Austintown Community Briefs

Easter Buffet

Friends speciality at the Garden’s Cafe at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks will be hosting an Easter Buffet on April 5. This event will be at various times. Call 330-740-7166 to make a reservation.

BPJW to have April meeting

The next meeting of the Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will be on April 6 at 6:45 p.m. at Lucianno’s Restaurant, located at 1732 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown. Plans for the 35th Anniversary Spring Banquet at Michael Alberini’s, upcoming summer fundraisers and activities at Boardman Park will be discussed. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women older than 18, residing in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship, fun and community involvement. The group’s 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 membership chairperson Linda Fabian at 330-782-8208.

Simply Slavic vendors

The fifth annual Simply Slavic festival will be on June 20 from 12-11 p.m. on Federal Plaza East. Organizers are seeking authentically Slavic retail, craft, fine art and food vendors for its marketplace and food tents. Simply Slavic has vending space for 15 food vendors and 10 marketplace vendors who will provide a variety of Slavic merchandise and foods for patrons during the festival. The confirmation deadline for previous vendors is April 15. Applications from new vendors will be accepted after this date, but questions are welcome at any time. For more information, contact info@simplyslavic.org or call at 330-509-0754.

Pawerful Penguin March

Go to Boardman Park’s Ex-Serviceman’s Pavillion on April 11 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and join the Pawerful Penguin March to raise money for the Animal Chairty Humane Society. Walk your furry friends throughout the park and race to win yummy and stylish prizes your canine companion will be sure to love. YSU’s Pete and Penny Penguin will be available for pictures. DJ Rio will provide music to get everybody up and grooving. Hot dogs and beverages will be available, along with doggie biscuits and water bowls. A representative from the Animal Charity will be available to chat, and will have some dogs from the shelter that are available for adoption. This event is free for all ages. Donations are accepted. All proceeds will go to Animal Charity of Youngstown.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions. 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 Youngstown (in Cornersburg). Both meetings will 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.

Gardening basics: pruning

Learn about the basic pruning for the home landscape with Ellen Specher at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks on April 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register and pay by April 9. The cost is $8 per person.

Advanced bread making

Create a loaf of bread using pate ferment with the modified heart method to bake at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 12-4 p.m. Register and pay by April 9. The cost is $24 or $20 FFRG.

Open studio-garden design

Bring any gardening problems to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 2-4 p.m. and a staff member can offer suggestions.

Master gardener gathering

Master gardeners from any program are welcome to join this spring gathering of plants, food and fun at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 22 at 6-8 p.m.

Botanical mornings

Explore the budding spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens with Lynn Zocolo on April 24 from 9-10 a.m. Register and pay by April 22. The cost is $5 per person.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens for an afternoon of breathing and movements to ease stress and improve health on April 7, 15, 22 and 29 from noon-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30 at 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Restorative yoga

Begin the morning in a quiet time while you restore your body and nourish the mind with restorative yoga and journaling at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 9-10:30 a.m. Register and pay $20 by April 9. Drop-ins pay $22.

Laughter yoga

Enhance your well-being with laughter through this fun class led by certified instructor Teresa Lisum at Ford Nature Center on April 15 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. No experience is required. The cost is $5 per person.

Meditation and mindfulness

Explore mindfulness methods with Karress Cvetkovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 19 from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Register and pay by April 17 for $15 per person. Drop-ins will pay $18.

Four Area Robotics Teams advance to World Championship

Girard High School FRC 379 Robo Cats won the Engineering Inspiration award and were also the Captain of the Regional Winning alliance. Austintown Fitch High School FRC 3193 Falco Tech, along with FRC 1592 Bionic Tigers from Cocoa, Fla. were selected by the Robo Cats to be on their alliance and also were Regional Winners, Hubbard High School FRC 5418 Sonic Screwdrivers Won the Rookie All Star Award and Warren G. Harding High School FRC 48 Delphi ELITE were Finalists and received a Wild Card Invitation. All of the teams advance to the FIRST World Championship April 22-25 in St. Louis, Miss.

Spring senior citizens dinner

Dinner, entertainment and fun is on the menu for Austintown senior citizens. Austintown residents, who are 65 and older, are invited to join the Spring Senior Citizens Dinner on April 29. Board members, school staff and student groups will serve dinner at 4 p.m. at Fitch High School. Students will entertain the guests until 6 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. The cost of the dinner is $2. Call 330-797-3919 by April 24 to reserve your seat.

