Community news
SANTA COMES TO CAMPBELL: The Campbell Library, 436 Struthers Coitsville Road, will welcome Santa Claus 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Bring a camera to take your own pictures of Santa and his reindeer.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MILL: Santa Claus will make an appearance 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Christmas at the Mill at Lanterman’s Mill at Mill Creek Park, Youngstown. The historic mill will be decorated in traditional holiday décor and open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
In the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring a new hat, scarf or pair of mittens to decorate the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will benefit local children and adults in need during the winter season.
CONCERT TO BENEFIT SKATEPARK; The Wickyards, a live music venue on Wick Avenue in Youngstown, will host a concert 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday to raise funds for the Youngstown Skatepark Association. The event will feature live music from several local and regional bands. Admission to the concert is $10, with all proceeds benefiting YSA’s mission to construct a free, high-quality public skate park in Youngstown. In addition to the music, there also will be a vendor market, basket raffles and a food truck.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM: Molnar Farms, 3115 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland, will host\ Christmas on the Farm 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday as part of Small Business Saturday. There will be a craft and gift market featuring local vendors with handmade items.
COOKIE SALE: Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., is hosting a cookie sale noon to 3 p.m. Saturday with proceeds to benefit the renovation and restoration of the church sanctuary. Cookies will be sold for $7 for small containers and $20 for trays of two to three dozen. A hot cocoa bar, coffee and tea will be offered for $2.
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BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a Black Friday book sale noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. The bookstore is located on the ground floor of the library. Books are 50% off and a $10 gift card is $5.
CINDERELLA BALL: The Junior Civic League of Youngstown will present the 66th annual Cinderella Ball at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., Boardman.
Ten debutantes will be presented at the ball, along with their escorts, who represent several high schools throughout the Mahoning Valley.
Debutantes for 2025 are Alaysia Etheridge, Boardman High School; Amber Kitchen, Valley Christian High School; Brooke Fordham, Boardman High School; Camara Crosby, Valley Christian High School; Leah Beverly, Austintown Fitch High School; Mya Norris, Villa Angela St. Joseph; Mykiona Ballard, East High School; Makiea Boykin, Cardinal Mooney High School; Princess Ervin, Academy of Urban Scholars; and Trinity Barber, Academy of Urban Scholars.
The Cinderella Ball chairwoman is Trina McCain, co-chairwoman is Cynthia Little, and the Junior Civic League president is Gloria Blackmon.
Community news
WINTERFEST DANCE: The 22nd annual Winterfest Dance will be 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Ciminero’s Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main St., Niles. The event will be an evening of music, fun and excitement for special needs students. The dance is open to all high school-aged students with multiple, orthopedic and / or developmental disabilities. Parents are welcome 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. only.
Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will be there. A snow prince and snow princess will be crowned and a drawing will take place for the dance court.
There is no cost for the event and includes dinner. For more information, call Jeanne Constantino at East High School at 330-770-4005, ext. 4143, or email jeanne.constantino@youngstown.k12.oh.us.
LONE SOLDIER EVENT: The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will host Mark Liner at noon Dec. 2 at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane.
Liner is a lone soldier, serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel. He arrived in Israel during the COVID-19 lockdowns and later made Aliyah (immigration to Israel). Liner was drafted into the Golani Brigade in August 2023 and was still in basic training when the war began Oct. 7. He went on to serve as a combat soldier on the front lines, spending nearly a year on the northern border with Lebanon before completing his service on the Gaza border.
The cost is $5. A light lunch will be served. Contact Nancy at nsentelik@jewishyoungstown.org to register.
Community news
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Youngstown Cityscape is seeking volunteers for the annual Sparkle Youngstown 2025 Holiday Parade and tree lighting 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5. Community members are invited to be part of the Cityscape Seasons Spirit Team. Volunteer duties will be assisting with the parade lineup and the flow of spectators along the parade route. For information, call 330-742-4040.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: Girard’s second annual Christmas in the Park will be 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Tod Park in Girard. The event, which is sponsored by the city of Girard, is free and will include Santa Claus, horse and carriage rides, pictures with Santa, children’s games, caroling and music.
