Boardman Community Briefs

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled

Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers on July 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield.

Led by author and professional writer Nancy Christie, the two-hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or at nancy@nancychristie.com.

First Night Youngstown seeking artists

First Night Youngstown is calling for local and regional artists to participate in the annual design competition of its New Year’s Eve events admission button. The winning artist will be awarded $50 and be invited and promoted at all press events.

The artist will also be a celebrity guest in the Christmas holiday parade and tree lighting event as well as the opening ceremony on Dec. 31. The winner’s immediate family will receive free admission to the First Night Youngstown New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. The button series is intended to celebrate downtown Youngstown’s unique and historic buildings and architecture. The winning design, to be featured on the First Night Youngstown 2015 button and all promotional materials, is the third in an ongoing series that is donated each year to the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center. This year’s design will depict the YWCA of Youngstown, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. on the southeast corner of West Rayen and Phelps streets just south of the YSU campus. Button designs may be created using any art medium including photography, drawing, painting, collage, mixed or digital media, etc. The design must depict the exterior of the YWCA building in a manner that highlights its unique architectural elements. A night scene that includes fireworks or other elements that represent New Year’s Eve is preferred, but no champagne glasses; First Night events are non-alcohol and family oriented. The design must include the phrase “First Night Youngstown 2015” and be a rectangular shape, horizontal or vertical. The artwork must be proportioned to a final reduction size of 2 x 3 inches. An entry form, to be submitted by July 31, with the artwork on CD, is available on the FNY website www.firstnightyoungstownoh.com. Send the form with CD to First Night Youngstown, 25 E. Boardman St., Suite 405, Youngstown, OH 44503.

The purchase of an admission button provides entry to all the First Night events scheduled for New Year’s Eve in downtown Youngstown. Proceeds from the sale of the buttons help to compensate participating performers.

East High’s 50th reunion

The 50th East High School reunion will take place on Aug. 30 at Mr. Anthony’s, located at 7440 South Ave. in Boardman, from 6-10 p.m. All 60’s classmates are welcome. There is limited seating and no tickets will be sold at the door. The cost is $50 per person and there will be a cash bar. Registration is at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:45 p.m. Make checks payable to East High School Class of 64, Mailed to Sandy (Santillo) Reed, 3216 Glen Oaks Drive, Youngstown, OH 44511. For more information, email sandrabeachbum@aol.com or call 330-793-9008.

Pillars of Fire tour stops at Bridge of Hope Church

Pillars of Fire, a Broadway-caliber musical, will entertain and explain the historical events of the early Christian faith through the eyes of the Apostle Paul on July 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. at Bridge of Hope Church, located at 7580 Glenwood Avenue. Free child care will be provided for children 5 years of age and under. For more information, call 330-726-8141.

Gun raffle

Brandon Kovach, candidate for Columbiana county auditor is raffling off a stainless steel Ruger 10/22 and a turkey/waterfowl mossberg 535 shotgun. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online via a donation from his facebook page facebook.com/electkovach or his website electkovach.com and they will be mailed to you. The drawing will take place Sept. 1 and you must be legally able to own a gun to qualify.

Kovach can be reached at 330-974-5625 with any questions.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Boardman library on July 12 and 26 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.

Valley Legacy Awards seeks nominations

The Valley Legacy Awards, recognizing outstanding seniors and senior advocates from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, is now accepting nominations for honorees for the 10th annual Valley Legacy Awards. The Valley Legacy awards honor people aged 60-years of age or older who deserve recognition for a lifetime of working to improve the Mahoning Valley, as well as to individuals who have provided exceptional support to and for older Americans through their professional, volunteer, or civic roles. Any individual or group can submit a nomination in either of two categories: Outstanding Senior and Outstanding Advocate for Seniors. Nominations must be postmarked by July 31. All nominees and the award recipients will be honored at the 10th Annual Valley Legacy Awards Luncheon Oct. 2. Nomination forms are available through the Shepherd of the Valley website at www.ShepherdoftheValley.com; click on Quick Links and choose Valley Legacy Awards. They are also available at all Shepherd of the Valley locations. For additional information, contact Cheryl Fitzgerald at CFitzgerald@SHEPHERDOFTHEVALLEY.com.

Family story time

Join the Boardman library July 23 at 10 a.m. for stories and fun for children of all ages. Parents are invited to join their children in this 30-minute program. Try out some dance moves with the Kinect Gaming System and enjoy a freeze pop treat to beat the heat.

Craft event

Come to the Boardman library throughout July to have some summer fun and make a special craft.

Puppet show at the library

Come to the Boardman library on July 15 at 7 p.m. and July 16 at 2 p.m. for a puppet show for the entire family featuring “What Does the Fox Say?,” “Elephant and Piggie” and “Little Owl’s Night.” The program will last one hour and a freeze pop treat will be served.

