HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2008
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Trim a Tree, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, various branches during library hours. Decorate the children’s tree at Boardman with a holiday ornament or decorate an ornament for the all-seasons trees at Poland and Springfield. For children of all ages. Boardman, Poland and Springfield branches during library hours in December.
Brunch with Santa, DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal Street, downtown Youngstown; 330-744-0264. Join the Youngstown Symphony Guild in welcoming Santa. There will be a brunch, caroling, and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. $25, $15.
Fun With Flakes!, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, various branch locations during library hours. No two snowflakes are alike. Make your own original to take home. For children of all ages. Canfield branch, Dec. 8-13; Greenford branch, Dec. 8-11; Sebring branch, Dec. 8-13.
Creation Station: A Christmas Make-and-Take Craft Program. Crafts for children of all ages. Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, at various branches during library hours and designated days. Brownlee Woods branch, Wednesday, Dec. 17; Campbell branch, Tuesday, Dec. 16; East branch, Dec. 8-19; South branch, Dec. 8-19; Struthers branch, Monday, Dec. 15.
A Holiday Puppet Show! Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Canfield branch. The Library will present its second annual holiday puppet show this month. Children ages 2-6 must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Canfield, 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Little Elves Holiday Workshop, The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown; 330-743-3630. Children ages 3-5 are invited to celebrate the season by creating their own gifts. 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16. $20.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus, The Upton House, 380 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren; 330-393-5870 or visit www.uptonhouse.org. Children ages 3-5 are invited for storytime. The event runs Dec. 20-21. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20. $10.
George and Oatmeal Save Santa, Ward Beecher Planetarium, YSU Campus, One University Plaza, Youngstown; for more information call the Infoline at 330-941-1370 or the Department of Physics and Astronomy at 330-941-3616. 1 or 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20.
HOLIDAY DISPLAYS
Holiday of Lights, Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut. In celebration of the holidays, the trustees of Conneaut Lake Park will offer a “Holiday of Lights” display at Conneaut Lake Park. The drive-through display features over 100 illuminated and animated displays and stretches through Conneaut Lake Park. The display will be open from 6-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 6-10 p.m. on Sundays from through Sunday, Jan. 4.
Lighting of the Green 2008, The Canfield Green, Canfield. Sponsored by the Canfield Rotary. The evening features candlelit caroling, lighting of the tree, live nativity, horse and carriage rides, and more. 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Free.
Holiday Light Display, Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman; 330-330-726-8107. This annual display features 15 holiday light displays. The display can be viewed by an automobile drive through the park. 5-10 p.m., Dec. 7 through Jan. 7, 2009. Free.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES
A Journey to Christmas Past Exhibit and Holiday Open House, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown; 330-743-2589. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society will showcase the Arms Family Museum of Local History in December with its annual holiday open house and the opening of a new exhibit, “A Journey to Christmas Past.” The display is a new exhibit that features vintage Christmas postcards, ornaments and decorations that are a part of the Historical Society’s permanent collection. The Arms family home will be decorated with several Christmas trees. Decorations will be on display during the entire month of December. The exhibit and open house kick off with a free holiday open house from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. A preview party occurs from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. The cost for the event is $18 for MVHS members and $23 for guests. For more information visit www.mahoninghistory.org or call 330-743-2589.
Holiday Gala in the Gardens, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown; for more information call Kathy Grantonic at 330-726-3477 or e-mail kgrantonic@phoenixdesigneng.com. The Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown is presenting this gala that will feature holiday entertainment, food, and more. 6-10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. Call for sponsorship information.
Holiday Open House, McKinley Birthplace Home & Research Center, downtown Niles; 330-652-1704 ext. 212. Christmas program features musical entertainment and light refreshments. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Free.
Singing and Signing, Jimmy’s Italian Specialties, 3230 Belmont Ave., Liberty: 330-759-2904. An event featuring Italian music, culture, and local history. Amanda Beagle (Miss Ohio 2004) and Craig Raymaley of “Bel Duetto” will sing classic Italian Christmas songs. Author Carmen Leone will sign books from his “Rose Streets” series, and Dr. John Russo and Dr. Sherry Linkon, co authors of “Steeltown USA” will sign and discuss their book. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Free.
