Community news
NOON NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology will host a “Noon New Year’s Eve” party and ball drop for families 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 15 Central Square in Youngstown. The celebration will include noisemakers in the InspireWorks Lab, a dance party in Function Junction and reflective constellation balls in the Tech Hub. A ball drop will take place at noon.
BOAR’S HEAD FESTIVAL: The 18th annual Boar’s Head Festival will be 3:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St., Sharon, Pa. For information, call 724-981-2211.
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ASSOCIATION TO MEET: The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will host its Jan. 13 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Networking will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner for the January meeting will be a breakfast buffet that will include vegetable quiche, French toast casserole, scrambled eggs, link sausage, bacon, home fried potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee and tea. The cost is $18. Reservations may be made by calling Darlene at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn at 330-726-2527 by Wednesday. The speaker for the evening will be Cassandra Valentini, who serves as chief of community development and public relations with Direction Home of Eastern Ohio in Youngstown, which was formerly the Area Agency on Aging.
TEEN EVENTS: The Girard Free Library will offer Teen Anime Club at 5:30 p.m. today where teens can watch an anime show with friends and sample Asian snacks. Teens also can enjoy Monopoly at 2 p.m. Tuesday. To register, call 330-545-2508.
NEW YEAR’S GATHERING: Austintown Baptist Church, 118 S. Raccoon Road, will host a free community dinner 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday for New Year’s Day. Dine -in only. The meal is pork and sauerkraut.
MEETING CHANGES: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Office’s weekly meeting will be changed in observance of the short holiday work weeks. The weekly meeting will be at 8 a.m. today. For questions, call Susan Krawchyk, executive director, at 330-740-2450.
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CHRISTMAS DAY FREE DINNERS: Two local organizations will be helping at Christmas by providing free dinners to the community.
The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley will host a free holiday meal 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the mission, 1300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Youngstown. Parking is available at the back of the building. Donors, community members and local businesses have provided hams and other menu items that will be prepared by the staff and volunteers.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council and McCarragher Family will host a meal for the public 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the dining hall, 430 Williamson Ave., Youngstown. Volunteer Ed McCarragher and his family will serve the meal as scheduled as they have done for the last two years. In addition to the scheduled meal at the dining hall, the McCarragher family intends to deliver an additional 100 meals to the Mahoning County Metropolitan Housing Authority, 311 W. Boardman St. in Youngstown.
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WINTER NIGHTS: Mill Creek MetroParks is presenting a free outdoor light experience from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown.
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will hold a Christmas candlelight service 7 p.m. Tuesday. The service will include celebratory harp music by Harper Kirk and a message by Larry Etheridge.
HOLIDAY SERVICES: Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road, will hold Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Christmas Day service at 10 a.m. Thursday.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Hubbard Church of Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane, SE, will hold a Christmas cantata program at 10:45 a.m. Sunday with the church choir. Christmas Eve candlelight service is 6 p.m. Wednesday.
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HOLIDAY CONCERT: Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane Drive SE, will present its Christmas program at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The Christmas Choir will present the cantata. A soup luncheon will follow the morning service in the Fellowship Hall.
HOLIDAY DISPLAY: A holiday lights drive-thru is being showcased at Boardman Park through Jan. 6. The public can drive through Boardman Park’s free Winter Wonderland and tune their radio to 88.9 FM to hear the accompanying music for the synchronized lights. The display is open nightly 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 6. It is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP: 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, Warren. The support group is free and available to all survivors, family members and caregivers.
VETERANS SERVICES: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Office will be closed to the public on Friday for internal office training. Questions may be addressed to Susan Krawchyk, executive director at 330-740-2450.
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MENORAH DISPLAYED FOR HANUKAH: The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation has placed a 9-foot menorah on display in front of the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, for Hanukkah (or Chanukah), which is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights.” It is celebrated with a nightly hanukkah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. A nine-branched menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, is lit on Hanukkah. One candle, the shamas, is used to light the others.
DRUMMING CIRCLE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host a winter solstice drumming circle 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Friday at the center. Drums and Yums will be led by Dan Susany, a local drummer, who has led regional drumming events since 1997. Participants may bring their own drums or drums will be provided. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. For information, call 330-539-0122.
CONCERT OF GIVING: The Youngstown Area Community Concert Band and the Stambaugh Chorus will present the 15th annual Holiday Concert of Giving at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium. Doors open at 2 p.m. The 90-minute concert will feature each group performing alone and the group performing two pieces. The concert is a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. Cash or check donations will be collected by food bank staff members at the door. No food donations will be collected at the event. To date, the annual concert has reached $64,000, with all funds going to the food bank.
WOMEN IN HISTORY: The Girard Multi-Generational Center will present a program “Ohio Living Women in History-Billie Holiday” at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Women in History is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the education of all people through dramatic recreations of the lives of notable women in history. The presentation will take people back to the life of Holiday and the early days of jazz. Light refreshments will be provided.
LIBRARY EVENTS: Girard Free Library will present Tom the librarian and Toshi at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Toshi is a therapy dog and is part of the Furever Friends Therapy Dogs, a non-profit registered with the state of Ohio. No registration is required. The library will offer kitchen fundamentals at 11 a.m. Saturday, where children ages 6 to 11 can learn about cooking. Children will learn about processed foods and nutrition labels in this easy-to-follow fun adventure into kitchen creativity by making sugar cookies.
Call or visit the circulation desk to register at 330-545-2508.
COFFEE AND CONTEMPLATION: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer Coffee and Contemplation 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday. This series focuses on a variety of spiritual and holistic topics. The program provides participants with input from a presenter and includes time for reflection and discussion. The program is “How Can We Receive the Invitation of Christ to Experience Living with the Spirit in This New Church Year.” The program also will be available via Zoom. The cost is $10. (lunch is optional at an additional $6). Registration and information can be found at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.
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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: The cities of Niles and Girard, Jackson Township and Berlin Center will be holding Wreaths Across America events this weekend.
Jackson Township’s event will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the township cemetery, 10613 Mahoning Ave. Berlin Center will hold a ceremony at noon Saturday at the Berlin Community Center, 15823 W. Akron Canfield Road.
WWII MUSIC IN THE AIR: David and Lois Schneider will present a program on World War II music for the World War II Heritage Group meeting at 6:15 p.m. Monday at A La Carte Catering in Canfield.
The program will be preceded by a buffet meal for which reservations are due today to Dave Frank at 330-757-0515.
VALLEY CHORALE: The Shenango Valley Chorale will perform 7:30 p.m. today at Hubbard St. Patrick Church, 225 N. Main St. Admission is $15 for adults, with children under 12 free. Tickets will be available at the door
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HOSPITALS CELEBRATE SEASON: Mercy Health is celebrating this holiday season with charitable giving events to benefit the Mahoning Valley community. The annual Festival of Trees is taking place at two Mercy Health hospitals, where the public can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to take home a decorated Christmas tree. In addition, each area hospital is collecting gifts in partnership with local organizations to help local families celebrate Christmas.
St. Joseph Warren Hospital, 667 Eastland Ave. SE, Warren, and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, 8401 Market St., Boardman, will have tickets drawn at noon Friday at both locations..
St. Joseph Warren Hospital partnered with Warren’s St. Vincent de Paul Society for its annual Christmas Giving Tree program this year with more than 250 gifts donated.
St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital also are celebrating the Feast of St. Elizabeth by supporting the Catholic Charities Adopt-a-Child Program.
BOAR’S HEAD FESTIVAL: Tickets are available for the 63rd annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival, at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Jan. 4 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown. The two performances will include 100 St. John parishioners dressed in medieval costume and other surprises.
Performance tickets are $20 each. The deadline for tickets is Dec. 22 and they are available online at www.stjohnohio.org by cash or check. Send a check and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the church, attention Boar’s Head, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503-1095. Include a note indicating performance time and make a check payable to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Free parking at the church is available.
SMALL BIZ POP-UP: The annual holiday small biz pop-up benefiting the Youngstown Blue Coats and All About the Pawz will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. More than 40 vendors and local small businesses will be set up inside St. Joseph Parish social hall, 4545 New Road in Austintown. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site for photos.
The Blue Coats will be collecting sleeping bags, coats, boots, warm gloves, blankets, tents, new socks and other winter items. There also will be a giant basket raffle to benefit All About The Pawz dog shelter and rescue.
CEMETERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteers are needed to join the Oak Hill Cemetery research team. The Oak Hill office team handles public inquiries, processes requests for veteran replacement headstones and manages burial records / cards, compiling data into resident profiles.
Research training will be provided. If interested, call Steffon Wydell Jones, Oak Hill historian, at 330-301-7365.
COOKIE DECORATING: The Girard Multi-Generational Center, Trumbull Avenue, will offer cookie decorating starting at 9 a.m. Friday at the center’s coffee bar.
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SETON III CELEBRATION: Seton III, a Catholic women’s service organization, will have its Christmas celebration at noon Thursday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. The program theme is “Seton Sisters” and the prayer will be led by Susan Stacy. Lunch will be served at noon. Hostesses are Margie Stanwood, Debbie Biastro and Susan Stacy.
VETERANS APPRECIATION: The Tri-State Detachment Marine Corps League No. 494 and VFW Austintown No. 4237, in cooperation with an Agent of Ohio Charities, Sparkle Market Cornersburg, will give away 315 $50 gift certificates to all military veterans starting at 10 a.m. Sunday until they are gone. The certificates, which can be used at Sparkle markets in Boardman, Austintown and Youngstown, will be given away at Cornersburg Sparkle, 3623 S. Meridian Road.
Veterans must present proof of eligibility such as county veteran ID, a driver’s license with military designation or DD-214 to receive a gift certificate.
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CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: The Shenango Valley Chorale will bring its “A Classic Christmas” program at 7:30 p.m. Friday to Hubbard St. Patrick Church, 225 N. Main St. Admission is $15 for adults and children under 12 are free. Tickets will be available at the door.
HARP RECITAL: A harp recital by Kirk Kupensky from the Shenango Valley Chorale will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard. Admission is free.
CELEBRATION: The St. Jude Women’s Guild is hosting its fifth annual Christmas on Seventh Street, a festive celebration filled with holiday joy and family fun, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church, 180 Seventh St., Columbiana.
This year’s event features an expanded Cookie Walk, along with activities for all ages: interactive gingerbread house, live reindeer and petting zoo, free photos with Santa, children’s crafts, face painting and more.
In addition, the Christmas Gift Market will showcase local artisans offering handcrafted gifts. A pancake breakfast will be served 9 a.m. to noon at $6 per person, with children 5 and under eating free.
For information, contact Alexis Folino Gallo, event coordinator, at: 330-271-1548 or via email at lexigallo13@gmail.com.
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP: The Unity Spiritual Center, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road in Liberty, will host a monthly creative writing group 6:30 to 8 p.m, the second Thursday of each month. Participants are asked to bring a notebook and pen and laptops as well as any writing to be shared with the group. Terry Newman, a local author, will be facilitating. For information, call the center at 330-539-0122.
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WORLD WAR II MUSIC IN THE AIR: Dave and Lois Schneider will present a program on World War II music for the World War II Heritage Group meeting on Dec. 15 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. The program will be preceded by a buffet meal for which reservations are due to Dave Frank 330-757-0515 by Friday. The meal will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Lois performed locally at the Youngstown Playhouse, Greenville Community Theater, ACTS of Sharpsville, PA., and TNT. Among her favorite roles include Velma Kelly in “Chicago” and Donna in Youngstown Playhouse’s “Mama Mia!” David has been involved in more than 50 productions in local theaters in a variety of roles from board member to actor to director to crew. Among his favorite roles include Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and Luther Billis in “South Pacific.”
OSTOMY GROUP MEETING: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, 8401 Market St., Boardman, Woodland room. 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 Anna_Fitzgerald@mercy.com 330-480-3440
RETIREES TO MEET: The Police and Fire Retirees and Widows of Ohio District 2, Chapter 10, will host a Chrstmas meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive, Austintown. Attendees should bring donations for Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley. Books, crayons, coloring books and games are needed. Gifts should be unwrapped.
CHRISTMAS MELODIES: Musician John Reese will entertain with Christmas melodies at a free musical event at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Salem Community Center, 1098 N. Ellsworth Road, Salem.
FRIENDS TO MEET: The Friends of the Mahoning River will host a holiday party 6 to 9 p.m.Thursday at West Side Bowl on Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Pizza and free bowling lanes will be available to members.
HOLIDAY CRAFT: The Girard Free Library will present unique pieces for the holiday season to add a dash of Christmas spirit to the wardrobe at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Register at the library.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The Kids Crew of the Mahoning Valley will host its annual Holiday Hopes and Wishes luncheon at 10 a.m. Friday at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. The event will include a bake shop and basket raffle. This year, proceeds from the luncheon will benefit MV Food Farmacy at Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley. Guests are asked to bring donations of paper or hygiene products that will be collected at the door. Cost is $60 per person, For information, visit www.kidscrewmahoning valley.com
HELPING HANDS: The Helping Hands Closet at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, has new and gently used clothing for families The sale is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.
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TREE LIGHTING: North Jackson Citizens Association will host its annual tree lighting 6 p.m. Saturday at the North Jackson gazebo, 10613 Mahoning Ave. The event will include a visit from Santa, caroling and refreshments.
HOLIDAY PARADE: A holiday parade will be 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Youngstown, with a special appearance by Santa Claus.
The event will start at 4 p.m. with the Flea on Phelps, and lighting of the Christmas tree will follow the parade.
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: McDonald village will host its annual Christmas in the Village at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Woodland Park and at the fire station. Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck. There will be crafts, tree lighting, wagon rides through the village and refreshments.
WEEKEND CONCERT: St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, will host a musical Christmas performance 1:15 p.m. Sunday with Felipe Gonzales and Friends. A freewill offering will be taken.
HUBBARD PARADE: The Hubbard holiday Christmas parade will be 5 p.m. Saturday, with the parade starting at the high school and traveling along Hall Avenue, turn east onto West Liberty Street, and then end by turning north on Stewart Avenue. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Tylee Park (next to the fire station) to visit with children in Santa’s cottage. Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m.
SWING BAND CHRISTMAS: The Girard Community Swing Band will perform a free Christmas concert 6 p.m. Sunday at Girard First Baptist Church, 140 E. Broadway. The event is free.
WEATHERSFIELD HOLIDAY: Weathersfield Township will host its annual tree lighting 5 p.m. Saturday at the park off Route 46. Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend.
GATHERING PLACE: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield, will host a Gathering Place event 11 a.m. Monday. Guests are asked to bring holiday cookies or a side dish. A main course of chicken francaise will be provided. Canfield High School students will provide holiday music and caroling. The event is free. For information call 330-360-0419.
LIBERTY TREE LIGHTING: Liberty Township will host a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday at the township administration building, where Santa Claus will arrive.
NATIVITY LIGHTING: St. Rose Church in Girard will light the nativity in front of the church following 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday. There will be a special blessing.
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SANTA’S WORKSHOP: Santa’s Workshop will be open 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at the OHWOW! Center in Youngstown. The workshop is free and open to the public. Free photos with Santa will be 3 to 6 p.m.
ABWA CHRISTMAS: The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will celebrate Christmas with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Networking will begin at 6 p.m. The cost is $22.
Reservations may be made by calling Marilyn at 330-726-2527 or Darlene at 330-755-9089. Standing reservations apply.
The entertainment for the evening will be provided by the Boardman High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by senior Dominic Belcastro.
There will be a $15 optional gift exchange and donations taken for a charity chosen that night. The public is welcome.
SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP: The Youngstown Area Scleroderma Support Group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Davidson’s Restaurant, 3636 Canfield Road, and by Zoom. The meeting is open to the public and focuses on issues of people affected in all ways by scleroderma.
For more information and Zoom numbers, contact Leni Schulz at 330-501-2401 or lenipenny1@neo.rr.com.
SELF-HELP GROUP: Recovery International, a community self-help mental health group, will meet at 2 p.m.Tuesday at Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave.,Youngstown. For more information, call 330-747-1176.
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SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL: The annual Snowflake Festival in East Palestine is scheduled for Saturday. The Snowflake Festival is sponsored by the East Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce and this year’s annual festival has some added features as well as prior years’ favorites.
The day starts off with a pancake and sausage Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the East Palestine Rotary Club, at 9 a.m.
Snowflake Headquarters, located at the Village Municipal Building, 85 N Market St., will open at 10 a.m. The Chamber will again offer the popular Snowflake Trail / Scavenger Hunt. Stop in Snowflake Headquarters and pick up a scavenger hunt program and visit the stops along the Snowflake Trail.
Santa’s Secret Workshop will be in the East Palestine Elementary School Gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a variety of vendors for Christmas shopping. Gingerbread houses will be on display at the library. There will be a vendor and craft show at 77 N. Market St.; Christmas tree lane will have decorated trees on display at Bea’s Insurance, 31 N. Market Street; and the annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Moose Lodge, ends the day.
BARNHISEL HOUSE DISPLAY: The Girard Historical Society will host Golden Victorian Christmas 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and Dec. 13 and 14, at 1011 N. State St., Girard. The historic home is decorated for the holiday season. A suggested donation is four canned goods.
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LIONS CLUB HELPS CHILDREN: The Youngstown Lions Club will host its annual Christmas party for Youngstown City School District students with challenges from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Saxon Club, 710 S Meridian Road, Youngstown. Youngstown Lions Club members will be serving lunch to the children and Santa will be there to give presents to each child that has been personally selected with the advice from the students’ parents and teachers. A DJ will play a selection of festive music for the students to dance.
LAWN MOWER WINTERIZATION: The Girard FIRST Robotics Aptiv Team will sponsor a lawn mower winterization 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Girard High School rear parking lot, 1244 Shannon Road. The team will clean, power wash, change oil and sharpen and balance blades for $55. Pick up and delivery is $70 for Girard residents only. For questions or pickup, call Ashraf at 330-545-5431, Ext. 130.
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. This Thursday’s program is Cold Weather Preparation
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.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The Youngstown Branch of the American Association of University Women will host a holiday luncheon and service project 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the United Way Volunteer Resource Center, 8133 Market St., Boardman. The service project at the United Way will be to assemble / fill hygiene bags for some of the girls in the Youngstown City schools. United Way developed a program to provide immediate access to essential items such as food, hygiene products, clothing and school supplies, all available within the school environment operating on a “grab and go” basis, reducing the time and emotional energy students might otherwise spend worrying about these basic needs. A representative from United Way also will talk about the work of the organization and the impact on the schools.
The AAUW also will recognize the accomplishments of three of our members: Suzanne Barbati was selected to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association and was recently elected to serve on the Eastern Ohio Educational Service Center Governing Board; Dr.Nicolette Powe has been elected to serve a five-year term on the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Board of Commissioners beginning in January 2026; Monica Baker was just reelected as a trustee for Hubbard Township.
The club also will be having a fundraiser for our scholarship fund. Members are invited to bring a small gift or gift card for members to bid on.This event is free and open to the public.
For more than 100 years, the group has fought for gender equity in higher education and beyond. For information about AAUW, visit https://youngstown-oh.aauw.net.