METRO DIGEST || Backpack giveaway today

Backpack giveaway

YOUNGSTOWN

A backpack giveaway will be the finale of a free carnival planned from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Wilson Middle School, 2725 Gibson St. During the carnival, youths may register to receive backpacks, which will be distributed at 7.

Sponsors are Community Initiative to Reduce Violence and NOW Youngstown, an interfaith outreach effort.

NOW Youngstown will conclude its summer outreach series with an event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Metro Assembly of God, 2530 South Ave. There will be music, testimonies, mime, dance and food.

To participate in the ministry, call Pastor Rafael Cruz at 330-507-0117.

History gallery

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society has received a major commitment for The Campaign for the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center. Over the three-year course of the campaign, The Youngstown Foundation has donated $150,000 to name the Community History Gallery. This brings the campaign to $4,773,255 of its $6 million goal.

The Youngstown Foundation Community History Gallery, which will be on the first floor behind the main exhibit space and grand staircase, will occupy 520 square feet. Using the theme “Inspiration through Heritage,” the displays in the Community History Gallery will be developed through collaborative efforts with local historical societies as well as with educational, civic, cultural, and religious organizations in the Valley.

“By sponsoring the Community History Gallery, The Youngstown Foundation is helping to strengthen regional partnerships which not only highlight unique connections between the Valley’s past and present, but also build pride and awareness for current and future generations,” said Janice E. Strasfeld, executive director of The Youngstown Foundation.

Road closing

COITSVILLE

Bedford Road between New Castle and Villa Marie roads in the township will be closed from Monday through next Friday to replace a culvert. Traffic will be detoured along New Castle, Hubbard, and Villa Marie roads.

Obama office

CANFIELD

The campaign to re-elect President Barack Obama opened a field office Thursday in Canfield at 4478 Boardman-Canfield Road.

It’s the sixth Obama field office in the Mahoning Valley. The others are in Lisbon, Youngstown, Warren, Boardman and McKinley Heights.

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