Community news
HOLOCAUST WRITING, MEDIA CONTEST: The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is hosting its annual Holocaust writing, art and multi-media contest, which is open to students in grades seven to 12 in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, as well as western Pennsylvania.
The competition is held in conjunction with Yom Hashoah.
The theme for this year’s contest relates to the Wannsee Conference, a 90-minute meeting in January 1942 that was attended by 15 high-ranking Nazi party and German government officials and convened to discuss and coordinate the implementation of the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question.”
Contest submissions must relate to the historical analysis of the Wannsee Conference. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, the ethics of genocide, the equality or inequality of guilt between perpetrators and bystanders, the role of government and the rule of law in the implementation of mass atrocities, and how the use of milder language in place of that considered to be too harsh or blunt contributed to the Nazi plan to exterminate the Jewish people.
Writing submissions can be either prose or poetry, but must be no more than 1,500 words, double-spaced and submitted in a Microsoft Word document. Art submissions must be submitted on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper. Multimedia submissions must be no longer than five minutes and will be accepted in the form of YouTube video, Instagram story, or TikTok post submitted electronically or on a flash drive.
Entries must be submitted by April 1.
Awards will be presented during the community Yom Hashoah commemoration ceremony at noon April 28 at the Mahoning County Courthouse, 120 Market St. in Youngstown.
To submit an entry, email it to Nancy Sentelik at the federation at nsentelik@jewish
youngstown.org.
FARMERS MARKET: The Austintown Farmers Market will begin its monthly markets inside the Stacey Pavilion of Austintown Township Park. The markets will be 9 a.m. to noon the second weekend of each month, generally on Saturdays, from January to May and again September to December. There may be some variations due to scheduling conflicts with rentals at Stacey Pavilion. Produce will be limited, but local makers and bakers will be offering their products to the community. Children may make and take crafts at no cost.
Vendors can apply at austintownfarmersmarket.com/vendor-application/ For more information, call 3300-349-2503 or austintownfarmers
market@gmail.com.
Community news
FRIENDS OF FIDO: Friends of Fido is hosting its annual Valentine’s Day card event, “For the Love of Dogs.” Participants can mail $1 along with a valentine for the dogs at the Mahoning County Dog Warden’s office.
The goal of the fundraiser is to fill the walls of the Mahoning County pound with as many valentines as possible. Friends of Fido was started in 2011 when the volunteers who walked the dogs wanted to help the pound dogs who came in sick or injured. Friends of Fido is a nonprofit that runs entirely on donations. All money raised will be for veterinarian care, which totaled over $100,000 in 2021.
Valentines and donations can be mailed to Friends of Fido, P.O. Box 2963, Youngstown, OH 44511.
For information or to find a valentine, visit the Facebook page at Friends of Fido MCDP or its website at www.friendsoffidomahoning.org.
Cards and donations also may be dropped off at Pet Lodge USA of Boardman, 8063 Market St., Boardman 44512, or the Mahoning County Dog Warden at 1230 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown 44511.
RECREATIONAL HIKES: Mill Creek MetroParks is offering recreational hikes 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday with those participating asked to meet at Scholl Recreation area, 1861 McCollum Toad. The hike will be 2 to 4 miles. Volunteer led hikes focus on exercising in the outdoors. For information, call 330-740-7114.
PRESIDENT’S BIRTHDAY: An open house will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the McKinley Birthplace Home in Niles to celebrate the birthday of William McKinley. The McKinley Birthplace Home will be open for guided, self-guided or audio tours. President McKinley (portrayed by Mike Wilson) will make an appearance. The library requests that in-person participants wear masks.
Community news
OFFICE CLOSED: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Office will be closed today to conduct mandatory training for the staff.
Questions may be addressed at 330-740-2450.
BLUE COATS SEEK DONATIONS: The Youngstown Blue Coats, 6169 Youngstown Hubbard Road, Hubbard are in need of sleeping bags, coats and hoodies, dry boots warm winter gloves, hats, scarves, hand and foot warmers, blankets, tents, tarps, gym duffel bags and new socks.
Drop off items from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays.
BOARD VACANCY: The Hubbard Public Library Board of Trustees is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy on the board. The position begins in March. The board meets 5 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the library meeting room.
