Austintown briefs

Cheer the cheerleaders on, help raise funds

The Austintown Cheerleaders have been invited to the Orange Bowl 2011 in Miami to perform as part of the halftime show.

This is a huge honor for the girls and the community. They are asking for support at a fund raiser Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fitch High Cafeteria.

Tickets are $5 for the Diamonds and Desserts Event.

Come for an afternoon of desserts, raffles, a Chinese auction and a Fashion Show showcasing Premiere Jewelry available for sale.

Tickets may be purchased at the door. Proceeds from the jewelry sales will be donated back to the cheerleaders to help fund the trip.

Contact Chrissy Farr, head cheerleading coach, at CPlatthy@aol.com for information.

Bag bargains today at church sale

The Austintown Baptist Church, 1180 S. Raccoon Road, will host its third annual Trash and Treasure Sale today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a lot to choose from, including men’s and women’s regular and plus-sizes, kids’ clothing, household goods, knick-knacks and seasonal items. A Chinese auction will be available.

Chiropractor offers free consultations

During National Chiropractic Health Month in October, chiropractor Amy Toth Dahl, of Austintown, is offering complimentary consultations, new patient deals, sales on Biofreeze, drawings, giveaways and more.

Dahl Chiropractic is located at 25 N. Canfield Niles Road, Suite 30.

Tire out the young and restless on Thursdays

The Austintown library will host an active story time for children ages 2 -5 Thursdays in October at 11 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library board of trustees to meet

The Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, will meet at noon on Oct. 26 in the Gibson Room of the Youngstown Club.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss filling a board seat left vacant with the passing of longtime board member Harold Moore and discussing board terms which will expire in January.

Make the closest guess and win a prize

Children of all ages can guess the number of items in the jar at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in October.

The closest guess wins a prize.

Hospice volunteer classes start Oct. 22

Hospice of the Valley’s new volunteer class begins Oct. 22 in the Hospice House conference room.

Classes are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday for six weeks (no class Nov. 26).

Volunteers will learn what Hospice of the Valley’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for the patients and their family and how volunteers fit into that team.

For information or to register, call 330-788-1992.

Mayor Williams to attend kids’ event

The Main Library, 305 Wick Ave., will host a rally for kids on Friday at 11 a.m. to celebrate reading and libraries. Those attending can meet Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and have fun with Porgie the Clown. The event will be an opportunity for children to express all the ways they love their library and why they want to keep it safe, strong and shining bright.

Williams will open the program at 11 a.m. Porgie the Clown will entertain children with his interactive presentation, as he clowns around about the importance of reading. Several of the children in attendance will have an opportunity to interact with Porgie.

The program is free and open to kids of all ages. Treats will be available. Every child over the age of 3 attending will receive a Love My Library safety light and a finger flashlight (while supplies last).

Parents who bring in a baby up to age 2 will receive an infant onesie or toddler T-shirt (while supplies last).

Solve a murder, help a shelter dog

Murder at the Masquerade, an interactive and comical Murder Mystery Dinner is planned for Oct. 23 at the St. George Croatian Center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event is being put on by For the Dogs Rescue to help raise funds to offset costs of vetting shelter dogs rescued from local pounds before placing them up for adoption. Tickets are $30 and include admission to the show as well as a buffet dinner.

A Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and centerpiece raffle will be available. To reserve tickets, call 330-398-9468 or 330-717-2151. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.ForTheDogs.Petfinder.com.

Mooney hosts parent information night

Cardinal Mooney High School is hosting a “Parent Information Night” Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Parents of seventh and eighth-grade students considering enrolling their sons or daughters in the school are invited. Members of the school’s administration will explain the school’s curriculum, extracurricular programs, school policies and financial aid opportunities. In addition, information concerning registration procedures will be available.

Child center offers care with a twist

Pumpkin Patch Kids Family Child Care in Austintown, off North Turner Road, opened this month to serve local families with a unique style of childcare.

The business offers family child care, where providers are only permitted to have six children in their care at one time and only three under the age of 2. Small group sizes allow for more individual attention, while still allowing for interaction with other children.

Jodi Himes is the owner of Pumpkin Patch Kids.

Family child care consists of children of different ages being cared for together. By watching and playing together, younger children learn from the older children and the older children take pride in helping the younger ones.

Family child care providers are held to high standards when they are certified with the county and state. Criminal background checks, lengthy training requirements and home inspections are examples of the higher standards placed on family child care providers.

For more information, visit www.pumpkin-patch-kids.com or contact Himes at 330-793-2613.

Help children go to camp and get coupons

Friendly’s in Poland will offer trick-or-treat coupons for a donation to Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s through Oct. 31.

Each $1 donation will receive five coupons for free kids cones, plus a coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase at Friendly’s. Coupons are redeemable from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 and the money raised will benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs.

