YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An extended trailer for the movie “Roofied,” which is currently in production in the Youngstown area, has been released. To view it, click HERE.

The film will be released in mid-2025, with screenings at film festivals in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and other states, according to David Sollberger, a representative for the producer, Sane Productions.

The film tackles the issues of human trafficking and drug abuse, and the producer is attempting to raise awareness of the issues with a series of events, including a gala celebration May 3 at Collingwood Center in Campbell. For information, go to the film’s Facebook page. A 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will be given away to the winner of a raffle, and tickets will be sold at the gala.

“Roofied” is being directed by local filmmaker Josh Hones, who also wrote the script. 

The cast  includes Michael Munson, Charli St. Joan, Ronald Shields, Sollberger, Maurandis Berger, Rick Graham, Shiree Wilson, Edward Lee Cornett, Dru Scott, Danny Rio, James Osso, Larry Debartolomeo, Paul Gustovich, Holly Shew, Solomon Paulk, Debbie Scaletta, Melvin Crocket, Brandon X. Bell, Domonique Lemon, Hakeem Shariff, Paul George, Brad Adamini, Angel Hawkins and Latif Hughes.

Westminster Raising Money for Wildfire Victims

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College will host Shoot for a Cause, a fundraiser for the victims of the California wildfires, on Saturday, Feb. 15, during the men’s and women’s basketball games at  Memorial Field House.

Members of the public and campus community are invited to show off their basketball skills during quarter breaks and halftime of the women’s game that begins at 1 p.m., and during halftime of the men’s game that begins at 3 p.m. Both Titan games are against Franciscan University.

Shots will be $1 for kids age 10 and under, $2 for high school and college students and $5 for adults. Participants will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Face painting and candy grams will also be available for a donation during the games. All proceeds will be sent to the American Red Cross to assist with wildfire relief efforts.

Sponsored by Westminster’s Office of Faith and Spirituality, the Department of Athletics and the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and men’s lacrosse teams, the creation of the fundraiser grew from a discussion among Westminster student leaders. Westminster currently has 12 students from California. 

Lecture on Youngstown in the Roaring ’20s

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Traci Manning, curator of education for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, will give a lecture titled “The Mahoning Valley in the Roaring ’20s” at noon Thursday, Feb. 20, at Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown. Admission is free.

The lecture will explore this decade of change and growth as Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley solidified its place as a leading center of industry, business and entertainment.  

Guests can bring their lunch for this educational event.

West African Dance Troupe at Shenango Campus

SHARON, Pa. – The Balafon West African Dance Ensemble will come to Penn State Shenango for a free one-hour performance at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Shenango Auditorium, 147 Shenango Ave., on the downtown campus.

The Pittsburgh-based organization partners with local artists, dancers and musicians to present programs that feature African dance and culture. 

Wednesday’s performance will incorporate live music and dancing, providing a taste of classical arts from Guinea and other areas of West Africa.

Balafon West African Dance Ensemble derives its name from the ancient West African balafon instrument, an ancestor to the modern xylophone.

All campus parking lots are available for guest parking.

Pictured at top: David Sollberger in a scene from the upcoming movie “Roofied,” which is being shot in the Youngstown area.