Austintown Community Briefs

Martini Maid to host martini tasting

Martini Maid will be having its third martini tasting July 3 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Rachel’s Restaurant and Bar. Tickets are $30 per person and include three six ounce martinis and appetizers. There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Project Learing Around the World. Their mission is to deliver school supplies and enhance learning environments for children with AIDS in rural township schools in South Africa and other developing countries around the world.

Library to host puppet show

Simon B. Thistlewig, traveling showman and storyteller extraordinaire, is joined by the Madcap puppets as he tries to tell stories (“The Three Prince’s Gifts,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Goblin’s Ring”) to town locals. But local peddler, Beula Bugbottom, has a different plan. Join the Austintown library July 29 at 2 p.m. for this special treat as the giant Madcap puppets make a return appearance. Fun for young and the young at heart.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Austintown library Tuesdays in July at 10 a.m. for 20 minutes of language enrichment, including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library July 9 at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children, ages 2-3, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown library July 9 at 11:30 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Craft event

Come to the Austintown library throughout July to have some summer fun and make a special craft. For children of all ages.

Lego my library

Come to the Austintown library July 2 at 6 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided. For children ages 6 and up.

Volcanoes in action

Come to the Austintown library on July 16 at 11 a.m. to watch what happens when a real volcano erupts. Discover how volcanoes are created and make one with your friends. Enjoy stories, crafts and a snack. This event is for school-age children.

Gotta move story time

Join the Austintown library Thursdays in July at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play. For children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver.

Movie night

Join the Austintown library on July 7 at 6 p.m. for a movie. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 and younger must be with adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G.

Tech knowledge for all

Come to the Austintown library July 9 at 6 p.m. to learn about Augmented Reality (AR) apps and how you can use them for education, fun and business. Every age, from toddler through adults, can use AR. Recommended for attendees to bring whatever iOS or Android devices they have for hands on practice with AR. Register by calling 330-744-8636 or online at www.libraryvisit.org/programs.

...And the Rest is History book club

Join the Austintown library on July 10 at 6 p.m. for informal discussions covering all areas of history, including historic eras, people, places and things.

Eat Dessert First book club

Come to the Austintown library on July 31 at 6 p.m. to sift through an array of cookbooks and mix at the monthly meetings. Chat about new recipes, share ideas and discuss cookbooks.

Page Turners book club

Looking for a good read? Come to the Austintown library July 16 from 6-7 p.m. to hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun.

Would you rather...?

Would you rather always lose or never play? Come to the Austintown library throughout July to answer this and other mind-boggling would you rather questions and make up some of your own. For teens in grades 7-12.

Genealogy discussion group

Whether you are brand new to genealogy or a seasoned veteran, join the Austintown library on July 23 at 6 p.m. for an informal discussion group and share your research tips, experiences, successes and road blocks with others who are exploring their family trees.

Blood pressure check

The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be having a blood pressure check on July 22 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Austintown library.

Kindle class

Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library on July 15 at 6 p.m. and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the website. Don’t forget your Amazon account and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations at the Austintown library July 1 from 1-6 p.m. and July 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to help the community. For appointments call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Basic computer class

Come to the Austintown library on July 24 at 6 p.m. to learn basic computer skills. Space is limited to three so be the first to sign up. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name.

Blind date with a book

Come to the Austintown library throughout July to check out and rate books.

Farm to You

Members of Grow Youngstown’s Farm to You program are invited to pick up their shares of locally-grown produce each Tuesday at the Austintown library from 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit www.growyoungstown.org.

Holiday closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for Independence Day on July 4.

Summer Garden Party

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Summer Garden Party. Gather your friends for an elegant summer evening in the heart of the gardens and enjoy cocktails, a fresh, seasonal menu and musical entertainment.

Proceeds from this event benefit Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens in support of their mission to promote, preserve and improve the gardens.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for tickets. The cost is $75; reserved seating is $125.

