Canfield Community Briefs

Eastwood Mall showcases Canfield High School student art

More than 100 works of art from Canfield High School students will be on display at the Art Outreach Gallery, located inside the Eastwood Mall in Niles. The art show is Feb. 12-22 and is open from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Quilt group to meet

Karen Miles, a member of TQGIBT – That Quilt Guild I Belong To – is leading a workshop on the Calliope table runner at the February meeting on Feb. 16. Included will also be instructions on a specialty ruler called the Squedge. February’s workshop is all about using the Squedge and cutting the fabrics. Karen says Batiks work well – four different half-yard cuts and 3‚Ñ4 yard of one focal print. Anyone wanting to participate should bring their rotary cutter and mat and ruler. The cost for the template and pattern is $26. Send an email to clare_neff@mac.com if you would like to join. The March meeting will have everyone sewing it all together. If you have been thinking about joining a local guild, now is a great time to take that first step. TQGIBT welcomes quilters of all skill levels, members are more than willing to share their knowledge and stitching tips. There will be an afternoon of sewing from 1–5 p.m. and a group dinner at Broad Street Diner before the regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. TQGIBT meets at Fair Park in Canfield on the third Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. TQGIBT is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley, at all skill levels. For information on membership, contact president Helen Lewis at HMLrutgers@icloud.com or by calling 330-286-3966.

Students from Canfield named to the University of Akron’s fall 2015 Dean’s List

The University of Akron (UA), Ohio’s Polytechnic University, is the region’s most influential public research university, contributing to the resurgence of the local economy, providing a highly skilled workforce and known for an innovative approach to higher education. Students who made the fall 2015 Dean’s List include Kristina Aiad-Toss, Daniel Brown, Queen-Amina Chijide, William Fleming, Christopher Halley, Matthew Humeniuk, Charles May, Briana O’Malley, Kelly Richards, Chelsea Ruhl, Ashley Shetter, Rajan Solanki and Tara Thomas.

Canfield students named to Dean’s List

John Carroll University has announced the fall 2015 Dean’s List. Students eligible for the Dean’s List must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours within one semester and have a quality grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students from Canfield to achieve this distinction include Sara Martinko, Breanna Frano, Henry Hassay, Ellie Rafoth, Nicholas Luchansky, Sami Rafidi, Angela Penza, Hannah Nischwitz and William Sweeney. John Carroll University is recognized nationally for an exceptional four-year graduation rate, teaching excellence and a commitment to living a faith that does justice as central to its mission. John Carroll is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.

Local theater to present “Love Letters”

The Dublin Grange Theatre Co. of Canfield will present “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, who sit side by side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards they have sent each other. Spanning nearly 50 years, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats that have passed between them throughout their separated lives. Terri Wilkes and Eric Kibler headline the show on Feb. 13. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, proceeds from “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney will go towards the improvements for the theatre that features the AfterSchool Players, the area’s only theater organization featuring children as performers and behind-the-scenes artists. Students with or without experience are exposed to the audition process, casting, staging and blocking, lighting/sound instruction, stage managing, scenery creation and painting and stage managing instruction. Tickets are $14 each for adults, students and seniors and include dessert and coffee bar. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 330-518-4064 or visit the Theatre’s website at www.dublingrangetheatre.com.

Local official receives leadership academy diploma

The Ohio Township Association (OTA) is a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of township government in Ohio. OTA recently awarded 22 Leadership Academy graduates with diplomas. Brian Governor, a trustee from Canfield Township in Mahoning County, was one of those graduates. The Ohio Township Association Leadership Academy (OTALA) was created in 2003 to provide education to elected officials, township staff, employees and appointed individuals. The program offers courses designed to enhance the leadership and decision making skills of those involved in Ohio township government.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for Feb. 15

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will take place on Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Tequila Jalisco Mexican Restaurant, located at 583 E. Main St. in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories,” the two-hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ The fee is $10 per class. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

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.

Two fundraisers to take place for American Cancer Society

The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic committee will be hosting two events in April benefiting the American Cancer Society. On April 13, a golf clinic will take place at Creekside Golf Dome in Girard from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Participants will receive instruction and practice in driving, chipping and putting. The cost is $25 per person. On April 24, “high tea” will be served at Piccadilly Parlor in Canfield at 11 a.m. A variety of teas and finger food will be served in a delightful Victorian atmosphere (wearing hats and gloves is optional). The cost is $25 per person. For further information and registration, contact Ginny at 330-219-9092 or Nancy at 330-272-5794.

