Austintown Community Briefs

Saxon Club to host pork-kraut dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road, will host its next pork-kraut dinner on Feb. 15 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The price of $9.50 for adults and $5 for children includes dessert and coffee, tea or pop. The public is welcome and take-outs will be available.

Austintown Local Schools announce Kindergarten Kick-Off

The Austintown Local Schools will be hosting a Kindergarten Kick-Off on March 25 at 6 p.m. at Austintown Elementary School. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour the kindergarten classrooms, meet staff members and learn about transitioning smoothly from home or preschool to kindergarten. Information on staggered start, summer programs as well as tips to assist your child before and during kindergarten will all be discussed. All incoming kindergarten students, along with their parents, should attend this important event.

Austintown Local Schools announce Kindergarten Registration

The Austintown Local Schools will be hosting kindergarten registration for the 2015/2016 school year for students residing in the Austintown School District. Kindergarten registration packets are available at Austintown Elementary School beginning Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Austintown Early Learning Center from a.m. until 4 p.m. The packet explains all necessary documents needed.

All new kindergarten students must attend a registration and screening appointment during the week of April 20. Appointments will be set by the district according to your availability.

Immediate opening in Austintown Local Schools

The Austintown Local Schools have an immediate opening for a Child Specific Paraprofessional (CSP) Bus Aide. The position is nine months and is 3.75 flex hours per day for the morning and afternoon bus run (6:30-8:30 a.m. /1:50-3:35 p.m.). Salary OAPSE negotiated rate starting at $12.03. Applications are being accepted online at www.austintownschools.org. Apply to Job ID#346.

Local students named to Dean’s List

The following Austintown students were named to Walsh University 2014 Fall Dean’s List: Bryce Baker, Emily Durina and Lindsay Igazio.

Free Supper at the Corner

There will be a free supper at Smith Corners United Methodist Church on Feb. 19 from 4:30-6 p.m. This supper is free as a community outreach of the church and is open to all each month. The church is located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown. Donations accepted to continue this program.

Free breakfast at local church

There will be a free pancake, sausage and egg breakfast at Smith Corners United Methodist Church on Feb. 14 from 9-11:30 a.m. The church is located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown. Donations accepted, proceeds for World Service Projects

Patti’s Night of Pampering Feb. 23

There will be a spa night for patients currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation and a guest on Feb. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Salon@Creekside. Registration is required by calling Patricia McSuley at 330-207-7112. The night of pampering will offer spa services as a small donation for guests ($1 - $2 donation per service), giveaways, hand scrubs and massages, wig and hairpiece display, eyebrow and eyelash application, a Livestrong instructor from YMCA and more. Money donated will go toward the Paneraton and the Joanie Abdu Foundation.

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 Youngstown (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.

Choma makes the Fall 2014 Dean’s List

Robert Morris University named Amanda Choma of Austintown to the Fall 2014 Dean’s List. Choma is majoring in Accounting at Robert Morris University.

NSS meeting Feb. 15

The National Slovak Society (NSS Life) was established on February 15, 1890. Peter Vitazoslav Rovnianek, elected as the first president of the organization, was determined that the NSS by-laws would assure that the new society would be non-sectarian. An initial pool of $200 was collected by the delegates as a death benefit fund. For the past 125 years, NSS has continued to grow and expand its services beyond the Slovak families and is open to all. The NSS Life Mission is to provide their fraternal family members financial security via life and annuity products, while offering charitable, cultural, social and educational opportunities that benefit them and their communities. NSS Region 7 will host its organizational meeting on Feb. 15 at Poland Christian Church, located at 6248 Struthers Road in Lowellville, at 1:30 p.m. Region 7 is comprised of local assemblies P09A, 8 and 731 with membership in and near the Mahoning Valley. Following the Region meeting at 2:30 p.m., Assembly 731 members will host their organizational meeting and make plans for 2015 Fraternal Activities. Refreshments will be served in celebration of NSS’s 125th anniversary.

Quilt group to meet

That Quilt Group I Belong To will host its February meeting on Feb. 17 at Fair Park in Canfield. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for those who are available to work on charity quilts and the annual raffle quilt. Doors will close from 5-6:30 p.m. and the business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. That Quilt Group I Belong To is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley, including all skill levels. For information about membership or meetings, contact president Ginger Mangie at 330-702-0532.

