Austintown community briefs

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered daily to eligible women over 65 at Curves in Austintown.

The classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall health. For information, call 330-793-9802.

Get rid of old medicine

Residents can discard their pharmaceutical or over the counter medicine June 23, July 12 and Aug. 23 at the Austintown Police Department, 92 Ohltown Road, from noon to 3 p.m. each day during the 2010 summer Drug Take-Back program.

The program is being provided by the Austintown Police Department, Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District/Green Team 2081 and Drug Education Officers of Mahoning Valley.

D.A.R.E. police officer Jeffrey Toth will be the full-time law enforcement officer having sole control of all controlled substances.

Church is host site for Great Food For All

The Smith Corners United Methodist Church on South Canfield-Niles Road, will be a host site of Great Food For All.

Monthly Basic Food Box ordering is today from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday and May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday and May 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The program assists a family of four for about a week or a single person for about a month with a retail value of food of $60 to $80 for $30.

Menus change from month to month. Customers are required to pick up their orders May 22 at the church. Online deadline will be May 6 at 9 p.m. For information, call 330-799-9390 or visit www.greatfoodforall.com.

View beautiful blooms on Poland Woods walk

See a parade of spring wildflowers on a easy-rated, 2-mile hike through Poland Woods May 2 at 2 p.m.

The 250-acre tract of wet woodland features a carpet of bluebells and other short-blooming beauties

Create a Mother’s Day arrangement with Marie

The colors in this spring arrangement will give your mother a reason to smile. Marie Borocz will demonstrate each step in creating this Mother’s Day arrangement May 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The fee is $28 for Fellows members and $36 for nonmembers, To register call, Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Health and wellness walks scheduled for May

Health and wellness walks are planned for 9 a.m. May 5 at Poland Woods and May 26 at the Golf Course overflow parking lot and May 18 at Yellow Creek Park at 6 p.m.

Naturalists present study of Mill Creek wildlife

The Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley will meet Tuesday at the Mill Creek MetroPark Farm on Route 46 just south of Canfield.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. with social time at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be presented by Larry Rosche and Judy Semroc, naturalists with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

They have extensively studied the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and will introduce participants to the flying creatures (birds and bugs) that can be found there.

For information, call 888-846-8851, leave your name and phone number and they will return your call.

Audition for ‘Leading Ladies’ comedy

Auditions for University Theater’s opening main stage production, the farce “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig, will be held Monday and Tuesday from 5 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. in the first floor Rehearsal Studio in Bliss Hall.

Five male actors and three female actresses, one of whom should be able to roller skate, are required for this production.

Actors are encouraged to bring a prepared audition and will be required to read from the script.

Copies of the play are available in the Theater and Dance office. For information, call 330-941-3810.

International children’s choir set to sing May 2

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Children of the World International Children’s Choir will present a free concert May 2 at 6 p.m. at the Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield.

The choir is a special group of orphaned and disadvantaged children from several different countries that travel across the United States for 10 months a year.

The group puts a voice and face to the desperate needs of children whose lives have been devastated by civil war, famine, poverty, unclean water and preventable diseases.

For information, call the church at 330-533-6848 or visit www.oldnorthchurch.org.

Little Falcons Golf Outing offers golf, food and fun

Austintown Little Falcons Golf Outing is May 30 at 8 a.m. with registration from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course on Granview Road in Lake Milton.

The outing includes golf, beverages, golf cart, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, and hole-in-one prizes.

Cost is $65 per person. For information, contact Mike Cook at 330-501-4577 or Matt Hlebak at 330-398-5512.

Improve your body with T’ai Chi Chih courses

Boardman Park announces the next T’ai Chi Chih courses. The T’ai Chi Chih “Beginner’s Course” is eight, one-hour classes held once a week.

There are two courses from which to choose. Monday morning classes begin Monday at 10 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. The course fee is $40.

Wednesday classes begin Wednesday at 4 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. The course fee is $80.

All classes are held in the Boardman Park Community Center.

Classes are open to men, women and teens and are taught by Lucinda Kutsko, certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor.

Preregistration is required. Call Kutsko at 330-727-4477 for information and to register.

Celebrate Mothers’ Day with Doris Day

For Mother’s Day, enjoy a one-woman show with Damaris Peters Pike May 9 in Christman Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium.

There will be a brunch buffet at 11:30 a.m. followed by the program “QUE SERA-SERA The life and music of Doris Day” at 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $30 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Reservations are required and due May 6.

For information, call Stambaugh Auditorium at 330 747-5175.

