Boardman briefs

Spaghetti dinner set tomorrow

Good Hope Lutheran Church is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $7 for 12 and older and $3.50 for children 4-11. Kids under 4 eat free. The cost includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert, bread and a beverage.

The money raised will help toward the cost of sending the youth from Good Hope on a mission trip July 1-6. For more information, contact Susan Wesser at the church at 330-782-8109.

Middle schools present jazz concert

The Boardman middle schools will present an eighth-grade band spring concert on April 19 at 7 p.m. in the Boardman High School Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature the combined Center and Glenwood jazz ensembles. Many students will be featured in improvisation solos in various musical styles from both Center and Glenwood middle schools.

Admission will be accepted at the door. The cost is $3 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens and children under 10 are admitted free.

Get your game on at the library

The Boardman library invites children of all ages to play book bingo, Pictionary and other group games on April 11 from 10 to 11 a.m. Small prizes awarded to all participants. Preschoolers must attend with an adult.

Go fly a kite

The Boardman library will celebrate National Kite Month on April 12 at 2 p.m. with stories, a game and rhymes. Create your own easy-to-make kite that really flies. This program is for children of all ages. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult.

Attend music program

The Friends of the Boardman Library are hosting “Music of the Civil War” on April 9 at 10 a.m. at the Boardman library. The program will be led by M.J. Albacete, executive director of Canton Museum of Art.

Hear smart money stories

The Boardman library is hosting Baby Brilliant: Smart Money Fun Time for 4s and 5s on April 24 at 10 a.m. Come and spin the wheel on our interactive smart money display that will be showcased at Boardman the month of April. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Discuss books at the library

The book discussion group, sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC and facilitated by Greg Smith will meet on Tuesdays from April 17 to May 15. The book will feature John C. Maxwell’s “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.” The author takes readers through the Five Connecting Principles and the Five Connecting Practices of top-notch achievers. For information and reservations, contact the library’s development office at 330-740-6086.

Buy strudels to help orphanages

The St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Center are selling strudels to benefit their parish orphanage missionary. A large apple or cherry strudel is $8 and a large cherry with cheese strudel is $9. To place an order, call 330-792-6699 or 330-799-7911. Orders are due by Friday and can be picked up on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Center, 1025 N. Belle Vista.

Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off raises money

On March 18 the Mahoning Valley’s finest pizza establishments donated their time and talent to present more than 1,100 attendees with the best pizzas. This year’s Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off raised more than $38,000 for the Potential Development Program’s School of Autism.

Local pizzerias participating in The 2012 Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook Off included: Bella Napoli, Brier Hill Pizza and Wings, Bruno Bros. Pizza, Cassese’s MVR, Cocca’s Pizza, Gia’s Pizzeria, La Rocca’s Pizza and Pasta Ristorante, Southgate Pizza, Sunrise Inn, Strikers and Wedgewood Fernando’s Pizza.

The Potential Development Program, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that offers special education services to children with developmental delays, behavioral concerns and a diagnosis within the autism spectrum.

Swap jigsaw puzzles at the library

The Boardman library will host a jigsaw puzzle swap on April 11 at 5 p.m. Trade off puzzles you’ve completed for ones you’ve yet to conquer. The jigsaw puzzle swap is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. For more information, call 330-740-6086.

Screen your blood pressure

The Boardman library will host a blood pressure screening provided by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. The screening will be on Monday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Give blood at the library

The Boardman library will host a blood drive provided by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. The drive will be on April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The blood will serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital.

TAB meeting set

The Teen Advisory Meeting is set for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Boardman library. TAB meets the first Wednesday of the month and is for teens in grades 7-12. Newcomers are always welcome.

Bonding with Babies and Books

The Boardman library will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” for babies 6-23 months on Thursday at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanies by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

The Boardman library will hosts Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s on Wednesday and April 18 and 25 at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children, ages 2-3, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

The Boardman library will host Fun Time for 4s and 5s on Tuesday and April 17 at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Welcome baby animals at MetroParks Farm

The MetroParks will host an animal baby shower tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. Families are invited to see the arrival of lambs, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and more. There will be cake a punch while supplies last.

