Austintown Community Briefs

Friendly Squares Halloween dance

The Niles Friendly Squares Halloween dance will take place on Oct. 10 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. For additional information, call Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Non-food Trick or Treat to be Oct. 16

Annual Trick Nor Treat Halloween candy free event at Beyond Expectations South Bridge Therapy and Learning Center, located at 725 Boardman-Canfield Road, E-1 in Boardman, on Oct. 16 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The event will be a non-food trick or treating, inclusive for children with food allergies, special diets or whose parents just don’t want more sugar. There will be pumpkin decorating and crafts, Halloween games, costume contest and a Chinese auction. The event is free and open to the community. Find the event on Facebook on the “Beyond Expectations Speech Therapy” page and help spread the word.

Bingo and card party to be Oct. 18

The annual fall bingo and card party at St. Brendan’s Maxwell Hall, located at 2800 Oakwood Ave. in Youngstown, on Oct. 18 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $5 (includes lunch) and tickets will be sold at the door.

Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat guided tours

Enjoy a your through Mill Creek’s Vanishing Acts outdoor exhibit led by one of their Garden Guides at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Oct. 11 and 25 at 1 p.m. Find out why trees are under threat around the world and in Ohio.

Garden to table

Enjoy an exquisite autumn dinner prepared by Friends Specialty at the Garden Cafe at Fellows Riverside Garden on Oct. 22 from 6:30-9 p.m. The dinner costs $30, and all proceeds benefit Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens. Space is limited, and there will be a cash bar.

Metromutts: Howl-O-Ween Hike

Have a howl of a good time on this trek down the MetroParks Bikeway on the Kirk Road Trailhead on Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Bring your dog dressed in his or her Halloween best — you are welcome to dress up, too! Costume contests, prizes, and refreshments will be available in the pavilion following the hike. MetroMutts members receive a free pumpkin and photo with their dog. The trail is easy and two miles long. Donated items for Animal Charity Human Society are welcome. Call FNC for details.

Nightclub two step dance class

Enjoy learning this easy slower tempo dance. No partner? No problem! It is a paired dance, but everyone learns together. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. The classes will take place at the Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks from 7-8 p.m. on Oct. 13, 20 and 27. Each class is $5. Call FNC for details.

Colors and reflections

Join Mill Creek MetroParks to circle Lake Glacier at the Ford Nature Center on Oct. 11 from 2-4:30 p.m. Because of its variety of tree species and their watery reflections, it’s usually Mill Creek Park’s best place for autumn color. The hike is of moderate difficulty and is four miles long.

Pumpkin walk before twilight

Join Mill Creek MetroParks in the Calvary Ryn parking area near the Glacier Boathouse for this moderate to difficult one-mile hike on Oct. 18 from 2-3:30 p.m. Before the tremendous crows arrives, stroll through the magnificent display of jack o’lanterns at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Where are witches?

Halloween is near! While it’s not likely you’ll find ghosts or goblins, Mill Creek MetroParks hopes to find witches in the Scholl Recreation Area on a moderate, one-and-a-half mile hike. The hike is on Oct. 25 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead this walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on Oct. 24 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Please register for this walk at FNC by Oct. 23.

Chair to Mat Movement

Chair to Mat Movement with Michelle O’Brien is designed to increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Chair to Mat Movement will take place at the Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9-10 a.m. on Oct. 14, 21 and 28. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the Gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Yoga in the Gardens will be held at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29. The cost is $12 a class. Bring your own mat and a small blanket.

The Gardens of Marjorie Dettliing

Marjorie Dettling’s love of nature shows through in this vibrant and bold exhibit in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The exhibit is open through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

14th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration

The Hunt Institute of Pittsburgh brings the work of 35 botanical documentation artists from around the world to the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Garden. The exhibit will open Oct. 30 and will run through Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Bits and Pieces of Our History

Through December, the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens will showcase the Bits and Pieces of Our History exhibit, which takes a look at the very early years of Mill Creek Park. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Tai Chi Step One in the Gardens

Warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Tai Chi will take place from noon until 1 p.m. at the Fellows Riverside Gardens on Oct. 14, 21 and 28.

Sprout Club

Children ages 3-5 can join the Sprout Club this autumn to learn about the amazing world of plants. Sprout Club is $7 per class and will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Oct. 15. Participants must register and pay by Oct. 13.

Halloween Sale at the Golf Shop

Enjoy spooky savings at the Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop during the first annual Halloween Golf Shop Sale. All clothing, shoes and accessories will be discounted Oct. 27-31.

Nature-inspired stoneware mugs

Lynn Cardwell will help students construct two nature-inspired stoneware mugs at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Oct. 13 from 5:30-8 p.m. The cost is $34, or $28 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Please register and pay by Oct. 11.

Cattails and wheat

Design an autumn arrangement of flowers, cattails and wheat in a basket at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $40 or $34 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Please register and pay by Oct. 20.