CHRISTMAS GIFT SIGN-UPS: The Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard is taking Christmas sign-ups through Dec. 5. Families who are registered at the center can call and register children up to age 12. Families can suggest gift ideas for the children, which will be written on tags and available at participating churches. Families can pick up children’s gifts 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
THANKSGIVING RACE: The YMCA of Youngstown, Second Sole Boardman and the Davis Family YMCA will host the annual “What We are Thankful For” Thanksgiving race on Thursday, with a 4-mile run and 3K walk. The children’s race kicks off the event at 8 a.m., with a walk around YMCA’s outdoor track. The main race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration forms are available at Second Sole or online at runsignup.com, or call Mark at 330-758-8708.
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AUDUBON SOCIETY: The Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley will feature Matt Valencic of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive. Valencic will speak about migrating waterfowl and winter birds of Northeast Ohio. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.
WEAVERS GUILD: Youngstown East Ohio Weavers Guild will meet 10 a.m. Saturday at Building 23 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. The meeting will include next year’s workshops. Attendees are asked to bring suggestions to the meeting to help the group’s program committee schedule the year’s activities.
The Christmas luncheon will be Dec. 10.
FOOD PANTRY GIVEAWAY: Christ Our Savior Parish Knights of Columbus Council 4471 and Second Harvest Food Bank will host a food pantry giveaway 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church’s great hall, 764 Fifth St., Struthers. Either turkeys or gift certificates will be distributed.
A blood drive hosted by the KOC and the American Red Cross will be 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday in the lower church hall.
Community news
HOLIDAY PARADE: The City of Youngstown, Youngstown CityScape, Title Sponsor WesBanco, #1 Cochran Chevrolet Buick GMC and the Downtown Youngstown Partnership will host this year’s Youngstown Holiday Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and Flea on Phelps.
Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 5, with vendors at the Youngstown Flea on Phelps.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m., with the Christmas tree lighting immediately following the parade (approximately 7:15 p.m.).
The OH WOW! Children’s Museum is free and open to the public 3 to 6 p.m. Santa’s workshop will be on the third floor of OH WOW! from 3 to 8 p.m. and includes free photos with Santa from 3 to 6 p.m. only.
There will be commemorative mugs sponsored by Platt Insurance with drink specials to fill them all over town. The Pop-up Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be on site. To register for the parade or for any questions, contact Youngstown CityScape at 330-742-4040 or email info@YoungstownCityScape.com.
VET SERVICE MEETING: The weekly meeting of the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commissioners on Tuesday has been rescheduled for 8 a.m. Monday because of the short holiday work week. Contact Susan Krawchyk, executive director, with any questions at 330-740-2450.
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PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Mr. Darby’s Vintage & Antiques, 7386 Market St., Boardman, will offer pet photos with Santa 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. For a $5 donation, you can use your own camera and take photos of your pet with Santa. All donations will be given to Animal Charity of Ohio. In addition to the photos, the store also will be collecting pet food, treats, toys, blankets and cleaning supplies.
STUFF THE VETTE: The Mahoning Valley Corvette Club will host a “Stuff the Vette” food drive Thursday at the Greenwood Chevrolet Hummer Building on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. People can drop off nonperishable food items for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley starting at 4:30 p.m.
RAILROADERS TO MEET: All retired and active railroaders are invited to attend the NASRVRE monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday at JP’s Pizzeria, 15946 Route 170, Calcutta. For questions, call Rocco at 330-853-3045.
SURVIVORS SUPPORT: The Brain Injury Family Education and Survivors Support Group meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Howland United Methodist Church, 730 Howland Wilson Road. The support group is free and available to all survivors, family members and / or caregivers. The support group offers socialization, and fundamental information and education about brain injury and common challenges that confront survivors and families.
