Austintown briefs

Join the hot dog eating contest for a prize

The Austintown Championship Hot Dog Eating Contest is scheduled for July 9 at the Wickliffe Block Watch at Wickliffe Christian Church, 3939 Potomac Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are still a few openings for participants. The three age categories are 18 and up; 13 to 17 and 8 to 12.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to all who participate.

Other activities include a car show, puppet show, face painting, Chinese auction and a water balloon fight. Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances will also be there for children to explore.

For the dogs event

The public is invited to the Hike and Splash sponsored by For the Dogs Animal Rescue and Broadview Acres Country Canine Resort from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 16.

Owners should bring their dogs to 419 Salt Springs Road in Lordstown.

There is a registration fee of $15 for the one-mile hike, which starts at 10 a.m. with a dog wash beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will continue to help For the Dogs.

To learn more about vendor opportunities or to participate, email aloveforthedogs@aol.com or visit www.ForTheDogs.Petfinder.com.

Enjoy classic rock, join in the club

Classic Rock Social Club is calling all classic rock fans to join them. There are no member fees, just e-mail John Paul jpjam@crsclub.com or call 330-792-8146.

Doggie Daze Reunion scheduled

Angels for Animals will host its sixth annual Doggie Daze Reunion and Adopt-A-Thon July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Adoption Center at Angels.

All dogs are welcome and everyone with an Angels dog will receive a special gift bag full of goodies. There will be Rescue Groups, vendors, activities, photos, snacks, raffles and more. The event is free, but $5 donations or a KONG toy for shelter dogs will be accepted.

Have firefly fun Friday

The Ford Nature Center will host firefly fun Friday at 7:30 p.m. for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families.

The cost for the program is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents and will feature stories, games, craft and firefly release. Space is limited. Preregister at the nature center.

Turtle tales for twos

Two-year-old children and their adult companion can listen to stories, explore the area and see turtles galore July 10 at the Lily Pond in Mill Creek MetroParks at 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.

The cost for the event is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. Preregister at Ford Nature Center.

Create prairie pottery

Children 6 and up and their adult companion can learn about prairie grass and construct a prairie wall plaque July 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Lynn Caldwell will demonstrate how to texture stamp and work with clay. The pottery will be fired and ready for pickup three weeks after the class.

The cost for the class is $12 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Be on the terrace at five

Enjoy a glass or two of beer or wine and listen to live music on the Garden Terrace in Mill Creek MetroParks Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 and the Garden Caf will be open.

Have breakfast and learn botany

Start July 15 with a brisk walk through Fellows Riverside Gardens, then return to the Garden Caf for breakfast and learn about the poaceae plant family from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The cost for the event is $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Be awed by bison July 20

Anne Morand, curator of the Natural Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, will lecture on the history of the great herds of bison roaming the prairie July 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Call the gardens at 330-740-7116 to register for this free program.

Cast a garden ornament

Pam Baytos will teach participants how to cast a staddle stone July 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost for the class is $20 for garden members and $26 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Wake up with nature

Explore along Lake Cohasset to see what wildlife is awake during a moderately difficult three-mile hike July 30 at 7:30 a.m.

Hikers will meet at Ford Nature Center.

Ford Nature Center turns 39

Join Bill Whitehouse for a moderately-difficult, 1.5-mile hike Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and reminisce about the Ford Nature Center’s beginnings to celebrate its 39th birthday.

Hikers will meet at Slippery Rock Pavilion.

Hike in a “beary cool” place

Beat the summer heat and explore flora and fauna during a moderately-difficult, two-mile hike at Bears Den July 10 at 2 p.m.

Hikers will meet at the parking area across from Bear’s Den Cabin.

Superhero hike planned

Learn how superheroes of Earth-pollinators impact lives July 24 at 2 p.m. during a moderately-difficult, one-mile hike.

Hikers will meet at the Calvary Run parking lot.

Tour MetroParks Farm via tractor

Children can make a craft to take home and tractor rides leave every half hour July 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Meditate in movement

Join Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance July 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kidston Pavilion.

Through simple, graceful movements participants can focus on inner strength while appreciating the beauty of the gardens. The cost for the class is $10. For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

DQ Æ/Orange Julius Æ received pride award

The Dairy QueenSRTm/Orange JuliusSRTm restaurant, located at 146 N. Canfield Niles Road, recently received a PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence) Award from the Dairy Queen/Orange Julius system for achieving a high level of cleanliness and food safety.

