Ride funds autism scholarships

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley, announces the presentation of the first Mike Hull Memorial Mini Grant Camp Scholarships. The $2,800 award was given in the form of varying scholarships from 50 to 100 percent, allowing 10 area students to attend Camp F.R.I.E.N.D., a day camp for students with autism and their friends. Camp will take place at the Youngstown Central YMCA weekdays from Monday through Aug. 14. The scholarships’ funding came from the Mike Hull Memorial Ride for Autism last August. This year’s ride will take place Aug. 22, leaving at noon from the Dash Inn, 2716 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. At left, Melissa Kalaman, event chairman of the annual poker run, and her husband, Joe, rode in to present 14-year-old Vincenzo Bartone of Niles with his camp scholarship. He is one of the 10 campers funded by the ride.