Neighborhoods

The summer job market might be a little tighter this year.

The Ohio Summer Youth Employment program helped hundreds of teens in the Mahoning Valley get summer jobs.

It helped local governments, too. Teen workers filled in the gaps when full-time city employees went on vacation.

They were paid through federal money, but Columbiana and Mahoning counties are losing more than $1.5 million for workers through the program.

The State of Ohio is using the $40 million from the summer program to start a new “case management” system. That program is supposed to help low-income teens find jobs in the private sector.

“It’s hard to argue with that part of it, in terms of what the state is trying to do. I understand that, but selfishly, we’d like to have our kids be working this summer and that’s not going to happen,” said Columbiana County Commissioner Mike Halleck.

Halleck said Columbiana County will receive about $111,000 as opposed to the $800,000 the county received before. And, they can only hire 14- and 15-year-olds.

Those workers can’t run landscaping equipment, can’t drive to job sites and have to work shorter hours.

Columbiana County used to hire hundreds of teens and now only 30 can be hired.

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation Director Ian Beniston said the change will affect hundreds of kids in the city, from 16- to 24-years-old, that were gaining real skills from the work.

“We do have them doing real hard work here,” he said. “They are out eight hours a day cutting grass or boarding up houses in the heat. It’s not easy work they were doing.”

Supporters say the youth employment program did a lot of good, and now teens and young adults from disadvantaged families won’t have those work opportunities.

“The important thing, not only did it give them some spending money, but it taught them a work ethic, so it was beneficial on both sides of the equation,” Halleck said.

To read the full story from WKBN, click here.

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation’s (YNDC) Iron Roots Urban Farm is starting a new program this year called Community Supported Agriculture.

The idea behind the program is for the community to come together and invest in the farm. At the beginning of the year, members pay an upfront fee that will cover the costs for the growing season.

By investing in the program through a subscription, customers will get locally-grown produce all summer. The subscription lasts for 20 weeks from June 13 through October 31. Each week, shareholders get five to seven different seasonal items. The cost to join the program is $650 – about $33 per week.

Pickup locations are at the Warren Farmer’s Market, Idora Farmer’s Market, and Catullo Prime Meats in Boardman.

“It’s got a pretty wide variety that is going to change each week based on what is in season, what’s fresh and what’s the best quality for the week,” said Liberty Avila, Land Reuse director for YNDC.

Avila said the program is a commitment to eating healthy with the freshest food possible – basically farm to table.

“Having it grown here and knowing where it came from, especially if it’s organic, you know you can’t go wrong,” said Steven Gatte, Youngstown resident.

The Community Supported Agriculture not only helps bring fresh foods to the table but also helps the economy by providing jobs.

“It’s going to allow us to really grow our farming options as well as employ people,” Avila said. “This model really lets us invest in the farm and lets you invest in the farm so you can be part of the revitalization in Youngstown and eat healthier and feed your families.”

The goal is to have 100 shareholders signed up for the service. Right now, there are 25.

The deadline to apply for the program is June 2.

For more information on Community Supported Agriculture and Iron Roots Urban Farm, call (330) 480-0423. Use extension 2 or ask for Liberty Avila.

To read the full story from WYTV, click here.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

YNDC is proud to announce we have created 106 homeowners to date!

These homeowners have participated in a combination of YNDC’s HUD-Approved Housing Counseling and Education, Community Loan Fund, and Strategic Acquisition and Rehabilitation programs.

Community Legal Aid Services Inc., 11 Federal St., has received a neighborhood stabilization grant from the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation. This new funding will support community redevelopment legal assistance.

The grant is for up to $1.3 million over the course of four years, with $350,000 to be released later this spring. Subsequent funding releases will be contingent upon progress updates provided to OLAF.

Legal Aid’s proposal listed several key initiatives the organization will be using the funding to pursue, with projects listed in both Akron and Youngstown.

