Boardman Community Briefs

Women’s self-defense and self-protection seminars

There will be women’s self-defense and self-protection seminars for those who are ages 18 and older (children may attend with adult) on April, 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and April 16 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Master Park Martial Arts Center, located at 212 Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman, instructed by Grand Master Park. To register, email MasterPark@MasterPark.com with the subject stating “Self-defense Seminar” and the date or call 330-965-9000. The seminar is limited to 20 participants and the cost to attend is $10 per person per class. All the fees will be donated to “Boardman Park Children’s Playground Improvement Project.” Master Park, president and head grandmaster of Master Park Martial Arts International, has been training in Oriental Martial Arts for more than 50 years and has been instructing men, women, children, military, police, many sports teams and companies in a variety of Oriental Martial Arts for more than 31 years in this community since he came from Korea. Master Park is one of leading grandmasters in the world and he has trained various true Oriental martial arts, Hapkiyudo: the best self-defense: grappling, punching, kicking, joint locks, Judo, Jujitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido, Aikido and other martial arts. You can find more information by visiting www.MasterPark.com.

BUMP spring sale to be May 4 and 5

Boardman United Methodist Church, located at 6809 Market St, will be hosting a spring trash and treasure sale on May 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday will be bargain bag day. Lunch, a bake sale and beverages will be availablf for purchase.

Boardman Park’s Community Garden

While it may still be too early for digging and planting it’s not too early to join the Community Garden and start planning what fresh vegetables will be on your dinner table this summer. Whether you have a green thumb and are an experienced gardener or whether you are a beginner, community gardens allow you to experience the joys of gardening, promote healthy eating habits and build new relationships with others in the community. The garden is located at the Historic Southern Stables on Washington Boulevard. Registration for the 10 foot by 20 foot garden plots began on April 11 at the Boardman Park Office located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road, and are available for a fee of $25. Your fee includes the garden plot, water and periodic classes/instructions on gardening. Due to the limited number of plots available, registration is limited to Boardman residents only and only one plot per gardener/family. Garden season begins May 1 and runs through Nov. 15. For more information, visit the park office or call 330-726-8105.

Community Cup season begins with Kick-Off Breakfast

The 27th annual Youngstown Area Community Cup season begins with a kick-off breakfast on April 19 at 7:30 a.m. in the Youth Lobby at the Central branch of the Youngstown YMCA. Interested companies and organizations are invited to attend the breakfast to learn about program changes and benefits of participation. There is no charge for the breakfast. Reservations are required. For more information, contact the Community Cup office at 330-742-4794 or cup@youngstownymca.org. The Community Cup is a program of the Youngstown YMCA that has involved more than 80 businesses and organizations and thousands of employees participating in 18 athletic events. The Community Cup aims to create an awareness of the importance of physical fitness for individuals and participating companies. Additionally, the program creates an attitude of teamwork and pride within each sponsoring organization and promotes community spirit. The 2016 Community Cup will take place on Sept. 10, with preliminary events to take place the weekends of Aug. 12-13 and Aug. 26-28.

Youngstown Saxon Club to host dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road, will host its next pork-kraut dinner on April 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. This will be the club’s last dinner until September. The price of $9.50 (children $5) includes dessert and coffee, tea or soda. The public is welcome and take-outs will be available.

Books, purses and jewelry on sale at church

The UMW of Poland United Methodist Church, located at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road in Poland, will be having its “Books, Bags and Bling Sale” on April 23 from 9 a.m. until noon. There will be books, purses and jewelry. Some things will have prices, many will be a donation.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on May 8, May 29 and May 30.

GA 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 takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (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.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

Playtime at your library

Prepare for Kindergarten through play. The librarian will read a story and have fun with developmentally appropriate games and activities that parents can do with your child to help them get ready for Kindergarten. This event is for 2-6 year-olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult to this one hour program. Join the Boardman library on May 18 at 10 a.m.

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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Join the Boardman library on Tuesdays in May at 10 a.m.

Tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the Boardman library May 4 and May 25 at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (2-3 year-olds) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fitness fun story time

Join the Boardman library on May 11 at 10 a.m. for stories and activities selected from the “Eat, Play, Grow” program. Good fun and good nutrition. Prizes and snacks will be given. This event is for children ages 2-5 and is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up at the Boardman library on May 14 at 10 a.m.