Live at the Morley

Come to the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion on July 2, 9, 16 and 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. for free, family-friendly concerts on the lawn. On July 2, the Youngstown Area Community Concert Band will play; on July 9, Blue Lunch will play; on July 16, Amanda Jones and the Family Band will play; and on July 30, J.D. Eicher and the Goodnights will play.

Sunfest

Come to the Wick Recreation Area at Mill Creek Park on July 27 for the all day Sunfest event. From 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. there will be the Closest to the Pin activity with a $5 fee, from 9-11 a.m. there will be a bicycle decorating event on the Morley lawn for a $2 fee, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. there will be a robotics display from the N.E. Ohio FIRST Robotics Alliance, at 11 a.m. there will be a bicycle parade, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. there will be an easy one mile hike, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. there will be children’s crafts and family fun for a $2 fee, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. there will be free children’s activities and games, from 12-1 p.m. there will be a free zumba session on the Morley stage, from 1-4 p.m. there will be a sand sculpture contenst with an $8 fee if registered, a $10 if unregistered.

Register and pay by July 26 at Ford Nature Center. From 4-7 p.m. there will be a car show featuring the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club. Live! At the Morley Concert Series will also be taking place. At 5 p.m. the Teddy Pantelas Trio will play and at 6:45 p.m. Rudy and the Professionals will play.

Dragonfly hike

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on July 13 from 1-3 p.m. to explore dragonflies. Wear boots. Moderate one mile hike. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 12.

Coupon swap

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Come to the Austintown library throughout July to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons or learning new tips from other coupon clippers.

Butterfly hike

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on July 20 from 1-3 p.m. to explore butterflies and moths. Moderate one mile hike. Wear boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 19.

Volunteer-led hikes

Come to Ford Nature Center on July 6 at 2 p.m. for a moderate two mile hike, come to Ford Nature Center on July 9 at 9 a.m. for a moderate two or four mile hike, come to the overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive on July 15 at 6 p.m. for an easy one or three mile walk, come to the Bikeway Trailhead on Kirk Road on July 23 at 9 a.m. for an easy two or four mile hike, come to the WRA kiosk on July 27 at 11 a.m. for an easy one mile walk, and come to the Bikeway trailhead on July 29 at 6 p.m. for an easy two or four mile walk.

Pedals and a play date

Bring your children ages 4-8 to MetroParks Farm and bikeway on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take a bike ride and have a picnic with new friends. Bring bikes, helmets and packed lunches. Register by July 11 at Ford Nature Center.

National Ice Cream Day

Come to MetroParks Farm on July 20 from 1-4 p.m. to make ice cream in a bag. Supplies will be provided. $2 registered; $3 not registered.

Boats rides

Come to Lake Glacier Boathouse on July 24 and 31 from 12-12:20 p.m. or 12:30-12:50 p.m. to explore nature and history aboard the Lake Glacier passenger boat on a 20 minute tour. Call Ford Nature Center ofr more information. $1.50 registered, $2.50 not registered.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Fridays through Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to watch as the garden grows with characters and plants from Alice in Wonderland.

Flower faeries

Bring your children ages three to five to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 12 from 10-11 a.m. to discover why faeries love flowers so much. Enjoy a flower faerie craft, story and snack. The cost is $5.

Walk through the Wetlands

Come to the Newport Wetlands Boardwalk on July 12 from 10-10:45 a.m. to enjoy a short guided walk designed for strollers through the Newport Wetlands. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Hummus happenings

Children ages 6-11 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 12 from 12:30-2 p.m. to create hummus with herbs and veggies, enjoy a snack and even take some home. The cost is $10.

Salsa fiesta

Children ages 12-17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 12 from 3–4:30 p.m. to learn how to harvest, prepare, and make salsa fresh from the garden. The cost is $10.

Lightning bug night

Come to the Ford Nature Center on July 18 from 8-9:30 p.m. to enjoy glowing crafts, a story and catch lightning bugs. Register by July 16. The cost is $5 registered, $7 notregistered. There will be a $1 charge for s’mores by the campfire. Additional fees after deadline.

Gardening basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. to discover important natives that you should include in your landscape and why. The cost is $10; FFRG member $8.

Flowering plants

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 22 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to learn the basics of botany and patterns of plant families. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

On the terrace at 5

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 2 from 5-7 p.m. to enjoy the view of Lake Glacier with a glass of wine while listening to the music of Leanne Binder. Garden Caf will be open. Rain or shine.

Struthers concert series

Come to Yellow Creek Park July 10 at 7 p.m. to hear The Mahoning Valley Button Box Club. Lawn seating.

Highballs and hydrangeas

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 15 from 5-7 p.m. to learn how the highball evolved, the types of whiskeys used and taste a sample or two. Cash bar. The cost is $10; FFRG member $8.

Explore at Ford Nature Center

Children ages 10-12 are invited to Ford Nature Center July 8-10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to investigate nature, wade in a creek, tour Lanterman’s Mill, go for a scavenger hunt, play games and more. Register/pay by June 30. The cost is $60 R, $70 NR.

Explore at Ford Nature CenterÔÅ¥

Children ages 7-9 are invited to Ford Nature Center on July 15-17 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to hike, play games, make crafts, have scavenger hunts and more. Register/pay by July 8. The cost is $60 registered, $70 not registered.

Batting clinicÔÅ¥

Children ages 7-16 are invited to Wick Recreation Area July 19 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to focus on improving hitting mechanics with Coach Craig Antush of YSU. Spaces are limited. Register/pay by July 15 at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $20 registered, $25 not registered.

Barnyard camp

Children ages 5-6 are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal and a lunch to MetroParks Farm on July 21 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Have a snack, make a craft and play games. Register/pay by July 14. The cost is $25 registered, $30 not registered.

Archery camp

Come to MetroParks Farm July 21-25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to receive basic lessons from 4-H instructors. Equipment provided. Register/pay by July 14. The fee is $40 registered, $50 not registered.

British soccer camp

Come to the Wick Recreation Area July 28 - Aug. 1 for a British soccer camp. Times and prices vary by age group. There will be high-level coaching from international experts. Register online at www.challengersports.com.

Traveling naturalist

Come to the Lily Pond on July 6 from 1-3 p.m. to chat with a naturalist about the pond’s wildlife and its upcoming improvements. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Midsummer’s hike

Come to Lanterman’s Mill parking lot on July 13 at 10 a.m. and hike the scenic Gorge with your canine friends. Moderate, 2 miles. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Self-defense clinicÔÅ¥

Come to the Morley Stage at the Wick Recreation Area July 18 from 6–8 p.m. for an interactive and informative two-hour clinic. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 17. $2 registered, $3 not reigstered.

Insectopedia

Come to Ford Nature Center July 19 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Hugh Raffles’ work about the millions of insects that share the planet.

Understanding aggression

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 20 at 10 a.m. for a presentation on understanding aggression by The Learning Dog. Leave your dog at home. Call Ford Nature Center to register. Members free; not-yet-members, $5.

Kayak trips

Meet at East Newport Boat Launch July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for kayak trips. All skill levels invited. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center two days in advance. Additional fees after deadline. $12 registered; $15 not registered; second person in tandem 1/2 price.

Thunder moonÔÅ¥

Meet at East Newport Boat Launch on July 11 from 8-10 p.m. to kayak, This is not for first-time kayakers or anyone under 18. Single kayaks and a tandem available. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center by July 9. Additional fees after deadline. $12 registered; $15 not registered; second person in tandem 1/2 price.

BYOK trip

Bring your own kayak to East Newport Boat Launch on July 19 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. for an evening on the water. This is not for first-time kayakers or anyone under 18. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 19. Free.

Amber waves of grain

Come to MetroParks Farm on July 6 from 1-4 p.m. to enjoy a guided tractor wagon ride as wheat harvest season approaches. There will be grain grinding demonstrations. The wagon leaves approximately every 1/2 hour.

