dinner at 5 p.m. A short program will follow. Dancing to the great sounds of the Jeff Pecon Orchestra will round-out the evening festivities. This affair is by invitation only. There will be no tickets sold at the door. Call chairman Ray Kovac at 330-824-2154. The cost of tickets is $33 each and include full meal, two open bars through-out the evenings and dancing to the Jeff Pecon Orchestra. In closing, The Pals invite everyone to the 29th Man of the Year celebration.

Tony Cardiero-125 lb. weight class Div. III for Girard. Looking for a big pin during his match at sectionals.

Nico Francis a Sophomore from Girard-135 lb. weight class took first place in Div. III sectional tournament at Rootstown.

Soccer Season has arrived at St. Patrick School

Tallen Birmingham works hard at winning his matches so he can move on to the district tournament at Maple Heights. He is a sophomore from Girard-140 lb. weight class.

Unveiling of the Rose
Gardens master planning

Gun and Sporting Goods Show March 29 and 30

Hidden Valley Sportsmen's Club is hosting a Gun and Sporting Goods Show on Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This event is open to the public. Admission is $4 children under 12 are free. Parking is free as well. A concession stand will be open.

Instructors Training course

The American Red Cross of Trumbull and Mercer Counties will be conducting an "Instructors Training" class on April 8, 15 and 22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mercer County Red Cross office in Sharpsville. This class is ideal for anyone who would like to become an instructor. All participants must be currently Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid. Fee for the three day class is $175 and includes lay-responder teaching materials. For more information and to register for the class, please call Susan at 724-962-9180.

Keith Kaiser, Horticulture Director at Mill Creek Metroparks, and David Imbrogno, Executive Director for Mill Creek Metroparks , unveil the Master Plan for Fellows Riverside Gardens. Although the gardens change every year, the 2008 plan incorporates more land and upgrades in horticulture, pedestrian and vehicle travel, and increased parking areas. To successfully reach completion, everyone is needed to help. Donations are accepted and volunteers are needed. Call 330-740-7116 for more information. Photo by Roselyn Gadd.

Students in first and second grade are have started practicing for the upcoming soccer season. Their first game is April 6 against St. Nicholas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS.