Winter Writing Camp scheduled for Feb.18

Lit Youngstown will host the seventh annual Winter Writing Camp Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.

The all-day event is free with registration and open to the public. The registration deadline is Feb. 5, and seating is limited.

This year’s camp offers sessions for adults, teens and youth ages five and up, of all experience levels. Adult session topics include writing poetry from life, interviewing to collect family stories, writing a caretaking graphic memoir, submitting work for publication, writing flash fiction, and writing the true story. The event will include a musical performance by Jon Locketti, and a cookie table and open mic for those who would like to share their work.

The 2023 Winter Writing Camp teaching artists include R. W. Franklin, Tanesha Bokally, E.F. Schraeder, Arya F. Jenkins, Marissa Snyder, Mari Alschuler, Katie Urs, Lindsay Sinkovich, Marissa McFly and McKayla Rockwell.

Session leader R. W. Franklin, who will be attending for the sixth time, said she thinks of Winter Writing Camp as a miniature writing conference, “except it’s completely free and more personal. If you’re a new or experienced writer, it’s great to spend the day with other creative people,” she said. “And kids sharing their writing at the open mic is just the best.”

In 2022, youth attendees worked with local playwright Kelly Bancroft to write and perform an original play.

Pre-registration is required by Feb. 5 and includes lunch (no walk-ins). Youth under 12 are required to have an adult present, and kindergarteners and first graders to have an adult with them throughout the day. Registration information is available at LitYoungstown.org.

This year’s Winter Writing Camp is funded in part by the Char and Chuck Fowler Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, and the Youngstown Foundation

High Pointe Tavern. Dead Flowers. 7:30 p.m. Los Gallos. Grupo Fuego. 9 p.m. Robins. Brass Metropolis. Chicago tribute. 8 p.m. Westside Bowl. Myspace Nite Dance Party. 9 p.m.

Saturday 18

Birding at the Gardens. Outdoor Concourse, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-7407116. millcreekmetroparks.org. Join a MetroParks educator and Ohio-certified volunteer naturalist for a stop-and-look birding walk around Fellows Riverside Gardens. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, if you have them. Register by Feb. 15 online or call 330-740-7116. No walk-ins. No pets. 8-9 a.m.

Heart Drive with the American Heart Association and St. Joe’s at the Mall. Center Court, Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles 44446. 330-652-6980. The American Heart Association, in partnership with Mercy Health and St. Joe’s at the Mall, will offer free blood pressure screenings and CPR demonstrations in the Center Court. Donation hearts will be available for $1, $5 and $10. 11 a.m-3 p.m.

The registration deadline is Feb. 5

Other programs in February include:

Lit Youngstown Reading: Brandon Noel and Tony Wade. Soap Gallery, 117 S. Champion St., Youngstown 44503. Features Brandon Noel, Tony Wade, and contributors to Olney Magazine. Jim Jordan will co-host. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Food for Thought. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. The book discussion features “Little Devil in America: Notes on Black Performance” by Hanif Abdurraquib. 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9.

Just Desserts: A Lit Winter Gala. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. This fundraiser benefits Lit Youngstown’s spring events. It will include desserts and savory hors d’oeuvres, wine and apple cider punch, short readings by Phil Brady and David Giffels, jazz, a silent auction a golden ticket raffle, and a literary costume contest judged by Craig and Christine Duster, owners of POP! Arts, Books, Culture. Visit Lit Youngstown’s website for more information. 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11. $35.

Lit Youngstown is a community-based literary arts nonprofit. Karen Schubert is the director and Katelyn Urs is the development coordinator.

Family Movie. Girard Free Library, 105 E. Prospect St., Girard 44420. 330-545-2508. Enjoy fresh popcorn and a film for the whole family. All ages. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Backyard Explorers. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807. www.wtcpl.org. Children in grades K to 3 can join staff in the Library’s new Learning Garden to explore backyard nature through science, crafts, stories and more. Children should dress for the weather and plan to get dirty. Registration is required. 11 a.m.

Black History Month: Discovering Our Roots through Genealogy. East Library, 430 Early Road, Youngstown 44505. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Stacey Adger will present this genealogy program. Refreshments include traditional African-American food. 1 p.m.

Mixed Media Tree Painting. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For teens and tweens. Registration required. 1 p.m.

Black History Month: Black Superheroes org. Play games based on famous characters, create pieces of your own superhero disguise and so much more. Cosplay and costumes are welcome. 1:30 p.m.

Comic Con. Newport Library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown 44507. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.

