Boardman Community Briefs

Stadium Project receives donation for band shell

The Boardman Stadium Project has announced that Bill and Karen Veri of Boardman are donating $150,000 to fund the construction of the “Home of the Spartans” band shell at Spartan Stadium. Construction is expected to start in late May and be complete in early August. If you would like to support the project, contact the Boardman Boosters for additional information at donate@boardmanboosters.org or visit www.boardmanboosters.org.

Junior Women’s League to host meeting

The next meeting of the Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will take place on March 7 at Glenellen Assisted Living, located at 9661 Market Street, at 7 p.m. Members will be finalizing plans for the upcoming Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea. Members are to bring socks for veterans to fill Blessing Bags. Each month a different item will be collected and filled bags will be given to the Veterans in November. Members can wear green in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day and to welcome spring. Hostesses for the meeting are Debbie Chop, Yvonne Ford and Cheryl Smaldino, who will be sharing food from their heritage. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women ages 18 and up that are residing in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Women interested in joining can contact Membership Chairwoman Linda Crish at 330-727-9321 for more information about the League.

Knitting guild to have March meeting

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild will meet on March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Rotary Community Building in Fair Park in Canfield. This month’s program will be presented by Jacquie Thomas and Knit-Wit Knits of Salem will host a trunk show for the members and their guests. To contact the group about joining or donating yarn for their charity work, email wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

Junior Women’s League hosts event

The Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will host a Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea, which will benefit The Dorothy Day House. The Downton Abbey Tea will take place at The Poland Presbyterian Church, located at 2 Poland Manor Drive, on March 19 at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. The tea will include lunch, special herbal teas, a basket auction, a contest for the best costume from the Downton era and more. Kathy Richert will present “Downton Abbey Visits Biltmore Estate.” For tickets, donations, or more information, contact Sperry Rongone at 330-770-3880 or srongone@gmail.com. A limited amount of tickets will be available. A portion of the proceeds will be given to PBS.

Holiday event to be hosted by St. Patrick’s Church

The Annual Order of Hibernians Joseph T. Nalley Division Six will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Mass and luncheon honoring the 2016 AOH Irish Man of the Year, James P. Tressel, and the 2016 LAOH Irish Woman of the Year, Martha Zarlenga, on March 17 at St. Patrick’s Church. The mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are required for the luncheon at the cost of $20 each. Tickets are available for pre-sale by contacting Danny O’Connell at 330-518-4450 or Daniel.oconnell@aoh.com. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door. The menu consists of a traditional corned beef and cabbage lunch prepared by Chef Jeffrey Chrystal.

Relief from allergies naturally seminar

The Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman will be hosting a free natural health seminar titled, ”Relief from Allergies Naturally” on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Join Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND and Valentina Khoury Dubasic ND, LAc on a discussion of allergies of all types, including what causes them, what health problems can be caused by allergies and how to get relief from your allergy-related problems naturally. The seminar will take place at the center, located at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex). For more information or to reserve your seat, call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.

State Tested Nurse Aide open house at MCCTC

If you are interested in becoming a State Tested Nurse Aide but need the training, the Adult Career Center MCCTC is the right place for you. The Adult Division is partnering with Park Center Health Care and Rehabilitation Center to put on an open house at MCCTC, located at 7300 N. Palmyra Road, on March 9 at 6 p.m. MCCTC will be providing the training and Park Center Health Care will be interviewing and hiring. Call 330-729-4100 to register and ask questions.

Calpin named to Dean’s List

Tyler Calpin was named to the Fall 2015 Dean’s List at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa. To be eligible, students must be full-time and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Calpin is a 2015 graduation of Boardman High School.

Saxon Club hosts annual goulash dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club will host its 40th annual Presidents’ Benefit Goulash Dinner on March 19 in the Saxon Club ballroom. The event is open to the public. The dinner features cubed roast beef simmered in onions and herbs, and served with quartered red skin potatoes, along with tossed salad, bread and butter, and coffee or tea with German strudel for dessert. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with all bar drinks free until 6:30 p.m. and a cash bar thereafter. Soft drinks will be free all evening. Dinner is served family style beginning at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Youngstown Saxon Culture Brass Band. The donation is $15 per person and reservations must be made by March 13. For reservations, call the Saxon office at 330-792-7973.

