Tree-lighting on plaza

Tree-lighting on plaza
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city will light the Christmas tree on Federal Plaza with a celebration at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Youngstown Connection, the Plazateers and the Total Package Band will perform. They will be joined by Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, cheerleaders from The Rayen School and the Chaney High School Danceline. There will be candy canes, doughnuts and hot beverages. Wilma Talley of Ivanhoe Avenue on the South Side donated the tree.
Benefit dinner
CANFIELD -- Protestant Campus Ministry at Youngstown State University will have a lasagna dinner and a silent auction benefit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road. Items in the auction are from around the world and include collectibles, artwork, jewelry, angels and souvenirs from Russia. Tickets are $12 for adults; $6 for ages 5-12. For tickets call (330) 743-0439.
Canned food drive
AUSTINTOWN -- Regal Cinemas Austintown Commons 10, 6020 Mahoning Ave., is conducting a canned food drive for the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Friday through Dec. 21. The mission is in need of peanut butter and jelly, soups, stew and tuna.
Mentoring Mansion tour
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mentoring Mansion, 1819 Fifth Ave., is sponsoring a Christmas tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and a Christmas gala benefit from 7 to 10 p.m. next Thursday.
The 8,000-square-foot home, built in 1915 by the Printz family, will be decorated by Edwards Florist, Posh Places, Sweet Arrangements and Designs by Devi. The black-tie gala will feature a festive culinary demonstration by Claire Comparato of Who's To Know? and music by the Nathan Douds Jazz Trio.
The mansion opened earlier this year to focus on the dignity and sanctity of the home through creative home management and relationship skills.