Summer family farm tours

Come to MetroParks Farm Tuesdays in July from 10-11:15 a.m. to take a guided tour of the farm, including tractor-wagon rides, a visit to the barns and playroom time.

Botanical dinners

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a dining experience overlooking Lake Glacier while learning about the featured plant of the evening. Call 330-740-7074 for reservations/pricing.

Fruit beverage sampler

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to imbibe the fruits of summer and learn to prepare them for summer enjoyment and entertaining. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Fermenting pickles

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. to learn how to turn fresh cucumbers into dill pickles. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Pesto and tomato feast

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to learn the fine points for making pesto and enjoy samples. The cost is $28; FFRG member $24.

Birding the sanctuary

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on July 19 from 8-9:30 p.m. and search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited. Wear boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by July 18.

Zumba at the Morley

Come to the Morley stage in the Wick Recreation Area Tuesdays in July from 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays in July from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for outdoor zumba. Call the Ford Nature Center for more information. Purchase

token before class at Par 3 building. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Tuesdays and Thursdays in July from 9:30-11 a.m. and 5:30–7 p.m. for yoga in the gardens. Bring a mat and blanket. The cost is$10 per class.

T’ai chi in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in July from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements that will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. The cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in July from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to work on toning, shaping, core strength and alignment. Bring a mat and water. The cost is $10 per class.

Drums alive at the Morley

Come to the Morley Stage in the Wick Recreation Area Thursdays in July from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. to experience using the rhythm of drumming and the movements of aerobic dance. Call Ford Nature Center for more information. Purchase token before class at Par 3 building. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in July from 8-9:15 a.m. to learn the basics of yoga and release mental and physical tensions. Bring a mat and small blanket. The cost is $10 per class.

Cultivate the garden of the mind

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 13 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. to learn mindfulness practices for letting go of tension and anxiety. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Botanical vinegars

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to make two different vinegars and sample a fresh garden salad. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Cooking with essential oils

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 19 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. to explore ways to bring the benefits of essential oils into your kitchen. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Continue healing within

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 23 from 6-8 p.m. to take another look at various healing modalities to life’s stressors. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Chakra investigation

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 27 from 9:30 –11:30 a.m. to take a fresh look at yourself by learning about chakras. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Junior golf clinics

Come to the Mill Creek Golf Course on July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 11 a.m. for one hour of range time. On-course play to follow. The cost is $20.

Adult golf clinics

Come to the Mill Creek Golf Course Wednesdays in July at 6 p.m. for the Get Golf Ready player development program. The cost is $25 for one session, $45 for two sessions or $60 for three sessions.

Berry bowl

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. to savor the fruits of summer in a handmade berry bowl. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Garden bells

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 10 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to create garden bells made from terra cotta pots with Deborah Verzilli. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Plein air painting

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens July 15, 22, 31, or Aug. 7 from 6-9 p.m. to chase the light with local artist Christopher Leeper. Use watercolors and be inspired by the garden muse. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

A loose knit group

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 18 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to help create blankets for organizations that give to those in need.

Glass fusing

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 29 from 5:30 7 p.m. to create two fused glass pendants. Fired and ready for pick up in approximately four weeks. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Trolley tours

Board at Ford Nature Center on July 1, 6, 15 and 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. to explore, experience and enjoy a guided 1 1/2 hour tour of Mill Creek MetroParks. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $5 R, $7 NR; 12 and under or 60 and over are $3 R, $5 NR.

Years of history

Board at Ford Nature Center on July 18 from 1-4 p.m. to learn about 663 years of history at the four oldest locations. Register by July 9 online or at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $10 R, $12 NR; 12 and under and 60 and over are $7 R, $10 NR.

Chasing the Light exhibit

Come to the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens June 13 through Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see the work of Christopher Leeper. Leeper is a realist painter and local artist who works in various mediums.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens through Dec. 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see a display of rare glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926.

