Boardman Community Briefs

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.

Torch Club meeting at Kilcawley Center

Chapter President Donald Butler will deliver the talk at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting at 7 p.m. on March 21. His topic will be “Edwin Armstrong, the Forgotten Inventor of Wireless Communication.” 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., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin 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.

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.”

Skywarn organization offers severe weather training

Mahoning County Skywarn, a volunteer organization of weather spotters, will be hosting a training session on how to recognize approaching storms and tornadoes. This will be an interesting and informative presentation. Michelle Sowers, Ohio EMA in Cleveland, will conduct the training on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown Fitch High School Auditorium, located at 4560 Falcon Drive. Training is free and open to the public. Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m.

Oh Wow! receives grant

Oh Wow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology has received a $10,000 grant from the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, in support of educational programming to students in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. President and Executive Director Suzanne Barbati expressed her appreciation for the continued support. Additional information about the center is available at ohwowkids.org.

Man Up Mahoning Valley offers prostate exams

Man Up Mahoning Valley, NEO Urology and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley will provide free prostate cancer screenings March 22 for men 40-years-old and older who are uninsured or under-insured. Screenings consist of a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood draw and will take place from 5-7 p.m. at St. Joe’s at the Eastwood Mall, Sears Concourse, located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road. This event is open to the public but registration is required. Call 330-480-3405 for details.

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.

Friends of the library program and meeting

“Bees” will be presented by beekeeper George Stacy. This event is for adults on April 11 at 10 a.m.

Boardman Kiwanis Club hosts nationally renowned magician

The Boardman Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a magic show, starring nationally renowned magician, illusionist and entertainer, Rick Smith, Jr. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including America’s Got Talent, Ellen, Shark Tank, Time Warp and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In addition to his numerous magic acts, Smith broke the Guinness World Record for throwing a card more than 216 feet. Smith will perform a magic show at Boardman Glenwood Middle School on April 2 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 330-565-0372. Show proceeds benefit the Boardman Kiwanis project fund to support youth projects in the Boardman community.

Puzzle Swap

Swap six of your once-done jigsaw puzzles with others on April 13 at 4 p.m. at the Boardman library. This event is hosted every second Wednesday of the month at the Boardman library at 4 p.m. For more information, call the development office at 330-740-6086.

Blood pressure screening

This event will be hosted by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Boardman library on April 4 at 12:30 p.m.

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.

Reader’s Choice book club

The club will discuss “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee. Share your favorite books and find out what new ones are being published. Preview May’s book, “Columbine” by David Cullen. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on April 4 at 7 p.m.

“I Read YA” book club

Adult fans of Young Adult Literature from ages 18-118, this book club is for you. Talk about why you like YA, read and discuss literature and proudly say “I Read YA.” This month, the club will be discussing “The Unlikely Hero of Room 13b” by Teresa Toten. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on April 11 at 6:30 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.

Using the ancestry database

In this program, the Genealogy and Local History Librarian will demonstrate the power of the Ancestry database and show how it can be used effectively for genealogical research. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for teens and adults at the Boardman library on April 7 at 10 a.m.

Federal contracting for your business

Have you considered expanding your business to include becoming a federal contractor? Join Sonya Wagasky of the Small Business Administration’s Cleveland Regional Office for this informative workshop on the requirements and regulations. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on April 6 at 10 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.

Check into chess

Join the Boardman library for an afternoon game of chess. If you would like to learn to play, the library staff will be happy to teach you. This event is for teens, children and adults on April 10 at 1:30 p.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.

Color your world

Join the Boardman library 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. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library on April 7 at 7 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.

Teen Advisory Meeting

Check out at 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 will be hosted by the Boardman library on April 6 at 6:30 p.m.

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.

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 3-5 year-olds at the Boardman library on April 5, 12 and 26 at 6 p.m.

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 April 9 at 10 a.m.

Fitness fun story time

Join the library for stories and activities selected from the Eat, Play, Grow program. Prizes and snacks will be given. This event is for children ages 2-5 and is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition. This event will be at the Boardman library on April 13 at 10 a.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 6 and 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.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for March 21

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be March 21 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 offer an opportunity for members to get group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ For more information, contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

West Side Cats in need of volunteers

West Side Cats, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave., is in need of volunteers for different duties throughout their shelter including cleaning, laundry and transporting cats to and from veterinary offices. The program is also in need of a volunteer grant writer well-versed in the entire grant-writing process. West Side Cats is an all volunteer 501 (3)(c) shelter. Call Marie at 330-519-5002 for details, or look online at www.WestSideCats.org or on their Facebook page.

Gathering Place event to be hosted by Lord of Life Church

On April 11, the Lord of Life Church, located at 550 N. Broad St., will host a Gathering Place event at 11 a.m. The program will include a speaker from the Canfield Police Department and lunch will be provided by the Woodlands. This event is a free community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens. Contact Bernadette Beler at 330-533-6045 for more information, or call the church at 330-533-3531.

Boardman 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.

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. 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 the Ford Nature Center March 30 from 10 a.m. until 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.

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 of the Mahoning Valley 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.

Easter brunch at Fellows Riverside Gardens

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

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.

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. 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. Classes will be Thursday nights 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.

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 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 22, 29 and April 5 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.