Flyer Photos: 7th Ward Resources

 

Flyer Photos: City Ordinances

 

Jan2024 Update from Vi Aguirre

 

This is a photo of the update Vi is sharing with residents at neighborhood group meetings. As you can see, financial help is available for needed repairs. Vi shares resource information and assists 7th Ward residents and business owners with grant and program applications. 

If you live in Youngstown, Ohio, please consider joining a neighborhood group. Please know that not all groups are block watches. Some groups lobby the city for new sidewalks and other improvements. Some are just neighbors - people living in a neighborhood who meet once a month to stay informed, socialize, and plan beautification and other projects. Some group members pick up trash, cut vacant lots, do little things to help make our neighborhoods a nicer place to be. When you see tended islands with flowers around a neighborhood sign, seating areas or community gardens in vacant lots, benches along a street or walking trail, nice little touches here and there all across the city - who do you think does all that? Odds are, it is a neighborhood group, just ordinary people who reside in the same area coming together to get things done. 

There are 8 little neighborhood groups in the 7th Ward that fall under the umbrella of the 7WCC. Here is a chart (screenshot photo) of when they meet. It is always a good idea to call the contact person before you go just to make sure the meeting hasn't been cancelled due to weather.  Some groups take a winter break. 

Thanks for reading!

Benefit for New Senior Center

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!

Downtown Youngstown is OPEN

 

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.

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!

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

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

Local Pantry Addresses Period Poverty

 

On August 24th, 2022 the Youngstown Local Office on Minority Health in conjunction with the Youngstown City Health District and support from Youngstown City Council opened a Women's Pantry. This pantry is located at 9 West Front Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, on the first-floor clinic at the Youngstown City Health District. The goal of this pantry is to offer those in need supplies that are otherwise not available to them. This pantry is funded through generous donations both monetary and through products for the pantry shelves.

Current regulations to the WIC program prohibit the purchasing of feminine hygiene products using WIC funds. Feminine hygiene products are not something that women can live without, and these restrictions are making it impossible for them to purchase needed supplies. The schools had been reaching out reporting girls having to miss a week of school once a month because they did not have these products. Hearing the concerns from residents that were in desperate need of access to feminine hygiene products, Youngstown City Council provided a donation to start the pantry.

The pantry holds a variety of products well beyond just feminine hygiene. Individuals in need can get toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, men and women' razors, lotion, combs/brushes, infant diapers, adult incontinence products and much more.

The response for this Pantry has been overwhelming. In the first month of being open we assisted 33 individuals. This number has grown exponentially, to date we have assisted 522 individuals through our Women's Pantry. We have individuals come from as far as Cleveland because they were desperate and could not get assistance with these products anywhere else. We do not turn any individuals away. Men and women in need of hygiene products or diapers can come to this pantry and we will help them in any way we are able. The Women's Pantry was recognized as a WYTV Hometown Hero in September of 2022.

For those who are interested in making a donation, scheduling an appointment, or are just looking for more information on the pantry can contact Golie Stennis, the Minority Health Director at 330-742-8294 or gstennis@youngstownohio.gov.

Credits:  Photo and article submitted by Golie Stennis for the June issue of the Ward Word newsletter.