Canfield briefs

Enjoy wines and food at benefit in Canfield

Tickets are still available for the fourth Annual St. Michael Family Life Center Benefit Apr. 30 at the new parish Family Life Center in Canfield.

The event will feature a variety of wines from local providers paired with delicious foods.

Tickets are $50 each. In addition, reservations are being taken for tables of eight or more.

For information, or to purchase tickets, call the parish office at 330-533-6830.

Gateway founder to speak at brunch

Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, Gateway founder and medical director emeritus, is featured speaker at the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic’s Fellowship Brunch on April 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road.

The cost is $15 per person. The reservation deadline is Monday. Payment must accompany reservations. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations after the reservation deadline. Call 330-744-1181, ext. 7001.

Cinderella comes to life at Playhouse

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre will present “Cinderella” Apr. 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2:30 p.m. Daytime performances for area schools will take place Apr. 28 through Apr. 30.

The Saturday matinee is followed by a complimentary “Autograph Party,” for the audience, cast and crew.

Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the box office at 330-788-8739.

Get something new to read at used book sale

The Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Dr. in Boardman is hosting its 54th annual used book sale Apr. 28 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Apr. 29 and Apr. 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale will feature a large collection of books and music in all categories.

Clinic extends hours for required Dtap vaccine

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a new immunization requirement for schoolchildren beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

All in-coming seventh graders will be required to have a Dtap (Tetanus, diphtherial and pertussis) vaccination prior to starting school.

To assist parents, the Mahoning County District Board of Health, 50 Westchester Dr., Austintown, will offer vaccination clinics Apr. 22 and May 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the vaccination is $14.95.

To make an appointment for any of the clinics, call the health district’s Nursing Division at 330-270-2855, ext. 125.

Join Walk MS at the Canfield Fairgrounds

Walk MS Mahoning Valley, presented by Giant Eagle and EMD Serono/Pfizer, will be Apr. 24 at Canfield Fairgrounds in Canfield.

Check-in will begin at 8 a.m.

The average walker raises $225. Funds from the event provide for local programs and support 21 researchers and 24 research projects being conducted in Ohio.

The walk is approximately 2 miles long and fully accessible. Participants can choose to loop the route twice for a longer walk.

Parking and gate admission is free and a light breakfast will be served after the walk.

Funds raised help provide programs and services to 18,000 Ohioans with MS. For information, call Rebecca Bailey at 614-515-4609.

Every step can make a difference Apr. 24

The Easter Seals’ sixth annual “Walk with me Event” will be Apr. 24 at Boardman Park Community Center, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.

The event is an opportunity for families, friends, neighbors and colleagues to walk together for fitness and to help children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

There will be a 1 mile, 3K or 5K walk, run, roll or stroll plus activities for all ages, including Chinese auction, face painting, pony rides and other family fun.

Early registration is available by visiting, www.walkwithme.org/youngstown or contacting, Jodi Harmon at 330-743-1168.

All proceeds will benefit Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Get fit with weight management program

SlimDown, a six-week weight management program taught by registered dietitians who are certified in weight management, will begin classes in late April at Humility of Mary Health Partners sites in Warren and Boardman.

Classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Apr. 27 to June 1 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 5401 Market Street, Boardman, and Thursdays, Apr. 29 to June 3 at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Eastwood Mall, Niles.

Cost is $40.

Dietitians will teach lifestyle changes in food, activities and behaviors.

To register for the class, call Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Final spring concert at YSU on Monday

The YSU Symphonic Band and Concert Band will present their final spring concert Monday at 8 p.m. in the Edward G. Powers Auditorium.

The concert will feature more than 100 students from the Dana School of Music Wind and Percussion program and feature YSU band conducting assistants, Brian Harris and David Blon.

Admission to the concert is $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and students. Children under 12 and anyone with a YSU ID are admitted free. Tickets are only available at the door.

For information, call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636.

Mill Creek wants your thoughts on projects

Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for the upcoming 2010 Drive Improvements project.

The area to be addressed includes West Golf Drive from U.S. Route 224 (Boardman-Canfield Road) to the Mill Creek Golf Course Field House.

Public comment will be received by the park system through April 23. Submit comments to: Mill Creek MetroParks, Re: 2010 Drive Improvements, P.O. Box 596, Canfield, OH 44406.

The project is anticipated to begin in late summer and to be completed within three to four weeks. If you have questions, call 330-702-3000.

Several programs awarded grants

The Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation was awarded grants to fund HMHP programs benefiting uninsured and underinsured patients.

The grants total nearly $115,000.

The St. Elizabeth Health Center Dental Clinic was awarded a $65,000 grant for a Safety Net Dental Care Program.

Smile Station, HMHP’s mobile dental clinic, was awarded a $24,960 grant by CHP from the Mercy Outreach Fund.

HMHP’s prescription assistance program was awarded a grant by CHP’s Mercy Outreach Fund totaling $24,929.

Tonight at the races

Monsignor John J. Lettau, fourth degree assembly 2596 of the Knights of Columbus, will host a night at the races tonight at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Center Road in Poland at 7:30 p.m.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for adults 21 and over. Complimentary refreshments will be included. The winner need not be present for the 50/50 raffle.

