Canfield briefs

Eighth-grade orientation scheduled

Canfield High School’s “Eighth Grade Information and Orientation Session” will be Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Canfield High School auditorium.

The evening will include tours, demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions, information on the registration process, assistance with course selection and discussions addressing National Honor Society, class rank and graduation requirements.

Play the Audubon Game Show Feb. 22

Audubon Society Mahoning Valley is hosting the Audubon Game Show Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, state Route 46 in Canfield.

Audience members can compete to identify various natural wonders by sight and sound. Everyone will have a chance to win prizes.

For information, call 888-846-8851.

Bunnies and bonding at Petco

Petco, 224 Boardman-Canfield Road, is hosting Meet the Critters today in honor of National Adopt Rabbit Month.

Guests can bring their bunnies for bunny wellness checks from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn how to calm, soothe and bond with your bunny through the bunny massage class from 11:15 a.m. to noon or 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.

From 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., children 3 to 8 can participate in story time with Flat Jefe and meet bunnies.

There will be raffle baskets, treats and Flat Jefe items available.

First Night Æ Canfield successful, looks ahead

More than 2,500 guests enjoyed more than 10 stages, featuring 39 different performing groups as Part of First Night Canfield this New Year’s Eve.

The event lived up to its goal of keeping families together and providing an evening of great entertainment for the whole community.

To facilitate the opportunity to grow, the FNC board is accepting applications to fill several key positions, from entertainment coordinator, executive director and fundraising, to general board seats and committee positions.

To get involved or submit an application for the openings, send resumes to firstnightcanfield@gmail.com or P.O. Box 694, Canfield, OH 44406.

Attend a wise of mind seminar Wednesday

Dr. Joseph Mosca, Dean of Youngstown State University’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, will conduct Wise of Mind Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Father Nicholas Shori, director of Parish Plan Implementation for the Diocese of Youngstown, will conduct Whole in Spirit March 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $10 per session or $25 for the series.

To register, call The Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941.

Celebrate the Boy Scouts during breakfast

Join Boy Scout Troop No. 25 for breakfast as it recognizes the 101st Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and its 85th Anniversary Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall of Canfield United Methodist Church, 27 S. Broad St.

The menu will consist of pancakes, sausage, toast and orange juice, milk or coffee.

Donations for breakfast will be accepted.

The members of Troop 25 will participate in the Scout Sunday services at the church for the 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services with Rev. Dan Wolboldt giving the message. Wolboldt is an Eagle Scout of Troop 25 and a retired U.S. Army Chaplain.

Troop 25 meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the basement of Canfield United Methodist Church.

For information about the troop and its activities, contact Scoutmaster Kevin Prus, Sr. at 330-533-5616 or visit Troop 25 at www.canfieldtroop25.org .

Eat dinner and help the team

Canfield High School baseball will host a fundraiser dinner Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Michael’s Family Life Center.

The cost for the dinner is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10 and free for children 4 and under (dine in only).

The menu will include chicken, pasta, meatballs, potatoes, green beans, salad, bread, dessert and beverage.

A Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle will be available.

Walk in or take out available.

Find Girls Scout cookies with GPS

Get a free cookie locator application to find Girl Scout cookies sales by zip code, city, state or cell phone GPS location by calling **472665437 from a mobile phone.

Consumers may also connect to a troop selling cookies by contacting the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888-984-4664.

Bowl for Relay for Life

Poland’s Relay for Life is hosting a fundraiser Feb. 19 at Mahoning Valley Lanes in Austintown from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost is $10 and includes three hours of unlimited bowling and shoes.

To get a ticket or for information, contact event organizer Sharon Mochtyak at smochtyak@gmail.com.

See familiar faces at the Arms Museum

The Arms Family Museum is featuring a new exhibit titled “Familiar Faces: Memorable Media Personalities” through mid-March. The exhibit features a collection of photographs from WKBN television and radio and WFMJ. Names included in the exhibit include Susie Sidesaddle, Ed Barron, Ted Niemi, Bob Black and Don Guthrie.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior and college students and $2 for children. Admission includes a guided tour of the historic home, six local history exhibits and a hands-on discovery room.

For information, call 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.

Learn self-health care

Learn self-care and how to make decisions about your health during the Health at Home program from 11 a.m. to noon or 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 8401 McClurg Road, Boardman.

The program uses Health at Home, a book of step-by-step instructions for over 200 health problems. All participants attending the program will receive a free Health at Home book, plus instruction and practice on how to use the book. The program is free, but registration is required by calling the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Donate a coat and get a discount drive extended

Burlington Coat Factory, ABC’s “Good Morning America” and One Warm Coat organization are extending their fourth annual Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Drive through Sunday.

Customers can donate a coat at any Burlington Coat Factory, 529 Boardman-Canfield Road, and receive a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase at the store.

All donated coats in Youngstown will stay in the local area and be distributed by Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley to keep adults and children warm this winter.

Bring brilliant babies to the library

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” Monday at 10 a.m.

This event is for children 6 to 23 months old and books, songs, rhymes and finger plays are some of the activities provided for the children. This program is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Tuesdays in February at 10 a.m. The event for children ages 4 and 5 is scheduled Tuesdays in February at 1:30 p.m.

Event mixes tales with tails

Children kindergarten through sixth grade can sign up to read to a registered dog Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Reading to the dogs helps develop reading skills, promotes confidence and encourages a love of reading. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Canfield library to sign up.

Trim a tree at the Canfield library

Children of all ages can decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours throughout February.

