Canfield community briefs

Singing contest deadline Mar. 29

The Canfield High School drama club is looking for talented individuals or groups to participate in its “Battle of the Stars Contest” Apr. 17.

The contest will be American Idol style and performers will receive an evaluation by local judges and votes from the audience. There are two divisions, grades five through eight and nine through 12. Each division’s first place prize package is worth more than $100.

The runner-up division will also be awarded. The deadline for registration is Mar. 29.

The entry fee is $10 and participants must bring their own CD with their name on it and the track number that will be performed.

To enter, call Tammy Valley at 330-792-0476, or e-mail valleytwins@sbcglobal.com.

Student takes first place at YSU competition

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.

4-H hosts community day

Mahoning County 4-H is having “Community Day” today at Lord of Life Church at 550 N. Broad St. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The public is invited to attend and learn about Mahoning County 4-H. Individual 4-H clubs will be showcased.

Canfield presents “Bye Bye Birdie”

Canfield Players will present the 1961 Tony Award winner musical, and 2010 Broadway production, “Bye Bye Birdie,” Mar. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Canfield High School auditorium. A cast of80 students will perform.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the school at 330-533-5507 or will be available at the door.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for students.

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 Apr. 12 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lion’s club hosts craft and antique show today

The Canfield Lion’s Club will have its annual craft and antique show today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canfield High School.

The event will feature more than 140 craft spaces, two dozen quilts and 30 antique spaces.

Hot food, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle will be available. Admission and parking are free.

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Library will be closed

All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be closed Apr. 3 and Apr. 4.

Local scouts host event for summer camp

Troop 3 Scouts will host “Spring Fling Card Party & Game Night” at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Rd., today, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $8 per person or $25 per table of four.

This includes a door prize ticket for each patron, snacks and drinks. A variety of games will be provided as well as a Chinese Auction. Participation is limited to ages 16 and older.

Troop 3 meets the needs of boys and young men with physical and mental disabilities.

The scouts are hoping to raise enough money to offset part of the cost of attending summer camp.

For tickets see any Troop 3 Scout or Leader or call Scoutmaster Jim at 330-219-8111.

Local pizza vendors compete for top title

The Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off will be held Sunday at The Embassy from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event is organized by and proceeds will benefit Potential Development Program, Inc., a school serving children with autism and special needs for over 50 years.

The event includes a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, cash bar and silent auction.

Big screen TV’s will be showing “March Madness,” so guests don’t miss out on any of the basketball action.

Tickets are $10 and include two slices of pizza and a salad.

Tables can be reserved for $100 and will include eight tickets.

Mahoning Valley’s pizza establishments are donating their time and talent to compete

Tales to Tails at library

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host Tales to Tails Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Sign up to read to a registered therapy dog, which helps develop reading skills, promotes confidence and encourages a love of reading.

Readers of all levels and abilities are welcome. Bring a book of your choice.

Dogs are provided by K-9s for Compassion, registered Delta Society therapy dogs. Sign up is required by calling 330-533-5631.

Volunteers sponsor program at St. Joe’s

St. Joseph Health Center’s volunteer department is sponsoring a program of information, enlightenment and fun for those 55 and older at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the hospital’s second-floor classrooms.

Certified Stroke Center coodinator Mary Ann Cashier will discuss signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Cost of the program is $4, which includes dinner and door prizes.

To make a reservation, call 330-841-4375 or 330-841-4376 by Mar. 16.

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.

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.

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.

Lenten prayer luncheon

A prayer luncheon will be offered today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Prato Meeting Hall at Ursuline Center with presentations by Ginger Kubala and Eileen Novotny. The cost will be $16 and includes lunch. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for registration.

For information, call Janet Frantz at 330-799-4941 or e-mail theursulinecenter@yahoo.org. Pre-registration is required.

For Special Olympics

The Mahoning County MRDD Special Olympics will receive 15 percent of sales Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bob Evans on California Avenue across from the Southern Park Mall.

Diners must present a Bob Evans Community Fun Night flier at the time of payment. Fliers are available for print at www.mahoningcountyspecialolympics.org/bobevans.htm.

Easter Bunny kicks off Easter egg hunt

The Easter Bunny will arrive at the Judge Morley Pavilion to open the area’s biggest Easter egg hunt Mar. 27 at 11:30 a.m.

Children 2-10 can scramble for candy and prizes and adults can compete in a raw egg toss. Participants should arrive early to get to the proper area for each child’s age group.

Curves locations sponsor local food drive

The local Curves in Poland, Austintown, Boardman and Girard will join the worldwide Curves organization and kick off its 12th annual food drive to benefit the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Last year, over 2 tons of food was collected and the local fitness franchisors hope to double that amount this year. Any women thinking about joining Curves can bring in a bag of groceries and have the normal service fee waived through today. All locations are asking even those that are not considering joining the club to donate nonperishable items to benefit the mission.

Dana School offers free concerts to the public

Youngstown State University Dana School of Music is hosting “Music at Noon” Wednesdays in March at the Butler Institute of American Art.

On Wednesday Dana wind quartet and Mar. 31, clarinet studio recital.

The concerts are free and open to the public and parking is free at the Butler.

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

for the title of “Maestro di Cucina!”

Pond clinic offered at MetroPark Farm

The Mahoning SWCD will be offering a pond clinic Mar. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the McMahon Hall at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm.

The cost for the clinic is $5 and includes a light meal. Preregistration is required by Mar. 26.

To register, call 330-740-7995.

Plant the seed to read

The Children’s Book Fair Mar. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be a day of fun at Fellows Riverside Gardens for children and their families.

The free event will bring together, authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and many activities for children. Dar Hosta, artist/illustrator, will be there all day.

Shake off the winter blahs with an interpretive hike

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering interpretive hikes throughout March.

A spring equinox celebration walk today will honor the roots of ancestors by focusing on tradition. The easy-rated hike will start at the Ford Nature Center.

Join Bill Whitehouse Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to explore the Lily Pond. Hikers should meet at the Ford Nature Center for this two-mile hike.

For information, or to register for hikes, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Learn how birds seem to know the way home

Jeff Harvey, president of Audobon Society in Mahoning Valley, will present “Learn How Birds Navigate” Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm.

The program is free and open to the public. A social time will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 888-846-8851.

Amateur ham radio classes set for May 1 and 8

The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association will conduct amateur radio classes May 1 and May 8 at 11 a.m. at the ITT Technical Institute, 1030 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown.

These classes will help students review what they have learned in home study in preparation for taking a Ham Radio license exam.

Students successfully passing this exam will earn an entry-level amateur radio license from the Federal Communications Commission.

License exams will be given following the review class May 8 for students taking the classes.

The classes are free, but students will be required to purchase a study guide (#9647) from the ARRL by calling 888-277-5289.

This is the same study guide used in the 2009 license classes, so students may be able to borrow a study guide from a former student.

Registration deadline is March 28. This will give students a chance to order the book and study the material. There is also a nonrefundable filing fee for taking the exam.

Call Jerry or Bonnie Viele at 330-534-1394 for information.

Regional Chamber offers comedy show in April

The Regional Chamber, the City of Youngstown and 93.3 The Wolf will sponsor a night of laughter, fun and networking Apr. 3 at the Youngstown Club at 6 p.m.

Cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers.

Mike Armstrong and Sean Morey, regulars on The Bob & Tom Radio Show, will perform.

Bill Squire, who’s appeared on Comic View and Comedy Central, will also perform.

Come early for a members-only VIP reception and get to know your fellow chamber members and the evening’s entertainers.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, but chamber members and their employees can purchase tickets directly from the chamber without paying a service fee and at the $20 member price.

Learn the benefits of strength training

The Humility of Mary Health Partners is offering “Strength Training: Lifting the Limits of Aging” in two Women in Touch programs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Leo’s Ristorante, 7042 E. Market St., Howland, and Mar. 30 at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 S. Ave., in Boardman.

Joanne Delaquila, exercise physiologist at St. Joeseph Health Center, will discuss the benefits of strength training in relationship to osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, back pain, diabetes and depression and provide practical ways strength training can be applied safely at home.

The cost for the program is $18 per person and includes dinner.

Continuing education credits are available for nursing, social work and dietician technicians.

The registration deadline is one week prior to program date.

For information or to register, call the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Take charge of diabetes

The Ohio State University Extension will present an hour-long “Take Charge of Your Diabetes’” program Mar. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at The Senior Independence Center of Mahoning County, 1110 Fifth Ave., in Youngstown.

Beth Stefura will discuss the signs of diabetes, possible complications, and ways the condition can be managed, including simple steps of portion control and the importance of getting regular exercise.

A presentation will include a healthy food demonstration featuring fresh fruit tarts, green beans, cranberries, nuts and spicy grilled chicken.

Participants will learn about OSU Extension’s signature program, “Dining With Diabetes,” a three-session class that provides detailed information about living healthy with diabetes,

The event is free, but seating is limited. Participants must register by Monday.

For information or to register, call 330-533-5538.

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.

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.

Canfield Rotary approves new officers

The Canfield Rotary Club unanimously approved the slate of officers at its Feb. 19 meeting.

The new officers are Dante Zambrini, president; Mike Raulin, president-elect; Brianna Komara, vice president; Sieglinde Warren, past president; Bree Fitzgerald, secretary; Stephanie Childers, treasurer; Jack Saunders, sergeant-at-arms; Tom Pauley, club service; Anthony Nacarato, community service; Jodi Harmon, international service; Raymond H. McCune, Sr., vocational service; Jim Graneto, club administration; Bill Hendricks, public relations; Lynn Roman, service projects coordinator; Craig Olson, youth services coordinator; and Harold Reed, membership.

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.

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.

Canfield Library to offer free tax preparation

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be offering free tax preparation and electronic filing to seniors and those with low to moderate income on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until April 15.

Appointments are required. For a list of things to bring or to make an appointment, call 330-533-8420.

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.

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 trees is April 9 and for fish April 23.

Pickup dates for trees are April 7 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.

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.

Fill your trunk with treasures and join the sale

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a “Trunk Treasures” sale Apr. 17 at the Greenwood Hummer parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants can fill their trunk with anything they want to sell or bring a table and join others at the sale.

A parking space is $25 and you can buy two adjoining spots.

Reservations must be made by Apr. 9. Food vendors are welcome.

The event is being sponsored as part of the year-long 100th anniversary celebration of the Mahoning chapter.

To register, call Gail Froomkin at 330-726-6063.