YSU Penguins Basketball. Beeghly Center: GPS Address 224 W. Spring St., Youngstown, OH 44502. The Penguins play Green Bay at home. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on AM 570 WKBN. 2 p.m. Reserved: $14 before game day, $16 on game day; general admission: $10 before game day, $12 on game day; youth, $7.

The Last Five Years. Spotlight Theatre, Bliss Hall. YSU, Wick Avenue at Spring Street, Youngstown 44555. 330-941-3105. This modern musical chronicles the five-year life of a marriage. Performances will be staged in collaboration with YSU’s Dana School of Music. 7:30 p.m.

MUSIC & NIGHTSPOTS

Beeghly Center. Jam the Gym. 11 a.m. Birdfish Brewing Co. Mardi Gras Party with Larry Elefante. 2 p.m.

Deer Creek Winery. Samantha Sears. 6:30 p.m. New Manhattan. Scott Gearheart Band. 8 p.m. The Rig. Neil Hogue. 9 p.m. Robins Theatre. Queen Nation. Tribute band. 8 p.m. Sam’s Wedge Inn. Paul Charles. Blues, classic country. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Westside Bowl. Greg Koch. 8 p.m.

Sunday 19

MerlinID App - Bird Hike. Parking lot, Newport Wetlands, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107. millcreekmetroparks.org. For ages 16 and older. Hike through the trails to listen for birds after a brief introduction to the Merlin ID app. Dress for the weather and wear hiking boots. Registration required. Easy half-mile hike. Register/pay online by Feb. 17 or call 330-740-7116. No walk-ins. No pets. 10-11 a.m. $3.

The Last Five Years. Spotlight Theatre, Bliss Hall. YSU, Wick Avenue at Spring Street, Youngstown 44555. 330-941-3105. This modern musical chronicles the five-year life of a marriage. Performances will be staged in collaboration with YSU’s Dana School of Music. 2 p.m.

Springfield Committee Meeting and Presentation: Arlington Cemetery and The Old Guard. Springfield Library. 10418 Main St, New Middletown 44442. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit. org. Presented by Frank DeRhodes. 2 p.m.

Monday 20

Black History Month: Freedom Quilts. Springfield Library. 10418 Main St, New Middletown 44442. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. 11 a.m.

Mystery Mondays Book Club. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. The group will discuss “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. 11 a.m. Mah-Jongg Monthly. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 44406. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration required. 1 p.m.

Junior Achievement Youth Market Day Workshop II. Boscov’s Auditorium, Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles 44446. 330-6526980. Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio will host their workshop on basic entrepreneurial skills. The workshop helps guide youth through the process of starting a business. Qualifying participants will be able to sell their product or service at the Eastwood Mall’s Youth Market Day on Saturday, April 29. 2-4 p.m. Lego My Library. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815

Lego My Library. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Fun with Lego blocks. 4:30 p.m.

Make Chocolate Cream Pies. Culinary Literacy Center, Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. This is a two-day program. Participants must register for both sessions. For adults and teens 16 and older. Session One: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20. Session Two: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Apprentice’s Inn. Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. 44512. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit. org. For teens. 5:30 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble. Chestnut Room, first floor, Kilcawley Center, YSU, One University Plaza at Elm Street, Youngstown 44555. 330-941-3636. 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday 21

Blood Drive by Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. 44514. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Crochet 102. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For adults. Registration required. 4:30 p.m.

Mardi Gras Family Night. East Library, 430 Early Road, Youngstown 44505. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. 5 p.m.

Tween Eco-Warriors. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org. Features crafts and activities focused on conservation. For grades 4-6. Monthly. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m.

YSU Penguins Basketball. The YSU Penguins play Robert Morris in an away game. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on AM 570 WKBN. 7 p.m.

Wednesday 22

Recreational Hikes. Parking lot, Scholl Recreation Area, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown. 330740-7107. millcreekmetroparks.org. Meet at Scholl Recreation Area. Moderate, 1-3 miles. Call for details 330-740-7114. 9-10 a.m.

STEAM Story Time: Animal Tracks. Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. 44512. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Features stories, songs, play, and crafts. For preschoolers ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 10 a.m.

Music at Noon: Piano Studio Recital. Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44502. 330-941-3636. 12:15 p.m.

DIY Snowshoes March. Birch Hill Cabin, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown. 330-740-7116. millcreekmetroparks.org. For ages 6-10. Join a MetroParks educator and attempt to make DIY Snowshoes out of different materials and then test them out in the snow. Dress for the weather. Wear hiking boots. Meet at the Birch Hill Cabin near the Lily Pond. Registration required. Register/pay online by Feb. 20 or call. No Walk-ins. No pets. 4-5:30 p.m. $5.