Monday Night Writers to meet

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories,” the two-hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, contact Christie at 330-793-3675 or at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Learn about species and habitats

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to learn about the National Audubon Society’s priority species and habitats. This program will be presented by Mandy Smith, the Education Manager at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks and formerly of Audubon Maryland-DC. This program will take place on Feb. 24 from 7–8 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on Route 46 in Canfield. All are welcome. Call Wild Birds Unlimited at 330-629-2473 for details.

10th annual tasting fundraiser

The Youngstown Area Grocers Association will host its 10th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser on March 20 from 6-9 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, located at 1000 Fifth Ave. in Youngstown. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a reserved table of eight. Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines and 50 microbrews, enjoy gourmet food and live entertainment. There also will be silent and Chinese auctions, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will benefit the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in Youngstown and the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, Pa. To purchase tickets, contact Brigid Kennedy at 330-792-7636 or email bkennedy@ursulinesistersaids.org.

Chili Cookoff

The missions committee from Western Reserve United Methodist Church will be hosting a chili cook off that will take place on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. Cost is $5 a person and includes chili, hot dogs, snacks, beverages and dessert. Pictures will be shown of past youth mission trips and there will also be a game night with board games. This event is open to the community. Western Reserve U.M.C is located at 4580 Canfield Road in Canfield. Call 330-792-5805 with questions.

Second annual community Austim and Disability fair

The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley office, is seeking autism service providers to participate in its second Annual Community Autism and Disability Resource Fair on March 22 from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman. Service providers will have the opportunity to provide participants information about autism and disability services and their organizations in the area and NE Ohio region. The resource fair also will have a series of educational workshops for parents while offering a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Booth space is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information, go to www.autismohio.org or call 330-743-9184.

Free Tax Filing Link and Assistance

The YWCA of Youngstown is offering a self-serve link to file taxes for free. Also being offered are free tax workshops and free tax filing assistance. The self-serve link is available on the YWCA website at ywca.org/youngstown. To file taxes through this link, users must have a household income under $65,000 if single and $95,000 if married. Also needed are the user’s social security number, W2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, information about other income, deduction and credit information (such as child care expenses, tuition, bills and union dues) and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible. For free tax filing assistance, walk-ins will be accepted from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Feb. 20, March 6 and 20, and April 10 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Appointments are required at all other times. To schedule an appointment, call Jennie at 330-746-6361, ext. 125.

Local students named to Dean’s List

The following Youngstown students were among the 762 Walsh University students who were named to the 2014 Fall Dean’s List. Lea Carroll, Alexandria Moffo, Julie Larkin and Monica Mattiussi.

YWCA Dance-a-thon

The YWCA of Youngstown is seeking participants for a Dance-a-thon to take place from 4-9 p.m. on March 7 at the YWCA of Youngstown, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Two people or more may form a team. Also needed are dance groups interested in performing. Individuals and spectators are welcome. The cost is $15 per person for team captain and members, $20 for individuals and $8 for spectators. Team captains must be age 18 or older. The event is open to those age 8 and older. Included in the event are door prizes, themed music, prizes, Dance-a-thon T-shirts, goodie bags, refreshments, a best dressed team prize and basket raffles. Four one-hour nonstop dance sessions will be interspersed with performances by professional and cultural dance groups. Visit ywca.org/youngstown for more information. Call 330-746-6361, ext. 112, to register or for details. The deadline to register is Feb. 24.

Souper Supper to be March 4

The Austintown Council of PTAs and the Fitch Art Department will present the seventh annual Souper Supper event on March 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Austintown Fitch Cafeteria. The cost is $7 for a light meal of soup, roll, dessert and beverage (handmade ceramic bowl included) or $5 for a meal only or bowl only. A bowl is guaranteed to the first 300 paid RSVP’s only. Reservations can be made by mailing a reservation notice and money for which order you would like to Charisse Smith, 1912 Old Farm Trail, Austintown, OH 44515. Make checks payable to Austintown Council of PTAs. You will get a confirmation by email or phone, so list both if you have it. Your name will be on the reservation list at the check in table. Contact Charisse Smith at kola2boy@aol.com or 330-651-2829 with any questions. The event will also feature entertainment, a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle. All proceeds from this event go to benefit needy families of students of the ALSD. RSVP by Feb. 27.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. Use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten at Austintown library 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 and 25.