Letters of interest may be sent to Hubbard Public Library, Lorena Hegesus, 436 W. Liberty St., Hubbard 44425, or email lorena@beyond-books.org, by Monday.
Community news
FIRST FRIDAY HOSTS HOLOCAUST SPECIALIST: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet noon Feb. 3 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Guest is Jesse V. McClain, Holocaust educational specialist with the Jewish Community Relations Council. McClain will present “Church in the Holocaust.”
There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions to follow. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $18. For reservations, call 330-720-4498 by Jan. 28. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org
POLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Dan Welch will be the guest speaker 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the meeting of the Poland Historical Society at Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor.
Welch’s presentation will be on “Ohio at Antietam: The Buckeye State’s Sacrifice on America’s Bloodiest Day.” He is co-author of a recent book with this title. He will include stories about those from Poland and the Mahoning Valley who served during the Civil War battles at South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland.
Welch is a music educator at Campbell City School District and continues to serve as a seasonal park ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park. Copies of the book will be available for purchase following the presentation.
The public is invited to attend the presentation at 7:30 p.m. Attendees should enter the rear door of the church. Masks are required.
SCHOLASTIC ART: The 2022 Scholastic Art Competition has made an in-person return at 11 a.m. Saturday at Youngstown State University Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater. With the continuing support of Akron Children’s Hospital, the YSU Foundation, and Boardman Rotary, which help sponsor the show and subsidize the work for little to no cost for local teachers and students. Last year the pandemic dropped the show to under 300 entries, but teachers from Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties have submitted nearly 500 pieces of artwork in grades 7-12. The show recognizes students regionally with Silver Key categorized pieces and Gold Keys, which will move on from our region and become national qualifiers to compete in New York City with some of the best in the United States.
SEEK HOST FAMILIES: The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are looking for families who are interested in hosting a player for the 2022 season. Host families receive an opportunity that allows them to become a part of the Scrappers team and gain a new member of the family. Host families receive complimentary season tickets, parking pass, use of a suite for a game, discounts on concessions and merchandise, on-field recognition at a game, and Eastwood Mall gift cards. If interested in the opportunity or for more information, call Roxanne at 330-505-0000 or email rherringtoin@mvscrappers.com.
Community news
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: Volunteers are being sought to help record the names of veterans buried at Tod Cemetery in Youngstown for a comprehensive veterans list for men and women who served in the military. Volunteers will help do research.for the Broadhead and Wydell Research Team with information needed by April 30. For information, contact Steffon Wydell Jones at 330-301-7365.
HOPE AWARD: The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Huntington Bank and WKBN-27 First News “Caring for Our Community” are looking for honorable, outstanding. philanthropic individuals to be nominated for the 2022 H.O.P.E. Award for Lifetime Achievement. These are honorees who have gone above and beyond to help or assist others in the Valley.
The H.O.P.E. honorees will be recognized, and the award recipient announced at the 10th annual Wine for Hope on April 29 at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. The event will feature an awards presentation highlighting the efforts of this year’s recipient to improve the quality of life of chronically / terminally ill children and their families in our community.
During this event all H.O.P.E. Honorees from 2020 and 2022 will be recognized. 2020’s event had to be canceled due to COVID-19. The 2020 honorees who will be honored are Amy Zell, Brandon Perry, Holly Welch and Delphine Baldwin Casey.
Nomination online form and details can be found at https://www.hopemv.org/wine-for-hope/
All entries must be submitted online.
LEGISLATIVE EVENT: The League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown will host its annual legislative brunch virtually 11 a.m. to noon Saturday. The league will allow for virtual opportunity to hear from legislators about their priorities for 2022 and how their work will impact the Mahoning Valley, including U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta; U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Howland; and State Rep Michelle Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown. The event is free, but advance registration is requested, which can be completed online at https://bit.ly/legislativebrunch22. A Zoom link will be sent out to anyone who registers.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Community news
LYRIC CENTER: The Liberty Youth Recreation and Impact Center (LYRIC) is open to the community 10 a.m to 2 p.m. every Tuesday for free health activities. There will be indoor walking, bocce, pickleball, corn hole, card games, and bingo at 1p.m. The LYRIC Center is located at 317 Churchill Road near the Liberty Library Branch.