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OPEN HOUSE: The Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, 7300 N. Palmyra Road, Canfield, will host an open house 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The public can tour the school, meet the staff and hear about and ask questions about the programs. For information or to schedule a private tour, call 330-729-4000 ext.1214.
YOUNGSTOWN EVENT: Youngstown Councilman Jimmy Hughes is inviting members of the Mount Hope Committee partners and the public to gather at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Hope Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1945 Liberty Road, Youngstown. The event will highlight the Mount Hope Cemetery maintenance programs
Mount Hope is the final resting place for many veterans, as well residents of the Sharon Line and East Side. The event will highlight some of the progress made to address some of the decadelong maintenance issues and recent improvements. Parkrig is available at the cemetery. There will be a ceremonial ribbon cutting and refreshments. There has been a dead tree removed, new gates and road landscape installed and other improvements on the property.
LEAF COLLECTION: The city of Girard is requiring the use of paper lawn bags for the annual leaf collection. Leaves are not to be raked to the street and will not be picked up by the city. Bags can be picked up 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Nov. 29 at the Girard Street Department, 943 S. State St. The first five bags are provided at no cost with identification and proof of residency. Bags are five for $1. Call 330-545-3306.
QUILTING GROUP: That Quilting Group I Belong To will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday at the Rosary Building at Fair Park in Canfield. There will be a presentation on Harriet Tubman. Those attending can bring Civil War-era quilts to display. Members are asked to also return their finished Christmas stocking at the meeting. The quilters meet the third Tuesday of each month, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. For information, call Jeanne at 330-507-4672.
GINGERBREAD HOUSES: The Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau Holiday of Christmas Lights is seeking community involvement for the gingerbread house display taking place Thursday to Dec. 28 at Harvey S. Firestone Recreation Park , 2988 E. Park Ave. Gingerbread houses can be crafted by individuals, families, businesses and organizations There is a $5 fee to enter. For information, call 330-482-2282. Entries must be brought to the Gingerbread House, which is the pavilion near Funland.
CRAFT NIGHT: Girard Free Library will host an Artist Craft Night at 6 p.m. today for readers of all ages. Children and families are invited to create a one of a kind handcrafted bookmark using stickers, markers and other mixed media materials.
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POLISH ARTS CLUB EVENT: The Polish Arts Club of Youngstown is hosting its annual Polish Christmas celebration, Wigilia, on Dec. 7 at Sabi’s Restaurant, 85 Town Center Ave., Columbiana. Social hour begins at 4 p.m. and dinner, dessert and singing of Polish Christmas carols is 5 to 8 p.m. The event is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance by Nov. 19. Space is limited. Cost is $58 for those 13 and older ($50 for members), $12 for those 5 to 12 and free for children under 4. The cost includes appetizers, a buffet dinner of traditional Polish food, dessert, soft drinks, coffee or tea, a selection of wine, and one cocktail or Polish beer. Those wanting to attend must send a check made out to the Polish Arts Club of Youngstown and the number attending to Ken Giba, 3493 Black Oak Lane, Youngstown, OH 44511. Reservations must be postmarked by Nov. 19.
OAK HILL CEMETERY TOUR: A cemetery tour will be noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery, 344 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. The public is invited to learn stories of Civil War soldiers buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery soldiers’ lot from historian Steffon Wydell Jones, and genealogy and local history librarian Elizabeth Carnahan. Attendees are asked to gather at 11:45 a.m. at the flagpole in the cemetery. For information, contact Jones at 330-301-7365 or Carahan at 330-744-8636.
HOWLIDAYS VENDOR SHOW: The Mahoning County Dog Pound’s Friends of Fido is hosting its 13th annual “Howlidays” Vendor Show 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tippecanoe Country Club, 5870 Tippecanoe Road, Canfield. There will be 45 local vendors and a giant basket raffle.
Friends of Fido uses the funds for veterinary care and other expenses for the animals at the pound. For more information, visit friendsoffidomahoning.org.
