Austintown briefs

Fitch graduates receive scholarships

The Austintown Alumni Association awarded $500 scholarships to Fitch graduates Jessica Smith, Rita Mancini, Victoria Diana, Alissa Breakiron and Deanna Manevich.

All Austintown Fitch graduates or friends of Austintown Schools are welcome to join the AAA. Donations help sponsor scholarships and mini grants for teachers.

Donations can be submitted to; Austintown Alumni Association, 4560 Falcon Drive, Austintown, Ohio 44515. A newsletter is mailed annually to all members.

Cast off with crafts

Children of all ages can reel in the materials and make a craft any time during library hours Aug. 16-21.

Find buried treasure

Guess what’s buried in the jar at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in August.

Get hooked on a book

Kids kindergarten through third grade can enjoy stories, crafts and fun Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Blood pressure screening Aug. 18

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a blood pressure screening from 1 p.m.-3p.m. at the Austintown Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Aug. 18.

Cancer survivor picnics planned in two counties

Humility of Mary Health Partners’ cancer survivors are invited to enjoy lunch, games, music, crafts, prizes and giveaways during one of two picnics to be held in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Sponsored by the HMHP Cancer Centers, the Mahoning County picnic will be Aug. 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Boardman Park Community Center, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. The Trumbull County picnic will take place Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Demetrios Pavilion, 3223 Atlantic St., Warren.

Each survivor may bring one guest and only attend one picnic, as space is limited. To register, call the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

See cars in the park

The Mahoning Valley Antique Car Club will host its 30th annual Car Show and Flea Market Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maag Outdoor Art Theatre in the Boardman Township Park — rain or shine. The event is free.

EV2 band featured at free concert in township park

Boardman Township‘s Music in the Park will feature songs of the ‘50s and ‘60s from the EV2 Band Aug. 5 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Maag Outdoor Art Theatre.

Other August concerts include The Jim Frank Combo, Aug. 12; the big band sounds of the Carmen Mico Orchestra, Aug. 19 and the Rocco Monaco Band, Aug. 26.

Lawn seating and concession are available.

Watch out for lane restrictions

U.S. Route 224 in Boardman and Canfield townships will have various lane restrictions in either or both directions until further notice from just east of North Hillside Road to just west of Pinewood Drive for resurfacing work.

State Route 625 will have various lane restrictions in either or both directions from Route 224 to Midlothian Boulevard for resurfacing work. The work is part of a $2.3 million project to resurface Route 224. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by August.

Help ban dog auctions

Angels for Animals will host a noon meeting to ban dog auctions in Ohio Wednesday in Andrews Hall, 4750 state Route 165 in Canfield.

Ohio State Senator Joseph Schiavoni will address the coalition. The public is invited to attend and to sign the petitions that will be available. For information, call 330-549-1111

Singing contest benefit Penguin Ice Cream and Grill is hosting Penguin Singing Stars Competitions every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Penguin Ice Cream at Route 46 and Silica Road in Austintown. There is no registration fee and it’s a non-alcoholic event.For ages up to 18, performances will start at 3 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. Everyone 18 and older will perform at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Every week, winners will be selected and receive awards and gifts. All the benefits go to MDA-Helping Family Jerry’s Kids.

Free family night Aug. 28

Family Night at Boardman Park will take place Aug. 28 at the Maag Outdoor Theatre from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

A magic show, Jocko the Clown and hayrides will begin at 6 p.m., a Pipe dreams concert will start at 7 p.m. and Disney’s Up movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Bounce-A-Rounds and concessions will be available.

Catch a free movie at Boardman Park

“West Side Story” will be playing Aug. 10 at the Maag Outdoor Art Theatre in Boardman Township Park at dusk.

Moviegoers should bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs.

Garden extends hours

The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center will be open to visitors on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. through August. The Antonucci Library and Shop in the Gardens will have extended hours. The Garden Caf will be open until 7 p.m.

Relax with friends on the terrace at the gardens

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the cafe Terrace and Lake Glacier and enjoy the music of FireSign Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cost is $15 and includes appetizers accompanied by a glass of wine or beer.

Afterward, dinner is served in the cafe. Or, take a walk in the Gardens.

For information, contact Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Stage Left Youth Players to perform tonight

Stage Left Youth Players will present Kids on Broadway tonight at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Playhouse on East Lincoln Way in Lisbon.

Tickets for adults are $8 and $6 for seniors and students.

For information, or to make ticket reservations, call 330-381-7249 or e-mail stageleftseats@yahoo.com.

Pick up dinner at church

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, state Route 62 in Canfield will host a drive-through dinner Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. until sold out.

The cost for the dinner is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and brownie.

Just drive through to pick up dinners. No reservations are needed.

Work of local artists displayed in park

Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens this summer to see the work of local artists on exhibit. The floral display beds are designed to complement each sculpture or image. Stop by the Davis Center for a guide listing the location of the works of art.

