GROW GIANT PUMPKINS: The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers Club is hosting its annual free “Learn to Grow Giant Pumpkins” beginners seminar 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Parks Garden Center in Canfield. The event will teach the basics of soil and site preparation, the importance of seed genetics and selection, seed starting, planting, growing, pollination, pruning, fertilizing and irrigation. Pre-register for the event by calling Parks Garden Center at 330-533-7278.

USS COLE SPEAKER: Cmdr. Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret.), author and acclaimed expert on security, leadership and crisis management, will speak at the Canfield Library noon Wednesday with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. After the program will be a question-and-answer session. The event is free to the public.

Lippold was the commanding officer of the USS Cole when it came under a suicide attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, on Oct. 12, 2000. During his command, he and his crew distinguished themselves by saving the American warship from sinking. The event is widely recognized as one of the most brazen acts of terrorism by al Qaeda prior to Sept. 11, 2001.

Lippold is the author of “Front Burner: Al Qaeda’s Attack on the USS Cole.”

This presentation was made possible through the efforts of Canfield Mayor Richard Duffett, the city of Canfield and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

SAUCE AND SONG: Youngstown St. Patrick Church is resuming its Sauce and Song event 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday with a dinner and afternoon concert in the church. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under. The one-hour afternoon concert will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will feature the Youngstown Cantorum, a new choral ensemble created to perform in the Carnegie Hall concert on May 23. It will be conducted by Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, professor at the Dana School of Music. Kathy Miller will accompany him. The concert is free and open to the community, although free-will offerings will be welcomed.

The Youngstown Cantorum is fundraising for its upcoming tour to New York City.

For more information, call 330-743-1109.

WOMAN’S LUNCHEON: Youngstown South Christian Woman’s Connection “Happy Valentine’s Day” luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12, at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Featured entertainment will be Donnie and Linda Abraham, with guest speaker Paula Abbott of Terrell, Texas. Her topic is “Freedom Behind Closed Doors.”

Reservations are necessary by Feb. 5, by calling Connie at 330-788-2340 or Patty at 330-332-2789.

TODAY

• Tuesday Morning Recovery — 10:30 a.m., Meridian Place, 1184 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

• Tuesday Night Surrender — 7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, 2555 Rush Blvd., Youngstown.

• Food Addicts Anonymous — 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 162 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown. Call 330-793-1599.

• Helping Hands Closet — nearly new clothing, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road.

• Girard Liberty Rotary Club — 6 p.m. at Amen Corner in Girard. Andy at 330-716-4523.