Boardman briefs

Open house at Little Learners Academy

Littler Learners Academy Preschool is hosting an open house Aug. 14 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The preschool is located in the Heritage Presbyterian Church at 1951 Matthews Road.

Parents may register their children for the 2010-2011 school year.

For information call 330-503-7707.

Boardman Lions “Coats for Kids”

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and your kids need new coats, the Boardman Lions want to help.

Applications for the Boardman Lions Coats for Kids Program are available at www.boardmanlions.com, in the Boardman library and in the Boardman schools’ newsletters.

The application deadline is Sept. 10. You must be a Boardman resident to apply.

Qualified applicants will be notified by mail. The families will attend a night at Target to select their new coats.

Boardman students makes Dean’s list

Nathan Andrew Diehl of Boardman was named to the Dean’s list at the Savannah College of Art and Design for the spring quarter 2010.

He is a Visual Effects major and is seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Consign and Design relocates to Poland

Consign and Design relocated from their Boardman location to 11 W. McKinley Way in the Town One Square Plaza in Poland Monday.

The new 3000+ sq. ft. showroom is located behind Friendly’s Restaurant on state Route 224, just 3 miles east of its old location.

In addition to gently-used home furnishings, Consign & Design also offers interior decorating and an in-store design center. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Take a bus trip to New York City

You can visit New York City without driving yourself. The Nancy L. Weimer third annual ”NYC Shoptober Shuttle” is Oct. 15-17. Proceeds benefit the Nancy L. Weimer Scholarship Fund.

Weimer, a Boardman native, passed away in 2007 from cancer.

The trip honors the lives of those who have triumphed over cancer while remembering those who are no longer with us. The bus will depart at 6 a.m. Oct. 15 and leave NYC at 11 a.m. Oct. 17.

The cost is $315 for four people in a room, $365 for three people in a room and $470 for two people in a room.

Cost includes the bus trip, two nights at the Radisson Martinique Hotel on Broadway and a $30 donation to the Nancy L. Weimer Scholarship Fund.

For information, call Holly Weimer-Watts at 330-729-9610 or 330-507-3833. Seating is limited and based on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for reservations is Aug. 31.

A garden wedding show

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting a Bridal Fair Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Davis Center. Meet area bridal vendors and discover ideas for your ceremony and reception.

Register for door prizes and be a guest at the 3 p.m. Wedding Fashion Show at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Bring a camera for a butterfly shoot

Bring a camera and equipment for the 1-mile Photo Walk: Lepidoptera Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. Participants must register by Aug. 13 and will meet at Bears Den Meadow parking lot. To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Join NOPGA golf professionals for Pro-Am

Mill Creek Golf Course and Davis Center will host a Pro-Am Wednesday. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start and each group will consist of one pro golfer and three amateurs. The cost is $125 and includes golf, lunch, prizes, cocktails and dinner. To register, call 330-740-7112.

Attend a clam bake

The St. Charles Men’s Club will host a clam bake Friday starting at 6 p.m. at the Athletic Club Picnic Pavilion on the hill, 7345 Westview Dr. in Boardman.

Tickets are $50 and include a dozen clams, buffalo wings, beer, red skin potatoes and corn on the cob. Tickets are limited.

Proceeds will go toward the Ken Wilson Scholarship.

To purchase a ticket, contact George Lyda at 330-507-3183.

Summer botany walk

Enjoy a one mile walk through Mill Creek Metroparks Sunday at 2 p.m. Look for what’s blooming with a special emphasis on the family Poaceae. Walkers meet at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve.

Hikers and dogs wanted for dog’s day

Commemorate the “Dog Days” of August with a two-mile walk in the Park with your special canine friend Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.

Dogs must be non-aggressive, under the handler’s control, and leashed at all times; one dog per hiker. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register by Aug. 14. Walkers meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Every day is craft day

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is a site of crafts for kids of all ages every day in August during regular library hours.

Free family night Aug. 28

Family Night at Boardman Park will take place Aug. 28 at the Maag Outdoor Theatre from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

A magic show, Jocko the Clown and hayrides will begin at 6 p.m., a Pipe dreams concert will start at 7 p.m. and Disney’s Up movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Bounce-A-Rounds and concessions will be available.

Catch a free movie at Boardman Park

“West Side Story” will be playing Aug. 10 at the Maag Outdoor Art Theatre in Boardman Township Park at dusk.