EAGLES ESSENTIALS: The Eagles Essentials is available at the Hubbard administration building to help community members in need. The Hubbard Public Library has provided a fully stocked cart. Eagles Essentials are also available at the elementary, middle and high school buildings.
ART THERAPY WORKSHOPS: The Jewish Community Center will offer expressive art therapy workshops at the Paul and Yetta Gluck School of VisualArts, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown. The program is for individuals ages 18 and older. Hope Haney, executive director of NAMI of the Mahoning Valley will lead the workshop on mental health and wellness and healing. The workshops are 6 to 7 p.m. Jan.17, Feb. 12 and March 21. Registration is needed a jccyoungstown.org/visual arts.
SEEKING ART: The Davis Family YMCA in Boardman is seeking donations of art for its 2022 benefit art show and sale. Any age level and skill level is invited to paricipate. Art using any media the artist chooses should be lightweight and able to be hung on a wall with sticky tack. Deadline to submit art is Jan. 17. Art can be dropped off at the YMCA desk, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman. Adults may donate up to eight pieces and children four pieces. Art will be sold for $25 adults and $10 children. The opening reception will be Feb. 6. Email for information sgray@younsgwinymac.org.
Community news
LIBERTY SCHOOLS FORUM: Liberty Schools will host a forum on the pros and cons of social media as part of a community engagement event 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Liberty High School auditorium. The school district has partnered with Youngstown Urban Minority, Alcoholism, and Drug Abuse Outreach Program and mental health agencies from Trumbull and Mahoning counties.
The event is being hosted by Liberty schools, the Red Zone, Cadence Care Network, and Liberty Police Department.
The forum is aimed at empowering families to start the conversation with students about the positives and negatives of of social media.
ROUNDTABLE TO MEET: The Mahoning Valley Civil War Roundtable will meet for dinner and discussion 6:30 p.m. Monday at A La Carte Catering, 429 Lisbon Drive, Canfield. The program will feature Traci Manning , curator of education of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. She will discuss Youngstown and Ohio at Gettsyburg. For information and reservations, call Gary at 330-953-1965.
HELPING HANDS: Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, has clothing for families. The Helping Hands Closet is open 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.
FARMERS MARKET RETURNS: The Austintown Farmers’ Market will begin 2022 with monthly markets inside Stacey Pavilion at Austintown Township Park. The markets will take place on the second weekend of the month, generally 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturdays from January through May and September through December. There may be some variations due to scheduling conflicts with rentals at Stacey Pavilion. Produce will be limited, but local makers and bakers will be offering their products to the community. Children’s make and take crafts will be available at no cost. Vendors are welcome to apply at austintownfarmersmarket.com/vendor-application. For information, contact 330-349-2503 and austintownfarmersmarket@gmail.com
MEETING CANCELED: The Ways and Means Committee meeting of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board has been canceled Monday and will be re-scheduled.
MEETING CANCELED: The Ways and Means Committee meeting of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board has been canceled Monday and will be re-scheduled. y Tuesday for free health activities. There will be indoor walking, bocce, pickleball , corn hole, card games, and bingo at 1p.m. The LYRIC Center is located at 317 Churchill Road near the Liberty Library Branch.
EAGLES ESSENTIALS: The Eagles Essentials is available at the Hubbard administration building to help community members in need. The Hubbard Public Library has provided a fully stocked cart. Eagles Essentials are also available at the elementary, middle and high school buildings.
ART THERAPY WORKSHOPS: The Jewish Community Center will offer expressive art therapy workshops at the Paul and Yetta Gluck School of VisualArts, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown. The program is for individuals ages 18 and older. Hope Haney, executive director of NAMI of the Mahoning Valley will lead the workshop on mental health and wellness and healing. The workshops are 6 to 7 p.m. Jan.17, Feb. 12 and March 21. Registration is needed a jccyoungstown.org/visual arts.
SEEKING ART: The Davis Family YMCA in Boardman is seeking donations of art for its 2022 benefit art show and sale. Any age level and skill level is invited to paricipate. Art using any media the artist chooses should be lightweight and able to be hung on a wall with sticky tack. Deadline to submit art is Jan. 17. Art can be dropped off at the YMCA desk, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman. Adults may donate up to eight pieces and children four pieces. Art will be sold for $25 adults and $10 children. The opening reception will be Feb. 6. Email for information sgray@younsgwinymac.org.