GARDENING TOPIC AT OPEN HOUSE: Barbara Petroff of Southington, who became interested in gardening as a child when residents were planting Victory Gardens during World War II, will give a talk on herbs at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 5 during the monthly open house of the John Stark Edwards House, Monroe Street, Warren.
Reservation are not needed and the presentation is free.
Petroff, a member of the Trumbull County Herb Society for many years, has raised gardens of herbs at her home.
The Edwards House has its own kitchen garden, which was established and is maintained by the Herb Society members in memory of the late Betty Ambrose, who was president of the Historical Society in 1991 and 1992.
Those attending will receive small pots of herbs to take home and plant in their own gardens.
EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR RICH CENTER: The Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio annual charity auction held in conjunction with the 2012 President's Gala raised $58,673 for the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University, bringing the 14-year total of charitable contributions to $524,773. Money was also raised from a benefit golf outing.
OHIO FAMILIES SOUGHT FOR EXCHANGE PROGRAM: Local families are being sought to serve as host families for high school students from around the world who want to spend a school year in Ohio. The program is sponsored by PAX, a non-profit educational foundation.
Host families need not have children of their own. A PAX student needs a bed, a place to study and three meals a day. PAX students are from more than 70 countries, including Brazil, South Korea, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Spain. They have full insurance and pocket money for personal expenses.
Families interested in hosting should call Darryl Anderson at 330-256-6127 or Peggy Jackson in the PAX national office at 1-800-555-6211.
BENEFIT POKER RUN PLANNED: The Betty's Angels Charity Poker Run will be held at noon Aug. 11 at Up a Creek Tavern, Howland. Sign-in is at 11 a.m. The ride will include Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharon, Pa., Yankee Lake in Brookfield and Leon's Sports Bar in Howland. Tickets can be purchased on Wednesdays at Quaker Steak and Lube at $20 for drivers and $15 for riders, with $5 off if paid by Friday.
The event will include a deejay, prizes, Chinese auction and 50-50 raffle, with all proceeds helping Betty's Angels Inc. For information, call Fran 330-240-2892
BAVARIAN FUN FEST PLANNED: The Bavarian Fun Fest will be held Thursday to Aug. 5 in downtown Sharon, Pa., on the grounds of the Quaker Steak and Lube, 101 Chestnut St.
The "old world" style festival will celebrate the traditions of Bavaria and Central Europe, from cabbage and strudel to polka bands and ethnic dancers. The event opens at 2 p.m. Thursday, with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. The celebration includes arts and crafts demonstrations, novelty acts, horse and wagon rides, magicians and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Aug. 5.
The fest begins at 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon Saturday and Aug. 5. Admission is $7 adults and $5 for seniors and children.
TODAY
Someplace Safe Inc., domestic violence agency, offers support groups for women, children and individual support services. 330-393-3003.
Sunday Night Our Gratitude Speaks, Narcotics Anonymous open speaker meeting. Sundays, 7 p.m. Serenity Place, 29 E. Broad St., Newton Falls.