Boardman Community Briefs

February 28, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

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.

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

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.

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

Make 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Students qualify for Dean’s List

The University of Akron named Michael Brandon, Adam Briach, Amy Cartwright, Shelby Crump, Elizabeth D’Apolito, Alexandria Defabio, Ariana Ellis, Eric Ford, Jessica Gonda, Nicole Moore, Emma Pierson, Michael Presby, Kellie Smith, Joi Twyman, Ashley Whitford, Daniel Altemese, Michael Callahan, Michael Davis, Marc Flauto, Elizabeth Fowler, Logan Kane, Khalila Lomax, Angela Morris and Zachary Williams to the Dean’s List for the fall semester 2013.

Bethel Lutheran Church celebrates 125th anniversary

March 2 will mark the 125th anniversary of Bethel Lutheran Church. Organized by a small group of Scandinavian immigrants, the constitution to create the church was signed on March 2, 1889, at the home of Nils Anderson in old Haselton. The first church was built in 1851 on Wilson Avenue and later relocated to 25 Ridge Avenue in Youngstown. In 1964, a new building was constructed at the present location of 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman. Throughout the year, members will be gathering pictures and past artifacts to display at the church. Pastor Richard Kidd will lead the congregation in a 125th celebration service Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Holiday Inn in Boardman, to welcome and honor previous Pastors. Past and present members will be invited to join and share how they are carrying out Bethel’s mission of making Jesus known in the community.

Shepherd of the Valley Boardman receives high marks from Medicare

Shepherd of the Valley Boardman has received a 4-star rating from Medicare on their recent State survey. Boardman joins other skilled nursing centers at Howland and Niles, which have received 5-star and 4-star ratings respectively.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Boardman library March 1 and 15 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 Boardman library Wednesdays 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 Boardman library Tuesdays in March at 10 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.

Sensory story time

Join the Boardman library March 15 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.

It’s all about yarn

Bring your crochet, knitting, plastic canvas, or anything with yarn project to the Boardman library March 27 at 7 p.m. and learn from one another. Participants are encouraged to bring all unfinished objects. For adults and teens.

Jewelry making

Come to the Boardman library March 13 at 6:30 p.m. and make a colorful, one-of-a-kind bracelet. For teens in grades 7-12.

Celebration of the Arts grades K-6

Join the Boardman library March 11 from 6:30-8 p.m. for the 11th Annual Celebration of the Arts. View artwork by Boardman area students in grades K-6. Come for opening night kickoff with refreshments. Musical interludes provided by the St. Charles Children’s Choir under the direction of Laura Kotheimer. Choir performance starts at 7 p.m. Artwork will be on display from March 11-17.

Celebration of the Arts grades 7-12

Join the Boardman library March 20th from 6:30-8 p.m. for the 13th Annual Celebration of the Arts. View artwork by Boardman area students in grades 7-12. Artwork will be on display March 20-29. Refreshments will be served.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

Come to the Boardman library March 5 at 6:30 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. Teens in grades 7-12 are eligible.

Reader’s Choice Book Club

Come to the Boardman library March 3 at 7 p.m. to discuss the book of the month, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” by Alexander McCall Smith. See what others are reading, share your favorite books, and find out what new ones are being published. For adults.

Book-a-librarian

Come to the Boardman library throughout March to get help downloading library books to your eReader, tablet or laptop, and learn to download magazines and movies to your device(s). Register at the Boardman librarian’s desk throughout March or call to sign up for an appointment. For adults and teens.

Intermediate balloon sculpture

Come to the Boardman library March 17 at 7 p.m. for intermediate balloon sculpture with Joe Sullivan, a.k.a. Jocko the Clown. Class is limited to 15, materials will be provided. Attendance in beginner’s balloon sculpture required. Registration is required. For adults only.

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be having a blood pressure screening at the Boardman library March 3 from 12:30-3 p.m.

Boardman Friends of the Library meeting

Come to the Boardman library March 10 at 10 a.m. to hear “Strouss: Youngstown’s Dependable Store,” a presentation by Tom Welsh, independent scholar and professional writer.

Puzzle swap

Bring your once-done jigsaw puzzles to swap to the Boardman library March 12 at 5 p.m. Puzzles to bring are limited to six. Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Book review and a free mug, too

Come to the Boardman library March 29 at 1 p.m. for a fundraiser for the Springfield Branch Library Capital Campaign. The book review will be “Life Goes On” by author Philip Gulley. Get an “I Love My Library” mug with refreshments for attending. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door and by committee members. There will be a raffle of gifts to win. For tickets and information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals

The Boardman 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 Tuesdays from 9 a.m. until 1 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). For an appointment, call 330-726-2492

GA 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, call 330-505-5060.

Adult Career Center culinary students learn from local butcher

Danny Catullo of Catullo’s Prime Meats in Boardman visited the Culinary program at the Adult Career Center at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for a demonstration on how to butcher a pig. Catullo taught the group of students about each section of the pig as it pertains to the Culinary industry, demonstrated primal cuts for larger portions and sub-primal cuts for smaller portions such as pork chops, pork ribs and pork loin. The students also learned how to best utilize all parts of the pig from head to tail for cooking. After the demonstration, the students, Catullo and Kushma all took part in a cooking exercise where everyone selected a portion of the pig and used it to create a signature dish to share with the group.

For more information, contact the Adult Career Center office at 330-729-4100.

Night at the races

The Boardman band and orchestra parents are invited to a Night at the Races fundraiser at the Embassy March 1 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door and can be obtained by calling Chris Skeens at 330-758-0405 or Yvonne Palagano at 330-965-9070. The cost of $10 includes pizza, wings, hot chips, hors d’oveures and pop. There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, balloon pop and $2 horse bets.

Gamblers Anonymous to meet

MCCTC information sessions

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.

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.

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.

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 will be offered Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive, and another will be offered 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, call 330-505-5060.

Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals

To make an appointment call 330-726-2492.

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).