Vote For the Holiday Lights Non-Profit of the Year!

Help Your Favorite Organization Win WRTA’s Top Award

YOUNGSTOWN, OH — The election may be over, but not the voting. Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is calling on all Valley residents to participate in one more crucial community vote: selecting the 2025 Holiday Lights Non-Profit of the Year.

Ten exceptional nonprofit organizations were chosen by a selection committee as winners of the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award. Now, the public can decide which one deserves the top honor and a massive boost for their mission. The winner will be announced at the Holiday Lights awards dinner Nov 17, 2025.

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE CANDIDATES

• ACLD School and Learning Center
• Friends of the Mahoning River
• Game Changers
• Hopewell Theatre
• Mahoning Valley Historical Society
• OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology
• Silver Lining Cancer Fund
• Youngstown Area Jewish Federation
• The Youngstown Playhouse
• Youngstown Press Club

USE THE FORM BELOW TO VOTE

Want to learn more about the candidates before you vote? Go here for information about each candidate.

RULES — One vote per person. Multiple votes from the same person will be discarded. Voting closes Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 11:59pm.

Winners of WRTA 2025 Holiday Lights Awards Announced

5th Annual Event Spotlights Valley Non-Profit Organizations

YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Holiday Lights Awards.

WRTA Holiday Lights Awards honor ten non-profits for their outstanding and consistent dedication to the Mahoning Valley community. Award winners will be recognized at a special dinner Monday, November 17, 2025, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown. Each of the winning non-profits will be featured in a shared regional awareness campaign on TV, bus ads, social media marketing as well as WRTA’s giant digital display sign.

“Every year, this event is a highlight for the WRTA, allowing us to give back to those who make the Mahoning Valley a better place to live, 365 days a year,” said Dean Harris, WRTA CEO. “The 2025 winners represent the deep commitment and diversity of service that keeps the spirit of our community bright, long after the holiday lights come down.”

One of the 10 award winners will be chosen Non-Profit of the Year via public vote. The Non-Profit of the Year will receive a custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach, targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social and $1,000 donation from a First National Bank.

Co-chairpersons of the awards are Barb Ewing, Makenna Ozenghar and Josh Aikens.

WRTA 2025 HOLIDAY LIGHTS AWARD WINNERS

ACLD School and Learning Center

A non-profit dedicated to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of individuals with learning and/or developmental difficulties. The center provides evaluation, intervention, and advocacy services, with the school offering an effective, all-day education to children with learning problems in grades 1-8 to improve academic success and confidence.

Friends of the Mahoning River

A grassroots alliance working to restore the Mahoning River through clean-ups, paddle events, and advocacy, transforming a once-forgotten waterway into a thriving corridor for recreation and wildlife. This group advocates to improve the quality of the Mahoning River through a strong focus on education, restoration, and recreation. Friends of the Mahoning River work with partners like Trumbull Canoe Trails to remove debris and logjams, ensuring the waterway is safe and enjoyable for recreational visitors. They conduct river cleanups throughout the year, utilizing canoes to enhance the waterway and the recreational experience for all who visit the river.

Game Changers

Their mission is to increase the retention and graduation of high school students through personal and professional leadership and character development. They utilize the GC360 app to monitor student-athlete GPAs, offer a Leadership Summit, and recognize students’ positive community impact through programs like Player of the Week. Game Changers empowers at-risk youth with mentorship, life-skills workshops, and athletic programs that turn obstacles into opportunities and dreams into realities.

Hopewell Theatre

A beloved indie arts venue and meeting place, providing an eclectic mix of entertainment including independent films, live music, and diverse performances in an intimate setting. It fosters community connections by co-presenting events with local cultural organizations and is dedicated to showcasing local talent.

Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS)

Founded in 1875, MVHS collects, preserves, and teaches the history of the Mahoning Valley people, operating the Arms Family Museum and a comprehensive archival library. Founded in 1875, MVHS preserves and shares the Mahoning Valley’s stories through the Tyler History Center, Arms Family Museum, the society offers robust educational programs, local history exhibits, and archival resources for all ages, appealing to historians and genealogists.

