Austintown briefs

Lion’s Club hosts 15th annual run today

The Austintown Lions Club is hosting its 15th annual “5-K IN MAY” today at the Christy National Guard Armory on Victoria Road in Austintown.

The key sponsor for this event is the Fred Perry Motorcycle Benefit Run. Entry fee is $15 the day of race.The entry fee includes refreshments at race conclusion and door prizes.

Finishers of the kids run will receive a special award. The top three overall men and women finishers will receive special awards.

The top three finishers in the masters class (age 40 and over) will receive special awards. There will be awards for the top three finishers in each age group.

There are 11 age groups for women and 13 age groups for men. Registration or package pick up begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds from this event benefit Lion’s projects.For information, call Larry Jensen at 330-793-4046.

Conference offers girls a unique experience

Sunshine Spirit Girl’s Conference, S.O.A.R. (Shine in your Own Amazing Rays), is giving girls a day of discovery, inspiration and seeds to grow on July 21 at Millcreek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The event is for girls ages 8 to 12. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $65 per girl before June 1 and $80 per girl after June 1. A few scholarships are available. For information, call 330-509-9642.

2010 Memorial Day parade set

The Austintown Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. May 31 at Marc’s parking lot on the corner of Mahoning Avenue and Idaho Road and travel to the Fitch High School Veteran’s Memorial.

A commemorative service sponsored by the Austintown Memorial American Legion Post No. 301 and the Austintown VFW Post will begin at 11 a.m. Post No. 301 Commander Paul Robinson will be the master of ceremonies and introduce the main speaker, Retired Navy Capt. Greg Cooper.

For information on participating in the parade, call John R. Facemyer at 330-533-1611.

Deadline extension for Resource Guide

The Health Choices Network has announced that it will be extending its deadline of the 2010/2011 Resource Guide to May 15.

Those who are interested in becoming members or advertising in this annual booklet can go to www.healthchoicesnetwork.com or call Kathy Frangos at 330-301-0356 for details.

The Health Choices Network Resource Guide is a free booklet full of the best natural health practitioners, doctors and natural health related businesses and those who support these great businesses.

The booklets are distributed throughout Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Mercer counties.

The online version of the resource guide is available throughout the year as a community resource.

Participate in the fight against obesity

St. Elizabeth and St. Joseph Surgical Weight Loss Center is raising awareness about obesity by presenting the area’s first “Walk from Obesity” May 15 at Boardman Park.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m.

The cost to participate in the Walk is $25. Registration is free for children 12 and under.

To register, visit HMpartners.org and click on the Walk From Obesity link.

Funds raised through this event will support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).

Mothers of Twins Club awards Mother of the Year

Christine Ruminski has been chosen as “2010 Mother of the Year” for the Youngstown Mothers of Twins Club.

She has been a member for 29 years and has three children. She and her husband, Frank, have been married for 34 years and live in New Middletown.

She will represent the Youngstown Mothers of Twins Club at the Ohio Federation of Mothers of Twins Club (OFMOTC) State Convention June 25 and 26 in Emerald Valley, Ohio, where a State Mother of the Year will be chosen from 15 clubs.

Learn about health care at workshop in Boardman

Area residents interested in pursuing a career in health care are invited to attend a Health Care Career Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Boardman Park in the Lariccia Family Community Center located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman.

Registration for the free workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. Individuals must preregister by calling Danita Logan at 330-965-1787, ext. 7115.

The workshop offers information on health information technology, medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician, electronic medical records, emergency medical tech and many other career paths.

Participants will talk to health care employers, educators and career pathway representatives.

Financial aid services information will also be available on-site.

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.

Eliminate potential health hazards from the home

Residents can help aging loved ones clear clutter from their homes and dispose of it today from 9 a.m. to noon.

Locations will include Grace Fellowship Church, 2150 Niles Cortland Road in Warren, Boardman Township Administration Building, 8229 Market St. in Boardman and the Austintown Police Department, 92 Ohltown Road in Austintown.

The Mission Medicine Event is being sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office and their Senior Service Unit and the Boardman and Austintown Police departments.

Learn how to manage all your stress

Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s family support counselors will present a one-hour free stress management and self-help strategies workshop May 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

For information, contact Marlene Hanisko or Nancilyn Gatta at 330-744-3320.

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.

Dinner and auction to benefit soccer team

The Ursuline High School boys soccer team will host a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction May 23 at Lucianno’s Caf and Banquet Center, 1739 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown, at 12:30 p.m.

The auction will begin at 4:15 p.m. Take out is available.

Playhouse presents award-winning show in May

The Youngstown Playhouse will present musical comedy murder mystery “Curtains,” May 14-16 and May 21-23.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket prices for “Curtains” are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

For reservations and information, call the box office at 330-788-8739.

Open house features football great

The Partners for Urology Health, 6262 Mahoning Ave. is hosting a public open house today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Special guest Hall of Fame football player Joe DeLamielleure will present a speech on prostate cancer education and sign autographs.

