Boardman Community Briefs

Italian Fest scholarship available

Applications for the 2016 Youngstown State University Scholarship from The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at mottlesmurals@gmail.com or applications may be retrieved from http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org/. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University and be of Italian descent in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 7.

Night at the Races fundraiser

Msgr. Lettau Knights of Columbus Assembly 2596 of St. Charles Church, located at 7345 Westview Ave. in Boardman, will host its eighth annual ‘Night at the Races’ on April 23 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. with free admission. The event is for those “21 and over” and complimentary refreshments including hot dogs, sloppy Joes, beverages and snacks. There will be 50/50 and gift baskets raffles conducted.

Puzzle swap

Swap six of your once done jigsaw puzzles with others. This event takes place every second Wednesday of the month at the Boardman library. The next event will be May 11 at 4 p.m.

Friends of the Boardman library program and meeting

“Pioneers of the Valley” by presenter Traci Manning of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on May 9 at 10 a.m.

Meridian HealthCare mental health talk

Meridian HealthCare presents “Now you know: Understanding those who Struggle with mental health and addiction.” Learn about the problems people struggling with mental health and addiction face. Hear about levels of care, integrated treatment methods and resources in the community that can help. The event is presented in partnership with Meridian HealthCare with presenter Tina Goynes, LPCC. No reservations are needed. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on May 26 at 6 p.m.

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting a Blood Pressure Screening at the Boardman library on May 2 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Reader’s Choice book club

The club will discuss “Columbine” by David Cullen. Share your favorite books and find out what new ones are being published. Preview June’s book, “Everything I Never Told You,” by Celeste Ng. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on May 2 at 7 p.m.

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.

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 children 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.

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.

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.

Check into chess

Join the Boardman library on May 1 at 1:30 p.m. to play chess in the afternoon. This is a family program for all ages. If you would like to learn to play, the librarians will be happy to teach you.

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.

Preserving your family 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.

Leave no soldier behind: 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.

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.

Reverse raffle and dinnner fundraiser

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 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.

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.

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.

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 date is April 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.

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 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 26 at 6 p.m. meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MPF for an easy walk of 2 or 4 miles.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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. Class will be from 1-2 p.m. on 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.