Community News

Community news

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Beaver Township Historical Society, located on the second floor of the Old School Marketplace, 11836 South Ave., North Lima, is seeking volunteers. Duties will include helping with paperwork and scheduling community speakers. The room is open to the public the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To help preserve community history by volunteering, or by donating photos or other memorabilia, contact Scott Conway at 330-318-0408.

STOP MEDICARE CALLS: Bucci Insurance LLC in Columbiana is hosting a presentation at 1 p.m. Wednesday at their office, 14895 South Ave., on how to report and stop calls about Medicare prior to the open enrollment period. The presentation will address how to stop calls before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. as well as how to stop calls if you are on the Do Not Call registry.

The FCC can issue fines for not following regulations and making unsolicited calls to seniors. For more information, call 330-509-7229.

BLOOD DRIVES: Upcoming Red Cross Blood drives in Mahoning County:

• Canfield - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, South Range Elementary School, 11300 Columbiana-Canfield Road.

• Boardman - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Akron Children's Hospital, 6505 Market St.

• Poland - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Poland Library, 311 S. Main St.

• Austintown - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road.

• Boardman - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Boardman Public Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave.

FIRE PREVENTION: Come meet Youngstown firefighters for Fire Prevention Week, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Station One, 420 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown. Enjoy activities and demonstrations for all ages while hearing about how to keep your home and family safe from fire-related dangers. Featured at the free event will be bounce house, selfie photo station, touch a truck, be a firefighter demonstration, fire extinguisher simulator, auto extrication demo and refreshments.

CUPCAKE WALK: The third annual Cupcake Walk, sponsored by Pink Lights the Way, will take place noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Eastwood Field, Niles. There will be activities for everyone, survivors / fighters / thrivers lap and then all participants join in to walk the mile walk, picking up cupcakes from local bakers and bakeries along the way.

The event benefits local nonprofit Pink Lights the Way. In the past two years, the group has raised more than $100,000 to support local women during their breast cancer treatment.

Reach out to Megan Schellhorn at 980-428-2072 for more information.

MUSEUM PROGRAM: The Springfield Township Historical Society continues its "Afternoon at the Museum" program with Barbara Herriott, who will discuss the history of coal mining in the area, especially the East Fairfield Coal Co., at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 14188 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, Petersburg.

For more information, visit the society on Facebook or at springfieldtwphistory@gmail.com.

Community News

Community news

SOCIETY WELCOMES WILLIAMS: The Mahoning County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society invites all members and the public at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ministry Building of St. Charles Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boarman, to hear a free presentation given by Judy Williams on the military experiences of her African-American ancestors. Williams has an extensive genealogical background. Light refreshments will be served.

HELPING HANDS: Helping Hands Closet will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the back of Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield. The closet has new and gently used clothing for families

PROJECT PLAYHOUSE: Habitat for Humanity of the Mahoning Valley will host a Project Playhouse build event Thursday at Penguin City Brewing in downtown Youngstown. Local groups, businesses and organizations come together to physically construct, paint and design playhouses. Each sponsor partner will create a unique playhouse that is designed for a specific child. At the end of the day, each team gets to reveal that playhouse to the local family who gets to take it home and create adventures and memories. For information or questions, contact David Redig at dredig@hfhmv.org.

HALLOWEEN MARKET: Cafe Rose will host its annual Halloween Market noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. There will be artisans with a unique selection of items and seasonal decor, local crafters and bakers. There will be a basket raffle. The event will support Campbell Cruelty and Humane Rescue. There will be a pet costume contest at 2 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested.

CRAFT SHOW: First Baptist Church in Girard will host a fall craft show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be food and a basket raffle. Admission is free. For information, call Sylvia at 330-540-9330.

PURSE BINGO: The St. Rose Mount Carmel Society will host a purse bingo at 5 p.m. Saturday at the school gymnasium, 48 Main St., Girard. Tickets are $25 at the door or purchased at the St.Rose rectory. There will be 10 bingo games, a lottery tree, a basket raffle and 50-50 raffle.

PINK OUT MUSIC FEST: The third annual Pink Out Mahoning Valley musical festival will take place Sunday at Austintown Township Park with music starting at noon. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event will celebrate survivors and remember those who lost their battle. Those attending can bring lawn chairs and blankets. There will be various bands and musical performances. Other sponsors include Tommy's Express Car Wash, Austintown; Grace Exterminating; Card My Yard; The Truckers 4 Jesus Truck Stop Ministry; Texas Roadhouse, Boardman; and JR'z Pub, Austintown.

This year's music includes performances by Rachell Joy, One Fine Day, Julie Benner, Mark Mecozzi, Don Tanner, David & Hermie Granati, Dombrowski, The David Ward Project, Solo Sixstring, Dave & Steve, Becky Kimble & Jen Carey Duo, Silver Springs: A Fleetwood Wood Mac Experience, the Fitch Rock Band (select members), Sue Lovato, Jenah Shank and Jonathan O'Connor. The Vindys will make a special guest appearance performing a short acoustic set. The Austintown Youth Football Cheerleaders also will make an appearance.

For information,visit pinkoutmahongvalley@gmail.com

ART SHOW: The Davis Family YMCA. 45 McClurg Road, Boardman, will host an opening reception 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday for the "But I Know What I Like " art show. For information, email Suzanne at sgray@youngstownymca.org.

