Boardman briefs

Library closed for Independence Day

All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be closed July 4 and July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.

Donate blood July 19 at Boardman library

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will take blood donations July 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Get your blood pressure checked

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer blood pressure screenings July 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Let the kids get wet at the library

Come play outdoor water games with bubbles, sponges and water pistols July 22 at 2 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. A family program of team and individual games for children of all ages.

Parental supervision is needed for this outdoor event. Games will be held indoors if raining.

Boardman library offers pirate adventures

The young pirates on your ship can visit the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County July 29 at 2 p.m. for a day of pirate fun. Children of all ages can enjoy stories, crafts and a pirate tattoo. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult.

Every day in July is craft day at the library

Children of all ages can make a craft at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in July

Fishing fun planned

Kids of all ages can wish they went fishing 2 p.m. July 15 at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. There will be fishing bait fun, gross stuff to touch, “fishy” stories, a craft and treat. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult.

Work of Boardman artist selected for art show

A water media painting by Heidi Garwig of Boardman, an art teacher at Canfield Village Middle School, has been selected for the 33rd annual juried Ohio Watercolor Society exhibition at Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N. The exhibition will open Sept. 4 and run through Oct. 31.

There were 276 entries submitted and 77 were chosen for the exhibition.

An exhibit, including all award winners, will tour Ohio following the conclusion of the exhibition at the museum. For additional information, contact Linda Hutchinson at 330-673-3844.

Boardman alum earns honor at College of Wooster

Zachary Struharik, a Boardman High School graduate, is a first-year student at the College of Wooster and was named to the Dean’s List for achieving a GPA of 3.65 or above. .

Boardman native to retire as Army Colonel

Col. Richard T. Curry, after serving his country for more than 28 years, will retire from the U.S. Army Aug. 1. He is the son of James and Barbara Curry of Boardman.

Curry is a 1974 Boardman High School graduate and attended Youngstown State University. His overseas service deployments include Korea, Kuwait and two tours in Iraq, deploying at the first tour as the Battalion Commander for the 1-107th Cavalry and the second tour as the Commander 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Curry’s major awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Iraq), the Order of Saint George (Armor), Order of Saint Maurice (Infantry) and Order of Saint Barbara (Artillery) Medals.

Curry and his wife Christine will retire and reside in the Columbus area.

Local alum receives degree from university

Amanda Lynn Cramer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in Women’s Studies from Otterbein College. She was active in several campus organizations as well as her sorority Tau Epsilon Mu. She works for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus caring for patients on the Hematology/Oncology unit.

She is the daughter of Todd and Lisa Smith of Poland and Randy and Vicky Cramer of Boardman.

Free hot dogs at Mill Creek MetroParks

Starting Monday, 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,

Let the church cook for you on Thursday

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, will offer take-out dinners Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. until sold out. The cost for dinner is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and brownie. No reservations are needed.

For information, call the church at 330-792-5805.

Ham radio operators show off this weekend

The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association will demonstrate its emergency communications abilities from 2 p.m. today until noon on Sunday at 12712 Unity Road, New Springfield. The public can see ham radio’s new capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes. The Field Day demonstration is part of “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio.

For information, visit www.ARRL.org/fieldday or www.mvara.org.

Nominate an outstanding senior or senior advocate

Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Valley Legacy Awards. The awards will be presented to an outstanding senior and outstanding advocate for seniors Oct. 14 at the Sixth Annual Legacy Awards, where all nominees will be recognized for their good works.

Candidates should be recognized for a lifetime of working to improve the Mahoning Valley or who have provided exceptional support of older Americans through their professional, volunteer or civic roles.

Nominees must have left a lasting legacy for the community and inspired others through their work ethic, concern for others and enthusiasm for the betterment of our community.

Nomination forms are available online at www.shepherdofthevalley.com, at all Shepherd of the Valley locations and WKBN and ClearChannel web sites. All nominations must be postmarked by July 30.

