VALLEY UPDATE

Zoldans donate $5 million for new student center

The Zoldan family of Youngstown, founders of Phantom Fireworks, is donating $5 million to Youngstown State University’s campaign to build a new student center on campus.

The donation matches the largest gifts ever given to YSU and, in turn, the new facility will be called the Zoldan Family Center.

The new YSU facility will be called the Zoldan Family Center.

The Zoldans are long-time supporters of YSU, including a $1 million gift in 2020 for student scholarships and to establish a new mentorship program, in honor of their parents, Sam and Sylvia Zoldan, and their uncle, Abe Yampolsky.

“The word ‘philanthropy’ certainly describes the Zoldan family,” said YSU President Jim Tressel. “The word comes from the Greek language and means love of humanity. Bruce Zoldan and the entire Zoldan family have once again lived up to that definition. We thank them for their tremendous generosity in helping to make the dream of a new student center move closer to reality here at YSU.”

“The Zoldan family has benefited from the university’s continued strong presence here in our community,” said Bruce J. Zoldan, president and chief executive of Phantom Fireworks. “It is a privilege to be able to give back and support President Tressel and the entire YSU community and to make a difference in the lives of all of our students.”

Ellen and Jim Tressel are leading the campaign to raise $20 million for a new student center on campus.

Phantom Fireworks traces its origins to the early 1970s and today is America’s number one consumer-based fireworks retailer. The company has retail stores and showrooms in 15 states and more than 1,500 seasonal tents and stands throughout the nation.

“Bruce and his family are at the top of the list of success stories at YSU, and their legacy now joins the likes of the Williamsons, Meshels, Kohlis, DeBartolos, Beeghlys, Cafaros and so many other YSU benefactors,” Tressel said.

Grand opening Feb. 10 for vintage candy store

Sweet Memories Vintage Tees will host a grand opening for its new vintage candy store on Friday, Feb.10. The event occurs from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

The grand opening will feature Good Humor ice cream, tastings of Isaly’s new line of coffees and the release of Sweet Memories licensed historic Isaly’s and Klondike Bar apparel line. Linda Barton is the founder and CEO.

The store stocks vintage candies, classic sodas and Sweet Memories’ complete line of licensed apparel.

The grand opening includes a ribbon cutting with the Regional Chamber and a check presentation to Akron Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Community Foundation opens 2023 applications

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley has opened its first grant cycle for the new year, bringing with it a handful of changes to applications.

Nonprofits serving Mahoning and Trumbull counties can apply any time at CFMV.org/grant-opportunities.

The most noticeable change is new dead- lines for all grant applications, which have moved to the 15th of each quarter – Jan. 15, April 15, July 15 and Oct. 15. Other updates that affect all applications include simplified language for questions in the application forms, the option to select grant periods longer than one year and the addition of balance sheets to the required financial documents that must be submitted.

The new store stocks vintage candies, classic sodas and Sweet Memories Vintage Tee’s complete line of licensed apparel, including the largest collection of Klondike and Good Humor apparel in the United States.

Sweet Memories is located at 1282 Trumbull Ave., Suite A1 in Girard. The store is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is 330759-3500. The company’s website is www.sweetvintagetees.com.

CFMV also added a glossary of terms found in grant applications that may not be everyday language for grantseekers. The full glossary can be found at CFMV.org/glossary.

“After collecting feedback from grantseekers throughout 2022, we worked to make this year’s application process as accessible and easy to complete as we could,” says Shari Harrell, president of the Community Foundation. “We recognize that nonprofits should be dedicating their time to their mission, not spending hours writing grants to support that work. If Valley nonprofits have input on how we can make our processes simpler, we’re always open for feedback.”

Changes were also made to the focus areas of the Western Reserve Health Foundation, which supports health-focused efforts in Mahoning County, and the Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation, which is dedicated to Trumbull County.

Following recommendations from the community health improvement plans recently completed by local health agencies for Mahoning and Trumbull counties, the two health foundations will now prioritize applications that address the three focus areas laid out in the plans: mental health and substance abuse, access to care, and community conditions and safety.

