Canfield 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.

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

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.

Local church to host egg drop

Canfield Presbyterian Church will host the fourth annual Giant Egg Drop on March 28 from 10 a.m. until noon. Families will be challenged to drop a raw egg from different heights without breaking the egg. Supplies will be provided. Enjoy a puppet show, Easter Egg Hunt and Easter crafts, as well. For more information, contact Canfield Presbyterian Church at 330-533-5509.

Speech and debate showcase to be March 25

The Canfield speech and debate team is hosting its annual “Speech and Debate Showcase” on March 25 from 7-9 p.m. in the Canfield High School Auditorium. See several performances and learn more about the team that has placed in the top 10 in Ohio for seven consecutive years. Admission is free.

Canfield United Methodist Holy Tuesday service

This Holy Tuesday Service on March 31 at 7 p.m. will focus on the Scriptures of Holy Week as a guide to prayer. Using multi-media, Canfield United Methodist Church will tell the Holy Week story from Palm Sunday to Easter. This service is specifically designed for folks who will be out of town over the Easter Holiday.

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.

Canfield United Methodist Church Palm Sunday service

There will a Palm Sunday Mass on March 29 with two services at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Canfield United Methodist Church.

Canfield Rotary to host pancake breakfast

The Rotary Club of Canfield will host its annual pancake breakfast on Palm Sunday, March 29, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Canfield High School Cafeteria, located at 100 Cardinal Drive. The breakfast is an all-you-can-eat and includes pancakes, DiRusso’s sausage, eggs, fruit, topping bar and beverages. Tickets are $6, with children 6 and under eating free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Storage and More, located at 8696 Columbiana-Canfield Road, from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door or from a Rotarian. Proceeds will benefit the community through its many projects, including Operation Warm (winter coats for Mahoning County children), Canfield’s Fourth of July Parade, free July 4 fireworks at the Canfield Fairgrounds, Lighting of the Green (Santa’s arrival and an evening of free entertainment and food), “Fly the Flag” program, community gifts (including $50,000 to the new Canfield library) and monetary contributions to numerous school activities and teams, including the band shell, baseball batting building, Interact, robotics and thespians.

CUMC to host Good Friday on the Green

Instead of a traditional Good Friday service in the sanctuary, the Canfield United Methodist Church congregation is again taking the Good Friday to the Green. The community is invited to experience Christ’s journey to the cross through a visual display of the Stations of the Cross situated around the Green in Canfield. Families and individuals from Canfield UMC have been designing and creating visual interpretations of ten scriptures that follow Jesus’ journey from betrayal to death. Displays include found objects, photography, collage and more. The stations will be on display from 5–7 p.m. on April 3 around the Green beginning near the Gazebo. Participants will be given a brochure outlining the stations and the accompanying scriptures. Canfield UMC minister Rev. Susan Brown and other volunteers will be available for prayer or conversation. Canfield UMC is located at 27 S. Broad Street on the Green in Canfield. Parking for the event is at the church. For more information, call 330-533-9801 or check out the website at www.canfieldumc.org.

Canfield United Methodist Church Palm Sunday service

There will a Palm Sunday Mass on March 29 with two services at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Canfield United Methodist Church.

Canfield United Methodist Church Holy Tuesday service

This Holy Tuesday Service on March 31 at 7 p.m. will focus on the Scriptures of Holy Week as a guide to prayer. Using multi-media, Canfield United Methodist Church will tell the Holy Week story from Palm Sunday to Easter. This service is specifically designed for folks who will be out of town over the Easter Holiday.

Canfield United Methodist Church Maundy Thursday service

The Canfield United Methodist Church will offer Maundy Thursday service and sacrifice on April 2 at 7 p.m. This will be an informal time of worship that examines Jesus Christ’s teaching on service and sacrifice as he gathers in the Upper Room with his disciples. Foot washing and communion will be offered.

Canfield United Methodist Church Easter Sunday Service

Easter Sunday service will be on April 5 at Canfield United Methodist church. There will be two services, one at at 8:15 a.m. and another at 10:30 a.m.

Boy Scout Troop Pasta Dinner

You and your family are invited to join Boy Scout Troop 115 for its annual Palm Sunday “All you can eat!” pasta dinner on March 29 from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Michael Church, located at 350 N. Broad St. (SR 46S) in Canfield. Prepared and served by the members of the troop, this “All you can eat” pasta dinner cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children 6–12, and children 5 and under are free. Your meal includes a pasta dinner, salad, bread, beverage and cake. Carry-out dinners will be available. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Troop 115 member or at the door. Gift baskets will also be available to try and win at the end of the dinner. The winner does not need to be present. Proceeds from the dinner helps send the Scouts to Summer Camp this year at Camp Beaumont in Rock Creek.

Community band to play March 22

The Canfield Community Concert Band will present a concert on March 22 at 3 p.m. in the Canfield High School auditorium. The theme of the concert is Crossing Borders and the program will feature music for wind band representing classic and contemporary styles from around the world. The concert is presented as a benefit for the Canfield-area food pantry, Operation Blessing. Donations of non-perishable food items as well as monetary contributions will be accepted at the door on behalf of Operation Blessing. The band will perform several selections including “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Armenian Dances” by Alfred Reed and “Undertow” by John Mackey. The Canfield Community Concert Band is an all-volunteer band open to musicians of all ages and abilities from the entire Mahoning Valley. Rehearsals are Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Canfield High School. For more information about the band, visit www.canfieldccband.org.

