Friday, February 28, 2014
Short term host family opportunities available through 4-H
Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage, and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for one month this year, as part of an international exchange program being offered by the County OSU Extension, 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 100 Japanese youngsters (aged 12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18.
Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. Families are urged not to alter their daily routines or lifestyles during their visitor’s stay. Exchangees provide their own spending money, and the sponsoring organization furnishes comprehensive medical insurance. All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless, and non-4-H families. The only requirements are that for the Japanese month-long exchange, hosts must have a family member of the same gender and approximate age of the exchangee, three meals a day, and a separate bed for the visitor. Those interested should contact Gretchen Kalinay at 330-799-8407 or Gary Reel at 330-533-7712 for an application form and more information about this and other 4-H international exchange programs. More information and an application can be found at the website www.ohio4h.org/youth/international.
Star viewing event
The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society and MetroParks’ Recreation Department invite you to a star party March 1 from 7-10 p.m at MetroParks Farm in McMahon Hall to view the night sky through high-powered telescopes. Galaxies, star clusters, double stars, nebulae and Jupiter will be in sight during this observation session. The star viewing will be followed be a brief presentation to discuss and learn about the objects viewed through the telescopes. A celestial-themed children’s craft and refreshments will be provided. Sky viewing is weather dependent.
Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League meeting
The next meeting of the Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will be March 3 at Glenellen Assisted Living, located at 9661 Market Street, at 7 p.m.
Members are to bring scarves for a scarf exchange as part of a recycling project. Hostesses for the meeting are Debbie Chop and Linda Fabian. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women over 18, residing in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship and community involvement.
Their mission is to provide a creative outlet for women interested in providing community service in areas of arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public affairs.
Women interested in joining or receiving more information can contact Linda Fabian at 330-782-8208.
Trolley tour
Meet at Ford Nature Center March 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. to take a ride on the new MetroParks trolley to visit Bears Den, the Old Log Cabin, and Pioneer Pavilion.
There will also be a visit to the Wick Area maple sugar project. Limited seating. Choose one time slot only. Pre-register and pay at Ford Nature Center by March 14. The fee is $5 if registered, $7 if not registered.
Orchid walk
Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 4 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to join Dave Miller from the Greater Akron Orchid Society on an orchid walk to highlight the main varieties of orchids displayed throughout the Davis Center.
You may bring your orchid questions or actual orchid to the walk to be diagnosed. Program is free but registration is required.
Gardening basics
Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 8 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to learn the basic design elements found in art and design including concepts of order, unity and rhythm.
Discuss the use of color and form and how to apply all of these ideas when designing an ornamental garden. This class is one part lecture on design theory and one part workshop in applying these theories when choosing perennials for your garden.
Registration is required. The fee is $10; FFRG members $8.
MVLNA Spring clinic
The Mahoning Valley Landscape and Nursery Association, Mill Creek MetroParks, and OSU Extension–Mahoning County will sponsor this spring horticulture clinic at Fellows Riverside Gardens March 12 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Topics will focus on innovative ideas for the green industry. Vendors will display current service products. Call 330-398-7710 for details or visit www.mvlna.org for more information. Fee: $70; FFRG, MVLNA, and Garden Club members and Master Gardener $40
Plant parts and patterns
Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 19 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for a mid-morning stroll as you learn the basics of botany and patterns of plant families. From plant parts to nomenclature and the evolution of plants, discover the intricacies that make plants special. Return to the Davis Center for a seasonal lunch and dessert. Registration required. Fee: $16; FFRG member $12
Botanical birdhouse
Lynn Cardwell will help students create a stoneware birdhouse embossed with leaves at Fellows Riverside Gardens March 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. The projects will be glazed and fired and ready for pick up in approximately three weeks. Registration required. Fee: $39; FFRG member $30
Soup’s on
Join chef David Armstrong at Fellows Riverside Gardens March 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. as he prepares soups. He will share recipes and tips on replicating the soups at home. Registration required. Fee: $36; FFRG member $28
Loose knit group
Come to the Antonucci Library in Fellows Riverside Gardens March 7 and 21 at 10 a.m. to help create blankets for organizations that give to those in need. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced knitters and those wanting to learn to knit or crochet. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Registration not required.
French cream cheese
Join Beth Haddle at Fellows Riverside Gardens March 8 from 10 a.m. until noon as she goes over the ins and outs on how to make your own cream cheese and ways to use it with herbs. Each participant will take home starters to work with on their own. Registration required. Fee: $20; FFRG member $16.
