Canfield briefs

Become a TOPS member

TOPS Chapter No. 1805 is welcoming new members who want to lose weight or maintain their current weight. The group meets at Canfield Christian Church on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

For information, call Judy at 330-533-2464.

Get a discount on Playhouse tickets

Present your library card at the Youngstown Playhouse office when purchasing tickets to “The Dixie Swim Club” and receive a $2 discount. The poignant comedy is about lasting friendship.

See three little pigs June 27

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater will perform the True Story of the Three Little Pigs June 27 at 10 a.m. at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Animal fun June 20 at library

Meet Outback Ray’s exotic domestic animals during a hands on-show for the whole family June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Refreshments will be served.

See concerts in the park

The Judge Morley Pavilion will host free, lawn seating 7UP Summerfest Spectacular concerts throughout June at 7 p.m.

June 15 will feature Sarah Turner, on June 22 the Canfield Community Concert Band will perform and on June 29 the music of Jack Vasko and Del Sinchak can be heard.

Performances set for the Struthers Concert series

The Struthers Concert Series will feature free performances and lawn seating at 7 p.m.

John Ruman Combo will play at Yellow Creek Park June 9 and June 16, 23 and 30 performances at Mauthe Park.

Come to Columbiana County

Travel down to Columbiana County and tour the newly-remodeled Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center June 12 at 2 p.m. Afterward, hike a trail or two in Beaver Creek State Park.

To register and for directions, call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Cruise in a kayak

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

Take a sunset kayak June 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy an afternoon on the water June 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or glide, look with binoculars and listen for wildlife June 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.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 June 24 for a dusk to dark paddle from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Participants must register by Thursday.

For information, call the Ford Nature center at 330-740-7107.

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.

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.

Bark for life is June 5

The American Cancer Society is inviting four-legged friends downtown to help mark National Cancer Survivors Day during it Bark For Life from noon to 4 p.m. June 5 on Phelps and Commerce Streets in downtown Youngstown. June 5 is National Cancer Survivors Day.

The Bark For Life, a scaled-down Relay For Life, gives people an opportunity to fight cancer through their four-legged companions. Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes are welcome to participate with their owner. All dogs will have the opportunity to participate in contests and win awards.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and is $10 per dog and $5 for each additional dog. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The first 100 dogs registered will receive a toy and a shirt. Relay For Life teams from Youngstown, Poland and Boardman also will sell items as fundraisers. Santa Fe Southwestern Grill is sponsoring Bark For Life.

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. Call Eileen Novotny at 330-533-3831.

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.

Marching band needs new members

Youngstown State University’s Marching Band, the YSU Marching Pride, is seeking new members for the upcoming fall season. The Marching Pride performs at every YSU home football game and this year, will also travel to the away game Sept. 2 at Michigan State.

Students interested in becoming a member of the Marching can visit www.ysubands.org/marching_pride for the schedule and requirements.

Band camp for all incoming freshman begins Aug. 22. The first performance of the 2011 season will be the “Meet the Pride” performance Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

Get ready for summer reading

Registration for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s Summer Reading Club will begin Wednesday at all library branches for children of all ages.

This summer’s program “One World, Many Stories” will kick off with a presentation by Madcap puppet theatre at the Austintown library June 21 at 10 a.m., Boardman library June 22 at 2 p.m. and the Poland library June 21 at 2 p.m. Children who read during the summer program will receive their choice of coupon for the first two and four hours read. After their first eight hours of reading, they will receive a beach ball with a map of the world. For each additional four hours read, children will be eligible to enter a drawing to win other prizes.

Explore Mill Creek Park

Children entering grades four through six can explore the many different sides of Mill Creek Park during the Park Explorers summer camp June 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants will learn about plants and animals that live in the park and the history of the park through hikes, games, crafts and more.

The cost for camp is $30 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. Registration and fee are due at the Ford Nature Center by June 20.

Canfield residents invited to camp

Greasel Park is hosting a Canfield City Summer Park program June 13 through July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

The camp is for ages 6 to 12 and a birth certificate is necessary for younger children to provide proof of age.

Children should bring their own lunches. There will be crafts, sports and games. Special speakers from the police department, fire department, library and Experimental Farm will attend.

This program is for Canfield City residents and Canfield school students only. Applications must be filled out and can be picked up at Canfield City Building and brought the first day of camp.

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.

Church to host outdoor movie nights

Canfield Christian Church is hosting a series of movie nights throughout the next several months.