Taste wine for a cause

The Youngstown Club on Commerce Street will host a wine tasting extravaganza March 5 for the benefit of Mahoning County DD Special Olympics.

Chef Michael will use his culinary expertise to prepare hors d’oeuvres with various wines to enhance the complementary flavors of both.

Tickets are $50 per person and include a charitable tax deduction of $25. To reserve tickets, call 330-724-2177.

Billboard’s best beats

Teens in grades seven through 12 can test their knowledge of old-school beats with a contest at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County throughout February during regular library hours.

The teens who know what year each song reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard’s chart could win a prize.

Make reservations at Boardman Park now

Boardman Park is now taking reservations for its Indoor Meeting Rooms, Open-Air Pavilions and St. James Meeting House for the balance of available dates in 2011 and for 2012 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 330-726-8105 or in person at the office, located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Reservations made through the office must be paid within 10 days from the date the reservation is made.

Reservation may be paid for by check, cash or money order. Reservations may also be made online at www.boardmanpark.com.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sessions begin the first week of February. To schedule an appointment, call 330-533-8420.

Help warm up America

Join other crafters from the Loose Knit Group at the Antonucci Library Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and help warm up America by making afghans and other projects.

All helping hands are welcomed. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time.

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

Writing workshop planned

Karen Shubert will lead a writing workshop about meaningful, everyday experiences Feb. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Various topics will be explored. All levels of experience are welcome — just bring a pen and paper.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Buy used books for good prices

Shop for used gardening book, cookbooks and horticulture magazines at the twice-loved book sale through Feb. 20 from 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Davis Education Center and Visitor Center.

The sale benefit’s the Antonucci Library at the Gardens and donations of used gardening books are appreciated at any time.

Take an inside passage to Alaska

Ken Gober, retired Cleveland MetroParks naturalist, returns Sunday at 2 p.m. to kick off the Nature Photography Exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The exhibit will feature the waters of Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm and the ports of Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines and Elfin Cove.

Play the nature game

Participate in Mahoning Valley Audobon Society’s “Do You Know? The Nature Game” Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at MetroParks Farm and have a chance to win prizes.

Compete by identifying various natural wonders by sight and sound. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 888-864-8851.

Have afternoon tea at the gardens

Join Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an elegant afternoon tea. Tea sandwiches, sweets, harp music by Darlene MacBenn and the humor of Molly Brown will be provided.

The cost for the event is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take a brisk walk before breakfast

Start Feb. 25 with a brisk walk through the gardens followed by breakfast at the Garden Caf and a lesson on members of the orchid family from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The fee is $7 for garden members and $9 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Fly like an eagle

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will learn about bald eagles Friday at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. during the Ford Nature Center’s “Preschool Nature Hour: Fly Like an Eagle.”

The cost for the program is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Hunger Moon explained Friday

Learn why the Native Americans gave this month’s moon such a strange name Friday at 7 p.m. during a 2-mile, moderately-difficult interpretive hike.

Hiker should meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot. Icy conditions are possible.

Take winter birds 101

A presentation on simple bird basics, common winter birds and the Great Backyard Bird Count will be followed by a hike to areas near Ford Nature Center Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Icy conditions are possible for this moderately-difficult 1-mile hike. Hikers will observe and count birds for the bird count. Meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Enjoy a hike and hot chocolate

Cool it on a moderately-difficult, 3-mile winter hike and then return to the Ford Nature Center for a warm cup of hot chocolate and a presentation about South Carolina wildflowers Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Hike for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks will host a Health and Wellness walk Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Walkers meet at the main Golf Course overflow parking lot for an easy-rated 1 or 3-mile walk.

Become a MetroMutt member

Bring the pooch and join Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse for a hike around the Lily Pond Sunday at 2 p.m. at Birch Hill Cabin.

Afterward, warm up at Birch Hill Cabin and learn more and become a MetroMutts member.

New members will receive a collapsible dog bowl. Refreshments and treats for canines and people will be provided. Dogs must be non-aggressive, under control and on a six-foot maximum leash at all times.

For information, call the Metroparks Administrative Office at 330-702-3000.

Learn how to make hors d’oeuvres

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques during a demonstration on how to prepare and serve four hors d’oeuvres Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost the program is $28 for garden members and $35 for non-members.

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

Monday meetings set for conservation district

Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District Board meetings for 2011 will be at 7 p.m. the second Monday each month at the District Office, 850 Industrial Road in Youngstown.

Anyone interested in being contacted regarding special meetings or changes to regular meetings can call 330-740-7995.

Be entertained on Valentine’s Day

Tickets are available for Monday’s Valentine’s Day Dinner and Entertainment Benefit for the Ursuline Center in Canfield.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road. The cost is $22 per person or $200 for 10 people and includes a Valentine-theme gourmet meal provided by Broad Street Diner and a chocolate fountain dessert.

Featured entertainment will include pianist Thomas Solich who will provide dinner music and the Ursuline High School Chorus who will entertain after dinner with a selection of popular music.

For tickets and information, contact the Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941 or visit www.theursulinecenter.org.

Band rehearsals open to the community

Musicians from the Valley are welcome to attend rehearsals with the Canfield Community Concert Band. The band meets every Tuesday evening at Canfield High School.

For information, contact Leann Rich at 330-503-4113.

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.

Do yoga at the gardens

Bring a mat and small blanket to learn a blend of energizing yoga styles from Heidi Suraci at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout February.

Tuesdays will feature beginners’ classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and intermediate classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday classes will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are open to all levels.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

T’ai Chi in the garden

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form taught by Marie Lew Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. during February at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The costs is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.