Bonding with babies and books

For caregivers and their little ones who are 6 to 23 months. Twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult at Austintown library 10 a.m. Feb. 17 and 24.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. Feb.18 and 25 for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family story time

Have the winter blues? Join the Austintown library for a family story time at 6 p.m. on Feb. 25. There will be winter stories, activities, a craft and maybe a surprise. This event is for all ages.

Gotta Move story time

Story time for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, dance to songs and play at 10 a.m. Feb.19 and 26.

Trim a tree for February

Decorate an ornament for Austintown library’s all-season tree for Feburary during regular library hours. Children of all ages are welcome.

Blingin’ out my sock monkey

Decorate your very own sock monkey at the Austintown library on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. The library will provide the naked monkeys and the bling (markers, ribbon, buttons, jewels, etc.). You provide the design and creativity. This event is for those in grades 7-12.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. Each participant will create a greeting card with a matching envelope and 3-D item. Class size is limited and registration is required. This event is for adults.

Movie matinee

Join the Austintown library for a movie matinee on Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children age 7 and under must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G.

Using the ancestry database

In this program the Genealogy and Local History Librarian will demonstrate the power of the Ancestry database and show how it can be used effectively for genealogical research on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m at the Austintown library. This event is for adults. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Basic computer class

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at the Austintown library on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. This is a beginner’s class that will cover setting up an Internet-based email account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and Internet is required. Space is limited to three. Call to register 330-744-8636 and specify Basic Computer Class at Austintown: E-mail. This event is for adults.

Cookbook club

Join the Austintown library on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. to share your favorite recipes for dips and dressings. Bring a dish to share with friends (food waiver must be signed). This event is for adults.

Page turners book club

Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read at the Austintown library on Feb. 18 from 6-7 p.m.or just join the fun. This event is for adults.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a blood drive on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Austintown library to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood pressure check

Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will host a blood pressure check at the Austintown library from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Feb. 24.

Blind date with a book

An exciting, single book is seeking a fun-loving reader. Meet at the Austintown library anytime in February. Will be wearing a plain book jacket and sitting out on display. Rate the book once you have read it. This event is for adults.

Coupon swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in at the Austintown library during regular library hours through the month of Feburary to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Friends of the Austintown library meeting and program

Keith Kaiser, Horticulture Director at Mill Creek MetroParks will present “Fellows Riverside Gardens-Spring is Here.” This event is for adults at Austintown library 10 a.m. Feb. 23.

Local students named to Deans’ List

Rosalie Sepesy and Emily Wirtz of Austintown were named to Dean’s List for Ashland University’s Fall 2014 Semester. Sepesy is majoring in environmental science and is a 2011 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. Wirtz is majoring in psychology and is a 2013 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. To be eligible for this honor, a student must be enrolled full time at Ashland University and achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Rothbrust named to Dean’s List

Taylor Rothbrust of Austintown was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester at the University of Mount Union. To be eligible for Dean’s List, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of traditionally graded coursework while achieving a grade point average of 3.550 or better with no grade below a B.

Mercy College of Ohio announces Youngstown Campus Honors List

The following students from Austintown were awarded honors for the fall 2014 semester at Mercy College of Ohio. Jason Miller, AS Nursing Youngstown, Sophomore, Honors List, Sabrina Nacarato, AS Nursing Youngstown, Sophomore, Dean’s List, Amanda Rouan, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Honors List, Lindsay Velez, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Honors List, Patricia Yannerella, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Honors List. To be named on the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours. To be named on the Honor’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and be enrolled for 6-11 credit hours. To be named on the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 GPA and be enrolled for 14 or more credit hours.

Vinkler added to Mercy College of Ohio Toledo Campus Honors List

Susan Vinkler of Austintown was awarded honors for the fall 2014 semester at Mercy College of Ohio. Vinkler is studying Healthcare Administration and is in her senior year. To be named on the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours. To be named on the Honor’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and be enrolled for 6-11 credit hours. To be named on the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 GPA and be enrolled for 14 or more credit hours.