“Whooo’s” that?

Children will learn all about owls, the silent flyers, through a story, feathered craft and activities. It’s going to be a hoot. Children (3-6 year-olds) are welcome to the Pioneer Pavilion on March 10 at 10 a.m. Register and pay at Ford Nature Center by March 8. Residents will pay $4 and non-residents will pay $6.

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 March 17, April 21 and May 19. Register by March 15. The series costs $15 and individual classes are $7.

Spring into fun

Children, ages 6- and 7-years-old, are welcome to Ford Nature Center March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spring into fun and look for signs of the season while discovering nature. Hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts and games are all part of the fun. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and pay March 26. The event will be $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Spring into nature

Children (8-12 year-olds) are welcome to the Ford Nature Center March 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to spring into nature and explore the new season. Go on a hike, look for signs of spring, make a craft, play games and much more. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and and pay by March 26. The event will be $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

Starry night event

Come to the MetroParks Farm on April 2 to view the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society. The time is to be determined. More details will be available in April’s calendar.

Struthers concert series

Come to the Yellow Creek Lodge on March 10 at 7 p.m. to enjoy an evening of entertainment with the Rex Taneri Orchestra.

Woodcock Watch

Come to McGuffey Wildlife Preserve on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. This preserve offers an excellent habitat for an odd-looking bird named the Woodcock. Witness the amazing mating flight of the males. Call the Ford Nature Center for details about this easy .5 mile walk.

Audubon Society talk

Jeff Harvey, President of the Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley, will discuss some of the common, uncommon and rare birds of our state. Come to the MetroParks Farm March 22 at 7 p.m.

Birding the Sanctuary

Call the Ford Nature Center to register by March 18 for this event taking place in the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on March 19 at 8 a.m. Boots are required.

Easter brunch at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Contact the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7116 to register for this March 27 event.

Sandwich bread 101

Grab an apron and learn to make bread that tastes like grandma’s with Sara Scudier. Join the class at Fellows Riveside Gardens on March 19 from 12-4 p.m. Register and pay by March 17. The cost is $24 (FFRG $20).

From the garden: spring brunch

Join the Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. for brunch. There will be a demonstration and tasting by Chef David Armstrong. Enjoy brunch for dinner with smoothies, asparagus scrambled eggs, pecan wood-smoked bacon, sour cream coffee cake and a sparkling beverage. Register and pay by March 13. Tickets are $36 (FFRG $30).

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Meet at 9 a.m. on March 9 at Ford Nature Center for a moderate walk of 2-4 miles. Come out March 23 at 9 a.m. for an easy walk of 1-3 miles. Meet at overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive.

Seasons change hike

Enjoy the first day of spring on March 20 at 2 p.m. while looking and listening for signs of the new season and remnants of the old. Starting at the Ford Nature Center, this hike will be a moderate length of 3 miles.

The Awakening Moon hike

Come to the Ford Nature Center and discover why North American Indian tribes referred to this month as “The Awakening Moon.” This walk will be a moderate length of 2 miles and will take place on March 18 at 7 p.m.

Same trail twelve times

Mill Creek Gorge inspired Volney Rogers to establish the park district 125 years ago. Celebrate the Quasquicentennial by hiking the Gorge every month this year. The hike is moderate and a length of 2.5 miles. This month’s hike will be March 13 at 2 p.m. Meet at the Lanterman’s Mill parking lot.

Egg hike

Hike to the MetroPark’s Egg Stravaganza and back with Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Jim Thornton. Meet at the Lily Pond on March 6 at 2 p.m. for this moderate hike (2 miles) with steep hills.

Maple sap to syrup

This year marks the fourth season of the Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association’s maple sugar project. Join in on this moderate hike (2.5 miles) to see it in action. Meet at Ford Nature Center on March 5 at 2 p.m.

Ford hunt and hike: cardinals

This year is the MetroPark’s quasquicentennial (125th anniversary). Try to locate 25 hidden cardinals to commemorate this milestone, then go for a hike of your choice. This event will take place at the Ford Nature Center during March hours.

Meditation and mindfulness

Come to the Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 20 at 10:30 a.m. to explore a diversity of mindfulness methods with Karres Cvetkovich. Register and pay by March 18. The cost is $15 and drop-ins will pay $18.

