Community news

SPECIAL NEEDS FEST: The Autism Awareness Training and Acceptance Program will host its sixth annual free fall festival and special needs / disability resource fair noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Cornerhouse Christian Church, 6954 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard.

Attendees will be able to meet and interact with local first responders and their vehicles. There also will be special needs resource tables, face painting, games, trunk or treat, giveaways, motorcycles, a basket raffle and 50 / 50 raffle.

It is presented in partnership with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley.

COAT GIVEAWAY: The Warren Family Mission's winter coat giveaway is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the mission, 155 Tod Ave. NW, Warren. There are winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and more.

For volunteer information, call 330-394-5437.

AAUW WELCOMES WELSH: American Association of University Women, Youngstown Branch, will meet 10 a.m. Nov. 2, at Park Vista North Lounge. The speaker is Thomas G. Welsh, a professional writer and editor based in Youngstown.

The presentation, titled "Staying Relevant: Positive Organizational Responses to the Mahoning Valley's Transformation," will reveal how some communities and organizations in the Youngstown area have maintained visibility and influence amid challenging post-industrial trends. The talk will focus on two strikingly different communities, the local Jewish community and the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, both of whom have preserved a strong institutional presence and powerful sense of mission.

For more information about AAUW and the program, email youngstownaauw@gmail.com.or check the website AAUWYoungstown.

HOLIDAY TEA: The Austintown Historical Society will host its annual Holiday High Tea on Nov. 10 at the Strock Stone house, 7171 Mahoning Ave. There will be a selection of fine teas with quiche, finger sandwiches and cookies. Seating times are 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Time to tour the historic house will be available after the tea. Reservations cost $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Contact Kathy Gerberry at KMG323@aol.com, 330-360-6212, or mail a check with seating preference to Kathy Gerberry, 5017 Macy Lane, Canfield, OH 44406 to make reservations. All reservations must be prepaid by Nov. 3.

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HELPING HANDS: Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, and has new and gently used clothing for the family.

BOWLING FOR A CAUSE: A "Bowling for Boobs" fundraiser is 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Westside Bowl in Youngstown. The event is to benefit Kat Jackson, a local young artist who was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer. There will be vendors, live music / bands, a basket raffle, a mimosas bar and photo opportunities for people and their pets.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Campbell Mayor Bryan K. Tedesco has announced a one-hour Trunk-or-Treat event starting at 4 p.m. Oct. 31 in Roosevelt Park prior to regular trick-or-treating 5 to 7 p.m.

Community news

BOWLING FOR A CAUSE: A "Bowling for Boobs" fundraiser is 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Westside Bowl in Youngstown. The event is to benefit Kat Jackson, a local young artist who was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer. There will be vendors, live music / bands, a basket raffle, a mimosas bar and photo opportunities for people and their pets.

ROTARY CLUB HOSTS FUNDRAISER: The Rotary Club of Youngstown will host its fifth annual Pints vs. Polio event 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Penguin City Beer. For the day, Penguin City will donate $1 to Rotary's Polio Plus Fund for every pint of beer sold. The Youngstown Rotary Foundation will match the amount raised, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match that total amount two for one.

TRUNK OR TREAT: Canfield Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges will host the annual Trunk or Treat festival 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday on the Village Green in Canfield. There will be candy, food, bounce houses, slide, DJ, pumpkin decorating and a costume parade.

TRAIL OF TREATS: Youngstown will host its Trail of Treats from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in Wick Park. The free event includes candy as well as face painting and hayrides.

The event had 3,000 participants last year. For more information, contact mcpenella@youngstownohio.gov or

cmullins@youngstownohio.gov.

NEWCOMERS MEET: Newcomers of Mahoning Valley will have its next luncheon noon Wednesday at Donavito's Restaurant, 139 Bridge St., Struthers. There is no program, but future activities will be discussed. The club gives those an opportunity to meet new people, learn about the community and find support.

For more information, send a message to youngstownofmv@gmail.com.

HURRICANE ITEMS NEEDED: Manna Food Bank and Hubbard Hello Brothers Club are sponsoring a hurricane relief food drive noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Hubbard City Administration Building, 220 W. Liberty St., Hubbard.

You can make a secure online donation at donate.mannafoodbank.org.

Items needed include bottled water, baby and toddler formula, and food, baby wipes, diapers for all ages, adult incontinence products and personal hygiene products.