Winter Celebration: Golden Holiday, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown; 330-740-7116. Visit the Gardens throughout December to view creative floral arrangements and trees showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of the Valley. There will also be activities for children, and a Sunday buffet in the Garden Cafe. The event runs through Jan. 4, Tuesdays-Sundays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6.
12th Annual Boardman Community Christmas, Boardman Park Gazebo, Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman; 330-330-726-8107. Boardman Township Park will host its 12th annual Boardman Community Christmas from 3-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. (Santa arrives at 3 p.m.) Music will be performed by the Boardman High School Band under the direction of Tom Ruggieri. Caroling will be led by Linda Smrek. Area groups are invited to decorate one of the park trees with natural ornaments. To reserve a tree, call 330-726-8107 before Nov. 28. 3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7.
Festival of Wreaths, Shepherd of the Valley, 7148 West Blvd., Boardman; for more information or to RSVP call 330-726-9061, ext. 2400. The event includes food stations, a silent auction, strolling carolers, and more. 5:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Victorian Holiday Walk, Millionaires’ Row, Downtown Warren; for more information call the Tourism Office at 330-675-3081 or e-mail Info@ExploreTrumbullCounty.com. The tour will feature sites along Historic Mahoning Avenue in downtown, including the Land Title Office, Perkins Mansion, Sutliff Museum, Women’s Park and the Kinsman, Upton, and John Starks Edwards House all decorated for the holiday season. The tour runs from Noon-6 p.m. , Sunday, Dec. 14. $5, free (for children 12 and under).
Gardens by Candlelight, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown; 330-740-7116. Twinkling lights and luminarias will be on view during a wintry walk through the Gardens. Complete the evening with music, cocoa, coffee and cookies in the Davis Center. Due to the nature of this event, strollers can not be accommodated. 5:30-8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14.
Kwanzaa Celebration for Ujamaa, Buckeye Elks Building, 421 North Ave., Youngstown; for more information call 330-747-9323 or visit www.TheSankofa.org. The event is presented by Muhammad Study Group # 9 and Sankofa. For vendor information call 330-747-8833. Featuring vendors, speakers, a town hall meeting, and more. 6:30 p.m. , Monday, Dec. 29. Free.
PERFORMANCE: MUSIC
Vocal Alliance, Howland Branch Library, 9095 East Market St., Warren; 330-856-2011. The barbershop quartet will share songs of the season in a performance for all ages. 6:30 p.m., Wedneday, Dec. 3. Free.
Carols and Cocoa, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown; for more information call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3.
YSU Holiday Concert, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown; for information call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636. 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Christmas Concert, Eastwood Mall, Niles. Featuring area high school choirs and news talent from WFMJ. An auction will be held and donations are sought for the Food Bank. The Cafaro Foundation will match funds raised. Noon-8 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 6.
W.D. Packard Concert Band, W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave., Warren; for more information call 330-841-2931. A holiday concert featuring Santa Claus. 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Free.
Concert: The Wade Raridon Singers, St. Patrick Church,1420 Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown; 330-743-1109. The program will be directed by Dr. Wade Raridon, and it is open to the public. 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Free.
Twelfth Annual Boardman Community Christmas, Boardman Park Gazebo, 375 Boardman-Poland Road; 330-726-8107. Santa will arrive at 3 p.m. There will be music performed by the Boardman High School Band, and caroling. 3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7.
Canfield Community Concert Band, Canfield High School, 100 Cardinal Drive, 330-533-3547. The Concert Band’s holiday concert. Canned goods and donations are accepted to benefit Operation Blessing. 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7.
PERFORMANCE: STAGE
A Little House Christmas, Kent Trumbull Theater, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren; 330-675-8887 or e-mail trumbullboxoffice@kent.edu for reservations. Kent Trumbull Theatre will present its holiday production of “A Little House Christmas” by James DeVita this month. Performances for this family-friendly Christmas play, which is based on “Little House on the Prairie,” occurs on Dec. 5-7 and 12-14. All shows begin at 7 p.m., except for 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays.
Miracle on Easy Street, Edward W. Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown; 330-743-8555. Easy Street will stage its 20th annual performance of “Miracle on Easy Street” from Dec. 19-21. Easy Street co-founders Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock will once again host the event with vocalists James McClellan, David Jendre, Illa Willis, Colleen Crish, Katy Collins and Candace Campana. Musical director Jeff Sanders returns with the Easy Street Little Big Band blending a mixture of the season’s most-popular tunes. Performance dates and times: 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19; 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20; and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors; $12 for children 12 and under. Group discounts and gift certificates are available.