Friendly Squares to meet

The Niles Friendly Squares monthly square dance will take place on Feb. 13 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. For additional information, call Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Area high school seniors to be honored

The 22nd annual Young Women with Bright Futures awards will be at 10 a.m. on March 5 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Senior high school women selected by their teachers or administrators for their leadership qualities, academic excellence, creativity and volunteerism will be honored at the event. State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) will be the keynote speaker. Major sponsors for the event are Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, Compco, State Farm Insurance, Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and The Vindicator. For ticket information, visit ywca.org/youngstown or call 330-746-6361, ext. 112. This year’s honorees are Isabella Caruso, Austintown; Anna Saxton, Boardman; Alexandria Olek, Brookfield; Sherrial Swiney, Campbell Memorial; Mackenzie Elias, Canfield; Marie Emch, Cardinal Mooney; Taylor (Tate) Acierno, Chaney; Noor Khalayleh, Choffin CTC; Shakayla Poole, East; Gabriella Cario, Girard; Ellie Martin, Howland; Margaret Herberger, Hubbard; Samantha Metts, Jackson-Milton; Saidah Yusuf, Liberty; Courtney Conklin, Lowellville; Lydia Mashburn, MCCTC; Adrianna Nicholson, Mineral Ridge; Jaclyn Rowley, Niles McKinley; Katherine Landry, Poland Seminary; Sydney Smith, Sebring McKinley; Carly Chopp, South Range; Kahlea Barricella, Springfield; Kaeleigh Blough, Struthers; Christina Leone, Ursuline; Nicole Double, Valley Christian; Chantel Bahn, Victory Christian; Allyson Crays, Warren G. Harding; Lauren Stitle, West Branch; Heather Lude, Western Reserve and Shyann Green, Youngstown Early College.

Auditions to be Feb. 20 and 21

The Victorian Players will host auditions for “Moonlight and Magnolias” on Feb. 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the theatre, located at 702 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. Casting requirements are as follows: three men ages 30-60 and one woman age 30-60. “Moonlight and Magnolias” is a semi-factual farce which takes place in 1939 and tells the story of the re-writing of the epic “Gone With the Wind.” Auditioners will be asked to read from the script and may be asked to perform some physical comedy maneuvers. “Moonlight and Magnolias” is being directed by Marlene Menaldi Strollo.

Angels for Animals hosts Reverse Raffle Dinner

Angels for Animals is hosting it 11th annual Reverse Raffle Dinner on March 5 at 6 p.m. at Andrews Hall in Canfield. The event will feature a gourmet dinner prepared by Dr. Mark McMurray, basket raffles and 50/50 silent auctions. Various prizes will be won through out the evening. The grand prize is the final drawing of an estimated $2,000. All proceeds will benefit Angels for Animals. For tickets, call Diane Less at 330 502-5352 or online at angelsforanimlas.org. The cost is $75 per ticket or $25 for the dinner ticket only.

Host an international student

Each year, AFS Intercultural Programs welcomes more than 2,300 international high school students to the United States. These are outstanding young people who were selected in their home countries to study in US high schools and are eager to experience what it’s like to live in America. Sharing daily life with a teenager from another country and culture is a rich and rewarding experience, and is a wonderful way for you and your family to bring more understanding into the world. Local AFS volunteers will support you and your hosted student throughout your experience to help you both receive the most from your time together. You provide a bed and meals for your student, but most importantly, you should be eager and excited to share your life and activities while providing the same kind of care, support and comfort as you would to your own child or family members. AFS welcomes all kinds of families. Host an AFS Exchange Student and build bridges of intercultural understanding. Most families have no idea how much they’ll gain until they say yes. Start the process at www.afsusa.org/host, or call 1-800-AFS-INFO or email hosting@afsusa.org for more information.

Western Reserve Knitting Guild to have Knit-In

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild will host a Knit-In at the Rotary Community Building in Fair Park in Canfield on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Members and their guests are encouraged to come sit, visit and stitch the cold weather away with the warmth of friendship and snacks. If you are looking for a knitting, crocheting or any fiber arts group to join, the knitting guild would love to meet you. To contact the group for more information or to donate yarn for its charity work, email wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

Evening with the Easter Bunny

Put a little spring in your step and hop on over to Boardman Park on March 8 or March 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and enjoy an evening with the Easter Bunny. Tickets will go on sale starting on Feb. 8 at the park office from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling the park office 330-726-8105, or pay online at www.boardmanpark.com. Tickets are $7 for Boardman residents and $9 for non-residents. Children ages 2 and under are free. The evening includes dinner, arts and crafts, and a family photo with the Easter Bunny. For more information about Boardman Park events visit the park website at www.boardmanpark.com.

Adult 22+ diploma program now within reach for valley residents

There’s new hope for valley residents ages 22 and up who want to earn their high school diploma. The Ohio Department of Education just approved two Mahoning County sites to host the state’s Adult 22+ Diploma program: the Mahoning County High School on Bryn Mawr Avenue, and the Unlimited Classroom located at the Southern Park Mall. Both sites will be hosting adult learning programs after school hours until 5 p.m. Adult 22+ is free to adults age 22 and older who live in Ohio and do not have a diploma or GED. For more information on 22+ or to apply to the local programs, contact Jennifer Merritt at J.Merritt@mahoningesc.org.

International Torch Clubs to meet

Club member William Farragher will present “The Decline and Fall of the Mahoning Valley Steel Industry” at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15. The meeting will be in Kilcawley Center, Bresnahan Rooms I and II, on the campus of Youngstown State University. The public is invited to attend. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. and the lecture at 7 p.m. Attending only the lecture is free of charge. Dinner for nonmembers is $20. Call 330-757-4148 for reservations. For club information, call 330-792-7351.

