Austintown briefs

Join Walk MS at the Canfield Fairgrounds

Walk MS Mahoning Valley, presented by Giant Eagle and EMD Serono/Pfizer, will be Apr. 24 at Canfield Fairgrounds in Canfield.

Check-in will begin at 8 a.m.

The average walker raises $225. Funds from the event provide for local programs and support 21 researchers and 24 research projects being conducted in Ohio.

The walk is approximately 2 miles long and fully accessible. Participants can choose to loop the route twice for a longer walk.

Parking and gate admission is free and a light breakfast will be served after the walk.

Funds raised help provide programs and services to 18,000 Ohioans with MS. For information, call Rebecca Bailey at 614-515-4609.

Final spring concert at YSU on Monday

The YSU Symphonic Band and Concert Band will present their final spring concert Monday at 8 p.m. in the Edward G. Powers Auditorium.

The concert will feature more than 100 students from the Dana School of Music Wind and Percussion program and feature YSU band conducting assistants, Brian Harris and David Blon.

Admission to the concert is $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and students. Children under 12 and anyone with a YSU ID are admitted free. Tickets are only available at the door.

For information, call the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636.

Clinic extends hours for required Dtap vaccine

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a new immunization requirement for schoolchildren beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

All in-coming seventh graders will be required to have a Dtap (Tetanus, diphtherial and pertussis) vaccination prior to starting school.

To assist parents, the Mahoning County District Board of Health, 50 Westchester Dr., Austintown, will offer vaccination clinics Apr. 22 and May 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the vaccination is $14.95.

To make an appointment for any of the clinics, call the health district’s Nursing Division at 330-270-2855, ext. 125.

Showcase your summer in Neighbors

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

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.

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.

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.

Boardman Park offers new online reservations

Boardman Township Park is offering a new and improved online reservation system 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.

Get fit with weight management program

SlimDown, a six-week weight management program taught by registered dietitians who are certified in weight management, will begin classes in late April at Humility of Mary Health Partners sites in Warren and Boardman.

Classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Apr. 27 to June 1 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 5401 Market Street, Boardman, and Thursdays, Apr. 29 to June 3 at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Eastwood Mall, Niles.

Cost is $40.

Dietitians will teach lifestyle changes in food, activities and behaviors.

To register for the class, call Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Mill Creek wants your thoughts on project

Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for the upcoming 2010 Drive Improvements project.

The area to be addressed includes West Golf Drive from U.S. Route 224 (Boardman-Canfield Road) to the Mill Creek Golf Course Field House.

Public comment will be received by the park system through April 23. Submit comments to: Mill Creek MetroParks, Re: 2010 Drive Improvements, P.O. Box 596, Canfield, OH 44406.

The project is anticipated to begin in late summer and to be completed within three to four weeks. If you have questions, call 330-702-3000.

Cinderella comes to life

The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre will present “Cinderella” Apr. 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2:30 p.m. Daytime performances for area schools will take place Apr. 28 through Apr. 30.

The Saturday matinee is followed by a complimentary “Autograph Party,” for the audience, cast and crew.

Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the box office at 330-788-8739.

Several programs awarded grants

The Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation was awarded grants to fund HMHP programs benefiting uninsured and underinsured patients.

The grants total nearly $115,000.

The St. Elizabeth Health Center Dental Clinic was awarded a $65,000 grant for a Safety Net Dental Care Program.

Smile Station, HMHP’s mobile dental clinic, was awarded a $24,960 grant by CHP from the Mercy Outreach Fund.

HMHP’s prescription assistance program was awarded a grant by CHP’s Mercy Outreach Fund totaling $24,929.

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.

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.

Toddlers can burn energy at story time

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

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will meet Monday 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 Wednesday 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 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.