The scheduled movies and dates are: “The Velveteen Rabbit” (June 17), “The Sand Lot” (July 15), “The Chronicles of Narnia” (Aug. 19), “Secretariat” (Sept. 16), “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” (Oct. 21).

The movies will be shown outside and start at dusk. Social hour with games starts an hour before. There will be free popcorn and drinks, but guests must provide their own blankets and lawn chairs. For information, call the church at 330-533-2246.

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.

MCCTC to host summer camp

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center will give students preparing for grades seven through nine the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual summer camp June 20-24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Snacks are provided daily and a special luncheon will be at the end of the week.

Registration fee is $90. Applications are available from middle school guidance counselors or online at www.mahoningctc.com. For information or to sign up, call Career Development Supervisor Jacqueline Kuffel at 330-729-4120.

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.

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 June.

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. throughout June at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

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

Have a Polish happy hour June 9

Celebrate St. John’s Eve with Polish Youngstown June 9 at the Garden Caf from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Enjoy imported beer, wine and vodka and feast on Polish dining specials. Make a wreath for good luck and launch it on Lake Glacier. No admission charge; food and drink available for purchase.

Tour the gardens at Fellows Riverside

Take a leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside June 12 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A guide will point out garden highlights, while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the day of the tour.

Be able to identify plant problems

Hone your diagnostic skills and learn more about identifying plant problems caused by specific insects and disease at the OSU Plant Diagnostic June 16 at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fee is $25 and includes lunch. To register, call Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County at 330-533-5539.

Have breakfast and botany at Garden Cafe

Start June 17 with a brisk walk through the Gardens followed by a light breakfast at the Garden Caf and a lesson about the plant family that includes carnations and baby’s breath.

The program is from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and costs $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Find out what’s in a name

Tour Fellows Riverside Gardens to look at the connections between plants and their names during What’s in a Name: Part Two June 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants do not need to have attended part one to attend this class.

The fee is $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take home a prairie plant

Robert Kehres of the Ohio Prairie Plant Nursery will describe how to use prairie plants in home landscape and talk about the history of prairies as seen in the current exhibit “The Bison” June 29 at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each participant will be given a plant to take home. The fee is $10. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

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.

Search for birds with an expert

Join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited June 4 at 8 a.m. for a one-mile easy-rated walk to search for birds at the Mill Creek Preserve. Parking will be available off Western Reserve Road.

Find out which bird is singing

Participants will learn to identify bird songs at an introductory workshop June 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center. The workshop will be indoor and outdoor.

To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Go to the park with pop

Learn about local wildlife fathers during a moderately-difficult, 2-mile Father’s Day hike June 19 at 2 p.m. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill.

Take the low and the high road

Join Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse June 26 for an easy rated, 1 Ω- mile exploration of the Lily Pond from both the low road (path along the shore) and the high road (One-Way Drive) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the Lily Pond.

Walk for health and wellness

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

Meet at Wick Recreation Area by the kiosk Wednesday for a moderately-difficult 3.5-mile walk, June 7 at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately-difficult 3-mile walk, June 15 at Bear’s Den Meadow parking lot for a 3 Ω-mile moderately-difficult walk, June 28 at the Main Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive for a 1 or 3-mile walk and June 29 at the Ford Nature Center for a moderately-difficult, 3-mile walk.

Get the heart pumping for 10 miles

Take a 10-mile difficult-rated walk along the Boy Scout Trail Thursday at 1 p.m. There are hills and steps.

Saunter on the summer solstice

See lightning bugs and views of the Mahoning River during a summer solstice 4-mile, moderately-difficult walk June 21 at 9 p.m.

Meet at the Stavich Bicycle Trail at the eastern end of East Liberty Street in Lowellville.

Come to the park with an appetite

Chef David Armstrong will fire up the grill with swordfish and tuna June 21 or June 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The cooking demonstration includes additional dishes that will complement the meal. The cost is $28 for garden members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

You can help warm up America

Join the Loose Knit Group Friday and June 17 from 10 a.m. to noon in the library at Fellow Riverside Gardens to make afghans and other projects to donate locally.

Donations of yarn and needles are always appreciated. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Work on your writing skills

Join Karen Schubert June 8 and June 22 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.

Be prepared with dog first aid

Learn basic first aid from Director of Health and Safety Operations for the American Red Cross Guido Jannetti, Jr. during a Dog First Aid 101 workshop June 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

MetroMutts members will receive a basic first aid kit for their dog. Do not bring pets.