UNIVERSITY WOMEN: The Youngstown Branch of the American Association of University Women will meet 5:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. Guest speaker is Dr. Jennfier Pintar, Youngstown State University's provost and vice president of academic affairs. The group fights for gender equity in higher education. For information, visit youngstown-oh.aauw.net

WALK WITH A DOC: Youngstown State University's Bitonte College of Health and Human Services continues its commitment to public health through the Walk with a Doc program, a free community wellness initiative, at the Southern Park Mall. The program takes place 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday and is led by YSU physical therapy faculty and students. Each session begins with a brief health talk before participants join in a walk around the mall. The events are designed to promote fitness, wellness and preventive care in a fun and social environment.

The walks are free and open to the public. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and no registration is required.

Community News

Community news

OKTOBERFEST: The 49th annual Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. There will be vendors, food and children's activities. Admission is $5 with children 12 and under free.

AUTUMN BASKET RAFFLE: The Help Save the Mill Creek Park and Wildlife is hosting a basket raffle, bake sale and 50-50 from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Avenue. Doors open at noon and raffle drawing begins at 3:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be for sale. The event is free to the public but donations to help the wildlife at Mill Creek Park is appreciated.

COIN CLUB TO MEET: The Wheatland Mercer County Coin Club will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Wheatland Community Center, 71 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.

All are invited, and there is light food and beverages. Monthly meetings include a special raffle, main raffle, coin auction, door prizes, birthday prizes and much more.

Special raffle this month is an 1859-O Seated Silver Dollar.

Every member will be awarded one free coin and may participate in the raffles. More information is available on the club FaceBook page.

URSULINE 1963: The Ursuline High School Class of 1963 is having an 80th birthday celebration luncheon at 1 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Double Bogey's Bar & Grill, 7401 Market St., Boardman. Bring a guest if you like, order from the menu and, to assure proper seating, make a reservation by Wednesday by contacting either Renee Farran Gutierrez, mrg2492@aol.com, 330-647-7077, or Patty Rush, parush226@yahoo.com, 330-747-9179.

WALK WITH A DOC: Youngstown State University's Bitonte College of Health and Human Services continues its commitment to public health through the Walk with a Doc program, a free community wellness initiative at the Southern Park Mall.

The program takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday and is led by YSU physical therapy faculty and students. Each session begins with a brief health talk before participants join in a walk around the mall. The events are designed to promote fitness, wellness and preventive care in a fun and social environment.

Walk with a Doc is part of an international nonprofit founded in 2005 to encourage healthier lifestyles through movement and conversation with medical professionals. The walks are free and open to the public. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and no registration is required.

Community News

Community news

BACK THE BLUE: The sixth annual Back the Blue Ohio will be noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Canfield Green to honor Officer Phillip Wagner of Lorain. The goal of the event is to raise $5,000 in his honor. There will be a memorial service, car show, bike rally, craft show, live music and children's area. Admission is free. Donations will be taken for the children of fallen officers.

NEW LOCATION: Bess Purpose Inc. invites volunteers to share in helping to beautify its newly acquired location, 1727 Kincaid Road, with a community paint party Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Supplies and light snacks will be provided. Bess Purpose Inc. is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has assisted with housing and furnishing more than 400 families' homes. We help single parents, veterans and students with various resources to empower them to live the life they deserve. For information on volunteering, call 330-299-7000 or email besspurpose320@gmail.com.

YOUNGSTOWN EAST OHIO WEAVERS: The Youngstown East Ohio Weavers Guild will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Canfield Fairgrounds building 23. This will be a workshop on how to dye different types of fibers. Dyes and supplies will be furnished. Participants need to bring articles or material to work on (i.e. fabric, socks, fleece, yarn). Guests are always welcome.

For information, call Ken at 330-219-0359.

PURSE BINGO: Thrive 10:10 invites the community to its purse bingo fundraiser 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Girard American Legion, 11 High St. SE. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

KMT Massotherapy will be doing chair massages for a donation to Thrive 10:10.

This evening gives attendees the chance to win brand-new designer purses while supporting Thrive 10:10's mission to help individuals and families build stronger, healthier futures.

Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door) To reserve tickets or learn more, visit www.thriveneighbors.org/events.

COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY: A family-friendly block party hosted by the Greater Youngstown Community Dialog on Racism will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Wick Park, Youngstown.

Join in for a day filled with free food, music, giveaways and raffle prizes while connecting with local organizations that support moms, babies and families. The event will focus on infant vitality, healthy pregnancies and strong starts for families. There will be representatives providing educational resources and assistance. Visit gycdor.com to volunteer or for more information.

Community News

Community news

PURSE BINGO: Thrive 10:10 will host a purse bingo 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Girard American Legion, 11 High St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to win designer purses. Chair massages will be provided with a donation to Thrive 10:10.

Tickets are $35 at the door and $30 in advance. For information, visit thriveneighbors.org/ events.

CALL FOR ART: The Davis Family YMCA will accept artwork for the "But I Know What I Like" art show. The event is open to all adults in the tricounty area.

Items will be accepted 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the YMCA, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman. The opening reception is 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5, and the art show and sale run Oct. 6 to Nov. 9.