Night owl story time

Each child must be accompanied by an adult in this 30-minute program featuring finger plays, stories and a craft activity. This event is for children ages 3-5 at the Boardman library May 3, 17, 24 and 31 at 6 p.m.

Read to some bunny

Be a book buddy and read to a licensed therapy rabbit. School-age children are welcome to sit and read out loud for 20 minutes. The Boardman library will host this event on April 21 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Soap, soap, soap

This event will offer Mother’s Day stories and a soap craft for children of all ages. Preschoolers must attend with an adult to this one-hour program. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Boardman library to register for this event hosted on May 10 at 6 p.m.

YA book superlatives

The school year is ending and it’s time for yearbooks. Come to Boardman library’s teen area and vote for your favorite characters from YA (teen) books that you have read. Who’s your favorite book boyfriend or girlfriend?

Who was the funniest? The library will tally your votes and post the results in June for this year’s YA yearbook. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during open hours in May.

Color your world

Join the Boardman library on May 19 at 7 p.m. for a relaxing evening of adult coloring. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own. Colorful light refreshments will be served. This event is for teens and adults.

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 adults at the Boardman library on May 23 at 11 a.m.

TAB meeting

Check out the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 at the Boardman library on May 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Event raises funds for Habitat for Humanity

The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors is inviting the public to a Reverse Raffle and Dinner fundraiser that will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley. The event will take place on April 28 at The Embassy, located at 5030 Youngstown Poland Road in Boardman. The evening will get underway with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and then the drawing for the $4,000 grand prize. Tickets are $100 for dinner and a raffle ticket, and $50 for each additional dinner. Only 150 raffle tickets will be sold. Entertainment will be provided by Steve Fazzini, and there will also be a Chinese auction and side board. RSVPs are requested no later than April 14 to jessica@ycar.org or 330-788-7026, ext. 6.

Free colorectal cancer program and dinner

Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, will host a presentation on colorectal cancer (the second leading cause of death in the United States) on April 21 at Holiday Inn Boardman. David J. Dunch, MD, a board-certified colon/rectal surgeon, will be the featured speaker. He will discuss the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer, who should be screened and when, and how to reduce your risk. The free presentation will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Boardman, locaed at 7410 South Ave. Dinner will be provided along with dessert from Yellow Brick Place. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Registration is required. Call 330-480-3183 to register or for more information.

Finding our family members in uniform

Explore the records of our armed forces. Learn how to pursue personnel files and unit histories in order to understand your ancestor’s role in defending our nation’s heritage. This event is for adults and teens. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the Boardman library’s events calendar. This event will be hosted on May 24 at 10 a.m.

Daffodil weekend

See more than 200 species and cultivars on display at the Gardens during a special guided walk each day. Take a stroll through Daffofil Meadow in Mill Creek MetroParks. Participate in the Daffodil Show in the Davis Center that highlights the diversity and beauty of daffodils. Daffodil weekend at Fellows Riverside Gardens is April 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

I Read YA! book club

Adult fans of Young Adult Literature that are ages 18-118 - this book club is for you. Talk about why you like YA. Read and discuss. Proudly say, “I read YA!” This month the club will be discussing “Everything, Everything” by Nicola Yoon. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on May 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Preserve your heirlooms

This event offers an introduction to preservation and conservation issues relevant to the genealogist. Whether the information is in the form of original documents and artifacts, or as generated research findings, this seminar will cover basic care, storage and handling techniques; repairing and reformatting; technology migration; disaster response and legacy planning. This event is for adults and teens. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event will be hosted at the Boardman library on May 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Yearly basket auction

The Tri-Gold Prime-Time Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association is sponsoring its yearly basket auction. This event will be hosted on April 23 at Christ Our Savior (St. Nicholas Church) in the Great Hall. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. There will be a drawing at 3 p.m. The $5 admission includes a full sheet of raffle tickets and door prize entry. Free light refreshments and cash door prizes are available. The first prize winner will receive $100 and the second prize winner will receive $50. A special raffle, cash hat raffle and a 50/50 raffle will also be featured. All proceeds go to the Tri-Gold Chapter’s education program.

Free horticulture advice, tips and resources from Boardman Park

Boardman Park is offering a new service for Boardman resident gardeners as the planting season draws near. The park staff will be available to diagnose your plant problem, identify a plant and offer advice on caring for trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and entire landscapes. The park’s goal is to help the residents of Boardman to get the best from their plants and garden. The Green Oasis is the place where you can come to ask plant and gardening questions, solve your problems and get tips and advice. This free service is available by phone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at 330-726-8105, in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. or by email dan@boardmanpark.com.

