Boardman Community Briefs

April 3, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

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 call for 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trash and Treasure sale to be May 6 and 7

Boardman United Methodist Church, located at 6809 Market Street in Boardman, will host a spring Trash and Treasure Sale on May 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday is bargain-bag day.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available.

Blood pressure screening by MCCTC

Free blood pressure screening by students in the Medical Assistant class at the Adult Career Center, MCCTC on April 30 from 9-11 a.m. at the Boardman Library.

Antiques valuation with Jeff Bryce

The Boardman library will host an antiques and collectible appraisal event featuring local appraiser, Jeff Byce. Due to high anticipated demand, participants will be limited to 3-5 items. Items to be appraised must be easily carried (no furniture) and must be rare vintage pieces. Join the fun, and learn if you have trash or treasure. This event is for adults and will take place on April 16 at 5 p.m.

Friends of PLYMC Canfield Women’s Book Club

Friends of PLYMC Canfield Women’s Book Club will meet at the Boardman library on April 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Chuck E. Cheese storytime and library fundraiser

There will be a special story time at 10 a.m. before the store opens with Chuck E. Cheese at the Boardman store location on April 29. This story time will be the fourth Wednesday of every month in 2015.

Support your public library that day by showing your library card and receive 10 free tokens to play games. The library will receive 15 percent of the purchases made that day at Chuck E. Cheese. Support your Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County by donating your gently used and once-read children’s books also that day to support children’s programming. For more information on this fundraiser, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Puzzle Swap

Bring your once created puzzles to swap, limit six per person to the Boardman library on April 8 at 5 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

Friends of PLYMC meeting

The Friends of PLYMC Canfield committee meeting will be at the Boardman library at 6:30 p.m. on April 8.

Free tax preparation

The Boardman 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 330-726-2492 weekdays betweek 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment now through April 8 between 9 a.m. and 1 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 Boardman 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.

Friends of the Boardman Library meeting

“Mrs. Herbert ‘Lou’ Hoover” by presenter Elizabeth Clark will be at the Boardman library during the Friends of the Boardman Library meeting and program on April 13 at 10 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.

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.

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.

Contributions to the new stadium

The Boardman Stadium Project has announced that Hill Barth and King, Prout Boiler, Heating & Welding and Simon Roofing have contributed towards the new Spartan Stadium. In total, these companies have contributed $20,000 to the Boardman Stadium Project. If you would like to support the project, contact the Boardman Boosters for additional information at donation@boardmanboosters.org or visit www.boardmanboosters.org.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize at the Boardman library April 10, 18 and 24 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

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

BYOD (bring your own device) library scavenger hunt

Hunt for QR codes scattered around the Boardman library, scan them with your device and answer the questions in this library scavenger hunt for the whole family. Correct entries will be eligible for a random prize drawing. This event is for the family during library hours through the month of April.

Stories and s’mores

There will be a special story time for children of all ages to celebrate National Library Week at the Boardman library on April 14 at 6 p.m. Each child must be accompanied by an adult in this one hour program featuring camping stories and a S’mores snack. Give your favorite stuffed animal a ride in the library wagon. This event is for children of all ages.

Check into chess

Join the Boardman library and play chess on April 19 at from 1:30-4:30 p.m. If you would like to learn to play but don’t know how, you will be taught. This event is for all ages.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Boardman library on April 7 from 2-3 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

Messy masterpieces

School’s out so come see how the Boardman library combines art and science to create a messy masterpiece on April 8 at 10 a.m. Wear old clothes and join the fun with stories, shaving cream, sand and other surprises in this one hour program for the family. Preschoolers must attend with an adult.

Night owl story time

There will be an evening story time for children ages 3-5 at the Boardman library on April 7 and 28 at 6 p.m. Each child must be accompanied by an adult in this 30-minute program featuring finger plays, stories and a craft activity.