Yoga basics
Learn the basics of yoga taught by Karres Cvetkovich Sundays in March at 10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bring a mat and small blanket. Fee: $10 per class.
Pilates basics
Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment, and breathing with Angela Lubonovich Mondays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bring a mat and water. Fee: $10 per class.
Yoga in the gardens
Join Marina Perdos Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of yoga styles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. The fee is $10 per class.
Pilates sculpt
Join Angela Lubonovich Wednesdays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens to be guided in using hand weights to tone the body with an emphasis on core strength and control. Bring a mat, water, and two pound weights if you have them. The fee is $10 per class.
T’ai Chi course
Join Marie Lew Thursdays in March and April and May 1 and 8 at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a ten-week course that includes warm-ups, breathing exercises and instruction in the first steps of a complete classic Chen T’ai Chi form. It is designed for beginners with little or no previous background in this art of energy balancing. Taken as a whole, this course will ground the student in the basic principles of movement and the meaning behind the movements while developing coordination, strength and flexibility. Registration required. The fee is $100; 10 percent discount ($90) if registered by March 1.
Creating with herbs
Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 22 from 1-3:30 p.m. to learn how to use herbs and other natural ingredients to make salves, creams and lip balms, each of which you will take home. There will be herbal infusions and other treats as you learn self-care for yourself and your family. Registration required. Fee: $39; FFRG member $30.
Tales for tots
Children ages 2-3 are invited the Old Log Cabin March 6 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about Australia’s most famous marsupial, the kangaroo. Pre-register and pay at Ford Nature Center. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR.
T’ai Chi in the gardens
Join Marie Lew at Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Fee: $10 per class.
Children’s nature hour
Children ages 3-6 are invited to Birch Hill Cabin March 7 or 8 from 10-11 a.m. to come learn all about whales. There will be a story, a craft and undersea activities. Pre-register and pay at Ford Nature Center. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR
Small and mighty ants
Children ages 3-5 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 13 from 1-2 p.m. and 15 from 10-11 a.m. to discover what happens in the underground world of ants and how they help plants. There will be a snack, story and activity. Registration required. Fee: $5.
A day of Asian culture
Travel to Cleveland April 24 from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. to explore gardens, art, and food. Visit Cleveland’s Chinatown with guide Dr. Y.T. Chiu, tour Japanese gardens at Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and discover the Asian exhibits at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Register by calling Fellows Riverside Gardens. Fee: $155; FFRG member $110. Registration deadline is March 28.
Spring garden
Children ages 6-11 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 15 from 12:30-2 p.m. to explore the gardens in search of signs of spring. Learn why plants start emerging and growing, plus make your own sundial. Registration required. Fee: $5.
Papermaking
Children ages 7-12 are invited to Ford Nature Center March 22 from 1-2 p.m. to learn how paper is made and recycle waste paper into new paper for writing, drawing, or art. There will also be an opportunity to do origami. Pre-register/pay at Ford Nature Center by March 21. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR.
Spring potted bulbs
Teens ages 12-17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 15 from 2-3 p.m. to create a planter filled with spring bulbs, including crocuses, daffodils and tulips. Learn about these plants and why they bloom in the spring. Registration required. Fee: $8.
Twinkie, deconstructed
After reading Steve Ettlinger’s exploration of the ingredients on a Twinkie label, join a group discussion on the book at Ford Nature Center March 22 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Mr. Robinson’s maples
The mansion housing Ford Nature Center was built for Charles S. Robinson in 1912. He was a friend of Volney Rogers and after the park founder’s death, he replaced him on the board of park commissioners and served for 25 years. In 1951, the park planted a grove of maple trees in his honor in what is now the Wick Recreation Area. The Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association saw the grove’s potential and started a maple project last year. Meet at Pioneer Pavilion and hike to see the process underway March 2 from 2-4:30 p.m. Moderate rating, 3 miles.