These supplies and funds will directly support MANNA FoodBank's emergency food distribution and recovery efforts. MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, North Carolina, is a private, not-for-profit service organization working to end food insecurity in the 16 counties of western North Carolina.

For additional information, contact Hubbard Mayor Ben Kyle at 330-770-6022 or Ray Watkins at 234-855-3316.

Community news

BATS OF OHIO: The Audubon Society / Mahoning Valley is hosting its monthly program 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Austintown Senior Center. The program, Amazing Bats of Ohio -- Past, Present and Future, will feature Todd and Ann Cartner, certified volunteer naturalists, citizen scientists and award-winning volunteers to numerous parks and conservation organizations in northeast Ohio.

The event is free and open to everyone

SPOOKY SPRINT: The Campbell Elementary / Middle School PTO and Campbell Run Club are sponsoring a 2.5-mile Spooky Sprint at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the school.

Registration is 6 to 6:30 p.m. and costs $25. Featured will be a run, walk, music, costumes and trunk or treat.

For information, call 330-519-3959.

VOLUNTEER MEET AND GREET: The Mahoning Valley Irish Festival will have a volunteer meet and greet 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cocca's Pizza, 7144 Market St., Boardman. Festival organizers will be available to discuss how volunteers can contribute.

Light fare will be provided.

For more information about volunteer opportunities or the 2025 festival, email info@mvirishfestival.com or call 330-770-6785.

LIGHT UP THE VALLEY: The Western Reserve Transit Authority is again putting the spotlight on organizations that Light Up the Valley all year long.

Nominations are being accepted through 5 p.m. Friday. Only one nomination per organization is necessary and accepted.

Twelve area organizations will be chosen from the nominees by a panel of three community leaders.

The chosen organizations will be honored at a special event Nov. 21 at the DeYor Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion in downtown Youngstown. The honored organizations will be featured on WRTA ads, signs on WRTA buses and the digital sign above Federal Station in downtown Youngstown. One organization, chosen by drawing at the event, will also receive a year-long social media campaign.

Go to wrtaonline.com and click on the Holiday Lights link in the News section for nominations.

Community news

DANCE WITH ME: The USA Dance Youngstown-Warren Chapter 2015 is sponsoring a dance 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Avon Oaks Ballroom in Girard. The evening features ballroom dance lessons. There will be a mix of ballroom, rhythm, Latin, swing and club dance music.

Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members and $3 for students. Dances are open to the public.

For more information, go to usadance2015.com or follow on Facebook at USA-Dance-Chapter-2015-Youngstown-Warren-OH.

BOARDMAN CIVIC AWARDS: The Boardman Civic Association will honor its 2024 Community Award winners at a dinner 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park. Doors open at 5 p.m. Those being honored include:

Business Person of the Year -- Rick Blase

Community Service Award -- Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence

Citizen of the Year -- Tim Saxton

Remodeled Buildings Awards -- Youngstown Orthopaedic

New Buildings Awards -- Prosper Centre

Non-association members wishing to attend the event can do so for $20 per person and must make a reservation by Friday by emailing mharris1421@yahoo.com.

DARE SINGLES: Divorce / Death Aren't Really the End (DARE) singles group meets 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St., Youngstown. Call 330-729-0127 for more information. Do not call the church.

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COOKIE TABLE LUNCHEON: In recognition of National Cookie Month, the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Boardman will host a cookie table luncheon Monday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. There will be a presentation by author Alice Crosetto at 11 a.m. and lunch begins at noon. Tickets are $25 a person. All proceeds benefit the children's reading program at the Boardman library. There also will be basket raffles.

OHIO VALLEY GIANT PUMPKINS: The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers are hosting their 29th annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown- Salem Road, Canfield.

Prize money this year will exceed $25,000. There will be heaviest giant pumpkin, watermelon, tomato, field pumpkin, along with widest sunflower head and longest gourd categories. The winning premium for heaviest giant pumpkin category will be awarded $7,000.

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers Club has 200 members and provides an annual weigh-off site for The Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth, an international organization that conducts over 100 weigh-offs spanning the globe.

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SCHOOLHOUSE TOUR: The Poland Historical Society will host an Open House at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Visitors may tour the schoolhouse, learn about Poland history and enjoy refreshments. There also will be pumpkins for children to decorate.

OPEN HOUSE: The Moss Ancestral Home and the Mineral Ridge Historical Society, located at 1499 and 1476 Burnett St., Mineral Ridge, will be open 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. This historical Pennsylvania Bank-style house was built in the 1830s and showcases the history of the area.