Sensory story time

Join the Boardman library on July 16 at 2 p.m. for a family story time for children of all ages 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 Boardman library. This event is for preschool and school-age children.

Library Eats book club

Join the Library Eats book club at the Boardman library on July 21 at 7 p.m. to discuss cookbooks that will feature recipes for summer’s delicious, home-grown vegetables and helpful hints on how to preserve them for future use.

Christmas in July

Come to the Boardman library on July 24 at 7 p.m. to celebrate Christmas in July and get a jump start on your holiday gifts. Adults and teens will knit either a snowman or a bell ornament. Beginners are encouraged to attend the It’s all About Yarn classes until proficient in knitting.

Book a librarian

Need help downloading library books to your eReader, want help with your tablet or laptop, or can’t wait to download magazines and movies to your device(s)? Come to the Boardman library throughout July and

register at librarian’s desk or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the specific banch to sign up for an appointment.

Summer Garden Party

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Summer Garden Party. Gather your friends for an elegant summer evening in the heart of the gardens and enjoy cocktails, a fresh, seasonal menu and musical entertainment. Proceeds from this event benefit Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens in support of their mission to promote, preserve and improve the gardens. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for tickets. The cost is $75; reserved seating is $125.

Sunfest

Come to the Wick Recreation Area at Mill Creek Park on July 27 for the all day Sunfest event.

From 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. there will be the Closest to the Pin activity with a $5 fee, from 9-11 a.m. there will be a bicycle decorating event on the Morley lawn for a $2 fee, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. there will be a robotics display from the N.E. Ohio FIRST Robotics Alliance, at 11 a.m. there will be a bicycle parade, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. there will be an easy one mile hike, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. there will be children’s crafts and family fun for a $2 fee, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. there will be free children’s activities and games, from 12-1 p.m. there will be a free zumba session on the Morley stage, from 1-4 p.m. there will be a sand sculpture contenst with an $8 fee if registered, a $10 if unregistered. Register and pay by July 26 at Ford Nature Center.

From 4-7 p.m. there will be a car show featuring the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club. Live! At the Morley Concert Series will also be taking place. At 5 p.m. the Teddy Pantelas Trio will play and at 6:45 p.m. Rudy and the Professionals will play.

Butterfly hike

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on July 20 from 1-3 p.m. to explore butterflies and moths. Moderate one mile hike. Wear boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 19.

National Ice Cream Day

Come to MetroParks Farm on July 20 from 1-4 p.m. to make ice cream in a bag. Supplies will be provided. $2 registered; $3 not registered.

Tween dance party

Tweens in grades 4-6 are invited to bust a move (or two or three) at the Boardman library’s “Just Dance” Kinect program on July 22 at 2 p.m.

Boats rides

Come to Lake Glacier Boathouse on July 24 and 31 from 12-12:20 p.m. or 12:30-12:50 p.m. to explore nature and history aboard the Lake Glacier passenger boat on a 20 minute tour. Call Ford Nature Center ofr more information. $1.50 registered, $2.50 not registered.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Fridays through Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to watch as the garden grows with characters and plants from Alice in Wonderland.

Lightning bug night

Come to the Ford Nature Center on July 18 from 8-9:30 p.m. to enjoy glowing crafts, a story and catch lightning bugs. Register by July 16. The cost is $5 registered, $7 notregistered. There will be a $1 charge for s’mores by the campfire. Additional fees after deadline.

Flowering plants

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 22 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to learn the basics of botany and patterns of plant families. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Batting clinicÔÅ¥

Children ages 7-16 are invited to Wick Recreation Area July 19 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to focus on improving hitting mechanics with Coach Craig Antush of YSU. Spaces are limited. Register/pay by July 15 at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $20 registered, $25 not registered.

Barnyard camp

Children ages 5-6 are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal and a lunch to MetroParks Farm on July 21 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Have a snack, make a craft and play games. Register/pay by July 14. The cost is $25 registered, $30 not registered.

Archery camp

Come to MetroParks Farm July 21-25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to receive basic lessons from 4-H instructors. Equipment provided. Register/pay by July 14. The fee is $40 registered, $50 not registered.

British soccer camp

Come to the Wick Recreation Area July 28 - Aug. 1 for a British soccer camp. Times and prices vary by age group. There will be high-level coaching from international experts. Register online at www.challengersports.com.

Insectopedia

Come to Ford Nature Center July 19 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Hugh Raffles’ work about the millions of insects that share the planet.

Understanding aggression

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 20 at 10 a.m. for a presentation on understanding aggression by The Learning Dog. Leave your dog at home. Call Ford Nature Center to register. Members free; not-yet-members, $5.