For information, visit ymcayo.org/arts-humanities/ or contact Suzanne Gray at sgray@youngstownymca.org.

MOAB HOUSE FUNDRAISER: Ladies in Service at Austintown Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, will host a rummage sale 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to benefit the Moab House of Mineral Ridge. Attendees can take what they want and pay what they can, organizers said. The Moab House is a nonprofit Christian organization that gives three years of support to former foster care young adults ages 18 to 21. For information, call 330-799-7823.

SAFETY EXPO: The Northeast Ohio Safety Expo will take place Thursday at the Holiday Inn Boardman on South Avenue. Safety professionals, business leaders and workplace wellness advocates are invited to attend. The one-day event is an extension of the safety conference started by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

NEWCOMERS LUNCHEON: Newcomers of Mahoning Valley will meet for a luncheon meeting 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Sabi's, 85 Town Center Ave., Columbiana. Members are asked to bring dues for the year and any updates for the directory. The budget and bylaws will be discussed.

The club gives those an opportunity to meet new people, learn about the community and find support. For more information, call Lori at 330-707-9022 or Bonnie at 330-501-2738.

PRESS CLUB HALL OF FAME: The Youngstown Press Club will honor some of the Mahoning Valley's most distinguished journalists at its Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner on Thursday.

Five people will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame and three others will receive the club's Excellence in Media Award at the event, which will begin at 5 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be Marie Cartwright, former vice president of corporate communications for DeBartolo Corporation; the late Paul C. Jagnow, who was managing editor for news at The Vindicator; the late John Nagy, who was WKBN radio news director; Tony Paglia, former senior regional editor at The Vindicator; and Lisa Solley, former managing editor at the Tribune Chronicle.

Recipients of the Excellence in Media Award will be Sydney Canty, news anchor and reporter at WFMJ-TV; Chelsea Simeon, digital executive producer at WKBN-TV and WYTV; and Margie Lenhart, on-air morning show talent on Willie 95.1 radio.

The press club will present its Medal of Merit -- an internal award for someone who has made a significant contribution to the club -- to Peter H. Milliken, a retired Vindicator reporter.

Also to be recognized are Nicarlyle Hanchard, Aicha Sawaneh and Emily Wilaj, all Youngstown State University students and winners of the club’s college scholarship; and Lillian Andrews, a Boardman High School student and winner of the club's Scholastic Journalist of the Year Award.

A portion of the proceeds from press club events goes to the club's college scholarship fund.

Community News

Community news

VETERANS APPRECIATION: Reservations are due Friday for the eighth annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by FirstLight Home Care. The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission will honor all who served with a Thank You Veterans program at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Call MCVSC at 330-740-2450 to reserve a seat. Seating is limited to the first 160 guests.

GREEK FEST: Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 401 12th St., Campbell will host a Greek Fest noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. The event will include Greek food, music, folk dancer performances, games for children and cultural and religious items.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT: Smith Corners Community Church, 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road, will host a free family movie night at 7 p.m. Friday at the pavilion. Guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and can wear pajamas. Popcorn will be provided.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION: A household hazardous waste collection will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Canfield Fairgrounds on state Route 46. Enter at Gate 9A. The collection is for Mahoning County households only. No explosives and no pharmaceuticals will be collected. There will be a 5-gallon limit on all containers. Last names begin with A-F drop off will take place 9 to 11 a.m., last names G-N from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and last names O-Z 1 to 3 p.m. For information, call 330-740-2060.

BASKET RAFFLE: The Mahoning Valley Archaeological Society will sponsor a basket raffle bonanza 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Five 4's Distillery, 47 N. Center St., Newton Falls, with live music from 7 to 10 p.m. A portion of specialty drinks will be donated by the distillery to the society.

Community News

Community news

CHARLIE KIRK MEMORIAL: A celebration of the life and legacy of political activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, who was assassinated at a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, will take place at noon Sunday at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, 321 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren.

The event is open to the public and is being hosted by Trumbull County Family Court Judge David Engler and Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mark Hanni, with support from the Trumbull County Republican Party and the Trumbull County Republican Women's Club. The service will feature prayers and live music by the Chris Higbee Band, with a livestream of Kirk's funeral service to follow.

FALL EQUINOX: The Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will hold a fall equinox drumming circle from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, The event, Drums and Yums, will be led by Dan Susany, a local drummer, who has led regional drumming events since 1997. Participants can bring their own drums. Drums will also be available to use. The event is free to the public. Donations will be accepted. For information call 330-539-0122.

BIRDS OF OHIO: Learn what Shorebirds breed in Ohio, which are just passing through, and when and where you can find them. A presentation by Jason Short, president of Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley and an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive. Social time is 6:30 p.m.

POLAND SEEKS MEMBERS: The Poland Township trustees are accepting letters of interest from residents who would want to serve on the township park committee. The trustee-appointed advisory committee meets monthly to discuss park-related issues and make recommendations to the township trustees. Submit letters to Mark Covell, Poland Township administrator, 3339 Dobbins Road, Poland 44514 or email to mark.covell@polandtownship.gov. Deadline is Oct. 1.

