Boardman community briefs

Shepherd of the Valley hosts job fair

Shepherd of the Valley Home Health Services will host a job fair for registered nurses (RNs) and aides interested in working in the home health field Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the offices in Austintown.

Attendees must either bring a resume or go online prior to the fair and upload their resume and information at www.ShepherdoftheValley.com. Other openings available at the five Shepherd locations can also be viewed.

For more information, contact Deidre Watson at 330-530-4038, extension 2038 or dwatson@ShepherdoftheValley.com.

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.

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.

You could win a Chevy Cruze for $20

The Rotary Club of Canfield is partnering with Hospice of the Valley to make someone the lucky winner of a “fully-loaded” 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ.

Tickets for the car raffle will be on sale this weekend at the Southern Park Mall. The Chevy Cruze will be on display in the Main Concourse in front of Macy’s and raffle tickets will be available for $20. Proceeds from this raffle will benefit Canfield Rotary and Hospice of the Valley and their many local community projects.

Church Bible school has Indiana Jones theme

Boardman’s Evangel Baptist Church, located at 5248 Southern Blvd., will host its Vacation Bible School event with the theme of “The Egypt File, Decoding the Mystery of Life” Aug. 1-5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Parents can register children and their friends by calling 330-782-1151 or visiting www.boardmanevangel.org (click on EBC Kids link on the VBS page). A preview video of the event is online.

The event is an “Indiana-Jones theme” adventure and includes a Bible lesson, music, crafts, snacks, games and a visit from “Jungle Terry.”

For more information, contact Laura Gilbert at 330-782-1151.

Marine Corps reunion set for Aug. 13

The Tri-State Marine Detachment No. 494 of the Marine Corps League will host the 32nd annual Marine Corps Reunion Aug. 13 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.

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.

Have Christmas in July at a car show

A Christmas in July theme car, motorcycle and craft show is scheduled for today at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Dr., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 registrants and the event will include trophies, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, dash plaques, entertainment, cornhole contest and prizes.

Car and motorcycle exhibitors can preregister for $8 or pay $10 the day of the event. Crafter registration fees are $25. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted. For information or to register, contact Rita Rider at 330-318-3610 or Mary Ann at 330-533-0253.

Library helps make babies brilliant

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will sponsor Baby Brilliant: Bonding With Babies and Books for babies 6-23 months on Thursday at 10 a.m. The event features developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tricky stories and lots of laughs at library

The Boardman library will host Family Storytime with a Twist Wednesday at 10 a.m. The event includes trickster stories and fun and lasts 30 minutes. Parents are invited to join their children. The event is for children of all ages.

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 Aug. 17 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.

Players perform Shakespeare in the park

The Mahoning Valley Players will perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” tonight at the Judge Morley Pavilion at 6 p.m.

The free performance is a romantic comedy with star-crossed lovers, mistaken identity and happy ending. Lawn seating is available, bring a chair or blanket.

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.

Sculpt sand at Sunfest

Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a masterpiece and perhaps win a prize tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area.

Sand and water will be provided. Participants should bring tools and creativity. To reserve a pile of sand for $5, call 330-740-7107.

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.

Quaker Steak hosts swimsuit contest

Quaker Steak & Lube Æ in Austintown is hosting its first Swim Suit USA International Model Search, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles.

Women can put on their best tasteful swim and night wear and win prizes, including cash and a trip to Las Vegas representing the state of Ohio.

The competition will consist of a preliminary round today starting at 8 p.m. with a different panel of judges each week.

The final round will be Aug. 6. During the final round, most of the judges from the previous weeks will come back to select a lady from the Austintown Quaker Steak & Lube Æ to move on to Canton and maybe ultimately, Las Vegas.

For information on how to enter the contest, call Danielle Hall at 330-349-9464.

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.

Tour MetroParks Farm via tractor

Children can make a craft to take home and tractor rides leave every half hour tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Meditate in movement tomorrow

Join Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kidston Pavilion.

Through simple, graceful movements participants can focus on inner strength while appreciating the beauty of the gardens. The cost for the class is $10.

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

Hike during Sunfest

Meet at the kiosk near the tennis courts at Wick Recreation Area tomorrow at 11 a.m. for a one-mile, easy-rated exploration of nearby trails.

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.

Italian Fest scheduled

The Italian Fest is set for this weekend in downtown Youngstown.

Festivities began Friday at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies, followed by the Miss Italian Youngstown Pageant at 7 p.m. The Miss Italian Youngstown beauty and talent pageant has become a tradition at the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.

The pageant includes modeling, speaking about Italian heritage and performing a talent.

There will be continuous entertainment and fun activities, including Morra and a pasta eating contest. A little King and Queen will also be crowned.

For information, contact pageant chairman Anthony Julian at 330-799-8184 or 330-207-0515.

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.