Good morning, Youngstown.

In 2025, local parks saw key improvements — Waddell Park in Niles opened a splash pad and new playground while other sites like Stevens Park, Girard and Howland received resurfaced courts and new disc golf courses; upcoming projects include additional enhancements for dog, skate and pickleball areas.

Today, the Youngstown Area Scleroderma Support Group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom to discuss support and resources, while events like Wackadoo Weekend for children on Saturday at Howland Library Branch and Wednesday’s COVID/flu vaccine clinic at the health district add to a busy schedule (see local listings for details).

Local groups host varied events this week.

The Scleroderma Support Group meets today via Zoom at 5:30 p.m., and the Ohio Genealogical Society gathers Wednesday in Boardman; a Christmas tree recycling event runs Thursday and Friday, while Girard Library and a seniors’ program in Canfield are also scheduled.

The third annual Senior Showcase took place Saturday at the Robins Theatre in downtown Warren, featuring over 70 performers aged 55 to 90 in 28 acts such as dance, comedy, and music.

Organizers announced a spring show in April + welcomed new senior talent.

The Robins Theatre in Warren hosted the third annual Senior Showcase on Saturday afternoon, featuring over 70 senior performers and 28 acts led by WYTV Daybreak co-hosts Jim Loboy and Len Rome.

A new production is planned for April.

The 63rd Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival took place Sunday at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue where parishioners in medieval costume performed with drummers, bagpipe players and a choir to celebrate tradition — director Meg Silver said the pageant brought joy and humor to the community.

Mill Creek MetroParks have removed at least 138 deer via lottery hunts, archery, and sharpshooters—seven extra kills remain unconfirmed.

Archery hunts will continue in Boardman parks through January while officials verify the remaining reports.

Mercy Health celebrates the blessing and opening of a new neurointensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital today.

The $20 million project expands beds for patients recovering from strokes, brain surgeries, and spinal procedures and includes specialized workstations (designed with input from clinical staff).

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded Ohio over $202 million for rural health improvements, a funding start announced by Sen. Husted last week.

The money will modernize local hospitals, clinics and school-based centers + boost workforce training and improve care access.

Ohio received over $202 million from the Rural Health Transformation Fund last week to expand rural hospitals and modernize school-based health centers, including a new 55,000 sqft facility near Northeast Ohio Impact Academy (with United Way of Youngstown partnering).

More funds will support local health care access and workforce.

Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch live on FloHockey — Catch the thrilling ice hockey match as the Buccaneers take on the Phantoms.

Tropidelic Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Tickets starting at $76 — Experience the vibrant energy of Tropidelic's live reggae and electronic fusion.

Charlie Boy, Ferro, Ryan Concert

7-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a lively concert featuring Ferro who brings melodic tunes to life.

Underground Entertainment Awards

5-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not specified — Celebrate the creative talents and influential voices of Youngstown's entertainment community with special performances.

Empress Eyes Live with Brake Fluid and Outrun Infinity

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with captivating performances from local bands Empress Eyes, Brake Fluid, and Outrun Infinity.

Intro to Epoxy & Overlays Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Epoxy Depot Youngstown — $895 — Learn epoxy techniques from seasoned expert Garrett Barnes at this comprehensive training event.