Austintown briefs

Come check out the high school

Austintown Fitch High School will host an Open House Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the high school.

A mock school day will occur so parents can attend classes as their students do daily. Teachers will offer parents a brief summary of each class. Refreshments will be available, courtesy of The PTA. The student schedule can be picked up in the main front hall upon entry.

For questions, call 330-797-3900.

CiCi’s celebrates five years in the area

CiCi’s Pizza in Niles and Boardman are celebrating their fifth anniversary in the Youngstown area.

Starting Sunday, a $3.99 anniversary “All You Want” pizza buffet price will be honored at both locations until Oct. 3.

To kick off the celebration, $5,000 in pizza prizes will be given away. The first 25 people at each location Monday will be awarded a “One Free Pizza a Month” card.

The giveaway starts at 11 a.m. at CiCi’s Pizza in Niles, located at 1920 Niles-Cortland Road SE and at CiCi’s Pizza in Boardman, located at 463 Boardman-Poland Road.

Go back in time at the “Sock Hop”

The National Slovak Society’s Assembly 731, located in Poland, will sponsor a “Sock Hop” Oct. 3 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 251 S. Broadway Ave., Salem.

People of all ages can enjoy dancing to the oldies music, the Hokey Pokey, Bunny Hop, The Twist, Hoola Hoop, and do the limbo. Refreshments will include an old-fashioned “soda fountain” with root beer floats, milk shakes, ice cream cones, popcorn and hot dogs.

Everyone is invited to dress up in the “oldies” outfits, poodle skirts, jeans and T-shirt.

The cost is $4 for nonmember adults and $2 for nonmember children. Members are admitted free.

Drive through and pick up dinner at local church

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, is hosting “Take Out Thursday” Oct 7.

Drive through and pick up a dinner of stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and a brownie.

The cost is $7. No reservations needed. Meals will be served starting at 4 p.m. and will continue until sold out.

Hayride sponsored by Slovak society

The National Slovak Society’s Assembly 731 is sponsoring its annual “Halloween Hayride” Oct. 15 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.

Chinese auction at Saxon Club Ballroom

The Saxon Ladies Society Branch 22 of Youngstown is hosting a Chinese auction Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Saxon Club Ballroom, 710 South Meridian Road in Youngstown.

All profits of this event will be donated to the Ladies Branch 22 scholarship fund, mostly for YSU applicants.

Admission is $4 per person and includes one free ticket for the auction along with a hot dog, potato chips and a soft drink or coffee.

Tryouts for Wonderland

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre will host auditions for the upcoming production of “Alice in Wonderland,” Sept. 27 and 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Directors Candace DiLullo and John Pecano are looking for boys and girls ages 8 and up and adults of all ages.

Those auditioning are asked to come with a “funny character/cartoon” voice, a wallet-sized photo and prepared to read from the script.

Rehearsals will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Public performances of “Alice in Wonderland” will be Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Some daytime performances will be scheduled during the week of Nov. 29.

For information, call the Playhouse at 330-788-8739.

Help raise prostate cancer awareness

A prostate cancer awareness program will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

The program will feature speakers from Partners for Urology Health, a new center in Austintown providing world-class care to men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The program is free and open to the public with dinner provided.

Registration is required by calling the Humility of Mary Health Line at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Fish in Meander Oct. 9

Meander Water is opening the reservoir for a public fishing day Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the first 1,000 people who send in a reservation form. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The first 20 reservations who are interested will receive a guided boat tour of the reservoir. No fishing will be permitted on the tour. Guided tours of the water plant will also be available.

All reservations will be numbered as they are received. The first 1,000 will be notified two weeks prior to the event. For security reasons, you must list the names of all attending and proper identification will be required.

To register, send the names, addresses and contact information and best contact time for all visitors and the number of participants who are interested in the fishing, plant and boat tour to, Meander Water, Attn: Ms. Brenda Duffett, P.O. Box 4119, Youngstown, OH 44515.

Try out for the Rocky Horror Show

The Rust Belt Theater Company will hold auditions for The Rocky Horror Show on Sunday and Monday in the chapel at the Calvin Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Most of last year’s cast is returning, but the production still needs ensemble members and newcomers are welcome. Auditioners should be prepared to move and sing something from the show. CD accompaniment will be provided.

For questions, or for people who would like to audition but cannot make either date, e-mail the director at robertjoki@aol.com. Auditions are also available by appointment.

The Rust Belt Theater Company is located in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Ave., just outside of downtown Youngstown.

Women’s program focused on humor

“Humor and Laughter: Just for the Health of It” is the title of two Women In Touch programs sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners.

The programs will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave. in Boardman Oct. 7 and at Leo’s Ristorante, 7042 East Market St. in Howland Oct. 13.

This program will address the benefits of humor and laughter in decreasing stress, relaxing muscles, relieving pain, improving the immune system, stimulating positive thinking and inspiring creativity.

