Boardman briefs

Farmers insurance agent completes course

Felicia Davis, Farmers Insurance agent, completed the Career Agents Course at the University of Farmers, located in Agoura Hills, Calif. on Aug. 8.

Davis completed the five-day course, which Annette Thompson, senior vice president of Farmers’ describes as targeted to enhance the professional skills of Farmers’ agents. The course gives an agent the ability to learn how to successfully understand the needs of Farmers’ customers and help them choose the right insurance to meet their needs.

Pancake breakfast helps animal rescue organizations

TNR of Warren and For the Dogs Animal Rescue will sponsor a pancake breakfast on Sept. 17 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Packard Park Indoor Shelter House, 1703 Mahoning Ave. in Warren.

Cost is $7 per person for all-you-can-eat-pancakes served with sausage, milk, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. In addition to the breakfast, tickets will be available for a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction.

Both groups are nonprofit, volunteer-based and rely solely on donations and fundraisers. All proceeds from the event will continue to help TNR of Warren and for the Dogs save the dogs and cats of Trumbull and Mahoning counties.

For more information, call 330-330-8166, visit www.tnrofwarren.org or www.ForTheDogs.Petfinder.com or follow them on Facebook.

Win tickets to show

Enter a contest to win four vouchers for the Oct. 28 performance of “Phineas and Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever.” To enter, visit any branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, fill out an entry form and write a paragraph explaining why you like Phineas and Ferb. The contest runs Sept. 14- Oct. 14. Drawings will take place Oct. 15 at each branch. The library will notify winners.

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 Thursday.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 9 a.m. The store will be open to the public after the ceremony from 9 a.m. to 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 next weekend with a two-day event. Friday 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.

Saturday, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.