Austintown briefs

Fitness center celebrates 20th year

Body Shop Total Fitness, a bodybuilding and fitness center in Austintown, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with a special $20 promotional offer.

The gym is located at 1731 S. Raccoon Road in the Wedgewood Plaza in Austintown.

Open 365 days a year, including all holidays, the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The promotional offer expires Jan. 4. There is no commitment or hidden fees with this offer. Call 330-799-0102 for information or visit www.austintownbodyshop.com.

New site for shoe boxes

Tabernacle E.P. Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, is the new ‘Relay Center’ for Operation Christmas Child in the Austintown area.

Mulholland Hall, the church’s social hall, will be used to collect ‘Shoe Boxes’ during National Collection Week starting Monday through Nov. 22.

Shoe box drop-off hours are Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday 9 to 11 a.m.

Call Sandy at 330-565-8057 or Linda at 330-360-2307 for details.

Learn about birds Nov. 23

The Audubon Society is inviting the public to “Birds of the Past, Present and Future” at MetroParks Farm, state Route 46 in Canfield Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.

Jeff Harvey, president of the Audubon Society Mahoning Valley will discuss bird species that are extinct and why, plus what present-day birds may be at risk.

For information, call 888-846-8851.

Yoga for a cure hosted by Humility Health of Mary

Humility Health of Mary Partners will host Yoga for a Cure Nov. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Woodlands, 1525 E. Western Reserve Road in Poland.

Yogis and Yoginnis from around town will hold classes at all levels and a yoga-thon will raise money for the new Comprehensive Breast Care Center being constructed at St. Elizabeth’s downtown,

There will be vendors in jewelry and accessories and living food demonstrations will be presented by Master Chef Na Young.

The cost for yoga classes will be $15 for one or two for $25.

For information, call Madelon Sabine at 330-757-1776.

Treez Please hosts fundraiser

Treez Please is hosting a fundraiser today from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1105 Elm St.

There will be no cover charge. The event will feature food, entertainment and presentations by interns. Silent and Chinese auctions will be available.

All proceeds go to fund next year’s internship program.

For information or to donate a Chinese or silent auction item, call Susie Beiersdorfer at 330-881-1050.

At 4 p.m., there will be a city tree planting across the street at Wick Park.

Seminar on chronic pain free to the public

Chronic pain management specialists Tracy L. Neuendorf and Kate W. Paylo will be the featured guest speakers at the Chronic Pain Seminar at the Holiday Inn in Boardman Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Registration begins at 5:45 p.m.

The event will include a complimentary light dinner and audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the pain management specialists following the physician presentations.

The seminar is free, but reservations are required. Call 866-690-2003 for registration information.

Benefit for John Lynn at the Calvin Center today

Jam for John, a benefit for John Lynn, is scheduled today from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.

Lynn suffers from an aggressive form of brain cancer and funds raised at the benefit will assist with medical bills his insurance does not cover.

Cost is $10 per person. A spaghetti dinner is included in the cost and there will be chicken on a spit for sale, an eight-ball tournament, corn hole, a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.

The event includes live music from Rainbow Tribe, The Youngstonians, The Blue Rays and Cadenza.

Conservation meeting planned Monday

Individuals interested in providing input about natural resource concerns in Columbiana or Mahoning County are invited to attend a meeting of the Columbiana and Mahoning County Workgroup Monday at 9 p.m. at the Columbiana SWCD office, 1834-B South Lincoln Ave. in Salem.

The Columbiana and Mahoning County Workgroup meets at least once a year to determine the local priority natural resource concerns in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. Conservation program funding from USDA Farm Bill programs in Columbiana and Mahoning counties is directed using a combination of national, state and local natural resource priorities.

Individuals who need special accommodations to attend this meeting can call Chris Coulon at 614-917-3172 to make arrangements.

Get ready to decorate for holidays

Angels for Animals, 4750 state Route 165 in Canfield, will host its seventh annual Antiques and Holiday Decoration Show Dec. 3-5.

Admission is $5 for the Dec. 3 preview from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and free for the Dec. 4, 10 am. to 3 p.m. and Dec. 5, noon to 4 p.m. shows.

A large variety of collectibles, antiques and jewelry will be available. All proceeds benefit the animal shelter and its low-cost spay and neuter programs.

To donate items for the sale or for more information, call Diane at 330-502-5352.

Austintown church serves free meal

Smith Corners United Methodist Church at 3000 South Canfield-Niles Road is offering a free meal to the community.

The meal will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The church is at the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road in Austintown.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s at the library

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Wednesdays in November at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children ages 2 through 3 become successful readers.

This program is also available for babies six to 23 months old Thursdays in November at 10 a.m.

What’s so trivial about turkeys?

Take the turkey quiz throughout the month of November at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and a winner will be picked through a drawing.

This is for children of all ages and takes place during regular library hours.

Friends of the Library to meet local artist Monday

Allen W. Cunningham, a local artist and Youngstown antique doll maker, will discuss his collection of antique dolls and the methods he employs in design and display at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Monday at 10 a.m.

Enjoy yoga every Tuesday

Get a rigorous workout and experience peace in the hectic world doing ashtanga yoga with Kirk every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Unity Centre for Spiritual Living, 1226 Naylor-Lloyd Road in Liberty.

The class is not for beginners; intermediate to advanced yoga practitioners only.

For information, call 330-539-0122 or visit www.unitycentre,org

Pajamarama time at library

Little ones, put on your PJs and bring out the family for stories, songs and more at the Austintown branch of the Pubic Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

This event is for children of all ages.

Take your blood pressure at the library

The Mahoning Chapter, American Red Cross will offer free blood pressure screenings at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children ages 4 and 5 child become successful readers.