Free forum for seniors offered Oct. 21

The Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services will host a Senior Forum Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Covelli Center, 228 Front St. in Youngstown.

Admission is free and informational tables, basket raffles and refreshments will be available.

For transportation or information, call 330-884-6952.

Drink good wine for a good cause Nov. 6

Angels for Animals will host its annual wine tasting event Nov. 6 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Andrews Hall, 4750 state Route 165 in Canfield.

Tickets for the event are $30 for single or $50 for couples in advance at $35 and $60 at the door. The featured wines are red, sparkling whites and dessert wines.

The proceeds will support shelter programs. For information or tickets, call Diane Less at 330-502-5352 or visit www.angelsforanimals.org.

Mall hosts identity theft program Oct. 27

Wendi Faulkner, identity theft unit manager of the crime victims assistance and prevention section for the office of Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, will present information on identity theft and senior scams from noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 27 at St. Joe’s at the Mall, located inside the Eastwood Mall in Niles.

The program is free with registration required. For more information or to register, call 330-652-7542.

Bond with babies and books in October

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host songs, finger plays, and other activities for babies 6-23 months Thursdays throughout October at 10 a.m.

A similar program for children 2 and 3 will be offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and a program for children ages 4 and 5 will be offered Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.

Wear your pajamas to the library

Children of all ages can wear their pajamas to the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for stories and more Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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 next meeting is Tuesday. 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.

Play PS2 at the library

Teens in grades seven through 12 can stop by the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Tuesday to play video games in the meeting room.

Get your blood pressure checked Oct. 20

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a blood pressure screening Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Meet with the friends of the library

Program Library Director Carlton Sears will give a presentation on “The State of the Mahoning County Libraries and the Upcoming Levy” Oct. 18 during the Friends of the Library’s meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Austintown library.

Warren native and author, Kreig W. Vens will also discuss his third novel, “Tears of Blood,” a fictional account of a young boy’s abduction from his pioneer home by Comanche Indians on the Great Plains in the late 1800s.

Hayride sponsored by Slovak society

The National Slovak Society’s Assembly 731 is sponsoring its annual “Halloween Hayride” Friday at Countryside Farm in Poland. The cost is $8 per person and members get in free.

Contact Laurie Fox at 330-536-8850 for information.

Federation fund raiser benefits scholarships

Youngstown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., affiliated with the Ohio and General Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., will host its annual luncheon and fashion show Oct. 20 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman.

The event is a fundraiser for scholarships. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling Yvonne Ford at 330-755-6828 or Linda Crish at 330-757-7990.

MCCTC starts alumni organization

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is looking for graduates of the Career Center interested in starting an alumni association.

Spearheaded by Career and Technical Supervisor Tom Kempe, the organization is hoping to attract many of the school’s former students to kick start an organizing effort.

A registration form is available at mahoningctc.com and clicking on the Alumni Association registration form link. All forms should be mailed to Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Attn: Tom Kempe, at 7300 North Palmyra Road in Canfield.

For information, contact the career center at 330-729-4000.

Federation fund raiser benefits scholarships

Youngstown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., affiliated with the Ohio and General Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., will host its annual luncheon and fashion show Oct. 20 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman.

The event is a fundraiser for scholarships. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling Yvonne Ford at 330-755-6828 or Linda Crish at 330-757-7990.

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.

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.

Compete in a great pumpkin carve out

Bring carving tools, newspapers and imagination to the Great Pumpkin Carve Out Friday and Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 17 and Oct. 18 at noon in the Ex-servicemen’s Pavilion in Boardman Park.

There will be a small charge for pumpkins and prizes will be awarded in all age categories.

Take a tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Buy baby bargains today

Boardman Park will host its Baby Bargain Boutique today at Master Pavilion and Lariccia Bocce Court from 9 a.m. to noon.

Admission to the sale is free and table rentals are $15 for Boardman residents and $20 for nonresidents.

The event is an opportunity to buy or sell good usable maternity clothes, baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and furniture for children under the age of 5.

Celebrate Halloween fright-free

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting its annual fun and fright-free event Oct. 16 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the Judge Morley Pavilion.

There will be a mummy-wrapping and pie-eating contest. Along with these competitions, the person with the best costume will win a prize.

Pet owners can bring their costumed animals (secured on leads) for a special competition.

Pumpkin walk at Twilight

Jack O’Lanterns will be smiling at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. as guests walk around the gardens at twilight.

Harvest decorations will be on display throughout Fellows Riverside Gardens. Refreshments and entertainment will be available in the Davis Center after the walk.

Hike for the health of it

Experience the beauty of the MetroParks with a series of escorted hikes. Earn fun rewards for the 2010 season.

Interpretive Hikes are generally slow-paced with stops to enjoy information about the hike’s topic.