DeLamielleure was an offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills from 1973-1979 and 1985. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1980-1984 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Refreshments will be provided.

Become a Hospice of the Valley Volunteer

The Hospice of the Valley’s is looking for new volunteers and will offer a volunteer training class May 25 in the Hospice House conference room. The classes are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks.

Volunteers will learn what the team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for the patients and their family and how volunteers fit into that team.

The Hospice House is located at 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, on the campus of The Assumption Village. For information and to register, call 330-788-1992

Honor mom with wildflowers and a walk

Bring your mom to Ford Nature Center Sunday at 2 p.m. to enjoy the spring beauty of Mill Creek Park during an easy-rated hike. Children can make a special craft to honor their mother, while parents hear a presentation about wildflowers. The event is free, but registration is required today.

To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Preschoolers celebrate moms with crafts

Preschoolers ages 3 through 5 can personalize a vase and fill it with a colorful bouquet of carnations at the park today from 11 a.m. to noon.

A snack and story will be included.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Look for birds while you hike in the park

Join certified volunteer naturalist Nancy Brundage today at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve and today at the Lanterman’s Mill parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1-mile, easy-rated hike. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to help search for feathered spring migrants.

Golf camp for new golfers available at park

Link up to golf with a three-day golf camp Tuesday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and May 18, 20, 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Par 3 Golf Course at Mill Creek MetroParks.

This camp is designed for the true beginner. Lessons will focus on putting, short game, and full swing.

The cost is $35. Call 330-740-7112 to register.

Bond with babies and books at the library

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursday and May 27 at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help babies 6 to 23 months old become successful readers.

A similar program design for children 2 and 3 is offered on all Wednesdays in May at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Children aged 4 and 5 can attend a reading program on Tuesdays in May at 10 a.m.

Story for the young and restless at the library

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting Gotta Move Story time Thursday and May 27 at 11 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5.

Children must be accompanied by an adult to enjoy this active story time.

Celebrate the Arts

Students from Austintown Fitch High School will display their creative artwork May 17 through May 22 at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours.

A reception with light refreshments will be available May 20 at 6 p.m.

PS2 day planned for kids

Teens grades seven to 12 can get their game on in the meeting room at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County May 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Put on PJ’s and come to the library May 24

Put on your PJ’s, bring the whole family out and listen to bedtime stories May 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Red Cross offers free blood pressure screenings

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will provide free blood pressure screening May 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library or Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Library will be closed

All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be closed May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.

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.

Mill Creek business women plan meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will meet at A La Cart in Canfield Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The guest speaker at the event will be Paula Campbell, an Aflac agent, who will discuss benefit options to meet your needs.

The membership will also be voting on new officers for 2010 and 2011.

A dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost for the meal is $17 and includes swiss chicken, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, sand trap potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert.

Reservations must be made no later than Tuesday. For reservations, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 after 5:30 p.m.

Buy or sell baby items at Boardman Park

Boardman Park will host another Baby Bargain Boutique May 22 at the Masters Pavilion from 9 a.m. until noon.

This is a great opportunity to buy or sell good usable maternity clothes, baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and furniture for children under the age of 5.

Registration for tables are available at the Park Office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost for tables inside the pavilion are $15 for Boardman residents and $20 for nonresidents and $10 for Boardman residents and $15 for nonresidents for tables in the outside grass space.

Admission to the sale is free.

For information, call Karen at 330-965-0482 or visit www.boardmanpark.com.

Walk to raise awareness

St. Elizabeth and St. Joseph Surgical Weight Loss Center is taking a step forward in raising awareness of obesity by presenting the area’s first “Walk from Obesity” May 15 at Boardman Park.

The” Walk from Obesity” was established to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and to support initiatives focusing on prevention, education, research, treatment and advocacy.

The cost to participate in the walk is $25. Registration is free for children 12 and under.

To register, visit HMpartners.org and click on the “Walk from Obesity” link.

Health and wellness walks scheduled for May

Health and wellness walks are planned for 9 a.m. May 26 at the Golf Course overflow parking lot and May 18 at Yellow Creek Park at 6 p.m.

Join knitting group at the par for a good cause

Help “Warm Up America” with others by making afghans and other projects to donate locally May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet.

Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

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.

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.

Little Falcons Golf Outing offers golf, food and fun

Austintown Little Falcons Golf Outing is May 30 at 8 a.m. with registration from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course on Granview Road in Lake Milton.

The outing includes golf, beverages, golf cart, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and hole-in-one prizes.

Cost is $65 per person. For information, contact Mike Cook at 330-501-4577 or Matt Hlebak at 330-398-5512.

Take T’ai Chi at the gardens Wednesdays

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with T’ai Chi classes at Fellows Riverside Gardens each Wednesday in May from noon to 1 p.m. Marie Lew will demonstrate warmups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The fee for each class is $10. For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Park preps for summer

Mill Creek Park is reopening many attractions soon in preparation for summer. Lanterman’s Mill will resume its regular summer hours beginning May 1. Glacier and Newport Boathouses reopen May 1, weekends only. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.