To read the full article from the Vindicator, click here.

The WKBN 27 Caring for Our Community campaign honors the winners of this year’s Tom Holden Memorial Scholarship contest.

With more than 200 entries – Mia Salvato, a senior at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center, was our 5th Runner-Up. Mia wrote her Public Service Announcement for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Here is her interview and winning script:

FIFTH RUNNER UP – Mia Salvato

All animated

Bright sunny blue day, trees and buildings

Upbeat (but subtle) music playing, birds chirping, general outdoor noises.

Man walks past billboards

Billboard says “Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation”

Voiceover says: our community is, and always has been our greatest pride

Man walks further and a woman appears and begins walking with him, they walk further and find another friend, this quickly continues until there is a group of 10-15 people.

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation central purpose is to foster the transformation of undervalued and transitional neighborhoods into healthy neighborhoods where people are willing to invest their time, energy and resources and where residents can manage their own problems

The group walks to a garden and all have plants in their hands, when the voice gets to “transform neighborhoods and change lives”. The screen changes to a white background that has the logo and phone number come in using an effect that makes it (the name and phone number) look like it popped onto the screen

Voice over: By supporting our local efforts, our community can transform neighborhoods and change lives. By contacting us at 330-480-0423, you can help make Youngstown an even greater place!

The Caring for Our Community campaign is brought to you by our sponsor partners: Huntington Bank, Dunkin’ Donuts, Window World, Safelite AutoGlass and Braking Point Recovery Center.

To read the full story from WKBN, click here.

Friday, April 21, 2017

During the month of May you have FIVE opportunities to get involved in your community. Be part of making Youngstown’s neighborhoods a great place to live, work, and play! Help us REVITALIZE our city!

Greater McGuffey Workday

Help us clean up in the Greater McGuffey Neighborhood! Saturday, May 6th, 8:30am – 12:30pm. Meet at Price Memorial Church 920 Dryden Avenue.

Four Square Block Watch Workday

Help us clean up in the Four Square Block Watch neighborhood! Saturday, May 13th, 8:30am - 12:30pm. To be determined. Please contact Jack at YNDC at 330.480.0423 for more information.

Hope for Newport Community Garden Workday

Help us clean up the Hope for Newport Community Garden and get it ready for the growing season! Saturday, May 13th, 9:30am - 12:30pm. Hope for Newport Community Garden, 420 Clearmount Drive.

Idora Neighborhood Workday

Help us clean up in the Idora Neighborhood! Saturday, May 20th, 8:30am - 12:30pm. Meet at 820 Canfield Road.

Mineral Springs Community Garden Workday

Help us clean up the Mineral Springs Community Garden and get it ready for the growing season! Saturday, May 20th, 9:30am - 12:30pm. Mineral Springs Community Garden, 717 Mineral Springs Avenue.

SAGA OF A RIVER: Lauren Schroeder, Youngstown State University professor emeritus, will speak on “The Saga of the Mahoning River” 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Vienna Township hall.

The event is sponsored by the Vienna Historical Society.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PROGRAM: Dale Fellows will portray George Washington 10 a.m. today at the Friends of the Austintown Library meeting held at the community room off Raccoon Road.

MEETING RESCHEDULED: The Mineral Ridge Historical Society has rescheduled its meeting to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Seaborn Elementary School, 3800 Niles Carver Road.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Youngstown City Council is inviting the public to a town hall 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St. Mayor John McNally, administration department heads, city council and representatives of Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. all will be in attendance. For information, call 330-259-6158.

LIBERTY IN BLOOM: Liberty In Bloom is looking for volunteers to help manage the 26 flower beds throughout Liberty. Anyone interested in joining the group can call Jodi at 330-509-8160.

SILVER LINING HOSTS B’S EVENT: The Silver Lining Cancer Fund will host the B’s event at A La Cart on Sunday. The event will consist of beauty by Salon Shericci and Boutique by Chico’s. There will be a one-woman show of Amelia Earhart performed by Carol Starre-Kmiecik. Ticket information is available by calling 330-519-3407 or 330-953-2142. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday.