Trunk and treasure sale on April 11

The Saxon Ladies Society will sponsor a Trunk and Treasure Sale on April 11 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Saxon Club, located at 710 Meridian Road in Youngstown. Crafters and vendors are welcome to sale. Parking lot spaces will be $10. Indoor tables will be $25 for a 6 foot table. Call Betty Garhammer to reserve an indoor space at 330-788-4274. Parking lot spaces do not need a reservation. Admission is free.

Contra Dance set for April 18

A family-friendly Contra Dance will take place on April 18 at the Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Teaching will begin at 7 p.m. followed by the dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The dance will feature the band One String Short. Beginners and experienced dancers of all ages are welcome. No partner is needed. Admission is $7 per person. Call FNC at 330-740-7107 or Dennis Kempthorne at 330-823-5840 for additional information.

Basic computer class: email

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. This is a beginner’s class that will cover setting up an Internet based e-mail account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and Internet is required. Space is limited to four. Call to register 330-744-8636 and specify Basic Computer Class at Austintown: E-mail. This event is for adults.

Immaculate Heart of Mary 5K run

Immaculate Heart of Mary is putting on the annual 5K festival and Kids run on June 4 at 7 p.m. All participants must be registered, including those in the childrens run. The adult entry fee is as low as $10. The children’s run is free. Runners can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Austintown/Ihmfestival5k.

Kindle class

Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library on April 8 at 6:30 p.m. and learn how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog. 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. This event is for teens and adults.

Facebook for seniors

See how you can connect with friends, family, send messages and share photos on Facebook on April 17 at 11 a.m. Then call the Austintown library to Book-a-Librarian to set up your own Facebook account. This event is for adults.

..And The Rest is History book club

Read a sizzling, red-hot history book lately? The Austintown library would love to hear all the juicy details. Join an informal discussion covering all areas of history, including historic eras, people, places and things at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on April 2.

Cookbook club

Join the Austintown library on April 23 at 6 p.m. to share your favorite appetizer recipes. Bring a homemade dish to share with friends. (Food waiver must be signed.) This event is for adults.

Page turners book club

Love books? Looking for a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just join the fun at the Austintown library from 6–7 p.m. April 15.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive sponsored by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library on April 7 at 1-6 p.m. and on April 25 at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Free blood pressure check

There will be a free blood pressure check by the Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Austintown library on April 28 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Show what you know: sourdough club

Create a wild yeast sourdough starter at the Austintown library on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. In this bread-making program, you will create and discuss the step-by-step method for creating, nurturing and maintaining a robust wild yeast (a.k.a. sourdough) starter, used to bake a variety of breads and sweet treats; or slightly fermented for sourdoughs. Some knowledge of basic bread making skills helpful. Sourdough club will continue to meet monthly to discuss our successes/problems. Registration required at 330-744-8636.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting and program

Kent J. Engelhart, Ph.D. Professor of Jazz Studies, YSU, will bring a YSU student to perform during the meeting on April 27 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library.

Fitness at the library

The Friends of Austintown Library will offer Flex Fitness program consisting of cardiovascular and strength components and geared to adults of all ages on Mondays beginning on April 6 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. This event is good for the beginner as well as for those who are at an intermediate level of fitness. An ACSM certified group fitness instructor will be leading the class. The fee for the class is $5 and Friends of the Library can attend free in April.

Free tax preparation

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. 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. Call 330-726-2492 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment for April 8 at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

TeenXTreme blackout poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so here’s your chance to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet! Create a poem by eliminating-blacking out-the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the Austintown library provides. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes! Talk to a librarian for details. For teens in grades 7-12 during the month of April.

Book features Haiku Poetry by Jim Villani

Pig Iron Press of Youngstown, Ohio has announced the publication of “Natural Moments”, a collection of 52 poems in the Japanese Haiku format by Jim Villani, editor of Pig Iron Press. Writer, editor, publisher and teacher Jim Villani established Pig Iron Press in 1993. He was Born in Youngstown and raised in Boardman. He was educated at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and Cardinal Mooney High School. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Language Arts fr4om Youngstown State University and was a fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. “Natural Moments” retails at $9.95. It is available at Pig Iron Press, 26 North Phelps Street, downtown Youngstown, or by mail at P.O. Box 237, Youngstown, Ohio 44501. Dealer inquiries invited. For more information, call Pig Iron Press at 330-747-6932.

Harvest for Hunger at Sparkle Markets

Through April 11, customers of Sparkle Markets will have the opportunity to Check Out Hunger and feed hungry families in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Customers may tear off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon available at the register that will be added to their grocery bill. Customers may also donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the collection bin at the front of the stores. Last year, Sparkle Markets raised $6,421 through the donation coupons, which enabled the Food Bank to distribute $96,315 worth of food to people right here in the Mahoning Valley.