Prepare for fall planting

Vegetable gardening doesn’t have to end with summer. Learn about vegetables that can be grown during the fall and even into winter Aug. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

How to prepare for next year’s planting will also be discussed. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Guided tours offered Aug. 22

Enjoy a walk Aug. 22 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Fellows Riverside Gardens and admire the summer colors. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Learn about botany during breakfast Aug. 27

Start Aug. 27 with a brisk walk through the gardens at 8:30 a.m. Then visit the Garden Caf for a light breakfast and learn about the Oleander family.

The fee is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents. To register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Meditate with Julie Thomas

Join Julie Thomas Aug. 1 in the Tara Dance to learn to focus on inner strengths through simple movements, while appreciating the beauty of the gardens from noon to 2 p.m.

The cost is $10. To register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Enjoy yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Instructor Heidi Suraci welcomes students of all levels to enjoy a blend of yoga styles amidst the powers of nature. Tuesdays will feature a beginner’s class from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an intermediate class from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All levels can participate on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The fee is $10 per class and students should bring a mat and small blanket.

For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Ease stress and increase vitality with T’ai Chi

Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form Wednesdays in August from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116

Have butterfly fun Aug. 15

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites children with their families to an afternoon of fun, activities and snacks in the Family Garden Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will pot a plant to take home, design in the digging garden, weave plants and listen to a story with puppets.

Dragonfly for a day

Two-year-olds and their adult companions will learn about the dragonfly through story telling, exploration and role-playing games Aug. 5 at Birch Hill Cabin at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Children will imagine what it means to fly and how it would feel to be a dragonfly. To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Explore the tall grass

Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy a story, craft and outdoor exploration that will highlight small creatures that live in fields during the Preschool Nature Hour at Ford Nature Center Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Aug. 21 at 10 a.m.

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. An adult must accompany each child. Preregister at Ford Nature Center.

Calling all knitters

Help “Warm Up America,” with other crafters making afghans and other projects to donate locally Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens. 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. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Bring a camera for a butterfly shoot

Bring a camera and equipment for the 1-mile Photo Walk: Lepidoptera Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. Participants must register by Aug. 13 and will meet at Bears Den Meadow parking lot. To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Join NOPGA golf professionals for Pro-Am

Mill Creek Golf Course and Davis Center will host a Pro-Am Aug. 11. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start and each group will consist of one pro golfer and three amateurs. The cost is $125 and includes golf, lunch, prizes, cocktails and dinner. To register, call 330-740-7112.

Metroparks Farm offers tractor guided tour

Children can make a craft to take home after a guided tractor-wagon tour of the 400 acres at MetroParks Farm Aug. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wagon leaves every half hour.

Find the alphabet at MetroParks Farm

Agriculture, Barns, and Crops- see how many other letters of the alphabet can be found Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during a wagon tour of the farm. Wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a craft to take home.

Compost seminar offered

The Green Team will host a compost class Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Preregistration is required. Tractor-wagon tours will be given; wagon leaves every half hour. The fee is $10 and includes a compost bin. To register, call 330-740-2060.

Farm closes for Canfield Fair

Metroparks Farm will close during the Canfield Fair Aug. 29 through Sept. 6, but you can visit the farm at Old McDonald’s Barn on the fairgrounds.

Free tennis lessons in August

A tennis camp for children 6 to 11 will be available Aug. 3 and Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Yellow Creek Park.

Kids will learn the fundamentals of tennis.

Space is limited. For information, or to register, call 330-740-7100.

Kindergartners can learn about Critters

Children will learn about a variety of critters through stories, crafts, rhymes and short hikes. The cost is $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents and are due at the Ford Nature Center by Tuesday.

For information, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Dahlias on display Aug. 28-29

Experience an array of color and form displayed in many varieties of dahlias grown in local gardens at the Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society Show Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Mum sale at the gardens

Admire summer’s bounty and vegetables at the Men’s Garden Club Horticulture Show and Mum Sale Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Nature is illuminated in exhibit at the gardens

Connecticut photographer Ellen Hoverkamp’s exhibit “Nature’s Illuminated” will be featured at Weller Gallery until Aug. 22 during regular Fellows Riverside Gardens and Davis Education and Visitor Center hours. The artist uses a flatbed scanner to produce digital floral images with incredible clarity and depth.

Kayak trips planned

All skill level kayakers are invited to join escorted trips on MetroParks waterways.

Single and tandem kayaks are available. Ages 11-15 must share a tandem kayak with a adult; ages 16-17 must be accompanied be an adult. Reservations must be made 36 hours prior to program and participants must complete a waiver.

Fees range from $12 to $15 per person with the second person in a tandem kayak half price.

August trips include a meander around the park’s middle lake Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon (meet at Lake Glacier Boathouse), a free bring-your-own kayak night excursion for experienced kayaking lefties and their right-handed friends Aug. 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (meet at East Newport Boat Launch) and an evening kayak on Lake Newport Aug. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For information, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Local artists wanted for show

Art Youngstown is hosting its first “Sketch Crawl” July 31, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Lemon Grove Cafe.

This is a fundraiser for The Purple Cat and Art Youngstown, Inc. and is open to all area artists.

Artists will sign in at noon at The Lemon Grove Cafe, then will walk to whichever area they prefer to do their sketching. Artists must provide their own sketchbook and pencils, watercolors, etc.

Around 3 p.m., the artists will return to The Lemon Grove to share their sketches and unwind.

Preregistration is required. To register, e-mail your name, address and phone number to rbatywillcox@zoominternet.net or call RoseMary at 330-233-0542 for information.

Play with and learn about bugs at the park

The Ford Nature Center at Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting “Bug Day” Aug. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

The free event is devoted to insects and their relatives. Play bug games, race wax worms, hunt for bugs, view bugs through microscopes, learn about bees, and more.

Participants can earn a “Master of Bugology” degree. Call the center for information.

A garden wedding show

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting a Bridal Fair Aug. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. st the Davis Center. Meet area bridal vendors and discover ideas for your ceremony and reception.

Register for door prizes and be a guest at the 3 p.m. Wedding Fashion Show at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

7UP Summerfest Spectacular

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting the 7UP Summerfest Spectacular Wednesdays at 7 p.m. These free concerts are alcohol-free and will take place at the Judge Morley Pavilion.

The Rage, a rock band, will perform Aug. 4, Don Burns, a swing band, will perform Aug. 11, Del Sinchak and Jack Vaski, polka, will perform Aug. 18 and Blue Rays,a blues and rock band, will perform Aug. 25.

Struthers concert series

Mill Creek MetroParks and the City of Struthers present a series of free concerts throughout the summer Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Jim Frank Combo will perform Aug. 5 at Mauthe Park, the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club will perform Aug. 12 at Yellow Creek Park, Bob Noble will perform Aug. 19 at Mauthe Park and there is another concert scheduled for Aug. 26 at Mauthe Park, performers have yet to be chosen for the event.

Bird walk at the park

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a one and a half mile walk along the Mindy Henning Memorial Trail at Mill Creek MetroParks Aug. 7 at 8 a.m. Walkers are to meet at kiosk at MetroParks Farm.

Summer botany walk

Enjoy a one mile walk through Mill Creek Metroparks Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. Look for what’s blooming with a special emphasis on the family Poaceae. Walkers meet at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve.

Hikers and dogs wanted for dog’s day

Commemorate the “Dog Days” of August with a two-mile walk in the Park with your special canine friend Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.

Dogs must be non-aggressive, under the handler’s control, and leashed at all times; one dog per hiker. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register by Aug. 14. Walkers meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Explore beaver preserve

Join Mill Creek MetroParks for a one and a half mile traipse around Beaver Township’s nature preserve Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. Meet at the pavilion in the preserve, located on state route 165. For directions call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Hike to Hopewell

Enjoy a 3-mile hike to a historic landmark, the Hopewell Furnace, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Hikers meet at Yellow Creek Park Office. Sturdy shoes are necessary for difficult stream crossings.

Listen to nature’s sounds with professor of music

Lisa Rainsong, professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, is also a naturalist. Join her and Mill Creek MetroParks Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. for an easy walk through the parks and listen to and look for crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Walkers meet at MetroParks Farm.

Walk for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a variety of health and wellness walks Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

For an easy walk, one or three miles, meet at the golf course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive Aug. 3. For a moderately difficult four-mile walk, meet at the Ford Nature Center Aug. 11 or 31.

Walk an easy two or four-mile walk at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm Aug. 17.

Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road Aug. 25 for a moderate two or four-mile walk.

Rediscover the falls

According to legend, in August of 1797 Isaac Powers and Phineas Hill discovered what is now called Lanterman’s Falls at Mill Creek MetroParks. Retrace their route 213 years later. Meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 29 at 9:30 a.m. for a moderately difficult 7-mile hike.

Summer Day Camp offers exciting events

Summer Day Camp at the D.D. & Velma Davis Family YMCA continues with a jam-packed schedule of activities, classes and events to keep campers entertained and active all summer long.

Remaining trips include trips to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Labor and Industry Museum, Idlewild and Soakzone, the Vienna Air Force Base, Camp Fitch, Mahoning Valley Scrappers game and Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Parents can still sign their kids up for Day Camp, which runs through Aug. 27.

Camp is open to children 6 through 13 and is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A one-time registration fee of $25 per child applies. A second child discount for weekly participants is available, as well as daily rates for parents who may not need camp each day for an entire week.