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. Receive a 10 percent discount (cost is $72) if you register by March 5. Sunday classes will be March 20 through May 8 at 9 a.m., Tuesday classes will be March 22 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. Receive a 10 percent discount (cost is $90) if you register by March 5. Classes will be Thursday nights starting March 10 through May 12 at 12 p.m.

Chair to Mat movement

Increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Accessible to anyone for health, fitness and relaxation. Movement is done seated in chairs and in standing positions. Feel free to drop-in Wednesdays in March at 9 a.m. Each class is $10.

T’ai chi step one in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March at 12 p.m. for this class. Warm-ups, breathing and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Each class is $10.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket. Each class is $12.

Swing dance class offered at Pioneer Pavilion

Come out and have fun learning this easy-to-folow popular dance. No partner? No problem. Swing is a paired dance, but everyone learns together. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged. This event is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 1 at 6 p.m. The cost is $5. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

Salsa dance class offered at Pioneer Pavilion

Enjoy learning this easy to pick up and fun Latin dance. No partner? No problem. Salsa is a paired dance but everyone learns together. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This event is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 1 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

Cha-cha dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Learn the steps to this fun and versatile Latin dance. This is a paired dance, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 at 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

Rumba dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Come out and learn the Latin dance of love. This easy-to-follow dance is paired, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

MetroMutts: St. Patrick’s hike

Join the fun at Pioner Pavilion on March 12 at 11 a.m. for the “wearin’ of the green” and hiking Artist’s Trail along Mill Creek. Dress your hound in a “bit o’ color” to celebrate the day. Enjoy cookies and treats after the hike. MetroMutts members receive a special gift. This moderate hike will be 2 miles long. Share the luck by bringing along an item to donate to Friends of Fido- Mahoning County Dog Pound. The hike is free to all. Refreshments are free to MetroMutt members and are $1 to the public.

Book discussion at Ford Nature Center

Sydney Morning Herald praises the book “The Weather Makers: How Man is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth” by Tim Flannery for “...extraordinary range of argument... vivid imagery... wealth of research, quick wit and richness of detail.” Read the book and join in a discussion to share your thoughts and conclusions at the Ford Nature Center on March 19 at 10:30 a.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. This event will be offered at the Boardman library on March 19 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Prepare for emergencies during Severe Weather Awareness Week

The Boardman library will offer severe weather training on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Learn about the different types of weather hazards that occur in Ohio such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and snowstorms. Know how severe weather could impact your household, job and community. Learn how to pack an emergency kit, how to use a weather radio and how to set up a family contact plan. For reservations, call 330-744-8636. This event is for teens and adults.

The Boardman library presents: A Farwell to Downton Abbey

Join the Boardman library at 6 p.m. on March 23 for an evening of fun regaling and a fond farewell to the popular television show, “Downton Abbey.” Be entertained with clips of past episodes and, most importantly, refreshments. Although costumes are not required to attend, you may dress up in your favorite Downton Abbey costume for a chance to win a prize. Registration is required. This event is for teens and adults.

Woman of the Year dinner to be March 8

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its annual Woman of the Year dinner at Piccadilly Parlour on the green in Canfield on March 8. The guest speaker will be Barbara Shaffer, Society Features Editor of the Vindicator. During the evening the committee will announce its 2016 Woman of the Year and present her with gifts and plaques. She will be the chapter representative as she attends all functions including the national convention in the fall. Dinner will include cream of broccoli cheddar soup, potato and chive quiche, assorted tea sandwiches and mini desserts, tea, coffee, ice tea and lemonade. The cost is $20 and the public is invited. Call your reservations into Bonnie Pannunzio no later than March 4 at 330-793-2437. The Daffin’s Easter candy will be distributed and committees will form to prepare for the annual basket auction on April 24 at the Ursuline Center on Shields Road.

Spaghetti dinner to benefit the Mickey Schuster scholarship fund

Come to the Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive, fellowship hall for a spaghetti dinner on March 5 from 4-7 p.m. This event will benefit the Mickey Schuster Scholarship Fund. Adult dinners are $8 and dinners are $5 for children under 12. Carry-outs are available. If you have any questions, call the church at 330-758-5745.