The cost of $18 per person includes dinner. Continuing education credits are available for nursing, social work and dietitian/technicians.

For information or to register, call the Humility of Mary Health Line at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Registration deadline is one week prior to program date.

Interested in Cub Scouts?

Cub Scout Pack 84 in Austintown is hosting its annual “Cub Scout Round Up” Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Austintown Community Church, 242 South Canfield-Niles. The “Round Up” is an invitation for boys in first through fifth grades and their parents to find out more about Cub scouts.

Pizza, punch, and cookies will be served to all attendees. Visit www.pack84.weebly.com or call Tim Clegg at 330-565-3223 for information.

Free clothing giveaway at church festival

West Austintown United Methodist Church, 6749 Mahoning Ave. at Turner Road is hosting a free clothing giveaway during its “Fall Festival” today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a craft sale, bake sale, food sale, games for children, dunking booth, trash and treasure sale and massages by donations.

Create a craft at the library in September

Children of all ages can make and take a craft during regular hours in September at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Tire out the little one at the library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host an active story time for the young and restless ages 2-5 Thursdays in September at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Buy a silver lining ticket

That Quilt Group I Belong To is selling tickets to its annual charity quilt fundraising benefit for The Silver Lining Cancer Fund.

Tickets can be purchased for $1 each and $5 for six by calling Carol Svetlak at 330-788-5122. The winning ticket will be drawn at the group’s Christmas dinner Dec. 13.

The quilt can be viewed at the group’s Shop Owners Night 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Western Reserve Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road. Admission is $2. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing and free refreshments will be available.

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.

Top readers honored

The Austintown branch of the Public library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will honor the top readers for Summer Reading 2010 Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Games and crafts will be available.

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.

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.

ODOT plans traffic signal replacement

The Ohio Department of Transportation proposes to replace the existing electric traffic control device at the intersection of state Route 7 (Market Street) and Southwoods Avenue in Boardman Township.

During construction, two-way traffic will be maintained at all times at the state Route 7/Southwoods Avenue intersection except when it is necessary to stop traffic during the installation of overhead electric traffic control device signal heads and associated equipment.

The stoppage shall be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes and traffic may be stopped a maximum of one time in any one 30-minute period. No lane closures shall be implemented during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. When the intersection electric traffic control device must be taken out of service by the project contractor, the outage shall not exceed four hours and shall not include the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The intersection shall be protected with law enforcement officers provided by the project contractor. Access shall be maintained to adjacent properties at all times during construction of the project. This project is expected to begin construction in the spring 2011.

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.

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.

Start Friday with a walk through the gardens

Enjoy a brisk walk through the Fellows Riverside Gardens, followed by a light breakfast at the Garden Cafe and lesson about the Cannabis family Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The cost is $7 for Garden members and $9 for nonmembers.

To register, call Riverside gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take a guided tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Take a leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens Sept. 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and admire the autumn displays. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Skunk tales for toddlers

Two-year-old children can learn about skunks through storytelling, hands-on activities and exploration during Tales for Twos at the Ford Nature Center Sept. 30 at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. An adult must accompany children. The event is free, but call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Have fun and watch the sun set at the farm

Bring the entire family to MetroParks Farm today from 5-8 p.m. for a fall celebration. Ride a hay wagon pulled by draft horses, visit with farm animals, explore the AgVenture barn, get lost in a giant corn maze, sample cider and homemade apple butter and roast marshmallows over a campfire. Young children can search for toys in a haystack. Older children can compete in a sack race and adults can try an egg toss. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sunset while folk singer John Mosey performs.

Join the farmer and the chef for fresh food

Local farmers will be paired with local chefs to create dishes from fresh, locally-grown vegetables, fruits and meats Sept. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at MetroParks Farm. The cost for the event is $50 and will go to benefit Mill Creek MetroParks’ agricultural education programs for children. To make a reservation, call 330-702-3000.

Walk and watch birds

Ohio Certified Volunteer Nancy Brundage will lead 1-mile easy rated walks today at Newport Wetlands and Sept. 25 at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The walks begin at 8 a.m.

Revisit Calvary Run

See how Calvary Run has progressed during a 1-mile difficult hike Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy and meet at the parking lot on Calvary Run Drive near the Lake Glacier Boathouse.

Walk for health and wellness in September

Experience the many benefits of walking Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

Hikers will meet Tuesday at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Mahoning Avenue for an easy rates 4-mile walk and Sept. 29 at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately difficult 3-mile walk,

Travel with friends to Ohio gardens Wednesday

Join the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesday for a fall garden bus tour to central Ohio. Highlights will include Secrest Arboretum, Ohio Agriculture R&D Center in Wooster, the private Schnomeier Gardens, Kingwood Center in Mansfield and a unique nursery. The cost is $85 and $75 for garden members and includes transportation, admissions, guided tours, lunch and dinner. To reserve a seat, call Fellows Riverside Gardens.