METRO DIGEST || ‘Avoid Getting Scammed’ program Monday

Program scheduled on avoiding scams

YOUNGSTOWN

Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, will host a lunch and learn program, “Fraud Watch: How to Avoid Getting Scammed,” from noon to 1 p.m. Monday in the all-purpose room. Lunch will be served. Jim Crawford, an AARP volunteer, will discuss fraud trends and behavior and the top scams in Ohio, persuasion tactics of con artists, prevention strategies, and useful resources for assistance. Reservations are required; call Shelia Cornell at 330-746-3250, ext. 184.

Night Before 5K

Columbiana

Registration is open for the third annual ’Twas the Night Before 5K, which takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 in Firestone Park, 347 E. Park Ave. To register, visit www.active.com or www.SandBFoundation.org. The 5K runs through the Joy of Christmas light show. Cost is now $15; $20 starting Tuesday. Those who pre-register will receive a long-sleeved shirt and goody bag. Anyone who registers before Tuesday will be guaranteed a sneak peak at Santa’s naughty and nice list to see where they may be. For details, call race directors Josh or Crystal Boggs at 330-482-9105.

Free dancing class

YOUNGSTOWN

Dancing Mindfulness founder, Dr. Jamie Marich, has combined efforts with Eos Whole Fitness founder and yogini, Jennifer Neal, to create an event both healing and supportive of the greater community. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 13, a free Dancing Mindfulness class is offered by Eos at Calvin Center for the Arts, 755 Mahoning Ave. Participants are asked to bring one bag of nonperishable food for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. The class will be co-facilitated by Marich and affiliate trainer, Ramona Skriiko.

Eos is part of a collective group of businesses and organizations that promote the arts locally. For information, visit www.eoswholefitness.com. For information on Dancing Mindfulness, visit www.dancingmindfulness.com.

Parking forum set

YOUNGSTOWN

A forum is planned for 3 p.m. Tuesday in the community room at the Covelli Centre to discuss on-street parking in the downtown area. It will include a presentation on plans for on-street parking and a forum for feedback. Parking is available in the lower (main) lot of the Covelli Centre; enter the building from the administrative office doors on the upper level.

N. Side lights tour

YOUNGSTOWN

The Alameda Redondo Neighborhood Association will host Light Up the Night at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Heartreach Ministries, 211 Redondo Road. Participants will travel through the North Side viewing Christmas lights and vote on the best-decorated houses. There will be cookies and caroling. This free event will end with pictures at the city Christmas tree. For information, call Nate Pinkard at 330-398-3514 or Mary Ann O’Neil at 330-747-5170.

Tree-lighting set

NORTH JACKSON

North Jackson’s community tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday at the gazebo, 11613 Mahoning Ave. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a visit from Santa. The event is sponsored by Jackson Township Citizens Association.