Farm animal baby shower

Meet the new spring animals at the kick-off to MetroParks Farm season on April 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be plenty of animals to see and pet. Bring your cameras to capture photo opportunities. Cake and punch will be served while supplies last.

Starry night

View the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society at the MetroParks Farm. The event will take place on April 17 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sky viewing is weather dependent. The rain check date will be April 24. Call FNC for details.

Daffodil weekend

Discover the delights of daffodil’s at Fellows Riverside Gardens. See more than 200 species on display during a guided walk from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 25 and 26. Take a stroll through Daffodil Meadow and participate in the Daffodil Show that highlights the diversity and beauty of daffodils.

Breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny

Join MetroParks Farm for morning of breakfast, crafts, face painting and bunny visiting. Hosted by The Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit committee, the event will be from 9-10:30 a.m. on April 4. The price is $7.50 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2-years-old. Register by April 1.

Bunny day at the farm

Join MetroParks Farm on April 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and visit with a variety of rabbit breeds. Learn about keeping a rabbit as a pet.

Plant the seed to read a book

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting the ninth annual Children’s Book Festival on April 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Authors will be featured along with illustrators, book characters, storytellers and hands on activities for children to enjoy. All ages are welcome.

Farm Tours

There will be guided tractor wagon tours of the farm of MetroParks with tours starting each half hour on April 19 and 26 from 1-4 p.m. Barns will be open to visit with the animals. Donations will be accepted. There is a $1 craft fee.

Cha-cha dance class

Enjoy learning a fun and versatile Latin dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Classes will be offered on April 7 and 14 from 6-7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Swing Dance Class

Learn this easy to follow dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Beginners are encouraged to come. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Metromutts: hike into spring

Search for daffodils on this easy two mile hike up East Newport Drive past Daffodil Meadow at East Newport Boat Launch on April 12 at 11 a.m. Local shelters will bring some adoptable dogs to join on the hike. Call FNC for details.

ODNR boating safety class

Learn about boating safety with a full training being offered and a proficiency exam at the end of the class on April 18 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Metroparks. The cost is $10 to register. Bring a lunch. Call 330-740-7100 to register.

Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join the fun of Contra Dance at Pioneer Pavilion in MillCreek Metroparks at 7-10 p.m. on April 18. Beginners and veterans are welcome to join in on this British Isles folk dance. The cost is $7 for the class. Call FNC for Details.

Let’s dance

Dance the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango and more with half hour dance lessons from 6-9 p.m. on April 21 at McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm. Singles and couples are welcome. The cost is $5 per person.

Spring fling

Join Mlll Creek Metroparks Ford Nature Center for a day of adventure and discovering nature on April 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hike, look for signs of spring and make seed bombs. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Ages 8-12 are welcome. Register and pay at FNC by April 4. The cost is $20 R and $25 NR.

If you plant them they will grow

Two- and 3-year-olds will learn how plants get started through a story, activity and craft on April 9 from 10-11 a.m. or April 11 from 12-1 p.m. at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wiggly Worms

Ages 3-6 can learn why earthworms are important on April 10 and 11 from 10-11 a.m. Learn how they eat, breathe and help your garden with an interactive program at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance at FNC. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR.

Sprout Club: animals and plants

Ages 3-5 are welcome to explore the way animals need plants on April 23 from 1-2 p.m. A snack and craft will be included at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks. Space is limited. Register and pay $7 by April 21.

Let’s go timberdoodlin’

Join Mill Creek MetroParks and attempt to witness the sky high flight of male woodcocks (aka timberdoodles) on April 10 from 7:30-9 p.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead. Boots are required. Call FNC for details.

Eagle Watch

Search for and observe eagles with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on April 12 at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Chose any session (8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m.) and register at FNC by April 11. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Birding in the Sanctuary

Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on April 18 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Register at FNC by April 17.

Audubon Society Mahoning Valley

Eric Barrett of the OSU Extension will present, “Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants” at MetroParks Farm on April 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Garden guide training program

Volunteer garden guides will share the history and magic of Fellows Riverside Gardens plant collections from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 10. Call Lynn at 330-740-7116 ext. 211 for details.

Legacy Dog Rescue bake sale set for March 28

Legacy Dog Rescue will be hosting a bake sale and Easter Bunny pictures on March 28 at Family Video, located at 4385 Kirk Road in Austintown. The event will run from 12-4 p.m. Pictures are $6 for a 4 x 6 inch print and there will be an assortment of baked goods. Proceeds help the continued success of Legacy Dog Rescue by saving dogs from local shelters.

