Canfield briefs

Trustees to hold public meeting Monday

Canfield Township Board of Trustees will conduct a special meeting Monday at Canfield Township Hall, 21 S. Broad Street, at 1 p.m. to discuss the Parkland on Herbert Road and any other issues that may come before the board.

The meeting is open to the public.

Teens can get their game on at the library

Teenagers grade seven to 12 can enter a gaming tournament at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County June 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Winners at the Canfield branch will battle winning gamers from five other branches of the library in a double elimination finale Aug. 19 in Boardman. The finale will begin at 4 p.m. and will last until one gamer is left standing. The grand prize is $100.

CHS alumni graduates summa cum laude

Natasha A. Kassim, daughter of Laurie Kassim and a 2006 Canfield High School valedictorian, graduated summa cum laude from Westminster College May 22. She received a B.S. degree in Biochemistry with All-College Honors in Chemistry and Political Science. At Westminster, she served as Academics Chair and Senator for the Student Government Association, Vice President of the Sierra Student Coalition and Model United Nations and President of Lambda Sigma Honor Society and Circle K service club.

Kassim double majored in Biochemistry and Political Science. She spent two summers conducting undergraduate research at The Ohio State University Department of Chemistry and the University of Rochester Medical Center. In addition, Natasha served as the campus organizer and volunteer for a 2008 presidential campaign.

In August, Kassim will pursue a medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville.

Thiel College announces Dean’s List

Canfield residents Megg Andrews, Lance Randall and Kayla Turek were named to Thiel College’s Dean’s List for Spring 2010.

Magic for the whole family

Banjo the Clown will perform magic for the whole family at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County June 21 at 10 a.m.

Refreshments will be available.

Liberty band director to be honored by alumni

Band Alumni from Liberty High School classes 1971 through 1991 will be honoring Band Director Joseph R. Purser July 17. A picnic will be held from 2 p.m. until dusk at Churchill Park on Belmont Avenue in Liberty township.

Alumni must register at www.kedespo.com/lhsband.html by June 30 to attend.

Performers to raise money for program

Youngstown’s favorite charity drag revue is on the move. Now in its seventh year, “Fund raising is a Drag!” will take place June 4, 5, 11, and 12 at the Rust Belt Theater Company, housed in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Avenue.

Proceeds will benefit the Rust Belt Theater Company’s Summer Series and Studio for Young Actors, a program that provides instruction and performance opportunities for young actors and singers ages 12 to 24 free of charge.

Throughout the years, performers have raised money for Toys for Tots, Angels for Animals, Pride Youngstown, YSUnity, MDA, Violet’s Cupboard, the LGBT groups at Kent State and John Carroll universities and the Ursuline Mother House.

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 after the event, so we can share them with your neighbors.

Senior insurance program appoints advisors

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has invited Kristen Taylor, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Niles and Carole Moore, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Howland, to become members of its Volunteer Advisory Board.

The purpose of the OVAB is to help improve and grow its volunteer network, addressing such items as volunteer recruitment, training and retention and beneficiary outreach.

The board meets quarterly in Columbus with telephone meetings on the off months and provides information to seniors about Medicare and associated coverage.

For information in Trumbull County, contact Kristen Taylor at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles at 330-544-0771, ext. 2817. For Mahoning County, contact Carole Moore at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland at 330-856-9232, ext. 2617.

Canfield alum joins honor society

Julian Hierl, a 2009 graduate of Canfield High School, was inducted into the Kent State University chapter of Phi Sigma IOTA, an international Honor Society. The honor signifies that she is one of the outstanding students in the field of foreign languages and literature.

Hierl is the grandson of Robert and Sonia Einfeldt.

St. Christine Parish Festival set for July

The St. Christine Parish Festival will feature rides, food, nightly dinners, fireworks and fun for all ages July 8 through July 11.

Hiram College awards degree to resident

Canfield resident Stephanie Gasper received a Master’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Hiram College May 15.

FNB brings on new members

Farmers National Bank continues to grow its team of financial experts with the addition of 29-year vet Bobbi Harding as vice president and treasury manager.

In her role at Farmers, Harding will partner with business clients to offer solutions for increasing revenue, shortening collection time and decreasing expenses.

Kurt E. Brugler has been named to the position of Commercial Lending Team Leader for the company. In addition to his duties as Commercial Loan Officer, Brugler will oversee the activities of the bank’s commercial lenders as well as both the Small Business and Treasury Management areas of the bank.

A member of the Farmers National Bank staff since Oct. 2009, Brugler has 30 years of community banking experience in the Mahoning Valley.

Show off that classic car

The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club will host Cruise Nites every Tuesday from June 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.

Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree

A party at Holy Family Parish Center June 28 at 7 p.m. will honor Cardinal Mooney Assistant Principal James M. Cooney who has announced his retirement effective June 30.

Plans are under way to establish The James M. Cooney Scholarship. In lieu of gifts, Cooney would appreciate contributions to the scholarship.

For reservations, tickets or to donate to the scholarship, call the school office at 330-788-5007.

