Community news
WINTER SEMINAR: The Gardeners of Greater Youngstown will present the 18th winter seminar beginning at 9 a.m. on March 11 in the Davis Center at the Fellows Riverside Gardens in Youngstown. Doors open at 8 a.m.
The all-day event features three accredited instructors presenting topics of interest for all gardeners: Dr. Robert McMahon, recently retired as the greenhouse manager at OSU’s Agriculture Technical Institute’s campus in Wooster, will discuss houseplant care; Dr. Laura Deeter will talk about the basics of soil science and the latest information on the plants you shouldn’t live without in 2023; and Julie Witmer, photographer, gardener and holder of a horticulture certificate from the Royal Horticulture Society of Great Britain. She will help participants find the right plants for wherever their garden grows. The cost is $80 for the day. Download a registration form from the website, www.gg-yo.org, or call Clare Neff at 330-503-6988 for more information. Registration deadline is Wednesday.
HELPING HANDS: Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, has new and gently used clothes for families and is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.
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FUNDRAISER TO HELP WOMAN: A fundraiser to benefit Emily Wirtz who was recently diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and is undergoing treatment and is unable to work for a minimum of six months, will be 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, 4500 Norquest Blvd, Austintown. There will be a dinner, 50/50 and basket raffle. The event is being sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Mears Chaper 3930.
SOCIETY TO MEET: The Hubbard Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hubbard Senior Center located by the city administration building, 220 W. Liberty St. Guest speaker is Mary Ann Creatore, who will speak about the Barnhisel Home and Museum in Girard.
BASKET STROLL: The Mahoning County Medical Alliance will host a basket stroll 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Club in Poland. Proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. The event features a basket raffle, live entertainment and vendor shopping. Cost is $30 per person and can be paid via credit card at Eventbrite.com
The medical alliance is a volunteer organization of physicians’ spouses who provide support to the community. The local chapter has been active for 84 years. They have raised more than $230,000 for local charities.
BOARDMAN FUNDRAISER: The Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence reverse raffle will be March 10 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman with doors opening at 6 p.m. The raffle is the group’s main fundraiser. The BSFEE is a component fund of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, The funds raised help provide Boardman teachers with mini grants. To reserve a ticket, call 330-726-3404.
LENTEN SERIES: The Hubbard citywide Lenten Revival of Worship will be 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday with services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Chestnut Ridge Church of God and Tuesday and Thursday at Hubbard Church of the Nazarene.
K9 FOR COMPASSION: The Girard Free Library will host K9s for Compassion at 6 p.m. Tuesday where children up to age 12 can read a book to one of the organization’s trained therapy dogs. RSVP at the library to schedule a time.
EASTER BASKETS: The Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard is planning to distribute baskets to local children ages 2 to 11 whose families are registered at the center. Those who want their children to receive an Easter basket can call 330-545-4301 by March 27. Easter baskets will be picked up at the center on April 4. Any individual or organization who would like to make a donation of an Easter basket, candy or small toy can call the center. Items are needed by March 30.
SCRAPPERS HOST FAMILIES: The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Niles. Those interested in hosting a player for the 2023 season are asked to attend where they will receive additional information. Opening night for the Scrappers is June 1. For information, call 330-505-0000.
SUPER BINGO: St. Mary’s first Super Bingo will be Saturday at the church, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown. Tickets are $45 and include cards, dinner and a door prize ticket. Tickets are available at the Sunday bingo or weekdays at the church hall. For information, call 330-951-7343.
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TURKEY FUNDRAISER: After a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey on Feb. 6, and aftershocks continue to add to the devastation, local brothers and owners of Cafe 422 feel compelled to help their homeland and are hosting a benefit dinner and basket raffle from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Cafe 422 in Warren.
Tickets are $20 each, which includes dinner and the option to participate in a raffle. All of the funds raised will go toward the earthquake relief efforts.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Cafe 422 locations in Warren and Boardman, Candywood Wine Cellar in Vienna, The Living Room Tavern in Howland, Station Square in Liberty, Sharon Hot Dog Shoppe in Sharon, Pa., The Kabob House in Boardman or at the door the day of the event.
