MORE PATROLS FOR HOLIDAY

More patrols for holiday
Multiple sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be conducted during the Thanksgiving holiday by members of the OVI [operating vehicle impaired] task forces in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The task forces, funded by grants, will have extra officers on patrol and take a zero-tolerance approach toward impaired drivers and those not wearing safety belts. The Thanksgiving weekend kicks off one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Tracy Styka, Mahoning County OVI task force coordinator, said law enforcement is encouraging all travelers to buckle up and not drink and drive. She said up to 567 traffic fatalities are projected for the holiday weekend.
Canned-food drive
Citifinancial, with offices in Youngstown and Boardman, is sponsoring a canned-food drive through November to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
Nonperishable items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4845 Market St., Suite B, Boardman, or 4323 Market St., Youngstown. The food drive is part of the company's customer appreciation celebration that began last week and continues through Nov. 30.
New children's program
Camp Fire USA has established a new program, Little Stars, for boys and girls ages 3 to 5. Little Stars is designed to build confidence in pre-kindergarten children as they learn about the environment, science, creative arts and the community. Camp Fire will work in partnership with child-care providers, said Barbara Smith, chief executive officers of Camp Fire USA Northeast Ohio Council that serves Mahoning, Trumbull and 14 other counties. For information, call (330) 533-4121 or toll-free (888) 533-4426.
Town parade is set
NEWTON FALLS -- Newton Falls Area Commerce Association will sponsor the first "Home 44444 the Holidays" parade Dec. 10, hoping to make it an annual event. Registration will begin at noon in front of First Church of God on Broad Street; the parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade route will begin behind Rite Aid, follow Broad Street, passing the judges stand at Center Street, turn right on River Street, right on Quarry and end at the community center.
After the parade, join Santa to warm up with coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. On stage there will be live performances until 4:15 p.m. featuring local talent.