Austintown community briefs

Camp Woodside lunch program closed July 5

The Camp Woodside Summer Lunch Program at Woodside Elementary School will be closed July 5 for the Independence Day holiday. It will be open again July 6 at 11 a.m.

Free fireworks at Canfield Fairgrounds

The Rotary Club of Canfield and numerous area businesses will sponsor this year’s free fireworks show Sunday at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Zambelli Fireworks will present this year’s show. Gates at the fairgrounds will open at 5 p.m. with a variety of food, entertainment and family activities available.

Live entertainment by The House Band, The Classic Cruisers, with a guest appearance by O.A.R. Saxophonist Jerry DePizzo, Magma and Shooting Star Karaoke will be presented on two stages. Bounce-A-Round fun will be located on the main concourse.

Fireworks will begin at approximately 10 p.m.

Turn trash to treasure

The Bridge of Hope Church, 7580 Glenwood Ave., will host a trash to treasure sale July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An 8x8 space can be purchased for $20.

For information, call 330-726-8141.

Better Living comes to Austintown

Joe Koch, president and founder of Joe Koch Construction, is the newest authorized dealer for Better Living Patio & Sunrooms.

New ABWA officers ready for installation

The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will install 2010-2011 new officers at its 6 p.m. July 13 meeting at Blue Wolf on Lockwood Boulevard.

New officers include Shirley Pappagallo, treasurer; Judy Codespote, president; Bonnie Pannunzio, vice president and Lynne Mullins as secretary. Dinner will cost $17.50 and reservations must be in no later than Tuesday.

For reservations, call Joan Lucansky at 330-755-8212 or Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089.

Learn about high tech history at camp

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society will present High Tech History Camp for children ages 8 to 13.

Campers will get a unique perspective on the past when they make video documentaries about local historical topics and will learn how to research, organize and communicate a historical story to video.

Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp for the premiere.

Camp runs Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Camp for children 8 through 10 will begin Tuesday and camp for children 11 through 13 will be Aug. 10 through Aug. 13. The cost is $20. To register call, 330-743-2589.

Take the dog to the Doggie Daze Festival

Join Angels for Animals and area animal rescues at the fifth annual Doggie Daze Festival and Adopt-A-Thon July 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 4750 W. South Range Road in Canfield.

There will be food, festivities and activities centered around four-legged friends.

Local children’s book author Judith Lynn Cvetkovic will sign her books “Mandy Lost Adventure” and “Mandy and Star’s Sheep Ranch Getaway” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All dogs must be on a leash.

Get you blood pressure screened July 21

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

Underwater adventure offer at library

Kids of all ages can enjoy underwater fun at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thrusday at 11 a.m.

Library closed for Independence Day

All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed Sunday and Monday for the Independence Day holiday.

Make a splash with trash

The Green Team and Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling present a special program based on the book “One Less Fish” by Kim Michelle Toft July 22 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. This book is a perfect illustration of how marine life is affected by carelessness and measures that can be taken to help. Children can make a decorative fish from used CDs and scrap paper. Participants receive a coloring book. This event is for children in grades pre-K through five.

Bring your Corvette to Greenwood for a cause

The Mahoning Valley Corvettes and Greenwood Chevrolet will sponsor a car show July 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The show is open to Corvettes and all other cars. Entry fee is $10 and $20 if you are showing for NCCC points.

Proceeds will benefit the Hospice House and other local charities. Trophies and prizes will be awarded for all classes, including People’s Choice Award. Keen Geen will provide music and food and beverages will be available.

For information, call Kathy Callery 330-533-6159 or Dan Lyden 330-726-7791.

Create a craft at Austintown library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will have crafts for all ages Tuesday through July 10 during regular library hours.

Calling all young pirates

Listen to pirate stories, enjoy games and create a craft July 14 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. This event is for kids of all ages.

Children grades K through six can come to the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County July 19 at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy and night of fun and games.

New fitness center opens in Austintown

CrossFit Youngstown, a new fitness center, has opened at 3720 Mahoning Ave.

The center offers group fitness classes that combine weight lifting, gymnastics and cardiovascular activity into a full-body workout.

For information, visit www.crossfit.com or contact Joe Hardy at 330-687-4234.

Attention 1970 Austintown Fitch graduates

Austintown Fitch High School Class of 1970 will hold its 40th reunion Sept. 4 at Bruno’s Restaurant, 1984 Boardman-Poland Road in Poland at 6 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person and dress is casual. Anyone not yet contacted is asked to call Rolayne Smith Kasmer at 330-547-5350 or e-mail rolayne@zoominternet.net or contact Jere Blaylock at 330-533-2306 or e-mail blayguy@aol.com. These contacts can also be found on Facebook. Reservation deadline is Aug. 1.

Stories for the young and restless at the library

Wear out young and restless children ages 2 to 5 during Gotta Move Story Time at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursday at 11 a.m.

Free hot dogs at Mill Creek MetroParks

Starting Monday, weather permitting, Mill Creek MetroParks will have free hot dogs for the public Mondays and Tuesdays. The hot dogs will be served Mondays at the James L. Wick Recreation Area, off McCollum Road, and Tuesdays at Scholl Recreation Area. The hot dogs are sponsored by the Salvation Army’s Mahoning County Services. This will last through Aug. 31,

Nominate an outstanding senior or senior advocate

Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Valley Legacy Awards. The awards will be presented to an outstanding senior and outstanding advocate for seniors Oct. 14 at the Sixth Annual Legacy Awards, where all nominees will be recognized for their good works.

Candidates should be recognized for a lifetime of working to improve the Mahoning Valley or who have provided exceptional support of older Americans through their professional, volunteer or civic roles.

Nominees must have left a lasting legacy for the community and inspired others through their work ethic, concern for others and enthusiasm for the betterment of our community.