Brookdale Easter egg hunt on March 28

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, located at 1420 South Canfield Niles Road in Austintown, will host an egg hunt on March 28 at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. The date to RSVP was March 24.

Sit ‘n Stitch

Join the Austintown library for a morning to knit, crochet, embroider, sew or other lap needlework on April 10 from 11 a.m. until noon. Bring in your current project, make new friends and learn from one another. Facilitated by a librarian. This event is for adults.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library on April 24 at 10 a.m. and April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up for either session to create April’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3-D item. Class size is limited, registration required. Call 330-744-8636 for registration. This event is for adults.

April showers bring may flowers

Make some awesome blossoms to take home on April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Paper, cloth and embellishments will be provided. This event is for grades 4-6.

Chip bag totes

Be stylish and environmentally friendly on April 21 at 6 p.m. Make small tote bags or purses out of recycled chip bags and duct tape. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Exploring the library’s business databases

Join Stuart Gibbs, Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about your customers and potential customers on April 13 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Featured databases, DemographicsNow - Library Edition, Local Market Audience Analyst and ReferenceUSA’s U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles bring timely and authoritative data and insights for your marketing plan. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Locate your customers

Join Stuart Gibbs, Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about how to target potential customers at the Austintown library on April 27 at 6 p.m. Featured databases, D&B Million Dollar Database and ReferenceUSA (Business, HealthCare, New Business, and Residential modules), bring timely and authoritative information to develop strategic marketing. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Saturday movie matinee

Join the Austintown library for a Saturday movie matinee on April 18 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 years and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G.

Trim a tree for April

Decorate an ornament for the Austintown library’s all-season tree. This event is for children of all ages during regular library hours in the month of April.

Special Phantoms story time

All are welcome to come out and see the Youngstown Phantoms hockey players for a meet and greet and story at the Austintown library on April 1 at 3 p.m. Also, The Pop-Up Library will be at the Phantoms’ Library Hockey Game on April 11 at 7:05 p.m. at the Covelli Centre. Show your library card that evening and get a discount for your admission to the game.

Austintown Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

Become a member of the Austintown library’s Teen Advisory Board. Your opinion counts. You can help out with library programs, help decide what books to buy, discuss what you are currently reading, meet new people and have a snack. TAB will be meeting the first Saturday of each month. Teens in grades 7-12 are eligible. April’s meeting will be on April 11 at 3 p.m.

TeenXTreme blackout poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so here’s your chance to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet. Create a poem by eliminating-blacking out-the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the Austintown library provides. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes. Talk to a librarian for details. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during the month of April.

Scrapbooking Club

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas at the Austintown library. Pre-register for this event by calling 330-744-8636. This event is for adults on April 14 at 11 a.m.

The Ursuline Center announces 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk Schedule

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, has announced its 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk schedule. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free events. Walks generally take 20-30 minutes. This year’s first guided walk is April 19 at 2 p.m. and offers an additional feature. The event starts with a presentation on the “Spirituality of Labyrinths” in The Ursuline Center, then moves outdoors for a walk celebrating the Earth. The complete list of walks is as follows: April 19 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Earth; May 12 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Motherhood; June 9 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Fatherhood; July 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Families; Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Welcoming the Stranger; Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Peace; and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, Showing Solidarity with the Poor.

Award dinner set for March 29

The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Council Boy Scouts of America will host its annual District Awards Dinner recognizing their 2014 Volunteers and the 2014 Class of Eagle Scouts from the district. This year’s dinner will take place at St. James Episcopal Church Glenwood Ave in Boardman and will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. The recognition dinner will honor 24 scouts who have earned their Eagle Scout Award in 2014, the highest award possible in the Boy Scouts. Also being honored will be Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing Crews and Scout volunteers. The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Boy Scout Council serves families in Mahoning County and Hubbard with 1,100 youth involved in 42 units supported by 150 adult volunteers. The program will begin at 6 p.m. on March 29 and reservations are required by calling Greater Western Reserve Council Service Center at 330-898-8474, Boy Scouts of America, Whispering Pines District, located at 4930 Enterprise Boulevard in Warren.

Free seminar on April 9

Dr. Ted Suzelis, N.D. will be presenting a free seminar titled, “Overcoming Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue” on April 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman (SouthBridge West Complex at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D-3 in Boardman). Join Suzelis for an informative seminar that will provide good options for people struggling with these complex issues. Suzelis will discuss some of the causes of these common problems, along with therapies that he finds helpful in resolving them. For more information or to register, call 330-729-1350 or go online at OhioND.com. There is free admission, but RSVP is required.

