Austintown briefs

Arts for seniors

The Austintown Senior Center, 100 Westchester Dr., is offering painting classes for adults 60 and older beginning Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Monday’s session is free and the remaining three classes, Feb. 7, 14 and 28, will require a fee of $15. For information, call 330-953-1416.

Seniors learn balancing act at Senior Center

Keep your balance with the help of a free balance class at the Austintown Senior Center Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

The class is sponsored by Comfort Keepers and will continue for eight consecutive Tuesdays.

Tai Chi will be offered at noon Feb. 9 and 23. For information, call 330-953-1416.

Wellness Monday at Senior Center

Free blood pressure checks are available every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown Senior Center, courtesy of Celtic Healthcare.

The center is hosting a Wellness Monday on Feb. 14. Hearing, vision and medication checks will be available in addition to the blood pressure monitoring.

For information, call 330-953-1416.

Student receives scholarship award

Stokely Klasovsky of Austintown received the Marion Porter Huffman Scholarship of $500, awarded on the basis of a student’s potential for future scholarly research and publication, as well as community and campus leadership. Klasovsky intends to apply the research skills he acquires through the MLIS program to a Ph.D. in rhetoric and composition.

Austintown company completes merger

The merger of Higgins Online, Inc. and Team Office Technologies will provide local businesses with a business solution provider that will offer office equipment, networking services, web solutions and a team of trained technicians.

Team Office is located at 118 N. Canfield Road in Austintown and will serve companies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties and is looking to expand into western Pennsylvania.

Senior Focus tapes every Friday

The Austintown Senior Center tapes “Senior Focus” every Friday just after noon.

The guests for the month of February include Phil Moore from the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Peg Flynn from the Mahoning County Green Team, Chuck Whitman from the Service Corps of Retired Executives and Dick Hartzell from Jump Stretch.

For information, call 330-953-1416.

Support veterans at spaghetti dinner

The Italian American Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor its annual spaghetti dinner and bake sale Sunday at ITAM Post 3, 115 S. Meridian Road. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and butter, cake, coffee and tea will be served from noon to 5 p.m.

The cost is $6.50 for adults and $3.75 for children. Take-outs will be available. Funds raised from the dinner and bake sale are used to assist veterans and the Youngstown VA Clinic voluntary services.

Senior Center loading up vans to shop and eat

The Austintown Senior Center is offering trips to the Southern Park Mall and the Das Dutch Haus restaurant and shops in Columbiana Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

On Feb. 24, vans will take seniors to the shops in Middlefield in Geauga County and the Packard Museum in Warren.

For information, call 330-953-1416.

Mid-winter concert planned for Sunday

The Dana Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of John Wilcox, will present a free mid-winter concert Sunday at 4 p.m. in Bliss Recital Hall.

Featured works will include Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 the “Miracle,” Vivaldi’s Concerto in F Major for Three Violins and Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate with guest artist Dr. Misook Yun. After a brief intermission Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 the “Italian” will conclude the program. For information, call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636.

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. For tickets, call 330-724-2177.

ABWA meeting planned for Feb. 8

The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA will host its next meeting Feb. 8 at A La Cart in Canfield at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner will cost $15 and includes chicken noodle and potato soup, salad, chicken, ham or turkey croissants and dessert.

The speaker for the evening will be Mary Brown and Jody Codespote, who attended workshops at the national convention in Tennessee. Letters will be presented for the 2011-12 Woman of the Year.

Reservations must be made by Monday by calling Joan Lucansky at 330-755-8212 or Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089.

Visit Cardinal Mooney open house

Cardinal Mooney High School, 2545 Erie St., will host an open house Sunday from noon until 3:00 p.m.

The open house, which will conclude Mooney’s “Catholic Schools Week” celebration, is designed to give the public an opportunity to visit the school and learn more about the school and its curriculum.

Members of the faculty and administration will be available to explain the school’s curriculum, detail new course offerings for the 2011-2012 school year and to discuss financial aid opportunities. In addition, students will be featured in various demonstrations and projects.