A Christmas Carol, W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave., Warren; for more information or tickets call 330-841-2931. 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES/SACRED MUSIC
Pearl Harbor Mass, St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown; 330-782-0340. The public and area veterans are invited to participate in the VFW Post 1423’s 67th annual Pearl Harbor Mass. All veterans posts will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the parish center with their colors. Coffee and doughnuts will be available in the church hall following the service. 9 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 7.
Music for the Advent and Christmas Season, St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown; 330-743-1109. The Wade Raridon Singers, an acclaimed 26-voice chamber choir, will present a concert of selected music for the Advent and Christmas season. The program will feature the music of J.S. Bach, Vaughan Williams, Gibbons, Billings, Rachmaninov, and others. Directed by Dr. Wade Raridon, retired professor from YSU’s Dana School of Music, the group has attained a reputation for excellent performances of quality choral literature. A CD recording of past Christmas performances by the singers will be available after the concert. 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. Free.
Annual Christmas Concert: From Our House to Yours, St. Columba Cathedral, 159 West Rayen Ave., Youngstown; 330-744-3147. Beatitude House and Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County will host their fourth annual “From our House to Yours” Christmas concert. The event will feature Cantamus 10, with Sally Gunn and Bernie Crespi. Also scheduled to perform is the Beatitude House children’s choir. 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. Admission is free, but a free-will offering will be taken to benefit Beatitude House and Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County.
A Christmas Pastorale. Various locations in the area; 330-332-9688. Salem Youth Chorus will present a special holiday program featuring sacred Christmas music. Performances will occur in a number of local and regional venues in December. A free will offering will be received at the concerts to benefit the Salem Youth Chorus. For further information about the concerts and Youth Program, contact Salem Community Theatre at 330-332-9688. The Salem Youth Chorus was founded in 2007 by Jon Simsic to give teens the opportunity to sing sacred choral music composed by the masters. In the summer of 2008, the group embarked on its first tour, performing at Bruton Parish Church in colonial Williamsburg as part of their “Candlelight Concert Series” and presented “Choral Evensong” at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. In addition, the Youth Chorus has released two CDs, “Morning Has Broken: Hymns of the British Isles” and “Evening Reflections: Choral Evensong for Advent.” Performances: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 4 Summit St., Niles; 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 935 E. State St., Salem; 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19 at St. Jude’s Catholc Church, 180 Seventh St., Columbiana; 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1401 Moncrest Ave. N.W., Warren; 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2643 Waterloo Road in Mogadore.
Wigilia Christmas Celebration, St. Casmir Catholic Church, 149 Jefferson St., Youngstown’s Briar Hill Neighborhood; for more information call Madonna Barwick at 330-559-4427 or e-mail ajbarwick@ysu.edu. Sponsored by the Polish Arts Club of Youngstown. Noon (mass), 1 p.m. (reception), 2 p.m. (sharing of Oplatek/dinner), 3 p.m. (singing of Koledy/entertainment). Sunday, Dec. 14.
Christmas Concert: From Our House to Yours, St. Columba Cathedral, 159 West Rayen Ave., Youngstown; for more information call the Beatitude House Development Department at 330-744-3147. The event will feature Cantamus 10, the Beatitude House choir, and more. Sponsored by the Beatitude House and Habitat for Humanity. 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. Free.
SHOWS & SALES
SMARTS Sixth Annual Holiday Open House, SMARTS Center, DeYor Performing Arts Center, 258 W. Federal St., Youngstown; 330-941-ARTS or visit the SMARTS Web site at www.fpa.ysu.edu/smarts. Students Motivated by the Arts Holiday (SMARTS) will host their annual open house on Tuesday, Dec. 2. This annual event will feature holiday shopping, children’s hands-on art activities, and light refreshments. Artwork for sale (much of it inexpensive) includes paintings, cards, novelties, sculpture, handmade books, CDs and jewelry made by YSU students, local and national artists, and K-12 students participating in the SMARTS program. (The SMARTS Store also is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and other hours by appointment.) All proceeds will benefit future SMARTS programming. SMARTS is an arts education program at Youngstown State University’s Colleges of Fine and Performing Arts and Education. It seeks to motivate students to succeed in all areas of life by teaching them the discipline and focus that creating art requires. Call for more information. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Forum Health Holiday Craft Fair, Northside Medical Center, Medical Education Building, 500 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown; 330-884-4769. More than 40 vendors will have tables and handcrafted items including jewelry, decorations, toys and baked goods. 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. Free.