Kayak trips

Meet at East Newport Boat Launch July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for kayak trips. All skill levels invited. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center two days in advance. Additional fees after deadline. $12 registered; $15 not registered; second person in tandem 1/2 price.

BYOK trip

Bring your own kayak to East Newport Boat Launch on July 19 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. for an evening on the water. This is not for first-time kayakers or anyone under 18. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 19. Free.

Summer family farm tours

Come to MetroParks Farm Tuesdays in July from 10-11:15 a.m. to take a guided tour of the farm, including tractor-wagon rides, a visit to the barns and playroom time.

Botanical dinners

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a dining experience overlooking Lake Glacier while learning about the featured plant of the evening. Call 330-740-7074 for reservations/pricing.

Fermenting pickles

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. to learn how to turn fresh cucumbers into dill pickles. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Pesto and tomato feast

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to learn the fine points for making pesto and enjoy samples. The cost is $28; FFRG member $24.

Birding the sanctuary

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on July 19 from 8-9:30 p.m. and search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited. Wear boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 18.

Zumba at the Morley

Come to the Morley stage in the Wick Recreation Area Tuesdays in July from 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays in July from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for outdoor zumba. Call the Ford Nature Center for more information. Purchase

token before class at Par 3 building. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Tuesdays and Thursdays in July from 9:30-11 a.m. and 5:30–7 p.m. for yoga in the gardens. Bring a mat and blanket. The cost is $10 per class.

T’ai chi in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in July from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements that will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. The cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in July from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to work on toning, shaping, core strength and alignment. Bring a mat and water. The cost is $10 per class.

Drums alive at the Morley

Come to the Morley Stage in the Wick Recreation Area Thursdays in July from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. to experience using the rhythm of drumming and the movements of aerobic dance. Call Ford Nature Center for more information. Purchase token before class at Par 3 building. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in July from 8-9:15 a.m. to learn the basics of yoga and release mental and physical tensions. Bring a mat and small blanket. The cost is $10 per class.

Cooking with essential oils

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 19 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. to explore ways to bring the benefits of essential oils into your kitchen. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Continue healing within

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 23 from 6-8 p.m. to take another look at various healing modalities to life’s stressors. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Chakra investigation

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 27 from 9:30 –11:30 a.m. to take a fresh look at yourself by learning about chakras. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Junior golf clinics

Come to the Mill Creek Golf Course on July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 11 a.m. for one hour of range time. On-course play to follow. The cost is $20.

Adult golf clinics

Come to the Mill Creek Golf Course Wednesdays in July at 6 p.m. for the Get Golf Ready player development program. The cost is $25 for one session, $45 for two sessions or $60 for three sessions.

Plein air painting

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 15, 22, 31, or Aug. 7 from 6-9 p.m. to chase the light with local artist Christopher Leeper. Use watercolors and be inspired by the garden muse. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Glass fusing

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 29 from 5:30 7 p.m. to create two fused glass pendants. Fired and ready for pick up in approximately four weeks. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Trolley tours

Board at Ford Nature Center on July 6, 15 and 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. to explore, experience and enjoy a guided 1 1/2 hour tour of Mill Creek MetroParks. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $5 R, $7 NR; 12 and under or 60 and over are $3 R, $5 NR.

Chasing the Light exhibit

Come to the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens June 13 through Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see the work of Christopher Leeper. Leeper is a realist painter and local artist who works in various mediums.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens through Dec. 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see a display of rare glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926.

Youngstown Steel

Come to the Outdoor Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through Fall of 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see the steel sculptures by artist Tony Armeni, which celebrate Youngstown’s spirit of invention.

Fitch class of 1959 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1959 will host its 55th class reunion on Aug. 1-3. On Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., there will be a social meet and greet at the home of Ralph Roberts, located at 931 Kirwan Dr. in Austintown; on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m., there will be a four entree buffet dinner at A La Carte Catering, located at 429 Lisbon St. in Canfield. Social hour will be from 6-7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be a class picture at 6:20 p.m. and will cost $11, payable that evening; and on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a breakfast buffet at the Saxon Club Lower Lounge, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. The cost is $10 per person. Classmates who haven’t responded to mailings or emails, or who haven’t been contacted should contact Bernie Layshock Zets at 330-799-5849 or walker0621@aol.com by July 1.

Read to a rabbit

Children in grades kindergarten through sixth are eligible to sign up to read to registered and certified F5RS Bunnies in Baskets (therapy rabbits) for 20 minute sessions during a six week reading program. Dates for the program include July 10 and 24, and Aug. 7 and 14.

The program will take place at Beyond Expectations Speech Therapy, located at 725 Boardman-Canfield Road, E-1, in Boardman.

Registration is required by calling Barb at 724-813-5709 or e-mailing F5rescue@yahoo.com. Bring your favorite book to read to Sara, Cricket, Natalie Bunbun or Buttons.