Sigma Alpha Lambda announces local member

Adrianna Carmen Ciotola, daughter of Atty. Robert Ascenzo Ciotola Joanne Bitonte Ciotola, of Canfield has been selected for membership in Sigma Alpha Lambda, a National Leadership and Honors Organization at Youngstown State University. Ciotola is a member of the college’s honors program and attained a 3.75 GPA.

Cultural healthy cuisine tips and tricks offered

The Humility of Mary Health Partners is sponsoring “Stepping Out From the Old Way to a Better/Heathy Way of Cooking” Apr. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road in Youngstown.

Participants will learn tips and tricks for making traditional Hispanic and African American favorites healthier without losing flavor.

For information, call 330-781-1808.

Learn to eat healthy

Families and youth can watch a dietitian prepare healthy and nutritious snacks Apr. 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, in Youngstown.

The free demonstrations are sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners. For information, call 330-744-4377.

Meet Mahoning County commissioner candidates

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown are co-hosting a forum with candidates for Mahoning County commissioner at 7 p.m. April 26 at Holiday Inn Boardman.

Invited to participate are Democrats David Ludt of Poland, the incumbent, and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a Youngstown council member; and Republican Don Manning of North Lima.

Under rules set by the league, each candidate will have three minutes for opening statements and two minutes for closing statements. All candidates will be asked a series of questions by the moderator. Written questions from the audience also will be asked. The event is free and open to the public.

Boardman Park offers new online reservations

Boardman Township Park is offering a new and improved online reservation system on its Web site.

Residents can see available rentals, rates, rental times and payment options. The payment system will accept all major credit cards.

Reservations can still be made in person at the rental office, but only payments in cash, money order or check can be accepted.

Visit the Web site at www.boardmanpark.com. For information, call the park office at 330-726-8107.

School accepting registrations for students

Heartland Christian School located at 28 Pittsburgh St. in Columbiana is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Registration information can be requested by calling the school office at 330-482-2331.

Transportation is available for families in the Youngstown area, including Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland.

Discover the Labyrinth at Ursuline Center

The Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Rd. in Canfield will host a presentation of the Labyrinth May 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. and every quarter hour until 3:30 p.m. there will be a presentation in the auditorium on the how, what, why, when and where of labyrinths.

After each presentation participants can explore the labyrinth on their own or with a facilitator.

The labyrinth is designed to be used by individuals of all ages, families and groups.

The Labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is handicap accessible and has adequate parking.

Groups and individuals who are interested but unable to attend the open house can contact the center office for information at 330-799-4941 or by visiting theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

Showcase your summer fun in Neighbors

Summer is fast approaching and Neighbors would love to hear about your organization’s plans for spring and summer festivals, Vacation Bible School programs, community events and sports camps and outings.

Just let us know who, what, when, where and why and we’ll get the word out for you.

Then, don’t forget to send us pictures of all the fun so we can share them with your neighbors.

Local alum receives honor

Jessica Smith, graduate of Canfield High School, has been named to the dean’s list at John Carroll University for the 2009 fall semester.

Guess how many items are in the jar

Children kindergarten through sixth grade can guess the number of items in a jar during April library hours at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The closest guess wins.

Enjoy a night of murder and mystery May 1

The Friend to Friend Foundation is sponsoring a “Night of Murder and Mystery” May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Fifth Season Banquet Center, 1400 Niles-Canfield Road in Mineral Ridge.

The cost for the event is $30 per person and includes appetizers, dinner and mystery performance by Garrettsville Curtains Up Theater. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle will be available.

All proceeds will go to the foundation to help provide a network of support for young adult cancer patients and their families.

For information, call Barb Sapp at 330-360-8005 or Amy Gilles, at 330-942-2104.

Local resident named on college dean’s list

Brittany M. Danilov has been named to the John Carroll University’s dean’s list for the fall 2009 semester.

To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours and have a quality grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Danilov is the daughter of Tim and Sally Danilov of Canfield. She is a sophomore majoring in accounting.

Fill in the money and win a prize at library

The Friends of the Library are sponsoring “What’s the Bill?” at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during April library hours.

Teens in grades seven through 12 can win a prize if they write the correct monetary amount for each of the bills with only pictures as the clues.

Technology student advances to state

Student Natthaphon Banchong will advance to state level competition in Columbus after members of the MCCTC network design team won first place at the Business Professionals regional competition. Regional awards were announced Feb. 16 at Georgetown Banquet Facility.

Local alum performs at university concert

Nick Simko, a senior pharmacy major, recently performed in The University of Findlay’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Pops concert “Latin Fire.”

Simko, a 2007 graduate of Canfield High School, is the son of Demetra and Edward Simko.

Sigma Alpha Lambda announces local member

Theresa A. Guju-Hursh has been recognized as a new member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organizations at Youngstown State University.

Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and life-long professional fulfillment.

Spring clean and donate items to Goodwill

Get an early start on spring cleaning and donate to the Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries.