Applications are also open for the William Swanston Charitable Fund, which prioritizes youth-focused projects that reduce disparities in health, education and children’s services.

These four grant opportunities – the CFMV general grant, William Swanston Charitable Fund, Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation and Western Reserve Health Foundation – are available each quarter. Other 2023 opportunities include the Young Philanthropist Fund (due April 15), the International Institute Funds (due July 15) and the Hospice Trust of Trumbull County (due Oct. 15). Applications for each grant opportunity, along with more information on each and an FAQ about grants process, can be found at CFMV.org/grant-opportunities.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley strives to be a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy by partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Mill Creek MetroParks announces road closures

In response to a Youngstown emergency sewer repair project, beginning Jan. 31, West Newport Drive, from Canfield Road to the Newport Boathouse (including Kiowa Road and Cascade Drive), will be closed to all vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic for approximately two weeks. Hampton Drive will remain open for traffic.

In addition, beginning Feb. 1, Old Mill Drive, from Kiwatha Road to Canfield Road and Valley Drive from East Park Drive to the Flats parking lot, will be closed to all vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic during the city of Youngstown’s repair project.

Scrappers name Sahli general manager

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers announce that Heather Sahli has been named the General Manager of the team.

She succeeds Jordan Taylor as General Manager. Sahli is the fourth General Manager in team history. She has been with the Scrappers organization for 19 seasons. She originally joined the Scrappers in 2001 as an account executive and has held additional positions of Box Office Manager, Client Services Manager, Director of Marketing and most recently has spent the past 12 seasons as the Assistant General Manager, Marketing for the Scrappers.

“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to lead the Scrappers. I look forward to working with our amazing Front Office as we strive to provide the best affordable, local fun in the Mahoning Valley. Eastwood Field has been my home for the best of 20 years, creating memories and working with incredible partners in the Valley. I can’t wait to open up the gates at Eastwood Field this summer and welcome fans back to celebrate our 25th anniversary season,” said Sahli.

“Heather is very deserving of being promoted to General Manager of the Scrappers. I have worked with her for over 20 years and her dedication and passion for the Scrappers and community make her a perfect fit for the position,” said Taylor.

Taylor will remain with the team in his role as executive vice president of HWS Baseball. He has been with the team for 22 seasons after joining the Scrappers in 2001 as a corporate sales executive. He was promoted to General Manager in 2011 and has held the position for the past 12 seasons along with vice president of HWS

Baseball since 2013.

HWS Group is a sports management firm that owns and operates professional sports franchises. Managing partner Michael Savit brings over 40 years of experience to the industry. In addition to the Scrappers, the HWS family includes the Dayton Dragons (owner/partner) since 2014.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are a founding member of the MLB Draft League. The Scrappers are set to open the 2023 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 1 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are currently on sale.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

Akiva grants to fund new entrance, education

Akiva Academy recently received grants from the Frances & Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust and the Walter & Caroline Watson Foundation.

The Frances & Lillian Schermer Charitable Trust granted $25,000 for the Akiva Enhancement Project. It will create a new welcome area at the school’s entrance. The new addition also will allow for enhanced school security. The funding will also help Levy Gardens Assisted Living create an outdoor patio space and a connecting path between Akiva and Levy. These additions will allow for ongoing inter-generational programming between Akiva Academy students and Levy Gardens tenants.

The Walter & Caroline Watson Foundation granted $10,000 for the Well-Rounded Education Program, which allows students to choose fun and unique extracurricular activities that enhance their traditional classes.

Akiva partners with the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown and Students Motivated by the Arts (SMARTS) to offer students art, music, dance, and physical education activities as part of the program.

Akiva Academy offers K-8 students collaborative, project-based and technology-driven learning methods to maximize students’ potential. Housed within the Jewish Community Center, Akiva Academy is open to students of all faiths. Students have access to all of the JCC’s programs and facilities, including weekly swimming classes. Visit akivaacademy.org for more information.