PURPLE PINKIES: This month, the members of Rotary District 6650 in the NE Ohio region are joining with other Rotary Clubs around the nation to host a unique joint fundraiser in celebration of World Polio Day.

Rotarians in these 45 clubs and their high school and college affiliates will sell scratch-made long john/cream stick donuts topped with a dab of purple icing.

This represents the purple paint placed on children's pinkie fingers in developing countries after receiving the polio vaccine. For every $20 dozen sold, a $9 donation will be made to Rotary International's End Polio Now initiative.

The donation is then eligible for the 2:1 match funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and any other District or Rotary International matching funds available, which will help this fund grow.

To donate, checks can be made to "Rotary District 6650" and mailed to Rotary District 6650, 116 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44702. For more info, contact PDG Rich Tirpak at 330-933-1043 rstirpak@neo.rr.com.

MOAA-MSVC MEET: The Military Officers Association of America-Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter's next chapter meeting is noon Oct. 18 at A La Cart Catering, 429 Lisbon St., Canfield. Meal cost is $20 and reservations are due no later than Monday.

Current, former and retired commissioned and warrant officers and their surviving spouses in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania may attend one time at no cost or obligation. For more information, write to msvcmoaa@gmail.com.

Community news

DYLAN'S HOUSE: Dylan's House, a nonprofit organization for autistic individuals in the Mahoning Valley, is hosting a fundraiser 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Firefly Farm, 4950 S. Raccoon Road, Canfield, to raise money to build housing to support those diagnosed with autism.

The homes will be constructed in Boardman and Struthers. The event also will include the announcement and recognition of partners and donors, and their impact on this Dylan's House initiative. For information and to learn more about Dylan's House, go to dylanshouse.org.

KNIGHT AT THE RACES: The Holy Family Knights of Columbus Council 15573 will host its annual Knight at the Races at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Parish Center, 2729 Center Road, Poland. Tickets are $15 per person and you must be 21 to enter.

COMEDY FUNDRAISER: The Altar and Rosary Society of St. Patrick Church of Hubbard is holding a comedy fundraiser 7 p.m. Saturday in the Parish Hall.

Tickets are $30 each and include the show, appetizers and refreshments (BYOB and table snacks). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a lottery tree raffle.

For tickets or information, call Paulette at 330-518-6353 or Marilyn at 330-720-3777. Tickets are also available online at slapsticksproductions.com.

WAKEUP WALK: The public awareness campaign started last year by Poland woman Donna McAuley after the April 2023 drug overdose death of her daughter, Amanda, resumes Saturday with the second A.M.WakeUpWalk.

The event, which begins at 10 a.m., starts and ends at Poland Seminary High School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The event also features food trucks, booths, basket auction, music, speakers and a bounce house.

The event is a fundraiser for A.M.WakeUpCall, a nonprofit that will use the money to raise awareness around the dangers of fentanyl and to educate children to prevent substance addiction.

Go to amwakeupcall.org for information.

Community news

SINGH TO SPEAK: Protecting journalists' rights will be the theme of an Oct. 17 Youngstown Press Club luncheon.

The featured speaker will be Gunita Singh, a staff attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

In her role at the organization, Singh works on litigation and policy, primarily concerning state and federal freedom of information laws.

She also helps reporters and news organizations with records requests.

The luncheon will begin at noon at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W. Wood St. To register, go to youngstownpressclub.com. Pre-registration is required. The reservation deadline is Thursday.

The cost is $30 for Youngstown Press Club members and $35 for non-members.

ADULT CRAFT: Lepper Library's adult craft for October is an indoor / outdoor wreath. The class is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Those attending will create a seasonal wreath by using four colors of plastic tablecloths. All supplies will be provided free of charge for the classes.

FERRET RESCUE FUNDRAISER: For Ferret Sake, a local ferret rescue group, will be at Elite Pharmacy in Canfield from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for a fundraiser / information program. For more information on the group, contact Lauren at 330-502-4002.

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PINK RIBBON TEA: The 30th annual Pink Ribbon Tea for Breast Cancer Survivors is 11 a.m. Monday at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. The Junior League of the Mahoning Valley presents the event free to survivors to unite and celebrate breast cancer survivors in the tri-county area. Senior gift officer of Mercy Health, Gina Marinelli, will emcee the event. One Cello and gospel singer Gail Nevels Stringer will provide entertainment. Vendors will be on site to provide information about local breast cancer services. Breast cancer survivors may receive an invitation by calling Betty Cmil at 330-506-6979.