HISTORY PRESENTATION: The Warren Heritage Center is hosting a series of presentations about Warren’s historic contribution in establishing the Connecticut Western Reserve and Northeast Ohio. The first presentation will be 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6) on Tuesday at the Kinsman House and will tell a tale about two houses and the historical relationship of two prominent families of the early Western Reserve, the Kinsman family and Perkins family.

The interrelationship of these families resulted in the building of the Kinsman House of Warren. Each family will be profiled. The design and building of both houses will be discussed and reflect on the quality of early Victorian life of those who lived within their walls.

Today

• A New Day Nar-Anon Family Group meeting, 7 p.m., Serenity Place, 29 E. Broad St. Newton Falls. Teri @ 330-646-4480 or Patty @ 330-307-3002.

• Better Your Future Through Hope — Mahoning Valley Hope Center, 3217 Surrey Road, Warren. 330-369-3010.

• First Things First — 6 p.m., literature discussion, Sahara Club II, 2345 Youngstown Road, Warren.

• Cortland Area Kiwanis — 5 p.m., Real Deal Coffee Cafe.

• Someplace Safe — 1540 Tod Ave., Warren, 330-393-3005.

• Howland Rotary Club — noon, Shepherd of the Valley, North River Road.

•Youngstown Executive Toastmasters — 6:45 p.m., Shepherd of the Valley, 301 Western Reserve Road, Boardman. www.speakingclub.org.

• Youngstown Toastmasters Executive 408 — 6:40 p.m., Adamas Square at 8131 Market Street, Boardman.

• Celebrate Recovery –eight-step Christian program, 6:30 p.m., Bloomfield Recovery Center, 10113 Creaser-Ashtabula Road. 330-599-2402.

• Monday Night Serenity Hall AA — 7:30 p.m., Badger Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren.

• TOPS Ohio 1353, Leavittsburg — weigh-in 6 p.m., meeting 7 p.m., Leavittsburg Church of God, 610 S. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg. Call 330-898-0357.

• TOPS Ohio 698, Girard — weigh-in 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., meeting 6:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 140 E. Broadway Ave., Girard. Call 330-545-4770 or 330-534-2618.

• Nothing to Fear — 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 4 Summit St., Niles.

• Monday Night Miracles — 7 p.m., Fellowship Hall, 2555 Rush Blvd., Youngstown.

• Hubbard HOW — 7:30 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Chestnut Ridge Raod, Hubbard.

• The Landing — 6 p.m. celebrate recovery prorgam for teens, Mahoning Valley Hope Center, 3217 Surrey Road, Warren. Call 330-369-3010.

• MVI HospiceCare Bereavement Support Group, 6 p.m. Boardman Park Georgeanna Parker Administrative Building, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Youngstown. Call Lisa 330-759-9487.

• The Weigh Inn — weight loss support group, weigh-in 5 to 6 p.m., meeting 6:15 p.m., Niles Senior Center, 14 E. State St. 330-652-9098.

Agenda

• FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES will hold a special meeting 7:30 a.m. today at the township hall on approval of a note for an ambulance loan and other business.

• LORDSTOWN PLANNING / ZONING COMMITTEE will meet 10 a.m. today. The Parks and Grounds Committee will meet 12:30 p.m. at municipal building caucus room.

• NILES PUBLIC GROUNDS / CEMETERY BOARD will meet 4 p.m. today at the city building.

• LORDSTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet 6 p.m. today at high school media center.

• KINSMAN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES will meet 6 p.m. today at township hall.

• LIBERTY BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet 6 p.m. today at high school community room.

• HOWLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet 6:30 p.m. today at H.C. Mines Elementary.

• NEWTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES will meet 6:30 p.m. today at township hall. There will be a presentation on fair housing by Community Legal Aid.

