Boardman briefs

ALDI ribbon-cutting ceremony

ALDI, the select assortment discount grocer, will be hosting its grand opening in a new location, 6600 South Ave, Boardman on Aug. 25.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 9 a.m. The store will be open to the public after the ceremony from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Library helps babies bond with books

The Boardman branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” for children ages 6-23 months Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

This program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library helps toddlers become successful readers

The Boardman branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk” for 2 and 3-year-olds on Sept. 7, 14 and 28 at 10 a.m.

The program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help toddlers become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library calls all travelers to Hawaii

The Boardman branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Calling All Travelers to Hawaii” on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.

The program will honor top readers for Summer Reading 2011 with a luau. The whole family can participate in a lei craft and enjoy a frozen treat.

Preschoolers must attend with an adult.

Class of 1981 reunion

Liberty High School Class of 1981 will hold its 30th reunion in August with a two-day event. On Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., alumni and families will tour the new LHS building, attend the opening night of football season, be recognized at halftime and attend a mixer at Station Square Restaurant on Belmont Ave.

On Aug. 27, the reunion dinner will be served at The Metroplex. Costs are $15/person for Friday and $45/person for Saturday. Reservations are requested by Aug. 13.

For more information, or call Vicki Mediate Antennuci at 330-759-0257.

Library hosts Fun Times

The Boardman branch of Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County will host “Fun Times” for children 4 and 5 on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Local personal trainer publishes book

Mark Russo, a personal trainer and owner of Fantastic Fitness, Inc., in Boardman has published an ebook which is currently available on Amazon.com.

The book, “Creating a Dynamite Body” describes the details of Russo’s approach to fitness. His five-tier system combines diet, aerobics, weight training, stretching and rest for best results. The program, which Russo developed during his 20-year career as a weight training enthusiast and personal trainer, is described in detail in his eBook.

Photos show specifics of each stretch and weight training exercise emphasizing correct form to minimize injury, the main culprit in derailing a fitness program. The program has been very successful for athletes and everyday folks who need to minimize gym time due to busy schedules.

Local student graduates from Otterbein, interns in New York

Mark Cramer, son of Randy and Vicky Cramer of Boardman and Todd and Lisa Smith of Poland, recently graduated from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration.

The 2007 Poland graduate is interning with the National Hockey League offices in New York.

Garden club hosts horticultural show

The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown will host its 47th annual horticultural show Aug. 27-28 at Fellows Riverside Gardens. This show is free and open to the public.

Entries may be submitted by young and old alike on Aug. 27 from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Awards will be presented Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. Flowers and/or veggies may be entered. A special cash prize will be awarded for the heaviest tomato. Visit www.MGCY.org or call Rodney Toth at 330-759-1993 for details.

Marine Corps reunion set for today

The Tri-State Marine Detachment No. 494 of the Marine Corps League will host the 32nd annual Marine Corps Reunion today at the Saxon Club, 710 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

The event is open to all Marines past and present, plus friends and their quests.

The festivities will begin with refreshments at 6 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7, followed by the speaker, music and dancing and will last until midnight. The speaker was assigned by the United States Marine Corps, Commandant’s office and will be Lt. Col. Joseph Raftery, a Philadelphia native and a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

The evening will also include, door prizes, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.

Tickets for this event will be $25.Reservations can be made by calling Frank Griffiths at 330-533-2314 or Ed Leviseur at 330-702-0667.

Get your lucky suit cleaned for free

Youngstown-based LaFrance Cleaners is introducing a program that will help unemployed individuals in the Mahoning Valley make a good first impression at their next job interview. The program called ‘Fresh Start’ allows area residents to have clothing they will wear when seeking employment dry-cleaned for free.

“Any businessperson will tell you that an applicant’s appearance is important when making a hiring decision,” said LaFrance president Stephen Weiss. “These days people need every possible advantage in order to land a job.”

The ‘Fresh Start’ program will run through the end of August. Individuals who wish to participate must bring in proof of unemployment and identification. The free service is limited to one outfit per participant and includes a shirt or blouse, slacks, dress or a skirt and suit coat or blazer.

LaFrance Cleaners has locations in Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Liberty and Youngstown, as well as free pick-up and delivery service to homes and offices throughout the Mahoning Valley.

New gourmet eatery now open

Bella’s To-Go, a quick-serve gourmet cuisine eatery and catering service, has opened at 400 Boardman-Poland Road, across from the Shops at Boardman Park, near Sprint and the new Plato’s Closet.

The eatery offers a range of healthful and delicious choices. On the light side, there are seasonal soups, unusual wraps, bold salads, stuffed burgers and exotic pizzas. Entr e selections include chicken francaise, veal marsala and filet tenderloin with an array of side dishes that change daily.

