Best of show

Best of show

CANFIELD — For the first time, “Best of Show” awards will be given in five categories in the floral department of the Canfield Fair. The floral exhibit will again be in the Expo Building (No. 44). There are categories available in design arrangements for seniors and juniors, bloom specimens, roses and container plants. Those who exhibited in 2008 will automatically receive the 2009 floral brochure. For those who did not exhibit, a brochure will be mailed to you if you call, (330) 533-4107 by April 16. The business hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Administration Building (No. 20) on the fairgrounds.

Breakfast speaker

YOUNGSTOWN — Dr. David Kozak, professor of public policy and director of Leadership Erie at Gannon University, Erie, Pa., will speak at an 8 a.m. breakfast April 14 at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center, Ohio Room.

“The Obama Presidency and the State of American Politics: Implications for Business” is the topic.

Reservations should be made by Friday. Call (330) 941-3068 or e-mail Christine Shelton at cgshelton@ysu.edu.

YSU’s Williamson Symposium Series is presenting Kozak’s appearance. Kozak is author, editor and contributor to more than 10 books on U.S. government and politics. He has his doctorate in public policy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Limb, branch pickup

HOWLAND — The township’s annual spring pickup of limbs and branches will begin this month. The east side, including areas east of Mosquito Creek, will start April 20. The west side, including North Road and all streets off of North Road, will begin May 4.

Township officials said that there is no end date for the pickup, but that everyone must have all their limbs and branches out by the weekend before the first day of scheduled pickup in their neighborhoods.

Piles must be placed at the edge of the resident’s property, cut end facing the street. Only trimmed or pruned, root-free branches up to 6 inches in diameter and a wood pile no larger than 4 feet by 8 feet will be accepted. No firewood, large logs or complete trees will be picked up.

Agribusiness meeting

CANFIELD — Fred Deel, director, Governor’s Office of Appalachia, will speak at 3 p.m. Monday at the monthly meeting of the Mahoning Valley Agribusiness Focus Group.

The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at McMahon Hall, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road.

Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning counties became an official part of Appalachia as a result of legislation in 2008. The designation allows the three counties to qualify for aid from the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C., which helps pay for economic development projects such as job training, road construction, and improvements in schools, health care and water and sewer systems.