Bowling event to unite Mahoning Valley leaders

The event organizer hopes the tournament leads to bigger things.
YOUNGSTOWN -- If politicians strike up friendships, they are more willing to work together on a professional level for the betterment of the region, says Claire Maluso, Youngstown's Federal Plaza director.
With that in mind, Maluso is organizing a bowling tournament for council members of Mahoning Valley cities. The event takes place at 6 p.m. March 20 at Camelot Lanes in Boardman.
"This is a good way to bring councils together in an informal, fun way to meet each other," she said. "Then, after they get to know each other, they can work together on a professional level toward regionalization projects."
Maluso said the idea of the bowling tournament is a direct result of the success of last year's softball game between Warren and Youngstown officials.
"This gives council members from the area a chance to meet each other in a relaxed environment and share in a spirit of camaraderie," she said.
For free
Camelot Lanes is offering free bowling and bowling shoes for the participants. A donation to the Relay for Life would be appreciated.
A trophy will be awarded to the winner. Teams need to provide shirts identifying their cities.
If the tournament is a success, the next one would include members of area villages and townships, Maluso said.
For more information and to sign up for the tournament, contact Maluso at the Youngstown Office of Economic Development at 910 Wick Building in the city, or call (330) 744-1708, Ext. 204.