Drug awareness group plans Mahoning events

A prayer vigil and rally will be Friday; a Beaver police officer will speak April 18.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — R.O.C.K., a local organization that focuses on bringing awareness of drug and alcohol problems, will conduct two events this month.

The first, an annual prayer vigil and rally, will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Apostle Catholic Church, 10143 Main St., New Middletown.

Pastor Kevin Rauch of Teen Challenge Youngstown will be the keynote speaker. Individuals or groups wanting to pray about drug or alcohol problems in the area are encouraged to attend. It is also a time for anyone dealing with substance abuse or individuals wanting to show their support for the effort to gather together, organizers said.

There will also be a time of worship. Social service agencies are welcome to set up tables and displays.

The second event, a R.O.C.K. drug update, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 18 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 12030 Market St., Beaver Township.

Beaver Township Police Officer Brian Hartman will speak about local concerns during the drug prevention, awareness and education program.

R.O.C.K. stands for Reclaim Our Community Kids and was started as a Christian-based organization to fight substance abuse. Organization director Becky Minamyer and her husband, Mike, of New Springfield started R.O.C.K. in 2005.

Admission to both events is free. For more information contact Becky Minamyer at 330-549-2844 or minamyer1@zoominternet.net.