Boardman Community Briefs

Learn about bees

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to “Bees.’ Learn about the important lives that bees lead. Sister Jean Thurin, education manager for Villa Maria Community Center in Pennsylvania, will give insight into these marvelous creatures. This program will take place on March 24 from 7–8 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on Route 46 in Canfield. All are welcome. Call Wild Birds Unlimited at 330-629-2473 for details.

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.

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.

Easter Egg Hunt

Creative Corner Learning Center and Calvary Baptist church is having an Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 starting at 11 a.m. at 1463 Shields Road.

Boardman Park Maple syrup Festival/pancake breakfast

Boardman Park invites the public to the 38th Annual Maple Syrup Festival and Boardman Rotary pancake breakfast on March 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Get some fresh air and enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking to Chester Long Pavilion where you can observe the Park staff demonstrate how Maple trees are tapped, the sap collected and then boiled down to make syrup. Learn about scouting skills from Boy Scout Troop 60 and take a step back into the past and experience the life of Civil War Troops as you watch them perform a re-enactment. Then take a fun wagon ride with family and friends through the Park trails. Inside the Lariccia Family Community Center, learn about Boardman’s history from the Boardman Historical Society, observe the talents of the Western Reserve Woodcarvers and visit the Park table to purchase local maple syrup. For sale will be the paintings of the Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society and the parents of Boy Scout Troop 60 will be offering a basket raffle. The cost of breakfast is $6 per person and children ages six and under are free. Proceeds from the breakfast stay in the community and support the many projects of the Boardman Rotary. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit boardmanpark.com or call the park office at 330-726-8107.

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.

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.

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

Mercy Health to Host ‘Health at Home’ Workshop

Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, will host a one-hour workshop on March 11 in the Youngstown Room at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, located at 1044 Belmont Ave. The workshop includes an easy-to-use reference guide that provides information about more than 200 common health problems as well as tips on caring for yourself and your family, preventing illness and injury, and advice on when to seek medical attention. The morning session runs from 11 a.m. until noon and the evening session runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The workshop and all materials are free, but reservations are required. Call 330-480-3070. Health at Home workshops will be offered at St. Joseph Warren Hospital on April 16 and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital on May 20.

Goulash dinner to be March 21

The Youngstown Saxon Club’s 39th annual President’s Benefit Goulash Dinner will take place in the Saxon ballroom on March 21. The dinner is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and final reservation must be made by March 17. To make your reservation, call the Saxon office at 330-792-7973.

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.

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.

Last Wednesdays - grandparents explore for free

On March 25, bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! This will take place on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

Magic math

Make your own Magic Math kit to thrill and amaze your friends from 12-1 p.m. on March 21 at OHWOW. Ages eight and up are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

Hack-it

Explore circuitry and robotics with InspireWorks Staff at OHWOW! on March 28 from 12-1 p.m. This event is for ages 9 and up.

Wednesdays at the WOW

Join OH WOW every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore in the InspireWorks Lab. Check out www.ohwowkids.org for details.

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.

I Read YA! Book Club

This event is for adult fans of Young Adult Literature from ages 18-118 on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boardman library. Talk about, read and discuss the book.

Book-A-Librarian - Boardman

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)? Register at the Boardman librarian’s desk or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Boardman librarians’ desk to sign up for an appointment. This event is for adults during regular library hours in the month of March.

It’s all about yarn

Bring in your crochet, knitting, plastic canvas or “anything with yarn” project and learn from one another on March 30 at 11 a.m. at the Boardman library. Participants are encouraged to bring all yarn UFOs (unfinished objects).

March madness: book battle

Sixteen Young Adult books face off in head-to-head competition, but only one can win the Battle of the Books at the Boardman library. Fill out and submit your book bracket to be eligible for a random prize drawing. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during regular library hours in the month of March.

Sensory Story Time

The Boardman library will offer family story time with a sensory focus for preschool and school age children on March 28 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. 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.

Night owl story time

The Boardman library will host an evening story time for children ages 3-5 every Wednesday in March 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.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

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

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. The Baordman library will offer twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Friday in March at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Art sale

The YWCA of Youngstown will host an art sale from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 14 and 15 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. This is an opportunity for artists to sell their artwork and for members of the community to purchase original art. The cost for artists is $10 per table. The YWCA will retain a 20 percent commission on all art sales. All artwork must be priced $100 or less. Artwork does not need to be framed. Artists under 18 will need a parent or guardian to reserve the table. Proceeds will benefit the Women Artists Annual Art Exhibition purchase of lighting. Tables are limited. The reservation deadline is March 6. Call Rita at 330-746-6361, ext. 102 for more information.

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.

Chuck E. Cheese Story Time and library fundraiser

There will be a special story time at 10 a.m. beginning on March 25 before the store opens with Chuck E. Cheese at the Boardman store location. This story time will be on 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 gently used and once-read children’s books that day to support children’s programming. For more information on this fundraiser, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

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.

10th annual tasting fundraiser

The Youngstown Area Grocers Association will host its 10th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser on March 20 from 6-9 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, located at 1000 Fifth Ave. in Youngstown. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a reserved table of eight. Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines and 50 microbrews, enjoy gourmet food and live entertainment. There also will be silent and Chinese auctions, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will benefit the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in Youngstown and the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, Pa. To purchase tickets, contact Brigid Kennedy at 330-792-7636 or email bkennedy@ursulinesistersaids.org.

Second annual community Austim and Disability fair

The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley office, is seeking autism service providers to participate in its second Annual Community Autism and Disability Resource Fair on March 22 from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman. Service providers will have the opportunity to provide participants information about autism and disability services and their organizations in the area and NE Ohio region. The resource fair also will have a series of educational workshops for parents while offering a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Booth space is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information, go to www.autismohio.org or call 330-743-9184.

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. March 20, and 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.