Songwriting Workshop with Lone Witie. Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road 44515. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Mark National

Album Writing Month with local singer/songwriter

Lone Witie. For teens and adults. 6 p.m.

Relaxing Watercolor. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. This programs is for teens and adults. Registration is required. 6 p.m.

Thursday 23

Introduction to Cricut Design Space. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For teens and adults. 11 a.m.

Mobile Market. Sebring Library, 195 W. Ohio Ave. 44672. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Patrons and visitors can shop for fresh produce and other groceries. Other dates and locations occur throughout the month. Call for more information.

Noon-2 p.m.

Button Flower Bouquets. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. This program is for children. Registration is required. 1 p.m.

Play, Learn, and Grow Together. East Library,

430 Early Road, Youngstown 44505. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. In partnership with Easter Seals of Mahoning County, this group helps children develop skills to succeed in the classroom. For children

2.5 to 5 years old. Registration is required. 2:30 p.m. Grief 101. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 44406. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. This program is for adults. 5:30 p.m.

Family Storytime. Cortland Library, 578 Lakeview Drive 44410. 330-638-6335. www.wtcpl.org. Features stories and activities for families with children ages 3-10. 6 p.m.

Cutting the Cord on Cable. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. This program is for adults. Registration is required. 6 p.m.

Friday 24

Art Show by the Canfield Schools. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 44406. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. Library hours, Friday, Feb. 24-Saturday, March 4.

Stepping Out with Healthy Cooking. Culinary Literacy Center, Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit. org. Learn how to make creative salads, dressings and add different toppings to keep healthy meals exciting. Participants will receive recipes, a container to take what they make, and a 6-inch chef’s knife. Presented by Jessica Romeo, community health educator, Mercy Health. For adults. 1 p.m.

Stepping Out with Exercise. Main Library, 305

Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. For adults. 2 p.m.

Scary Stories Book Club. Newport Library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown 44507. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. This month’s read is “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” by Grady Hendrix. 2 p.m.

Outside Mullingar. Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown 44511. 330-788-8739. youngstownplayhouse.org. This romantic comedy tells the story of lifelong neighbors Anthony and Rosemary, a couple of introverted, middle-aged misfits. Play by John Patrick Shanley. Directed by Christopher Fidram. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24-25, March 3-4. 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26 and March 5. 7:30 p.m. $17.\

MUSIC & NIGHTSPOTS

Birdfish Brewing Co. Analog Night with tiltnboogie. 7 p.m. Cafe 422/Boardman. Leather and Lace. Acoustic. 6:30 p.m.

Gatsby’s. Joe Augustine. Piano. 6 p.m. New Manhattan. Triple Threat. 8 p.m. Robins Theatre. Get the Led Out. Led Zeppelin tribute. 8 p.m. Shakers Bar & Grille. Dead Flowers.

Saturday 25

Preschool STEAM Club. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org. Features hands-on activities focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). For ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. 11 a.m.

Poke Party: Let’s Celebrate Pokémon Day. Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. 44512. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Registration required. 11 a.m.

Makerspace Orientation + Q&A. Michael Kusalaba Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. New to the makerspace or need a refresher? Join an orientation and get your questions answered. Sessions occur every 15 minutes. 11 a.m.

Sewing Machine Basics. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. 1 p.m.

LEGO at the Library. Howland Library, 9095 E. Market St. 44484. 330-856-2011. www.wtcpl.org.

Drop in and use the Library’s LEGO bricks to complete challenges or just be creative. All structures will remain at the library. For grades K-6. 2 p.m.

Origami for Teens. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 44406. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For teens. 2 p.m.

Anglophiles Unite! Stonehenge and Druidry. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Learn why so many tourists and modern-day pagans flock to this site every year. For adults. 2 p.m.

Creative. Cortland Library, 578 Lakeview Drive 44410. 330-638-6335. www.wtcpl.org. Children in grades K-4 can stop by the library for activities that will let them explore their creative side. 2 p.m.

Prom Fashion Show. Center Court, Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles 44446. 330-652-6980. The second annual Prom Fashion Show occurs in partnership with YSU’s Fashion Department and the Casal Aveda Institute. See the latest prom fashions and accessories for 2023. 3 p.m.

YSU Penguins Basketball. The Penguins play IUPUI away. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on AM 570 WKBN. 7 p.m.

Outside Mullingar. Youngstown Playhouse, 600

DRUMLINE LIVE Drumline Live! Westminster Celebrity Series, Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, 319 S. Market St., New Wilmington, Pa. 16172. 724-946-7354. www.westminster.edu.

From the musical team behind the movies ’Drumline’ and ‘Drumline: A New Beat.’