Enjoy an Easter buffet

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host an Easter Buffet on April 8 at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. catered by Georgetown. Afterward take a springtime walk in the Gardens. For reservations and prices call the Garden Caf at 330-740-7074.

MetroParks presents Children’s Book Festival

The Children’s Book Festival: Plant the Seed to Read will be held on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The event will be a day of fun for children and their families together enjoying authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and many activities for children. Bring your camera to be photographed with Curious George or the animals from the Akron Zoo. Admission is free.

Eat dinner with the Easter Bunny

The Boardman Park is hosting dinner with the Easter Bunny on Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Community Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Park Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are $6 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Children under 18 months are free. Tickets include dinner, arts and crafts and a family photo with the bunny.

Hear tales for twos

Two-year-olds are invited to discover many of the mammals that live in parks and backyards on April 5 at 10 or 10:45 p.m. Pre-registration/payment required 24 hours in advance at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Partake in Preschool Nature Hour

The MetroParks will host Preschool Nature Hour: Wonderful White-tail on April 6 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or April 7 at 10 a.m. Preschoolers ages 3 - 5 will “put on their deer ears” to listen to a special story, explore outdoors for tracks, and enjoy other fun activities while learning about the white-tailed deer. Preregistration/payment required 24 hours in advance at Ford Nature Center. Cost is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Garden club hosts garage sale

La Fleur Garden Club is sponsoring a community non-profit garage sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The garage salad will be held at Ursuline Center, 4250 Shields Road.

For more information call 330-758-0401.

Pet expo comes to Eastwood Expo Center

The Northeast Ohio Pet Expo Show and Sale will be at the Eastwood Expo Center in Niles today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This pet expo is the largest between Pittsburgh and Cleveland and is for all pet-lovers of all kinds.

The event will offer trainers, retailers, groomers, pet food manufacturers, pet resorts and lodges, pet service specialists, pet apparel, pet photographers, animal charities, pet physics, an exotic petting zoo, as well as two authors and a pet portrait artist to draw your pets/yourself on the spot.

New this year will be the “Look Like Your Pet” Contest on Saturday at 2 p.m. and the Pet Fashion Show Sunday at 1 p.m. These are open to anyone wishing to enter.

Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 and pets are admitted free. Pets are encouraged to attend as long as they are pet-friendly and owners are responsible for them at all times.

For more information, call 330-518-7794.

Boardman Park hosts maple festival, pancake dinner

Boardman Park will host its annual Maple Syrup Festival, today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The park staff will demonstrate how Maple Trees are tapped, sap collected and how the sap is boiled to make syrup. Real maple syrup will be for sale.

The event also includes a Civil War re-enactment, the Western Reserve Woodcarvers and the Boardman Historical Society. The Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society will have paintings for sale. Boy Scout Troop 60 will be demonstrating its old-fashioned camping skills. There will also be a hayride through the trails.

The Boardman Rotary Club will be holding its annual Pancake Breakfast at the Lariccia Family Community Center during these same dates and times. The cost of breakfast is $6 for adults and children 7 or older. Children 6 and under eat free.

For more information, visit www.boardmanpark.com. or call 330-726-8107.

Join a loose knit group

Team up with other crafters on April 6 and 20 to make afghans and other projects to donate locally. The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon in the Antonucci Library. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for more information.

Partake in sky dancers hike

The MetroParks will be taking a hike on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. At dusk and dawn, male woodcocks sing “peent” and then perform a spectacular mating flight. Traipse with us to the singing and flying grounds of these odd birds. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Wear boots. Moderate difficulty, one and a half miles.

Look for golden daffodils

Join our hike around Lake Newport on April 8 at 2 p.m. and keep your fingers crossed that Daffodil Meadow is in bloom. Meet at Newport Wetlands parking lot. Difficult rating, five miles.

Youngstown Orthopedic adds Chapman

David Chapman has been appointed to the new position of information technology systems manager for Youngstown Orthopedic Associates, the region’s largest orthopedic surgery practice and a leading sports medicine provider.

Chapman, a Boardman resident, has been with YOA for nine years in various capacities, including part-time and consulting roles managing and troubleshooting the practice’s technology assets.