Visitors will be invited to take guided tours of the building. Information concerning application procedures will be available and new student applications will be accepted.

The school’s Alumni Association will sponsor a Tuition Drawing, featuring four $500 scholarship prizes and the Cardinal Mooney Home and School Association will host a Chinese auction in the cafeteria.

New board member for Rich Center

The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University welcomed Brian Jackson to the board of directors.

Jackson is currently vice president and Chief Information Officer at Farmers National Bank, where he oversees Enterprise Information Technology systems in support of business operations.

Jackson grew up in Youngstown, graduating from Ursuline High School. He earned a degree from Youngstown State University where he studied computer science and mathematics.

Bring brilliant babies to the library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” Thursdays in February 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 that will be provided for the children.

This program is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Wednesdays in February at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The event for children ages 4 and 5 is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.

Create Valentine’s craft at library

Children of all ages are invited to make a Valentine’s craft at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in February.

Challenge honors Black History Month

Throughout February, children of all ages can try and match the names and faces of famous black Americans at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in honor of Black History Month.

Story time at the library

An active story time for children 2 to 5 is scheduled Thursdays in February at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County at 11 a.m.

It’s pajamarama time again

Put on your pjs and bring out the family for stories, songs and more at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Think you have game?

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting a PS2 day Tuesday and Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m.

This event is for teens in grades seven to 12.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The Austintown 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 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sessions begin the first week of February. To schedule an appointment, call 330-799-5849.

Free blood pressure screenings offered

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will host free blood pressure screenings at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.

Friends of the Library to meet Feb. 21

Friends of the Library is scheduled to meet Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

The program by licensed pharmacist George Allen Tuttle is titled “Total Cholesterol Management: Taking complete control and new developments for statins.”

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.

Help warm up America

Join other crafters from the Loose Knit Group at the Antonucci Library Friday and Feb. 18 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. 9 and 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 Feb. 12-20 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.

Learn to grow a giant pumpkin

The Ohio Valley Pumpkin Growers will host a free pumpkin growing class Feb. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Registration is required. To register, call 330-533-7278.

Decorate eggs Pysanky-style

Mary Soldo will teach an introductory Pysanky egg decorating class for ages 12 and older Feb. 12 at Fellows Riverside gardens.

The cost for the workshop is $15 for garden members and $20 for nonmembers and participants will create their own egg. Registration and fee are due at the Ford Nature Center by Feb. 5.

Take an inside passage to Alaska

Ken Gober, retired Cleveland MetroParks naturalist, returns Feb. 13 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.

Garden on the sunny side

Join three garden experts at the Winter Seminar of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown Feb. 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore what’s new in gardening.

The annual event is cosponsored by Mill Creek MetroParks and will feature ideas for entrance gardens, great plant combos, trees and shrubs for small spaces and what’s new for the garden.

The fee is $40 and $50 after Sunday. For information and to register, call John Kolar at 330-545-2266 or visit www.mgcy.org/wintersseminar.aspx.

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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with animals

Two-year-old children and their adult companions can honor most-loved animals Feb. 10 at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center’s “Tales for Twos: I love Animals.”

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

Arrange flowers for someone special

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their favorite adult will use pink and red miniature carnations to make cushion flowers during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Hearts and Flower program Feb. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. or Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon.

The fee is $8 for residents and $11 for nonresidents and a story and snack will be included. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Make a valentine

Children 6 and up and their adult partner can make handmade valentines using mulberry papers, pressed flowers and leaves during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Botanical Valentines Feb. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost for the event is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Fly like an eagle

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will learn about bald eagles Feb. 18 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.

Listen to the Al-Ray Combo

The Al-Ray Combo will play a variety of music Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Yellow Creek Park Lodge.

Hunger Moon explained Feb. 18

Learn why the Native Americans gave this month’s moon such a strange name Feb. 18 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.

Explore Pioneer Pavilion

View vintage slides featuring the photography of Lindley Vickers and explore the historical Pioneer Pavilion Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

Meet at the pavilion. Walking will be minimal, but the program will be upstairs.

