Austintown briefs

Get you blood pressure screened

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 July 8 at 11 a.m.

Stories for the young and restless

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 July 8 at 11 a.m.

Make a splash at the library

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.

Library closed for Independence Day

All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed July 4 and July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.

Create a craft at Austintown library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will have crafts for all ages July 6 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 a 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.

Start a safe summer with Greenwood Hummer

Greenwood Hummer on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown is hosting a bicycle safety and child car seat check event today from 10 a.m. to noon.

There will be free bicycle helmets and ice cream for children.

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.

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,

Let the church cook for you on Thursday

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, will offer take-out dinners Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. until sold out. The cost for dinner is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and brownie. No reservations are needed.

For information, call the church at 330-792-5805.

Ham radio operators show off this weekend

The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association will demonstrate its emergency communications abilities from 2 p.m. today until noon on Sunday at 12712 Unity Road, New Springfield. The public can see ham radio’s new capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes. The Field Day demonstration is part of “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio.

For information, visit www.ARRL.org/fieldday or www.mvara.org.

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.

Card players needed on Wednesday

Card players of all kinds are invited to play the monthly card game at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 Western Reserve Road in Poland, Wednesday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call SOV-Poland receptionist at 330-726-7110, extension 0.

“Kids Helping Kids” kicks off at Sharon Speedway

The ROCcK Choir will sing the national anthem to start the Lou Blaney memorial Race July 7 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 July 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. until noon, and July 7 and 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.

Fitch graduates make Dean’s List

The College of Wooster has released its spring-semester Dean’s List. Two Austintown Fitch alums achieved GPAs of 3.65 or above and were named to the list.

Katrina Weaver is a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders. Hannah Roberts is a sophomore majoring in mathematics.

Family fun for all at Boardman Park

Boardman Township Park is hosting “Family Fun Night in the Park” today at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre at 6 p.m.

The free event is for kids of all ages and their families.

Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a science-themed fire and ice performance by Mad Science of Northeast Ohio.

At 7 p.m., No Ties, a light rock and blue’s band, will perform.

After dark, guests can view the film, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”

Other activities include Jocko the Clown, hayrides, bounce around rental bouncers and face painting by Calvary Baptist Church.

Food concessions will be available, and guests are asked to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

For a list of other park events, visit the program page at www.Boardmanpark.com.

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.

Graduate receives art scholarship

Alissa Breakiron, a senior at Austintown Fitch High School, received a President’s Award scholarship to attend Columbus College of Art and Design.

The merit scholarship was awarded as a result of an art portfolio competition held at the college which was judged by a team of CCAD faculty.

Breakiron will begin her studies this fall and plans to major in fine art. She is the daughter of Chris and Trudi Vetterly of Austintown.

Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society reunion

A reunion of past and present members of the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society will be Sunday at 11 a.m. at the club grounds in New Springfield, Ohio.

No membership is needed to attend.

Attendees are asked to bring their own food and drink.

For information, contact Ken Clark at 330-533-2038 at or Tom “Pete” McBride at 330-729-9512.

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.

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.

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 Wednesday to attend.

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.

Virtual school honors graduate

Austintown resident James Loveland was a member of the class of 2010 from the Virtual Community School of Ohio. This year’s 114 high school graduates were honored at a ceremony at Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center in Powell, Ohio and made up the eighth graduating class of since VCS Ohio’s inception.

Austintown resident receives scholarship

Greg McGlynn was awarded the James W. DeGarmo Law Enforcement Scholarship.

McGlynn graduated Austintown Fitch High School in 2007 and is pursuing a bachelor of science in criminal justice at Youngstown State University, majoring in law enforcement.

This scholarship was named after the late James DeGarmo, professor emeritus, who retired from the FBI, taught at YSU and helped to found the Criminal Justice Department and is valued at $6,700. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and career objectives.

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 e-mail at lafactor@ysu.edu or logging on to www.ysu.edu/sfa for a downloadable form.

St. Christine Festival

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

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.

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.

Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree

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

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.

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 Monday at 11 a.m.

Watch Peter Rabbit play at the library Tuesday

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

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.

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.

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.