Turning Newcomers Into Neighbors
Thrive Mahoning Valley is helping turn newcomers into neighbors. What began as support for families displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma has grown into hands-on help with paperwork, housing, jobs, English classes, and getting around town. Their Pedal Forward program even puts bikes and safety gear into people’s hands. Through partnerships, youth programs, employer outreach, and shared community meals, ThriveMV is doing more than offering services — they’re building connection, confidence, and a true sense of belonging in the Mahoning Valley.
Read the full story by Susan Wojnar (Vindy.com) »
Photo credit: Susan Wojnar
Jorge Carreno, 42, of Girard, who immigrated from Mexico in 2003, demonstrates his cooking skills at Margherita’s Grille, which he operates, along with El Hefe, both in Girard.
BOOSTING YOUR MOOD IN WINTER
Here are easy, science-backed ways to boost your mood during winter:
• Get outside daily for natural light
(even 10 minutes helps reset your body clock)
• Move your body — walks, stretching, or dancing count
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
• Eat warming, nourishing foods
• Keep your home tidy — clutter quietly adds stress
• Stay socially connected (texts count!)
• Create small joys to look forward to: candles, cozy drinks, favorite shows, mini plans
A Well-Run Home Is a Form
of Self-Respect
Time is your most valuable asset. How you protect it matters.
All Spruced Up Cleaning Co is for homeowners who value order, ease, and walking into a space that feels handled.
The kind of clean that removes friction from your week and gives you mental breathing room, not just shiny surfaces.
It’s about choosing to live well and letting professionals take care of the details.
If you’re ready for a home that supports your lifestyle instead of competing with it, request a private estimate here:
Quiet luxury starts at home.
📞 Book your estimate now: 330-397-2815
When Water Stops Moving,
Everything Stops
A slow drain doesn’t feel urgent until it suddenly is. Sinks backing up. Water sitting where it shouldn’t. That moment when you realize waiting made it worse.
That’s exactly the kind of problem professional drain cleaning solves — before it turns into damage, downtime, or a bigger repair.
1-800-PLUMBER + Air handles these issues fast, with clear answers and free estimates so you know what’s going on before any work starts.
Smart move for the week ahead:
📱 Save this number now — 330-234-9402
Because when water won’t move, you don’t want to be searching for help.
You might not need their number today. But if the cold causes issues this week, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.
Fast, Reliable Drain Cleaning
❄️ Weather & Safety Note
The area is experiencing extreme cold and snow, and some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions. Officials are urging caution because of dangerously low wind chill values and winter conditions.
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🏙️ Other Things to Do on Your Own
If specific scheduled events are limited by weather this week, here are a few ongoing attractions you can enjoy at your own pace in Youngstown:
Visit the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County for reading, workshops, and community programming.
Check out rotating exhibits or programs at the Butler Institute of American Art.
Explore Mill Creek Metro Parks or take a stroll at Fellows Riverside Gardens (weather-permitting).
Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re ok. Maybe even bring them some soup.
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A Beautiful Blanket of Snow Settles Over Youngstown
Youngstown wrapped itself in winter this week as a powerful storm dropped around a foot of snow across the Mahoning Valley, transforming neighborhoods, parks, and streets into something straight out of a postcard. Trees lined in white, quiet mornings, and that unmistakable winter glow made the city look especially beautiful.
Of course, the snow came with its challenges. Travel slowed, routines shifted, and the cold that followed brought below-zero wind chills that reminded everyone this was the real deal. Still, there’s something uniquely peaceful about the stillness after a snowfall—the way everything feels calmer, cleaner, and just a little more magical.
It may be a nuisance at times, but for a few days, winter gave Youngstown a rare moment of quiet beauty worth noticing.
Photo Credit: Sandy Noyes
HOUSING PEACE OF MIND
It’s Not Just Help, It’s Peace of Mind
Buying or selling a home comes with a lot of moving parts. The best agents don’t just guide you through it—they create peace of mind along the way.
That’s what Hailey Ditullio does so well.
She’s built a way of working that helps clients move forward confidently, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Buyers are prepared early, so they’re not scrambling when something good comes up. Sellers know their home is being handled thoughtfully and professionally from the very beginning.
Behind the scenes, Hailey keeps everything organized and aligned so the process feels steady instead of stressful. You’re informed. You’re supported. And you always know what’s happening next.