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 series of Health and Wellness walks Wednesday and Feb. 16 at 9 a.m.

Wednesday walkers meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm for a moderately-difficult 2 or 4-mile walk.

Feb. 16 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 Feb. 13 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.

Get ready for the golf season

Metroparks Farm will host an indoor golf class Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program will include a brief computerized video swing analysis applying the One and Two Plane Golf Swing combined with a fitness assessment from certified Titleist Performance Institute instructor. Golf instructors include PGA Golf Director Dennis Miller and PGA professional Jon Jones. The fitness portion will be led by TPI certified trainer Bob Serich.

Classes are limited to 24 student and registration is under way. The cost for the program is $30.

For information, call the Pro Shop at 330-740-7112.

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 Feb. 16 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.

Taste wine for the dogs

For the Dogs will host its first wine tasting and Chinese auction Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Vintage Estate Wine and Beer, 7317 South Ave.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person and includes six pours plus light appetizers.

The event is open to the public but limited to 100 ticket holders. No tickets will be sold at the door. Money raised will be used to rescue dogs from the Mahoning County Dog Pound.

For information, visit www.ForTheDogs.Petfinders.com or call 330-398-9468.

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.

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Pasta dinner planned for Sunday

The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 3930, are hosting a spaghetti dinner Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, 4500 Norquest Blvd.

The cost is $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for children 6-9 and free for children under 6. The dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, tossed salad, bread, dessert and beverage.

A 50/50 raffle will be available.

Grab dinner at St. Nicholas Parish Center

The St. Nicholas Moms’ and Dads’ Club will host a roasted chicken dinner today from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Parish Center, 764 Fifth St. in Struthers.

The cost for the dinner is $7 for adults, $5 for students and children 4 and under eat free. The dinner includes roasted chicken, potato, veggies and roll. Hot dogs and fries can be purchased for $3.50. Drinks and dessert will be available.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Parish office for $6.50.

Be entertained on Valentine’s Day

Tickets are available for the Feb. 14 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.

Informational meetings for China trip planned

The Regional Chamber is hosting two free informational sessions in February to discuss details of a vacation trip to China planned for Nov. 2-11.

The sessions will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Holiday Inn Boardman, 7410 South Ave. and Feb. 23 at Ciminero’s Banquet Centre, 123 Main St. in Niles.

The trip’s cost is $2,099 per person and includes seven nights in a five-star hotel in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, 20 meals, round trip airfare from New York, air taxes, fees, baggage handling, professional tour manager, comprehensive sightseeing, local guide service and admissions per itinerary.

The trip is open to residents of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and their guests and is hosted by the Regional Chamber and Chamber Explorations.

For information and itinerary, visit www.regionalchamber.com.

Reservations for the informational meeting are preferred, as a light refreshment will be provided. To reserve, call Jennifer at 330-744-2131, extension 12.

Participate in a pajamarama

Put on PJs and bring the family to the Austintown library Monday at 6:30 p.m. for stories, songs, holiday cheer and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Steel Valley K-9’s 4-H members wanted

Membership in 4-H closes the end of February and anyone interested in joining should do so by early February. For information, call 330-531-6700, extension 62034.

Become the next Miss Bodyworks

Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center is presenting the 30th anniversary Health & Fitness show and the 2011 Miss Bodyworks and Ms. Bodyworks Contest, including seminars and presentations today from noon to 5 p.m. at Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center in Austintown.

Bodyworks Women’s Health and Fitness Center welcomes local companies, businesses, institutions for vendors, participation, sponsorship and donation of prizes.

To register for the competition, call 330-505-1111 today.

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.

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.

Harvest ice the old-fashioned way

Learn how the Youngstown Ice Company harvested ice for commercial use from Mill Creek and the Mahoning River in the early 1900s during a º-mile hike around Lake Glacier Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

A three-mile hike to see what’s left of the ice company will be offered immediately afterward. The hike contains hills and steps.

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 January.

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 January at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

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