HISTORY OF THE FAIR: Beginning in 1846, the Canfield Fair has grown to be one of the best-loved fairs in Ohio. Even with the challenges of COVID-19, the excitement of fair time continues. The Salem Public Library will host George Roman, member of the Canfield Fair Board of Directors, as he shares the history of the Mahoning Valley event 6:30 p.m. Monday. Connect with the program through Zoom by first registering for the program online at www.salem.lib.oh.us or call the library at 330-332-0042 for registration assistance. Approximately 24 hours before the program, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing the program and instructions for setting up Zoom. Participation in this program is free and open to the public.

COALITION TO MEET: A local, broad-based coalition of community leaders, organizations, and public officials will meet 1 p.m≥Wednesday in front of the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, 962 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, to announce the beginning of a formal process to preserve the former West Federal Street Branch of the YMCA of Youngstown, a building now owned and operated by the Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission will vacate the building next year to move into a new facility currently under construction north of the present location.

The coalition will be consulting with the Ohio State Historic Preservation office in Columbus to nominate the building to the National Register. The Youngstown Young Men’s Christian Association opened the West Federal building, a branch that became known as “the Black Y,” in 1931, as part of a million-dollar capital improvement fundraising drive to which more than 100 local business and individuals pledged.

For 43 years, the West Federal Y was a vital community center for African-Americans in the city. Boys and men participated in physical fitness programs, and social events were held in the second-floor ballroom. On Sunday afternoons, well-known local and national African-American spiritual, educational, and professional leaders gave lectures in the gym.

The YMCA of Youngstown closed the West Federal Branch in 1974, and merged its programs with the downtown Central YMCA, despite concerns from community leaders. Soon after, the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley purchased the building for one dollar, and has operated it as a shelter and food service center ever since.

TODAY

• Tuesday Morning Recovery — 10:30 a.m., Meridian Place, 1184 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

• Tuesday Night Surrender — 7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, 2555 Rush Blvd., Youngstown.

• Food Addicts Anonymous — 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 162 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown. Call 330-793-1599.

• Helping Hands Closet — nearly new clothing, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road.

•Girard Liberty Rotary Club — 6 p.m. at Amen Corner in Girard. Andy at 330-716-4523.

• Free Food Give-away — 10 a.m. to noon, Alpha & Omega 1st Baptist Church, 3120 Winton Ave., Youngstown. Photo I.D. required.