Wilson schedules ‘listening session’

March 14, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

CANFIELD — U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, will have a “listening session” with his constituents 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Monday at his Canfield congressional office, 4137 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite 101. Wilson is having similar sessions throughout his 12-county congressional district. That district includes all of Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning County. “Think of these as town hall meetings where you do more of the talking than I do,” Wilson said. “I know these are tough economic times, and I want to hear from you about what’s going on with you and your family, your bills and your home. Many of these sessions are scheduled over lunch. Pack a lunch bag, join me and tell me your stories.”

Foundation accepting applications for grants

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mayor’s Community Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations that provide services for women, children and/or families who live in Youngstown. For grant applications, go to cfmv.org — the Web site of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Then go to “grant applications” and finally click on “click here” to view the Mayor’s Community Foundation Mini Grant Application.” Grants are for up to $1,000 each. Applications must be filed by May 1. The Mayor’s Community Foundation was established through donations and sponsorships from the Mayor’s Community Celebration, which takes place annually in January. All net proceeds from the annual event go to the foundation.

St. Patrick’s Day event looks at traditions

YOUNGSTOWN — Join the Children’s Museum of the Valley, 139 E. Boardman St., from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday as officials explore shamrocks, shillelaghs, snakes, leprechauns and the wearing of the green for St. Patrick’s Day. Learn a little about the history and traditions of the Irish holiday. Listen to Irish folktales, create green works of art, make potato prints, and try our luck at finding all our pots of gold. The museum is across from the downtown U.S. Post Office. For more information, call the museum at (330) 744-5914, or visit the Web site at www.valleykids.org.

Attorneys hired for children services

MERCER, Pa. — County commissioners hired several attorneys for Children and Youth Services when they met Thursday. They hired Atty. Stephen Delpero to represent juveniles in dependency actions brought by CYS, public welfare appeals or termination actions at a rate of $1,500 for 2008. In addition, lawyers Ted Isoldi, Matthew Donnelly, James Ryan, and the law firm Fruit, Dill, Goodwin and School, of Sharon, will be paid $50 per hour to represent parents of juveniles in dependency actions. Atty. Ted Nesbit will also receive $50 hourly to back up DelPero. They also agreed to contract with Amstrong Cable Services for $80 per month for cable television services for the Mercer County Jail. The services are needed for video psychiatric evaluations. Commissioner Brian Beader said the rate is high because it is a commercial account and requires a special modem. He said that since the cable line is being installed, commissioners will consider whether it is cost-effective to switch the prisoner televisions from satellite dish to cable. Prisoner television is paid for by the prisoner canteen fund and uses no county money.

Home appliances to be recycled

YOUNGSTOWN — An appliance recycling drive will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 22 at Youngstown Iron Metal, 100 Division St. Items accepted will include refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water coolers, stoves, freezers, hot water heaters, water softeners and other appliances and items made primarily of metal. Freon removal will be free, but the limit is three refrigerant units per resident. Items to be recycled must be brought to YIM during those hours, and no payments will be made for them. No appliance pickup will be provided. No electronic items, tires or household hazardous waste will be accepted. The drive is sponsored by the Mahoning County Recycling Division (Green Team) and Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling.