METRO DIGEST || Mill Creek roads closed today

Mill Creek roads closed today

BOARDMAN

These roads in Mill Creek MetroParks are closed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. today for the U.S. Cycling Federation Criterion: Bears Den, Cross and New Cross drives. Participants and spectators are asked to use the Wick Recreation Area parking lots accessible from the intersection of South Belle Vista Avenue and McCollum Road, according to a news release.

From 10 to 11 a.m. the Bikeway will be in use for the Weight Watchers 5 Kilometer Walk. The bikeway will remain open to cyclists, but some congestion is possible between state Route 446 and Leffingwell Road.

Levy election

POLAND

Poland Board of Education is likely to vote for the rescission of the 4.9-mill emergency levy on an August special election ballot at its Monday school board meeting at Poland Union Elementary, 30 Riverside Drive.

Last week, the board — along with Superintendent Robert Zorn — agreed it would be best to pull the ballot question considering the fate of special elections in the past. Zorn said over the past 10 years there have been 23 special elections in the Mahoning Valley and only five passed.

“August elections do not fare well,” he added. The board also will recognize the district’s 12 retiring teachers.

Grant-writing class

COLUMBIANA

A grant-writing workshop is planned from 6 to 9:30 p.m. June 2 at Main Street Theatre, 5 N. Main St.

The cost is $45 a person or a group rate of $35 per person for three or more. Payments should go to First Matrix Motivation, P.O. Box 795, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920. For information, call First Matrix at 330-870-5903.

Red Cross officers elected at meeting

WARREN

Lou Joseph was elected chairman of American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley Board of Directors at the annual meeting of the merged Trumbull and Mahoning counties chapters.

Other officers elected are Colleen Dattilio, vice chairman; Debbi Grinstein, treasurer, and Andrew Thompson, secretary. Newly-elected board members are: Jon Arnold, Richard Barnhart, Kelly Becker, Jim Davis, Dave Dobstaff, John Donchess, Dean Evans, John Finizio, Paul Johnson, Mike Keys, Pat Lowry, Lewis Macklin, Kathy McGuire, Jim Pitzer, Mary Alice Reese, Nancy Rubino, Ron Smrek, Lee Snelson, Ethel Strange, Rick Teaberry, Florence Wang, Charles Wern, Tom Will and Phil Wilson.

Volunteers recognized for pins for years of service include: Ethel Strange, 55 years; Atty. Ned Gold, 40 years; Steven Ilko, Kelly Becker and George Brainard, 10 years; and nine for 5 years.

Tornado victims

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is asking the public to make donations through the national organization to tornado victims in Alabama and other southern States.

Killer tornadoes ripped through Alabama in late April, causing millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses.

To make a donation, go to this website: http://action.naacp.org/AlabamaDonation or mail it to Development Department, 4805 Mount Hope Drive, Baltimore, Md. 21215. Make the check out to the NAACP and put in the note section Alabama Donation. All donations are tax deductible.

Apartment fire

YOUNGSTOWN

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at Westview Apartments on Oregon Avenue in Youngstown around 10:30 p.m. Friday. All occupants of the apartment got out safely, fire officials said.

Musicale today

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Section of the National Council of Negro Women will sponsor its 32nd annual Spring Musicale at 4 p.m. today at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Ave. Featured will be the Voices of Zion Choir, Keith Brown, Mount Zion Senior Choir, Alisa H. Laney and Renee Johnson. Refreshments will be served.

Skating benefit planned June 4

AUSTINTOWN

Youngstown Community Center for the Deaf, an affiliate of Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center and Easter Seals, will host a fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon June 4 at the Skate Zone, 5420 Mahoning Ave., as a benefit for Children of Deaf Adults (CODA).

The cost is $10 for participants 6 years of age and older. The fee incudes skate rental, Web city, laser tag, adventure golf and two rides on bumper cars.

The fee for children under 5 or spectators is $5. There will be a light brunch. Tickets are $3 more at the door.

For registration or more information contact Rebecca Somnitz at bsomnitz@yohsc.com or call 330-787-0128.