SENIOR SIDELIGHTS

Austintown Fitch High School board members, student groups and school staff will serve dinner to Austintown seniors 65 and older at the fall senior citizens dinner at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 in the school cafeteria, 4560 Falcon Drive. The high school choir will entertain throughout the dinner. Tickets for the dinner are $2, and advance reservations are required by calling 330-797-3919 by Oct. 21.

Gathering Place event, sponsored by Lord of Life Church, Canfield, will meet at 11 a.m. Monday at Lord of Life Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield. Janice Jasinski, a CPA at Scullin, Bestic and Schroedel LLC in Canfield, will speak about protecting personal information from identity theft and what action to take if you become a victim. Lunch will be provided. This is a free community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens on the second Monday of each month. A variety of games and activities are offered. For information and reservations, contact Bernadette Beler at 330-533-6045 or the church at 330-533-3531.

Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., will host an open house for the community from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 to celebrate its 15th anniversary. A special program is planned at 5:30 p.m. The event will take place in the center’s gymnasium and will feature hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Music will be provided by Donny Richards from 6 to 7 p.m. Reservations are requested; call the center at 330-545-6596 by Wednesday.

Niles S.C.O.P.E. Senior Center, 14 E. State St., is offering the following programs: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 18, one-day craft class led by Stephanie from Wonderstruck Artisan Studio. No experience is necessary. Everyone will create a 10-inch square or round plate embellished with lace. All supplies will be provided including lace, or students may take their own lace. The cost is $25; 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21, free Lunch and Learn Program about “At Risk for Falls” is offered through Gateway Health, “Health Awareness Series.” The lunch is free; noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 26, annual Halloween party will include lunch at noon for $3 and bingo at 1 p.m. Those wearing a costume will receive a free bingo card. Lunch will consist of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic toast, salad and pumpkin pie. Registration is required for all sessions by calling the center at 330-544-3676 or stop in.

Senior Corps Retired Senior Volunteer Program, located in First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 201 Wick Ave., is under the Corporation for National and Community Service, a volunteer program that aims to link volunteers, age 55 and older, with a variety of volunteer opportunities within their community. There are sites throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties with opportunities such as senior companionship, transcription for museums, meal delivery for home-bound seniors, construction and many other opportunities. There is no maximum requirement of volunteer hours. There is a short application, and the program coordinator will meet with volunteers to match them with their preferred site based on their interests, skills and location. Volunteers can contact Kasey Knopp, program coordinator, at 330-480-0352 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or email kknopp@fcsohio.org.