Austintown briefs

Smith Corners offers free meal

Residents are invited to a free meal Thursday at Smith Corners United Methodist Church, on the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Fitch students can plan for college

All parents of juniors and seniors are urged to attend the Austintown Fitch Guidance Department’s annual “college planning night” for parents and students Thursday at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

College application process will be discussed.

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.

Explore science with “Eureka” production

The Trinity Playhouse in Lisbon presents “Eureka” Oct. 29, 30 and 31. The production is being directed by Kandace Cleland, who wrote the script, with music written by Jodine Pilmer. The cast includes 31 girls in grades kindergarten through eighth. The one-act play explores the scientific process, the history of flight, the invention of the telescope, the wheel and more.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students.

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.

AMS gets crafty

Austintown Middle School is hosting its 27th annual craft show Nov. 13 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. If you are a vendor and would like to reserve a space, call 330-270-0049 or email frankdeb1@aol.com for an application.

Savor a pork-kraut dinner Sunday

The Youngstown Saxon Club will host a Pork and Kraut dinner Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Meridian Road location.

The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children and includes dessert and choice of coffee, tea or pop. Take-out will be available.

Safe trick or treating in Mathews Square Plaza

The Mathews Square Plaza will host a Safe Trick or Treat, sponsored by ATA Black Belt Academy’s “Keep Kids Safe” Awareness Program and Advance America, event in the plaza at 6001 South Avenue in Boardman Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ATA Black Belt Academy, Dollar General, Advance America, CVS Pharmacy and Pat Catan’s will participate in the event. The stores will be handing out candy and Pat Catan’s will have a Halloween craft table.

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 fundraiser today 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.

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.

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 Friday

Hospice of the Valley’s new volunteer class begins Friday 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.

Solve a murder, help a shelter dog

Murder at the Masquerade, an interactive and comical Murder Mystery Dinner is planned for tonight 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 Thursday

The Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services will host a Senior Forum Thursday 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 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.

Get your blood pressure checked Wednesday

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a blood pressure screening Wednesday 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” Monday 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.

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 Wednesday 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.

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 tonight at 6 p.m. and Sunday 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.

Celebrate Halloween fright-free

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting its annual fun and fright-free event today 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 Sunday 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.

Fall foliage photo hike

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a moderately-paced hike along Lake Glacier’s west side Sunday 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.

Participants can meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead on Mahoning Avenue Tuesday 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.

Mill Creek hosts pumpkin carving

Mill Creek MetroParks invites you to have fun carving pumpkins today from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for display at the Pumpkin Walk held Sunday.

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, Wednesday 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 Friday 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.

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.

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.

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 Monday. 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.

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” 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.