Nomination forms are available online at www.shepherdofthevalley.com, at all Shepherd of the Valley locations and WKBN and ClearChannel web sites. All nominations must be postmarked by July 30.

“Kids Helping Kids” kicks off at Sharon Speedway

The ROCcK Choir will sing the national anthem to start the Lou Blaney memorial Race Wednesday at Sharon Speedway. On hand will be Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney.

Tony Stewart and the ROCcK Children’s Choir have combined to conduct the “Kids Helping Kids” tour. Stewart and the ROCcK choir will shoot a promo for Office Depot, a major sponsor of the Stewart-Haas Racing Company.

The ROCcK Children’s Choir will travel to Indiana to perform for the area hospitals affilated with the TSF July 11-13. Local sponsors for the transportation include Chuck Eddy, Greg Greenwood and Fred Martin. These local car dealers have joined together with “Kids Helping Kids.”

For information, contact Kate Blaney or Brenda Rider at 330-360-3300.

Get more food for less at local church

Smith Corners United Methodist Church is a local site for the Great Food For All program. Groceries are ordered each month by any interested individual with no income guidelines or applications.

Each “Big Value Box” costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up. The “Family Variety Box” is now available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted. No checks are accepted.

You can order by credit card with a $1 convenience fee, no matter how many boxes you order.

Visit www.greatfoodforall.com, type in 44515 and scroll the mouse until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the food boxes at Smith Corners UMC.

Orders for July 24 pick-up can be placed at the church Tuesday and July 13 from 10 a.m. until noon, and Wednesday and July 14 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Online orders close July 15 at 9 p.m.

The food can be picked up at Smith Corners United Methodist Church July 24 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at 3000 South Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown.

For information, contact the church office at 330-799-9390.

Class of 1952 to reunite

The Rayen School class of 1952 is hosting a picnic July 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Boardman Park in the Chester Lang Pavilion.

Coffee and doughnuts will be served at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunch includes chicken, ribs, sides, drinks, and dessert.

Cost is $20 per person. Reservations must be made by July 12.

For information, call Kay Herberger at 330-759-1455 or Tom Ramos at 330-727-7259.

Singing contest benefits a good cause

Penguin Ice Cream and Grill is hosting Penguin Singing Stars Competitions every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Penguin Ice Cream at Route 46 and Silica Road in Austintown.

There is no registration fee and it’s a non-alcoholic event.

For ages up to 18, performances will start at 3 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. Everyone 18 and older will perform at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Every week, winners will be selected and receive awards and gifts.

All the benefits go to MDA-Helping Family Jerry’s Kids.

Awesome-town” festival planners need help

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.

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.

Block party planned

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.

Get rid of old medicine

Residents can discard their pharmaceutical or over the counter medicine Wednesday, July 12 and Aug. 23 at the Austintown Police Department, 92 Ohltown Road, from noon to 3 p.m. each day during the 2010 summer Drug Take-Back program.

The program is being provided by the Austintown Police Department, Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District/Green Team 2081 and Drug Education Officers of Mahoning Valley.

D.A.R.E. police officer Jeffrey Toth will be the full-time law enforcement officer having sole control of all controlled substances.

Classic car cruises

The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club will host Cruise Nites every Tuesday from June through August from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chick-fil-a on state Route 224 near South Avenue in Boardman, weather permitting.

Registration will be $2. Plaques or $15 gas cards will be awarded and 50/50 raffles prizes will be given away nightly. All proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley.

Education on living a healthy lifestyle

Designing LifeStyles Nutrition will host its next session of Weight Loss Challenges.

The weight loss challenge is a nine-week class covering topics pertaining to a healthy lifestyle, losing weight, gaining energy and becoming healthy.

All participants will receive a free wellness profile that includes a body composition analysis along with the support of a personal coach.

The challenge is based upon percentage of body weight lost.

Everyone has a chance to win first, second, third, and fourth-place cash awards. Experience a fun and friendly environment that offers more rewards than ever for losing weight, fun, accountability, along with the guidance and support you need.

For information, contact Linda at 330-719-1604.

St. Christine Festival

The St. Christine Parish Festival will feature rides, food, nightly dinners, fireworks and fun for all ages Thursday through July 11.

S.O.A.R. to new heights

Conference No. 1 for the S.O.A.R. program will take place at Mill Creek MetroPark’s Fellows Riverside Gardens July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This program targets girls ages 8 to 12. Its purpose is to energize girls’ self-esteem and become aware of all types of negative media influences and how to manage negative emotions. S.O.A.R. stands for Shine in their Own Amazing Way. The conference will include a combination of yoga, art, dance, hair and skin care, and a variety of other activities.

The cost is $80 and includes all classes, lunch snacks, T-shirt and any art projects. One dollar from each fee will be contributed to Fellows Riverside Garden’s Family Garden.

For information, call Mariellen at 330-509-9642.

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 after the event, so we can share them with your neighbors.

Beware of solicitors using Goodwill Industry’s name

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has been notified that solicitors are calling people offering to pick up their old computers and charging them a pickup fee, while using Goodwill’s name.

While Goodwill does accept old computers and computer equipment as part of the Reconnect computer recycling partnership with Dell, Goodwill does not solicit or charge people for their computers.

Those wishing to get rid of old computers and equipment can drop them off at any one of Goodwill’s eight donation centers in Austintown, Boardman, Liberty, Calcutta, Salem, Warren, Hermitage or New Castle.

Businesses, schools or organizations with large quantities can call Goodwill at 330-759-7921 to make arrangements for a pickup.

If you are contacted by someone offering to pick up your computers for a fee and using Goodwill’s name, contact Goodwill.

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered daily to eligible women over 65 at Curves in Austintown.

The classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall health. For information, call 330-793-9802.

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.