Artificial Tree Donation Drive

 

We received a press release today. Below is a copy/paste of the information. 

For Immediate Release: Artificial Tree Donation Drive for Santa’s Workshop!

From: The City of Youngstown, Office of Special Events | mcpenella@youngstownohio.gov

Donate your artificial Christmas Trees for Light-Up Night!

Where: 6 W. Federal St, Ground Floor

When: Thursday, November 30th b/w 3-6pm

FAQ’s:

Q: What happens to our donated tree?

A: Trees will be on display for Light-Up Night, 12-1-23

Trees will be donated to families in need, Monday 12-4-23

Q: What is in “Santa’s Workshop”?

A: Free Photos with Santa, Buddy the Elf, and the Grinch, our Magical Tree Forrest Display, Spruce Decor pop-up, and Nutcracker Ballet vignettes by Ballet Western Reserve

Q: Can you pick up my tree donation?

A: We are doing the best we can to accommodate. Please make the donation time slot. If special arrangements are needed, please email mcpenella@youngstownohio.gov

Q: Can I donate other holiday decor items?

A: Yes, we also accept wreaths, artificial pine roping, decorations, and lights.

Q: My tree is pre-lit, but the lights do not work. Can I still donate?

A: Yes, you can donate; if you can afford it, please also bring a few strands of lights that we can replace the old lights with.

Q: How else can I get involved?

A: 11-30-23: We need volunteer “tree fluffers” and extra hands to unload from cars November 30, 3-6 pm

A: 12-1-23: We need volunteer decorators

Please help us get the word out! Share the Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/882100410184203

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus

 

Tonight's 7WCC Meeting is CANCELED

Sorry to cancel at such late notice. Due to an error on the city website (posted time, since corrected) we thought 7WCC officers could attend Mayor Brown's "State of the City Address" and make it back in time for our General Meeting tonight. 

It was a hard call. Even though our meetings are important, it is vital for 7WCC to be represented at this City event. Networking with City officials helps us to achieve our goals. We debated about starting later, then decided that the best course of action would be to reschedule our General Meeting on Thursday, November 30th.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our rescheduled General Meeting at OCCHA on November 30th. 

This will be the last meeting before our annual Christmas Dinner. Members who want to purchase a Reservation Ticket before the meeting may contact any 7WCC board member. The cost is $5 per person, which will be refunded at the Welcome Table. No hassle refunds this year - if you forget your ticket, you will not have to go home and find it to get your money back. Returned tickets will be put into a drawing for a door prize so please try to bring it with you and be sure to write your name on the ticket. 

Thank you!

Toxic Landfill Photos

We believe this to be a toxic landfill in a residential neighborhood with a high probability of demolition debris illegally buried on site. More photos and an article to come.

Downtown Youngstown is OPEN

 

Tire Recycling Drive

 

7WCC Thanksgiving Baskets Food Drive

Image curtesy of PDClipart.com

I am happy to announce the 7WCC canned food drive for the Thanksgiving food baskets. You can bring any canned or non-perishable food items to the next 7WCC general meeting at OCCHA on Thursday, October 19th. at 6:30 p.m. We will also be accepting monetary donations to purchase other needed food items.

The last day for donations will be November 10th so we can get items sorted, purchase what is needed, and prepare baskets for delivery before Thanksgiving.

Thank you,

Lovejoy Malcomson
(330) 783 - 3 4 4 0
Basket-Chair

**Donations can also be picked up from your home.

Halloween Loop 2023

 Who loves to drive around looking at Halloween displays? 

Hitting the Highway with Hannah on Facebook has compiled several lists of cool displays that are within driving distance of Youngstown, Ohio. They personally verified each address. To minimize drive time, follow the order of addresses on each list. Tap on photos to enlarge and be sure to follow Hitting the Highway with Hannah on Facebook as more displays may be added!

Source:  Hitting the Highway with Hannah. Shared with permission. THANK YOU!

For those who prefer visible links:  https://www.facebook.com/hitnthehywy?mibextid=ZbWKwL

September Update from 7th Ward Neighborhood Improvement Assistant Vi Aguirre

 

Trunk or Treat at Habitat

 

Fall Bonfire

RAIN DATE:  Saturday, October 14

 

Josie Steps Down

Hello 7th Ward Citizen's Coalition Members,

I am taking a leave of absence from the 7WCC Board of Directors effective, Friday, September 15th, 2023 until Thursday, November 16th, 2023.

This leave of absence provides freedom for the board to plan an upcoming voter education event for all participating candidates without any possible conflict of interest. 

I look forward to seeing and serving with you after the election season.

Josie Lyon

Josie Lyon
7WCC President

2023 Candidates Forum

To help residents make an informed decision regarding local elections, the 7^th Ward Citizens Coalition will host a Candidates Forum at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023. 

We invited all candidates for Clerk of Courts, the 7^th Ward City Council seat, and the Youngstown City School Board to participate. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this educational event. 

The forum will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner, with each candidate allotted equal time to speak and to answer questions. Even though we have members running for offices and individual persons are free to support whomever they please, the 7WCC does not endorse or support any candidates. 

