Blood pressure screenings by Red Cross

Blood pressure screenings by Red Cross

The Mahoning Chapter, American Red Cross will provide blood pressure screenings at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Children’s choir sings at nursing home

ROCcK Children’s Choir (Raising Our Commitment to Cancer Kids), based in Austintown, will perform Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. at Briarwood Nursing Home on Route 46 in Mineral Ridge.

The group is comprised of survivors, siblings and those touched by cancer ages 3-17. The nursing home invited the choir as entertainment for its family and resident party. The choir, director by Brenda Rider, performs at events in a five-county area, including at as many Relay For Life events as possible.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s at the library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a morning of learning and fun for children ages 4 and 5.

The event on Tuesday and Dec. 22 includes developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help the children become successful readers.

The fun starts at 10 a.m.

Holiday craft program for children

During regular library hours throughout December, the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will have a make-and-take it holiday craft program.

The event is for children grades six and under.

Ceremonies for children

Compassionate Friends, a Pennsylvania/Ohio support group, invites area residents to participate in its annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday in honor of children who died.

Ceremonies are planned in Austintown and in Sharpsville, Pa.

In Austintown, the event will take place at First Free Will Baptist Church, 5530 New Road.

Those participating are asked to take a photo of the child. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Mary Kadvan at 330-793-3278.

In Sharpsville, members of the Mercer County Chapter of Compassionate Friends invites bereaved families to its ceremony, part of a special service at Sharpsville First United Methodist Church, 148 E. Shenango St.

For additional information, call Jerry Yorks, 330-534-9261; Donna Holter, 724-342-0035; or Chris Bell, 724-347-2015.

The Mercer County chapter meets at 7 p.m. the last Monday of each month (except December) at the new diagnostic center at Sharon Regional Hospital.

Shopping on a budget

Salvation Army Thrift Store on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A variety of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and bric-a-brac is available at bargain prices.

Historical society offers afghans for sale

The Austintown Historical Society has for immediate purchase the historic Austintown afghan. Colors are cranberry red and cream, Williamsburg blue and cream, and hunter’s green and cream. Cost is $45.

Also available are the Cat’s Meow collectibles, which cost from $12 to $15 each. All proceeds benefit the Austintown Historical Society. For more information, call 330-792-1129.

Pajamarama at Austintown public library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be hosting a pajamarama on Dec. 21. Families can come dressed in their best pajama wear and listen to holiday stories.

It is for children of all ages and begins at 6:30 p.m.