St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at multitude of places

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and celebrations will take place at a multitude of places (see Thursday’s Vindicator for a list). But for those looking for something different, here are some options:

v Ice skating: Public sessions begin at 2 , 4:30 and 7 p.m. at the Ice Zone, 360 McClurg Road, Boardman; 330-965-1423.

v “The Artist”: In case you haven’t seen it yet, the winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is still playing at Cinema South in Boardman and Boulevard Centre in Niles.

v Stoney River Band, 2 p.m.: Bluegrass concert at Johnson Community Center, 800 Gilmer Road, Leavittsburg; 330-394-3512.

v Area Artists Annual, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The best art in the region as selected for this juried exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown; 330-743-1107.

v Steve Cipriano, 7-10 p.m.: Guitarist will entertain at Barrel Run Crossing Winery and Vineyard, 3272 Industry Road, Rootstown; 330-325-1075.

LOCAL TOPICS ON TV

“Community Connection” (7 a.m. Sunday on 21 WFMJ-TV; and 10 a.m. Tuesday on Time Warner Cable community access channel): Autism Speaks is an organization that spreads information about autism and its effects on children. Dr. Julie Knapp of the Knapp Center for Childhood Development and Danielle McCoy of Autism Speaks will join host Madonna Chism Pinkard to discuss their first annual fundraiser, the Mahoning Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

Next, Yulanda McCarty Harris of the Youngstown State University Office of Equal Opportunity and Dr. Mustansir Mir of the Center for Islamic Studies will discuss the 5th Diversity Leadership Recognition Celebration.

In continuation of the celebration of Women’s History Month, Julie Vugrinovich and Esther Gartland of the Trumbull County Women’s History Committee will discuss the upcoming dinner celebration with keynote speaker Marilyn Geewax, a national journalist and Valley native.

Finally, Dawn Wiley Mitchell of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Musketeers will discuss the annual Walk MS event, which has changed venues to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ field in Niles.

“Increase the Peace” (6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday on MyYTV): Host Andrea Mahone’s guests will be Richard Atkinson and Ed Matey from Youngstown City Schools. They will discuss ways the public can help fund a new football stadium for the city.

“Sunday Morning with Dee” (8 a.m. Sunday on WKBN-TV 27): Host Dee Crawford’s guests will be Patricia Brozik, president, and Gordon Wean, board member, of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. They will discuss charitable and philanthropic need in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and requirements for grants.