The Forum Committee has set guidelines to ensure this educational event is conducted in a professional manner while maintaining the requirements for 501(c)3 status. Since the Forum will be held at OCCHA, a 501(c)3 organization, there must be no signs or campaign activities occurring in the parking lot or entrance area, nor inside the lobby or elsewhere in the building. 

The candidates are welcome to bring campaign materials such as informational pamphlets and related items, buttons and so on. Tables will be provided for those who do and you are welcome to visit the tables to speak one-on-one to the candidates before and after the event. 

Cookbooks will be sale priced at $15 each at this event. We will also have a 50/50 drawing and serve light refreshments. For a list of invited candidates, unscramble the words on page 4 of the Ward Word, our monthly newsletter. 

If you live in the 7th Ward of Youngstown, Ohio, and do not get the newsletter in your mailbox, please consider joining the 7WCC.  Perks of membership include volunteer and socialization opportunities, including invitations to our Summer Picnic, Christmas Dinner, and Fall Bonfire. Attending monthly meetings and joining organizations is a great way to meet people and get involved in your community. 

For those who don't live in the 7th Ward or just want to solve the puzzle, here's a screenshot photo.  If you would like a printable pdf, email a request via the contact form on this blog. 

Candidate Forum Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to help with the 7WCC Candidate Forum on Thursday, September 21, 2023. We need people to help set up before the event, clean up afterwards as well as two or three greeters at the sign-in table and a couple people willing to be time keepers. As the saying goes, many hands make for light work. With enough volunteers, those who help set up will not have to clean up. Even if you can only help a little, your help will be greatly appreciated!

Committee Co-chairs Larry Allen and John Zagotti are asking for volunteers to meet at the 7WCC office in the old fire station on South Avenue on Thursday, September 7th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss plans. 

Youth volunteers are also welcome! We know students look for community service opportunities for school credits and are happy to provide whatever documentation is needed.

2023 Infant Mortality Seminar

 "On September 8, 2023, Golie Stennis Director on Minority Health will be hosting the 2023 Infant Mortality Seminar.  This is a free event, breakfast and lunch will be served. This is an open invitation to the community." 

The Ward Word newsletter received the above message via email. Please click the QR code on the flyer image below or email gstennis@youngstownohio.gov if you plan to attend. Thank you!

FREE Concert in Youngstown

The Night Out for Neighborhoods benefit concert featuring "A Tina Turner Tribute Band" by Sheena B. is now a FREE event, open to the public, no tickets required. Bring your own chair (beach type lawn chairs are preferred) for lawn seating at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, Ohio.  Plan to arrive early to find a good spot to set up your chairs. The show starts at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023.  

We are a little disappointed that the fundraising aspect was canceled, but there just wasn't enough neighborhood groups interested in selling tickets this year. It is better to be FREE and fill the venue. Please share the news - invite your friends and neighbors and enjoy a fun night out!

Summer Picnic Photos

 

Color version of photo collage printed in the August issue of the Ward Word newsletter. 

The annual Summer Picnic at Lynn Park on July 22nd was a fun, relaxing day of fellowship for 7WCC members. Photographer Madison Keys snapped more photos than we had space to print in the Ward Word newsletter. One perk of this blog is the ability to see the photos in full color.

Firefighters from YFD Station No.9 with John R. Swierz

Some of the volunteers.

Officer Ryan Curry with search/rescue emotional support canine
investigates the hot foods table with Mike Lyon.

7WCC Board Members Lee Keys and Tayana Smith during setup.

Chillin with cold foods iced in a raft.

Nancy Ward Keys and son

Who wants sprayed by a fire hose?

Invitation for Neighborhood Group Leaders

Lawyers from Community Legal Aid’s Neighborhood Law Project team will join neighborhood group leaders at a special meeting on August 21st at OCCHA to present information on the proper conduct of unincorporated associations. This includes a discussion of legal obligations, revenue reporting. and other things pertaining to running a small non-501c3 organization formed for a common cause. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and is being hosted by the Taft & Wilson School Neighbors (TWSN). Group leaders from across the city have been invited to this meeting. It should be very informative. 

Leaders from all neighborhood groups in Youngstown are welcome to attend. We contacted groups listed on the city website and realized that not all contact person's information was current. Some emailed invitations may have landed in spam folders. So even if your group did not get an invitation, come anyway! 

Please let us know if you can attend and how many people to expect from your group so we can plan for seating and refreshments. Contact: Call or text Nancy Barnes ( 234 ) 201  3203 or email nancyTWSN@gmail.com

Also printed as "Neighborhood News" in the August issue of the Ward Word newsletter.

Mid-June - July Update from Vi Aguirre

 

Mobile Market: August 2023

 

Calendar submitted by Vera Horton-Little

National Night Out in Youngstown

Flyer from youngstownohio.gov 

Please attend the National Night Out Increase the Peace Rally at beautiful Homestead Park, located in the Taft & Wilson School Neighbors region of the 7th Ward in Youngstown, Ohio. 