Moviegoers should bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs.

Garden extends hours

The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center will be open to visitors on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. through August. The Antonucci Library and Shop in the Gardens will have extended hours. The Garden Caf will be open until 7 p.m.

DeYor hosts ultimate singles event

DeYor Performing Arts in Youngstown will host The Love Connection, a night of fun, entertainment and laughter today from 6 to 10 p.m.

This event is for professional men and women over 26, who may be single by choice, divorced, or widowed, in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Married couples or single couples may attend to watch and participate.

Activities include the Dating Game, the Single’s Meet and Greet Time and Speed Dating.

The audience helps to choose which eligible bachelors or bachelorettes is the best match for each other. Ultimately, the contestant will choose their date.

There will be a social hour for attendees to get a chance to make introductions to others.

This event will benefit the “A Way With Words Foundation Inc.” Away with Words foundation Inc. is a nonprofit 501c3 organization to help children with cancer.

Cost is $30 per person, hors d’oeurvres, music and entertainment is included. Cash bar is available.

7UP Summerfest Spectacular

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting the 7UP Summerfest Spectacular Wednesdays at 7 p.m. These free concerts are alcohol-free and will take place at the Judge Morley Pavilion.

Don Burns, a swing band, will perform Aug. 11, Del Sinchak and Jack Vaski, polka, will perform Aug. 18 and Blue Rays,a blues and rock band, will perform Aug. 25.

Struthers concert series

Mill Creek MetroParks and the City of Struthers present a series of free concerts throughout the summer Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Jim Frank Combo will perform Thursday at Mauthe Park, the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club will perform Aug. 12 at Yellow Creek Park, Bob Noble will perform Aug. 19 at Mauthe Park and there is another concert scheduled for Aug. 26 at Mauthe Park, performers have yet to be chosen for the event.

Join the family at Holy Family School

Parents of students entering kindergarten who are interested in becoming part of the Holy Family School family are to register their children at the school office and provide baptismal certificate (if not baptized at Holy Family Church), immunization records, social security number, all registration forms in packet (to be picked up at time of registration) and copy of birth certificate at the time of registration.

The registration fee of $25 is payable to Holy Family School and nonrefundable.

The application will be considered complete only when all required supporting data mentioned is submitted.

Kindergarten screenings will be scheduled at this time.

For information, contact the school office at 330-757-3713 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free fair and picnic for seniors today

Sheriff Randall Wellington’s Senior Services Program will host the second annual Mahoning County Senior Fair today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, 6512 Kirk Road in Canfield, between state Route 46 and Turner Road.

Adults under 60 must be accompanied by a senior citizen to enjoy free food, drinks, music, bingo and prizes. There will also be exhibits, emergency response teams and information on local services seniors can benefit from.

For information, 330-480-5078.

Cancer survivor picnics planned in two counties

Humility of Mary Health Partners’ cancer survivors are invited to enjoy lunch, games, music, crafts, prizes and giveaways during one of two picnics to be held in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Sponsored by the HMHP Cancer Centers, the Mahoning County picnic will be Aug. 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Boardman Park Community Center, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. The Trumbull County picnic will take place Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Demetrios Pavilion, 3223 Atlantic St., Warren.

Each survivor may bring one guest and only attend one picnic, as space is limited. To register, call the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Summer Day Camp offers new events

Summer Day Camp at the D.D. & Velma Davis Family YMCA continues with a jam-packed schedule of activities, classes and events to keep campers entertained and active all summer long.

Remaining trips include trips to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Labor and Industry Museum, Idlewild and Soakzone, the Vienna Air Force Base, Camp Fitch, Mahoning Valley Scrappers game and Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Parents can still sign their kids up for Day Camp, which runs through Aug. 27.

Camp is open to children 6 through 13 and is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A one-time registration fee of $25 per child applies. A second child discount for weekly participants is available, as well as daily rates for parents who may not need camp each day for an entire week.

An additional fee on trip days may apply.

Visit youngstownymca.org for a camp brochure. For information, contact Jordan Shaver at 330-480-5656.

Great food program offers affordable meals

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, is the local site for the Great Food For All program.

Each big value box costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up. The family variety box is available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted at the time the order is placed. No checks are accepted. Credit cards are accepted with a $1 convenience fee.