YWCA accepting entries for 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Exhibition

The YWCA of Youngstown is accepting entries for its 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Exhibition, which will take place June 18 until July 15 at 25 W. Rayen Ave. The art exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists age 18 and older. The juried show features all media, including paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and metal work. New this year is a special rate for artists ages 18-25. Also new is an online entry option. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102, or at WomenArtists.ywca.org/2016. An online entry option is also available on the website. Forms are due by March 28. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. This year’s juror is Dr. Stephanie L. Smith, professor of art history at Youngstown State University. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 17 at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show will benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The local branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will again 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. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS.

On March 9, Fellows Riverside Gardens will host a spring seminar from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Landscape and Nursrey Association, MCMP and OSU Extension - Mahoning County. Topics will focus on innovative ideas for the green industry. Call 330-398-7710 or visit www.mvlna.org for details. Entry is $70 to the public, $40 for MVLNA, FFRG and Garden Club members and Master Gardeners.

Orchids of China

Tom Sampliner, noted native flower photographer and native orchid specialist, will present a slideshow tour of his visit to China. Hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8.

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 March 19, June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration is March 17. The series costs $42 and individual classes are $16.

Learn how to spring clean your garden

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Weeding is a much needed spring clean for your garden. Learn simple ways to keep weeds out of the garden as well as benefits you can get from those “weeds.” Register and pay by March 22. Tickets are $14 for the public, $12 FFRG.

Botanical mornings at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Discover the joy in the blossoming spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens with one of the knowledgeable staff members. Come out on March 25 at 9 a.m. Register and pay the $5 fee by March 23.

Floral drawing workshop

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens March 5, 12 and 19 at 10:30 a.m. for a journey into floral drawing. Learn techniques and problem solving then delve into two projects, one with graphite and one with watercolor. A supply list will be provided. Register by March 1 for the series of classes. The cost is $44 fo the public, $36 FFRG.

Create Stoneware windowsill vase

Lynn Cardwell will be at Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. to help students create a stoneware vase for the windowsill. It will be glazed, fired and ready for pick up in approximately five weeks. Register and pay by March 13. The cost is $34 (FFRG $28).

Design spring flower arrangements

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. to embrace this spring holiday with colorful floral. Design an arrangement with fresh pink, white and yellow carnations; white, yellow and purple daisies; and baby’s breath with seasonal accents. Register and pay by March 20. The cost is $34 (FFRG $28).

Orchid art exhibit

Jamie Kirkell’s silk paintings bring a fun, fresh perspective to the study of the orchid and the iris. Come see the art in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open until April 10.

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.

Blood drive by the Mahoning chapter of the American Red Cross

The Boardman library will be hosting a blood drive on March 28 at 1:30 p.m. Proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital, the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations to help the local community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Color you world

Join the Boardman library on March 17 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.

Lego my library

Meet at the Boardman library on March 12 at 10 a.m. to enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

Fitness fun story time

Stories and activities selected from the “Eat, Play, Grow” program, along with good fun and good nutrition activites will take place at the Boardman library on March 9 at 10 a.m. Prizes and snacks will be given. This event is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition and is for children ages 2-5 years.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

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

Bonding with babies and books

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

Playtime at your library

Prepare for Kindergarten through play on March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Boardman library. 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 children ages 2-6 and all children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

March puzzle swap

Bring six once done jigsaw puzzles to swap on March 9 at 4 p.m. at the Boardman library. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC and is open to all.

Friends of the Boardman Library program and meeting

The title for the Friends of the Boardman Library program and meeting on March 14 at 10 a.m. is “The Jews of Youngstown” by presenter Thomas Welsh. This event is for adults and will take place at the Boardman library.

Score with Scrabble

Are you up for the challenge of laughter and a good game of Scrabble? Adults are invited to play at the Boardman library on March 31 from 7-8 p.m. Snacks and Scrabble boards provided. This is a monthly program that takes place on the last Thursday of every month.

Blood pressure screening

The American Red Cross will host a blood pressure screening at the Boardman library on March 7 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sensory processing disorder discusson

Join Michelle Gianetti, author of “I Believe in You,” for a lecture and book discussion about the special journey she shared with her daughter. This event is for adults and will be hosted by the Boardman library at 7 p.m. on March 10.