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 takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (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.

Plant the seed to read

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting the 10th annual Children’s Book Festival on April 16 at 10 a.m. “Grow through Reading” with the Altrusa Club of Youngstown, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Public Media and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. This event will present authors, storytellers, illustrators, book characters and hands-on activities for children. Come out to meet Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat and then join the fun to promote literacy in the Mahoning Valley. This event is free.

Kite festival

Join the celebration of kites and all things that float, soar and fly through the skies. The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites will brighten the skies with expert kite flying and ingenious designs. Bring your own kite to fly and enter in free games. Enjoy free bubble, glider and pinwheel activities. Create a kite for a small fee. This event will be hosted at Wick Recreation Area on April 30 at 11 a.m. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Ford hunt and hike

This year is the MetroParks quasquicentennial (125th anniversary). Stop by Ford Nature Center to try and locate 25 birthday cakes hidden to commemorate this milestone and then go for a hike of your choice. This event is open April 6-30 during open hours.

Celebrating 125 years

Continue celebrating the MetroPark’s 125th birthday. View “classic” 1990s videos of the park, then join the hunt for Volney Rogers’ realized dreams. This scavenger hunt will lead you to various landmarks and jewels of the park. Come out April 16 at 10 a.m.

Tractor-wagon rides

Tractor-wagon rides leave approximately every half hour for a guided tour. Barns are open to visit the animals. Pay a small craft fee of $1 and come out April 17 and 24 at 1 p.m.

Spout club: moss pets

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 21 at 1 p.m. to learn about Marimo moss and create a moss pet to take home. This event is for children ages 3-5. Register and pay by April 19. Tickets are $7.

Saplings: mosaic flower pots

Children ages 8 and up are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 23 at 10 a.m. Celebrate Mother Earth by creating a colorful flower pot for your garden as a gift. Register and pay $21 by April 21.

125th anniversary tours

Sit back and relax on the Cohasset Express while enjoying views of the natural and historic features of 125-year-old Mill Creek Park, Ohio’s first park district. Limited seating is available. Event dates are April 19 and 24 at 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Register and pay at least two days in advance at Ford Nature Center. Adult tickets are $7, non-resident adult tickets are $10. Tickets for children 12 and under and adults ages 60 and up are $5, tickets for non-resident children and seniors are $8.

Bluebell trolley

After viewing Mill Creek Park’s bluebells, head out the view the carpet of them in Poland Municipal Forest. Register and pay at least two days in advance at Ford Nature Center. This event will be April 28 at 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tickets prices are as follows: adult residents - $8, non-residents - $11, child and senior residents - $6, non-residents - $9.

Collegiate Club golf card sale

This event is offered by Mill Creek Golf Course until April 31 and is available to any college student under the age of 23 with an active college ID. Colleges and universities include: Gateway Community College, Univesity of Mount Union, Univesity of Akron, Kent State University and Youngstown State Univesity. Call Mill Creek Golf Course for details. The cost is $19.99.

High school golf school

Join this new program for high school juniors and seniors who want to take their games to the next level and look to play at the collegiate level (boys and girls sessions). Register and pay by April 18. The program is $399 and includes a pair of Foot Joy Hype Flex Golf Shoes ($175 value). The program will meet throughout the months of April, May and June.

Odonald Ross amateur series

This season long golf series is available for all amateur golfers who have an active USGA GHIN Handicap. There will be divisions for both scratch and handicap for men, women and seniors of all abilities. The cost is $45 a player and the event will be hosted at Mill Creek Golf Course on April 23 at 10 a.m.

Get “golf ready”

Learn everything you’ll need to play golf in just a few lessons. PGA pros will show you ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session will focus on various golf skills. Mix and match clinics available. One day clinic - $25, any two clinics - $45, any three clinics - $60 and any seven clinics - $100. Dates for the program are April 27 through Aug. 17.

Ladies night out

This event will be hosted on April 28 at 5 p.m. by the Mill Creek Golf Course. Featuring a golf clothing trunk show, give-a-ways, contests and prizes. Area vendors and sales representatives will be on hand to give a preview of 2016 ladies clothing, shoe, purses and accessory lines. Drink specials, popcorn and appetizers are available. Tickets are $15.

