Kayak the river

Kayak the river

Experienced kayakers are invited to partner with the Trumbull Canoe Trails, a local paddling club, for their annual finale up the Mahoning River to Eagle Creek and back tomorrow at 11 a.m. Meet at Canoe City Metropark in Leavittsburg.

Call Ford Nature Center by tomorrow to register or for directions.

Visit Santa and his reindeer tomorrow

Bring the children to the MetroParks Farm tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a visit with Santa and one of his favorite reindeer. Don’t forget your camera to capture a special holiday photo! Children can make a craft to take home. The Farm Novelty Gift Shop will be open for holiday gifts.

Explore the farm in winter

Explore what seasonal changes winter has brought to the diverse habitats along the Mindy Henning Nature Trail on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, two miles.

Remembering Volney Rogers

The first week of December is a significant time of the month for remembering Volney Rogers-he was born on the first and died on the third. To commemorate the over 90 years that have passed since he left our Earth the Mill Creek MetroParks will dedicate hikes to him.

Today at noon, a 13-mile-hike to the cemetery to see his grave will take place. Meet at Volney Rogers statue. Parking is available at Recreation and Police Department offices at Glenwood and Falls Avenues. Those not wanting to hike can meet at the cemetery on Belmont Avenue at approximately 2 p.m.

Tomorrow at 2 p.m., after viewing a sample of historic photos related to what is now the Volney Rogers Field, a three-mile-hike to the area will take place.

Seating is limited, please register by calling Ford Nature Center by today. Meet at FNC.

Poland Shepherd of the Valley honors employee

LPN Norma Cohol has been named Employee of the Month for November at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland.

She has has been employed by Shepherd of the Valley for more than 20 years, transferring to SOV-Poland last December. She joined the night shift in December 2010 and brought with her that extra added element needed to complete the third shift.

Cohol currently resides in Hubbard with her husband, Dennis, and children, Brianna and Mitchell.

For more information, contact Kelly Stansloski at 330-726-7110, extension 0 or via email at kstansloski@shepherdofthevalley.com.

Holiday musical features lyrics by local teacher

Kandace Cleland, a theater teacher at Canfield, wrote the lyrics for the upcoming one act musical “Where’s Rudolph?” at the Trinity Playhouse in Lisbon.

The show will feature the Stage Left Youth Players and music by Jodine Pilmer.

There will be shows Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets for these shows are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.

In addition, there will be noon matinees on Dec. 10 and 17 that will include Lunch with Santa.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students and seniors.

To make reservations, e-mail stageleftseats@yahoo.com.

Benefit concert at Canfield High School Dec. 15

Canfield High School will host a concert to benefit the Dorothy Day House in Youngstown on Dec. 15 in the high school auditorium at 7:30. The event features the band JD Eicher and the Goodnights.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door the night of the show. To purchase tickets, or get more information, contact Alexa Billy at 330-402-5144.

Disciples Christian church presents live nativity

Disciples Christian Church, 565 Boardman-Canfield Road, presents “The Journey to Bethlehem” today from 1 to 4 p.m. This walk-through drama recreates the sights and sounds of the village of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth.

The program includes angels, wise men with their camels and the shepherds tending their flocks. Join them in their search to reach the stable and discover the newborn baby. Proceed inside to Fellowship Hall- transformed into the ancient city’s marketplace and watch craftsmen at their work, choose to make a craft yourself, or simply enjoy refreshments including cocoa and cookies.

For more information, call the church office at 330-758-8189.

ABWA plans Christmas celebration

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host their Christmas celebration on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. The celebration will involve a short meeting, entertainment and dinner.

Dinner will include a choice of Chicken Francaise, Veal Parmesan or baked scrod and the accompaniments of salad, au gratin potatoes, carrots, bread and butter, beverages and assorted pies. The cost is $22.

Reservations are due by tomorrow to Mary Lou McCarthy 330-758-2193 or Shirley Pappagallo (330-270-9779).

Members and guest may bring a $10 gift for a Christmas gift exchange and a contribution will be taken for The Sojourner’s House.

Local health care benefit firm expands

National Healthcare Access, Inc. (NHA) has announced the opening of an office in San Diego, becoming the third location nationally for the Poland-based employee healthcare benefits firm.

The Poland office, in addition to remaining the company’s headquarters, will now house its national customer service center.

NHA has routinely ranked as one of the highest performing agencies in the states in which it does business. This success, Frank Caparso, co-founder. stresses, is due to employees staying true to the company’s mission of improving clients’ understanding of health plans while working to control costs and supporting any challenge they experience.

Founded in 1991, NHA is an employee benefits agency that administers group benefit plans for local and national employers. The company has a strong focus on service and administration to develop cost-effective and successful healthcare programs for its clients.

For more information, visit www.NHCAI.com or contact Tim Cerimele or Dan Caparso at 330-707-1900 or 800-216-5841.

Cowan named Employee of the Month

Shepherd of the Valley-Poland recently announced housekeeper Sally Cowan as the October Employee of the Month.

Cowan started with Shepherd of the Valley-Poland in August 2004.

“It has been our pleasure to know Sally, as she as she has been a team player who is very kind and considerate of both residents and staff,” said her nominator. “Cowan is very efficient in her work and cares about the outcomes. She takes the residents needs into consideration when planning her day. She is always willing to pitch in when needed and her work is always done with a smile on her face and without a complaint.”

For more information, contact Kelly Stansloski, associate director, Shepherd of the Valley-Poland at 330-726-7110, extension 0, or via email at kstansloski@shepherdofthevalley.com.

Boardman Park hosts Senior Fun Day

Seniors are invited to come to Boardman Park on Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Senior Fun Day will include activities such as exercising, crafts, Bingo, lunch and blood pressure screening.

The event will take place in the Lariccia Family Community Center. Cost is $1.

To RSVP, call 330-965-0482.

Santa’s calling your house

Boardman Park will be assisting Santa with a direct line from the North Pole to the community. Parents who would like their children, ages 3 to 8, to receive a phone call from Santa can pick up a form at the Boardman Park office or download it from www.boardmanpark.com.

Completed forms should be returned to the park office, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman, or faxed to 330-726-4562. The deadline for forms is Dec. 13.

Santa will only have time for one call per family so it is important to be home during your scheduled time. There is no fee for the call.

Supper with Santa at Boardman Park

Boardman Park is hosting Supper with Santa on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The fee is $6 per Boardman resident and $8 for nonresidents and includes, dinner, crafts and music with Santa. The fee also includes a professional picture with Santa. Children under 2 are admitted free.

To purchase tickets, visit the park office. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Community Christmas and tree dedication

Boardman Park will host a community Christmas and tree dedication tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will include decorating the park’s evergreen trees using natural decorations for the wildlife to enjoy. Also, the event will include an appearance by Santa, music and caroling led by Tom Rugerri and Linda Smrek and the Boardman High School Band and free wagon rides.

The park will collect donations of canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank.

If interested in participating, call Sheryle at 330-726-8107 or email her at ssnow@boardmanpark.com.

Horticulture students open floral shop

The Horticulture students at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center have opened their floral shop to the community. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday through May.

The Floral Shop currently offers a selection of fall floral arrangements for the home, office or as gift. The students can also create custom fresh floral arrangements for their customers.

To plan an order or for more information, contact Mary June Emerson, Horticulture Instructor at 330-729-4000, ext. 1671.