For information, to sponsor a survivor, or to be a corporate sponsor, contact the Junior League of the Mahoning Valley at juniorleagueofmahoningvalley@gmail.com or call 330-742-3200.

CARS AND CATS: Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, will host the third annual Cars, Cats and Canines Car Show noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. There will be food, beer, wine, raffles, prizes, and music. Go to www.facebook.com/CarsCatsCanines for more information.

CULTURAL ALLIANCE: The Mahoning Valley Cultural Alliance will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as the final stories in the Mahoning Valley Immigrants series this year. The speaker will be Consuelo Mendez, a physician born in the Dominican Republic who has been serving the Mahoning Valley for more than 30 years. Argentinian cellist Silvia Games DuBos and several dancers will provide entertainment for the evening.

It is 5 p.m. Monday at OCCHA Social Hall, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown. The cost to attend is $35 for Mahoning Valley Historical Society members and $40 for non members. Reservations are required at 330-743-2589.

CWC GARDEN EVENTS: The Columbiana Women's Club will have Keith Kaiser of the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden as a guest of the club's 2024 Garden Events at Idabelle Firestone's Gathering Place & Garden. His topic Saturday will be "Color in the Autumn Garden." For information and reservations, call 330-207-1470.

AAUW DISCUSSION: The American Association of University Women will present a panel discussion, "The Civic Responsibility of the Engaged University," at 5:30 p.m. Monday in Room 3423 at Williamson Hall, 221 N. Hazel St., Youngstown, at Youngstown State University. The panel discussion will focus on engaging students and faculty in initiatives that support civic engagement, community service, volunteerism, philanthropy and advancing the quality of life in our communities.

Panelists are Laura Dewberry, YSU, director, Center for Nonprofit Leadership; Kathie Chaffee Gaige, League of Women Voters, chair of voter services; Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, YSU, professor, politics and international relations; Hazel Marie, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering; and Amy Weaver, YSU, Sweeney Professor of Nursing.

The program is open to the public. Parking is available at St. Columba Cathedral on Wood Street. For more information about AAUW or this program, email youngstownaauw@gmail.com.

HEART BALL: The American Heart Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary and ongoing efforts to create a community free of cardiovascular disease and stroke Oct. 17 at the Tri-County Heart Ball in Niles. The ball is 5:30 p.m. at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. The event will recognize and celebrate the progress community supporters have made to ensure longer, healthier lives for all over the past century as well as in the past year. Go to heart.org/tricountyheartball for information and tickets.

CHRISTIAN CONCERT: Grace United Methodist Church, 22 N. Market St., Girard, will hold a Revive Praise Band free Christian rock concert 6 p.m. Sunday. Various musical groups will perform at the concert.

CONCERT SET: St Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, will hold a concert with Erick Ramos on violin 1:15 p.m. Sunday. A freewill offering will be taken.

Community news

VETERANS APPRECIATION: A veterans appreciation luncheon will be noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. The luncheon is sponsored by Mike Senchak and FirstLight Home Care, along with the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission. All veterans are welcome to attend. RSVP by calling 330-740-2450. The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission office will be closed Thursday because of the event.

AAUW SETS TALK: The American Association of University Women Youngstown Branch will present "The Civic Responsibility of the Engaged University" at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Youngstown State University. The program will be in Williamson Hall, Room 3423. The panel discussion will focus on engaging students and faculty in initiatives that support civic engagement, community service, volunteerism, philanthropy and advancing the quality of life in our communities.

AFTERNOON AT THE MUSEUM: The Springfield Township Historical Society's seventh annual Afternoon at the Museum will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 14188 Youngstown- Pittsburgh Road in Petersburg. Ken Conklin, president and curator of the Upton House Museum in Warren, will discuss how the Upton House was saved from demolition and its importance as a national landmark. The event is free.

CULTURAL ALLIANCE: The Mahoning Valley Cultural Alliance will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as the final stories in the Mahoning Valley Immigrants series this year. The speaker will be Dr. Consuelo Mendez, a physician born in the Dominican Republic, who has been serving the Mahoning Valley community for more than 30 years. Argentinian cellist Silvia Games DuBos and several dancers will provide entertainment for the evening. It starts at 5 p.m. Monday at OCCHA Social Hall, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown. The cost to attend is $35 for Mahoning Valley Historical Society members, and $40 for nonmembers. Reservations for "Stories of the Mahoning Valley Immigrants: Hispanic Heritage" are required at 330-743-2589.