Canfield briefs


Pasta benefit planned Sunday

A pasta and meatball dinner to benefit double lung transplant recipient Tina Carkido will be Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Local No. 66 Union Hall, 291 McClurg Road.

The cost for dinner will be $8 for adults and free for children 6 and under who eat on site. The dinner includes pasta, sauce and salad by Nicolinni’s Ristorante Executive Chef Patrick Lavanty and homemade bread by the Bread Chef. Take-out orders will be available.

There will be a Vento motorcycle and gift basket auction and 50/50 drawing.

All proceeds will benefit Carkido. Make checks payable to Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

Take out dinner served April 7

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, will host its Take-out Thursday Dinner April 7 from 4 p.m. until sold out.

The cost for dinner is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and brownie.

No reservations needed just drive through.

Canfield PR consultant quoted in news

Dan Pecchia, a local public relations consultant, was quoted in a recent “PR News” article about PR strategies that support major corporate changes.

Pecchia, president of Pecchia Communications in Canfield, told the national weekly newsletter that clear language and employee input are critical to the success of such changes.

“A good PR person can cut through the complex language that often accompanies internal change, particularly if it’s around technology,” Pecchia told “PR News.”

Local clients of Pecchia Communications include Harrington Hoppe & Mitchell, Aim NationaLease, Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, Ankle & Foot Care Centers and others.

Canfield students excel at Kent

Donald E. Lewis III and Connor McNamara of Canfield were named to the Dean’s list for the fall semester of the 2010-2011 academic year.

Lewis, a 2008 Canfield High School graduate, is a junior sports business major. He is the son of Donald and Leslie Lewis.

McNamara, a 2007 Canfield graduate, is a senior majoring in English. He is the son of Rita and the late Eugene McNamara.

To be named to the Dean’s list, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher.

Second place for toastmaster

Youngstown Executive Toastmaster Kathy Hammons won second place at the Central Division International Speech Competition in Akron March 15 for her performance of “These Walls Are Coming Down.”

MCCTC offering salon appointments to public

The Cosmetology students at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are now offering afternoon hours at their salon to the public.

Afternoon appointments are available starting at noon.

All services are performed by students under the supervision of their instructor and prices start at just $6.

Services include haircuts, hairstyles, perms, relaxers, facials, hair removal, hair color and manicures.

The salon will be open now until May by appointment only.

To make an appointment, call Linda Tomko at 330-729-4000, extension 1309.

Business Women host Chinese auction

Tri-Gold Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its fifth annual Chinese Auction at St. Nick’s Hall in Struthers April 9 at 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $5 and includes a sheet of bidding tickets, a door prize entry and refreshments.

All proceeds go toward the annual scholarship fund given to area students.

To make a donation, get chapter information or purchase tickets call Sharon at 330-793-6208.

Enroll early at Summit Academy

Summit Academy in Youngstown is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year for kindergarten through eighth grade.

Enrollment packets can be picked up at the school’s office at 144 N. Schenley Ave.

For information. visit www.summitacademies.com or call 330-259-0421.

The deadline for early enrollment is May 1.

New HR director at Shepherd of the Valley

Deidre Watson recently joined the staff of Shepherd of the Valley as the director of human resources.

Watson brings extensive HR experience to the position with a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration/Human Resources from Youngstown State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

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.

Homestead exemption outreach

Representatives from the Mahoning County Auditor’s Office will be available for Homestead Exemption questions and to help fill out applications at the Canfield branch of the public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County April 7 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Senior citizen and disabled homeowners will receive help applying for the Homestead Exemption on their Mahoning County property taxes.

Applicants must bring proof of age (driver’s license or copy of birth certificate) to apply.

Lenten breakfasts offered

Canfield Christian Church, 123 S. Broad St., will host free Lenten breakfasts each Wednesday through April 20 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Donations will be accepted.

Free test kits for cancer awareness

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Humility of Mary Health Partners Cancer Centers are offering free fecal occult blood test kits.

A FOBT is a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool, which is a symptom of colorectal cancer. This test can be performed in the privacy of your home. Those at risk for colorectal cancer are 50 years and older, physically inactive, smokers and those with a family history of the disease. If detected early, colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable.

The kits are available by calling the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or toll-free at 877-700-4647.

Learn ways to stay fit

Local fitness expert Eve Bevilacqua will conduct Well of Body, a session designed to teach participants new ways to stay fit without strenuous physical activity Apr. 5 at the Ursuline Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bevilacqua is currently the wellness director for Copeland Oaks/Crandall Medical Center of Sebring.

The cost for the session is $10.

To register, call the center at 330-799-4941.

Program focuses on household hazards

Humility of Mary Health Partners will offer two “Women in Touch Programs” from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave., Boardman; and April 7 at Leo’s Ristorante, 7042 E. Market St., Howland.

The topic of these programs is “Making Your Home a Healthy Home.” Participants will learn common household hazards (lead, mercury, arsenic, carbon monoxide, radon, mold and volatile organic compounds) and the factors that contribute to air quality and health, and what to do to prevent or reduce exposure. The cost of $18 includes dinner. Registration deadline is one week prior to program date. For information or to register, call 330-480-3151 or toll-free at 877-700-4647.