Cafe 422 will send the funds raised to The Foundation of Anatolian People and Peace Platform (AHBAP).
If anyone is unable to attend the benefit and would like to donate to the cause, a GoFundMe account (https://gofund.me/3ea08fcd) has been set up and the link can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
SUPER BINGO: St. Mary’s first Super Bingo will be March 4 at the church, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown. Tickets are $45 and include cards, dinner and a door prize ticket. Tickets are available at the Sunday bingo or weekdays at the church hall. For information, call 330-951-7343.
DUELING PIANO NIGHT: Pink Ribbon Dueling Piano Night, hosted by the Zeta Tau Alpha Youngstown Alumnae Chapter, will be 6 to 10 p.m. on March 3 at the Maronite Center. Guests are the Cleveland Keys.
Proceeds will benefit breast cancer awareness and education and the Joanie Abdu Breast Cancer Center. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 for table of eight and includes dinner, dessert and entertainment. Cash bar and raffles also will be available.
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SOCIETY TO MEET: The Poland Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road, Poland. Guest speaker at 7:30 p.m. is Marilyn Mong, who will make a presentation about the American women who flew for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II as members of the Women’s Airfare Service Pilots (WASP). Membership dues will be collected this month. Dues are $20 per person or $30 per couple. All members who pay their dues by March 1 will be included in the 2023 membership directory.
FOOD PANTRY: Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown will host its monthly food pantry from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday for anyone needing assistance.
ANGELS FOR ANIMALS: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services Partners has partnered with Angels for Animals for a pet food drive 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Boardman location, 7148 West Blvd. Donations of dog and cat food, toys, treats and cat liter will be given to support animals in shelters and help families in need.
MUSIC FOR DINNER: The South Range band, choir and ensembles from grades 5 through 12 will perform at the South Range Music Boosters’ annual pasta dinner 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at South Range High School, 11300 Columbiana-Canfield Road. Meals also will be available to go.
The cost to purchase online is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets at the door will be an additional $2.
There also will be a basket raffle at the dinner. Funds raised will benefit all music education at South Range Schools. For information or to make a donation, visit SRMusicBoosters@southrange.org.
USA DANCE: USA Dance will host dance lessons today at the Avon Oaks Ballroom in Girard. The dance features deejay Chris Drum and tango lessons. The basics are at 5 p.m., intermediate lessons are at 5:30 p.m. and general dancing is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 for USA dance members, $15 for non-members and $3 for students who are full-time high school and college. The dances are open to the public. For information, visit www.usadance2015.com
FOOD GIVEAWAY: Bethel Church of God in Christ, 3147 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, hosts a food giveaway at noon each Wednesday.
BEAVER SOCIETY: The Beaver Township Historical Society, 11836 South Ave., North Lima (the Old School Market Place) is looking for volunteers to help with duties associated with the group such as filing information, adding to the room displays, researching information and joining the group. The room is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the second Saturday for viewing historical displays. For information, call 330-318-0408.
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WWII GROUP TO MEET: Gary Wholf will share experiences of both his father and father-in-law in Europe during World War II at the Monday meeting of the World War II Heritage Group. The event will be at A La Cart Catering in Canfield at 6:15 p.m., with a buffet meal served before the talk. Reservations are required by contacting David Frank at 330 757-0515.
Wholf is a longtime member of the organization and past president of the Mahoning Valley Civil War Roundtable, where he serves as program director. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Wholf was also a reenactor with Civil War, World War I and World War II groups.
Wholf’s father served with the 90th division, Third Army and his father-in-law with the Second Infantry Division, First Army. Both saw extensive combat action. Gary will trace both the division and soldier experiences.
Members are reminded that annual dues of $15 are due with their reservation or at the meeting.
NIGHT AT RACES: A Night at the Races will be Saturday at the Avon Oaks Ballroom on N. State St., Girard. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first race is at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Girard Robotics Booster Club and proceeds benefit the Girard FIRST Robotics and LEGO League teams. A 50-50 raffle and auction race, along with a basket raffle, also will take place. Admission is free. Horses can be purchased for $10, and six-person and 10-person tables can be reserved for $10 and $15.