Youngstown Steel

Come to the Outdoor Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through Fall of 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see the steel sculptures by artist Tony Armeni, which celebrate Youngstown’s spirit of invention.

PSHS reunion to be June 27 and 28

The Poland Seminary High School Class of 1989 is hosting its 25-year reunion on June 27 and 28. There will be an adults-only mixer at The Magic Tree, located on South Avenue in Boardman, from 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Friday. An open house for the entire family will be offered on Saturday at The Gallery at Wittenauer’s in Poland from 5-7:30 p.m. More information can be found on the PSHS Class of 1989 Facebook Group site.

Fitch class of 1959 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1959 will host its 55th class reunion on Aug. 1-3. On Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., there will be a social meet and greet at the home of Ralph Roberts, located at 931 Kirwan Dr. in Austintown; on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m., there will be a four entree buffet dinner at A La Carte Catering, located at 429 Lisbon St. in Canfield. Social hour will be from 6-7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be a class picture at 6:20 p.m. and will cost $11, payable that evening; and on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a breakfast buffet at the Saxon Club Lower Lounge, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. The cost is $10 per person. Classmates who haven’t responded to mailings or emails, or who haven’t been contacted should contact Bernie Layshock Zets at 330-799-5849 or walker0621@aol.com by July 1.

Free summer program

The Austintown Local Schools will be offering a free, federally funded summer breakfast and lunch program for children 18-years-old and under at the Austintown Elementary School from June 9 - Aug. 15. The program is run by volunteers from the community and is still in need of volunteers to help with science projects, art, sports clinics, crafts, reading time, yoga, zumba and any other fun activities for children. Contact the Food Service Office Secretary Natalie Winkle at 330-797-3900 ext. 2032, for more information or to be added to the volunteer schedule.

Meet Jennifer Holm

Meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Our Only May Amelia,” books about Babymouse and Squish, and more at the Austintown library on Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Farm to You

Members of Grow Youngstown’s Farm to You program are invited to pick up their shares of locally grown produce each Tuesday at the Austintown library from 4-6 p.m. beginning on June 3. For more information, visit www.growyoungstown.org.

Oh Wow! to close on Mondays

Starting on Memorial Day (May 26), OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology will be closed on Mondays. Summer hours remain in effect through Labor Day, (Sept. 1).

Fizz, Boom, Read!

Summer reading starts June 1 at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. There will be special presenters, authors, prizes and surprises for participants and a chance to meet an author. Go to libraryvisit.org/summerreading or visit a PLYMC library near you to register. Fizz, Boom, Read! is summer reading with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) theme. Children receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen and a Mahoning Valley Scrappers Game voucher just for signing up. For the first four hours read, children receive a paperback book while supplies last.

For the first eight hours read, children receive a beach ball (birth to age 8) or a light up yo-yo (ages 9-11). Children ages three and up will also get one free admission ticket to OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. For the first 12 hours read, children earn a chance to win a $25 gift card to Toys‘R’Us (birth to age 8). Children ages 9-11 earn a chance to win an iPod shuffle. Children who read 30 hours will receive a special invitation to meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Babymouse” and “Squish,” when she visits in August.

Hooked on fishing

Come to the MetroParks Farm June 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a program conducted by the MetroParks police to teach children about the sport of fishing. All ages are welcome. This program is free

Sister park

Join Bill Whitehouse at Austintown Township Park June 29 from 2-4 p.m. to explore Mill Creek’s smaller sister park. Moderate rating, up to 2 miles.

Kayak trips

Come to the East Newport Boat Launch June 14 from 1-3 p.m., June 21 from 9-11 a.m., or June 28 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to go on kayak trips. All skill levels are invited on these naturalist and volunteer-escorted trips. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Age restrictions apply. Registration/payment is due 36 hours before program at Ford Nature Center. The fee is $12 per person R; $15 per person NR; second person in tandem Ω price.