The fee is $8 for MetroMutts members and $12 for nonmembers. To register, call the MetroParks office at 330-702-3000.

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.

Kids will have frog fun June 9

Two-year-olds and their adult companion will learn about frogs during Tales for Twos story, craft and outdoor exploration June 9 at 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center.

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. Preregister at the nature center.

Juniors can learn all about golf

Boys and girls ages 4-6, with an adult, and 7-18 can learn golf etiquette, rules, putting, short game, full swing and experience play at the Junior Golf Introductory Camp June 18, 25 and 29, June 16, 23 and 30 or June 17, 24 and July 1 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $30 and includes a sleeve of balls and Mill Creek Junior Golf cap. Registration begins Wednesday. For information, call Par 3 at 330-740-7114.

Hop over for frog fun

Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion can enjoy a story and exploration during the Preschool Nature Hour’s Froggy Story n’ Stroll June 17 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or June 18 at 10 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center. The event will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather.

The cost is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. Register by calling the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Play nine, then dine at Mill Creek

You get nine holes of golf, live music, entr e, sides and riding cart on June 17 for $30. There will be a 6 p.m. shotgun start. Reservations required. To register, call the Pro Shop at 330-740-7112.

Graduate level golf camps planned

Boys and girls ages 7-18 will work on the mechanics of golf and have competitive opportunities during the Graduate Level Junior Golf Camp June 16, 23 and 30 and June 17, 24 and July 1 with playing sessions July 8, 15 and 29 at Mill Creek Golf Course from noon to 2 p.m.

The cost is $50 which include playing session green fees and prizes. Registration begins Wednesday. For information, call Par 3 at 330-740-7114.

Be a 7UP champion

The 7UP Junior Golf Championship will be June 21-22 for ages 15-17, 13-14 and 12 and under at Mill Creek Golf Course at 8 a.m.

Individual stroke play for 36 holes.

The entry fee is $40 and includes cookout each day, sleeve of logo balls and awards. Registration is under way. For information, call the Pro Shop at 330-740-7112.

End spring on the farm

Celebrate the end of spring with a tour of MetroParks Farm June 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a craft to take home.

Tractor time on June 11

Start the tractor adventure with a children’s video showing how farm equipment works June 11 at MetroParks Farm at 11 a.m.

Space is limited. Call 330-533-7572 to reserve a seat.

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.

Let dads shine June 19

Find out what the male of each species of farm animals are called during MetroParks tractor-wagon tour June 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can make a gift to take home for dad.

Buy bulbs at the gardens

The Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting its bulb sale through June 15.

Order forms are available at the gardens and on the MetroParks website for bulbs to be picked up and planted in fall.

Bring your best flowers

The public can enter flower shows at Fellows Riverside Gardens throughout June. Entries must be received the Saturday of the show by 10:30 a.m. and show hours are Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 4 and June 5 Ikebana flower arrangements will be presented, June 11 and June 12, novice and experienced rose growers will be highlighted in the Mahoning Valley Rose Society Show and June 18 and 19, the Garden Forum of Greater Youngstown will host a show.

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

Grocery stores help Wounded Warriors

Three local Nemenz IGA’s will participate in a national cause marketing initiative to raise money for Wounded Warrior Project.

Locations include 2980 McCartney Road, Youngstown; 8 N. Broad St., Canfield; and 655 Creed St., Struthers.

During this national promotion, through Sept. 5, IGA will donate 10 cents from the sale of every specially-marked case of IGA brand water to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Learn about llamas Sunday

Members of 4-H will bring their llama projects to MetroParks Farm May 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn what it takes to prepare these unusual animals for showing at the Canfield Fair. See how llamas are sheared, used as pack animals and watch them maneuver through an obstacle course.

Be the Italian man or woman of the year

The Greater Youngstown Italian Festival scheduled for July 29-31 in downtown Youngstown is accepting applications for the Italian Man and Woman of the Year.

Applications for scholarships are also available for students of Youngstown State University. Deadline for applications is Wednesday.

For information or an application, contact Arlene DeChellis at 330-726-8019.

Get marriage help

Retrouvaille has helped tens of thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. The next program begins June 10 at Cambria Suites in Green (near Akron-Canton Airport).

For confidential information or to register, call 330-979-7787 or visit www.retrouvaille.org.