The award is given out to those stores that demonstrate PRIDE by maintaining a high level of cleanliness and food safety.

Library hosts open house

Parents and caregivers can bring the little ones to the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County July 14 for a Baby Brilliant Summer Reading open house from 10 a.m. to noon.

Children can visit stations and participate with hands-on activities designed to get children ready to read. Pick up some books, Baby Brilliant kits and activities to do at home that highlight early literacy. This is for adults and toddler-preschool children.

Bond with books

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host Baby Brilliant program for babies 6-23 months July 21 at 10 a.m. The program features developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger play and other activities to help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

A similar program for ages 4-5 is available July 14 at 11 a.m. A similar program for children 2-3 years old will be offered July 14 at 10 a.m.

Have herbal tea at party

The Holborn Herb Growers Guild will host a Garden Tea Party July 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Western Reserve Village at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Participants can sample herbal teas and delicacies, tour historic buildings and listen to garden music. There will be demonstrations with herbs and herbs for sale.

The cost for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Tickets are sold in advance only by calling Diane at 330-533-3802 or Sue at 330-702-0444.

Become an “official” pirate at the library

Children of all ages can join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s global pirate crew July 26 at 11 a.m. The event will feature pirate stories, crafts and tattoos.

Spy family fun at the library

School-aged children can look high and low and explore near and far through story, science, movement and art during the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s Family Fun: I spy Near and Far July 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Play global games

Children of all ages can play games from other lands July 11 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Tire out the young and restless

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host Gotta Move Story Time for kids ages 2-5 July 21 at 11 a.m.

Mother Earth visits the library

Mother Earth will read “Dear Children of the earth, A Letter from home” by Schim Schimmel July 19 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

After the story, listeners will make a colorful flower magnet from used bottle caps and receive Earth-themed coloring books. Recommended for preschool children through grade five.

Get warm with the historical society

Join an educator from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society July 12 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to learn about a pioneer family’s journey to Ohio and their struggle to keep warm during the winter. The program is based on the book “Warm as Wool” by Scott Russell Sanders. The program is best suited for children ages 4-8 and features historical artifacts for viewing.

Tour the farm with the family

Enjoy a tractor-wagon ride and guided tour of MetroPark Farm every Thursday in July at 10 a.m.

Families can visit the animals and learn in the playroom. Reservations are suggested because space is limited. The tour is approximately 75 minutes. Pack a lunch and have a picnic after the tour. To register, call the farm at 330-533-7572.

See a movie under the stars

Bring a chair or blanket and MetroPark Farm will provide the popcorn during a family-approved movie July 16 at 8:30 p.m. Lawn seating will be available and the farm will use its barn door as a movie screen.

Hike during Sunfest

Meet at the kiosk near the tennis courts at Wick Recreation Area July 31 at 11 a.m. for a one-mile, easy-rated exploration of nearby trails.

Get wedding ideas at the gardens

Meet area bridal vendors and discover wedding and reception ideas during Fellow Riverside Gardens Bridal Fair - A Garden Wedding July 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can register for door prizes and attend a 3 p.m. wedding fashion show.

Party at Prairie Nights

Join Friends at Fellows Riverside Gardens for its annual fundraiser and garden party July 29 at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s party is inspired by the Bison American Icon exhibit and will include a themed dinner, drinks and music by Redline. The cost for the event is $65. To make reservations, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Players perform Shakespeare in the park

The Mahoning Valley Players will perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” July 29 and 30 at the Judge Morley Pavilion at 6 p.m.

The free performance is a romantic comedy with star-crossed lovers, mistaken identity and happy ending. Lawn seating is available, bring a chair or blanket.

Sculpt sand at Sunfest

Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a masterpiece and perhaps win a prize July 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area.

Sand and water will be provided. Participants should bring tools and creativity. To reserve a pile of sand for $5, call 330-740-7107.

Warm up America with afghans

All helping hands are welcome to make afghans and other projects to donate locally with A Loose Knit Group Friday and July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. For details, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Work on your writing skills

Join Karen Schubert July 13 and 27 for a writing workshop at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The fee for the class is $10 and participants may register before the beginning of class.

Walk for health and wellness

Health and wellness walks are scheduled Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. throughout July.

Meet July 6 at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately-difficult, four-mile hike, July 12 at the Golf Course overflow parking lot for an easy one or three-mile walk, July 20 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm for an easy-rated, two or four-mile walk and July 26 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road for a two or four-mile walk.

