Eastern Gateway serves a variety of students – those fresh out of high school who can’t afford the full college experience and older students looking to make a career change. Students enrolled full-time at other colleges are also taking Eastern Gateway Community College summer courses to pick up undergraduate credits during their summer break. Eastern Gateway academic programs include those in business, engineering, health, the humanities and social sciences.

And the best part? All classes taken at Eastern Gateway are transferable to many four year universities. Another plus – and this is a big one – the cost per credit hour at Eastern Gateway is approximately $100. According to the school’s website at www.egcc.edu

“Without the state of Ohio’s support, EGCC’s tuition and fees would be almost twice the current per credit hour rate. The state of Ohio provides 41 percent of the college’s operating revenue through two state subsidies — the State Share of Instruction and Access Challenge. The rest of the college’s operating revenue comes primarily from student tuition and fees as well as federal grants.”

Such an affordable price tag comes from the fact Eastern Gateway has no main campus, but instead classes are offered at satellite locations found in Mahoning , Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The Eastern Gateway Community College partnerships within the Mahoning Valley include the Trumbull Career and Technical Center in Warren, the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center in Canfield, the Choffin Career Center in Youngstown, the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center in Lisbon, Youngstown State University, and Kent State University. Many classes are also available on-line utilizing the learning system Blackboard 9 with classes in the sciences requiring lab work be done at the satellite locations.

In a statement made in August 2009 when the college’s first classes began, Governor Ted Strickland stated, “Eastern Gateway will make it easier for Ohioans in the Mahoning Valley to obtain a quality education and develop the skills they need for jobs in the modern economy.” He added, “Educating students in growing industries and new technologies will help position Ohio for growth and progress. I congratulate all the partners in this effort, and commend them on their visionary leadership and commitment to higher education.”

For more information about Eastern Gateway Community College, visit their website at www.egcc.edu or call 800-68-COLLEGE. Registration for summer classes begins March 1, 2010.

Eastern Gateway – the Valley’s First Community College is a post from: Youngstown Blog

Mill Creek MetroParks pulls out all the stops in celebration of autumn, and you’re invited. Winters can be tough in Y-town and the MetroParks make the most of the fabulous fall weather that precedes the first snow fall.

The changing fall foliage might be a tourist attraction in New England, but Mill Creek Park can be just as impressive. Put on your walking shoes and take advantage of the wonderful seasonal show Mother Nature presents. The MetroParks offers numerous interpretive walks during the month of October. These walks are slow-paced so time can be taken to not only gain information about the walk’s topic but so everyone can enjoy the scenery.

Two bird walks will take place this month with both being lead by Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage. Early fall migrating birds will be the topic with the October 3 adventure following the MetroParks Bikeway. Everyone is to meet at the Bikeway’s Trailhead at the MetroPark Farm at 9 a.m. Those attending the October 10 walk will also meet at 9 a.m. at the Newport Wetlands parking lot, where exploring the Wetlands will take place. Both jaunts are rated easy and are less than one mile long. And each walk is BYOB – bring your own binoculars.

Want to spend the day really getting to know Mill Creek Park? Then set aside Sunday, October 11 to do so. Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse will lead this leisurely ramble of the Park’s northern section. Walkers can opt to spend the morning, afternoon or the whole day. Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch which will be enjoyed at the historic Log Cabin. Those wishing to join this hike must be 16 years of age or older, be in shape enough to walk at least 10 miles, and must call the Ford Nature Center by October 10 to register. Everyone is to meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens with the hike beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.

Though the trees are in full splendor this time of year, several interestingly eerie plants are also known to appear. Come learn about some of the plants native to Ohio that have a “dark side” by participating in the Sunday, October 25 walk through Poland Woods beginning at 2 p.m. With Halloween just around the corner, this walk seems very relevant. Call Ford Nature Center for directions to Poland Woods.

Speaking of Halloween, the MetroParks will become very spooky the weekend of October 17 and 18. Halloween at the Judge Morley Pavilion runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include a mummy wrapping contest for the whole family and a pie-eating contest for adults. A costume contest for children of all ages plus a pet costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday night a Pumpkin Walk at Twilight will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Take a stroll through the garden’s Jack-O-Lantern and autumn-decorated lined paths. Be sure to stop in at the Davis Center afterwards for refreshments and music.

For Information Contact:

• MetroParks Office – 330.702.3000
• Fellows Riverside Gardens – 330.740.7116
• Ford Nature Center – 330.740.7107

Fall’s Final Hurrah is a post from: Youngstown Blog

The Mahoning Valley offers plenty of opportunities to get our and get going. Bike, walking and running trails a-wait. Nature walks, hiking excursions, group sports – all are available to people ready to enjoy the spring-time weather and get ready for an action-packed summer.

Enjoy!

