METRO DIGEST || Howland police start Are You OK?

Howland police start Are You OK?

HOWLAND

Howland Police Department is launching the townshipwide “Are You OK?” Program to assist people 60 and older living alone or with someone not able to provide caregiving services.

The program involves phone calls on designated days and times to determine whether the resident is OK and follow-up visits where necessary. People eligible include those with non-life-threatening illnesses or severe medical problems.

To apply, call the police department at 330-856-5555. A police representative will schedule an appointment to explain the program. Applications are also available at the police station.

Those participating must sign an agreement and waiver of claims form, both of which are available at the township website, www.howlandtownship.org. The forms can be mailed or faxed back to the department.

Mahoning Co. foster parents needed

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Children Services will host an informational luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at its offices, 222 W. Federal St., for those interested in learning about becoming foster parents.

Children services cites a shortage of licensed foster homes, particularly those that can accommodate sibling groups and emergency placements. The agency needs 30 to 40 more homes, a spokeswoman said.

Learn how to be a farmer Feb. 10

ORWELL

The Northeast Counties Farm Bureau, serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull County Farm Bureaus is offering a Beginning Farmers Program at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Farm Bureau office, 8220 state Route 45.

Presenters for this seminar are Tim Bonar, Farm Credit Mid America; Dan O’Reilly, real-estate agent; Steve Kacerski, CPA; and Craig Sirna, Sirna’s Farm & Market. They will give tips on getting started because that’s considered the most difficult part.

Immediately afterward, there will be a social time at Woody’s Grub & Pub, 16 N. Maple St. The farm bureau will provide appetizers and soft drinks.

This event is free for farm bureau members and $15 for nonmembers. RSVP by Feb. 5 by calling 440-426-2195 or email nefarmbu@fairpoint.net.

Steel museum founder to speak

LIBERTY

Rick Rowlands, steel museum founder and historian, will share “Memories of a Lifetime” at 10 a.m. Feb. 17 at Kravitz’s Deli Meeting Room, 3135 Belmont Ave., for the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society.

The program is open to the public. Admission is $5 for members, and $6 for nonmembers. Refreshments will be served.

Entertainment is by Dolores DePietro. A 50/50 raffle will take place to benefit the society’s education mission. Reservations are suggested. Walk-ins are welcome and seated based on availability.

Call Richard S. Scarsella, society chairman, at 330-726-8277, for reservations or information.