Look for birds while you hike in the park

Join certified volunteer naturalist Nancy Brundage May 1 at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve and May 8 at the Lanterman’s Mill parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1-mile, easy-rated hike. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to help search for feathered spring migrants. The hike will be offered May 2 at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at 8 a.m. with guide Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited.

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Honor mom with wildflowers and a walk

Bring your mom to Ford Nature Center May 9 at 2 p.m. to enjoy the spring beauty of Mill Creek Park during an easy-rated hike. Children can make a special craft to honor their mother, while parents hear a presentation about wildflowers. The event is free, but registration is required by May 8.

To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Learn the basics of growing Dahlias

Stan and Linda Vuletich will share their knowledge and enthusiasm of growing and propagating dahlias May 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Participants will divide tubers to take home. The fee for the class is $10 for Fellows members and $15 for nonmembers. To register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day May 7

Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens May 7 from dawn to dusk to celebrate National Public Gardens Day and learn the vital role the garden plays in the Mahoning Valley community.

The day was designed to promote environmental stewardship and education while emphasizing the significant role citizens have in plant and water conservation.

Take T’ai Chi at the gardens Wednesdays

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with T’ai Chi classes at Fellows Riverside Gardens each Wednesday in May from noon to 1 p.m. Marie Lew will demonstrate warmups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The fee for each class is $10. For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Preschoolers nature hour

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 enjoy a story, activities, and a craft as they find out how and why animals camouflage and “advertise” Apr. 30 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or May 1 at 10 a.m.

The cost is $2 for Boardman residents and $3 for non-Boardman residents.

Pre-register at Ford Nature Center.

Pockets of posies tradition continued at the park

Children 6 and older can learn about the tradition of making May baskets by assembling a colorful pocket and a cone to fill with dried flowers from the Family Garden May 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost is $7 for Boardman residents and $9 for non-Boardman residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Tales for Twos: The Wide Mouth Frog

The Frog Princess will introduce children age 2 to fascinating creatures through story, craft, role-playing games and exploration May 6 at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m.

Observe wriggling tadpoles, leap across lily pads, and search for frogs out by the pond.

Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Preschoolers celebrate moms with crafts

Preschoolers ages 3 through 5 can personalize a vase and fill it with a colorful bouquet of carnations at the park May 6, 7, or 8 from 11 a.m. to noon.

A snack and story will be included.

The cost is $7 for Boardman residents and $9 for non-Boardman residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

A night on the terrace

Relax with friends at Fellows Riverside Gardens while listening to the music of FireSign May 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For $15, you will be served appetizers accompanied by a glass or two of beer or wine.

Afterward, have dinner in the Garden Cafe or take a walk through the gardens.

Safety boating class offered at the park

Ohio law requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982 who wishes to operate or supervise operation of watercraft over 10 HP to successfully complete an approved boating course or proficiency exam.

This eight-hour class is offered at Yellow Creek Park May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive full training and complete the exam at the end of the class.

Bring a lunch. The cost is $10. Call 330-740-7100 to register or inquire.

Join knitting group at the par for a good cause

Help “Warm Up America” with others by making afghans and other projects to donate locally May 7 and 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet.

Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

Study trees with Ford Nature Center’s workshop

Ford Nature Center is hosting a tree identification workshop May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beginners are welcome to this two-part, two-season approach to the study of trees.

The program will be held indoors and outdoors. Bring your own lunch and drink.

The fee is $10 for Boardman residents and $15 for non-Boardman residents. Registration and payment due at Ford Nature Center by May 1.

Golf camp for new golfers available at park

Link up to golf with a three-day golf camp May 5, 11, and 14 form 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and May 18, 20, 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Par 3 Golf Course at Mill Creek MetroParks.

This camp is designed for the true beginner. Lessons will focus on putting, short game, and full swing.

The cost is $35. Call 330-740-7112 to register.

Read and discussion at Ford Nature Center

Participate in the reading and discussion of the popular book “Silent Spring.” The discussion group will meet at Ford Nature Center May 1 at 1 p.m.

Visit with family and goats at the farm

Families can visit with the Caprine family, a family of goats, May 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks farm. Learn about these social creatures and make a special craft. Wagon tours will be given every half hour.

Park preps for summer

Mill Creek Park is reopening many attractions soon in preparation for summer. Lanterman’s Mill will resume its regular summer hours beginning May 1. Glacier and Newport Boathouses reopen May 1, weekends only. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

Art show at the park

Come and enjoy the artwork of Jack Baker now through May 2 at the Fellows Riverside Gardens Davis Education and Visitor Center Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Weller Gallery.