Children who attend at least six sessions will get a bunny surprise.

Oh Wow! to close on Mondays

Starting on Memorial Day (May 26), OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology will be closed on Mondays.

Summer hours remain in effect through Labor Day, (Sept. 1).

Meet Jennifer Holm

Meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Our Only May Amelia,” books about Babymouse and Squish, and more at the Boardman library Aug. 1 at 3 p.m.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens each Friday starting May 9 until Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take part in activities in the family garden. Watch as the garden grows with characters from Alice in Wonderland and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends. This event is free to all.

Chasing the Light exhibit

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Weller Gallery June 13 through Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see Christopher Leeper, a realist painter and local artist who works in various mediums.

Through the Lens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museuem through December 2014 for the Through the Lens exhibit. This exhibit displays 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. Several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display.

The Ursuline Center announces 2014 guided labyrinth walks

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, will begin its 2014 guided labyrinth walk season April 27 (weather permitting) with a short presentation on the Spirituality of Labyrinths at 2 p.m. in the center and a guided walk immediately following. This year the center is offering a series of themed walks. On July 15 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Growing,” on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Accepting,” on Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Peace” and on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Awareness” (presentation on Spirituality of Labyrinths in the center).

All people of faith are invited to attend, whether they are new to or experienced with walking a labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth usually takes about 20 minutes. People wishing to experience the Labyrinth but unable to make one of the guided walks can come anytime at their own convenience. There are printed guides that give suggestions for following the path provided at the Labyrinth’s entrance, but there is no right or wrong way to experience the sacred walk. People can use the labyrinth in any way they need. The Ursuline Center Labyrinth is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and open year-round from dawn to dusk for all persons of faith. There is no cost to use the Labyrinth, which is handicapped-accessible and offers ample parking. To learn more about the Ursuline Center Labyrinth, call Eileen W. Novotny, Ursuline Associate, at 330-533-3831.

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 in Boardman 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.

Banding the baby falcons

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife hopes to have newly hatched peregrine falcons to band and the public is invited to watch. If you would like to attend this special activity, which will take place downtown on a week day, Ford Nature Center will keep a contact list. As soon as ODNR-DOW gives the details, you will be contacted with the date and time.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Fridays starting May 9 until Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take part in drop-in activities in the family garden. Watch as the garden grows with characters from “Alice in Wonderland” and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museum through December 2014 for the “Through the Lens” exhibit. The exhibit displays 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. Several portrait negatives of the period also on display.

Nicotine Anonymous to meet on Wednesdays

Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals from every walk of life who meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, located at 45 Idlewood Road in Austintown, to solve their common problem - an addiction to nicotine. The group is based on the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and the only requirement to join is a desire to stop using nicotine. There is no cost to attend, but a freewill collection will be taken at some meetings to offset the costs of meeting expenses. For more information on Nicotine Anonymous, call Tom at 330-717-2183.

For addition support in quitting your nicotine addiction, call HMHP Regional Treatment Center at 330-306-5010 of the Ohio Guit Line at 1-800-784-8669.

St. Charles School registration

Registration for children entering St. Charles for the 2014-2015 school year is taking place now. The following materials are needed to complete registration: copy of birth certificate, copy of baptismal certificate (if Catholic) and immunization records. Effective Fall 2011, Ohio law now requires that every kindergarten or first-grade student entering school must have two varicella/chicken pox as well as the other required immunizations by day 14 of school or they cannot attend until up-to-date. Grades 4-6 students need only one varicella. Grade 7 students need Tdap or Td booster. A Social Security number and $25 non-refundable registration fee is also required. Checks can be made payable to Lumen Christi Catholic Schools. Proof of child custody (if applicable), and a copy of the child’s last report card from previous school must be provided for grades 1-8 only. The registration application takes about 10-15 minutes to fill out with basic information, including work addresses and phone numbers.

Boardman Local Schools announce 2014/2015 kindergarten registration

The Boardman Local School District is now offering kindergarten registration for the 2014-2015 school year. Any parent who is a Boardman resident interested in signing their child up for kindergarten may visit the elementary school they wish their child to attend to pick up registration forms. Requirements for registration are: the child must be five years of age on or before Aug. 1, the registration form must be completed, the original birth certificate must be supplied, proof of residency in at least two forms (tax statement, utility bill, purchase/rental agreement) as well as a residency affidavit, custody papers if applicable and payment of $25 to partially cover supply costs furnished by the school. Parents wanting to send their child to Market Street Elementary may contact the school at 330-782-3743, parents of Robinwood Lane Elementary, call 330-782-3164, parents of Stadium Elementary, call 330-726-3428, and parents of West Boulevard, call 330-726-3427.

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