Austintown briefs

Alum remembered with scholarship

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is establishing a scholarship fund for Gino Salvatore Mancuso. He was a fourth-year student from Austintown majoring in Information Systems with a minor in Business Administration. He passed away near the end of the fall semester.

The Mancuso family was presented with his diploma for Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from the faculty and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Church festival planned for June

There will be nightly drawings, polka mass, a rummage sale and fireworks at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish festival June 9-13.

This is a correction from the information published in the May 29 edition. In addition, the correct name of the school that formed when St. Joe’s and Immaculate Heart of Mary schools merged is St. Joseph Immaculate Heart of Mary School - not simply St. Joe’s. The churches did not merge, just the schools. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Free blood pressure screening offered

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a free blood pressure screening June 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Guess what the buried treasure is

Kids of all ages can guess what is buried in the jar at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during library hours in June.

Book it to the beach

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will provide stories, crafts and games for kids of all ages June 28 at 11 a.m.

Watch Peter Rabbit play at the library June 29

Join the Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater for a performance of Miss Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit June 29 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Join a baby brilliant program

Babies 6 months to 23 months can enjoy developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County June 10 at 10 a.m.

Meet with friends of the library

The Friends of the Library will meet at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County June 21 at 10 a.m.

Michael Senuta, a retired English teacher from Barberton, Ohio, will perform a program.

He is a short story writer of westerns and mysteries and an avid Sherlock Holmes fan. Senuta co-founded Inverness Capers, the Sherlock Holmes Society of Akron and has given more than 300 lectures on Sherlock Holmes.

Liberty band director to be honored by alumni

Band alumni from Liberty High School classes 1971 through 1991 will honor Band Director Joseph R. Purser July 17. A picnic will be held from 2 p.m. until dusk at Churchill Park on Belmont Avenue in Liberty Township.

Alumni must register at www.kedespo.com/lhsband.html by June 30 to attend.

Runners wanted for 5K run

Immaculate Heart of Mary, 4490 Norquest Blvd., is hosting a festival with a 5K and children’s run June 10 at 7 p.m.

The cost is $13 in advance and $15 the day of the race.

There is no entry fee for children who are in sixth grade or lower.

Entry forms can be found at /www.freewebs.com/ihmfestival5k.

For information, call 330-360-4876.

Make a splash with Cyd Moore

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will kick off the summer reading program with author/illustrator Cyd Moore June 24 at 10 a.m.

Moore’s stories and spontaneous drawings will keep the family laughing and listening. Refreshments will be provided and a basket of books signed by Moore will be raffled off. Reservations are not needed, but seating may be limited.

Burn energy with a story

Tire out the young and the restless with an active story time at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County June 10 at 11 a.m. The program is for children ages 2 through 5 accompanied by an adult.

Performers to raise money for theater program

Youngstown’s favorite charity drag revue is on the move. Now in its seventh year, “Fund raising is a Drag!” will take place June 4, 5, 11, and 12 at the Rust Belt Theater Company, housed in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Avenue.

Proceeds will benefit the Rust Belt Theater Company’s Summer Series and Studio for Young Actors, a program that provides instruction and performance opportunities for young actors and singers ages 12 to 24 free of charge.

Throughout the years, performers have raised money for Toys for Tots, Angels for Animals, Pride Youngstown, YSUnity, MDA, Violet’s Cupboard, the LGBT groups at Kent State and John Carroll universities and the Ursuline Mother House.

Senior insurance program appoints advisors

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has invited Kristen Taylor, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Niles and Carole Moore, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Howland, to become members of its Volunteer Advisory Board.

The purpose of the OVAB is to help improve and grow its volunteer network, addressing such items as volunteer recruitment, training and retention and beneficiary outreach.

The board meets quarterly in Columbus with telephone meetings on the off months and provides information to seniors about Medicare and associated coverage.

For information about Medicare and associated coverage in Trumbull County, contact Kristen Taylor at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles at 330-544-0771, ext. 2817. For Mahoning County, contact Carole Moore at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland at 330-856-9232, ext. 2617.

Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree

A party at Holy Family Parish Center June 28 at 7 p.m. will honor Cardinal Mooney Assistant Principal James M. Cooney who has announced his retirement effective June 30.