CITYSCAPE AWARDS: Youngstown CityScape will announce the winners of the 2025 Youngstown CityScape Beautification Awards at 5 p.m. Thursday at Concept Studio, 217 W. Federal Street. This year marks CityScape’s 19th year of presenting Beautification Awards to those who have made exceptional beautification or preservation efforts, and, in doing so, continue to raise the standards throughout the city of Youngstown. This year, awards will be given in three categories including: Business, Institutional and Residential. CityScape will present awards for improvements that include downtown development, community improvement projects, public art and individual home beautification.
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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: Mr. Darby’s Antique Emporium, 7386 Market St., Boardman, will host its annual Christmas open house 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Complimentary food will be provided by the Bread Chef, Chick Fil-A, Honeybaked Ham Co., Bruno Bros. Pizza and Combine Brothers. There also will be hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine. Tickets will be on sale for a basket raffle and 50 / 50 raffle, and there will be free tickets available for door prizes, which will be given away every 15 minutes. Proceeds from the raffles will go toward the Clarence Smith Family Wellness Center to assist first responders in the tri-county area.
JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS: The Town and Country Garden Club of East Palestine will host its 2025 Home Tour, with this year’s theme “Journey to Christmas.” The Home Tour will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets cost $15 each and can be purchased in advance at the following places: 1820 House, Bea’s Insurance, Flower’s Straight From the Heart, Fuller’s Hardware, Kats Krystals, Lib’s (Salem), Pewter Peddler (Columbiana), Roadhouse, Runnion’s Originals, and T & M Hardware. They can also be purchased at any of the homes during the hours of the tour.
There will be five other stops on the Home Tour. At each of these stops, participants will get a free chance (total of nine) in the drawing for $100 drawn at 4 p.m. Saturday. Find Town & Country Garden Club of EP on Facebook.
PARENT INPUT: McKinley Junior/ Senior High School in Sebring will host its annual IDEA parent input meeting at 1 p.m. Friday in the student lounge of the school, 225 E. Indiana Ave., Sebring. Parents and guardians of students receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act are encouraged to attend. The meeting is to gather input and discuss plans for use of federal funds.
Community news
COOKIES WITH SANTA: The Austintown Drama Club will host Cookies with Santa at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Austintown Fitch High School cafeteria, 4560 Falcon Drive. There will be cookies, hot chocolate, stories and photos with Santa Claus. The drama club will present “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased separately for the show on the Austintown schools website or at the door. Cookies are provided by Cookies by Conley.
CALENDAR PARTY: The Friends of the Girard Free Library will host a calendar party noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the community room of the library. Tickets are $10, which include a meal, table and door prize drawings and a gift basket raffle. Tickets are available at the circulation desk. Proceeds from the event will help purchase items for the children’s reading room.
HELPING HANDS: The Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, has new and gently used clothing for the entire family. Helping Hands is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday with entrance at the back of the church,
SETON III: Seton III, a Catholic-based women’s service organization, will have its November luncheon at noon Thursday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. The program is Making Birthday Cake Gifts. Hostesses are Dotty Cerimele, Dorothy Stefko and Catherine Fleming.
OSTOMY GROUP MEETING: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group meets 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Tibbetts Wick Homecare office, 979 Tibbetts-Wick Road, Suite A, Girard. Parking is free and refreshments will be served.
The group offers education, encouragement and support to anyone whose life is affected by an ostomy. For more information contact Anna Fitzgerald at Anna_Fitzgerald@mercy.com 330-480-3440.
PHILANTHROPY DAY: The Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning Shenango Chapter will recognize the 2025 honorees at the National Philanthropy Day Award celebration at 11 a.m. Friday at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., Youngstown. National Philanthropy Day is set aside to recognize the impact of philanthropy and individuals and organizations who have embraced examples of philanthropy as a way of life The local event recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals.
STORYTIMES: Storytimes at Lepper Library in Lisbon are Tuesdays. This week, Moving and Grooving, geared toward babies and toddlers, will be at 10 a.m., with preschool story hour, geared toward children 3 to 5 years, at 11 a.m. Younger and older siblings are welcome.
