Boardman briefs

Play global games

Children of all ages can play games from other lands July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Mother earth visits the library

Mother Earth will read “Dear Children of the earth, A Letter from home” by Schim Schimmel July 6 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

After the story, listeners will make a colorful flower magnet from used bottle caps and receive Earth-themed coloring books. Recommended for preschool children through grade five.

Harry Potter party correction

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s TeenXTreme librarians are hosting a “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” party July 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Poland library for teens in grades 7-12. A previous article mistakenly listed the program was open to children ages 7-12.

Interested teens can register for the party through Thursday by calling 330-744-8636 or by visiting www.libraryvisit.org/Potter or the Poland library.

LaFrance Cleaners offers free flag cleaning

LaFrance Cleaners wants to help local residents honor America, its soldiers and veterans by providing free dry cleaning services of American flags.

The company’s “True Colors” program allows customers to bring in flags to any LaFrance location and have them cleaned at no charge.

LaFrance Cleaners has been providing dry cleaning services to the Youngstown community for more than 65 years with 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.

Additional information on LaFrance is available at www.LaFranceCleaners.com.

Library hosts open house

Parents and caregivers can bring the little ones to the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County July 20 for a Baby Brilliant Summer Reading open house from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Children can visit stations and participate with hands-on activities designed to get children ready to read. Pick up some books, Baby Brilliant kits and activities to do at home that highlight early literacy. A frozen treat will be available for all participants. For adults and toddler-preschool children.

New store at Shops at Boardman Park

Five Below will join the tenant lineup at The Shops at Boardman Park, opening in August.

Five Below is a leading retailer of trend-right, extreme-value merchandise to the teen and preteen market, all for $1 to $5.

Five Below’s merchandise includes everything from sporting goods, games, fashion accessories and jewelry, to hobbies and collectibles, bath and body, candy and snacks, room d cor and storage, stationery and school supplies, video game accessories, books, DVDs, iPhone accessories, novelty and “gag,” and seasonal items.

Bond with books at library

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will Baby Brilliant program for babies 6-23 months July 17 at 10 a.m. The program features developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger play and other activities to help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet Rapunzel, a shark and a troll

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a family puppet show for children of all ages July 26 at 7 p.m. and July 27 at 10 a.m. The show ends with a treat for all.

Have herbal tea at garden party

The Holborn Herb Growers Guild will host a Garden Tea Party July 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Western Reserve Village at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Participants can sample herbal teas and delicacies, tour historic buildings and listen to garden music. There will be demonstrations with herbs and herbs for sale.

The cost for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Tickets are sold in advance only by calling Diane at 330-533-3802 or Sue at 330-702-0444.

Go around the world in 60 minutes

The Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will offer stories, games and a snack from a surprise destination July 12 at 2 p.m. The program is for all ages; preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult.

Have family story time

Parents and children are invited to a 30-minute family story time July 13 at 10 a.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Blood pressure screening scheduled

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a blood pressure screening July 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Tour the farm with the family

Enjoy a tractor-wagon ride and guided tour of MetroPark Farm every Thursday in July at 10 a.m.

Families can visit the animals and learn in the playroom. Reservations are suggested because space is limited. The tour is approximately 75 minutes. Pack a lunch and have a picnic after the tour. To register, call the farm at 330-533-7572.

See a movie under the stars

Bring a chair or blanket and MetroPark Farm will provide the popcorn during a family-approved movie July 16 at 8:30 p.m. Lawn seating will be available and the farm will use its barn door as a movie screen.

Get wedding ideas at the gardens

Meet area bridal vendors and discover wedding and reception ideas during Fellow Riverside Gardens Bridal Fair - A Garden Wedding July 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can register for door prizes and attend a 3 p.m. wedding fashion show.

Party at Prairie Nights

Join Friends at Fellows Riverside Gardens for its annual fundraiser and garden party July 29 at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s party is inspired by the Bison American Icon exhibit and will include a themed dinner, drinks and music by Redline. The cost for the event is $65. To make reservations, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Players perform Shakespeare in the park

The Mahoning Valley Players will perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” July 29 and 30 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.

Sculpt sand at Sunfest

Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a masterpiece and perhaps win a prize July 31 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.

Warm up America with afghans

All helping hands are welcome to make afghans and other projects to donate locally with A Loose Knit Group Friday and July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. For details, call 330-740-7116.

Hike during Sunfest

Meet at the kiosk near the tennis courts at Wick Recreation Area July 31 at 11 a.m. for a one-mile, easy-rated exploration of nearby trails.