Plans are under way to establish The James M. Cooney Scholarship. In lieu of gifts, Cooney would appreciate contributions to the scholarship.

For reservations, tickets or to donate to the scholarship, call the school office at 330-788-5007.

Appliance drive at Canfield fairgrounds

Do you have any unwanted appliances that you would like to dispose of? If so, Canfield Township, with the sponsorship of the Mahoning County Green Team, is having an Appliance Drive today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

This is open to all Mahoning County residents. Accepted items are refrigerators, hot water heaters, air conditioners, stoves, water softeners, dehumidifiers, microwaves, washers, small appliances and any other scrap metal.

Freon will be removed for free from the refrigerators, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

Please do not bring electronic items like televisions, radios, VCRs, computers or tires.

Enter off Route 46 at Gate 9 near Leffingwell Road. Call the Green Team at 330-740-2060 for information.

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.

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.

Celebrate art Prepare for a safe summer

The Greenwood Hummer on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown is sponsoring a bicycle safety and child car seat check event June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children can bring their bicycles and receive a free helmet and ice cream.

Buy a balloon at the Austintown Relay for Life

Becca’s Castle, a team in the Austintown Relay for Life, is selling balloons you can attach a message to expressing your love and adoration for those you know who have battled or are battling cancer.

For $1, you can put a name on a card that will be attached to a balloon and at 4:30 p.m. today, the balloons will be released.

Stop by the relay at the Austintown football field and sign a card for a loved one, friend or even yourself.

SOAR 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.

Great Food for All Program at local church

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

Groceries are ordered each month by any interested individuals. Each box costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up.

Cash, money order, credit card or cashier’s checks are accepted. No checks.

Go to www.greatfoodforall.com, type in zip code 44515, and scroll until Smith Corners UMC pops up.

You will then pick up your ordered food boxes at Smith Corners UMC at 3000 South Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown.

Orders for June 19 pick-up can be placed at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Online orders close Thursday at 9 p.m. For information, call the church office at 330-799-9390.

St. Christine Parish Festival in July

The St. Christine Parish Festival will feature rides, food, nightly dinners, fireworks and fun for all ages July 8 through July 11.

2010 recycling Regatta

Valley residents can participate in the “Build and Race a Recycled Boat” race June 12 at Lake Milton State Park.

All boats must be made of at least 70 percent recycled product and they must be able to be broken down and recycled after the event.

No nails, 55 gallon drums or containers that held household hazardous waste are allowed. Old boogie boards or surfboards or motors are prohibited.

Boats may be pre-made prior to the event.

For recycled products to use, call the Green Team, ReCreate, Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling or a local school.

For information or entry forms, contact Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District at 330-740-7995.

To enter the Regatta, each crew or captain must complete an entry form and release form and return it by Tuesday to Recycle Regatta, Mahoning SWCD, 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown, OH 44509.

No children under 12 can ride on the boat, but they can help build. The Regatta is being held to coincide with the Mahoning River Consortium’s River Wide Picnic Day.

Get rid of old medicine

Residents can discard their pharmaceutical or over the counter medicine June 23, 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.

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.

Buy spring plants from students of MCCTC

The Horticulture program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center has begun its spring plant sale.

Students of the school have prepared assorted annuals, hanging baskets, tomatoes, peppers and flats of flowers and will sell them until the supply runs out.

The Horticulture Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Summer Festival of the Arts seeks volunteers

The 12th annual Summer Festival of the Arts, scheduled for July 10 and 11 on YSU’s campus, is seeking volunteers for the event.

Volunteers are needed for artist registration; information booths; in the children’s hands-on art tent; for technical assistance at performance sites and at the Festival of Nations international area, among others.

Various shifts are available for the two-day event. Each volunteer receives a festival T-shirt, cold water and reserved free parking.

Those needing service hours logged, such as that for National Honor Society, sorority or fraternity service, may also participate. Service verification forms will be completed.

Interested individuals or teachers advising service organizations may obtain an application by calling 330-941-2307, by email at lafactor@ysu.edu or logging on to www.ysu.edu/sfa for a downloadable form.

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.

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 a vaccination clinic June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the vaccination is $14.95.

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

“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.

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.

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.