Wonderland creatures

Children ages 3 -5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 10-11 a.m. to explore how Alice adventured with the Dormouse, Gryphon, Mock Turtle and other creatures through hands on activities, a snack, and craft. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Bugs of Wonderland

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to discover the bugs that live in Wonderland from the snap dragonfly to the caterpillar. Children ages 6-11 will enjoy fun activities and crafts. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Botanical soaps

Teens ages 12–17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. to learn how to make their own glycerin soaps using flowers from the gardens and essential oils. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at at 330-740-7116 to register. The fee is $10.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens each Friday starting May 9 until Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take part in activities in the family garden. Watch as the garden grows with characters from Alice in Wonderland and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends. This event is free to all.

Summer story time

Come to MetroParks Farm June 30 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a story about tractors and then use a toy tractor to make a unique painted picture. Washable paint will be used, so dress appropriately. You can visit the barns while your art work is drying. Call 330-533-7572 to register. The fee is $2 R; $3 NR.

True beauty

Girls ages 10-14 are invited to Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens June 30 and July 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn about true beauty. This empowering summer camp uses journaling and inspirational women to lead girls in discovering their own inner beauty. Girls will have the chance to learn, create and grow though zumba, gardening, self-defense, yoga, meditation, making lip balm, facial scrubs and friendship bracelets. Call 330-740-7107 to register. The fee is $120 R, $135 NR.

Through the Lens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museuem through December 2014 for the Through the Lens exhibit. This exhibit displays a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926. Several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display.

Class of 1984 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1984 30-year Class Reunion will take place on July 12 from 7-11 p.m. at the Maronite Center, located at 1555 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by sending payment to Austintown Fitch Class of 84 Class Reunion, PO Box 1071, Perrysburg, Ohio 43552-1071. If you have any questions or comments, email eileenriffer@bex.net.

The Ursuline Center announces 2014 guided labyrinth walks

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, will begin its 2014 guided labyrinth walk season April 27 (weather permitting) with a short presentation on the Spirituality of Labyrinths at 2 p.m. in the center and a guided walk immediately following. This year the center is offering a series of themed walks. On April 27 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Rebirth,” on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Healing,” on June 19 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Emancipation: Freedom of Mind, Body and Spirit” in correlation with the Juneteenth holiday, on July 15 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Growing,” on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Accepting,” on Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Peace” and on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Awareness” (presentation on Spirituality of Labyrinths in the center).

All people of faith are invited to attend, whether they are new to or experienced with walking a labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth usually takes about 20 minutes. People wishing to experience the Labyrinth but unable to make one of the guided walks can come anytime at their own convenience. There are printed guides that give suggestions for following the path provided at the Labyrinth’s entrance, but there is no right or wrong way to experience the sacred walk. People can use the labyrinth in any way they need. The Ursuline Center Labyrinth is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and open year-round from dawn to dusk for all persons of faith. There is no cost to use the Labyrinth, which is handicapped-accessible and offers ample parking. To learn more about the Ursuline Center Labyrinth, call Eileen W. Novotny, Ursuline Associate, at 330-533-3831.

Gamblers Anonymous to meet

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Cornersburg. Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend. For more information, call 330-505-5060.

Banding the baby falcons

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife hopes to have newly hatched peregrine falcons to band and the public is invited to watch. If you would like to attend this special activity, which will take place downtown on a week day, Ford Nature Center will keep a contact list. As soon as ODNR-DOW gives the details, you will be contacted with the date and time.

Open enrollment continues

The Austintown Local School District is continuing with its open enrollment policy for the 2014-15 school year. New for next school year, they will not be accepting any new open enrollments students in grades 10, 11 or 12. This does not apply to existing open enrollment students who are currently enrolled in Austintown. New open enrollment students (accepting grades K–9 only) can begin to complete applications on March 3. One application must be completed for each student. Visit www.austintownschools.org for the complete timeline of deadlines and the open enrollment guidelines. For your convenience, computers are available for your use to complete the online forms at either the Austintown Early Learning Center, located at 4211 Evelyn Road, or the Austintown Board of Education building, located at 700 S. Raccoon Road, during regular business hours.