OH WOW!  (The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology)

Their mission is to foster independent thinking and enrich lives through hands-on exhibits and educational programs rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The center features over 65 interactive opportunities linked to educational content standards for children ages 0 to 14, driving engagement and economic development in the area. Since 2011, OH WOW! has welcomed more than 650,000 visitors to its colorful, hands-on STEM exhibits, igniting curiosity and independent thinking in young minds while anchoring downtown Youngstown’s revitalization.

Silver Lining Cancer Fund

Over 50 years ago, The Fund was started by Dr. Lawrence Pass, an oncologist with the Youngstown Hospital Association in Youngstown, Ohio. A Silver Lining Foundation works to ensure dignified, respectful, and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, chiefly by ensuring financial circumstance doesn’t prevent access to critical care. This local organization works diligently to raise funds to help cancer patients in the Tri-County Region. All funds raised by The Silver Lining Cancer Fund stay in the Tri-County Region.

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

The Federation supports the entire Valley through cultural events, senior services, and emergency aid—building bridges of understanding and compassion. Its institutions, including Heritage Manor and Levy Gardens senior living, extend high-quality, compassionate care to a diverse and inclusive population of all faiths and cultures. The Jewish Community Center (JCC) offers health, cultural, and essential outreach programs, such as a vast mobile meal service for hundreds of regional recipients.

The Youngstown Playhouse

For over 100 years, America’s oldest continuously operating community theatre has staged classics and new works, delivered arts education, and forged partnerships that enrich lives with laughter, tears, and wonder. The Playhouse is committed to staging innovative, unique, and accessible theatrical performances of both classic and modern productions. It serves thousands annually and provides a vibrant Youth Theatre Program with a dedication to removing financial barriers to participation.

Youngstown Press Club

The club supports journalists and communications professionals in the Mahoning Valley through educational, social, and charitable initiatives. Critically, it raises funds to provide direct scholarships to local students pursuing journalism and communications degrees, supporting the future of the local profession. A guardian of First Amendment values, the Press Club hosts forums, scholarships, and the region’s premier journalism awards.

ABOUT WRTA

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides no-cost public transportation services throughout Mahoning County, connecting communities, businesses, and essential services for all residents.

Nominate a Local Non-Profit Organization for the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award

NOMINATE A LOCAL NON-PROFIT

Do you know of a local non-profit organization that really helps Valley residents? The WRTA Holiday Lights Award is their chance to shine.

Cast your nomination today using the form below!  Hurry, the Deadline is Sunday, October 19, 2025.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The WRTA Holiday Lights Award, launched in 2021, celebrates the incredible non-profit organizations that make the Mahoning Valley brighter every day.

Each year, 12 outstanding organizations are selected from more than 100 nominations. Since its launch, nearly 50 Valley non-profits have been recognized, many seeing a boost in awareness, donations, and community support.

TWELVE NON-PROFITS RECEIVE 

• Special Dinner and Award Presentation— Monday, November 17, 2025, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown. 
• Awareness Campaign— featured in a shared regional marketing campaign on TV, bus ads, social media and WRTA’s giant digital display sign.

ONE NON-PROFIT RECEIVES EVEN MORE

One of the 12 award winners will be chosen NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR via public vote. That organization will also receive:

• A custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach
• Targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social
• $1,000 donation from a local Valley bank

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Who can nominate a non-profit for this award?

A. Anyone – you may work there, or been helped by them or just have seen their good work.

Q. Can an organization be nominated and/or win more than once?

A. Yes, non-profits can be nominated and win the award multiple times.

Q. What is the deadline for nominations?

A. Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 11:59PM

Q. If my non-profit wins, when will they be notified?

A. Monday, October 27, 2025

NOTE: Nominees will be contacted via email and phone to confirm the details. Watch from emails from gffarris@farrismarketing.com or spvaughan@farrismarketing.com and calls from 330-770-9496 or 330-782-8061. ALSO: A representative of your organization must attend the November 17, 2025 awards event to receive the award.

Thank you for your interest in this event. Nominations are now closed. Check back soon as we will be announcing this year’s award winners.

