Austintown briefs

Showcase your summer in Neighbors

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.

Fitch High alum earns national honor

Jennifer Vickers, an Austintown native, was one of five inductees into a national health honor society at Malone University in Canton.

Vickers, a senior at the School of Education, was accepted to the Eta Gamma Society as a result of her academic achievements and commitment to her health education studies. Vickers is studying physical education and community health education.

Vaccine awareness lecture planned

The Holistic Moms Network Youngstown Chapter is hosting “Vaccine Awareness with Dr. Ethen” Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Boardman Library.

Ethen will explain the history of vaccines, current recommendations and alternatives to vaccinations at the free lecture.

For information, contact Maria Marucci at 330-533-4357.

Make a decision on health care at local hospitals

The Humility of Mary Health Partners Palliative Medicine representatives will be outside the cafeterias at St. Elizabeth, St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth Boardman from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday to assist employees and visitors in documenting their healthcare decision by completing written advanced directives including living wills and healthcare power of attorneys.

The event is being sponsored to celebrate National Healthcare Decision Day. For information, visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionday.org

Meet Mahoning County commissioner candidates

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown are co-hosting a forum with candidates for Mahoning County commissioner at 7 p.m. April 26 at Holiday Inn Boardman.

Invited to participate are Democrats David Ludt of Poland, the incumbent, and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a Youngstown council member; and Republican Don Manning of North Lima.

Under rules set by the league, each candidate will have three minutes for opening statements and two minutes for closing statements. All candidates will be asked a series of questions by the moderator. Written questions from the audience also will be asked.

The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy a night of murder and mystery May 1

The Friend to Friend Foundation is sponsoring a “Night of Murder and Mystery” May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Fifth Season Banquet Center, 1400 Niles-Canfield Road in Mineral Ridge.

The cost for the event is $30 per person and includes appetizers, dinner and mystery performance by Garrettsville Curtains Up Theater. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle will be available.

All proceeds will go to the foundation to help provide a network of support for young adult cancer patients and their families.

For information, call Barb Sapp at 330-360-8005 or Amy Gilles, at 330-942-2104.

Get something new to read at used book sale

The Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Dr. in Boardman is hosting its 54th annual used book sale Apr. 28 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Apr. 29 and Apr. 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale will feature a large collection of books and music in all categories.

Boardman Park offers new online reservations

Boardman Township Park’s new and improved online reservation system began Monday on its Web site.

Residents can see available rentals, rates, rental times and payment options. The payment system will accept all major credit cards.

Reservations can still be made in person at the rental office, but only payments in cash, money order or check can be accepted.

Visit the Web site at www.boardmanpark.com. For information, call the park office at 330-726-8107.

Learn to prepare 30-minute healthy meals

The Humility of Mary Health Partners will offer a free 30-minute Healthy Meal demonstration today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Methodist Community Center, 334 N. Pearl St. in Youngstown.

A dietitian will teach participants how to prepare healthy, low-sodium and reduced fat and sugar meals in 30 minutes.

For information, call 330-743-5149.

Cultural healthy cuisine tips and tricks offered

The Humility of Mary Health Partners is sponsoring “Stepping Out From the Old Way to a Better/Heathy Way of Cooking” Apr. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road in Youngstown.

Participants will learn tips and tricks for making traditional Hispanic and African American favorites healthier without losing flavor.

For information, call 330-781-1808.

Learn to eat healthy

Families and youth can watch a dietitian prepare healthy and nutritious snacks Apr. 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, in Youngstown.

The free demonstrations is sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners. For information, call 330-744-4377.

Every step can make a difference Apr. 24

The Easter Seals’ sixth annual “Walk with me Event” will be Apr.. 24 at Boardman Park Community Center, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.

The event is an opportunity for families, friends, neighbors and colleagues to walk together for fitness and to help children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

There will be a 1 mile, 3K or 5K walk, run, roll or stroll plus activities for all ages, including Chinese auction, face painting, pony rides and other family fun.

Early registration is available by visiting, www.walkwithme.org/youngstown or contacting, Jodi Harmon at 330-743-1168.

All proceeds will benefit Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

School accepting registrations for students

Heartland Christian School located at 28 Pittsburgh St. in Columbiana is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Registration information can be requested by calling the school office at 330-482-2331.

Transportation is available for families in the Youngstown area, including Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland.

Discover the Labyrinth at Ursuline Center

The Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Rd. in Canfield will host a presentation of the Labyrinth May 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. and every quarter hour until 3:30 p.m. there will be a presentation in the auditorium on the how, what, why, when and where of labyrinths.

After each presentation participants can explore the labyrinth on their own or with a facilitator.

The labyrinth is designed to be used by individuals of all ages, families and groups.

The Labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is handicap accessible and has adequate parking.

Groups and individuals who are interested but unable to attend the open house can contact the center office for information at 330-799-4941 or by visiting theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

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” today and Sunday and Friday 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.

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.

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.

Learn about musical instruments

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host a musical petting zoo Tuesday 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.

Toddlers can burn energy at story time

Restless children ages 2 to 5 can enjoy an active story time 11 a.m. 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Block Watch group plans party this summer

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

The party is open to all Austintown residents and businesses. 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.

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.

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.