Austintown briefs

Give a gobble in November

Curves in Austintown will be collecting frozen turkeys, groceries and cash donations to be distributed to needy families in the area from Monday to Nov. 13.

Anyone wanting to join Curves can make a donation and have their service fee waived. For information, call 330-793-9802.

Friends of the Library to meet local artist

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 Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.

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 Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.

PS2 day at Austintown library

Students in grades seven through 12 can stop by the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County after school on Tuesday and Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. to play video games in the meeting room.

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.

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.

Gotta move story time

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. for active story time for children ages 2 through 5.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy dinner at the Saxon Club

The Youngstown Saxon Culture Group will present its 41st annual Trachtenball Dinner Nov. 6 at the Youngstown Saxon Club on Meridian Road.

The dinner will include salad, schnitzel, potato, vegetable, dessert, coffee or tea. Entertainment for the evening will be the Deutsche Musik Verein (DMV) Band and Dance group from Cleveland. Also performing will be the Alpen Schuhplattler Dance Group from Pittsburgh, the Youngstown Concordia Choir, Saxon Band and Dance Group. Reservations are required, payable in advance.

Admission for dinner and entertainment is $14 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

For reservation and payment information, contact Sarah Deutschlander 330-792-2634 or Erna Weber 330-856-3842.

Reservations paid at the door are $15.

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.

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” today and Sunday. 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. tonight and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students.

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.

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.

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.

Trash could be treasure at church sale

Grace Lutheran Church, 162 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown, will host its annual “Trash and treasure” sale Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along with the trash and treasure items, homemade vegetable soup, pork sauerkraut sandwiches, sloppy joes, hot dogs, pie and baked goods will also be available for purchase.

Starting at 1 p.m., all clothing will be sold for $1 a bag and all merchandise will be sold at half price.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to support local charities and the church’s women’s programs.

Night in Belgrade dinner set

The Circle of Serbian Sisters is hosting its annual “Night in Belgrade” today at the Serbian Memorial Hall, 54 Laird Ave. in Youngstown.

The buffet dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. The cost for dinner is $20 for adults and $8 for children 6 to 12. Dinner is free for children under the 5.

The dinner features chicken, stuffed pork, rice pilaf and other Serbian traditional fare.

Dinner music will be provided by Libby Fill Ladies Tamburitzans. Dance music will feature the Trazlica Tamburaski Orchestra.

There will be a Chinese auction and door prizes. Reservations can be made by calling 330-759-1671.

Business group celebrates 48th anniversary

The Mill Creek Chapter will celebrate its 48th anniversary as an active organization in the American Business Women’s Association Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. and a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Lucianno’s Banquet Center on Raccoon Road in Austintown.

A trio from the Youngstown State University Jazz Band will be the entertainment.

The cost of the buffet dinner is $20. Call Jackie Prologo at 330-538-2596 after 5 p.m. or Kathy Anderson at 330-533-6675 for reservations and information.

Local church hosts annual turkey dinner

Boardman United Methodist Church is hosting the annual turkey dinner Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Reservations are not necessary, but strongly recommended.

Call the church office at 330-758-4527 for tickets. The cost of tickets for adults is $8.50, the cost for children 6 to 12 is $4 and the cost for children under 5 is $1. Carry-out is available.

Shop in the Gardens holiday open house

Shoppers have an opportunity to find unique gifts for family and friends at Mill Creek MetroParks holiday open house Friday and Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop for garden-related items, jewelry and holiday and home d cor.

Don’t miss out on the limited edition of the 2011 Mill Creek MetroParks calendar. Profits from calendar sales support the future Ohio Woodland Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

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, Nov. 6 at 8 a.m. and Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds will lead the first walk and Ohio-Certified volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage will lead the second.

For the Nov. 6 hike, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm and for the Nov. 13 hike, meet at Newport Wetlands.

Check out the big oak tree

Take a short walk to see the largest oak tree known in Mill Creek Park Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.

Afterward, drive to Canfield to see the Ohio state champion White Oak. Meet at the plaza at 1111 Boardman-Canfield Road (on state Route 224 directly across from West Golf Drive).

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.

Health and wellness walks set

Mill Creek MetroParks if offering a variety of health and wellness walks throughout November.

Easy rated two to four-mile hikes are Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. Hikers should meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road.

Meet at the Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. for an easy three-mile hike or meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead on Mahoning Avenue for an easy four-mile hike Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.

For a moderately difficult hike, meet at the Scholl Recreation Area Nov. 27 at 1 p.m.

Fellows Riverside Garden offering art class

Mill Creek MetroParks will host Lynn Cardwell Nov. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., who will teach students to construct holiday ornaments with a botanical theme.

The work will be glazed in autumn colors, fired and ready to take home approximately three weeks after the class.

The cost is $32 and for members. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Learn about historic Mahoning County farms

Learn about historic times when several properties within Mill Creek MetroParks were working farms. During this program special Nov. 14 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 Nov. 19 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.

Tales for twos: Turkey hunting time

Two-year-old children and their adult companions can learn all about turkeys through story telling, craft, role playing and outdoor exploration at Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center Thursday at 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.

There will also be a turkey hunt.

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

Children’s creative yoga

Heidi Suraci will be teaching a yoga class for children 6 and up Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The class includes music, yoga to encourage creativity, walking to explore, story time, craft and a snack. Bring a mat and dress for outdoors. The cost is $25.

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

Farm life family day is Nov. 7

Plan an afternoon visit to MetroParks Farm for the entire family to see the Farm Life exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens Nov. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Children can pet and feed a calf from the MetroParks Farm, play with miniature farm equipment, and join Roz Gadd in story telling with puppets.

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 Nov. 12 and 13 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 Nov. 13 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 Nov. 19 and 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 and Nov. 19 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.

Cooking Symposium: A Taste of Autumn

The popular chef team, Bryan and Sarah Severns, will demonstrate appetizing recipes made with locally-harvested fruits and vegetables at Fellows Riverside Gardens Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program includes a catered lunch highlighting the day’s recipes followed by an afternoon of several cooking activities.

The cost is $45 for garden members and $55 for nonmembers. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

SClB