• GIRARD COUNCIL will meet 7 p.m. today at the municipal building.

• CHAMPION BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet 7 p.m. today at township hall.

• WARREN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday at township hall.

To read the full story from the Tribune Chronicle, click here.

State Rep. Tim Ginter of Salem, R-5th, has been appointed to the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, which has the goals of giving opportunities for fathers to become better parents and providers, thus improving the health and well-being of children.

The commission works to improve economic stability, foster responsible parenting and provide healthy relationships for fathers.

“In a day when families are facing incredible stress, the importance of the role of a father in a family cannot be overemphasized,” Ginter said.

Youngstown town hall

YOUNGSTOWN

City council is inviting all residents to attend a town-hall meeting to engage with city leaders to learn about the positive things happening in Youngstown.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St.

Those invited to speak include Mayor John A. McNally, administration department heads, council members, and representatives from the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence and Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.

For information, contact Councilman Julius Oliver, D-1st, at 330-259-6158 or Councilwoman Basia Adamczak, D-7th, at 330-518-6942.

Landslides lecture

WARREN

Kent State University Alumni Association and Kent State University at Trumbull will host a public lecture on “Catastrophic Landslides in Volcanic Terrains,” by Dr. David Hacker, associate professor of geology at the branch.

The lecture will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Room 149 in the administration building at KSU Trumbull, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW. Light refreshments will be served. Even though the event is free, attendees are encouraged to register on the KSUAA website.

To read the full story from the Vindicator, click here.

Two alumni from Youngstown State University — Presley Gillespie, president of Neighborhood Allies in Pittsburgh, and George Young, chief executive of Kalypso LP — will deliver commencement addresses and receive honorary degrees at Youngstown State University’s spring commencement May 6 in Beeghly Center.

Gabriella Gessler and Daniel Belinky are the student speakers.

Graduates in the Williamson College of Business Administration, Beeghly College of Education and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will participate in the ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Young and Belinky will speak at this ceremony.

Graduates in the College of Creative Arts and Communication, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences will participate in the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Gillespie and Gessler will speak at this ceremony.

Christine Cobb, professor of theater and dance, and Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez, professor of philosophy and religious studies, are mace-bearers for the ceremonies.

Young, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from YSU, founded Kalypso in 2004. The company is a global management consultancy focused on digital innovation and product development. He holds two patents and has written for numerous scientific and business publications.

Gillespie, a nationally-recognized leader in community and economic development, was the founding executive director of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. He previously worked in the banking sector, including vice president for KeyBank.

Gessler is graduating with a degree in exercise science, pre-physical therapy, through the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services. She is the president of the Student Government Association. She has been involved in the YSU Student Food Pantry, and creation of various academic and student experience committees involving text book affordability and inclusion and awareness. Gessler plans to continue her education at YSU, where she has been accepted in the physical therapy doctoral program.

Belinky, a 2013 Boardman High School graduate and a business economics major with a minor in mathematics, is a member of the 21st class of University Scholars, served as vice president of the Ugandan Water Project, worked as a peer tutor in the Center for Student Progress, served as president of Beta Gamma Sigma, and worked at MakerGear in Beachwood through the Ohio Export Internship Program. He has accepted a position with First National Bank as a cost analyst intern. Next fall, he will serve as a teaching assistant in the YSU economics department as he works towards a master’s in financial economics.

To read the full story from the Business Journal, click here.

Monday, April 24, 2017

In March 2017, John bought his new Cornersburg home at 3367 S. Wendover Circle. We asked John why he chose to live in Youngstown and he responded, “I love the city,

and this is a great neighborhood, so it was a no brainer.” When asked what drew him to his new home, “It’s gorgeous, it’s completely renovated, the work's great…It’s the neighborhood really, it’s a beautiful neighborhood.” John’s favorite part of his new home is the back deck and the backyard. Congratulations John!