Search for spring wildflowers

Join a weekly search for these charmingly named short-time bloomers. On April 17, meet at Scholl Recreation Area at 2 p.m. for a moderate 2 mile hike. on April 24, meet at YCP at 2 p.m. and wear boots for a moderate hike of 2 miles.

Frog walk

During spring, male frogs serenade the females. Meet at Vickers Nature Preserve to listen, look, catch and release in the “froggiest place” in the MetroParks. Boots are required at this April 29 event at 8 p.m.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Call Ford Nature Center for details. April 20 at 9 a.m., meet at overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive for an easy walk of 1 or 3 miles. April 26 at 6 p.m. meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MPF for an easy walk of 2 or 4 miles.

Eagle watch

Come to Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary April 17 at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited and observe bald eagles. Reservations must be made by phoning Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m. on April 16. “Walk-ins” not permitted.

Spring plant sale

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 6 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and May 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for unique quality plants for the home garden. Perennials (sun and shade), annuals, herbs, fruits, vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs and more will add to your garden’s beauty.

Brent health and undaunted daffodils

These unstoppable, pest-free beauties have captured the hearts and borders of gardens in all 50 states and their various climates. This lecture will take you from early spring to early summer, exploring the multiplicity of different types of these bulb flowers. See new varieties to plant in your garden this fall. Sponsored in part by the John S. and Doris M. Andrews Memorial Lecture Series. Registration is requested but not required. This event will be April 23 at 1:30 p.m.

Master gardener gathering

On April 21 at 6 p.m,. come to Fellows Riverside Gardens for this event. Master gardeners from any program are welcome at the spring gathering of plants, food and fun.

Guided daffodil walk

Delight in the beauty, diversity and fragrance of daffodils on this guided walk. Drop-in on April 24 at 6 p.m. for this free event at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Designing gardens

Thinking about creating a home, community or school gardening space? Come learn about the principles of designing gardens that are welcoming to visitors at any age. Register and pay $12 by April 24. This event is hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Botanical mornings

Discover the joy in the blossoming Spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 29 at 9 a.m. The event will be guided by a knowledgeable staff member. Register and pay $5 by April 27.

Attracting monarchs

On April 30, Fellows Riverside Gardens will host this event at 10 a.m. Learn how to attract Monarchs with tips from Ellen Speicher that include providing simple food and breeding sites for these lovely butterflies. Register and pay by April 28. Tickets are $14, FFRG $12.

In the forest

The work of realist painter Jason Floyd Lewis relishes the natural beauty of uninhabited places. The Wellers Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature this artwork April 22 until June 12.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket to Fellows Riverside Gardens Tuesdays and Thursdays in April for $12 a class.

T’ai chi step one in the gardens

Warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. This class will be hosted Wednesdays in April at noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Each class is $10.

Chair to mat movement

Chair to Mat Movement is designed to increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Drop-ins are welcome and each class is $10. This event is hosted on Wednesdays in April at 9 a.m.

Meditation and mindfulness

Enjoy a diversity of mindfulness methods at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 17. This event will be hosted at 10:30 a.m. Register and pay $15 by April 15. Drop-ins will pay $18.

MetroMutts: hike into spring

Spring has sprung and the daffodils are soon to bloom. Continue the MetroMutts tradition and take a spring hike up East Newport Drive past spectacular Daffodil Meadow. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch on April 16 at 10 a.m. for an easy 2 mile walk. Call Ford Natue Center for details.

MetroMutts: beginner obedience

Presented by The Learning Dog. Learn how to teach your dog commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay” and play a few obedience games. This event will be hosted at MetroParks Farm (Barn #4) on April 20 at 6 p.m. Call Ford Nature Center to register and pay by April 17. MetroMutt members are free, non-members are $6.

Boy Scout Earth Day clean-up

Local Boy Scout Troops, Club Scout Packs and Girl Scout Troops will spend the morning helping to clear out winter’s accumulation of litter across the MetroParks. This event will be hosted on April 23 at 9 a.m. at Ford Nature Center. Call by April 11 to reserve a work area.

Loghurst museum to host sale

Loghurst is hosting a Trunk and Tool sale on April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Each car will pay a fee of $10. Set-up is from 8:30-10 a.m. If you have questions about this event, call 330-533-4330.