HELPING HAND: Helping Hand Closet at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, has new and gently used clothing for the entire family. In September, the entire inventory is on sale for $1, except blue tickets, which are incoming fall items. The Helping Hands Closet is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

Community News

Community news

LIBERTY CLEANUP: Liberty Township, through a grant from the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management District, will have a dropoff scrap tire collection 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the township administration building, 1315 Churchill Hubbard Road. There is a limit of eight tires per residence. Tires must be off rims and only passenger car and light truck tires will be accepted. For information, call 330-759-1315 ext.1003.

PET SUPPLY DRIVE: Sadie's Tasty Treats is hosting a supply drive for Animal Charity of Ohio noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at 4585 Plumbrook Drive in Canfield. Items being collected include blankets, towels, and toys, treats and food for dogs and cats.

RAILROADERS LUNCHEON: All railroaders are invited to a luncheon meeting at 11 a.m. today at JP's Pizzeria, 15946 state Route 170, East Liverpool. Any questions, call Rocco at 330-853-3045.

RIFLE CLASS: Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 are invited to participate in an eight-week course on safe gun handling and Olympic position rifle shooting. The classes will be conducted at the Fish and Game Club of Vienna and are sponsored by the Cougars Junior Rifle Team, the Fish and Game Club of Vienna, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

Instruction will be provided by NRA-certified coaches and instructors in both air rifle and .22-caliber single-shot small-bore target rifles. The first meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and classes will continue until Nov. 17. All equipment will be provided.

The cost is $10 each week. Participants need to have an adult sponsor with them for the first meeting.

Young shooters will have the chance to work at their own pace as they learn gun safety and Olympic-style rifle shooting in the prone, standing, sitting and kneeling positions. Young people who score well and have an interest may be invited to fill openings on the Fish and Game Club of Vienna's "Cougars" Junior Rifle Team or other local junior teams.

Reservations are required. Space is limited to 16 participants. Call coach Amanda Peterson at 330-301-7106 or coach Ashley Gerchak at 330-553-4324.

Community News

Community news

CLEANUP DAY: Youngstown CityScape and 422 United: Clean and Green are joining forces for 2025 World Cleanup Day on Saturday as volunteers take to the street from 9 a.m. to noon along Route 422, Martin Luther King Boulevard and nearby streets to beautify the area. Lunch will be at Stambaugh Park in Girard. Participants will include Vallourec, officials and residents from the cities of Youngstown and Girard, Metalico Youngstown and representatives of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition. Register by noon Friday for an event T-shirt. To register to volunteer for this year's event, visit www.tinyurl.com/422united.

COMMUNITY COOKOUT: A community cookout will take place Saturday hosted by the Negley Lodge No. 565 for its monthly dinner at the Allen Lodge Masonic Complex, 722 Meadow Lane, Columbiana. Cost is $15 and includes drink and dessert. The event is open to the public.

STEPS OF HOPE WALK: St. Vincent de Paul Society will host the fourth annual Steps of Hope Walk, formerly Friends of the Poor Walk, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Perkins Park, Warren. The national advocacy event raises community awareness and funds for families and individuals experiencing food and income insecurity.

The walk will coincide with 250 other St. Vincent de Paul chapters nationwide to raise awareness for local community members in need. It is open to the public via registration, will feature family-friendly activities, including a bounce house, live music from the local band N.O.K.A., is supported by 44 local sponsors, will provide a free lunch, basket raffle and social gathering for participants, and is expected to have nearly 400 participants. For information, contact Darlene Jones at 234-223-2933 or email djones@svdpneodistrict.org.

ABWA CELEBRATES ABW DAY: The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women's Association will celebrate American Business Women's Day at 1 p.m. Sunday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The price is $23, paid at the door. Standing reservations apply. If you need to cancel or add a guest, call Marilyn at 330-726-2527 or Darlene at 330-755-9089.

The speakers will be Bill and Donna Gray of East Liverpool, foremost collectors of Morley Majolica pottery, as well as other majolica ceramic ware produced in the area. The public is welcome.

Community News

Community news

ASAP RALLY: The Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention's annual Rally for Recovery will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Eastwood Field, Niles. People in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, their families, friends, addiction treatment professionals, elected officials and other allies are invited to celebrate recovery as part of National Recovery Month. There will be activities for children, music for all ages and a picnic lunch. The event is free and open to the public. ASAP is under the umbrella of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM: The Mahoning Valley Archaeological Society will host a special presentation 6 p.m. Thursday at The Ohio State University Extension, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. Speaker Charlie Fulk of Ashland, a long-term surface hunter, collector of prehistoric artifacts and artifact adviser with more than 35 years of speaking engagements on associated archaeological subjects, will offer a presentation on Ohio flint types with a question-and-answer session to follow. The public and members of MVAS are encouraged to bring their artifacts and frames for identification, understanding age and function.

The society also will have a raffle basket bonanza and dinner fundraiser 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Five Distillery, 47 N. Center St., Newton Falls. Live music will be provided.

"GHOSTS OF GRANDEUR": The Poland Historical Society invites the public to "Ghosts of Grandeur: Discover Wick Park's Richly Haunted Past" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road, Poland Township. Following a brief meeting, local historian and author Dorothy Butler will present her program, "Richly Haunted."

Butler will unveil the eccentric lives and lavish homes of Youngstown's elite during the Gilded Age. These once-grand mansions of the Wick Park neighborhood were more than architectural marvels -- they were filled with secrets, scandals and unforgettable characters.