Craft Show, Ursuline Center, 4300 Sheilds Road, Canfield; 330-792-4150. Featuring holiday decorations, baked goods, raffles, and other various types of crafts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Free admission.
38th Annual American Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Sale, Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown; 330-743-1107. The Butler Institute will present its 38th annual American Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on Dec. 6-7. The show features 100 vendors (35 of whom are first-time participants), entertainment and food. The holiday show and sale features fine art and original crafts, painting, photography, jewelry, paper, ceramics, fragrances, wood, leather, fiber, food, horticulture, and decorative arts. The event will feature free appraisals from noon-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. (Appraiser Jeff Byce will offer appraisals of hand-carried collectibles (two per person and no furniture) and fine art appraisers from Cleveland’s Bonfoey Co. will offer appraisals of paintings (limit two per person). In addition, the Butler gift shop will offer specialty merchandise and Winslow’s Café will sell sandwiches, desserts and refreshments. Entertainment includes Jocko the Clown, Ted Miller and Bill Lewis from County Cork, the Suzuki Players, the Youngstown Connection, and choirs from St. Charles and Ursuline. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. $5 for adults; children under 12 admitted free. Parking is free in nearby YSU parking structures.
McDononough Museum of Art Holiday Crafts Sale, McDonough Museum of Art, YSU, Wick Avenue near University Plaza, Youngstown; 330-941-1400. The McDonough will host its annual sale on Dec. 6-7. Local artists and students will have their work for sale and the Student Art Association will be hosting an auction and bake sale. The event features unique gifts from the local arts community. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League Annual Christmas Social, Scacchetti’s, 1140 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman; 330-707-0090. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will host its annual Christmas social at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. Each member will bring an item for a special family in need this Christmas. Installation of the officers for 2009 also will take place. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women over 18, residing in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship, fun and community involvement. The organization’s mission is to provide a creative outlet for women interested in providing community service in areas of arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public affairs. Women interested in joining or receiving more information on the organization should call Ann Marie Brogan at 330-707-0090 or send their name, address and phone number to Membership Chairwoman, BP JWL, P.O. Box 3412, Youngstown, Ohio 44512.
Annual Snowflake Ball, Avon Oaks Ballroom, 1401 N. State St., Girard. The USA Dance Youngstown-Warren Ballroom Dancers Association will host its annual holiday celebration and dance from 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. The evening will feature a dance, buffet dinner, and show featuring DanceSport champions Rene Ostarek and Bronislava Vrtalova. (In addition, a mini dance camp with Ostarek and Vrtalova in American rumba and cha cha will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. earlier in the day. The cost for group lessons is $15 per class or $25 for both. Private lessons are available upon request.) During the Snowflake Ball, dancing will include Smooth Ballroom (waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, Viennese waltz, polka, and country two-step); Latin (cha-cha, rumba, bolero, mambo, salsa, and merengue); Swing (East Coast, West Coast, and Lindy); and Hustle. Although the event is open to the public, admission is by advance ticket sales only. Call to reserve. For tickets or more Information, call 330-853-3000 or e-mail joapac@yahoo.com. 5-10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. $40 (USA Dance member), $45 (non-member), $25 (full-time students).
DARE Christmas Dance, Elm Tree Banquet Center, 170 Walton Ave., Struthers; for more information call 330-793-1484, 330-793-7177 or 330-755-7440. The dance features a buffet dinner, chinese auction, entertainment by John Vasko, prizes, and more. The event is BYOB. 7-11 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. $30, $25.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
First Night Youngstown, Downtown Youngstown; for more information visit www.firstnightyoungstown.org. There will be entertainment, food vendors, and more at selected downtown locations. Entertainment includes magicians, dancers, impersonators, a laser light show, fireworks, hands on activities, talent shows, and more. 5:30 p.m.-midnight, , Wednesday, Dec. 31.
First Night Canfield, for location and additional information visit www.firstnightcanfield.com or call 330-533-2290. The night features a cabaret dinner and more. An admission button is required at all First Night Canfield events. 6 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 31. $10, free.