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SCOUTS AWARD SERVICE: Cub Scout Pack 9022 will participate in a Scouting Sunday service at 11 a.m. and an awards ceremony starting at 1 p.m. Sunday at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown. The families of Cub Scout Pack 9022 and Scouts BSA Troop 9022 will recognize the 113th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and the 12th point of the Scout Law — “A Scout is Reverent.” Following the service will be a luncheon and awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of the Cub Scouts, award four Cub Scouts with their Catholic Religious Award and to perform an Arrow of Light ceremony, the highest award in the Cub Scout program. Following the Arrow of Light Ceremony will be a Crossover Ceremony from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA for those who will be joining Scouts BSA Troop 9022 at the church.
VALLEY STEM: Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Valley STEM and City Machine Technologies Inc. present the Kids Career Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, 7300 N. Palmyra Road, Canfield. It is free and open to the public. The first 500 kids to the fair receive a free gift.
The career fair was developed to showcase the career opportunities in the area that many kids and even parents might not know about. Businesses participating will have a table activity for kids during the event, as well as giveaways.
VETERANS FUNDRAISER: Veterans’ Outreach is accepting reservations to attend the Tine Time Benefit Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at The Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road, Youngstown. Cost is $60 per person. Come celebrate Valen “Tine” Time with friends to benefit veterans in need. There will be live music, Leather and Lace Productions six-piece band, dinner, games, dancing, a basket auction and 50/50 raffle.
To make reservations, go online to: www.veteransoutreach.org/tinetime, mail or stop by 7 Belgrade Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505, or call 330-755-5792 Ext. 5.
WORLD WAR I PROGRAM: Local historian Steffon Jones will host a program on World War I from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Youngstown-Mahoning County Public Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Call the main library at 330-744-8636 to reserve a spot.
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GUEST SPEAKER: Ohio State University Extension Office representative, Haley Shoemaker, will speak about the history and importance of the land-grant university programs at 10 a.m. Feb 18 at Denny’s Restaurant Meeting Room, 4020 Belmont Ave., Liberty, for the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society’s Memories of a Lifetime lecture series. Shoemaker serves as the Columbiana/Mahoning Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, with the OSU Extension Office in Canfield. During her six-year career, she has worked with area farms, agricultural agencies and communities, to bring relevant university research to a practical level that can be implemented on the farm. All programs are open to the public. Member admission is $5. Non-member admission is $10. Refreshments and live entertainment are provided. A 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the society’s education mission. Reservations are suggested. Walk-ins admitted, based upon limited seat availability, due to social distancing. For reservations or information, call 330-726-8277.
CELLO CONCERT: St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, will host a concert featuring Cello One at 1 p.m. today.
FUNDRAISER SET: Veterans Outreach will host a fundraiser “Tine Time” 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lake Club in Poland. There will be dinner, band, games and a basket auction. Call for tickets at 330-755-5795 ext 5 or 330-716-5474, or go to veteransoutreach org.
REPTILE SHOW: The Northeast Ohio Reptile Show will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Metroplex Expo Center, 1620 Motor Inn Drive, Liberty. Admission is $6 per person with children age 10 and under free. There will be 96 tables of reptiles, amphibians and arachnids.
SPIRITUAL HEALING: The Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will offer regular session spiritual healing at 12:30 p.m on the second Sunday of the month beginning Feb. 12. The sessions will be conducted by Bryan Baskett, who is a reiki master. Events are open to the public and a free-will offering will be accepted. For information, call 330-539-0122.
TRANSIT VALENTINE: WRTA is celebrating Ohio Loves Transit Week and Valentine’s Day by asking Valley residents and riders “Who Do You Love? This is WRTA’s third annual Valley Valentine campaign that allows people to declare their love in the Mahoning Valley. Visit WRTAonline. com and click on Valley Valentines campaign, which gives local lovers the opportunity to declare their love for each other. Complete the form to enter the contest. The deadline is Tuesday. Twelve entries will be chosen at random on Wednesday. A personalized Valentine message will be created for each of the selected winners and shown at the WRTA 35-foot video display in downtown Youngstown.
OPEN HOUSE: Ursuline High School will host an open house 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. today at the school cafeteria. All eighth-grade families in attendance will have the opportunity to win one of several $500 tuition raffles. All academic departments and school organizations will prepare booths and displays for the event. Tours of the school will be available. The band and speech and debate teams will perform.
KIDS CAREER FAIR: The second annual Kids Career Fair will be presented by the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center and Valley STEM 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the MCCTC, 7300 N. Palmyra Road, Canfield. Businesses are being asked to provide a table activity for the children. For information, visit twww.cmtcompanies.com .kids-career-faircompanies.
RED CROSS NEEDS HELP: The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region has an urgent need for volunteers in several critical roles. The organization will host an informational session in Akron for attendees to learn about volunteer opportunities and to hear from current volunteers about their experiences. A virtual attendance option is also available. The session will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at American Red Cross, 501 W. Market St., Akron. For questions, call Jamie Kazel at 216-645-5730.
SCHOLARSHIP: The Women’s Catholic Collegiate $1,000 scholarship is availablefor Catholic women in college who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher with 30 to 60 hours of completed coursework. The Youngstown Women’s Catholic Collegiate is a group of dedicated Catholic women with college degrees. The group consists of 100 members. For information, call Marla at 330-727-4449. Applications are needed by March 31.
LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING: The Jewish Community Center is offering basic life support training for ages 17 and older 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the center, 505 Gypsy Lane. Participants will learn the skills they need to assess, recognize and care for patients who are experiencing respiratory arrest. Those who complete the course will receive an American Red Cross certificate for basic life support valid for two years. Cost is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. The registration deadline is Wednesday. To register, visit jccyoungstown.org
BLUE COATS SEEK DONATIONS: The Youngstown Blue Coats is asking for donations for homeless veterans, including sleeping bags, coats, gloves, blankets and socks for men and women. No children’s items are being accepted. The donations can be used or new. For information, call 330-531-1762 or www.ytownbluecoats.org.
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REOPENING: The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will reopen its Brownlee Woods Library on Monday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brownlee Woods became home to PLYMC’s Information Systems department while the main library branch was under renovation. However, a broken furnace closed the branch in January 2022, and it then was determined that the building needed repairs and refurbishing before reopening to the public. The library’s upgrades include new flooring, lights and computers, as well as a fresh coat of paint.
VALENTINES FOR DOGS: Friends of Fido is hosting its annual Valentine’s Day card event, “For the Love of Dogs.” Participants should 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 there 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 501(c)3 nonprofit that runs entirely on donations.
All money raised will be for veterinarian care, which totaled over $150,000 in 2022. 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 their Facebook page at Friends of Fido MCDP or their website at www.friendsoffidomahoning.org. You can also drop off cards and donations at the Mahoning County Dog Warden, 1230 N. Meridian Road.
MEETING SET: The OneOhio Region 7 Collaborative of the OneOhio Foundation will host its monthly meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday at Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, 1030 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
VOLUNTEER STUDENTS: More than 300 students, faculty, staff and community members volunteered their time at area non-profit organizations as part of the University of Mount Union’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
The following local students volunteered for MLK Day of Service: Kei Carson from Lake Milton, Bri Griffin from Canfield, Ginette Griffin from Canfield, Robert Musser from Canfield, Jacek Strotz from Beloit and Emilee Styranec from Struthers.
The event, which began in 2010, is coordinated by Mount Union’s Regula Center for Public Service and places volunteers across non-profit locations in the community. This year, 14 organizations benefitted from Mount Union volunteer support.
EMERGING SOCIAL WORKER: Madison Goske, daughter of Steven and Charolette Goske of Canfield, recently was awarded the Emerging Social Work Leader Award by the National Assosication of Social Workers. Goske is a social worker recently employed by Catholic Charities in Youngstown.