Dave Dravecky

SRMC 2026 Gala to feature Dave Dravecky, former MLB pitcher and cancer survivor

SALEM – Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC) has announced nationally known Major League Baseball pitcher and cancer survivor Dave Dravecky as the featured speaker for its 2026 Gala on Friday, Nov. 6, at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. All proceeds raised through the event will be used to meet the region’s growing demand for advanced cancer care.

A Youngstown native and former All-Star left-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, Dravecky was at the height of his baseball career in 1988 when he was diagnosed with cancer in his pitching arm. Despite being told it was highly unlikely he would ever pitch again, Dravecky defied the odds by returning to the mound the following year to pitch a 4-3 win in his first start.

However, just five days later, Dravecky’s arm tragically broke during a pitch. The injury and a recurrence of cancer eventually led to the amputation of his left arm and shoulder, ending his baseball career.

Since retiring from baseball, Dravecky has gone on to inspire countless others as a renowned motivational speaker and author.

“Dave’s journey from the peak of his Major League career through his battle with cancer is truly extraordinary,” said Amy Reed, SRMC Director of Development. “We are honored to welcome him as our keynote speaker at this year’s Gala to share his incredible story of hope and resilience.”

All sponsorship opportunities for the November SRMC Gala, as well as SRMC’s Annual Golf Classic in July, are available now. For sponsorship inquires contact Reed at 330-337-2883 or amy.reed@salemregional.com. Individual tickets for this year’s Gala go on sale Aug. 1.

TQGIBT to feature trunk show

That Quilt Group I Belong To (TQGIBT) will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at The Rotary Building at Fair Park on Oak Street in Canfield. The program this month will feature a trunk show of handworked items completed by longtime member Ginger Mangie. For information, call Jeanne 330-507-4672.

‘Ministry Fair’ at St. Paul Parish

St. Paul Parish will hold a “Ministry Fair” after the weekend Masses on May 16-17. This parish event is designed to showcase various ministries, encourage volunteerism (stewardship of time and talent), and express gratitude to current volunteers. The event is open to the public and will be held in the school cafeteria (enter in back of school) at 935 East State St. The event serves as an interactive opportunity to connect all parishioners with service opportunities, fostering community and increasing involvement in church life. It is also a way for any community members interested in the Catholic religion to learn more on how they can grow in faith. St. Paul was established in 1881 and also features a Catholic Elementary School (grades K-8) next to the church building. The pastor, Rev. Joe Ruggieri invites all to mark their calendars and attend this fun, free event for all ages. There will be food and prizes.

‘Grow You Own Greens’ session

Educators from Ohio State University Extension in Mahoning County will host a hands-on gardening workshop designed to help participants grow fresh, healthy food at home. The “Grow Your Own Greens: Salad Table Workshop” will be held Saturday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the OSU Extension Mahoning County office, located at 490 S. Broad St., Canfield.

This interactive workshop will teach participants how to grow leafy greens and other edible plants in a compact, raised gardening system known as a salad table. Salad tables are ideal for patios, small yards, and gardeners looking for an accessible way to grow fresh produce.

During the program, participants will assemble their own salad table using a pre-fabricated kit and learn what vegetables and herbs grow best in this system. Extension educators will also provide guidance on planting, caring for, and harvesting greens throughout the growing season so participants can enjoy fresh ingredients right at home.

The $40 workshop fee includes a salad table kit and seeds to help participants get started. Growing media or soil is not included.

Space is limited. Participants must register by March 20, and pre-payment is required.

To register or learn more, call 330-533-5538.

Herbs for Cooking program

Home cooks and food enthusiasts are invited to discover new ways to cook with fresh herbs during Using Herbs for Cooking, an interactive educational program hosted by Ohio State University Extension on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. The program will take place at the Mahoning County Extension Office, 490 S. Broad Street, Canfield.

The session will be led by LuAnn Duncan, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, and will feature a live cooking demonstration using fresh herbs. Participants will enjoy a tasting sample, receive educational handouts, and take home an herb mix to use in their own kitchens.

The registration fee is $10 and includes all program materials, demonstrations, samples, and take-home items. Space is limited, and advance registration is required by calling 330-533-5538.

Ohio State University Extension is a unit of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, providing research-based educational programs to communities across Ohio.