MERCER, Pa. – Radio coverage of all Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins and University of Pittsburgh football games will move to a new location on the FM dial that offers a stronger signal to the Youngstown, Ohio, area.

Cumulus Media is in the process of selling  WLLF in Mercer, Pa., to Family Life Ministries. It will move that station’s current Sports Radio 96.7 programming to its station at 103.9 FM WWIZ, which is located in West Middlesex, according to RadioInsight.com.

WWIZ, which currently carries the moniker Z104, was known during its former Oldies format for being one of the first stations in the country to switch to all-Christmas music during the latter part of each year. It was the first station to make the switch from 2019 through 2021, starting to play only Christmas music in late September.

The broadcast signals at both 96.7 and 103.9 focus on Mercer County, but WWIZ is closer to the Ohio state line and is easier to receive in the immediate Youngstown area.

In addition to the Pittsburgh professional and Pitt game broadcasts, WWIZ will also carry Westwood One’s national NFL coverage.

Be My Neighbor Day at Eastwood Mall

NILES, Ohio – PBS Western Reserve will present Be My Neighbor Day, with a visit from Daniel Tiger from “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 in the center court of Eastwood Mall. Admission is free.

The event will include a resource fair featuring local partner organizations, activities and a raffle, as well as giveaways such as books, bookbags and coloring pages. Families will also have a chance to meet local community helpers and take a picture with Daniel Tiger from the popular PBS KIDS program, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” The meet-and-greet includes Daniel Tiger-branded capes. Capes and giveaway items are available while supplies last.

Among the event’s activities is a community helpers dress-up area, where children can choose from several costumes to explore the roles of local heroes, such as firefighters, doctors, police officers, construction workers, mail carriers and more. There will also be rock painting, a card-making station where kids can prepare cards for senior citizens at a local assisted living facility and free children’s haircuts provided by Casal Aveda Institute.

Organizations participating in the resource fair include:

  • McKinley Memorial Library.
  • Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.
  • United Way of Trumbull County.
  • ONE Health Ohio.
  • Cub Scout Pack 401 of Warren, Ohio.
  • Warren-Trumbull County Public Library.

Dueling Pianos at Second Harvest Fundraiser

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Tacos & Tunes: A Dueling Pianos Experience will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at B&O Station, downtown.

The event will raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. It will feature an interactive dueling piano performance by the Piano Maniacs, in which guests help shape the show by requesting their favorite songs.

The event will also include food.

“We wanted to create an event that brings people together for a fun and memorable night while making a real difference in our community,” said Renee Fuller, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. “Every ticket purchased helps provide food to children, families, seniors and veterans who rely on our network of partner agencies. For every $1 donated, we can provide five meals.”

Individual tickets are $50 and include dinner and the dueling piano performance. Reserved tables for eight guests are $375.

In addition to attending, local businesses and organizations are invited to support the event through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors will receive recognition throughout the event and promotional campaign.

Tickets are available HERE. For information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Megan Magnetta at 330 792 5522 or mmagnetta@shfbmv.org.

Writing Workshops by Lit Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Lit Youngstown has partnered with several local writers and educators to offer four unique community writing workshops beginning the first week of August. While these workshops are free and open to the public, registration is required. No prior writing experience is necessary. For information, go to LitYoungstown.org. Here is a closer look at what is planned: 

  • A workshop for newcomers to the Mahoning Valley compels writers to document their experiences through writing. The workshop will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Sept. 1 and 8 at Loop Arts & Culture Center, 805 Mahoning Ave. The workshop leader is Bella Davis.
  • A writing workshop for veterans will serve as a community-centered space to explore experiences, creativity and personal stories. The group will meet in person from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Sept. 1 and 8 at Loop. The session leader is Sydney Stalnecker.
  • Joanne Poss will lead a mental wellness writing workshop for participants seeking a new creative outlet, looking to build a regular writing practice or simply interested in exploring their voice. The workshop will meet from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3 and 10 at Loop.
  • The 55+ writing workshop will create a space for older adults to explore creativity, share experiences and connect through writing. The group will meet in person from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3 and 10 at Loop. The session leader is Jenny Tullis.