Work on your writing skills

Join Karen Schubert July 13 and 27 for a writing workshop at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The fee for the class is $10 and participants may register before the beginning of class.

Walk for wellness

Health and wellness walks are scheduled Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. throughout July.

Meet July 6 at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately-difficult, four-mile hike, July 12 at the Golf Course overflow parking lot for an easy one or three-mile walk, July 20 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm for an easy-rated, two or four-mile walk and July 26 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road for a two or four-mile walk.

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.

Free summer fitness program offered

Ted Suzelis will start a free summer fitness program to help motivate people to get in shape. The program is appropriate for people of all fitness levels, as long as they are physically able to walk.

The summer fitness program will be a weekly walk/run on Saturday mornings 7:30 a.m. and ending Aug. 20. The group will meet at the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway at Kirk Road between state Route 46 and Taylor Road.

For information or to register, call Stephanie at 330-729-1350 or visit www.OhioND.com.

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.

Cruise in a kayak

All skill levels are invited to join kayak-escorted trips throughout July at East Newport Boat Launch.

Relax July 9 during an evening kayak trip on Lake Newport from 7-9 p.m. when wildlife is most active or explore the summer beauty of the Newport wetlands July 30 from 2-4 p.m.

Single and tandem kayaks are available; age restrictions apply. Reservations are necessary and must be made 36 hours prior to program. The fee is $12 a per person for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Second person in tandem kayak is half price.

Experienced kayakers can bring their kayaks and a safety light July 15 for a dusk to dark paddle from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Participants must register by July 14.

Kayakers 18 years and older can take a Thunder Moon kayak July 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This trip is not for first-time kayakers.

For information, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Military discounts offered on storage

Shepherd Self Storage is offering 15 percent off merchandise and rental units for all active military, veterans and their families (with proper ID) during its Red, White and Blue sale through July 4.

New customers who move in during this time can pay $1 for the first month if the second month is paid in full, plus tax and administration fees.

See Three Little Pigs Wednesday

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater will perform the True Story of the Three Little Pigs Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Calling Boardman grads

The Boardman High School Class of 1959 is planning a 70th Birthday Bash celebration for Boardman High School graduates from 1956 to 1962 July 19-21 at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The birthday bash will be July 20 at 5 p.m. The cost will be $50 per person and a cash bar will be available. For information, visit www.bhs59.com.

Camp for Kinder Kritters

Fun activities are planned for indoor and outdoor during the Kinder Kritters summer camp July 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Campers will go on short walks to learn about nature, have story time and make crafts. The cost for the camp is $25 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by July 11.

Be park pals at Mill Creek

Children entering grades first through third can become Park Pals as they learn about Mill Creek Park and the creatures that call it home July 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activities include hikes, crafts games and more. The cost for the camp is $30 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by July 5.

Free kids’ tennis camp

Children 6 to 12 can learn the fundamentals of tennis during a free tennis camp July 11-12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Yellow Creek Park. To register, call 330-740-7100.

Prize in the sand

Children of all ages can select a sticker or hand stamp when they find a hidden toy in the sand during regular hours at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in June.

Italian Fest scheduled

The Italian Fest is set for July 29-31 in downtown Youngstown.

Festivities will begin July 29 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.

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

Thursday class 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.

Take home a prairie plant

Robert Kehres of the Ohio Prairie Plant Nursery will describe how to use prairie plants in home landscape and talk about the history of prairies as seen in the current exhibit “The Bison” Wednesday at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each participant will be given a plant to take home. The fee is $10. To register, 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 Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

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

Travel to Ohio gardens

On July 21, travel to garden author Tracy DiSabato-Aust’s private garden “Hiddenhaven” in Sunbury, Ohio, when perennials are at their peak and then travel to Columbus for lunch and to visit the Ohio Heritage Garden at the Governor’s Residence. Tour the Dawes Arboretum before enjoying a dinner at the Buxton Inn in Granville.

The cost for the tour is $105 for garden members and $145 for nonmembers. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take the low and the high road

Join Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse Sunday for an easy rated, 1 Ω- mile exploration of the Lily Pond from both the low road (path along the shore) and the high road (One-Way Drive) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the Lily Pond.

Walk for health and wellness

Health and wellness walks are scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 a.m..

Meet Tuesday at the Main Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive for a 1 or 3-mile walk and Wednesday at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately-difficult, 3-mile walk.

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.

Family tours are back at the farm

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout 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.

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.

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.