Clinic extends hours for required Dtap vaccine

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a new immunization requirement for schoolchildren beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

All in-coming seventh graders will be required to have a Dtap (Tetanus, diphtherial and pertussis) vaccination prior to starting school.

To assist parents, the Mahoning County District Board of Health, 50 Westchester Dr., Austintown, will offer vaccination clinics May 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the vaccination is $14.95.

To make an appointment for any of the clinics, call the health district’s Nursing Division at 330-270-2855, ext. 125.

Showcase your summer in Neighbors

Neighbors would love to hear about your organization’s plans for spring and summer festivals, Vacation Bible School programs, community events and sports camps.

Just let us know who, what, when, where and why and we’ll get the word out for you. Then, don’t forget to send us pictures of all the fun so we can share them with your neighbors.

Meet Mahoning County commissioner candidates

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown are co-hosting a forum with candidates for Mahoning County commissioner at 7 p.m. Monday at Holiday Inn Boardman.

Invited to participate are Democrats David Ludt of Poland, the incumbent, and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a Youngstown council member; and Republican Don Manning of North Lima.

Under rules set by the league, each candidate will have three minutes for opening statements and two minutes for closing statements. All candidates will be asked a series of questions by the moderator. Written questions from the audience also will be asked.

The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy a night of murder and mystery May 1

The Friend to Friend Foundation is sponsoring a “Night of Murder and Mystery” May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Fifth Season Banquet Center, 1400 Niles-Canfield Road in Mineral Ridge.

The cost for the event is $30 per person and includes appetizers, dinner and mystery performance by Garrettsville Curtains Up Theater. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle will be available.

All proceeds will go to the foundation to help provide a network of support for young adult cancer patients and their families.

For information, call Barb Sapp at 330-360-8005 or Amy Gilles, at 330-942-2104.

Get something new to read at used book sale

The Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Dr. in Boardman is hosting its 54th annual used book sale Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale will feature a large collection of books and music in all categories.

Fitch High alum earns national honor

Jennifer Vickers, an Austintown native, was one of five inductees into a national health honor society at Malone University in Canton.

Vickers, a senior at the School of Education, was accepted to the Eta Gamma Society as a result of her academic achievements and commitment to her health education studies. Vickers is studying physical education and community health education.

Boardman Park offers new online reservations

Boardman Township Park is offering a new and improved online reservation system on its Web site.

Residents can see available rentals, rates, rental times and payment options. The payment system will accept all major credit cards.

Reservations can still be made in person at the rental office, but only payments in cash, money order or check can be accepted.

Visit the Web site at www.boardmanpark.com. For information, call the park office at 330-726-8107.

Get fit with weight management program

SlimDown, a six-week weight management program taught by registered dietitians who are certified in weight management, will begin classes in late April at Humility of Mary Health Partners sites in Warren and Boardman.

Classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays to June 1 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 5401 Market Street, Boardman, and Thursdays to June 3 at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Eastwood Mall, Niles.

Cost is $40.

Dietitians will teach lifestyle changes in food, activities and behaviors.

To register for the class, call Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Cinderella comes to life

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre will present “Cinderella” Friday at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2:30 p.m. Daytime performances for area schools will take place Wednesday through Friday.

The Saturday matinee is followed by a complimentary “Autograph Party,” for the audience, cast and crew.

Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the box office at 330-788-8739.

Several programs awarded grants

The Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation was awarded grants to fund HMHP programs benefiting uninsured and underinsured patients.

The grants total nearly $115,000.

The St. Elizabeth Health Center Dental Clinic was awarded a $65,000 grant for a Safety Net Dental Care Program.

Smile Station, HMHP’s mobile dental clinic, was awarded a $24,960 grant by CHP from the Mercy Outreach Fund.

HMHP’s prescription assistance program was awarded a grant by CHP’s Mercy Outreach Fund totaling $24,929.

Cultural healthy cuisine tips and tricks offered

The Humility of Mary Health Partners is sponsoring “Stepping Out From the Old Way to a Better/Heathy Way of Cooking” Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road in Youngstown.

Participants will learn tips and tricks for making traditional Hispanic and African American favorites healthier without losing flavor.

For information, call 330-781-1808.

Learn to eat healthy

Families and youth can watch a dietitian prepare healthy and nutritious snacks Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, in Youngstown.

The free demonstrations is sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners. For information, call 330-744-4377.