Family Fun Fridays

Through Oct. 16, the Fellows Riverside Gardens are hosting Family Fun Fridays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Each Friday, take part in fun drop-in activities in the Family Garden.

Blind Date with a Book

Exciting, single book is seeking a fun-loving reader. Will be wearing a plain book jacket and sitting out on display at the Austintown Library during regular hours. Check one out today. 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 the Austintown library during regular hours in October to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons or learning new tips from other coupon-clippers. This event is for adults.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in October 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.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 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. Bonding with Babies and Books will take place at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Tuesday in October.

Socrates Cafe Philosophy Group

This event is open to the public at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086. This event is for adults.

Grab and Go craft for October

Make a craft to take home at the Austintown library during regular hours in October. This event is for children of all ages.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills using books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten story time will take place at the Austintown library at 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday in October.

It’s a Jungle...A Grasshopper Jungle

Join the Austintown library at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 for a special presentation by Andrew Smith, author of the best-selling book and soon-to-be movie, “Grasshopper Jungle.” This event is for teens and adults. No reservations are needed. Refreshments will be available for the library’s 135th anniversary. The program is free and open to the public.

Basic Word computer class

Learn very basic computer skills involving the Microsoft Office Word program at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. This is a beginner’s class that will cover cut and paste and the Word menus. Space is limited to five. Call 330-744-8636 to register and specify Austintown Basic Word computer class. This event is for adults.

The future of burial rites

Are cemeteries a permanent part of the landscape in family history research? During the 21st century it is likely that dwindling land space, environmental concerns, the surge in non-burial options and the availability of new technologies all will lead to significant changes in death rituals. The Austintown library will examine what this means for genealogy at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 27. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for adults.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library at 11 a.m. on Oct. 20 or 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. Sign up for either session to create each month’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3D item. Class size is limited, registration required and can be made by calling 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Friends of the Austintown Program and Meeting

The Friends of the Austintown Program will meet at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Oct. 26. The presenter is Zachary Frymier from the PUCO’s Office of Retail Competition.

The Legal Creative’s legal clinic for creatives

Artist’s and art professionals: Schedule a half hour or one hour appointment to meet face-to-face with an attorney about topics related to the running of an arts business. A limited number of appointments will be accepted. Registration is required and no walk-in appointments will be accepted. Artists can preregister online at www.legalcreative.org, or by calling The Legal Creative (330-286-4363) or emailing info@legalcreative.org. This event is for adults. Appointments will take place at the Austintown library on Oct. 30 and will begin at 9 a.m.

Blood pressure check by Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association

A blood pressure check will be at the Austintown library on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Page Turners book club

Love books and looking for a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just join the fun. The Page Turners Book Club meeting will be at the Austintown library from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 21. This event is for adults.

Get connected at your library

Learn how to use your library card to download or stream free movies and TV shows, and get free access to many popular digital magazines. This class is for adults and will take place at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Name the chocolate bar

Come in to the Austintown library during regular hours in October to correctly identify the chocolate bars. If you guess correctly, you could win a sweet prize. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Twicks and tweats for tweens and teens

Boys and ghouls, bring your bones to the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 for a howling good time, featuring snacks, drinks, music and prizes for best costume. This event is for grades 5-12.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Thursday in October 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, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Take a guess

Guess the number of items in the jar at the Austintown library during regular hours in October. Closest guess wins a small prize. This event is for the family.

Haunted library

Come to the “haunted” Austintown library for some Halloween howls. Expect to be tricked and treated. Stories, games, slimy science and a craft. Costumes welcomed for in-library trick or treating. This event is for children of all ages. The haunted library will take place on Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Seventh Annual Danielle Scott Memorial Poetry Contest

Danielle Scott was a beloved Teen Advisory Board member the community lost to cancer. Mahoning County libraries are sponsoring the seventh annual poetry writing contest to honor Scott and her love of writing. Teens may enter one poem with a theme of their choice. Entries may be submitted online at http://www.libraryvisit.org/teens/danielle/ or on standard 8 1/2 inch x 11 inch paper (not to exceed two pages) to any public library by Oct. 31. If you submit your entry online, select the writing type (poem) and be sure to include your phone number. Hard copies must be typed. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, grade and school on your entry. Entries are not returnable. One winner will be chosen and will be awarded a plaque and a monetary prize. All entrants must be in grades 7-12 and either live in or attend school in Mahoning County. Contest runs from Oct. 1-31.

East High School Class of 1962 reunion planned

The East High School Class of 1962 has planned a fall dinner reunion for Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Donavito’s Italian Grill in Struthers. Meals will be ordered from the menu. Any questions can be directed to Adeline DiPasqua at 330-758-4082.