Admission is free.

FAMILY ADVOCACY CONFERENCE: The 14th annual Family Advocacy conference, which supports citizens with special needs, will be Sept. 26 at Avion on the Water, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. The event is sponsored by the Arc Ohio Northeast Branch. The conference will equip parents, siblings and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities with information in areas that affect those with special needs. The program is certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

For registration, call 330-707-1134 by Sept. 19.

Community News

Community news

JCC VOTER DRIVE: The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will host a voter registration drive with the League of Women Voters 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane. Participants will be able to register to vote and check their voter registration status. Absentee ballot request forms and polling site location information will be available. Sept. 16 is National Voter Registration Day. Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right to vote.

FARMERS MARKET: The Girard Farmers Market will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the city municipal building parking lot, corner of Market Street and State Street. There will be various vendors.

TEA PARTY: Holborn Herb Growers Guild will host a tea party 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park, 375 Boardman Poland Road. Guest speaker is Alice Crosetto, author of "The Cookie Table: A Steel Valley Tradition," who will discuss her journey through photos, family stories and interviews. Tickets for the event are $25 Call Bunny at 330-507-8565 for tickets.

GIRARD BLOCKWATCH: The Girard Second Ward block watch will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Girard Free Library.

QUILTERS TO MEET: That Quilt Group I Belong To invites area quilters or anyone interested in trying something new to attend the next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Rotary Building at Fair Park in Canfield. The program will be a demonstration to construct a disappearing pinwheel block. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 330-507-4672.

FALL PREVENTION: The Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., will host a free program "A Matter of Balance" 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Participants will learn fall prevention strategies. For information, call Laura at 330-545-6596.

Community News

Community news

FALL FEST: St. Rose Catholic Church will present the third annual Fall Fest from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church and grounds off U.S. Route 422 in Girard. There will be entertainment, homemade food, gift card raffle, children's games, cake walk and musical performances with Jim Frank Trio, Blue Siren and Disco Inferno. A cornhole tournament will be 5:30 p.m. Saturday at $20 per player. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

WWII SOCIETY TO MEET: The World War II Heritage Society will meet at 6:15 p.m. Monday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Guest speaker is Bob Schneider, who will discuss the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The program will be preceded by a buffet dinner. Schneider is a member of Mahoning Civil War Roundtable. Reservations are needed by calling David at 330-757-0515.

WRITERS TO MEET: The Monday Night Writers will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Leana's Books and More, Kirk Road, Austintown. Any writer, published and unpublished, is invited to attend. For information, contact Nancy at nancy@nancychristie.com.

CLEANUP DAY: The public can help kick off the first 422 United: Clean and Green, a cross-city effort bringing together Youngstown and Girard to beautify the community. The event will take place 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 20, in the 422 Briar Hill area, along U.S. Route 422 / Martin Luther King Boulevard and nearby streets. Register for an event T-shirt. Check-in time is at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will follow at Stambaugh Park, 199 Mosier Road, Girard.

Community News

Community news

STROLL AROUND THE GREEN: The Canfield Historical Society invites the community to a free lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Canfield Library. Local historian David Goddard will present "A Virtual Stroll Around the Green in Times Past." This presentation offers an opportunity to enjoy a historic walk around Canfield's Green without ever leaving your seat at the library. Attendees will discover what once stood along Broad Street and learn how the heart of Canfield has changed over the years.

CHOOSE JOY: The sixth annual Choose Joy for Melina 5K and More will be 2 to 6 p.m.. Sunday at Canfield High School, 100 Cardinal Drive. The event is being presented by the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation. There will be a bounce house, face painting, princesses, crafts and food vendors. All proceeds benefit brain cancer research. 5K registration is 2 to 3:15 p.m. with start at 3:30 p.m. The 400 meter kids fun run is free and is one lap on the track.

GOOD, BAD AND UGLY: "Dave Dravecky: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Jefferson St., New Castle, Pa. Dravecky, a Boardman High School graduate, former Major League Baseball pitcher, bestselling author and motivational speaker, will share his journey of heartbreak, healing, faith and triumph. At the height of his career, he was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in his pitching arm and had half of his deltoid muscle removed. Despite being told he'd likely never pitch again, he made a miraculous return to Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants -- only to have his arm tragically break on the mound days later. Ultimately, he underwent amputation. Dravecky now travels across the nation sharing his message of adversity, hope, and true worth, grounded not in accomplishment, but in who we are.

Admission is free, with donations accepted to benefit the Dravecky Foundation. For information, email Chad Ubry at cubry@yahoo.com or call the church office at 724-652-7706.

Community News

Community news

YELLOW BRICK PLACE CELEBRATION: Yellow Brick Place Cancer Support Center will celebrate its 10-year anniversary 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at 2959 Canfield Road, Suite 2, in Youngstown. Over the past 10 years, the nonprofit has offered nonmedical support services such as support groups, wellness programs, wigs and a beauty program for cancer patients, their loved ones and caregivers. All programs and services are free.

The anniversary celebration will feature a ribbon cutting at 3:45 p.m., entertainment by the John Reese Trio, tours of the facility's expansion and newly renovated home, light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, and information on the organization's programs.

Call 234-228-9550 or visit yellowbrickplace.org.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will be traveling in September.