Appliance drive at Canfield fairgrounds

Do you have any unwanted appliances that you would like to dispose of? If so, Canfield Township, with the sponsorship of the Mahoning County Green Team, is having an Appliance Drive today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

This is open to all Mahoning County residents. Accepted items are refrigerators, hot water heaters, air conditioners, stoves, water softeners, dehumidifiers, microwaves, washers, small appliances and any other scrap metal.

Freon will be removed for free from the refrigerators, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

Please do not bring electronic items like televisions, radios, VCRs, computers or tires.

Enter off Route 46 at Gate 9 near Leffingwell Road. Call the Green Team at 330-740-2060 for information.

2010 recycling Regatta

Valley residents can participate in the “Build and Race a Recycled Boat” race June 12 at Lake Milton State Park.

All boats must be made of at least 70 percent recycled product and they must be able to be broken down and recycled after the event.

No nails, 55 gallon drums or containers that held household hazardous waste are allowed. Old boogie boards or surfboards or motors are prohibited.

Boats may be pre-made prior to the event.

For recycled products to use, call the Green Team, ReCreate, Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling or a local school.

For information or entry forms, contact Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District at 330-740-7995.

To enter the Regatta, each crew or captain must complete an entry form and release form and return it by Tuesday to Recycle Regatta, Mahoning SWCD, 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown, OH 44509.

No children under 12 can ride on the boat, but they can help build.

The Regatta is being held to coincide with the Mahoning River Consortium’s River Wide Picnic Day.

SOAR to new heights with girls program

Conference No. 1 for the S.O.A.R. program will take place at Mill Creek MetroPark’s Fellows Riverside Gardens July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This program targets girls ages 8 to 12. Its purpose is to energize girls’ self-esteem and become aware of all types of negative media influences and how to manage negative emotions.

S.O.A.R. stands for Shine in their Own Amazing Way.

The conference will include a combination of yoga, art, dance, hair and skin care, and a variety of other activities. The cost is $80 and includes all classes, lunch snacks, T-shirt and any art projects.

One dollar from each fee will be contributed to Fellows Riverside Garden’s Family Garden. For information, call Mariellen at 330-509-9642.

St. Joe’s festival planned

There will be nightly drawings, polka mass, a rummage sale and fireworks at the St. Joe’s festival June 10-13.

Festival of the Arts seeks volunteers

The 12th annual Summer Festival of the Arts, scheduled for July 10 and 11 on YSU’s campus, is seeking volunteers for the event.

Volunteers are needed for artist registration; information booths; in the children’s hands-on art tent; for technical assistance at performance sites and at the Festival of Nations international area, among others.

Various shifts are available for the two-day event. Each volunteer receives a festival T-shirt, cold water and reserved free parking.

Those needing service hours logged, such as that for National Honor Society, sorority or fraternity service, may also participate. Service verification forms will be completed.

Interested individuals or teachers advising service organizations may obtain an application by calling 330-941-2307, by email at lafactor@ysu.edu or logging on to www.ysu.edu/sfa for a downloadable form.

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.

Beware of solicitors using Goodwill name

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has been notified that solicitors are calling people offering to pick up their old computers and charging them a pickup fee, while using Goodwill’s name.

While Goodwill does accept old computers and computer equipment as part of the Reconnect computer recycling partnership with Dell, Goodwill does not solicit or charge people for their computers.

Those wishing to get rid of old computers and equipment can drop them off at any one of Goodwill’s eight donation centers in Austintown, Boardman, Liberty, Calcutta, Salem, Warren, Hermitage or New Castle.

Businesses, schools or organizations with large quantities can call Goodwill at 330-759-7921 to make arrangements for a pickup.

If you are contacted by someone offering to pick up your computers for a fee and using Goodwill’s name, contact Goodwill.

Park preps for summer

Mill Creek Park is reopening many attractions soon in preparation for summer. Lanterman’s Mill will resume its regular summer hours today. Glacier and Newport Boathouses are open weekends only. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

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 a vaccination clinic 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.

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.

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.

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.

First Night seeks volunteers

First Night Canfield is seeking volunteers for its New Year’s Eve Celebration of the Arts.

Opportunities exist for volunteers to work on planning committees as well as event night positions.

Information can be obtained by attending a planning committee meeting today. For details, call 330-533-2290.

Canfield resident receives promotion

Henry Schein, Inc. has hired Canfield native Keith Slater as vice president and general manager of Henry Schein Medical Systems.

Slater joined the company in February 2009 and assumed the overall leadership role of HSMS in September 2009. He has spent more than 20 years in the health care IT sector working for vendors or suppliers of vendors. He received a BS in Computer Information Systems from Youngstown State University.

Creative and dedicated students needed

First Night Canfield is seeking about a dozen sixth through 12th graders to establish a Junior FNC Board.

This board will be responsible for planning, fundraising and implementing the teen event between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve.

It requires an interest in seeing an event that would attract their friends and dedication. Applicants should send a letter of interest stating why they would be a good member of the board, their background, current interests and other groups of which they are a member to: First Night Canfield, PO Box 694, Canfield, OH 44406 or to firstnightcanfield@gmail.com. Be sure to include contact information.