Every step can make a difference today

The Easter Seals’ sixth annual “Walk with me Event” will be today at Boardman Park Community Center, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.

The event is an opportunity for families, friends, neighbors and colleagues to walk together for fitness and to help children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

There will be a 1 mile, 3K or 5K walk, run, roll or stroll plus activities for all ages, including Chinese auction, face painting, pony rides and other family fun.

All proceeds will benefit Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

School accepting registrations for students

Heartland Christian School located at 28 Pittsburgh St. in Columbiana is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Registration information can be requested by calling the school office at 330-482-2331.

Transportation is available for families in the Youngstown area, including Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland.

Discover the Labyrinth at Ursuline Center

The Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Rd. in Canfield will host a presentation of the Labyrinth May 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. and every quarter hour until 3:30 p.m. there will be a presentation in the auditorium on the how, what, why, when and where of labyrinths.

After each presentation participants can explore the labyrinth on their own or with a facilitator.

The labyrinth is designed to be used by individuals of all ages, families and groups.

The Labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is handicap accessible and has adequate parking.

Groups and individuals who are interested but unable to attend the open house can contact the center office for information at 330-799-4941 or by visiting theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

“Awesome-town” festival planning

The “Awesome-town” Fall Festival, scheduled for Oct. 9, is taking shape, but help is still needed. The organizers hope to have designated parking places around town and busses to shuttle people to the park. They need organizations that have a bus and driver to volunteer their time. They are also looking for local businesses to become “official sponsors.”

Funds can be donated to the “Awesome-town” Fall Festival account at the Austintown Branch of Farmer’s National Bank. The fall festival also includes a classic car show. Organizers are looking for individual car owners and car club members to participate.

Monthly meetings for the festival are the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stacey Pavilion at Township Park. Meetings are open to the public.

For information, contact lead organizers Brad Bloomster or Rev. Elmarie Parker at 330-799-4214 or 330-792-6441.

Indoor garage sale at high school

The Fitch PTA will sponsor a garage sale at Austintown Fitch High School May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free for shoppers. There will be food, a 50/50 raffle and more.

For information, contact Kelly at 330-270-2669 or kjhowdy@zoominternet.net Applications to reserve tables will be sent out by contacting Kelly. Cost is $20 for table and 2 chairs.

Make a craft and take it home from library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting a creation station for children in kindergarten through sixth grade throughout April’s regular library hours. Children can create a craft and take it home.

April reading programs

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting its Baby Brilliant programs throughout April.

“Bonding with Babies and Books” will be Thursday at 10 a.m.

The program is for babies 6 to 23 month and includes developmentally appropriate book, songs rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help infants become successful readers.

A similar program for toddlers, “Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s” will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Wednesday in April.

“Three piggie’s” puppet play and craft will be featured on Wednesday. Tuesdays throughout April, “Fun Time for 4’s and 5’s” begins at 10 a.m.

Block Watch group plans party this summer

The North and South Wickliffe Block Watch Group will host its second annual Neighborhood Block Party July 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wickliffe Christian Church.

The party is open to all Austintown residents and businesses. The block watch was established in 2008 and covers North and South Wickliffe areas.

Group members regularly patrol the neighborhoods on foot and in vehicles and alert the police of any suspicious activities.

The party will include free food and beverages, music, games and events for children of all ages.

There will be displays by area safety forces, including fire trucks, an ambulance and demonstrations by the Austintown Police Department’s Canine Unit.

For information, contact June Galbraith at 330-792-1571, Shawne Wilfrong 330-744-1803 or Detective Jeffrey Toth of the Austintown Police Department.

Smith Corners Church changes worship times

Smith Corners United Methodist Church on the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road has a new Sunday worship schedule.

Sunday school classes will be available at 9:30 a.m. for all ages, including three different adult classes. There will be a fellowship time at 10:15 a.m. with coffee and a simple snack available.

Praise Time begins in the sanctuary at 10:35 a.m. and Sunday morning worship begins at 10:45 a.m., with nursery care available.

The congregation has worshipped at the same time for many years, but the new schedule is being instituted to give families with young children and persons with medical needs more time to get ready on Sunday morning so all can worship together.

For more information, call Rev. Jan Sprague at 330-799-9390.

September reunion for Fitch class of ‘67

Austintown Fitch Class of 1967 is planning a reunion for Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.

Classmates are requested to send e-mail or current mailing address and phone number to Peggy Kellish Carr at p.a.carr@roadrunner.com or call her at 216-870-4801.

Shopping on a budget

The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Mahoning Avenue 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.