* Thursday, 8 to 10:30 a.m. -- Youngstown State University, 235 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown.

* Thursday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. -- Mercy Health-Hubbard Primary Care, 55 Hall Ave., Hubbard.

For more information or to schedule your mammogram, call 330-480-2654

TRAIN DISPLAY: The Moss Ancestral House in Weathersfield will have a train display 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1499 Burnett St. John Godleski will use the Rev. Arthur Wright model railroad collection to present Mineral Ridge and Niles circa 1850-1870. The historical society museum will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. The Mineral Ridge Historical Society Museum is located across the street.

SCIENCE SUNDAY: The OH WOW! Silly Science Sunday will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Wean Park. This 15th annual STEAM Festival features hands-on interactive STEM displays and robotics.

BATTLE OF DIEN BIEN PHU: Bob Schneider will address the World War II Heritage Society at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 15 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. His topic will be the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

The speech will be preceded by a buffet dinner for which reservations are due to David Frank at 330-757-0515 by Saturday.

Schneider retired from the General Motors Fabricating Division, Lordstown Stamping Plant. He is a member of both the Mahoning Civil War Roundtable and the World War II Heritage Society. He has a strong interest in the French & Indian Wars and he has authored and published an article in the "Westmorland County Historical Society" and the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society Magazine.

Community News

Community news

GATHERING PLACE: A Gathering Place event will take place 11 a.m. today at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield, with guest speaker Jen Patrick, community health education specialist for the Mahoning County Health Department, who will present information on Project Dawn / Narcan distribution project. The presentation will include information on opioids. A box lunch will be provided. The free community outreach is provided monthly to local senior citizens on the second Monday of each month. For information call Woody Gingery at 330-360-0419 or the church at 330-533-3531.

LIBRARY CRAFTERS: The Girard Free Library will host the Cozy Crafters at 6 p.m today for people who knit, crochet, and embroider. The group can socialize while working on their projects.

ALUMNI TO MEET: The Mineral Ridge High School alumni association will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the school library. Alumni wishing to work on the committee as well as members of the Class of 1976 are asked to attend. The new mailing address for the Alumni Association for MRHS is Alumni Association, 1334 Seaborn St, Mineral Ridge, 44440.

The Class of 1976 will be honored on Aug. 8, 2026 at Ciminero's Banquet Center in Niles.

For donations, call Dave Sylak at 330-307-8261.

VOICES 4 LIFE: Voices 4 Life, a newly established pro-life nonprofit serving Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbana counties, will host a National Day of Remembrance at 1 p..m. Saturday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Comfort of the Afflicted in Youngstown, The annual observance takes place at more than 200 locations nationwide . For information, visit Voices4life,net or call 234-418-0698.

AIRCRAFT FUN: The Mahoning County Model Aircraft Club will sponsor a Radio Controlled Aircraft Fun Fly, Exhibition and Swap Meet 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Shaker Woods Field, 44337 County Line Road, Columbiana.

This event is open to the public. Food and beverages will be available by donation, and a 50 / 50 drawing will take place. No drones are permitted at Shaker Woods. New members are welcome to join the club. No admittance fee. Visit www.MCmodelClub.org for more information.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will stop:

• Monday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. -- Mercy Health-Salem Primary Care, 564 E. 2nd St., Salem.

• Monday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. -- Mercy Health-Sebring Primary Care, 605 E. Ohio Ave., Sebring.

• Wednesday, 8 to 10:30 a.m. -- Mercy Health-North Lima Primary Care, 9471 Market St., North Lima.

• Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. -- Mercy Health-Eisenhower Primary Care, 7341 Eisenhower Drive, Boardman.

* Thursday, 8 to 10:30 a.m. -- Youngstown State University, 235 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown.

* Thursday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. -- Mercy Health - Hubbard Primary Care, 55 Hall Ave., Hubbard.

For more information or to schedule your mammogram, call 330-480-2654.

Community News

Community news

AMERICA250 MEETING: The Poland Historical Society will host a meeting 10 a.m. Monday at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road, to discuss plans for local events to celebrate America250.

Future meetings will be held in the evenings to accommodate people. Anyone interested in being involved is invited to attend.

CELEBRATING HISTORY: Youngstown CityScape and the Downtown Youngstown Partnership, together with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and community partners, invite the public to a First Friday celebration 4 to 8 p.m. today at downtown Youngstown's West Federal Street, Vindicator Square and surrounding locations.

This month's First Fridays Youngstown event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society with a full evening of live music, history tours, local storytelling, exhibits, vendors and community pop-ups.

AUCTION SET: St. Michael Byzantine Church, 405 Robinson Road, will host a three-tier auction Sunday at the social hall with doors opening at noon. Admission is $10 and includes lunch with a sheet of 25 tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased. The drawings will be at 2:15 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the maintenance of the church.

EPILEPSY AWARENESS: Purple for Palmer, a nonprofit organization created to support Palmer Beasley, will host an epilepsy walk in the Youngstown area to benefit area families affected by epilepsy and to help with the high school scholarship fund.

Purple for Palmer will host the third annual Epilepsy Walk on Sunday at The Kyle Pavilion at Harding Park in Hubbard.

