ABOUT STARS Everything you need to know

SUPPORT
A style show will be held 6-9 p.m. April 1 at Stein Mart in Boardman Plaza to raise money for the STARS program. Door prizes and hors d'oeuveres will be provided. Tickets, which cost $10, may be obtained by callin (330) 793-0967 or (330) 740-2848 Ext. 11 and ask for Carol Rimedio-Righetti, STARS media and fund-raising coordinator.The event is one of several held each year to provide extra supplies and field trips for the volunteers and students in STARS.
EXTRAS
A health and fitness field trip to the Bodyworks Fitness Center was offered in March to senior volunteers. Other trips planned include visits to Schwebel's Bakery, Carnegie Museum and a book store where each student will get a book.
THE PROGRAM
STARS, Seniors Teaching and Reaching Students, involves older adults as mentors and tutors to elementary students in Ohio. Requirements for volunteers:UBe 55 years of age or older.UBe a resident of Ohio.UPass a security clearance in order to work with children. UPass a physical, which is provided through the program.
Benefits for volunteers are:UA tax-free stipend of $2.50 an hour for volunteers who give 10 to 20 hours a week.UTuition-unit credits through the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Credits may be assigned to children or grandchildren to use at any state college in the United States.UTravel reimbursement.ULunch on volunteer days.USupplemental insurance to cover participants while they volunteer.
COMMITMENT
Volunteers must be able to give a minumum of two hours a week to the program, which runs from September to June. Most volunteers give 10 or more hours a week. STARS uses Failure Free Reading and Accelerated Reader in which the volunteers are trained. Volunteers also receive training in related computer software. To volunteer call Claudia Charity, STARS program director, at (330) 744-1181, Ext. 154.