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.

CUMP to host open house

Canfield United Methodist Preschool will have an open house on March 22 at 2 p.m. Registrations are being accepted now for the fall 3-year-old, 4-year-old and 5-year-old Pre-K classes. The preschool is located at Canfield United Methodist Church, 27 S. Broad Street. The public is invited to tour the preschool. For more information, call Janet Williams, preschool administrator, at 330-533-9802, email preschool@canfieldmethodist.org or visit the preschool online at www.canfieldumc.org.

White House Fruit Farm announces spring event

White House Fruit Farm of Canfield will present “White House Weekend” on March 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and March 22 from 12-4 p.m. The annual event features a unique blend of fun and food that the entire family can enjoy. A number of Ohio food vendors will be on hand offering tasting samples. Additionally, a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, deli and bakery items and locally produced maple syrup will be featured in the 10,000-square-foot farm market located 10 minutes south of Canfield on Route 62.

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.

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.

The Gospel of John performance

Canfield Presbyterian Church will be offering a live performance of The Gospel of John on March 25. Hors d’oeuvres will be at 5:30 p.m. and the performance will start at 6:15 p.m. There will be no admission, but a love offering will be taken. Ages 10 and up are invited to watch the performance. There will be Lent activities for ages 4-9 and nursery care for ages birth up to 3-years-old.

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 betweek 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

Gotta Move Story Time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the MetroParks Farm library 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 should both be ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, talk and play at 10 a.m. on March 31.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

Join the MetroParks Farm library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 4-5) become a successful reader on March 24 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the MetroParks Farm 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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Senior lunch in April

Lord of Life church in Canfield would like to invite all senior citizens to a lunch special on April 13. A lunch will take place on the second Monday of every month at 11 a.m. The lunch is free and donations are optional. There will be blood pressure screenings offered to all seniors and a presentation of spring gardening highlighting gardening issues and tips. This is a community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens with different games and activities offered each month. Spread the word and bring your friends. For questions, call Bernadette Beller at 330-533-6045 or Lord of Life Church at 330-533-3531.

Canfield Local Schools Welcomes Newest Cardinals

The Canfield Local School District will be holding kindergarten registration for the 2015/2016 school year for students residing in the Canfield Local School District at C.H. Campbell on April 14, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. and at Hilltop on April 21, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. New students in grades 1 through 4 are welcome to register at this time as well. Students who are currently attending kindergarten in Canfield do not need to re-register for first grade. The child must be a resident of the Canfield Local School District. Children entering kindergarten must have attained the age of five on or before September 30, 2015. Children entering first grade must have attained the age of six on or before September 30, 2015 and must have completed a successful year in kindergarten. The child’s original birth certificate must be presented at the time of registration. The child’s original social security card must be presented at the time of registration. Proof of residence must be presented at the time of registration, i.e. driver’s license and one of the following: purchase agreement for home, rental agreement for apartment, or gas or electric bill with residential address.

Divorce decree and/or proof of custody (if applicable) must be presented at the time of registration. According to Canfield Local Schools’ Board of Education policy, the immunization records of the students must be presented to register the student for kindergarten. The records must be from a physician’s office or a health clinic.

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.

The Bistro at MCCTC announces new winter and spring hours

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, has new winter and spring hours starting in January. The restaurant will be open for dine in or carryout from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Open dates are March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 31; and April 1 and 2. The Bistro is run by students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. This gives students the chance to gain experience in all facets of working in the restaurant industry, from working as kitchen staff and the Sous Chef to waiting tables and hosting. To make a reservation or place an order for carryout, call 330-729-4000, ext. 1506.

Holy season services

From Palm Sunday through Easter, services at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield will go as follows: March 28 - alternative worship at 5 p.m.; March 29, Palm Sunday - Service of Holy Communion at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. (child care provided at 10:45 a.m.); March 31 - Final “Making Sense of the Bible” Study session at 6:30 p.m. and Holden Prayer Service at 7:45 p.m.; April 1 - Service of the Word and Healing Service at 7 p.m.; April 2 - Service of Holy Communion with footwashing at 7 p.m.; April 3 - Good Friday Service, reading of the Passion and procession of the Cross at 7 p.m.; April 4 - Easter Vigil and service of Holy Communion at 7 p.m. and April 5, Easter - Easter brunch at 9:30 a.m., service of celebration of the resurrection of the Lord with Holy Communion at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary choir performing and child care provided at 10:45 a.m.).

Easter egg hunt

An Easter egg hunt will be offered at Lord of Life Church, located at 550 North Broad Street in Canfield, on April 4 beginning at 10 a.m. All ages from infant through age 12 are welcome. The children are to bring a basket in which they will place the eggs that they find. The Easter Bunny is sure to make a guest appearance. The event will go forward rain or shine. Contact Sheila Massie with any questions at 330-702-1366.

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.

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. 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.