It’s hard to beat the jewel of the area – Mill Creek Metroparks – and what they have to offer. Visit their website at www.millcreekmetroparks.com and sign up for their monthly email detailing everything from bird-watching events to kayaking trips. If a person just took advantage of the opportunities this one park offers throughout the year, there would be no need for a costly health club membership.

While Mill Creek has a great deal to offer, don’t miss out on the other parks and nature areas in the Mahoning Valley region. There are numerous small community parks where biking, walking and running venues await. The Austintown Township Park (6000 Kirk Rd., Austintown – 330-799-6989) is a wonderful smaller park that offers everything from a metered walking trail and nature trails to the unique Braille trail; a guided trail for the visually impaired.

After a long day of yard work, why not grab a fishing pole and head to Mosquito Lake State Park (1439 State Route 305, Cortland – 330-637-2856, park office). Dip your line into the park’s 7,000+ acre lake and see what you can reel in. There is also a campground here for those who want to spend the night, as well as miles of hiking and bridle trails.

If biking is your forte, then Y-Town and its surrounding communities aim to please. The neighboring county of Columbiana offers the Little Beaver Greenway Trail; 11 miles of paved space created from the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad line. Glorious views of the wild and scenic Little Beaver Creek can be enjoyed while traveling this trail that runs from Lisbon to Leetonia.

The 10 mile Stavich Bike Trail runs through Mahoning and Lawrence (PA) counties beginning in Struthers and Lowellville, Ohio and traversing through to New Castle, PA. Those who use this trail will get to view the revitalized and now thriving Mahoning River.

Parking for the MetroParks Bikeway of Mahoning County can be had at the MetroPark’s Farm (a wonderful place to visit, as well) or at the Kirk Rd. Trailhead in Austintown. This newer trail runs from Western Reserve Rd. to the border of Trumbull County.

And if all this information about biking has inspired you to take on this activity full-force, consider joining the Out-Spokin’ Wheelman Bicycle Club; a recreational cycling club with members from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Lawrence counties. With more than 500 members making up this group, those who join will not only get the benefit of numerous biking excursions (both on and off-road), members also enjoy hiking, canoeing, and in the winter – cross-country skiing, sledding and skating. Visit the club’s website at www.outspokinwheelmen.com for more details. Be sure to read the club’s info-filled monthly newsletter “Fresh Air” to get the lowdown on all the great biking opportunities this group offers.

Spring Has Sprung – Time to Get Moving is a post from: Youngstown Blog

What could be more fun than the Three Winter S’s – sledding, skating and skiing? While there are plenty of backyard hills and farm ponds to be had in Mahoning County, get together with friends or make some new ones at these great community gathering places.

With Flexible Flyer in tow, head to the James L. Wick Recreation Area in Mill Creek Park (Youngstown – 330-740-7107) for some awesome sledding experiences. Know that evening sledding is doable thanks to the outdoor lighting and there is a heated shelter available once the winter chill becomes a bit intense. The concession stand is also an added bonus. What’s a good day of sledding without a couple hot cocoas to keep you going?

Ice skating is another winter pastime staple. If you’d like to skate outdoors, make your way to the Courthouse Square Park Ice Rink in downtown Warren (330-841-2641). This man-made ice rink is open during the winter. For those who prefer to skate indoors, the Ice Zone in Boardman (330-965-1423) is the place to go. Two ice rinks are maintained here in the winter (one is open in the summer as well) with learn-to-skate and hockey programs available as well as public skating. Call ahead for public skate times.

Cross-country skiing continues to grow in popularity, especially since hills are not required. Any number of municipal parks permit cross country skiing including Boardman Township Park (Boardman – 330-726-8105) – on the bike and walking trails; Mosquito Lake State Park (Trumbull County – 330-637-2856) – the park office offers trail maps detailing the marked skiing areas.; Roosevelt Park (Campbell – 330-743-5370) permits self-guided skiing as does Mill Creek MetroParks (Youngstown 330-702-3000).

If you want to hit the slopes for some downhill thrills, you might want to join one of the two very active skiing clubs in the Youngstown area. The Youngstown Ski Club does require a membership though one-day ski trips for non-members are available. For information about this group and their skiing opportunities, visit their website at www.youngstownskiclub.org The Warren Ski Club also host skiing adventures as well as monthly meetings for both current members and those interested in joining. Find out more about this group’s activities at www.warrenskiclub.org

Pick your passion and make use of what Youngstown’s winter weather has to offer. Who needs Jackson Hole, Wyoming or Aspen, Colorado – okay, those would be great places to visit – but for little money, a great deal of fun can be had right here in Y-Town. Now bundle up and get out there; but be sure to use the bathroom before you put on your snowsuit!

The Great Outdoors is Calling is a post from: Youngstown Blog

Lanterman’s Mill is considered one of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks. The present mill (and all mills that came before it) built in 1845-1846 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly is located at Lanterman’s Falls.  The Mill was restored from 1982 to 1985 through a gift from the Ward and Florence Beecher Foundation. However, there were a few mills at this location prior to the one standing today.