An additional fee on trip days may apply.

Visit youngstownymca.org for a camp brochure. For information, contact Jordan Shaver at 330-480-5656.

Family fun night tonight

The Boardman Township Park will host its Family Fun Night in the Park tonight at 6 p.m. at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre.

The event is for kids of all ages. A bounce-a-round, Jocko the Clown and hayrides will be available. At 7 p.m. the Mad Caps Puppets will perform Annie Oakley’s wild west show. The giant puppets will tell the tales of Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan, Tallypo and Sall Ann Thunder.

Classic car cruises

The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club will host Cruise Nites every Tuesday from June through August from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chick-fil-a on state Route 224 near South Avenue in Boardman, weather permitting.

Registration will be $2. Plaques or $15 gas cards will be awarded and 50/50 raffles prizes will be given away nightly. All proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley.

Block party today

The North and South Wickliffe Block Watch Group will host its second annual Neighborhood Block Party today 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.

Take a tour of MetroParks farm

Bring the family for a tractor-wagon tour of MetroParks Farm Thursdays throughout the summer at 10 a.m. The one-hour tour is free and reservations are suggested. To register, call the farm at 330-533-7572.

Visit the family garden on sunny Fridays

Bring the kids for a drop-in visit to the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens on sunny Fridays to plant and water flowers or to read a book. The Family Garden Greeter at the discovery cart will tell visitors about the plants. Children can participate in hands-on activities. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Join a book discussion

Read wildlife journalist William Stolzenburg’s “Where the Wildlife Things Where: Life, Death and Ecological Wreckage in a Land of Vanishing Predators” and then join a discussion at the Ford Nature Center today at 10 a.m.

Attention 1970 Austintown Fitch graduates

Austintown Fitch High School Class of 1970 will hold its 40th reunion Sept. 4 at Bruno’s Restaurant, 1984 Boardman-Poland Road in Poland at 6 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person and dress is casual. Anyone not yet contacted is asked to call Rolayne Smith Kasmer at 330-547-5350 or e-mail rolayne@zoominternet.net or contact Jere Blaylock at 330-533-2306 or e-mail blayguy@aol.com. These contacts can also be found on Facebook. Reservation deadline is Aug. 1.

Free hot dogs at Mill Creek MetroParks

Weather permitting, Mill Creek MetroParks will have free hot dogs for the public Mondays and Tuesdays. The hot dogs will be served Mondays at the James L. Wick Recreation Area, off McCollum Road, and Tuesdays at Scholl Recreation Area. The hot dogs are sponsored by the Salvation Army’s Mahoning County Services. This will last through Aug. 31.

Nominate an outstanding senior or senior advocate

Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Valley Legacy Awards. The awards will be presented to an outstanding senior and outstanding advocate for seniors Oct. 14 at the Sixth Annual Legacy Awards, where all nominees will be recognized for their good works.

Candidates should be recognized for a lifetime of working to improve the Mahoning Valley or who have provided exceptional support of older Americans through their professional, volunteer or civic roles.

Nominees must have left a lasting legacy for the community and inspired others through their work ethic, concern for others and enthusiasm for the betterment of our community.

Nomination forms are available online at www.shepherdofthevalley.com, at all Shepherd of the Valley locations and WKBN and ClearChannel web sites. All nominations must be postmarked by Friday.

Get more food for less at local church

Smith Corners United Methodist Church is a local site for the Great Food For All program. Groceries are ordered each month by any interested individual with no income guidelines or applications.

Each “Big Value Box” costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up. The “Family Variety Box” is now available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted. No checks are accepted.

You can order by credit card with a $1 convenience fee, no matter how many boxes you order.

Visit www.greatfoodforall.com, type in 44515 and scroll the mouse until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the food boxes at Smith Corners UMC.

For information, contact the church office at 330-799-9390.

Awesome-town” festival planners need help

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.

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.

Get rid of old medicine

Residents can discard their pharmaceutical or over the counter medicine Aug. 23 at the Austintown Police Department, 92 Ohltown Road, from noon to 3 p.m. 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.

Education on living a healthy lifestyle

Designing LifeStyles Nutrition will host its next session of Weight Loss Challenges.

The weight loss challenge is a nine-week class covering topics pertaining to a healthy lifestyle, losing weight, gaining energy and becoming healthy.

All participants will receive a free wellness profile that includes a body composition analysis along with the support of a personal coach.

The challenge is based upon percentage of body weight lost.

Everyone has a chance to win first, second, third, and fourth-place cash awards. Experience a fun and friendly environment that offers more rewards than ever for losing weight, fun, accountability, along with the guidance and support you need.

For information, contact Linda at 330-719-1604.

Help Neighbors showcase your summer

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

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 after the event, so we can share them with your neighbors.

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.

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.