Thank You!

Free Mattress Bags

7WCC now has mattress bags if anyone in the 7th Ward is in need of one to dispose of a mattress. Please call John R. Swierz, (330) 503-1363 to arrange for pickup (no delivery). 
Thank you!

Flyer source:  youngstownohio.gov

Resident Seeks 500+ Signatures to Bring Trader Joe's to Area

by Daniel Brodner

So, you want a Trader Joe’s. Well, here are the requirements for a Trader Joe’s to build in our area. Knowing the right questions to search for on Google I was able to find what it takes to possibly get a Trader Joe’s built in our area. Remember, even if we all work together there is no guarantee they will consider building one here.

They require 2-4 acres vacant land. A location with easy access in and out of the site, signalized intersections are a plus. Lease or purchase.

We will need a minimum of 500 signatures. I’d like to see thousands sign the request!

Trader Joe’s stores are located in counties where the household median income is $10,000 higher than the average median income. Trader Joe’s stores are normally located in cheaper parts of expensive areas.

Mahoning County unfortunately does not meet the median household income $50,750 compared to the national median household income $70,784 but neither does Cuyahoga County at $55,109 and there are three Trader Joe’s built around the Cleveland area. The only parcel of land I can find available that fits the Trader Joe’s property guidelines is at 8524 Market St. Boardman, OH. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/8524-Market-St-Boardman-OH/26357050/

Like I said earlier, there is no guarantee but if we all say the same thing and get a massive number of signatures, they might build one here. Click this link to request a store. https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store

Copy and paste the following in the Request a Trader Joe’s in My City “Comments” section and be sure to fill in the rest of your Contact Information:

Please consider building a Trader Joe’s at 8524 Market St. Boardman, OH. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/8524-Market-St-Boardman-OH/26357050/ The location has easy access in and out of the site and is highly visible.

COY Roof Replacement Program

* Attention 7th Ward Residents *

As your councilwoman, impacting the neighborhoods and residents directly is one of my top priorities! I worked with administration to create the program and then proudly supported and passed legislation to do just that!

And I want to ensure to help as many 7th Ward residents as possible with the COY Roof Replacement Program. In June, Youngstown City Council passed legislation to appropriate $3 MILLION of ARPA funds for roof replacement. The eligibility parameters/requirements have been set and I want to get as many eligible 7th Ward residents as possible to qualify!

If you are interested - please email me your name, home address, and phone number so that I may send you the appropriate information and documents to start the process and get you in queue. In the subject box please write "7th Ward Roof Replacement". My email is badamczak@youngstownohio.gov

Submitted by Basia Adamczak, 7th Ward Councilwoman, Youngstown, Ohio

Picnic Parking & BYO Lawn Chair

 Those attending the 7WCC picnic should be aware that parking in the small lot off Sheridan is limited. Street parking is available nearby, such as on Lynn Ave. Yes, there are picnic tables, but you may want to bring your own comfy lawn chair. RSVP is required; so if you have not contacted us yet, please do so now. See you Saturday!

Photo from 2022 Picnic

7WCC Picnic RSVP ASAP

Any 7th Ward residents planning to attend the 7WCC picnic next Saturday should RSVP before Tuesday, July 18th. Contact information is on page 2 of your newsletter (not comfy posting people's phone numbers online) OR drop an email to nancyb7wcc@gmail.com OR message any 7WCC board member and ask them to relay the message. We just need to know how many people are attending to ensure that we provide enough food.  Members can bring desserts this year, if they so desire. Thank you!

Playing in water sprayed from atop a firetruck
is always a fun activity at 7WCC Picnics.
Photo from 2022 Picnic.

First Annual 7th Ward Fourth of July Parade

On Saturday, July 1, 2023, the 7^th Ward Citizen's Coalition, in collaboration with Iron and String Life Enhancement (Purple Cat), carried on the tradition of the Lansingville Parade by hosting the first annual 7^th Ward Fourth of July Parade, followed by a gathering in the parking lot of the Pemberton Park Baseball Stadium on Shady Run Road. Kenneth Stanislaw served as our first Grand Marshall. Despite heavy rain in the late morning, we had twenty parade participants. Many residents came out to watch the parade. The route included portions of Florida Avenue, Jean Street, Detroit Avenue, and Shady Run Road.

As parade committee chairman, I want to thank Jimmy Sutman, Basia Adamczak, and Amber White for their generous donations as well as the parade committee, Kenny Stanislaw, YPD and our community police officer Ryan Curry, Youngstown Fire Department Station No. 9, and the Catholic War Veterans Post 1299 for helping to make the parade a success. I am looking forward to next year's parade and to making it even better!  - ̶  Lee Keys

General Meeting: June 15, 2023

Youngstown Police Chief Carl Davis was the keynote speaker at the 7WCC General Meeting on June 15, 2023. Officers representing various police units also attended and spoke about their duties and responsibilities. It was very informative! 

Below are a few photos submitted by Madison Keys, a young volunteer who earns school credits by photographing meetings and events for the Ward Word newsletter.

YPD Chief Carl Davis