Walkers will not only honor epilepsy warriors and learn about epilepsy, there will be a Chinese auction, children's tattoos, face painting, food vendors, crafts / vendors, DJ / music, ice cream and coffee trucks.

To attend, contact Meghan Ghizzoni Beasley on Facebook via the Purple for Palmer Epilepsy Walk page or register in person the day of the event.

EVENING OF MUSIC: Girard First United Methodist Church, 22 N. Market St., will host an evening of music and worship 6 p.m. Sunday. The family-friendly event will feature acoustic music and brass. Musical requests can be emailed to girardumc1@sbcglobal.net.

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: The Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve United Methodist Church in Canfield will host a new and gently used clothing giveaway 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday.

In September, items are $1 except blue-marked items for fall.

FAMILY CARD NIGHT: The Girard Free Library will hold a family card night 6 p.m. Monday to play UNO. To register, call 330-545-2508 or visit the library and sign up.

Community News

Community news

JCC PRESENTATION: Poet Lauren Camp will discuss themes from her book, "One Hundred Hungers," which explores the lives of a first-generation Arab-American girl and her Jewish-Iraqi parent, at a program Monday at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.

Coffee and dessert will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation.

Camp will be joining via Zoom and participants will be at the JCC. Lit Youngstown will offer a livestream of the conversation on their YouTube page for those who cannot attend in person.

This program is presented by the JCC Susan Kanterman Book Club in partnership with Lit Youngstown, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, and Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

The program is free, but registration is required at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the Director of Cultural Arts & Jewish Engagement, Barb Wilson, at wilson@jewishyoungstown.org.

TORCH CLUB OPENS SEASON: The Youngstown Torch Club will host local author Thomas Welsh as its first speaker of the 2025-26 season, at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Davidson's Restaurant, 3636 Canfield Road.

In his presentation, "The Republic of Korea at a Crossroads," Welsh will discuss his experiences

as an instructor and journalist. in South Korea during the 1990s.

The Youngstown Torch Club, chartered in January 1927, is an organization of professional people who gather once a month to listen to a paper presentation while enjoying dinner, fellowship and conversation. Attendees planning to order a meal before the presentation should arrive by 6 p.m.

The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, contact club secretary Janet Moy at 234-308-3149.

OAKHILL CEMETERY SUPPORT: The Oakhill Cemetery Research Team is seeking people with an interest in research in our area to help preserve the history of Oakhill Cemetery.

If interested, call Oakhill historian Steffon Wydell Jones at 330-301-7365 or email wydellresearch1961@gmail.com.

OSTOMY SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Tibbetts Wick Homecare Office, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Suite A, Girard. The group offers education, encouragement and support to anyone whose life is affected by an ostomy. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Anna Fitzgerald at Anna_Fitzgerald@mercy.com or 330-480-3440.

COMMUNITY CLOSET: Grace Community Closet in Grace Lutheran Church, 162 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, offers reduced-price clothing for all ages on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The closet is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New clothing donations are being accepted. For information, call 330-792-5889.

Community News

Community news

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, is kicking off its Celebrate Recovery program Thursday. A free community dinner will be at 4:30 p.m., followed by a large group gathering for worship and testimony at 6 p.m., and small group discussions (gender and issue-specific) at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits or hangups of any kind. For information, call the church office at 330-792-9532 or email austintownbaptist@gmail.com.

POLAND 250 MEETING: The Poland Historical Society plans to celebrate America's 250th anniversary through meaningful, locally-rooted activities.

A planning meeting will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 4515 Center Road. New volunteers and community members are welcome.

To better accommodate varying schedules, additional meetings will be scheduled in the early evenings. If participation grows beyond 45 members, the society will consider larger venues to welcome everyone interested.

For more information, email phs@polandhistoricalsociety.com or phone 330-536-6877.

Community News

Community News

BATTLE OF THE BADGES: The American Red Cross is hosting the Battle of the Badges in response to the need and call for people to donate blood. A blood drive will be 6 a.m. to noon Monday at the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 3424 U.S. Route 422, Southington, in the American Red Cross bus. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or log onto RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Keyword: OSHP.

HISTORICAL PROGRAM: The Springfield Township Historical Society "Afternoon at the Museum" program will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 14188 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, (state Route 170) Petersburg. The program is the Daughters of the American Revolution presented by Emily Slaven, who will discuss their history and local projects, which will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The museum is free and open to the public. For information, visit springfieldwphistory@gmail.com

KNITTING GUILD MEETING: The Western Reserve Knitting Guild meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Fair Park (Rotary building), 82-84 Fair St., Canfield. A business meeting and educational program are included.

The guild has been collecting knitted hats for local children for the past decade. The hats are donated by guild members and non-members, with the specification that they must be machine washable. Marilyn Dunn has been the longstanding organizer for hat collections and deliveries.

For additional information, visit //wrkg.weebly.com/ or email wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

SUPPORT GROUP: Ohltown Methodist Church, 2021 Ohltown Road, Mineral Ridge, will host a grief and loss support group at 1 p.m. Friday. Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited.

WRITERS' GROUP: Writers' Group will meet at 2 p.m. every Saturday, beginning Sept. 6 at the Lepper Library in Lisbon. Fellow writers gather together and discuss writing, publishing and grammar. To receive critiques, submit five pages a week in advance to dolly@lepperlibrary.org.