Sensory Story Time

Join the Boardman library for a family story time for children of all ages with a sensory focus on April 18 at 2 p.m. This program is designed for children with different needs, including those with Autism, speech/language delays, cognitive impairments, AD/HD and other special needs and challenges. You will enjoy 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 Boardman library. This event is for preschool and school age children.

All you can read buffet

Join the Boardman library for this read-a-thon on April 9 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and choose from a menu of adventure, mystery, fantasy and/or science fiction. Pizza, drinks and junk food will be available to enjoy while you read will be provided. Bring your bean bag chair, your favorite pillow, sleeping bag and don’t forget a blanket. See if you have what it takes to read for four straight hours. Sign up now to reserve your spot. You can join any time during the event. Register online at www.libraryvisit.org, or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Boardman library. This event is for grades 4-12.

It’s all about yarn

Bring in your crochet, knitting, plastic canvas, or “anything with yarn” project and learn from one another. Participants are encouraged to bring all yarn UFOs (unfinished objects). This event is for teens and adults at the Boardman library at 11 a.m. on April 27.

I read YA book club

This club is for adult fans of Young Adult Literature from ages 18-118. Come out of the book closet and proudly say – I Read YA at 6:30 p.m. on April 14.

Reader’s choice book club

Discuss “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Boardman library. Share your favorite books and find out what new ones are being published. May’s book, ”Seabiscuit: An American Legend,” by Laura Hillenbrand, will be previewed. This event is for adults.

Free blood pressure screening

Free blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Boardman library on April 6 from 12:30-3 p.m.

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 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 adults - $7.50, Children ages 3-12 - $5 and under 2 years is free. 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

Pop-Up library at Park Vista of Youngstown

This event is in conjunction with a Mahoning Valley Lifelong Institute program and will be at Park Vista on April 21 from 1-2 p.m. The Pop-Up Library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a Library card, or learn about digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up Library at your event, visit http://www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary

Smart money family story time

Join the Boardman library for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money on April 21 at 6 p.m. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is for pre-schoolers.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

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

Money Origami

Come to the Boardman library and find out what you can make out of a buck on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 and adults.

Smart money: every penny counts

Join the Boardman library during Smart Money Week and learn some creative (and mostly painless!) ways to save money on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. They will even get you started on the road to savings with a free piggy bank. This event is for teens and adults.

Research Before You Buy

Join the Boardman library to learn how to locate consumer reviews for many different products using library resources on April 25 at 10 a.m. Technology, housewares, automobiles and other products will be included. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Boardman receives donation from Cocca’s Pizza for new stadium

The Boardman Stadium Project has announced a generous donation by a local company to fund the construction of the new stadium that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2015. Cocca’s Pizza is contributing $25,000 and will be recognized on the new stadium scoreboard. If you would like to support the project, contact the Boardman Boosters for additional information at donation@boardmanboosters.org or visit www.boardmanboosters.org.

Stadium Project receives donations for ticket booth

The Boardman Stadium Project has announced that Refresh Dental is donating $40,000 toward the building of a ticket booth that will be housed at the new stadium, which is to open in the fall of 2015. The stadium will have a total of two ticket booths when the project is finished. If you would like to support the project, please contact the Boardman Boosters for additional information at donation@boardmanboosters.org.

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.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals before the museum opens to the public for member only hours in the month of April on the second Saturday of each month 9-10 a.m. starting on April 11. 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.

Nomination accepted for Children’s Advocate Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Children’s Advocate Awards presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley who exhibit the spirit of caring and who work to make a difference in the lives of the children of the communities we serve. Honorees will be recognized at the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley “Champions for our Valley’s Children” Celebration Dinner on May 12 at The Lake Club. Consider nominating a special individual, group or organization for the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley Children’s Advocate Award. The deadline for submission is March 16. Details regarding eligibility and criteria, as well as a nomination form are available at https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/event/champions-valleys-children/children_s_advocate_award_nomination_form_2015.pdf

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. The event will take place at the Boardman library on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Call 330-726-2492 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

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.