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Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign underway

YOUNGSTOWN - For the 10th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, helping to end food insecurity and provide nourishment to families and individuals across the country.

In partnership with Walmart customers, Sam's Club members, suppliers and associates, the campaign aims to help people who experience food insecurity in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties gain access to the food and resources they need to thrive.

As one of our largest annual cause marketing campaigns, Fight Hunger. Spark Change. has generated more than $165 million and helped secure nearly 1.7 billion meals for the Feeding America® network of food banks since its inception in 2014, including here in the Mahoning Valley.

The campaign will run in store, in club and online through May 8. There are three ways to support neighbors in need:

-- For every participating product purchased in store, in club or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal (10 cents) on behalf of a Feeding America member food bank at Walmart and five meals (50 cents) at Sam's Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

-- Donate at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com.

-- Donate at Feeding America's Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either www.FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or www.FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub.

The 18 participating suppliers for Walmart include: BIMBO Bakeries; BodyArmor; Bush Brothers & Company; Campbell Soup Company; The Clorox Company; The Coca-Cola Company; fairlife LLC; Frito-Lay North America Inc; General Mills; Iovate Health Sciences; Lactalis; Kellogg's, Keurig Dr Pepper; Kraft Heinz; Monster Energy; Post Consumer Brands; Simply Good Foods; Unilever.

The 16 participating suppliers for Sam's Club include: Blue Triton Brands; BodyArmor; The Clorox Company; The Coca-Cola Company; Frito-Lay North America Inc; General Mills; Hint; Kellogg's; Keurig Dr Pepper; KIND; Kraft Heinz; Member's Mark; Nestle Purina Petcare Company; Nong Shim; Nissin; Vita Coco.

To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://www.feedingamerica.org/partners/current-promotions.

Craft Beerfest set for Sept. 23

The Columbiana Craft BeerFest 2023: Clipper Sipper 2.0 is slated for Saturday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m., at Town Center in Firestone Farms, 101 Town Center Ave., Columbiana. "That's right, we're back working to raise funds for the construction of the "Dick 'Sonny' Fisher Stadium" in Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park," explained Chair Sean Zenter. "This is the largest project currently in the works in our historic park so we thought another year's worth of awareness and funds was appropriate." Now in its third year, Columbiana Craft BeerFest will feature samples from more than 10 area breweries, live music, local food trucks and area vendors with proceeds from the 2023 Clipper Sipper 2.0 event benefiting the Firestone Stadium Complex Restoration. The restoration of the Firestone stadium complex is a community-wide effort involving Columbiana Athletic Boosters, Columbiana Exempted Village School District, the City and private citizens. The project will be completed in phases with Columbiana Craft Beerfest: Clipper Sipper 2.o raising funds for the first phase of the project, the removal and replacement of the home stands: $1.2 million campaign goal (Phase 1); remove the current cement stands; replace stands with new aluminum bleachers (same look and feel as the current stands); enhance aesthetic look and feel of stands and surroundings; ensure ADA compliance, including wheelchair accessibility; name stadium after entrepreneur and Columbiana-native Harvey S. Firestone; name field after Columbiana-native and football legend Dick "Sonny" Fisher who was called a "Clipper" by Cleveland radio announcer Tom Manning during an exceptional run on the field. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the gate and include 10 tasting tickets, a 13-ounce master crafter tasting glass, access to live music, food trucks and vendors. Website updates pending. Must be 21 years and older to enter. For information on Columbiana Craft BeerFest 2023: Clipper Sipper 2.0, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Zentner at 333-518-7170, or Info@ColumbianaCraftBeerFest.com.

Lisbon hydrant flushing to begin

The Lisbon Water Department will be conducting annual flushing of fire hydrants beginning May 1. The flushing will begin on the east side of town and continue west during the month of May. Water customers may notice short periods of lower pressure, and some discoloration is possible in and around the areas where th work is occurring. For information contact the water department office at 330-424-5503 Ext. 1850 or 1851.

Spring hike postponed

The Columbiana County Park District is postponing the spring hike set for 10 a.m. Saturday April 22 at Hellbender Bluff Park due to the threat of heavy rain. The new date and time are 2 p.m. on Sunday. The district will also hold its previously scheduled spring hike at 9 a.m. Sunday as scheduled.

'Little Women' play

Indigo Family Theater Company will present "Little Women" at Salem Community Theatre at 7 p.m. May 11, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. May 14. The timeless and enduring classic examines the March sisters' journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War. "Whether you are a long time fan of Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic, or this is your first time meeting Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, I guarantee you will fall in love with the unforgettable March sisters as they navigate the joys and hardships that come with growing up and chasing their dreams," said Play Director Caleb Pieplow. "It's such a joy getting to bring this story to life, and I could not be 'fonder and prouder' of our amazing cast. Every one of them brings so much energy and personality to their roles, and I can't wait for audiences of all ages to experience this production." Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased in advance at https://indigofamilytheater.ticketleap.com/little-women/ or at the theater on performance days. Fourteen local actors and actresses make up the cast of the play.

West Branch concert

West Branch Middle and High School band students will be performing at the annual Festival of Bands at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the high school gym. The concert will feature performances by all of the West Branch bands in grades five through 12, including the Jazz Bands. It will of course include the WB tradition of the playing of "Hang on Sloopy" by all of the combined bands as the grand finale. This year will also feature a special Ohio guest composer; the sixth grade band will be presenting the premiere performance of Brian Monroe's composition "Alien Invasion from the Dark Planet." Monroe will be in attendance for this premiere and serve as the narrator during the performance. Admission is free and open to the public.

Alliance museum tours

Tours of the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home and Alliance History Mini Museum, 840 N. Park Ave., are offered the first weekend of every month. The next Alliance Historical Society's tours will be offered on May 5, 6 and 7. Tours will be given Friday at 2 and 3 p.m. sharp; Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m.; and Sundays at 1 and 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per adult; children under 12 years old and members are admitted free.Those wishing to take a tour are encouraged to visit the historical society's website to book a tour, call 330-736-1116 or e-mail alliancehistory@yahoo.com.

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