The bird walks will take place today at 8 a.m. Participants should meet at Newport Wetlands. This is an easy rating hike, less than one mile.

An all-day walking tour, seven miles, is being offered Sunday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks.

Bill Whitehouse will lead this ramble around two Park lakes. Lunch will be at the Covered Bridge from noon to 1 p.m.

Participants should meet at Lanterman’s Mill. Registration is required today. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Fall foliage photo hike

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a moderately-paced hike along Lake Glacier’s west side Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

Participants should meet at the Ford Nature Center and bring a camera to capture the autumn colors and reflections during the hike.

Visit the preserve in autumn

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering an observation of the wetlands restoration project at the Mill Creek Preserve Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.

Participants are asked to wear boots or old shoes and be prepared for a moderately difficult two-mile hike. Parking is available off Western Reserve Road, north of New Buffalo Road.

Health and wellness walks

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering several different health and wellness walks throughout the month of October.

Wednesday’s walk is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road.

Participants can meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead on Mahoning Avenue Oct. 19 for a walk, or Oct. 27 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm at 9 a.m.

All walks are moderately-ifficult two to four mile hikes.

Guided tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to admire the autumn splendor.

A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Mill Creek hosts pumpkin carving

Mill Creek MetroParks invites you to have fun carving pumpkins Thursday, Friday and Oct. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for display at the Pumpkin Walk held Oct. 17.

Carving will take place in an area that may be chilly, so dress in warm layers. Carving tools will be available or bring your own. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Halloween arrangement

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting a class, instructed by Deby Clark, Oct. 20 from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. to teach students how to make attractive fall arrangements.

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

Breakfast botany

Start your morning with a brisk walk through the Mill Creek MetroParks Gardens Oct. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Return to the Garden Caf for a light breakfast and to learn about plants in the fig family.

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

Photography field trip

Enjoy the morning photographing autumn landscapes in Mill Creek MetroParks with instructor Patrick Hyland Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Students will meet on the DeYor Concourse at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Call the gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $20 for residents and $26 for nonresidents.

Yoga in the Gardens

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering several yoga classes throughout October. Beginners classes are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Intermediate classes are offered Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All levels are welcome to attend the Thursday classes from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This class offers a blend of yoga styles with the restorative power of nature.

Instructor Heidi Suraci welcomes students at all levels. Bring a mat and small blanket. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information. The cost is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Ease stress, improve health, and increase vitality with the Mill Creek Gardens T’ai Chi classes every Wednesday in October 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. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information. The cost is $10 per class.

Meditation in movement

Join Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Learn to focus on inner strengths through simple, graceful movements while appreciating the beauty of the surrounding gardens.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $10.

Restoration yoga

Promote heightened awareness and self-healing through specialized breathing techniques and postures at Mill Creek MetroParks yoga class Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The cost is $20. Bring your yoga mat. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register by Oct. 22.

Tales for twos

Dinosaur fern garden

Did you know that ferns grow from spores, not seeds?

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting an event for children ages 6 and older, accompanied by an adult, today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

They will learn interesting fern facts, paint a pot and dinosaur, and plant a prehistoric fern garden. The cost is $10 for residents and $13 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Preschool nature hour

Have fun with fall colors and learn about autumn changes through a story, rhyme, craft and an outdoor walk at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

For preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and accompanied by an adult. The cost is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to preregister.

A loose knit group

Help “Warm Up America,” with other crafters making afghans and other projects to donate locally Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center.

All are welcome — 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.

Tree identification workshop

Beginners are welcome to the second part of this two-season approach to the study of trees at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Program is held indoors and outdoors. Bring your own lunch and drink. The cost is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Registration and payment due at Ford Nature Center by Oct. 18. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 for information.

Mahoning Valley Audubon Society

Jim McCormac, president of Ohio Ornithological Society, is one of the nation’s most prominent naturalists and will be visiting Mill Creek MetroParks Farm Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

He will host an illustrated expedition of Alaska’s St. Paul Island, known for its array of rare bird life. 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.

Learn how to wow tailgate party guests

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques Wednesday and Thursday as he demonstrates how to prepare and serve unusual, taste-tempting dishes to wow your guests. Come with an appetite! The cost for the event is $28 for garden members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, call 330-740-7116.

See fall colors at the farm

See orange pumpkins dot the countryside and leaves full of color on a guided tractor-wagon tour of MetroParks Famrm Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can make a craft to take home.

Farm life discussion and tractor ride

A guided tractor-wagon ride with a discussion about farming is planned Oct. 24 at MetroParks Farm from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The program will complement the Farm Life exhibit that opened at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Children can also make a craft to take home.

Don’t miss the last tractor ride of the year

MetroParks Farm will host the last tractor ride of the year “Thoughts of Thanksgiving” Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a turkey craft to home.

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” Friday 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.