Go to www.greatfoodforall.com, type in zip code 44515, and scroll down until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the ordered food boxes at Smith Corners UMC.

Orders for Aug. 21 pick-up can be placed at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noonand Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Online orders close Thursday at 9 p.m.

The food can be picked up at Smith Corners United Methodist Church Aug. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For information, contact the church office at 330-799-9390.

Sara Greier to speak at ABWA meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will host its meeting at A La Cart in Canfield at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Guest speaker Sara Greier, from the Mahoning County Farm Bureau, will speak about “Agriculture in the Mahoning County — Past Present and Future.”

Also joining the membership will be scholarship recipient winners for 2010-2011 Gina Torek of Boardman and Robert Gross of Canfield.

Anyone interested in seeing what ABWA is all about is welcomed to come as a guest or plan to visit in September for the fall enrollment meeting.

The Network Council of the Mahoning Valley of American Business Women’s Association is gearing up for its annual Style Show Sept. 19 at Mr. Anthony’s. The tickets are $25 for lunch and a style show with music and gifts and Chinese auction and a 32-inch flat screen TV to raffled off by Semach’s Appliances in Struthers. For tickets, call Mary Lou Murray at 330-533-9730.

Celebrate for a good cause

Say farewell to summer with the “End of Summer Charity Fest” Aug. 21 in the Austintown Plaza Beach. This event will benefit the Hogan family, Ed needs a miracle, the Sandor family and Brett Wilcox.

Gates open at 1 p.m. The Sun Kings will perform from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. followed by the ROCcK Children’s Choir at 5 p.m. A local band that has yet to be announced will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Key West Express will perform at 8 p.m.

Cost to vendor is $75 per booth. Five percent of the sales will benefit the charity.

There will be barbecues, ice cream and fun for a good cause in a family-friendly environment.

The event is chaired by Forty Two Inc., O’Donald’s, BI Management and Party On.

Visit the family garden on sunny Fridays

Bring the kids for a drop-in visit to the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens on sunny Fridays to plant and water flowers or to read a book. The Family Garden Greeter at the discovery cart will tell visitors about the plants. Children can participate in hands-on activities. For information, call 330-740-7116.

Tour MetroParks farm

Bring the family for a tractor-wagon tour of MetroParks Farm Thursdays throughout the summer at 10 a.m. The one-hour tour is free and reservations are suggested. Call 330-533-7572.

Join a free T’ai Chih class

T’ai Chi Chih’s “Beginner’s Course” is eight, one-hour classes held once a week. There are two courses from which to choose. The Monday, 10-11 a.m. “Seniors” course begins Aug. 9 and meets at the community center. The course fee is $40. The course on Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. begins Aug. 10 and meets at the Bocce Court. The course fee is $80. Classes for advanced students are every Wednesday at the Bocce Court from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Classes are open to men, women and teens. Classes are taught by Kutsko. Preregistration is required for the free course and full courses.

To register, call Kutsko at 330-727-4477.

Work of local artists displayed in park

Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens this summer to see the work of local artists on exhibit. The floral display beds are designed to complement each sculpture or image. Stop by the Davis Center for a guide listing the location of the works of art.

Guided tours offered Aug. 22

Enjoy a walk Aug. 22 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Fellows Riverside Gardens and admire the summer colors. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Learn about botany during breakfast Aug. 27

Start Aug. 27 with a brisk walk through the gardens at 8:30 a.m. Then visit the Garden Caf for a light breakfast and learn about the Oleander family.

The fee is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents. To register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Enjoy yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Instructor Heidi Suraci welcomes students of all levels to enjoy a blend of yoga styles amidst the powers of nature. Tuesdays will feature a beginner’s class from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an intermediate class from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All levels can participate on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The fee is $10 per class and students should bring a mat and small blanket.

For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Ease stress and increase vitality with T’ai Chi

Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form Wednesdays in August from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116

Have butterfly fun Aug. 15

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites children with their families to an afternoon of fun, activities and snacks in the Family Garden Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will pot a plant to take home, design in the digging garden, weave plants and listen to a story with puppets.

Explore the tall grass

Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy a story, craft and outdoor exploration that will highlight small creatures that live in fields during the Preschool Nature Hour at Ford Nature Center Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Aug. 21 at 10 a.m.

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. An adult must accompany each child. Preregister at Ford Nature Center.