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TURKEY GIVEAWAY: The Arab American Community Center of Youngstown, with the support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley, will be distributing free turkeys 11 a.m. Saturday at 15 Belgrade Ave., Youngstown. Limited to first 200 vehicles. One turkey per vehicle (no exceptions). To volunteer, contact AACCyo.Oh@gmail.com.
OSTOMY SUPPORT MEETING: The Youngstown area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Suite A, Girard.
Family members and people considering an ostomy are welcome. The group offers education, encouragement and support to anyone whose life is affected by an ostomy.
MCMP TREE PLANTING: Volunteers are needed for the YSU Legacy Forests 2025 Tree Planting, noon to 4 p.m. Thursday at Mill Creek MetroParks, Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary). For GPS, use 1402 W. Calla Road, Youngstown, OH 44514.
Members will be planting 1750 trees — 1370 in containers and 380 bare root.
To volunteer or request more information, contact Catherine Cala at calacatherine2@gmail.com or 330-207-3103. Provide your name, email and cell phone number.
Volunteers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, footwear and work gloves. Please bring a shovel or spade labeled with your name.
MONTHLY WRITING GROUP: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1126 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host a monthly creative writing group 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Thursday of every month. Participants are asked to bring a notebook, pen and laptop. For information, call 330-539-0122.
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GATHERING PLACE EVENT: A Gathering Place event will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Canfield Public Library, 43 W. Main St. Library Supervisor Alison Graff will discuss “Things You Might Not Have Known About Library Programs and Services.”
This is a free community outreach program. A box lunch will be provided. For information, call Woody at 330-360-0419.
FOOD FOR FINES: The Girard Free Library is offering Food for Fines through Nov. 25. The library will waive up to $25 in fines when patrons donate at least two nonperishable food items (in jars, cans and sealed packets). Donations will go to the Emmanuel Community Care Center.
Food for Fines does not apply to replacement fees for lost or damaged items or overdue fines from other CLEVNET libraries.
ABWA DINNER: The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will celebrate its anniversary Tuesday at Donavito’s restaurant in Struthers. The social will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner served family style at 6:30 pm. The entertainment will be “one man band,” Lon McClearn.
The cost is $32 at the door. Reservations may be made by calling Susan at 330-360-3322 or Sharon at 267-901-4297. No standing reservations apply. Members must call for a dinner reservation.
EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE: The Kool Boiz Foundation is hosting its Fifth Annual Young Men’s Empowerment Conference for boys and young men of color, grades 6-12, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, Youngstown.
The conference will include: breakfast, lunch and snacks; keynote speakers; panel discussion; workshops, including financial literacy; prizes and more.
The conference is free, but limited to the first 100 registrations. Register at www.KoolBoizFoundation.org.
PLYMC CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County announces the launch of its 2025 annual campaign, with donations directly supporting the library.
Since March, PLYMC’s team has been preparing the Michael Kusalaba Branch on the West Side to become part of the national Family Place Libraries network, a model that creates early learning environments for very young children and their caregivers.
The initiative is designed to strengthen families, build community connections, and foster early literacy and lifelong learning.
The Michael Kusalaba Branch was selected because of its proximity to local schools and the demographics of the community it serves, making it an ideal home for this initiative.
To donate or learn more, visit www.libraryvisit.org/giving/.
Send items to Community News, The a, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, OH 44483.
Community news
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 the first Thursday of each month 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. Thursday’s topic is Lung Health.
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
BOOK SALE: The Friends of the East Palestine Memorial Public Library is hosting its annual book sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and and Saturday in the library basement, 309 N. Market St., East Palestine.
There will be a special preview night 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The cost of admission is $5 on Thursday. Admission is free on Friday and Saturday.
A “bag sale” is being offered for $5 (the Friends will provide the bag) and is featured each day. There are a wide variety of books, DVDs, books on tape, puzzles and games. This year, there also are individually priced specialty books.