Cruise in a kayak

All skill levels are invited to join kayak-escorted trips throughout July at East Newport Boat Launch.

Relax July 9 during an evening kayak trip on Lake Newport from 7-9 p.m. when wildlife is most active or explore the summer beauty of the Newport wetlands July 30 from 2-4 p.m.

Single and tandem kayaks are available; age restrictions apply. Reservations are necessary and must be made 36 hours prior to program. The fee is $12 a per person for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Second person in tandem kayak is half price.

Experienced kayakers can bring their kayaks and a safety light July 15 for a dusk to dark paddle from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Participants must register by July 14.

Kayakers 18 years and older can take a Thunder Moon kayak July 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This trip is not for first-time kayakers.

For information or to register, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Duzzny receives award

Austintown resident Walter Duzzny was awarded a 10-year service award pin from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairman John Hopper during the annual Department of Defense sponsored meeting and awards dinner in Columbus.

Duzzny is a retired Army Reserve Colonel and former emergency management director. He serves as the public affairs officer for the East Region.

Class of 1991 will meet

The Austintown Fitch High School Class of 1991 will host its 20-year reunion Sept. 4 at Luciano’s Banquet Hall from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There will also be an informal gathering at Mojo’s Pub and Grill on Mahoning Avenue Sept. 2. For information or to register, visit www.austintownfitch1991.com or call 330-718-0298.

Free summer fitness program offered

Ted Suzelis will start a free summer fitness program to help motivate people to get in shape. The program is appropriate for people of all fitness levels, as long as they are physically able to walk.

The summer fitness program will be a weekly walk/run on Saturday mornings at 7:30 a.m. and ending Aug. 20. The group will meet at the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway at Kirk Road between state Route 46 and Taylor Road.

For information or to register, call Stephanie at 330-729-1350 or visit www.OhioND.com.

Free tennis camp for kids

Children 6 to 12 can learn the fundamentals of tennis during a free tennis camp July 11-12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Yellow Creek Park. To register, call 330-740-7100.

Be park pals at Mill Creek

Children entering grades first through third can become Park Pals as they learn about Mill Creek Park and the animals and plants that call it home July 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activities include hikes, crafts games and more. The cost for the camp is $30 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by July 5.

Camp for Kinder Kritters

Fun activities are planned for indoor and outdoor during the Kinder Kritters summer camp July 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Campers will go on short walks to learn about nature, have story time and make crafts. The cost for the camp is $25 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by July 11.

Space available for trunk sale

Spaces are available for the Ursuline Center Car Trunk and Treasure Sale July 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the center on Shields Road.

The cost for the space is $20. For information, call Eileen Novotny at 330-533-3831.

Italian Fest scheduled for July

The Italian Fest is set for July 29-31 in downtown Youngstown.

Festivities will begin July 29 at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies, followed by the Miss Italian Youngstown Pageant at 7 p.m. The Miss Italian Youngstown beauty and talent pageant has become a tradition at the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest. The pageant includes modeling, speaking about Italian heritage and performing a talent. There will be continuous entertainment and fun activities, including Morra and a pasta eating contest. A little King and Queen will also be crowned.

For information, contact pageant chairman Anthony Julian at 330-799-8184 or 330-207-0515.

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.

Grieve with friends

Honor and remember children who have passed away at Bereaved Parent of the USA-Mahoning County Chapter’s monthly meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Park Vista of Youngstown, 1216 Fifth Ave.

For information, call Diane Hunter-Copeland at 330-770-2686.

Travel to Ohio gardens

On July 21, travel to garden author Tracy DiSabato-Aust’s private garden “Hiddenhaven” in Sunbury, Ohio, when perennials are at their peak and then travel to Columbus for lunch and to visit the Ohio Heritage Garden at the Governor’s Residence. Tour the Dawes Arboretum before enjoying a dinner at the Buxton Inn in Granville.

The cost for the tour is $105 for garden members and $145 for nonmembers. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Have family garden fun

Visit the Family Garden on fair weather Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to dig, plant, water or read a book. The Friendly Garden Greeter at the Discovery Cart will tell about plants and will offer many free hands-on activities.

For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Family tours are back at the farm

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout summer families can join MetroParks Farm for a 60-70 minute guided tractor-wagon tour of the facility.

The playroom will be open. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the tour. Reservations are suggested. For information, call the farm at 330-533-7572.

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