Items needed include clothing, housewares, small kitchen appliances, glasses, dishes and home decor.

Goodwill will take computers and computer equipment as part of the Dell Reconnect recycle program.

Donation location centers can be found in the Boardman Plaza, Hermitage Hills Plaza, Warren Plaza, Shenango Towne Center and at 2747 Belmont Ave. in Liberty.

Friends of the Library will meet Apr. 26

The Friends of the Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will meet Apr. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Canfield branch of the library.

Fish and tree seedlings for sale through SWCD

The Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for sapling tree and fingerling fish. The deadline for ordering fish April is Friday.

Pickup dates for trees are Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds in Coliseum eight. Fish can be picked up on April 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the same location.

Tree descriptions, pond safety kits and order forms are available at www.mahoningswcd.org.

Pre-paid orders will be processed first. For information, call 330-740-7995.

Students receive prestigious scholarships

The University of Findlay has awarded merit scholarships and endowed scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year.

Lisa Flaschberger, an equestrian studies and physical therapy major, was awarded the President’s Scholarship.

Charles Sheets was awarded the Western Equestrian Scholarship.

Laura Knecht, a pre-veterinary medicine and Spanish major, was awarded the Trustee’s Scholarship.

Raquel Morales, a pharmacy and Spanish major, was awarded the Catherine Achord Spanish Scholarship and the Dr. Jean C. Nye Spanish Scholarship.

Nick Simko, a pharmacy major, was awarded the President’s Scholarship.

Local resident is member of elite dance team

Canfield’s Shea Ulery is a member of the Eagle Elite Dance Team at Ashland University.

The team is made up of 14 women and entertains the crowd at all men’s home basketball games with a variety of jazz, hip hop and pom dances.

Ulery is the daughter of Patty and Wayne of Canfield and is majoring in exercise science.

Student wins YSU contest

Annaliese Torella, a senior at Canfield High School, took first place at the AATI Italian Language Contest at YSU Mar. 13. She received a ribbon and $25.

She plans to attend the university this fall majoring in music. She is the daughter of Cybil Torella and sister of Eric Torella of Canfield.

St. Michael’s church hosts benefit

St. Michael’s Church will host its fourth annual Family Life Center Benefit Apr. 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the church, 340 N. Broad St.

The cost for the event is $50 per person and will feature food stations with wine pairings. A full-service cash bar will be available.

There will be a live auction with three special items and a raffle drawing that includes a $1,000 first prize and many other prizes.

For tickets or information, call the parish at 330-533-6839.

Library offers children’s programs in April

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is offering Baby Brilliant programs in April.

Bonding with Babies and Books will be Monday at 10 a.m.

The program is designed for babies 6 to 23 months and includes books, songs, rhymes, finger play and other activities that will help children be successful readers.

A similar program, Tales and Talks for 2’s and 3’s will be at 10 a.m. on all Tuesdays in April.

Fun Time for 4’s and 5’s will be every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

DelSignore on Dean’s List at Youngstown State

Anthony Joseph DelSignore was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2009 semester at Youngstown State University for receiving a 4.0 GPA and was accepted in Psi Chi National Society for psychology majors.

DelSignore is the son of Joe and Cindy DelSignore of Canfield and the grandson of Rose Anita Jeswald and Rose DelSignore of Austintown.

Band rehearsals open to the community

Musicians from the Valley are welcome to attend rehearsals with the Canfield Community Concert Band. The band meets every Tuesday evening at Canfield High School.

For information, contact Leann Rich at 330-503-4113.

Video available to view on back pain prevention

The Humility of Mary Health Partners newest video features Stephanie Kopley, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, speaking about the importance of treating back pain immediately and the causes and treatment available for back pain.

The video can be viewed at HMpartners.org by clicking on the blue Health Points tab.

Church offers monthly drive-through dinner

The Western Reserve United Methodist Church on Canfield Road is offering a drive-through dinner on the first Thursday of every month starting at 4 p.m. and continuing until the food is sold out. No reservations are required, just follow the signs in the drive and someone will take your order.

The dinners are $7 and include stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and a brownie.

Can goods sought for Rescue Mission

The Adult Education Medical Assistant Program at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is having a community outreach drive for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Items needed include canned foods, first-aid items and toiletries.

Drop-off locations are Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on Palmyra Road in Canfield, Wedgewood Pizza on South Avenue in Boardman, Austintown Surgery Center on North Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown and Walgreen’s Pharmacy on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown.

MCCTC salon offers afternoon hours

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center’s salon will be open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 2:10 p.m. through May.

All services are performed by students under the supervision of their instructor. Services include haircuts, hairstyles, perms, relaxers, facials, hair removal, hair color and manicures and prices start at $6.

To make an appointment, call Linda Tomko at 330-729-4000, ext. 1309.

Local company donates masks to save pets

Invisible Fence of Eastern Ohio donated oxygen recovery mask kits for pets to fire stations in Austintown, Canfield and Poland. The kits can be used by local firefighters to prevent a pet from falling victim to smoke inhalation due to fire.

An estimated 40,000 to 150,000 pets each year die in fires, most succumbing to smoke inhalation.