Boardman briefs

Become part of St. Charles School

St. Charles School, 7325 Westview Dr., will host an informational program Sunday from 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the school cafeteria for children and parents interested in enrolling.

The program will include a presentation, questions, answers and a tour of the school.

ABWA meeting planned for Feb. 8

The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA will host its next meeting Feb. 8 at A La Cart in Canfield at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner will cost $15 and includes chicken noodle and potato soup, salad, chicken, ham or turkey croissants and dessert.

The speaker for the evening will be Mary Brown and Jody Codespote, who attended workshops at the national convention in Tennessee. Letters will be presented for the 2011-12 Woman of the Year.

Reservations must be made by Monday by calling Joan Lucansky at 330-755-8212 or Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089.

Mid-winter concert planned for Sunday

The Dana Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of John Wilcox, will present a free mid-winter concert Sunday at 4 p.m. in Bliss Recital Hall.

Featured works will include Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 the “Miracle,” Vivaldi’s Concerto in F Major for Three Violins and Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate with guest artist Dr. Misook Yun. After a brief intermission Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 the “Italian” will conclude the program.

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

Taste wine for a cause

The Youngstown Club on Commerce Street will host a wine tasting extravaganza March 5 for the benefit of Mahoning County DD Special Olympics.

Chef Michael will use his culinary expertise to prepare hors d’oeuvres with various wines to enhance the complementary flavors of both.

Tickets are $50 per person and include a charitable tax deduction of $25. To reserve tickets, call 330-724-2177.

Visit Cardinal Mooney open house

Cardinal Mooney High School, 2545 Erie St., will host an open house Sunday from noon until 3:00 p.m.

The open house, which will conclude Mooney’s “Catholic Schools Week” celebration, is designed to give the public an opportunity to visit the school and learn more about the school and its curriculum.

Members of the faculty and administration will be available to explain the school’s curriculum, detail new course offerings for the 2011-2012 school year and to discuss financial aid opportunities. In addition, students will be featured in various demonstrations and projects.

Visitors will be invited to take guided tours of the building. Information concerning application procedures will be available and new student applications will be accepted.

The school’s Alumni Association will sponsor a Tuition Drawing, featuring four $500 scholarship prizes and the Cardinal Mooney Home and School Association will host a Chinese auction in the cafeteria.

Come to a night at the races

The Boardman Lady Spartans Fastpitch Softball team will host its biggest fundraiser event, Night at the Races, tonight at the Operating Engineer’s Hall, 29 McClurg Road.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and races begin at 7 p.m.

The cost is $5 and will allow those over 21 to enjoy salad, wings, pizza and more. Soft drinks and beer will be included.

A Super Bowl block pool, number boards, Chinese auction and 50/50 drawings are planned.

For information, call Debbie Huck at 330-503-6650.

Grab dinner at St. Nicholas Parish Center

The St. Nicholas Moms’ and Dads’ Club will host a roasted chicken dinner today from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Center, 764 Fifth St. in Struthers.

The cost for the dinner is $7 for adults, $5 for students and children 4 and under eat free. The dinner includes roasted chicken, potato, veggies and roll. Hot dogs and fries can be purchased for $3.50. Drinks and dessert will be available.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Parish office for $6.50.

Steel Valley K-9’s 4-H members wanted

Membership in 4-H closes the end of February and anyone interested in joining should do so by early February. For information, call 330-531-6700, extension 62034.

Informational meetings for China trip planned

The Regional Chamber is hosting two free informational sessions in February to discuss details of a vacation trip to China planned for Nov. 2-11.

The sessions will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Holiday Inn Boardman, 7410 South Ave. and Feb. 23 at Ciminero’s Banquet Centre, 123 Main St. in Niles.

The trip’s cost is $2,099 per person and includes seven nights in a five-star hotel in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, 20 meals, round trip airfare from New York, air taxes, fees, baggage handling, professional tour manager, comprehensive sightseeing, local guide service and admissions per itinerary.

The trip is open to residents of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and their guests and is hosted by the Regional Chamber and Chamber Explorations.

For information and itinerary, visit www.regionalchamber.com.

Reservations for the informational meeting are preferred, as a light refreshment will be provided. To reserve, call Jennifer at 330-744-2131, extension 12.

Be entertained on Valentine’s Day

Tickets are available for the Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Dinner and Entertainment Benefit for the Ursuline Center in Canfield.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road. The cost is $22 per person or $200 for 10 people and includes a Valentine-theme gourmet meal provided by Broad Street Diner and a chocolate fountain dessert.

Featured entertainment will include pianist Thomas Solich who will provide dinner music and the Ursuline High School Chorus who will entertain after dinner with a selection of popular music.

For tickets and information, contact the Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941 or visit www.theursulinecenter.org.

Become the next Miss Bodyworks

Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center is presenting the 30th anniversary Health & Fitness show and the 2011 Miss Bodyworks and Ms. Bodyworks Contest, including seminars and presentations today from noon to 5 p.m. at Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center in Austintown.

Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center welcomes local companies, businesses, institutions for vendors, participation, sponsorship and donation of prizes.

To register for the competition, call 330-505-1111 today.

Valentine’s party planned for Jr. League

The next meeting for the Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will be Feb. 7 at The English Pub, 1305 Boardman-Poland Road.

A Valentines’s Day party is planned. Wear something red to celebrate Women’s Heart Month.

Women interested in joining or receiving information can contact membership chairperson Linda Crish at 330-727-9321 or 330-757-7993.

Dinner and a raffle planned March 18

The Boardman Band and Orchestra will host its third annual Reverse Raffle and Dinner March 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Georgetown, 5945 South Ave.

Tickets are $100 per couple and include dinner for two, open bar, D.J. and Reverse Raffle ticket.

There will be a small reverse raffle side board, Chinese raffle and 50/50 raffle.

Tickets may be purchased from any Boardman Band or Orchestra parent. For information, contact Bryan Logan at 330-781-0156 or 330-503-8787.

Bring brilliant babies to the library

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m.

This event is for children 6 to 23 months old and books, songs, rhymes and finger plays are some of the activities that will be provided for the children.

This program is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Wednesdays in February at 10 a.m.

The event for children ages 4 and 5 is scheduled Tuesdays in February at 10 a.m.

Library event focuses on black history

Children of all ages can make and play a concentration game celebrating Black History Month at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in February.

Make Valentine friends at the library

Children of all ages are invited to the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. for holiday stories and craft.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sessions begin the first week of February. To schedule an appointment, call 330-726-2492.

Friends of the Library to meet Feb. 14

Friends of the Library is scheduled to meet Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

The program by Youngstown State University’s Randy Goldberg is titled “Hearing Mozart in the 18th century.”

Puzzle swap at the library

Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County are sponsoring a puzzle swap at the Boardman branch library Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. Bring new or completed puzzles to swap.

Make reservations at Boardman Park now

Boardman Park is now taking reservations for its Indoor Meeting Rooms, Open-Air Pavilions and St. James Meeting House for the balance of available dates in 2011 and for 2012 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 330-726-8105 or in person at the office, located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Reservations made through the office must be paid within 10 days from the date the reservation is made.

Reservation may be paid for by check, cash or money order. Reservations may also be made online at www.boardmanpark.com.

Teen advisory board meeting scheduled

The Teen Advisory Board meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

The next meeting is scheduled Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting is for teens in grade seven through 12 and newcomers are welcome.

Red Cross offers free blood pressure screenings

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer free blood pressure screenings at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Become a MetroMutt member

Bring the pooch and join Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse for a hike around the Lily Pond Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Birch Hill Cabin.

Afterward, warm up at Birch Hill Cabin and learn more and become a MetroMutts member.

New members will receive a collapsible dog bowl. Refreshments and treats for canines and people will be provided. Dogs must be non-aggressive, under control and on a six-foot maximum leash at all times.

For information, call the Metroparks Administrative Office at 330-702-3000.

Get ready for the golf season

Metroparks Farm will host an indoor golf class Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program will include a brief computerized video swing analysis applying the One and Two Plane Golf Swing combined with a fitness assessment from certified Titleist Performance Institute instructor. Golf instructors include PGA Golf Director Dennis Miller and PGA professional Jon Jones. The fitness portion will be led by TPI certified trainer Bob Serich.

Classes are limited to 24 student and registration is under way. The cost for the program is $30.

For information, call the Pro Shop at 330-740-7112.

Learn how to make hors d’oeuvres

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques during a demonstration on how to prepare and serve four hors d’oeuvres Feb. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost the program is $28 for garden members and $35 for non-members.

To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Taste wine for the dogs

For the Dogs will host its first wine tasting and Chinese auction Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Vintage Estate Wine and Beer, 7317 South Ave.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person and includes six pours plus light appetizers.

The event is open to the public but limited to 100 ticket holders. No tickets will be sold at the door. Money raised will be used to rescue dogs from the Mahoning County Dog Pound.

For information, visit www.ForTheDogs.Petfinders.com or call 330-398-9468.

Monday meetings set for conservation district

Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District Board meetings for 2011 will be at 7 p.m. the second Monday each month at the District Office, 850 Industrial Road in Youngstown.

Anyone interested in being contacted regarding special meetings or changes to regular meetings can call 330-740-7995.

New board member for Rich Center

The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University welcomed Brian Jackson to the board of directors.

Jackson is currently vice president and Chief Information Officer at Farmers National Bank, where he oversees Enterprise Information Technology systems in support of business operations.

Jackson grew up in Youngstown, graduating from Ursuline High School. He earned a degree from Youngstown State University where he studied computer science and mathematics.

Help warm up America

Join other crafters from the Loose Knit Group at the Antonucci Library Friday and Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon and help warm up America by making afghans and other projects.

All helping hands are welcomed. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time.