BALLROOM CELEBRATION: USA Dance Youngstown Warren Chapter is hosting a Dance Party Celebration 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Avon Oaks Ballroom, 1401 N. State St., Girard.

DJ Scott Coe starts at 5 p.m., followed by Backbeat Band 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $15 at the door and includes light snacks and treats. The event is open to the public.

YOUNGSTOWN TOUR: African Americans have played a major role in the foundation of Youngstown, and to honor that history, a free tour will take place Saturday marking 110 years of African Americans in Youngstown celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. The tours begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. at the Tyler History Center. There will be several guest speakers. Tours will go to Oakwood Cemetery, Rayen School and Youngstown city parks. Participants are expected to walk the tour.

NEO CENTURY BIKE TOUR: Two Trumbull County wineries will be featured on the 52nd Northeast Ohio Century bicycle tour Sept. 14. The tour is sponsored by the Out-Spokin' Wheelmen bicycling club. Riders will assemble between 7 and 10 a.m. at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, 6400 state Route 46 in Mecca, and cycle over mostly flat terrain.

A 10-mile route will have a stop at Greene Eagle Winery, and a 26.5-mile route will have a stop at Hartford Hills Winery. There will also be two 50-mile ride options.

Lunch will be provided.

Participants will cycle over marked, color-coded routes. Helmets are required. Support vehicles will be available to assist riders until 5 p.m.

Pre-registration is available at outspokinwheelmen.com or by mailing checks payable to NEOC ℅ Out-Spokin' Wheelmen, P.O. Box 1600, Youngstown, OH 44501. The event fee is $30 for pre-registration by Sept. 13 and $35 the day of the event. The mail-in registration deadline is Sept. 10. For more information, call Lori Swan at 330-550-3621.

PRODUCE PROGRAM: The Ohio State University Extension-Mahoning County invites the public to attend "Using What You Have Grown," a free garden speaker event to help home gardeners make the most of their fresh-picked produce.

The program will take place 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Flying HIGH Grow Urban Farm, 100 Broadway, Youngstown, OH 44505.

Participants will enjoy cooking demonstrations, samples and easy, garden-inspired recipes that can be recreated at home. The class also will share tips for extending the life of your harvest through proper storage and preservation, as well as creative ways to use garden bounty beyond the usual salads and stir fries.

The event is free and open to all community members. No registration is required. For more information, contact The Ohio State University Extension-Mahoning County at 330-533-5538.

GRIEF SHARE: Church Hill United Methodist Church, 189 Churchill Hubbard Road, Youngstown, will begin 13 weeks of Grief Share, from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at the church. For more information, call 330-759-0118.

ADDICTION HELP MEETINGS: SMART Recovery's four-point program is the organization's flagship secular program serving those with an addictive behavior, including both substance and activity / process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday on topics such as building and maintaining motivation; coping with urges and cravings; managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and living a balanced life.

Read the program description at https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7343.

To register, go to meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7269/ for Tuesdays and

meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7343 for Thursdays.

All meetings are free and no registration is needed.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery, a support group to help those recovering from addiction or any kind of mental health issue, meets 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at 6779 Belmont Ave., Girard.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center (JACBCC) Mobile Mammography Unit will be traveling around northeast Ohio throughout the month of September.

* Thursday, 8 to 10:30 a.m. -- Mercy Health, Mineral Ridge Primary Care, 1360 Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown.

* Thursday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. -- Mercy Health, Austintown Primary Care, 5533 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

For more information or to schedule your mammogram, call 330-480-2654.

For more information on the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center visit the center's website.

Community News

Community news

POOL PAWTY: The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown will host a Pool Pawty Saturday at the Logan Campus, 3245 Logan Way, Liberty for dogs to swim in the large outdoor pool. Smaller dogs can splash in the pool from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and larger dogs from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All dogs must be up to date with their shots. No people are allowed in the pool. Cost is $5 per family or donation of an item to the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County,

FOUNDERS DAY: The Mahoning Valley Historical Society will celebrate its 150th anniversary Friday at the Founders Day open house MVHS has been collecting, preserving and teaching the history of the people of the Mahoning Valley since 1875. The event will be held in partnership with Youngstown's First Friday. There will be a local charity fair, live music, food trucks, community organizations,and open house of local businesses. The history fair will be held at the Tyler History Center. For information call Traci at 330-743-2589 or email education@mahoningvalleyhistory,org

BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Girard Free Library will host a book sale and bake sale noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event is the Friends biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the sale have been used for carpeting for the library's community room. Cookies and bottled water will be available for sale.

FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION: The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley will host the 13th annual Family Portrait Series from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Fellows Riverside Gardens 123 McKinley Ave. Youngstown, Cost is $20 to reserve a spot Preregistration at AutismMV.org

OPERATION WARM: The Rotary Club of Youngstown has launched its annual Operation Warm fundraising effort to ensure children in Youngstown have new winter coats this season. The goal is to raise $20,000. Last year the Rotary distributed 1,300 coats to students. This year coats will be distributed to children at Harding, Volney, Taft and St. Joseph the Provider School in Youngstown. The campaign runs through September 15. Donate by mail to Youngstown Rotary Foundation 201E, Commerce St., Suite 450, Downtown 44503.