Knitting Guild to meet on Oct. 13

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild will meet on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Fair Park in Canfield. The Guild’s bylaws will be revised and voted on by the members. Also there will be a trunk show by Heidi and Lana from Sebring. Anyone interested in fiber arts is welcome to join them for possible membership. More information can be attained by visiting wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

Authentic German harvest festival to raise funds for local quality of life programming

Kravitz Delicatessen, Inc. is pleased to announce that it will present and host the Valley’s Authentic Munich-style Oktoberfest at its location the city’s North Side. The festival will take place on Oct. 10 and 11 inside and under the tent at the Colonial Plaza, located at 3135 Belmont Ave. in Youngstown. There is no cover charge for the event, but donations will gladly be accepted for Autism programs in the Mahoning Valley. This will be a fun, family oriented event all day with good food, tasty beverages and foot-tapping music all day and into the evening. It will feature regional ethnic bands, authentic German food delicious German beer and Rhine wine tastings, fun games and contests. Strudel, brats, stuffed cabbage, chicken snitzel and other German specialties will be available for sale. More information can be found at the event website at www.oktoberfestyoungstown.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/oktoberfestyoungstown.

Legacy Dog Rescue looking for shoes

Do you have any new or gently worn pairs of shoes that you aren’t wearing and that are just taking up space? Don’t throw them away. Legacy Dog Rescue would be happy to take them off your hands. They partnered with Wooftrax to raise some funds for their rescue, get the shoes to people that need them and avoid the shoes from getting into a landfill, which helps the environment. All the proceeds received for this event will go directly to funding one of Legacy Dog Rescue’s large community dog and cat food giveaways that they periodically have. They are planning to have one in late November around Thanksgiving. Last November, they gave away more than 6,500 pounds of dog and cat food. How it works is they collect gently worn or new shoes of all types and sizes. Then, Wooftrax picks-up the shoes from them. They refurbish the shoes and get them to people that really need them. Drop boxes are located at Family Video Austintown, Coco Moe’s Tanning on Elm Road, Howland Community Animal Hospital, Lil Paws, The Learning Dog Training Center, Spider Web Music and The Wellness Center in Niles. Email ldrcharity@gmail.com for more information.

Basket raffle to help dogs of Mahoning County

Legacy Dog Rescue, Friends of Fido and Youngstown Dogs are hosting a huge basket raffle on Oct. 10 at Davidson’s Restaurant/Tavern, located at 3636 Canfield Road in Canfield, from 2–5 p.m. Eighty great baskets and gift cards will be raffled off. The winner will be drawn at 5 p.m. and need not be present. The Old Goats will be playing from 3-6 p.m. Come out and have a great dinner and a drink with great friends working together to help the dogs of Mahoning County. For more information, contact Jenn at 330-719-5569 or follow the organizations on Facebook.

Quarter Auction set for Oct. 17

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Social Concerns Group will host a Quarter Auction on Oct. 17 in the Parish Center, located at at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the auction beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your own beverages and snacks for your table. Coffee, dessert, pop and water will be provided. Tickets are $10 and all money raised will be donated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary Social Concerns Group’s various charities. For more information or to obtain tickets, call Rebecca Velasco at 330-799-7751 or Bea Capezzuto at 330-793-4843.

Watkins graduates from Kent State

Sarah Elizabeth Watkins of Austintown graduated in May from Kent State University with a Master of Science in nursing-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care after obtaining National Board Certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board in July. She will begin practicing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with Akron Childrens Hospital. Watkins obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Kent State in 2008 and has worked as an RN for Akron Childrens for more than seven years. She is the daughter of Emil and Annette Grahovac of Austintown, and resides there with her husband, Josh, and two sons, Ross and Michael.

Begin your new life navigating through separation/divorce support group

Join this small group for those whose lives have been affected by divorce or separation. You don’t have to go through it alone. Be a part of a caring group of people that together will find peace, power and healing. Look forward to rebuilding your life with a positive focus. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at RP Life Consulting, located at 1570 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Building C-101 in Austintown. For more information, contact Robyn Podboy at 330-757-4259.

A new name for Austintown Fitch High School Falcon Stadium

The Austintown Local School District announced a long-term partnership with Greenwood Chevrolet for the naming rights of the Austintown Fitch High School Falcon Stadium. The new name effective today is Greenwood Chevrolet Austintown Falcon Stadium.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions. 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 will 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.

Recruitment and team registration taking place

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is inviting Mahoning and Columbiana County area residents to form teams and register to participate in the Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 10 at the Watson Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State University, located at 651 Elm Street in Youngstown. The Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, education and research. Check in is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place annually in more than 700 communities. The event is an inspiring and meaningful experience that calls on participants of all ages to share their collective voice as an advocate, walk in honor of their loved ones and help raise awareness of programs and services available to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, there will be refreshments, basket drawings, a children’s corner and entertainment, as well as other activities.

Family fun Fridays

Each Friday, take part in the drop-in activities in the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens now through Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Bits and pieces of history

Take a look at Mill Creek Park throughout the early years at Fellows Riverside Gardens-Melnick Museum now through December from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.