A banner will be erected in front of National City Bank in Conneaut Lake Borough to allow local residents to watch the progress of the campaign. The society’s theme, “I Think I Can, I Think I Can,” based on the popular children’s book, is designed to move the train up the track as the money is raised and provide incentive to the community.

breakout box

Brochures with brick order information are available in local businesses or may be secured on-line at conneautlakepark.com.

Those who don’t want to buy a brick but want to contribute may send any size donation to Conneaut Lake Institute, P.O. Box 111, Conneaut Lake, Pa., l6316. “We will take any amount,” said Carol West, Institute treasurer.

All donations are tax deductible.

Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com

By Jane Smith

meadville tribune

While money is being raised for personalized bricks — an effort geared to bring the miniature train back to Conneaut Lake Park — other special events and group picnics have already been scheduled for nearly every weekend of the 2006 operating season.

“The group sales (picnics) are going very well,” said George Deshner, general manager.

Before the park opens, however, two special cleanup weekends are set to prepare the park for the 2006 season.

The first is next weekend, April 1 and 2; the second is May 6 and 7. Volunteers can report to the park and be assigned such tasks as painting or other routine cleanup work. For the work weekend of May 6 and 7, the annual “spring cleanup,” volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and everyone is welcome to take part.