Guess and win

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is offering a prize for the participant who guesses the closest number of items in a jar throughout the month of March.

History is our strength

Throughout the month of March the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is offering a prize to individuals who correctly complete a quiz about women and their important achievements.

March is Women’s History Month and teenagers in grades seven through 12 are encouraged to participate.

Fish and Game club to travel to Pittsburgh

The Fish and Game of Vienna is taking a bus to the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Pittsburgh April 30. The bus is departing the Fish and Game of Vienna parking lot at 8 a.m. and will return at 7 p.m. Tickets for the trip are $18 each or two for $35.

Rotary Club to host Pancake breakfast

The Boardman Rotary Clubs is hosting its 28th annual Pancake Breakfast during Boardman Park’s Maple Syrup Festival today and Sunday.

The traditional selection of pancakes and sausages will be served by Boardman Rotary and Interact Club members in the park’s Lariccia Family Community Center.

Tickets are $6 and available for purchase from any Boardman Rotary club member or at the door.

Call Cynthia Rogers at 330-559-4966 for information.

Have dinner with the Doc

Dr. Jason Marucci and Dr. Joseph Ethen will host a “Tired if Being Tired” health lecture and complimentary dinner Wednesday at Stonebridge Grille and Tavern, 1497 Boardman-Canfield Road.

The dinner talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. and address simple strategies to deal with “burn out” and the feeling of constantly being tired. As an added bonus learn how stress is preventing you from losing weight and why diets and exercise haven’t worked for you. Exercise less and lose more weight.

Preregistration is necessary and seating is limited.

To register, call 330-286-3669.

Historic awards nominations under way

Nominations for the Historic Preservation Committee’s 2011 Historic Preservation Awards will be accepted until April 1.

The awards program is in it seventh year and honors those in the Mahoning Valley who take an active role in preserving historic buildings, sites and districts. Historic preservation projects in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties are eligible for recognition in appropriate categories. Award winners will be announced to the public during Historic Preservation Month in May and recognized by the members of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society at the Society’s Annual Meeting in June.

A brochure containing all awards program criteria and an application form is available on the Historical Society’s Website, www.mahoninghistory.org or by mail. For information call 330-743-2589 or e-mail mvhs@mahoninghistory.org.

What do you think a leprechaun looks like?

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is offering students the chance to share their pictures of leprechauns throughout the month of March.

Children of all ages can draw their best interpretation of a leprechaun and ask the librarian to hang the design in the window.

Bonding with babies and books

Join the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County April 11 at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. This event is for children ages 6 to 23 months old.

This event is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Tuesdays in April at 10 a.m. and for 4 and 5-year-olds Tuesdays in April at 1:30 p.m.

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.

Easter anagram contest

Children of all ages can unscramble the letters to find Easter words in the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s anagram contest throughout the month of April during regular library hours.

Tales to Tails at library

Sign up to read to a registered therapy dog, which helps develop reading skills, promotes confidence and encourages a love of reading, at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Sign up is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Canfield library.

Earth Day energy exam at library

Earth Day is April 22. Stop by the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County throughout the month of April to take the Energy Exam. SClBIf you can tell what items/activities use the most energy, you could win a prize. This is for teens in grades seven through 12.

Band rehearsals open to the community

Musicians from the Valley are welcome to attend rehearsals with the Canfield Community Concert Band. The band meets every Tuesday evening at Canfield High School.

For information, contact Leann Rich at 330-503-4113.

Too much to mow?

Local citizens should consider putting their small acreage to productive agriculture use and learn how to become a tiller of the soil by attending three free evening seminars scheduled Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks in Canfield.

Attendees will learn how agriculture production can be successful. These seminars will present tools needed for planning, marketing, managing, financial resources, budgets and evaluating what the land can support for a successful business.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by contacting Mahoning Farm Bureau at 330-533-5553 or info@mahoningfarmbureau.com.

Presenting the seminars is Countryside Conservancy in cooperation with the Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc., Mahoning Farm Bureau, The Ohio State University Extension of Mahoning County and Mill Creek MetroParks.

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 on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout March.

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 March at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

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

Plant the seed to read

The Children’s Book Festival will be a day of fun today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for children and their families.

Altusa Club of Youngstown, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Public Media and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will bring together authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and many activities for children.

Author John Rocco and the original illustrator of Shrek will be present.

Write about the gardens

Karen Schubert will host a writing workshop Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Bring a pen and paper and plan to explore various topics about the world, community, Mill Creek Park and the gardens.

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

Plan to plant a garden

Children who have completed second grade can register through Thursday for the Children’s Vegetable Garden program.

Each child will tend a 3-foot by 10-foot garden throughout the summer at MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Horticulture activities will add to the fun.

Classes meet April 9, May 7 and June 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Beginning June 15, children will meet every Wednesday morning through Aug. 17. Final harvest and clean-up will be Sept. 24.

The cost is $85 for residents and $95 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

See the new spring arrivals at farm

See new lambs, calves, pigs, rabbits, chicks and more at the MetroParks Farm’s animal baby shower April 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk among the wildflowers

Search for the first wildflowers of spring during a moderately-difficult 3-mile hike Sunday at 2 p.m. Walkers should meet at the Ford Nature Center.

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