Calling all knitters

Help “Warm Up America,” with other crafters making afghans and other projects to donate locally Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Metroparks Farm offers tractor guided tour

Children can make a craft to take home after a guided tractor-wagon tour of the 400 acres at MetroParks Farm Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wagon leaves every half hour.

Find the alphabet at MetroParks Farm

Agriculture, Barns, and Crops- see how many other letters of the alphabet can be found Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during a wagon tour of the farm. Wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a craft to take home.

Compost seminar offered

The Green Team will host a compost class Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Preregistration is required. Tractor-wagon tours will be given; wagon leaves every half hour. The fee is $10 and includes a compost bin. To register, call 330-740-2060.

Farm closes for Canfield Fair

Metroparks Farm will close during the Canfield Fair Aug. 29 through Sept. 6, but you can visit the farm at Old McDonald’s Barn on the fairgrounds.

Free tennis lessons in August

A tennis camp for children 6 to 11 will be available Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Yellow Creek Park.

Kids will learn the fundamentals of tennis.

Space is limited. For information, or to register, call 330-740-7100.

Dahlias on display Aug. 28-29

Experience an array of color and form displayed in many varieties of dahlias grown in local gardens at the Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society Show Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Mum sale at the gardens

Admire summer’s bounty and vegetables at the Men’s Garden Club Horticulture Show and Mum Sale Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Nature is illuminated in exhibit at the gardens

Connecticut photographer Ellen Hoverkamp’s exhibit “Nature’s Illuminated” will be featured at Weller Gallery until Aug. 22 during regular Fellows Riverside Gardens and Davis Education and Visitor Center hours. The artist uses a flatbed scanner to produce digital floral images with incredible clarity and depth.

Kayak trips planned

All skill level kayakers are invited to join escorted trips on MetroParks waterways.

Single and tandem kayaks are available. Ages 11-15 must share a tandem kayak with a adult; ages 16-17 must be accompanied be an adult. Reservations must be made 36 hours prior to program and participants must complete a waiver.

Fees range from $12 to $15 per person with the second person in a tandem kayak half price.

August trips include a free bring-your-own kayak night excursion for experienced kayaking lefties and their right-handed friends Aug. 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (meet at East Newport Boat Launch) and an evening kayak on Lake Newport Aug. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For information, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Explore beaver preserve

Join Mill Creek MetroParks for a one and a half mile traipse around Beaver Township’s nature preserve Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. Meet at the pavilion in the preserve, located on state route 165. For directions call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Hike to Hopewell

Enjoy a 3-mile hike to a historic landmark, the Hopewell Furnace, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Hikers meet at Yellow Creek Park Office. Sturdy shoes are necessary for difficult stream crossings.

Listen to nature’s sounds with professor of music

Lisa Rainsong, professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, is also a naturalist. Join her and Mill Creek MetroParks Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. for an easy walk through the parks and listen to and look for crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Walkers meet at MetroParks Farm.

Walk for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a variety of health and wellness walks Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

For an easy walk, one or three miles, meet at the golf course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive Tuesday. For a moderately difficult four-mile walk, meet at the Ford Nature Center Aug. 11 or 31.

Walk an easy two or four-mile walk at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm Aug. 17.

Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road Aug. 25 for a moderate two or four-mile walk.

Rediscover the falls

According to legend, in August of 1797 Isaac Powers and Phineas Hill discovered what is now called Lanterman’s Falls at Mill Creek MetroParks. Retrace their route 213 years later. Meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 29 at 9:30 a.m. for a moderately difficult 7-mile hike.

Free hot dogs at Mill Creek MetroParks

Weather permitting, Mill Creek MetroParks will have free hot dogs for the public Mondays and Tuesdays. The hot dogs will be served Mondays at the James L. Wick Recreation Area, off McCollum Road, and Tuesdays at Scholl Recreation Area. The hot dogs are sponsored by the Salvation Army’s Mahoning County Services. This will last through Aug. 31,

Classic car cruises

The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club will host Cruise Nites every Tuesday through August from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chick-fil-a on state Route 224 near South Avenue in Boardman, weather permitting.

Registration will be $2. Plaques or $15 gas cards will be awarded and 50/50 raffles prizes will be given away nightly. All proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley.

Enjoy a book with the kids

Parents are invited to attend a 30-minute family story time with their children at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Aug. 11, 18 and 25.