Polish Carnival to be Feb. 14

A Polish Carnival Celebration will take on a love-inspired air this year when the doors open on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown. Ticket prices are $40 per person. Hosted by the energetic PolishYoungstown organization, this Slavic-inspired Pre-Lenten Celebration includes samples of elite Polish alcohols imported for the event and not normally available in Ohio - complimented with a buffet, music, dancing, gift baskets, beads, games and a trivia contest, as well as a paczki parade, royalty and prizes.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2015-2016

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2015-2016 school year can now apply. The application is available for sophomore students on the school’s website. Current students do not need to reapply. The school offers 22 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

Third Annual Valentine’s Day Walk-In Weddings

The Chapel of the Friendly Bells at Trinity United Methodist Church (UMC) in downtown Youngstown once again will be the site for walk-in weddings on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), Clergy couple Rev. Jerry Krueger of Trinity UMC and Rev. Susan Brown of Canfield UMC will offer a simple, Christian wedding service including traditional wedding vows, exchange of rings, scripture and a blessing of the couple. Wedding vow renewal services will also be offered. The fee for each wedding is $50, which will be donated to the Good Shepherd Kitchen in Youngstown and Canfield Community Care Net. Weddings will be performed in the order that couples arrive. Couples must bring their wedding license, identification and the $50 fee in cash. Weddings will not be performed for participants who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Attendants and guests are welcome to come. The event will take place at Chapel of the Bells at Trinity UMC from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14. The Chapel is located at 30 West Front Street. Contact Trinity UMC at 330-744-5032 for more information.

Wintertime tea

Enjoy some southern charm with a fundraiser for the Antonucci Horiculture library at Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 1 from 2-4 p.m. Treats, entertainment, tea and conversation will be provided. Hats are admired, but not required. Call FRG to register. The cost is $35 per person.

Nourishing soup fest

Join Fellows Riverside Garden for an afternoon of demonstrating and tasting soup while learning how to prepare Provencal vegetable soup in one hour that you can enjoy for the rest of the week with Karen Cvetkovich on Feb. 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The cost is $30 to register (FFRG $26). Register and pay by Feb. 13.

All about hearts

There will be an event for ages 3-5 on Feb. 19 from 1-2 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy a heart-felt story, a heart ornament craft and a heart healthy snack. The cost is $5 to enter.

Orchid clinic

Stop by Fellows Riverside Gardens with your orchid questions for orchid experts Dave Miller and Jackie Land on Feb. 18 from 2-4 p.m. Bring any problem orchids you may have and they will help you get them back on track. Orchid bark mix and orchid pots will be available for sale for a nominal fee.

Botanical mornings

Appreciate the structural beauty of the Gardens during this wintertime stroll with Lynn Zocolo on Feb. 20 from 9-10 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Look for witch hazels and perhaps some early bloooming bulbs. The cost is $5 to enter.

Botany for beginners

Have you ever been stumped by a botanical name? Are you confused by differences between xylem and phloem? If you answered yes to either questions then perhaps a refresher in botany with Mandy Smith on Feb. 25 from 9:30-11 a.m. will help out. The cost $8 to enter and the event will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Love rocks project

Stop by this love rock gathering on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens and learn the story of how rocks came to be and create your own to give to others. Donations are appreciated and all proceeds benefit the Family Garden.

Cabin fever fest

Bum off the winter blues at Cabin Fever Fest on Feb. 21 from 12-2 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area. A chili cook-off, outdoor games, sled riding and other activities will be provided. Enter the snow sculpting competition (weather permitting) and participate in winter crafts. Sample chili and vote for your favorite for a small donation. There is a $10 fee to enter the chili cook-off. Call FNC for chili cook-off registration, rules, or general event details. This event is presented by the Metroparks police and recreation departments.

Lily pond in winter

The lily pond has plenty of visitors during the warmer months, but it is a lonely place when it is cold. Explore nature in and around the pond in winter for this 2 mile walk at Ford Nature Center 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive for this easy 1 or 3 mile hike at 9 a.m. on Feb 11. You can also meet at MetroParks Bikeway Kirk Road Trailhead for a 2-4 mile hike at 9 a.m. on Feb. 25.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a mat and a small blanket. The cost is $10 per class and classes will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality at this T’ai Chi class on Wednesdays during the month of February from 12-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class and classes will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Restorative Yoga

Begin the morning with quiet time, restoring the body and nourishing the mind with restorative yoga and journaling with Michelle O’Brien on Feb. 28 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Each class will explore a specific topic to reflect on as you allow yourself to open to the process of relaxation and mindfulness. Bring several blankets, a pillow and a notebook. Register and pay $20 by Feb. 26

It’s all about color

These lovely works from the Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland are all about colors of the season. They will be on display at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Jan. 23 through March 1.