Playhouse Lane, Youngstown 44511. 330-788-8739. youngstownplayhouse.org. This romantic comedy tells the story of lifelong neighbors Anthony and Rosemary, a couple of introverted, middle-aged misfits. Play by John Patrick Shanley. Directed by Christopher Fidram. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24-25, March 3-4. 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26 and March 5. 7:30 p.m. $17.

MUSIC & NIGHTSPOTS

Birdfish Brewing Co. Winter Record Swap. Noon. Birdfish Brewing Co. Ohayo. 2 p.m. Flying Pig Saloon. Andy Timko. 9 p.m. Legends. Leather and Lace. Acoustic. Longboyz Tavern. Mane Atraxion. 9 p.m. Robins Theatre. 1964. Beatles tribute. 8 p.m.

Sunday 26

Picturesque Hike. Meet at The Flats parking lot on Valley Drive (near the Suspension Bridge), Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown. 330-740-7116. millcreekmetroparks.org. For ages 16 and older. Learn how to take the picturesque photos. This month’s theme is “Frozen Water.” Bring a camera or cell phone. Dress for the weather and wear hiking boots. Moderate/difficult 1 mile hike. Registration required. No pets. Call or register online by Feb. 24. 2-4 p.m.

Outside Mullingar. Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown 44511. 330-788-8739. youngstownplayhouse.org. This romantic comedy tells the story of lifelong neighbors Anthony and Rosemary, a couple of introverted, middle-aged misfits. Play by John Patrick Shanley. Directed by Christopher Fidram. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24-25, March 3-4. 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26 and March 5. 2:30 p.m. $17.

Monday 27

Adult Coloring. Brownlee Woods, For adults. 11 a.m.

Lego We Do Robots. Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. 44512. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. Registration required. For children and tweens. Registration required. 4 p.m.

National Pokémon Day Celebration. Struthers Library, 95 Poland Ave. 44471. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. Registration required. For children and tweens. 5 p.m.

Lego My Library. Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. 44514. 330-744-8636.www.libraryvisit.org. Fun with Lego blocks. 6 p.m.

National Pokémon Day Celebration. Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road 44515. 330-7448636. www.libraryvisit.org. Registration required. For children and tweens. 6 p.m.

Uke-N-Play the Ukulele. Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-8636. www. libraryvisit.org. For teens and adults. Registration required. 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, 27.

Dana Concert Band. Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown 44504. 330-259-0555. www.stambaughauditorium.com. Call for more information. 7:30 p.m.:

Tuesday 28

Blood Drive by Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. Austintown Library, 600 S. Raccoon Road 44515. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Critter Tales - North American Opossum. Kidston Classroom, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. millcreekmetroparks.org. For ages 3-6, with an adult. Explore the wildlife of Ohio with a MetroParks educator. Learn about the North American Opossum. Program includes species information/fun facts, story time, and a craft activity. Register/pay online by Feb. 26 or call 330-740-7116. No walk-ins. 11 a.m.-noon. $7.

Homeschool Investigators. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-3998807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org. Homeschoolers can explore a different mystery topic each month through activities, crafts, games, and science. For grades K-6. Registration is required. 2 p.m.

Totally Tweens. Cortland Library, 578 Lakeview Drive 44410. 330-638-6335. www.wtcpl.org. Features crafts and activities for youth in grades 5-8. 3 p.m.

Poured Painting. Sebring Library, 195 W. Ohio Ave. 44672. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org. For teens and adults. Registration required. 3:30 p.m. Sit Back and Craft. East Library, 430 Early Road, Youngstown 44505. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit. org. Registration required. 4 p.m.

Book Tasting @ Westside Bowl. Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509. 5 p.m. Live Music: Back to the ’50s & ’60s. Liberty Library, 415 Churchill-Hubbard Road 44505. 330759-2589. www.wtcpl.org. Guitarist Tyler Guerrieri will perform a selection of jukebox favorites. 6 p.m. 101 Ways to Nurture Yourself. Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. 44514. 330-744-8636.www. libraryvisit.org. For adults. 6 p.m.

Graphic Novel-Palooza. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org. Join the Library for a celebration of graphic novels. Features crafts, activities and games based on graphic novels. For grades K-6. 6:30 p.m.

Tell us about your event!

• Via e-mail: info@metromonthly.net

• Via U.S. Mail: Metro Monthly, P.O. Box 663, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-0663. Call 330-259-0935 to advertise.

What gets in? We give priority to the greater Youngstown-Warren area, Columbiana County and western Pennsylvania. Submit materials as soon as possible; items received after deadline (15th day of preceding month) might not get in. Calendar also appears on our website: www.metromonthly.net.

If you have questions, call 330-259-0435. www.metromonthly.net