Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu has just announced his selection of the two people to fill the upcoming vacancies on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Commissioners.
Come the end of the month, park commissioners Germaine Bennett and Tom Frost have decided not to be reappointed with the expiration of their term. Filling their seats will be Jim Houck and Katharine Paull, according to a Tuesday press release from Judge Rusu.
“Both Mr. Houck and Mrs. Paull have extensive ties to the community and with the park. I believe that they will be able to quickly add depth and their unique talents to the current park board and continue to move the park in a positive direction for future generations,” Rusu stated.
Houck is the owner of Houck Agency, a local marketing and public relations firm based in Youngstown. He is a graduate from The Ohio State University with a journalism degree and previously served as a board member of Friends of Fellows Riverside Garden Inc. In addition, he currently serves as treasurer for Potential Development School for Students with Autism.
Paull is a Youngstown State graduate with a master’s degree in education and was a longtime educator in the Youngstown City Schools. In addition to her volunteering at local charities such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Boy Scouts of America, she was also a volunteer on the Mill Creek Park Educational Committee.
Rusu was supported by a six-member selection committee that analyzed the 21 applications submitted for the positions before recommending Houck and Paull.
The two new park commissioners will be given the oath of office by Judge Rusu this month and will assume the duties of office at the park board meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. They will serve three-year terms.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-12-03 09:42:242025-12-03 09:42:242 new commissioners appointed to Mill Creek MetroParks board
December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026 — The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will welcome the community to Frost & Lights: A Festive Holiday at the Gardens, a family-friendly, admission-free celebration of the season. Guests are invited to experience the magic of the holidays with twinkling lights, festive displays, and cheerful activities for all ages.
Festival of Trees This year’s Festival of Trees will showcase 90 uniquely decorated trees created by local nonprofit organizations, transforming the Davis Center into a vibrant holiday destination. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal floral displays, shop for unique gifts at the Shop in the Gardens, and purchase refreshments from various concessions.
Festival of Trees is open December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026 Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: until 7 p.m. Closed December 24, December 25, and January 1
Winter Nights
On select Saturday and Sunday evenings—December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28—Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Nights, a free outdoor light experience from 5–7 p.m. Guests may step inside the Davis Center for the Festival of Trees display and special character appearances from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Character schedule:
Elsa and Olaf – Sunday, December 7
Santa and The Grinch – Sunday, December 14
Bluey and Bingo – Sunday, December 21
Festive Finds
Over 35 local vendors will fill the Davis Center for Festive Finds, offering last-minute gifts, handmade items, and seasonal treats. Festive Finds will be held Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Holiday Nights at Lanterman’s Mill
For one weekend only, visitors can enjoy a special nighttime experience at Lanterman’s Mill, beautifully adorned with garland, Christmas trees, holiday music, and a visit from Santa. Holiday Nights will take place Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. The mill gift shop will be open for last-minute holiday shopping, and hot chocolate and popcorn will be available for purchase.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-12-02 10:49:102025-12-02 10:49:10Celebrating the Holiday Season in Mill Creek Park
Christmas came early at Lanternman’s Mill during Saturday’s festivities in Youngstown.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors were able to experience the historic mill decorated in traditional holiday décor for this family-friendly, free admission event. Attendees also got to enjoy roasted chestnuts, festive entertainment, handcrafted holiday gifts and concession stand treats for purchase.
“This is always a kickoff every year to the holiday season,” Jaime Yoman, community engagement director, said. “There’s over 20 vendors here selling homemade artisan gifts, to come shop for the holiday season.”
On Sunday, Santa Claus is set to make an appearance and hold photo opportunities from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“We’re constantly putting out new events and programs to bring the community together,” Yoman said.
In the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring a new hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will benefit local children and adults in need during the winter season.