John Young, the founder of Youngstown, once owned the land surrounding Lanterman’s Falls. He sold 300 acres that included the falls to Phineas Hill at the end of the 18th century with the stipulation a saw and grist mill be built at the site of the Falls within 18 months of purchase. This mill which operated from 1799 to 1822 was built from logs found on-site and millstones were cut from granite in the area.

In 1823, Eli Baldwin built a mill to replace this original, with this gristmill operating up until 1843 when a flood destroyed the structure. It is interesting to note a grinding stone from this 1823 mill can still be seen in the creek bed 500 feet down stream from the Falls.

The current mill was built two years after the flood and though quite success for many years, it closed in 1888. The Mill then stood dormant and deteriorating until 1892 when Mill Creek Park bought the structure.
The Park used Lanterman’s Mill as a ballroom and bath house for those who came to swim in the Pool of Shadows by the Mill. Then in 1933 the lower floor of the Mill was turned into a nature museum and later in 1972 it became the Park’s historical museum. Lanterman’s Mill earned it place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Once funding was secure and the research was done, the work began to restore Lanterman’s Mill to its present state – a fantastic reminder of our area’s pioneer ingenuity. The Mill operates today as it did in the 1800s – grinding corn, wheat and buckwheat.

With so much history and such a loyal following of those who appreciate what Lanterman’s Mill represents, during the last weekend in November, the Mill welcomes all to come for a visit and take a walk back in time. Whether one has a hankering for real roasted chestnuts or simply wants to witness the majesty of this working mill, Lanterman’s Mill is the place to be Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30.
Come take a trip back in time and witness what Mill Creek Park has to offer and why so many in the Mahoning Valley love to call the area “home.”

For more information about Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill contact the Ford Nature Center of Mill Creek Park at 330-740-7107. Lanterman’s Mill is located at 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown, OH 44511-2368

Saturday, November 29,  2008

• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.–Victorian Christmas Display
• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.–Tytely Wounde Stryng Band, Folk Music
• 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.–Kirk Kupensky, Harpist
• Noon – 2 p.m.–Bob Spisak, Juggler
• 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.–Mark Pringle, Bagpiper
• 1 – 3:30 p.m.–Jon Mosey, Folk Music
• 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.–Joe Sullivan, Balloon Art

Sunday, November 30, 2008

• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.–Victorian Christmas Display
• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.–Tytely Wounde Stryng Band, Folk Music
• 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.–Crossties Duo, Folk Music
• Noon – 2 p.m.–Bob Spisak, Juggler
• 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.–Mark Pringle, Bagpiper
• 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.–Joe Sullivan, Balloon Art
• 3 – 4:30 p.m.–Kirk Kupensky, Harpist

Olde Fashioned Christmas at The Mill is a post from: Youngstown Blog

Today Youngstown State University butts up the Smoky Hollow region and a local group of merchants has vowed to revitalize the area by creating the Wick District-Smoky Hollow retail corridor with the MVR acting as its anchor. And while the area strives to renew itself – the University Courtyard Apartments; a $22 million public-private partnership project catering exclusively to YSU students is located nearby – no matter the progress, the MVR is thriving.

When hunger hit Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign entourage while in Youngstown this fall, the group placed a call to Cassese’s MVR and within the hour John and Cindy McCain were enjoying a hearty Italian meal with the locals. Yes, celebs show up now and then, but the people you’ll find at the MVR are families, YSU students – especially after a home game – and area residents who know a good thing when they see it.

This is the kind of restaurant where people shout out greetings to one another; where families gather to celebrate; where hugs and hearty cheek-pinching takes place. Walk into the MVR and you become part of the Cassese family. Brother Joe Jr. and Carmine are currently in charge of the MVR, with Joe Sr. and most of the rest of the family being involved as well.

Standard Italian fare is offered at the MVR from wedding soup and fried greens to cavatelli and chicken parmesan – Italian comfort food. Prices are reasonable and the wine flows freely. The interior of the MVR is geared towards seating both small parties and larger groups, but space can be limited during the lunch and dinner hour, so plan accordingly. Trying to find a place to sit after 8:00 p.m. on a weekend or after a special event downtown might be a challenge – but well worth the wait.

When the weather is fine, ask to be seated at the enclosed dining patio or the large outdoor bar/eating area – both under cover and both wonderfully decorated with hanging baskets and trellises. To really get the feel for a true Italian meal, eat at one of the tables running down the center of the MVR’s four bocce courts. Anyone in the Mahoning Valley who loves bocce has watched or played at the MVR. The summer league which includes a men’s league and a co-ed league takes place April through August making the MVR a wonderful meeting place to eat and enjoy a summer night in downtown Youngstown with family and friends.

MVR
410 North Walnut Street
Youngstown, OH 44505

Phone: (330)746-7067

Bocce and Pasta, Welcome to the MVR is a post from: Youngstown Blog