AMS gets crafty today

Austintown Middle School is hosting its 27th annual craft show today from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Admission is free and there will be more than 200 vendors along with Chinese auction items and more.

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered Monday through Saturday for eligible women over 65 at Curves in Austintown. The 30-minute classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall health. For information, call 330-793-9802.

Gotta move story time

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursday at 11 a.m. for active story time for children ages 2 through 5.

Reflections program looking for applicants

Austintown PTAs are accepting entries for the 2010/2011 Reflections program.

Children in preschool through grade 12 can create and submit works of art in six areas: literature, visual arts, photography, dance choreography, film/video and musical composition.

The Reflections program allows PTAs throughout the state to recognize children for their creativity in portraying yearly themes. This year’s theme is “Together We Can.”

Reflections is an annual arts program of National PTA. For information, contact Karen Fritz at ptadiva@yahoo.com or 330-544-3520.

AARP meeting planned

The Austintown AARP, a group that has been serving the community for more than 20 years, is still going strong. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church. The organization is known for its bus tours and entertaining at nursing homes through its choir.

For more information, contact Harriett Jones at 330-792-3425.

Great food program offers affordable meals

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, is the local site for the Great Food For All program.

Each big value box costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up.

The family variety box is available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted at the time the order is placed. No checks are accepted.

Credit cards are accepted with a $1 convenience fee.

Go to www.greatfoodforall.com, type in zip code 44515, and scroll down until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the ordered food boxes at Smith Corners UMC.

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

Take the best drive in the park

Original drawings, vintage photos and equipment of Mill Creek Golf Course will be on display in the Melnik Musuem at Fellows Riverside Gardens through December.

Farm life at Weller Gallery

Weller Gallery in Fellows Riverside Gardens will host “Farm Life: A Century of Change for Farm Families and Their Families” through Nov. 28.

The exhibit was funded be NEH on the Road and highlights the social and cultural issues brought by decades of change that touch members of farming communities.

Libraries closed for Thanksgiving holiday

All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Old-fashioned Christmas at the Mill

Mill Creek MetroParks Lanterman’s Mill will be decked out in holiday finery for the Old-fashioned Christmas at the Mill event Nov. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Taste chestnuts roasted over an open fire, give Santa your wish list, purchase unique gifts, watch artisans demonstrate crafts like weaving, pottery, blacksmithing and wood carving, and be entertained by a juggler, a balloon artist, and many musicians.

If you wish to share the holiday spirit with others, bring a hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will be given to children in need from Mahoning County this winter.

Hike for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a variety of interpretive hikes, slow-paced with stops to enjoy information about the hike’s topic, today at 9 a.m.

Meet at Newport Wetlands.

Let’s talk turkey at Ford Nature Center

Unrestricted hunting and habitat destruction eliminated turkeys from Ohio early in the 20th century.

As you may have noticed, they’ve made an impressive comeback and Mill Creek MetroParks if offering a chance to see those turkeys close up.

After an indoor presentation featuring photos taken this year, search for the Mill Creek Park flock. Meet at the Ford Nature Center Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.

Christmas at the Mill hike

Join Bill Whitehouse for a leisurely and informative walk to Mill Creek MetroParks Lanterman’s Mill and back Nov. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the Scholl Recreation Area.

Learn about historic Mahoning County farms

Learn about historic times when several properties within Mill Creek MetroParks were working farms. During this program special Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., recognition will be given to Mahoning County century farm families. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register for this free program funded through the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Breakfast botany: Taxus family

Start your morning with a brisk walk through Fellows Riverside Gardens Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Return to the Garden Caf to enjoy a light breakfast and learn about plants in the Taxus family.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Thanksgiving cornucopia

Highlight your Thanksgiving table with a cornucopia overflowing with mums, carnations, wheat, cattails, and mini pumpkins you created at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Marie Borocz will help you create this traditional holiday centerpiece Nov. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The cost is $28 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Do yoga in the Gardens

Participate in yoga classes at Fellows Riverside Garden Tuesdays and Thursdays in November. Tuesday classes for beginners begin at 9:30 a.m. and go until 11 a.m. Tuesday’s intermediate classes being at 5:30 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. Thursday’s classes, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., are for all levels.

Instructor Heidi Suraci welcomes students at all levels. Bring a mat and small blanket. The cost is $10 per class.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

T’ai Chi in the Gardens

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with T’ai Chi classes at Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in November from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The cost is $10 per class. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

Learn how to make apple sauce in the garden

Fellows Riverside Gardens is offering children ages 3 through 5, with their adult companions, a chance to make applesauce to take home today from 11 a.m. to noon. Taste testing and an apple story are part of the fun.

The cost is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Pumpkin planter at the park

Children ages 6 and up will turn a pumpkin into a turkey container and plant a chrysanthemum to take home at Fellows Riverside Gardens today from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost is $10 for residents and $14 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Preschool nature hour: Time to sleep

Mill Creek’s Ford Nature Center is letting children 3 through 5 know why some woodland creatures are getting ready to curl up and sleep throughout the winter Friday and Nov. 20.

Friday’s day is 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday’s starts at 10 a.m. Activities include a short hike to look for winter dens. An adult must accompany each child.

The cost is $2 for residents and $3 nonresidents. Preregister by calling Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Join a loose knit group

Enjoy the view from the Antonucci Library as you help to “Warm Up America,” with other crafters making afghans and other projects to donate locally Friday 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.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

Audubon Society studies birds

Jeff Harvey, president of Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley, presents “Birds of the Past, Present, and Future” Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm.

He will discuss the reasons behind the extinction of some species of birds, the lessons we’ve learned, which present-day birds species are increasing and decreasing, and what the future might hold.

Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Public is welcome. For information, call 888-846.8851.