Relay for Life team takes trip to casino

Relay for Life Team Schein is hosting a bus trip to Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh on April 13. The team will be departing from 760 Boardman-Canfield Road at 5 p.m. and will return to the same location at approximately 12:30 a.m.

The cost is $30 per person and includes $15 in free play and a $5 food voucher. All seats are nonrefundable. All proceeds benefit the Boardman Relay for Life on behalf of Team Schein.

Must bring legal photo ID on trip.

For more information, call Tina at 330-559-6918 or email tina.prestas@henryschein.com.

YMCA hosts annual Good Friday breakfast

The YMCA of Youngstown will host its annual Good Friday Breakfast and Service on Friday at the Central YMCA. A gourmet breakfast buffet prepared by Jorgine’s Deli will be served at 7:15 a.m. with the service delivered by Pastor Gary Koerth of Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, beginning promptly at 8 a.m. in the community gym. The event will conclude at 8:45 a.m.

Individual tickets at $10 and reservations for tables of eight at $75 may be purchased by contacting Patty Tchoryk at 330-742-4781.

Early registration is suggested. For more information, visit www.YoungstownYMCA.org.

The Central YMCA is located in downtown Youngstown on the corner of Commerce and Champion Streets.

Salon at MCCTC offers afternoon appointments

The Cosmetology students at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are currently offering afternoon hours to the public at their salon. 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, ext. 1309.

Take a trip to Wheeling Downs Racetrack

The 2012 Pink Ribbon Classic committee is sponsoring a bus trip to Wheeling Downs Racetrack and Casino on May 19. The bus will leave from Fab Limo on Connecticut Ave. in Austintown at 9 a.m. and will depart from Wheeling Downs at 5 p.m. The cost is $30 per person and each player will be give $25 in free play.

All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Send registration and checks to: Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, c/o Nancy Felton, American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad Street, Canfield, OH 44406.

Create spring bouquets

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites preschoolers ages 3-5 to welcome spring today from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants will enjoy a story and snack before decorating a vase and arranging fresh flowers to take home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The cost is $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents.

Support the Seidita family

The Seidita Family Benefit will be on May 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at St. Matthias Church, 2800 Shady Run Road.

The cost is $10 and includes chicken, pasta and more. The event will include a 50/50 drawing, a chance auction and a bake sale. Prizes include a 50” television, $300 and $100.

Come support Carl and Lucy Seidita of Boardman who are both battling cancer and have been unable to work. The Seidita family is facing an enormous burden and need the help of their friends, family and community.

For tickets, donations and more information call Gary Frank at 330-651-8778 or Jim Higham at 330-942-6647.

Search for Easter eggs at the park

The MetroPark is hosting an Easter extravaganza today at 11:30 a.m. at the Wick Recreation Area. The event will include an egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter bunny. Children ages 2 - 10 can join the scramble for candy and prizes, and adults can compete in the Raw Egg Toss. Be sure to arrive early enough to find the age group area for your child before the start time.

Search for Spring Salamanders

The MetroParks will be searching for large spotted salamanders during a walk today at 8 p.m. During late winter or early spring, large spotted salamanders briefly leave their underground haunts and gather in woodland pools to mate. Hikers will look to see if they can catch them in the act. Boots and flashlights are recommended.

Meet at the end of Laurel Hill Drive, located off Herbert Road west of MetroParks Bikeway crossing. Difficulty rating, one and a half miles.

Call Ford Nature Center to register by March 31, 5 p.m.

Nature photography exhibit opens

Gallery on Glenwood, located at Glenwood Christian Fellowship, 7872 Glenwood Ave. in Boardman, is proud to present a new exhibit featuring the works of local nature photographer Eve Parteleno.

Gallery times for the current exhibit, which runs through April, are noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Special tours can be arranged at other times by appointment.

Art exhibits rotate seasonally and serve as an outreach to local community members interested in various forms of art.

Dionne Wright, Gallery on Glenwood curator, said, “We are also reaching out to local colleges and high schools in an effort to allow students the opportunity to experience a gallery in a small but public setting.”

Nathan Doyle, pastor of the church, is delighted to offer a relaxed atmosphere where local artists, including art students, can share their talents with the community.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Dorothy Wright, office administrator, at 330-726-2643 or dorothy@glenwoodchristian.org.