She brings warmth, optimism, and a genuine sense of care to every interaction, while still being extremely responsible and detail-oriented.
If you want someone who makes this feel manageable—and even a little exciting—Hailey is exactly that kind of agent.
Is It Possible For Lasers To Reduce Fat?
The hardest fat to lose is the kind that ignores all your effort.
You can eat right.
You can work out.
And still… certain areas refuse to budge.
That’s not laziness. It’s biology.
Which is why more people are tapping into the latest in science.
Like the new 12D Green Laser — a non-surgical treatment designed to target stubborn fat, tighten skin, and reshape problem areas without pain or downtime.
Loss fat, not muscle mass with targeted lasers
Nothing extreme. No pain. Just clothes that fit better.
Where can I get this?
Skin Solution MedSpa in Boardman
What does it cost?
$199 (normally $499) for a limited time.
How long does it take?
30 minutes
How often can you do it?
1-2 times a week
What kind of results are possible?
1-2 pant sizes in as little as 8 sessions.
Skin Solution MedSpa
755 Boardman Canfield Rd, Suite D1 & D2 in Boardman
Call or text 330-977-5788 to see if this is the right fit for you.
Sometimes what you need isn’t more willpower.
It’s better tools.
Weekend Events Worth a Try:
Thursday, Jan 29
Baby Story Time & Library Programs
📍 Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County – Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH
🕙 Morning & afternoon times vary
Story time and family-friendly library activities throughout the day.
OHWOW! Field Trip – Arctic Sphero Course
📍 OHWOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology, 11 W Federal St., Youngstown, OH
🕓 4:00 PM
STEM-based winter-themed robotics activity for kids.
Mahoning County Board of Commissioners Meeting
📍 Mahoning County Administration Building, 21 W Boardman St., Youngstown, OH
🕙 10:00 AM
Public county government meeting.
Good Morning, Campbell / Struthers / Lowellville Networking Breakfast
📍 The Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Rd., Poland, OH
🕢 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Regional chamber of commerce business networking event.
Friday, Jan 30
Fly Dance Competition – Day 1
📍 DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W Federal St., Youngstown, OH
🕘 All day
Regional dance competition featuring studios from across the area.
Friday Night Live – FREE
📍 Roosevelt Student Union, YSU Campus, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH
🕖 7:00 PM
Live student performances and music showcase.
Saturday, Feb 1
Fly Dance Competition – Day 2
📍 DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W Federal St., Youngstown, OH
🕘 All day
Dance performances continue throughout the day.
Toughest Monster Truck Tour
📍 Covelli Centre, 229 E Front St., Youngstown, OH
🕒 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
High-powered monster truck stunts and racing.
Rachel & Lucas – Live Acoustic
📍 Cork & Cap Bottle Shop, 221 W Federal St., Youngstown, OH
🕖 7:00 PM
Acoustic covers and relaxed downtown vibes.
K-Pop & Cupcakes
📍 1756 E Garfield Rd., Boardman, OH
🕓 4:00 PM
Dance, music, and cupcake decorating for teens & kids.
LEGO Party
📍 Salem Public Library, 535 E State St., Salem, OH
🕓 4:00 PM
Creative LEGO building session for kids.
Sunday, Feb 2
Fly Dance Competition – Final Day
📍 DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W Federal St., Youngstown, OH
🕘 All day
Final performances and awards.
John Reese Trio – Live
📍 Lake Milton American Legion, 16817 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton, OH
🕟 4:30 PM
Classic rock and country favorites.
Cosmo’s Cats – Live Music
📍 Char-Benay’s Wine on the River, 175 Ohio Dr., Warren, OH
🕖 7:00 PM
Live band with wine and river views.
Candle Workshop – Envelope & Gift Holder
📍 135 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman, OH
🕚 11:00 AM
Make custom candles and gift packaging.
K9 Community Workshop
📍 Tails of Togetherness, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH
🕐 1:00 PM
Dog training and safety education.
Kids Art Club
📍 180 Park Avenue, Warren
🕛 1:00 PM
Hands-on art activities for kids.
Dan Grimm Benefit
📍 127 Chestnut St., Lisbon, OH
🕑 2:00 PM
Benefit event supporting a local family.