Austintown briefs

Sign up for Early Care and Education Institute

The Trumbull-Mahoning-Columbiana Association for the Education of Young Children will host the 2010 Early Care and Education Institute Apr. 17 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Austintown Middle School.

This year’s keynote speaker is Lynne Gehrke, a professor of Teacher Education at Concordia University. Registration is $15 for Tru-Mah-Col AEYC members/NAEYC members and students and $30 for nonmembers.

Registration deadline is Monday. For information contact Lora Comichisto at 330-637-1792.

“Awesome-town” festival planning

The “Awesome-town” Fall Festival, scheduled for Oct. 9, is taking shape, but help is still needed. The organizers hope to have designated parking places around town and busses to shuttle people to the park.

They need organizations that have a bus and driver to volunteer their time. They are also looking for local businesses to become “official sponsors.”

Funds can be donated to the “Awesome-town” Fall Festival account at the Austintown Branch of Farmer’s National Bank. The fall festival also includes a classic car show. Organizers are looking for individual car owners and car club members to participate.

Monthly meetings for the festival are the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stacey Pavilion at Township Park. Meetings are open to the public.

For information, contact lead organizers Brad Bloomster or Rev. Elmarie Parker at 330-799-4214 or 330-792-6441.

Indoor garage sale at high school

The Fitch PTA will sponsor a garage sale at Austintown Fitch High School May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free for shoppers. There will be food, a 50/50 raffle and more.

For information, contact Kelly at 330-270-2669 or kjhowdy@zoominternet.net Applications to reserve tables will be sent out by contacting Kelly. Cost is $20 for table and 2 chairs.

Make a craft and take it home from library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting a creation station for children in kindergarten through sixth grade throughout April’s regular library hours. Children can create a craft and take it home.

Help Neighbors showcase your summer

Summer is fast approaching and Neighbors would love to hear about your organization’s plans for spring and summer festivals, Vacation Bible School programs, community events and sports camps and outings.

Just let us know who, what, when, where and why and we’ll get the word out for you.

Then, don’t forget to send us pictures of all the fun so we can share them with your neighbors.

Locals students perform in YSU play

Local students from Youngstown State University’s Performing Arts series will be featured in performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “The Mikado” Apr. 9 through Apr. 11 and Apr. 16 through Apr. 18 in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater at Youngstown State University.

Austintown residents and their roles include, Natelie Modarelli, Pitti-Sing, Kayla Wilson, Yum-Yum and Abby Smith, Chorus.

The performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $5 for YSU students with ID and season ticket holders, $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, YSU faculty, high school and college students from other universities.

A brunch will be offered for the Apr. 11 show at MVR, 410 Walnut St. at 1 p.m. Brunch/ticket prices are $20 for season ticket holders and $25 for non-season ticket holders.

Show tickets may be reserved by calling the University Theater Box Office. Reservations and payments are required prior to the brunch event. Phone reservations, with a credit card and ticket reservation, can be made by calling 330-941-3105. No walk-ins will be permitted.

Parking will be available in the Wick Avenue parking deck for a nominal fee.

Fundraiser for Austintown Relay

The Meadows bus trip Monday is a chance for the Relay for Life team “Beccas Castle” to raise money for the Relay. The bus leaves from Heritage Christian Church on Matthews Road at 7:15 a.m.

It will leave the casino at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $40. Ten dollars goes to the cancer society and $15 goes back in coin from the casino. The cost also includes continental breakfast at the church and snacks and drinks on the bus as well as raffles and bingo on the bus.

Limited seats are available. For information, contact Debbie at 330-360-4966

GFFA program assists with the need for food

Smith Corners United Methodist Church is the local site for the Great Food For All program.

For $30, groceries can be ordered each month by any interested individual with no income guidelines or applications. Cash, money order, credit card or cashier’s checks are accepted at the time the order is placed.

Orders for April 24 pick-up can be placed at the church Apr. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon and Apr. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Online orders close Apr. 8 at 9 p.m.

The food must be picked up at Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 South Canfield-Niles Road, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For information, contact the church office at 330-799-9390.

Library will be closed

All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be closed today and Sunday.

April reading programs

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting its Baby Brilliant programs throughout April.

“Bonding with Babies and Books” will be Thursday and Apr. 22 at 10 a.m.

The program is for babies 6 to 23 month and includes developmentally appropriate book, songs rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help infants become successful readers.

A similar program for toddlers, “Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s” will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Wednesday in April.

“Three piggie’s” puppet play and craft will be featured on Apr. 28.

Tuesdays throughout April, “Fun Time for 4’s and 5’s” begins at 10 a.m.

Toddlers can burn energy at story time

Restless children ages 2 to 5 can enjoy an active story time 11 a.m. Thursday and Apr. 22 at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s “Gotta Move Story Time.”

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Block Watch group sets meeting and party

The North and South Wickliffe Block Watch Group will have its regular monthly meeting Monday at 7 p.m. and host its second annual Neighborhood Block Party July 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wickliffe Christian Church.

The meeting and party are open to all Austintown residents and businesses. Those wishing to help plan the party should attend the meetings.

