Austintown briefs

Broadway producer comes to Boardman

Broadway producer Peter Sklar will be offering a free lecture for children 8 and up at Ruth’s Dance and Fitness Co. LLC May 19 at 2 p.m. The lecture is titled “Getting Started in the Arts” and will discuss being a successful child star. Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Mischa Barton are just a few of the people he has helped reach success. Seating is limited. Call 330-782-6785 for reservations.

Writing meeting set

Area writers are invited to attend Monday Night Writers on May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road. Led by author and professional writer Nancy Christie, the two-hour sessions will include both writing exercises and discussions on the creative and business aspects of writing. Those with ‘works-in-progress’ are welcome to bring copies of their projects for comments and critiques from the group.

The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, email Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

MCCTC students host plant sale

The spring plant sale, sponsored by the Horticulture program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, started May 6. Horticulture students have prepared items including assorted annuals, hanging baskets and fresh tomatoes and peppers. Flats of flowers will also be available. The Horticulture Green House will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday throughout the month of May until all items are sold. For more information on the spring plant sale, contact Mary June Emerson at 330-729-4000 ext., 1671.

Shepas to push for family events

To clarify remarks made in last week’s “Shepas launches bid for trustee” story, he said that if elected, Shepas wants to “bring more family events to Austintown parks and recreation areas.”

The quote appeared incorrectly in last week’s edition.

Library closed for holidays

All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed on May 12 (Mother’s Day) and May 26-27 (Memorial Day weekend).

Kindle class set

Bring your Kindle to the library and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on their website on May 29 at 6 p.m. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for specific library to register.

Buzz about books at library

The Austintown library will host Page turners: Book Buzz on May 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun. For adults.

Participate in cancer research study

This year, the Austintown Relay For Life will offer the unique opportunity to participate first-hand in a landmark new cancer research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the community to actively get involved in research to help prevent cancer for this generation and generations to come. Participants must be between the ages of 30-65 years old, never been diagnosed with cancer (aside from basal and squamous cell) and be willing to make a 20-30 year commitment which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home.

Enrollment will take place at the Austintown Relay For Life held at Austintown Fitch High School on June 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/cps3.

Couch to 5K program under way

The Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center will present its second annual Couch to 5K program, beginning May 20.The Couch to 5K program will consist of three training sessions per week for 12 weeks in Boardman. Last year, participants were from a wide range of ages, including some in their 50s and 60s. The fee for the program is $90 for the 12-week program or $40 per month.

The instructor will be Amber Landsman, a strength and conditioning fitness trainer with 20 years experience training and running races. She has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Dr. Suzelis, also an avid runner, will assist with some of the sessions.

For more information or to register, call 330-729-1350 or register online at OhioND.com.

Friends of the library meeting to be May 20

The Friends of the Austintown library meeting and program will be held on May 20 at 10 a.m. Cassie Nespor, curator of the Rose Melnick Medical Museum at Youngstown State University, will introduce this local “hidden gem.” The audience will learn about the Iron Lung, the Wooden X-Ray machine, the invention of the stethoscopes and other interesting stories through the museum’s exhibits. The presentation will highlight some of the interactive aspects of the Museum that gives visitors a chance to experience various periods in medical history.

Guess and go

Children of all ages are invited to play Guess ‘N’ Go: Title Trivia during library hours through May. Match the book cover with its title. All who try will receive a small prize.

Class features Nook for newbies

Adults can bring your Nook to the Austintown library and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on their website on May 21 at 6 p.m.

Local author book signing

Bradley’s Book Outlet will be hosting local author Jason Webb May 19 from 1-4 p.m. for a book signing of Webb’s latest children’s book, “Tim Chance Has Big Dreams.” The event will offer free face painting, balloons and drinks with your purchase of “Time Chance Had Big Dreams.”

Kids decorate for mom

Dairy Queen invites kids to decorate a cake for mom today. The Cornersburg Dairy Queen will host the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Austintown Dairy Queen will host the event from 2 to 5 p.m. Qualified DQ cake decorators will be on hand to assist. Place an edible image of your choice on your DQ cake for a special touch. Children must be supervised by an adult. Costs range from $19.99 for an eight-inch round cake to $26.99 for a 10x14 sheet. For more information, or to reserve a spot call the Cornersburg store at 330-799-5295 or Austintown at 330-792-3765.

Give blood at the library

The Austintown library will hold a blood drive on May 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. hosted by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. For adults only.

Hear best-selling author

Hear No. 1 International best-selling author Dan Brown at the live-streaming event at Austintown library on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Brown’s publisher, Doubleday, is providing a live stream to bookstores and libraries across the country and the Austintown library will be your local connection. Listen to Brown speak, via live-stream video, about science, religion, book publishing, filmmaking and a few surprise topics. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.

Ursuline Sisters accepting applications

The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown are accepting applications for their June 2013 intern/volunteer program. College students or recent graduates 18 and older with a few hours a week to spare and a sincere desire to make a difference in the community are encouraged to apply.

Interns and volunteers really make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate while gaining valuable workplace experience to build their r sum s, having fun, meeting new people and visiting diverse places. Hours are flexible, and participants can extend their experiences beyond June.

For more information or to apply, contact Sister Norma at 330-792-7636 or nraupple@theursulines.org or visit the Sisters blog at www.theurslines.org. Applicants must provide a r sum , three references or letters of recommendation and pass federal background checks.

Austintown Curves offering free workouts

Curves in Austintown, located at 4330 New Road, is offering free Healthways Silver Sneakers memberships.

Eligible women can workout for free, based on their participating Medicare Supplemental insurance. Call 330-793-9802 for information.

Babies and books set at library

Babies ages 6 to 23 months can join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader May 6, 13 and 20 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales for toddlers set for Wednesdays

Join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader every Wednesday in May at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library hosts Fun for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 4-5) become a successful reader every Wednesday in May at 11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move storytime set

Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver can join the Austintown library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development, and motivate language learning every Thursday in May at 10 a.m. Adults and kids, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Teens ready for PS2sday

Play video games in the meeting room of the Austintown library after school on May 14 at 2:30 p.m. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

YSU scholarships available

Applications for scholarships to Youngstown State University by the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at 330-729-0355. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 1.

Church offers gift cards

Smith Corners United Methodist Church is offering gift cards that you can order for Walmart, Giant Eagle, Sam’s Club, Speedway, AutoZone and more. Pick up an order form or call the church at 330-799-9390 for more details. Orders will be placed on the fifth and 20th of each month.

Benefit golf outing to be July 20

The eighth annual sunshine benefit golf outing will be held on July 20 at Lakeside Golf Course. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and shotgun start at 9 a.m. The event will be a three-person scramble. The cost is $225 per team and includes a T-shirt, continental breakfast, lunch, drinks and a steak dinner to follow at Ball Busters Sports Bar.

Register at Ball Busters Sports Bar, 3661 Mahoning Ave., by July 16 or by calling Johnny Mashiska at 330-519-6753, Mark Kellerman at 330-397-7652 or Dale Brady at 571-292-0264.

Hole sponsorships are available for $100 and program ads for $50. Cost for just the steak dinner is $30 per person or two for $50. All proceeds benefit James Krokoski.

Benefit cornhole tournament set

Ball Busters Sports Bar and Grill, 3661 Mahoning Ave., will host a cornhole tournament on July 21. Registration begins at 2 p.m. and first bag toss is at 3 p.m. The cost is $40 per team and includes a hot dog lunch. The tournament will include double elimination, 50/50 and a raffle. All proceeds will benefit James Krokoski. For more information, call Tom Miller at 330-565-2573.