Hospice of the Valley to train new volunteers

Hospice of the Valley is hosting training sessions for new companion volunteers to visit hospice patients in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays through May 3 from 1-4:30 p.m. at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Sears Concourse Eastwood Mall, located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road in Niles. During the training program, volunteers will learn what Hospice of the Valley’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for patients and their families and how they fit into that team. Hospice volunteers serve in a variety of ways including companions for hospice patients at home or in nursing homes and support to the family members. Volunteers may also assist with indirect patient services such as clerical support, reception desk, mail team and fundraising. Volunteer assignments are made close to the volunteer’s home. All volunteers must wait one year after the loss of a loved one before they can become a volunteer. For more information or to register, call 330-549-5902.

Boardman Park baby sitting class

Boardman Park is sponsoring a baby sitting class on April 16 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center. Students ages 11-15 will learn babysitting basic skills, first aid, rescue breathing and more. The fee for the class is $40 for Boardman Township Residents and $45 for Non-Residents. Students need to provide their own lunch. Classes are limited. RSVP by April 14 by calling Karen at 330-965-0482, by emailing Karen@boardmanpark.com or calling the Park office at 330-726-8105.

Mahoning Valley walk benefiting JDRF

Take steps to help the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people’s lives. By joining a team or making a donation to JDRF, you’ll raise money to help fund critical research. The walk will be on May 21 at the Watts Center of Youngstown State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://www2.jdrf.org/mahoningvalleywalk. For more information, contact Timothy Styranec at 330-533-5306 or by email at tmstyranec@zoominternet.net.

Have your pet featured in a calendar

West Side Cats is having a pet photography contest. For each $1 you pay, you can submit one photo of your favorite pet. Each vote will be an additional $1 fee which can be paid through PayPal at: Westsidecats@yahoo.com or dropped off at the shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. The top 12 winners will have their pets photo featured on a month of the new calendar and receive a calendar of their own. There will also be a grand prize for the pet with the most votes. Calendars will be sold after the contest ends. The photography contest will end on May 30 (Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Facebook page “West Side Cats Photography Contest.”

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

Proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. Taking blood donations to help our community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Boardman library on April 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Genetics and Genealogy

Can DNA testing help you determine your ancestry? Discovering the level of genetic relationship you have with other individuals and cultures can be enlightening. This event will examine this process while acknowledging the benefits and drawbacks. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for teens and adults, hosted by the Boardman library on April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

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. This event will be hosted at the Boardman library on April 25 at 11 a.m.

Play with clay

Bring two or three polymer clay colors of your choice and make a special gift. Limited space is available. Adults and teens may register by calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Boardman library. The event will be hosted at the library on April 27 at 6 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 library will provide. 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 open hours throughout April.

Read to some bunny

Come be a book buddy and read to a licensed therapy rabbit. School-age children are welcome to sit and read out loud for 20 minutes. This event is hosted by the Boardman library on April 16 at 10 a.m.

Salt dough surprises

Make a critter with salt dough and listen to a story. This non-edible dough program is open to children of all ages. Preschoolers must attend with an adult to this one-hour program. Dress in old clothes or an apron. This event is hosted by the Boardman library on April 19 at 6 p.m.

Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the library for developmentally appropriate books, 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. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library at 10 a.m. April 20.

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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in April.

Baby brilliant playtime

Read a story and have fun with developmentally appropriate games and activities that you can do with your child to help them get ready for Kindergarten. This event is for 2-6 year-olds. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library on April 27 at 10 a.m.

Sprout Club meeting

Join the Sprout Club at Fellows Riverside Gardens this spring to learn about the amazing world of plants with topics that include: pizza plants, moss pets and herbs. Each class will include an activity and snack. Attend all three classes and receive a plant-related prize. Classes will be from 1-2 p.m. on April 21 and May 19. Registration has passed.

Yoga basics course offered at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Choose Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings for this relaxing eight week yoga course. The cost is $80. Sunday classes will be through May 8 at 9 a.m., Tuesday classes will be through May 10 at 6 p.m.

T’ai chi for beginners at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Learn this art of energy balancing, coordination, flexibilty and leg strength during this 10 week course. The cost is $100. Classes will be Thursday nights through May 12 at 12 p.m.

Advanced Master Gardener series

This series, led by Ellen Speicher, will focus on pruning, plant names and fall gardening. The event will be hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration has passed.

America’s Schoolmaster exhibit

The Early Days of William Holmes McGuffey will be on display in the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead, located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The exhibit will be open though January 2017.