Short-term host family opportunites available

Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for one month this year, as part of an international exchange program being offered by the County OSU Extension, 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 100 Japanese participants (aged 12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18. Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. The young Japanese visitors belong to the Labo Foundation, an organization which promotes the study of English culture and language in Japan. All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless and non-4-H families. Those interested should contact Gretchen Kalinay at 330-799-8407 or Gary Reel at 330-533-7712 for an application form or visit http://www.ohio4h.org/youth/international.

St. Brandan Parish to offer fish dinners

There will be fish dinners at St. Brandan Parish Maxwell Hall, located at 144 N. Schenley Ave., Feb. 12, 19 and 26, and March 4, 11 and 18 from 4-7 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults $5 for children under 10-years. The menu will include beer batter, fried, Cajun or baked fish, coleslaw or applesauce, bread and butter, cake and coffee, and your choice of macaroni and cheese, haluski, parsley potatoes or french fries for a side. For takeout orders, call 330-799-3683. There will also be a luncheon special that is takeout only from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $6 for a sandwich and side or $10 for dinners.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2016-2017

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2016-2017 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 23 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

East High class of 1966 reunion

The East High class of 1966 has begun making plans for their 50th reunion. They are looking for up-to-date addresses from all classmates who would like to attend. The event is planned for Sept. 2 from 6-10 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hall on the East Side. There will be a buffet dinner and music provided by a DJ. The cost to attend is $40 per person. For details and information or to provide a current address, call Janine Johnson (Ross) at 330-716-1543 or Marie Mamonis (Macchio) at 330-533-1633.

Lord of Life has Wednesday Lenten services

Mid-week Lenten services at Lord of Life Church, located at 550 N. Broad Street in Canfield, will take place Wednesday evenings Feb. 17 through March 16. All services will begin at 7 p.m. The theme is “To live among God’s faithful people.” The focus for each week is a portion of the baptism covenant from the order for Affirmation of Baptism. A different Lutheran pastor will give the sermon each week as follows: Feb. 17 - Pastor Rebecca Zielke’s theme will be “To proclaim the Good News of God in Christ through word and deed;” Feb. 24 - Pastor Barbara Bartholomew will preach on “Following the example of Jesus;” March 2 - Pastor Richard Kidd will preach on “To hear the Word of God and to share in the Lord’s Supper;” March 9 - Pastor Duane Jessee’s message will be on ”To strive for justice and peace in all the earth;” March 16 - Pastor David Kumphuis’s message will be “To live among God’s faithful people.” All are welcome.

Lenton breakfasts begin on Ash Wednesday

Canfield Christian Church will host a series of Lenten breakfasts starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 7-9 a.m. each week. The meals are free, but any free-will offerings are accepted. The church’s phone number is 330-533-2246. The church is located next to the Oddfellows Lodge at 123 S. Broad St. on the Village green.

The Bistro at MCCTC announces new winter and spring schedule

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, is open to the public Tuesdays-Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for dine in or carry out through the spring. 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, line cooks and the Sous Chef to waiting tables and hosting. The Bistro schedule is as follows: Feb. 17, 18 and March 1-3, 8-10, 15-17.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross to proudly serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital on Feb. 19 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Canfield library. Taking blood donations to help the community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood pressure check

There will be a free blood pressure check by Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Canfield library from 1-2 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Lego my library

Meet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Canfield library. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, age 6 and up.

Healthy relationships and boundaries

Creating boundaries is a good way to keep your relationships healthy and secure, whether between a parent and their child, two parents, a parent and a teacher, a child and their friends or between significant others. This Now You Know talk on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Canfield library will examine the importance of these boundaries of all ages, how to establish them and the positive results of having them. This event is presented in partnership with Meridian HealthCare and the presenter will be Meghan Fortner, LPCC-S. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Grab and go craft for February

Make a craft to take home during regular hours at the Canfield library throughout February. This event is for children of all ages.

Guess and go

Guess how many candy kisses are in the jar at the Canfield library during regular hours throughout February. The closest guess wins the jar. This event is for children of all ages.

Snowman social

If you like snowmen, then you will not want to miss this event on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Canfield library. Join the library for an evening of snowman-themed fun, including stories, snowman crafts, games and activities. This event is for all ages.

STEAM Saturday

Join the Canfield library on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. for a fun program based on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) learning. This event is for children in grades 4-6.

TAB meeting

Get to know the new Canfield library at the latest TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting at 4 p.m. on Feb. 25, take a look at new teen books and share ideas. Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens.

Mason jar snow globes

Jar up the winter at the Canfield library on Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. with Mason Jar Snow Globes. The library will provide the trees and snow to make a tiny winter wonderland, no water necessary. This event is for adults and teens. You must register so they have supplies for everyone.

Canfield Friends of PLYMC women’s book discussion group

The Canfield Friends of PLYMC women’s book discussion will meet on Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Canfield library. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month and is for adults.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize at the Canfield library every Thursday in February at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Canfield library every Tuesday in February at 10 a.m. 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. The Feb. 9 program will have a holiday theme.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Canfield library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning every Wednesday in February at 10 a.m. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.