Lanternman’s Mill is located at 1001 Canfield Rd. in Youngstown, inside of Mill Creek Park.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-12-02 08:33:162025-12-02 08:33:16‘Christmas at the Mill’ hosts over 20 vendors for Small Business Saturday
2 new commissioners appointed to Mill Creek MetroParks board
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffProbate Judge Robert N. Rusu has just announced his selection of the two people to fill the upcoming vacancies on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Commissioners.
Come the end of the month, park commissioners Germaine Bennett and Tom Frost have decided not to be reappointed with the expiration of their term. Filling their seats will be Jim Houck and Katharine Paull, according to a Tuesday press release from Judge Rusu.
“Both Mr. Houck and Mrs. Paull have extensive ties to the community and with the park. I believe that they will be able to quickly add depth and their unique talents to the current park board and continue to move the park in a positive direction for future generations,” Rusu stated.
Houck is the owner of Houck Agency, a local marketing and public relations firm based in Youngstown. He is a graduate from The Ohio State University with a journalism degree and previously served as a board member of Friends of Fellows Riverside Garden Inc. In addition, he currently serves as treasurer for Potential Development School for Students with Autism.
Paull is a Youngstown State graduate with a master’s degree in education and was a longtime educator in the Youngstown City Schools. In addition to her volunteering at local charities such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Boy Scouts of America, she was also a volunteer on the Mill Creek Park Educational Committee.
Rusu was supported by a six-member selection committee that analyzed the 21 applications submitted for the positions before recommending Houck and Paull.
The two new park commissioners will be given the oath of office by Judge Rusu this month and will assume the duties of office at the park board meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. They will serve three-year terms.
Read the original article at WKBN.
Celebrating the Holiday Season in Mill Creek Park
/in Press Releases/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffDecember 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026 — The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens will welcome the community to Frost & Lights: A Festive Holiday at the Gardens, a family-friendly, admission-free celebration of the season. Guests are invited to experience the magic of the holidays with twinkling lights, festive displays, and cheerful activities for all ages.
Festival of Trees
This year’s Festival of Trees will showcase 90 uniquely decorated trees created by local nonprofit organizations, transforming the Davis Center into a vibrant holiday destination. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal floral displays, shop for unique gifts at the Shop in the Gardens, and purchase refreshments from various concessions.
Festival of Trees is open December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: until 7 p.m.
Closed December 24, December 25, and January 1
Winter Nights
On select Saturday and Sunday evenings—December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28—Fellows Riverside Gardens will present Winter Nights, a free outdoor light experience from 5–7 p.m. Guests may step inside the Davis Center for the Festival of Trees display and special character appearances from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Character schedule:
Festive Finds
Over 35 local vendors will fill the Davis Center for Festive Finds, offering last-minute gifts, handmade items, and seasonal treats. Festive Finds will be held Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Holiday Nights at Lanterman’s Mill
For one weekend only, visitors can enjoy a special nighttime experience at Lanterman’s Mill, beautifully adorned with garland, Christmas trees, holiday music, and a visit from Santa. Holiday Nights will take place Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. The mill gift shop will be open for last-minute holiday shopping, and hot chocolate and popcorn will be available for purchase.
For more information about these holiday events, please visit millcreekmetroparks.org.
‘Christmas at the Mill’ hosts over 20 vendors for Small Business Saturday
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffChristmas came early at Lanternman’s Mill during Saturday’s festivities in Youngstown.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors were able to experience the historic mill decorated in traditional holiday décor for this family-friendly, free admission event. Attendees also got to enjoy roasted chestnuts, festive entertainment, handcrafted holiday gifts and concession stand treats for purchase.
“This is always a kickoff every year to the holiday season,” Jaime Yoman, community engagement director, said. “There’s over 20 vendors here selling homemade artisan gifts, to come shop for the holiday season.”
On Sunday, Santa Claus is set to make an appearance and hold photo opportunities from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“We’re constantly putting out new events and programs to bring the community together,” Yoman said.
In the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring a new hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will benefit local children and adults in need during the winter season.
Lanternman’s Mill is located at 1001 Canfield Rd. in Youngstown, inside of Mill Creek Park.