DIGEST YSU Honors College creates new scholarship n Youngstown State University Honors College students will have a new scholarship opportunity named after one of their own. The Joshua J. Bodnar Scholarship was recently established at the YSU Foundation by YSU Honors College students, faculty, and staff who wanted to honor Bodnar’s service and generosity to the Honors College and YSU. Bodnar, a University Scholar, received his undergraduate degree in middle childhood education BODNAR from YSU. During this time, he worked in the University Scholars and Honors Programs office for three years. Bodnar later earned his master of education in college student personnel from Ohio University. He remained in Athens, working for Ohio University in various positions, then returned to YSU by serving as the coordinator of student development and retention in the Honors College. “Throughout Joshua’s time as a student and staff member, he always was dedicated to the honors students and Youngstown State University,” said Dr. Amy Cossentino, dean of the honors college. “Josh’s work ethic was second-to-none, going above and beyond for streamlining processes for students and faculty. We are thrilled by the efforts of our students to create an endowed scholarship in his name so that future honors students can benefit,” Cossentino said. Bodnar is originally from Berlin Center and is a graduate of Western Reserve High School. He lives in Columbus. “My experiences at YSU and the Honors College set in motion my future career trajectory,” Bodnar said. “I am truly thankful and humbled by this endowment and to be a part of the Honors College family.” The scholarship will be awarded annually to a sophomore honor student, with preference given to a Western Reserve High School graduate or a Boy Scout (Josh is also an Eagle Scout and has remained involved in Scouting throughout his life). “The Honors Trustees decided a good way to show our appreciation for what Josh has done for us would be to endow a scholarship in his name. The funds were raised by honors students in a variety of ways. Our hope is this scholarship becomes the first of many to recognize those who support us in so many ways,” said YSU honors student Zachary Howard. The Youngstown State University Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to support the advancement of Youngstown State University. To
register, visit http://extension.psu.edu/ adult-mental-health-first-aid. Mental Health First Aid - Adults Working with Youth – This webinar teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This eight-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care. First-aiders will be required to complete a two-hour, selfpaced online class before participating in a six-hour, instructor-led virtual workshop. 1-4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25; 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, Feb. 26. To learn more and to register, visit http:// extension.psu.edu/mental-health-firstaid-adults-working-with-youth.
PUBLIC LIBRARY OF YOUNGSTOWN AND MAHONING COUNTY
n Ben and Lindsay Ratner, owners of LiB’s Market in Salem, stand in
the service area of the new LiB’s Cafe at the Canfield Public Library. The Ratners added the new Canfield location in early January. learn more about how the Foundation supports YSU and its students, visit The Youngstown State University Foundation.
MetroParks extends closures until April n Mill Creek MetroParks is extending the cancellations of all previously scheduled programs, tours, events, lectures and indoor facility rentals until the April 2021 board meeting scheduled for April 12, 2021. In the event a registration fee or rental fee was paid, a full refund will be processed. The action follows the recommendations from the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control regarding the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the health, safety and welfare of MetroParks employees, volunteers and visitors. The following Mill Creek MetroParks locations will be closed to the public through April 12, 2021: • MetroParks Farm Education Building and animal barns; • D.D. & Velma Davis Education and Visitors Center; • All reservable pavilions, cabins and shelters; • Yellow Creek Lodge; • Lanterman’s Mill; • MetroParks’ Administration Office. Various Mill Creek MetroParks outdoor locations will be remain open and available for use including Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Sebring Woods, The MetroParks Bikeway, Mill Creek Golf Course (seasonal),
Wick Par-3 (seasonal), MetroParks Farm Disc Golf Course, and all nature preserves and sanctuaries. The MetroParks staff urges all visitors to continue following all guidelines from state and local health officials, such as staying home if sick or exhibiting symptoms, maintaining at least six feet apart from other visitors, avoiding congregating in large groups and bypass busy areas, practicing good hygiene by washing hands often and carrying hand sanitizer, as well as suggesting non-use of items such as handrails, park benches, and other areas frequently touched to help stop the spread of COVID-19. For more information on Mill Creek MetroParks, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330-702-3000.
Penn State webinars on mental health first aid
n Penn State Extension will offer two webinars in February on mental health first aid. Participants will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance-use disorders in youth and adults. Upcoming sessions include: Adult Mental Health First Aid Training – This webinar teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance-use disorders. Training gives the skills to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance-use problem and help connect them to appropriate care. 1-4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8; 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Feb. 9. To learn more and to
Convention Bureau opens new interactive campaign n The Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau is announcing the launch of Snapshots of Youngstown–Winter 2021. The interactive campaign seeks to encourage people to get a fresh start in 2021, and have a chance to win a $50 gift card to a Mahoning County restaurant. To enter, participants should upload one photo via the CVB website showing how they are starting the year off right. The promotion began on Jan. 19 and continues through Feb. 28. “We all know how difficult 2020 was. The new year is a perfect time for a fresh start,” said Linda Macala, CVB executive director. “We want to encourage everyone to look ahead to brighter days by engaging in some new activities. If you need some inspiration for your entry, we will be posting a series of blogs with suggestions for starting a new hobby, getting fit, ways to get outdoors, and more.” “During our fall 2020 campaign, we highlighted local businesses with our gift card giveaway,” Macala said. “This time we want to focus specifically on some of Youngstown’s favorite eateries, like Magic Tree, Stonebridge Grille, Mojo’s Pub, and MVR, to name a few. The hospitality industry has been hard hit by the pandemic, and really needs our support. Our restaurants are working hard to adhere to CDC safety guidelines. These gift cards can be used for dine-in or carry-out, whichever you prefer.” The Winter campaign has been simplified and participants only need to upload one photo to enter. Multiple entries are permitted for more chances to win, but participants can only win one gift card. Follow the CVB on social media (@youngstownlive) for the latest information on the campaign. Two
winners of a $50 local restaurant gift card will be drawn at random from all of the entries each Monday during the campaign. The photos will be used in future marketing to promote visitation to Youngstown and Mahoning County. Rules of the contest and additional information, including how to upload photos and entry form, can be found at www.youngstownlive.com/snapshotsofyoungstown. Contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau with any additional questions. They can be reached at 800-447-8201 or email info@youngstownlive.com.
Solomon Gallery to open sculpture exhibit Feb. 1
n Youngstown State University’s Department of Art announces an exhibition of student sculpture organized by faculty Lauren Baker and Anthony Armeni opening Monday, Feb. 1 through Feb. 12 in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery on Bliss Hall’s second floor. The exhibition is available to view through the gallery windows week days from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The exhibition includes work from students enrolled in sculpture and ceramics courses last term, Fall 2020. Students whose work is represented include: Bo Gyeong Son, South Korea, painting, sophomore; Alexandria Sahyoun, Boardman, graphic design, senior; Cassandra Holsopple, East Palestine, graphic design, senior; Derrick Brubacher, Alamosa, Colo., sculpture, senior; Emily Fetsko, Boardman, art education, senior; Morgan Lay, Brookfield, general studies, junior; Connie Kolarik, Boardman, sculpture, post-baccalaureate student; Maria Saunders, Plavna, Russia, art education, senior. More information is available by calling the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-727-7514.
Compiled from local reports.
YSU
Plaster-relief sculpture by Cassandra Holsopple of East Palestine, a YSU senior in graphic design
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