Northside workers give check to United Way

Northside workers give check to United Way

YOUNGSTOWN

Forum Health Northside Medical Center presented the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley with a check for $36,000, which represents employee contributions for 2011. The goal for this year’s campaign was $25,000.

Northside was able to surpass that goal by hosting awareness initiatives and by educating its employees about the United Way and how it supports 70 programs through 27 local nonprofit agencies, said Dave Fikse, Northside chief executive officer.

Holiday open house

HUBBARD

The Learning Dog Training and Enrichment Center, 6883 Commerce Drive, is having a holiday open house from noon to 5 p.m. today. Those attending are encouraged to bring an item for either large animal or small animal rescues. Check out the website www.thelearningdog.com for a complete list of needed items. All proceeds benefit local shelters and rescue groups.

$600,000 for WRTA

YOUNGSTOWN

The Western Reserve Transit Authority was awarded $600,000 Friday by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The money is specified for “Clean and Green” buses. WRTA applied for the grant to purchase three buses, less than 30 feet long, that are fuel-efficient and have the capability of using bio-diesel fuel. WRTA must have the vehicles on purchase order before June 2011 and will be reimbursed for the cost through the grant, said Marianne Vaughn, WRTA director of finance.

Free Christmas dinner

WARREN

The 21st Annual Families Helping Families Free Christmas Day Dinner will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Christmas Day at Aulizio’s Banquet Center, 4395 Youngstown Road SE.

The dinner is free to anyone in need, elderly, alone on Christmas Day, or who recently lost a loved one, divorced or “whatever the reason.”

Make a reservation by calling 330-393-1565 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by Dec. 22. If transportation is needed, mention it when calling for a reservation.

Donations and volunteers are also needed.

Mitten collection

YOUNGSTOWN

The Information Technology Tech Prep Program at Choffin Career and Technical Center, 200 E. Wood St., is collecting new children’s mittens or gloves as well as hats and scarves.

The items will be donated to the Mahoning County Children Services Board, which will distribute them to area children.

Over the last 29 years, Choffin students have donated more than 5,600 items. This year’s goal is to donate a total of 6,000 items.

Monetary donations also can be made toward the purchase of the items. Call 330-744-8748 to do so.

Donations will be accepted until Dec. 14. The donation tree is displayed on the career center’s second floor.

Party helps charities

BOARDMAN

Farmers National Bank employee holiday party today benefits the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

For Toys for Tots, each of the bank’s nearly 300 employees will bring a $10 gift for the campaign. Also, Farmers employees will bid in various raffles, the proceeds of which will be donated to Second Harvest, John Gulas, president and chief executive officer.

Adopt A Family

columbiana

The Way Station is sponsoring its Christmas Adopt-A-Family Program. An individual or family adopting a child or family will receive pertinent information about ages and sizes.

All gifts must be to The Way Station, 769 Springfield Road, no later than Dec. 13. Gifts should be unwrapped.

For more information, contact Carla Sukosd at the The Way Station at 330-482-5072 or send an e-mail to carlasukosd@yahoo.com.

Intersection changed

NORTH LIMA

On Wednesday, the intersection of New Buffalo and Renkenberger roads in Beaver Township was converted from a two-way to a four-way stop.

The Mahoning County engineer’s office said the new stop signs with four-way placards were added to improve traffic safety at the intersection, where motorists have limited sight distance to view cross traffic.

Aggregation hearings

lowellville

Village council will have two public hearings on Lowellville’s electric-aggregation plan, which voters passed in the November election. The hearings will be at 3 and 6 p.m. Wednesday at city hall, 140 E. Liberty St.

Bill Meehan, village administrator, said council will vote on the aggregation contract with First Energy Solutions at its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The aggregation is designed to save customers money. Residents will get a 6 percent discount on their electric bills through 2019. Businesses will get a 4 percent discount during those years.

United We Dine event

POLAND

The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley will have a United We Dine event from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Inner Circle Pizza here, 1816 Boardman- Poland Road.

The event includes area media personalities, a visit from Santa, a raffle featuring holiday gift baskets and sports items, and a 50-50 drawing. All proceeds benefit the United Way. For more information, call the United Way office at 330-746-8494.