Grocery stores help Wounded Warriors

Three local Nemenz IGA’s will participate in a national cause marketing initiative to raise money for Wounded Warrior Project.

Locations include 2980 McCartney Road, Youngstown; 8 N. Broad St., Canfield; and 655 Creed St., Struthers.

During this national promotion, through Sept. 5, IGA will donate 10 cents from the sale of every specially-marked case of IGA brand water to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Family tours are back at the farm

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout the summer families can join MetroParks Farm for a 60-70 minute guided tractor-wagon tour of the facility.

The playroom will be open. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the tour. Reservations are suggested. For information, call the farm at 330-533-7572.

Boardman, YSU grad earns MBA

Jordan B. Winters, 2005 Boardman graduate, recently earned his MBA from the Fisher College of Business from The Ohio State University. He was named a Fisher scholar, an honor reserved for those in the top tier of the MBA graduating class, based on academic performance in required core course work. As part of his acceptance to OSU, Jordan was selected to receive the prestigious Graduate Enrichment Fellowship Award in recognition of his outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, exceptional character, integrity and leadership.

After interning as a Research Assistant in Investments – Equities for the past year with the State Teacher’s Retirement System of Ohio in Columbus, Winters has accepted a permanent position with STRS as a Jr. Securities Analyst. Winters graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from Youngstown State University in December 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance/Economics. He is the son of Bruce and Bonnie Winters of Boardman.

Library hosts parachute activity

Parents and their children of all ages are invited to the Boardman library Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. for stories and parachute activities. There will be a frozen treat for all. The activity lasts 30 minutes.

Learn smart money management

A smart money game will highlight the final reading event of the summer at the Boardman library on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The event is for children of all ages. Preschoolers must attend with an adult.

Take a tractor tour on the farm

MetroParks Farm will offer guided tractor tours on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. Space is limited, call 330-533-7572 to reserve a seat.

Books, chalk and a frozen treat await

The Boardman library is coordinating Family Storytime with Chalk Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. Parents and children will hear stories and get a frozen treat. There will be an outside chalk activity or an indoor activity if is rains. The activity is for children of all ages and lasts 30 minutes.

Adviser earns prestigious award

Edward Jones financial adviser Valerie D’Apolito, of Boardman, recently received the Jack Phelan Blue Blazer Award for her outstanding business building skills and client service efforts over the past year.

Only 218 of the firm’s more than 12,000 financial advisers received the Jack Phelan Blue Blazer Award. D’Apolito was one of only 1,869 financial advisers out of more than 12,000 to receive the A.F. McKenzie Achievement Award.

Enjoy classic rock, join the club

Classic Rock Social Club is calling all classic rock fans to join them. There are no member fees, just e-mail John Paul jpjam@crsclub.com or call 330-792-8146.

Social walk groups form

The Senior Striders Group will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and the Stroller Strutters Group will meet Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the St. James parking lot and start their walks on the new North Trail.

The self-guided walk encourages participants to join together to promote fitness and socialize. For information, contact Karen at 330-965-0482 or visit www.boardmanpark.com.

Lions Club honors student

Tabatha Turney, a graduate of Leetonia High School, recently received a scholarship from The Youngstown Lions Club.

The scholarship is given to a graduate who plans on attending Youngstown State University. The scholarship is in memory of Rita Merz, an outstanding Lion who passed away.

Turney had a 3.95 GPA and was president of The National Honor Society and Student Council.

She will enter the pre-med program and wants to become a pediatrician.

BHS alum earns Doctor of Pharmacy

Brian Hoffmaster, a 2005 Boardman High School graduate, recently graduated from the University of Toledo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Hoffmaster is the son of Scott and

Valorie Hoffmaster and his future plans include a pharmacy residency at the William Beaumont Hospitals in Troy, Mich.

Grieve with friends

Honor and remember children who have passed away at Bereaved Parent of the USA-Mahoning County Chapter’s monthly meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Park Vista of Youngstown, 1216 Fifth Ave.

For information, call Diane Hunter-Copeland at 330-770-2686.

Enjoy yoga every Tuesday

Get a rigorous workout and experience peace in the hectic world doing ashtanga yoga with Kirk every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Unity Centre for Spiritual Living, 1226 Naylor-Lloyd Road in Liberty.

The class is not for beginners; intermediate to advanced yoga practitioners only. For information, call 330-539-0122 or visit www.unitycentre.org.

Have family garden fun

Visit the Family Garden on fair weather Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to dig, plant, water or read a book. The Friendly Garden Greeter at the Discovery Cart will tell about plants and will offer many free hands-on activities.

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