For information, call Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Writing workshop planned

Karen Shubert will lead a writing workshop about meaningful, everyday experiences Feb. 9 and 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Various topics will be explored. All levels of experience are welcome — just bring a pen and paper.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Buy used books for good prices

Shop for used gardening book, cookbooks and horticulture magazines at the twice-loved book sale Feb. 12-20 from 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Davis Education Center and Visitor Center.

The sale benefit’s the Antonucci Library at the Gardens and donations of used gardening books are appreciated at any time.

Learn to grow a giant pumpkin

The Ohio Valley Pumpkin Growers will host a free pumpkin growing class Feb. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Registration is required. To register, call 330-533-7278.

Decorate eggs Pysanky-style

Mary Soldo will teach an introductory Pysanky egg decorating class for ages 12 and older Feb. 12 at Fellows Riverside gardens.

The cost for the workshop is $15 for garden members and $20 for nonmembers and participants will create their own egg. Registration and fee are due at the Ford Nature Center by Feb. 5.

Take an inside passage to Alaska

Ken Gober, retired Cleveland MetroParks naturalist, returns Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. to kick off the Nature Photography Exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The exhibit will feature the waters of Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm and the ports of Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines and Elfin Cove.

Play the nature game

Participate in Mahoning Valley Audobon Society’s “Do You Know? The Nature Game” Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at MetroParks Farm and have a chance to win prizes.

Compete by identifying various natural wonders by sight and sound. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 888-864-8851.

Garden on the sunny side

Join three garden experts at the Winter Seminar of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown Feb. 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore what’s new in gardening.

The annual event is cosponsored by Mill Creek MetroParks and will feature ideas for entrance gardens, great plant combos, trees and shrubs for small spaces and what’s new for the garden.

The fee is $40 and $50 after Sunday. For information and to register, call John Kolar at 330-545-2266 or visit www.mgcy.org/wintersseminar.aspx.

Have afternoon tea at the gardens

Join Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an elegant afternoon tea. Tea sandwiches, sweets, harp music by Darlene MacBenn and the humor of Molly Brown will be provided.

The cost for the event is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take a brisk walk before breakfast

Start Feb. 25 with a brisk walk through the gardens followed by breakfast at the Garden Caf and a lesson on members of the orchid family from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The fee is $7 for garden members and $9 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with animals

Two-year-old children and their adult companions can honor most-loved animals Feb. 10 at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center’s “Tales for Twos: I love Animals.”

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Arrange flowers for someone special

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their favorite adult will use pink and red miniature carnations to make cushion flowers during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Hearts and Flower program Feb. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. or Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon.

The fee is $8 for residents and $11 for nonresidents and a story and snack will be included. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Make a valentine

Children 6 and up and their adult partner can make handmade valentines using mulberry papers, pressed flowers and leaves during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Botanical Valentines Feb. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost for the event is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Fly like an eagle

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will learn about bald eagles Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. during the Ford Nature Center’s “Preschool Nature Hour: Fly Like an Eagle.”

The cost for the program is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Listen to the Al-Ray Combo

The Al-Ray Combo will play a variety of music Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Yellow Creek Park Lodge.

Hunger Moon explained Feb. 18

Learn why the Native Americans gave this month’s moon such a strange name Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. during a 2-mile, moderately-difficult interpretive hike.

Hiker should meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot. Icy conditions are possible.

Explore Pioneer Pavilion

View vintage slides featuring the photography of Lindley Vickers and explore the historical Pioneer Pavilion Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

Meet at the pavilion. Walking will be minimal, but the program will be upstairs.

Take winter birds 101

A presentation on simple bird basics, common winter birds and the Great Backyard Bird Count will be followed by a hike to areas near Ford Nature Center Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Icy conditions are possible for this moderately-difficult 1-mile hike. Hikers will observe and count birds for the bird count. Meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Enjoy a hike and hot chocolate

Cool it on a moderately-difficult, 3-mile winter hike and then return to the Ford Nature Center for a warm cup of hot chocolate and a presentation about South Carolina wildflowers Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Hike for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks will host a series of Health and Wellness walks Wednesday and Feb. 16 at 9 a.m.

Wednesday walkers meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm for a moderately-difficult 2 or 4-mile walk.

Feb. 16 walkers meet at the main Golf Course overflow parking lot for an easy-rated 1 or 3-mile walk.

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.

Harvest ice the old-fashioned way

Learn how the Youngstown Ice Company harvested ice for commercial use from Mill Creek and the Mahoning River in the early 1900s during a º-mile hike around Lake Glacier Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

A three-mile hike to see what’s left of the ice company will be offered immediately afterward. The hike contains hills and steps.

Do yoga at the gardens

Bring a mat and small blanket to learn a blend of energizing yoga styles from Heidi Suraci at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout January.

Tuesdays will feature beginners’ classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and intermediate classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday classes will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are open to all levels.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

T’ai Chi in the garden

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form taught by Marie Lew Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. during January at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The costs is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.