Card players needed on Wednesday

Card players of all kinds are invited to play the monthly card game at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 Western Reserve Road in Poland, Wednesday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call SOV-Poland receptionist at 330-726-7110, extension 0.

“Kids Helping Kids” kicks off at Sharon Speedway

The ROCcK Choir will sing the national anthem to start the Lou Blaney memorial Race July 7 at Sharon Speedway. On hand will be Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney.

Tony Stewart and the ROCcK Children’s Choir have combined to conduct the “Kids Helping Kids” tour. Stewart and the ROCcK choir will shoot a promo for Office Depot, a major sponsor of the Stewart-Haas Racing Company.

The ROCcK Children’s Choir will travel to Indiana to perform for the area hospitals affilated with the TSF July 11-13. Local sponsors for the transportation include Chuck Eddy, Greg Greenwood and Fred Martin. These local car dealers have joined together with “Kids Helping Kids.”

For information, contact Kate Blaney or Brenda Rider at 330-360-3300.

Family fun for all at Boardman Park

Boardman Township Park is hosting “Family Fun Night in the Park” today at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre at 6 p.m.

The free event is for kids of all ages and their families.

Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a science-themed fire and ice performance by Mad Science of Northeast Ohio.

At 7 p.m., No Ties, a light rock and blue’s band, will perform.

After dark, guests can view the film, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”

Other activities include Jocko the Clown, hayrides, bounce around rental bouncers and face painting by Calvary Baptist Church.

Food concessions will be available, and guests are asked to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

For a list of other park events, visit the program page at www.Boardmanpark.com.

Class of 1952 to reunite

The Rayen School class of 1952 is hosting a picnic July 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Boardman Park in the Chester Lang Pavilion.

Coffee and doughnuts will be served at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunch includes chicken, ribs, sides, drinks, and dessert.

Cost is $20 per person. Reservations must be made by July 12.

For information, call Kay Herberger at 330-759-1455 or Tom Ramos at 330-727-7259.

Student earns honor

Boardman alum Matthew Guza, a freshman majoring in computer networking, was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2010 semester at Fort Hays University in Kansas.

To be eligible, students must have enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.60 for the semester.

Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society reunion

A reunion of past and present members of the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society will be Sunday at 11 a.m. at the clubgrounds in New Springfield, Ohio.

No membership is needed to attend. Attendees are asked to bring their own food and drink. For information, contact Ken Clark at 330-533-2038 at or Tom “Pete” McBride at 330-729-9512.

Classic car cruises

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.

Plato’s Closet rep receives excellence award

Bill Craig of Boardman’s Plato’s Closet received the Sales Excellence Award at the company’s annual conference in San Diego May 11-14.

Boardman resident receives honor Jacqueline Weber was named to Thiel College’s Dean’s List for spring 2010.

Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree

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

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.

St. Luke festival in July

The St. Luke Parish Festival will be July 8-11 at the church, 5235 South Ave. Thursday will feature Family Night and kids 12 and under can enter free. Homemade food and Chinese auctions will be available every night. For information, call 330-782-9783.

Boardman resident receives appointment

Boardman resident John Bright has been appointed National Sales Director of Henry Schein Medical Systems.

Bright joins Henry Schein Medical Systems, which provides MicroMD Æ software solutions for small practices, large medical groups, community health centers and billing services, with more than 20 years of experience in sales, practice management and electronic medical records.

In his new role, Bright will lead the inside sales and field sales teams of Henry Schein Medical Systems.

Bright has considerable experience in the Practice Management and EMR field, most recently with Bainbridge Capital LLC and Mountain Medical Technologies.

He received his Aerodynamic Engineering degree from the USAF Technical College in 1979.

Watch Peter Rabbit play at the library Tuesday

Join the Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater for an exuberant performance of Miss Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Summer 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.

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.

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 through July at 10 a.m.

Help Neighbors showcase your summer

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.

S.O.A.R. 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.

Clinic extends hours 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, call the health district’s Nursing Division at 330-27-2855, ext. 125.

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.

Beware of solicitors using Goodwill Industry’s 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.