Reader’s choice book club meeting

The club will be discssing “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King on March 7 at 7 p.m. Share your favorite books and find out what new books are being published. Also, preview April’s book, “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee. This event is for adults and will be hosted by the Boardman libary.

Young Adult literature book club

Join the Boardman library for the “I Read YA!” book club meeting at 6:30 p.m. on March 8. This event is for adult fans of Young Adult literature from ages 18-118. There will be readings and discussions about the appeal of YA literature. Come out of the book closet and proudly say “I Read YA!” This month the club will be discussing “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson. This event is for adults.

Connect with digital media at the library

On March 30 at 7 p.m., learn how to download eBooks, audiobooks and magazines using Overdrive and the Nook app. Feel free to bring your devices for help getting set up. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Boardman library to register. This event is for adults.

Research before you buy

Learn how to locate consumer reviews for many different products using library resources. The Boardman library will be hosting this event March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Technology, housewares, automobiles and other products will all be included. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

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 and will be hosted by the Boardman library on March 28 at 11 a.m.

Create canvas art

Join the Boardman library on March 21 at 7 p.m. for an evening of creativity. Create canvas art with scrapbook paper and enjoy snacks. For reservations, call 330-744-8636. This event is for teens and adults.

Check into chess

Enjoy an afternoon of chess at the Boardman library on March 6 at 1:30 p.m. Beginners are welcome and players will be on hand to help you learn how to play the game. This event is for teens and adults.

Augmented Reality coloring for Teens

The Boardman library will take two popular things—technology and coloring—and combine them this month with Augmented Reality Coloring for Teens. Look for free coloring pages in the teen area all month long and use your phone to make your masterpiece come to life. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during library hours.

Decorate windows at the Boardman library

March is Youth Art Month. Come add to the “Paper Stained Glass” window display during library hours. This family activity is available during the month of March.

Night Owl story time

This event is an evening story time for children ages 3-5. Each child must be accompanied by an adult in this 30-minute program featuring finger plays, stories and a craft activity. Join the group at the Boardman library at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in March.

Go fly a kite

School’s out so celebrate on March 30 at 10 a.m. with stories and a kite craft that will be flown on the outdoor patio of the Boardman library. This is a family activity for children of all ages and preschoolers must attend with an adult. This one hour program will take place indoors in the case of rain.

Celebrate the Art of Boardman students grades K-6

The 13th Annual Celebration of the Arts will soon arrive at the Boardman library. Enjoy artwork by Boardman area students in grades K-6. The opening night kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. on March 15 and refreshments will be served. A choral performance will start at 7 p.m., under the direction of Laura Kotheimer. Artwork will be on display from March 15-22.

Celebrate the Art of Boardman students grades 7-12

The 15th Annual Celebration of the Arts will soon arrive at the Boardman library. Enjoy artwork by Boardman area students in grades 7-12. The opening night kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. on March 3 and refreshments will be served. Artwork will be on display from March 3-10.

Mahoning county Lutheran Cluster of Churches combine efforts for Lenten services

The Mahoning County Lutheran Cluster of Churches will be hosting a Wednesday evening Lenten series based on the Covenant of Baptism and its importance in one’s spiritual life. Five area churches and their pastors will be participating. Each week a different pastor will preside at each church sharing their message about a portion of the Baptismal Covenant. All are welcome to attend the services, which will take place on Wednesdays through March 16 at any of the following locations and times: Bethel Lutheran Church services at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church services at 7 p.m., Lord of Life Lutheran Church services at 7 p.m., Martin Luther Lutheran Church services at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Zion Lutheran Church services at 7 p.m.

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 fundraiser 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.

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.

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.

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., March 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.

Mercy Health offers free ‘Health at Home’ workshop

Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, will offer a one-hour workshop, Health at Home, on March 17 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market Street in Boardman. The morning session runs from 11 a.m. until noon in the Woodland Room. The workshop and all materials are free, but reservations are required. Call 330-480-3070 to make reservations. The workshop includes an easy-to-use reference guide that provides information about more than 200 common health problems, as well as tips on caring for yourself and your family, preventing illness and injury, and advice on when to seek medical attention.