Salsa dance class

Swing your hips and enjoy the Latin rhythms as you learn to salsa Feb. 17 and 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. No partner? No problem. It is a paired dance, but everyone will learn together. Beginners are encouraged and welcomed. This class will be led by dance expert Lynda McPhail and A Time To Dance. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Rumba dance class

Come out and enjoy learning this easy to follow slow dance Feb.17 and 24 from 7-8 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. No partner? No problem! It is a paired dance, but everyone will learn together. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This class will be led by dance expert Lynda McPhail and A Time To Dance. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Puppy love

Take a brisk walk with your favorite Valentine - your canine companion - on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. Explore the winter beauty of the lily pond. Meet at Birch Hill Cabin afterward for hot drinks, cookies and treats by the fireplace. Share the love and bring an item to donate to the local animal shelters. Call FNC for details.

Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join the fun of Contra Dance on the ballroom floor of historic Pioneer Pavilion on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. This unique folk dance from the British Isles can be enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike. Dancers are instructed for each dance. The cost is $7 per class. Call FNC for details.

Cumberland island national seashore

Join Eric Broviak for a talk and presentation about this island paradise with pristine beaches and stunning nature wonders at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 2-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Call FNC for details.

Hot dog hike

Join Mill Creek Park for a winter 2 mile hike around the Ford Nature Center and get warm by the campfire with hot dogs and hot chocolate on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. with your dog. Metromutts are free and not-yet members are $3. Register by Feb. 26.

Coffee with the birds

As part of the 18th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, join Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage to watch bird while sipping coffee or tea on Feb. 14 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:15-11 a.m. Bring your favorite mug. Limited space is available. Call Ford Nature Center to register.

Bluebird box workshop

Learn about Eastern Bluebirds and make a nest box to help their population. Afterward, hike to the bluebird trail along the MetroParks bikeway. The cost is $15 to register and $18 NR per nest box. Register and pay at the Ford Nature Center by Feb. 8. This event will take place from 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley

Mary Smith will present a program about the National Audubon Society’s priority species and habitats on Feb. 24 from 7-8 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. Mary previously had worked for Audubon Maryland-DC.

Saxon Club to offer Bingo

The Saxon Club, located at 710 South Meridian Road in Youngstown, will now be offering Bingo on Sundays at 6:45 p.m. in the main ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be regular Bingo specials, including $10, $15 and $20 packages and tear offs, as well as $10 special packages, pig numbers, birthday specials and more. The facility is fully handicapped accessible and has security inside and out. Profits go to benefit the Austintown Fire Department and Austintown Police D.A.R.E. programs for local schools. For more information, call 330-792-7973.

Heritage gardening seminar

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting Garden Seminar: Heritage Gardening for the 21st Century on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Discover some of the successful, sustainable, and simple plants from the 18th through early 20th centuries. These tough and adaptable plants represent the foundation of our gardens today. Speakers will look at historic gardening methods that can be applied to our current gardens. Explore the rich heritage of the garden and what it means. The speakers’ books will be available for purchase at the seminar. This event is presented by the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown and Mill Creek MetroParks. For more information and to register, visit www.mgcy.org/Pages/WinterSeminar.aspx. The cost is $45 through Feb. 7 and $55 after that date.

New exhibit to begin Feb. 21

Ford Nature Center will be hosting a Nature Photography Exhibit Feb. 21 through March 15 during regular hours. View the talents of many amateur photographers.

Twice-Loved Book Sale

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host the Twice-Loved Books Sale Feb. 21 through March 1 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Peruse the tables in the Antonucci Horticulture Library for much loved books on gardening, cooking and nature. There will also be magazines for sale. Donations of related used books are appreciated at any time. All proceeds will benefit the Antonucci Horticulture Library.

he Bistro at MCCTC announces new winter and spring hours

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, has new winter and spring hours starting in January. The restaurant will be open for dine in or carryout from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Open dates are Feb. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 31; and April 1 and 2. The Bistro is run by students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. This gives students the chance to gain experience in all facets of working in the restaurant industry, from working as kitchen staff and the Sous Chef to waiting tables and hosting. To make a reservation or place an order for carryout, call 330-729-4000, ext. 1506.