In search of the Sangamon
Meet at Scholl Recreation Area March 9 from 2-4 p.m. to trace the path of the pre-glacial Sangamon, aka, The Old Mill Creek. View the scenic landscape created by geological forces of long ago. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
The awakening moon
Meet at Lower Bears Den parking lot March 14 from 8-9:30 p.m. to hike beneath the almost-full moon. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Lookin’ for the green
Meet at Ford Nature Center March 16 from 2-4 p.m. to look for greenery on a hike. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Spring break hike
Meet at Yellow Creek Park March 23 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike followed by an indoor presentation about Florida. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Ask the naturalist
Meet at Ford Nature Center March 30 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike. Bring along your nature and MetroParks questions (or think of them along the trail) for naturalist Bill Whitehouse, and he will do his best to answer them. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Health and wellness walks
Meet at Metroparks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road March 5 from 9-10:30 a.m. for a hike. Moderate rating, 2 or 4 miles and meet at golf course overflow parking lot March 19 from 9-10 a.m. for a hike. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles.
Wildlife Sanctuary walk
Join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited March 15 from 8-9:30 a.m. for a walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Reservations must be made by calling Ford Nature Center by March 14 at 5 p.m. Walk-ins not permitted.
Audubon Society presentation
Join Jeffrey Hall at MetroParks Farm March 25 from 7-8 p.m. for the presentation “Spring Beauty–Seasons’ Beginnings.” Hall is the past president of Washington County Audubon Society in New Jersey and now lives in Pennsylvania. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
Yellow Creek Park concert
Come to the Yellow Creek Park Lodge March 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. as The Al-Ray Combo ends the park’s Winter Concert Series.
MetroMutts: St. Patrick’s hike
Meet at Bears Den Cabin March 16 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. for a St. Patrick’s hike around the Bears Den Loop. Dress your hound in a bit of color to celebrate the day. There will be cookies and treats in Bears Den Cabin after the hike. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptables. Easy rating, 1.5 miles. Free program. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.
Hike the Triple Crown
In 2012, Rick “Handlebar” Ostheimer of Youngstown became one of an estimated 200 hikers to have completed “The Triple Crown”: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Join Ford Nature Center March 21 from 7-8 p.m. for this free event to hear about his experiences and learn about his gear.
Orchid display
Come to the Davis Center Lobby Feb 1-March 16 to observe orchids on display. Bring a camera to photograph orchids around the Davis Center.
Watercolor display
Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17-March 23 to view the watercolors of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow.
Fibonacci numbers exhibit
Come to the Weller Gallery March 28-June 8 to take a look at the world of Fibonacci numbers and their relationship to the world.
Through the Lens exhibit
Come to the Melnick Museum through December 2014 to take a peek at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s 2014 exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit will display a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926. In addition to nature scenes, several portrait negatives from the period will also be on display.
Nature photography exhibit
Come to Ford Nature Center Feb. 22-March 9 to view the talents of amateur photographers.
2014 Kohl’s Cares Scholarship
Amy Bushman of Ohio won a $1,000 scholarship during the 2013 Kohl’s Cares Scholarship program for her work with Bake Me Home, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting volunteerism and encouraging shared family experiences. In 2012, Bake Me Home provided 337 tote bags to families with cookie baking supplies, 211 framed family portraits to families, more than 2,900 cookies to troops overseas, and three Bake It Forward grants to local children involved in the community. The program is currently accepting nominations for Ohio youth ages six to 18 who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations are being accepted until March 14.
Neighborhood Ministries seeks meal sites for summer program
Neighborhood Ministries, a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program, is seeking churches or organizations to join in providing free meals to children ages 18 and under who live in the Youngstown area. The meals are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Ohio Department of Education from June 9–Aug. 22. Sites may choose one or two meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and/or a snack. If your church or organization is interested in receiving free meals for children this summer, please contact Neighborhood Ministries at 330-755-8696 or email SFSP@ohionm.org. The deadline for submitting a site request is March 31.
American Business Women’s Association to meet
The American Business Women’s Association, Mill Creek Chapter, will meet at 6 p.m. March 11 at Caff Capri, located at 8000 Market Street in Boardman. At the next monthly meeting, Mandy Codespote will pass the torch to Marilyn Abramski, the newly elected Woman of the Year. The menu includes chicken parmesan, penne with Mama Q’s sauce, mixed Italian vegetables, salad, rolls, coffee or tea, and dessert. Cost is $19 per person and guests are welcome. Call Mandy Codespote at 330-314-8198 for reservations through March 2.
Pallo named to Dean’s List
Chelsea Pallo was named to the Dean’s List at John Carroll University in the fall 2013 semester. Pallo has earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher every semester. She currently has maintained the John Carroll University Scholarship for academic achievement.