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf opens at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf in Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens has officially opened for business. The Garden Caf has been refreshed and newly updated and will offer an eclectic selection of teas, locally roasted coffee, a locally sourced lunch menu, desserts and other libations all served with a complimentary view of stunning Lake Glacier. The Caf is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for pastries, coffee and tea. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information or questions, contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.

Mill Creek ABWA sets April meeting

The American Business Women’s Association, Mill CreekChapter, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Margaret “Peggy” Williams, a former social studies and English teacher at Austintown Fitch High School, will share details on her travels to Northern Ireland. She currently serves as a tour guide at the Arms Family Museum of Local History in Youngstown. A brunch menu at $17 per person will be served. To make a reservation, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by April 5.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on April 22 for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money at 11:30 a.m. on April 22. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Every penny counts

Join the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 21, during Smart Money Week, and learn some creative (and mostly painless) ways to save money. Each participant will receive a free piggy bank. This event is for teens and adults.

Couponing and smart saving tips

Join the Austintown library on April 20 at 6 p.m. for an informative session on couponing and many other ways to save money. Everyone is encouraged to share your tips and ideas. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds at the Austintown library to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. The use of books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts will help your child get ready for kindergarten on April 8, 15 and 29 at 11:30 a.m.

Bonding with babies and books and signs, oh, my!

Come to the Austintown library on April 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. and learn how to use American Sign Language (ASL) with your child through rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. There will be a different topic each week with easy corresponding signs to learn and share. Babies ages 6-23 months must be accompanied with an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally appropriate book, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader on April 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 10 a.m.. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library on April 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park

Spring is on the way and it’s a perfect time for you and your dog to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors by joining the Marge Hartman’s Paws Town Dog Park at Boardman Park. The 3.25 acre fenced in Dog Park has separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, a dog wash station, benches, small shade trees and dog waste bags. One year memberships to Paws Town are available for 2015-2016. Memberships will be valid from date of purchase through March 31, 2016. Memberships for Boardman residents will be $40 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Non-Boardman resident fee will be $65 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Membership packets may be picked up at the Boardman Park Office Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the outdoor literature boxes at the Dog Park or online at boardmanpark.com. One day passes are available for $5. Bring your dog’s shot records on your Veterinarian’s letter head, rabies and county tag numbers and enjoy a day with your “best friend” at Paws Town.

Wednesdays at the WOW!

Join OH WOW! every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore the InspireWorks Lab. Details can be found at www.ohwowkids.org.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals starting on March 14 before the OHWOW museum opens to the public for members only hours from 9-10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Get exclusive access to the museum and help WOW!

Pals test new exhibit and program ideas.

Grandparents explore for free

Bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! the last Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on April 29 for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

Map of ME

Practice your map-making skills at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 4. Make a personalized ME Map and explore some examples of different types of maps. This event is for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are available and pre-registration is required.

Closed for the day

OH WOW will be closed on April 5.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 11 and use some hands-on demonstrations to understand how Earth’s weather works. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is suggested.

Weather tools

Make your own tools to take home and observe the weather with at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 18. Learn what meteorologists watch for with this fun workshop for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are availale. Pre-registration is required.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW and use some hands-on demonstrations to help understand how the Earth’s weather works on April 25 from 12-1 p.m. All ages are welcome and pre-registration is suggested.

Women Artists art exhibition

The YWCA Women Artists: A Celebration! Annual Art Exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists, age 18 and older. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102 or at ywca.org/youngstown. They are due no later than March 30. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. There is a nonrefundable fee of $10 per entry or $45 for five entries. Entry is by CD only. This year’s juror is Susan Talbot-Stanaway, former director of the Zanesville Museum of Art, Zanesville. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 20, at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.

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 Youngstown (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 Filing Link and Assistance

The YWCA of Youngstown is offering a self-serve link to file taxes for free. Also being offered are free tax workshops and free tax filing assistance. The self-serve link is available on the YWCA website at ywca.org/youngstown. To file taxes through this link, users must have a household income under $65,000 if single and $95,000 if married. Also needed are the user’s social security number, W2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, information about other income, deduction and credit information (such as child care expenses, tuition, bills and union dues) and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible. For free tax filing assistance, walk-ins will be accepted from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. April 10 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Appointments are required at all other times. To schedule an appointment, call Jennie at 330-746-6361, ext. 125.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2015-2016

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2015-2016 school year can now apply. The application is available for sophomore students on the school’s website. Current students do not need to reapply. The school offers 22 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

Tax preparation

The library will provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income. 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. Call the Austintown library at 330-726-2492 anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment for April 8 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.