PAST WINNERS

September Board Meeting Cancelled

Please be advised that the September Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System

Click to link below to see Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System demonstration video

wrta safety demo

Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) hosted NEORIDE and various transportation officials Tuesday, September 9th near Stambaugh Auditorium for a demonstration of Smart Rider Advanced Driver Assistance System for public transit buses. The system controls the distance between vehicles, provides collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance and more. One of WRTA’s buses was fitted with the system and its capabilities demonstrated this morning for press and public. ##

WRTA Demonstrates New Safety System

“At WRTA, safety is our top priority. This grant gives us the opportunity to bring the most advanced safety technology available to our fleet, ensuring our passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and community are protected. By investing in these state-of-the-art systems, we’re not just keeping pace with change—we’re leading the way and setting a higher standard for public transit.”

— Dean Harris, Executive Director, Western Reserve Transit Authority.

WRTA LAUNCHES YSU SHUTTLE

Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), in partnership with Youngstown State University (YSU), has begun service of the Red & White Campus Loop. Commonly referred to as the YSU Shuttle, it operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.

The two shuttle routes will run in continuous 16-minute loops:

• The Red Loop travels clockwise from Federal Station through key campus corridors including Wood Street, Fifth Avenue, Wick Avenue, and more.
• The White Loop runs counterclockwise along Commerce Street, Lincoln Avenue, Madison Avenue, and other central areas.

The service is open to all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, with no ID or fare required—just hop on. Both loops feature flag stop boarding, meaning riders can signal the driver to stop anywhere along the route—similar to hailing a cab. All vehicles are fully ADA accessible.

“This dedicated shuttle service is designed to make travel easier for students, faculty and guests—both around campus and throughout the greater Youngstown area,” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA.

“WRTA is proud to partner with Youngstown State University to launch the Red & White Campus Loop. We’re committed to being a responsive and trusted community partner, and this new route reflects that mission.”

In addition to expanded service, the new partnership brings technology upgrades for students. Riders can now track shuttle locations and receive live updates using the myStop app, which also provides access to WRTA’s full network of city routes.

These new offerings reinforce YSU and WRTA’s joint commitment to student success, safety, and mobility.

To view routes or download the myStop app, visit the WRTA online.

2025 Canfield Fair Bus Schedule

The 2025 Canfield Fair begins August 27th and WRTA will once again be offering bus service to and from the Fairgrounds. Below is our schedule, also provided as printable download. Remember, riding WRTA is FREE! Enjoy the Fair!

Click here to download a printable PDF

Canfield Fair Route 25 – Boardman Canfield Loop

FROM CANFIELD CIRCLE:

Stay on route 46 to Fairground Blvd Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.

FROM MCCTC ON INBOUND:

Right on route 46 Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.

Requesting Proposals for Legal Services

Notice is hereby given that Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is soliciting Proposals for Legal Services.​

Detailed specifications can be found at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/wrtaonline or www.wrtaonline.com/about/procurement-and-surplus/.  

The WRTA Procurement Process is a fully automated, web-based electronic bidding and vendor management system powered by OpenGov.

The Request for Proposal will be released to the public on July 28th, 2025.

Proposals must be submitted using WRTA’s OpenGov portal in accordance with requirements set forth within the bidding documents.  Submissions due on or before 11:00 AM, Friday August 29th, 2025 .

There will be a public bid opening conducted at WRTA’s boardroom on Friday August 29th. 2025 @ 11:00 AM. Results will be posted on the WRTA OpenGov procurement portal following the bid opening.

All vendors supplying a bid proposal will receive an email with the opening results.

In connection with the carrying out of this project, the Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap.

 It is the policy of WRTA to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, as identified in 49 CFR Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts.

WRTA’s current overall goal proposes that 1.35% of contracts will be awarded to certified DBE firms that are available, willing, and able. 

The Western Reserve Transit Authority reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals, to re advertise for proposals and to waive any informality in any proposal and to determine the most responsive proposal by its own criteria, as described within the specification.

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July Board Meeting Cancelled

Please be advised that the July Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.