Students qualify for Dean’s List
The University of Akron’s named Shameka Burnett, Jordan Diana, Alexandra Hulick, Spencer Skolnick, Ralph-Isaac Testa, Meghan Delaney, Michael Hafely, Malissa Lynn, Jeff Marsolo and Rory Sachire of Austintown to the Dean’s List for the fall semester 2013.
Bonding with babies and books
Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Austintown library every Tuesday in March at 10 a.m. for 20 minutes of language enrichment, including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in March at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children, ages 2-3, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fun Time for 4s and 5s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in March at 11:30 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays, and other activities that will help your children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Family night
Bring the family to the Austintown library March 12 at 6 p.m. for stories around the campfire, songs, games and a craft. A snack will be provided.
Find those snazzy hats
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at the Austintown library throughout March to see how many “Cat in the Hat” hats can you find hidden in the library. Tell the librarian and receive a prize. For children of all ages.
Gotta move storytime
Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to join the Austintown library Thursdays in March at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.
Lego my library
Come to the Austintown library March 5 at 6 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided. For children ages six and up.
Sensory story time
Join the Austintown library March 8 at 2 p.m. for family story time with a sensory focus. This program is designed for children with different needs, including those with autism, speech and language delays, cognitive impairments, ADHD and other special needs and challenges. There will be books, music and sensory stations with a schedule board and double visuals. Children must attend with an adult. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the specific branch library.
Grab and go craft
Children of all ages are invited to the Austintown library throughout March to make a craft to take home.
Xbox games event
Come to Austintown library March 29 at 3 p.m. to play brand new Xbox games on the big screen. For tweens and teens in grades 5-12.
Teen Advisory Boards (TAB) meeting
Come to the Austintown library March 1 at 3 p.m. to become a member of the Teen Advisory Board. You can help out with library programs, help decide what books to buy, discuss what you are currently reading, and meet new people. Meetings are monthly and teens in grades 7-12 are eligible.
Would you rather
Stop by the teen department of the Austintown library throughout March to answer some would you rather questions and make up some of your own. Come back each month to see if your questions were used to stump other people. For teens in grades 7-12.
Eat Dessert First book club
Join the Austintown library March 17 at 6 p.m. to socialize with fellow food lovers and sift through an array of cookbooks at the monthly meetings where you can chat about new recipes, share ideas and discuss cookbooks. All ages welcome.
Page Turners Book Club
Come to the Austintown library March 19 from 6-7 p.m. to hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in to join the discussion. For adults.
Basic computer class
Join the Austintown library March 10 at 6 p.m. to learn to use a mouse, keyboard and how to navigate a computer. Space limited to three. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name. For adults.
Learn the Kindle
Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library March 5 and 18 at 6 p.m. to learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the website. Don’t forget your Amazon account and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. For teens and adults.
Learn the Nook
Bring your Nook to the Austintown library March 25 at 6 p.m. and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the website. Don’t forget your Adobe ID and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. For teens and adults.
Blood Drive
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations at the Austintown library March 22 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to help the community. For appointments call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Free blood pressure check
The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be at the Austintown library March 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. administering free blood pressure checks.
Friends of the Austintown library presentation
Come to the Austintown library March 24 at 10 a.m. to hear Michael A. Cizmar, Special Agent Coordinator of the FBI Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force present the history of the FBI, detailing the missions of the FBI nationally and in the Mahoning Valley. Cizmar will discuss the community’s input to the local FBI. This program will help provide an awareness of the FBI’S presence in the community and how citizens can be of service to the Violent Crimes Task Force. The Friends monthly meeting will follow.
Conversation salon
Join the Austintown library March 6 at 5:30 to discuss topics of interest. Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.
Knitting classes
Join the Austintown library March 17 and 31, April 14, May 12 and June 9 from 10 until 11:30 a.m. to learn how to knit. The Friends of PLYMC are sponsoring a series of five knitting classes in the meeting room of the Austintown library. If you have a Friends of the PLYMC paid membership, there will be no fee. If you aren’t a Friend’s member, but would like to attend the program, you can join the Friends for $10, which gives you a membership, plus covers all costs of the knitting class. Sign up at the first date. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.
Free Tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals
The Austintown library will again provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. beginning the week of Feb. 11. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS. TCE sites are staffed by AARP volunteers. Volunteers will provide counseling on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To make an appointment, call 330-799-5849.
Michael Koerth named to Dean’s List
Michael Koerth, a senior Mechanical Engineering major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the fall 2013 semester. Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40-3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60-3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85-4.0.