The block watch was established in 2008 and covers North and South Wickliffe areas.

Group members regularly patrol the neighborhoods on foot and in vehicles and alert the police of any suspicious activities.

The party will include free food and beverages, music, games and events for children of all ages.

There will be displays by area safety forces, including fire trucks, an ambulance and demonstrations by the Austintown Police Department’s Canine Unit.

For information, contact June Galbraith at 330-792-1571, Shawne Wilfrong 330-744-1803 or Detective Jeffrey Toth of the Austintown Police Department.

Tables available for trash and treasure sale

Tables are available for the Take Off Pound Sensibly’s (TOPS) Trash and Treasure Sale Apr. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, 45 Idlewood Rd.

The cost for a table is $10 and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

TOPS is a support group for those trying to lose weight. They meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the church. The group is open to women, men and children over 7.

For information, call 330-799-2894, or visit the TOPS Web site at www.TOPS.org.

Learn about musical instruments

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a musical petting zoo Apr. 13 at 7 p.m.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can touch and get acquainted with a variety of musical instruments.

The program is being sponsored by the Ohio Chapter of Music Education and Youngstown State University chapter.

Get a blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer blood pressure screenings at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Apr. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Friends of the library set to meet Apr. 19

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will meet Apr. 19 at 10 a.m.

Greenwood Chevrolet earns top honor

Greenwood Chevrolet on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown was named one of the top 100 GM Certified Used Vehicles dealer in the nation for 2009.

The dealership team was honored for its dedication of providing customers with top-quality purchase and ownership experience.

MCCTC salon offers afternoon hours

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center’s salon will be open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 2:10 p.m. through May.

All services are performed by students under the supervision of their instructor. Services include haircuts, hairstyles, perms, relaxers, facials, hair removal, hair color and manicures and prices start at $6.

To make an appointment, call Linda Tomko at 330-729-4000, ext. 1309.

Video available on back pain prevention

The Humility of Mary Health Partners newest video features Stephanie Kopley, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, speaking about the importance of treating back pain immediately and the causes and treatment available. The video can be viewed at HMpartners.org by clicking on the blue Health Points tab.

Smith Corners Church changes worship times

Smith Corners United Methodist Church on the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road has a new Sunday worship schedule.

Sunday school classes will be available at 9:30 a.m. for all ages, including three different adult classes. There will be a fellowship time at 10:15 a.m. with coffee and a simple snack available.

Praise Time begins in the sanctuary at 10:35 a.m. and Sunday morning worship begins at 10:45 a.m., with nursery care available.

The congregation has worshipped at the same time for many years, but the new schedule is being instituted to give families with young children and persons with medical needs more time to get ready on Sunday morning so all can worship together.

For more information, call Rev. Jan Sprague at 330-799-9390.

September reunion for Fitch class of ‘67

Austintown Fitch Class of 1967 is planning a reunion for Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.

Classmates are requested to send e-mail or current mailing address and phone number to Peggy Kellish Carr at p.a.carr@roadrunner.com or call her at 216-870-4801.

Shopping on a budget

The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Mahoning Avenue is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A variety of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and bric-a-brac is available at bargain prices.

Austintown Channel 19 needs your ideas

Austintown’s Community Television Station is conducting a survey on what changes viewers would like to see in the programming.

The survey, which is available to viewers on the station’s newly developed Web site, asks residents to comment on the types of programs they watch and what they would like to see more of in the future. The questions also focus on residents’ awareness of available programs and services provided by the station. Officials hope to collect viewer responses through the month of February. Austintown residents can participate in the survey by going to www.austintown.k12.oh.us/~channel19/wp/.

Can goods sought for Rescue Mission

The Adult Education Medical Assistant Program at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is having a community outreach drive for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Items needed include canned foods, first-aid items and toiletries.

Drop-off locations are Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on Palmyra Road in Canfield, Wedgewood Pizza on South Avenue in Boardman, Austintown Surgery Center on North Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown and Walgreens Pharmacy on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown.

Historical society offers afghans for sale

The Austintown Historical Society has for immediate purchase the historic Austintown afghan.

Colors are cranberry red and cream, Williamsburg blue and cream, and hunter’s green and cream.

Also available are the Cat’s Meow collectibles, which cost from $12 to $15 each.

All proceeds benefit the Austintown Historical Society. For information, call 330-792-1129.

Local company donates masks to save pets

Invisible Fence of Eastern Ohio donated oxygen recovery mask kits for pets to fire stations in Austintown, Canfield and Poland. The kits can be used by local firefighters to prevent a pet from falling victim to smoke inhalation due to fire.

An estimated 40,000 to 150,000 pets each year die in fires, most succumbing to smoke inhalation.

Fill your trunk with treasures and join the sale

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a “Trunk Treasures” sale Apr. 17 at the Greenwood Hummer parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants can fill their trunk with anything they want to sell or bring a table and join others at the sale.

A parking space is $25 and you can buy two adjoining spots.

Reservations must be made by Apr. 9. Food vendors are welcome.

The event is being sponsored as part of the year-long 100th anniversary celebration of the Mahoning chapter.

To register, call Gail Froomkin at 330-726-6063.