Birding, canal and glacial history and plant identification will be part of “Paddle the Hartstown Swamp.” Participants must bring their own kayak, floatation device, water, snack, lunch and binoculars. Some kayaks will be available to borrow. Registration needed by Wednesday by calling 724-932-3142.

Old-Fashioned Christmas set in Shaker Woods

COLUMBIANA, Ohio — The 14th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12 and 18 and 19 in Shaker Woods, Columbiana.

The festival will host 200 quality craftspeople and artisans. Daily cost is $6.50 for adults and free to those 12 and younger.

Info: Linda McGaffic, 724-774-6341; e-mail, christmas@mcgaffic.com or ww.shakerwoods.com

Olympic medalist to speak at Thiel College

GREENVILLE — A winner of six medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing will speak during the second Community Experience event of the fall semester at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in William A. Passavant Center on the campus of Thiel College in Greenville. Natalie Coughlin will speak on her Olympic experiences and her advocacy for women in sports. The event is part of the college’s Community Building Initiative.

Info: 724-589-2106; or www.thiel.edu/cbi

First United Methodist does mentoring program

SHARPSVILLE — Teens through those in their 60s and 70s are coming together monthly in First United Methodist Church, 148 E. Shenango St., for an intergenerational mentoring group.

The teens teach those involved in the Senior Employment Program how to program their cell phones, DVDs and VCRs and show them what text messaging and iPods are all about. The seniors in turn share their lives experiences.

The Oct. 12 meeting will be “German Night’ to honor Sharpsville’s foreign exchange student from Germany.