Craft and Vender show to be April 26
The annual Craft and Vendor show to benefit The Rich Center for Autism in Austintown will be April 26 at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Raccoon Road!. The event will be offered from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is open to the public free of admission. There will be a large Chinese auction and 50/50 drawing, along with 40 local vendors and crafters. All money raised will go to The Rich Center for Autism.
Austintown Fitch Souper Supper event
The Austintown Council of PTAs and the Fitch Art Department will present the sixth annual Souper Supper event March 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. All proceeds of this event will go to benefit needy families of students of the Austintown Local School District. A $7 donation will include a light meal of soup, a roll, dessert and a beverage, along with a handmade ceramic bowl made by Fitch students and alumni that you get to keep. A $5 donation gets you either the handmade ceramic bowl or the meal. RSVP quickly, as soup is limited. RSVPs can be made by mailing a completed form with payment in the form of a check or money order. Mail all checks to Charisse Smith, 1912 Old Farm Trail, Austintown, OH, 44515. You will get a confirmation by email and/or phone, so list both. When you come to the dinner, your name will be listed on the reservation check list at the check in table. Make all checks and money orders out to Austintown Council of PTAs. There will also be musical entertainment from the Fitch choir and band, a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle.
Spaghetti dinner benefit to be March 9
A spaghetti dinner benefit will be offered on March 9 for Mark Sorrentino at Immaculate Heart of Mary Hall, located at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown from noon until 5 p.m. There will be a 50/50 and
Spring craft show to be May 17
TOPS 2191 in Austintown will be hosting a spring craft show on May 17 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, located at 45 Idlewood Ave. They are taking requests for vendors. Tables run $20 each and space is limited. Call 330-774-1803 for details.
Gamblers Anonymous to meet
Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive, and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Cornersburg. Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend. For more information, please call 330-505-5060.
March in to the sky
The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society and MetroParks’ Recreation Department invite you to a star party at MetroParks Farm March 1 from 7-10 p.m. View the night sky through high powered telescopes. Galaxies, star clusters, double stars, nebulae and Jupiter will be in sight during this observation session. The star viewing will be followed be a brief presentation at McMahon Hall to discuss and learn about the objects viewed through the telescopes. A celestial children’s craft and refreshments will be provided. Sky viewing is weather-dependent.
Light, shadow and a jukebox
Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17 - March 23 to experience the watercolor work of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow. The exhibit will have a jukebox.
Jewels of winter
Join the Davis Center Tuesdays Feb. 1 - March 16 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to observe orchids on display. Bring your camera, there will be plenty of flowers around the lobby to photograph.
Nature photography exhibit
Come to Ford Nature Center Tuesdays through Sundays Feb. 22-March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the annual nature photography exhibit. Entries will be accepted from Feb. 1-9. Applications will be available to download at http://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/things-to-do/nature-photography-exhibit/.
Through the lens
Come see at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s 2014 exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit will display a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers, which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907 through 1926. In addition to park scenes, several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display. The photographs be on display until Dec. of 2014.
Informational sessions at the Adult Career Center
Adults interested in enrolling in career certification programs this year at the Adult Career Center Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are invited to attend one of several free informational sessions offered this winter at MCCTC. Informational sessions are free to attend and include career investigation as well as reading, math and language assessments. There will be a chance to tour the building, meet instructors and learn about financial aid opportunities. Upcoming informational sessions will be offered Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. and March 11 at 6 p.m. All sessions will take place at the Adult Career Center MCCTC, located at 7300 North Palmyra Road in Canfield. For more information or to register to attend, call the Adult Career Center at 330-729-4100.
Torch Club to offer essay contest
The Youngstown Torch Club, a local dinner/discussion/debate organization, which meets monthly on the campus of YSU, is offering a $1,000 essay scholarship competition, open to any current YSU student.
Students may submit a paper previously written for any college course, or an original work, on any subject or topic of interest. Papers are requested to be 800-1000 words and deadline for submission is March 1.
Remit paper to: tcopeland@neo.rr.com or send to Dr. Tom Copeland, 313 N. Belle Vista Ave. Youngstown 44509.
For more information, visit Youngstown TORCH Club on Facebook.
Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals
The Austintown library will again provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income on Wednesdays from 9-2:30 p.m. beginning the week of Feb. 11.
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS. TCE sites staffed by AARP volunteers.
Volunteers will provide counseling on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Find out if you qualify at www.irs.gov/eitc or call 1-800-TAX-1040. Call 330-793-0579 to make an appointment.