Austintown briefs

Learn how to use a computer

Do you know how to use a computer? Do you understand the Internet?

You can learn the basics of computers and the Internet in a beginner’s training class at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County April 2 at 9:30 a.m., April 7 at 12:30 p.m. and April 13 at 6 p.m.

Call 330-744-8363 to register.

A sale for moms

Dobbins Elementary School, 3030 Dobbins Road, Poland, is hosting its “Mom 2 Mom Sale” March 26 from 9 a.m to noon.

The public is welcome to shop gently used baby and children’s clothing, shoes, books, games, toys, furniture and anything else related to children and moms. Entrance fee is $1. For information call 330-757-3384.

Find trash and treasures

TOPS No. 2191 Austintown, will be host its annual Trash and Treasure Sale April 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, 45 Idlewood Road.

Tables are $10 each. Concessions will be available. For information, contact Shawne Wilfong 330-774-1803.

TOPS is a support group for those trying to lose weight. It encourages weight-loss through healthy eating and exercise. Meetings/membership is open to men, women and children 8 and up. Meetings are every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church. For information, contact Kerry at 330-799-2894.

New HR director at Shepherd of the Valley

Deidre Watson recently joined the staff of Shepherd of the Valley as the director of human resources.

Watson brings extensive HR experience to the position with a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration/Human Resources from Youngstown State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Block watch hosts open house

The Austintown Wickliffe North and South Block Watch will host an open house April 5 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wickliffe Christian Church, 3939 Potomac Ave.

Entertainment, visits from local law enforcement offices and township trustees and refreshments will be provided.

All Wickliffe residents and businesses are welcome to attend. Announcements regarding block party events, including the first Austintown Championship Hot Dog Eating Contest will be discussed.

The group meets at the church the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Bonding with babies and books at the library

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursdays in March at 10 a.m. for Baby Brilliant: Bonding with babies and books.

The program for children 6 to 23 months old offers developmentally appropriate book, songs, rhymes and finger plays.

This program is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Wednesdays in March at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The program for 4 and 5-year-olds is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Young and restless gotta move at the library

Children ages 2 through 5 are invited to an active story time at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursdays in March at 11 a.m.

Pork-kraut at the Saxon Club Sunday

The Saxon Club, 710 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, will host a pork-kraut dinner Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $8.50 for adults and $5 for children. Take-out is available.

Grieve with friends

Honor and remember children who have passed away at Bereaved Parent of the USA-Mahoning County Chapter’s monthly meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Park Vista of Youngstown, 1216 Fifth Ave.

For information, call Diane Hunter-Copeland at 330-770-2686.

Ministerial Association hosts Lenten services

The Greater Austintown Ministerial Association is inviting the wider community to join together for ecumenical worship services for Lent six Sundays in March and April and ending with a Good Friday Service April 22.

Wickliffe Christian Church, 3939 Potomac Ave., will host services March 27 at 7 p.m.

Bethel Assembly of God, 3807 Mahoning Ave., will host a service Sunday at 7 p.m. Emmanuel Community Church, 6512 Kirk Road, Canfield, will host a service April 3 at 7 p.m. Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, will host April 10 at 7 p.m. Austintown Community Church will host April 17 at 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church of West Austintown will host the Good Friday Service April 22 at noon.

Each host church will provide the format for the service, the music and refreshments after the service.

Eat pancakes March 27

An all-you-can-eat-pancake breakfast will be served at Austintown Community Church, 242 S. Canfield-Niles Road, in the Fellowship Hall March 27 beginning at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The cost for breakfast is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10 and includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk, coffee or tea.

Tickets are available at the church office or at the door.

The breakfast is sponsored by the church’s Building to be Won Committee and all proceeds are used for building projects at the church.

For information, contact Director of Ministries Brad Bloomster at 330-799-4214.

MCCTC offering salon appointments to public

The Cosmetology students at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are now offering afternoon hours at their salon to the public.

Afternoon appointments are available starting at noon.

All services are performed by students under the supervision of their instructor and prices start at just $6.

Services include haircuts, hairstyles, perms, relaxers, facials, hair removal, hair color and manicures.

The salon will be open now until May by appointment only.

To make an appointment, call Linda Tomko at 330-729-4000, extension 1309.

It’s pajamarama time

Little ones put on your pajamas and bring your family to the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County March 28 at 6:30 p.m. for stories, songs and more.

Free test kits for cancer awareness

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Humility of Mary Health Partners Cancer Centers are offering free fecal occult blood test kits.

A FOBT is a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool, which is a symptom of colorectal cancer. This test can be performed in the privacy of your home. Those at risk for colorectal cancer are 50 years and older, physically inactive, smokers and those with a family history of the disease. If detected early, colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable.

The kits are available by calling the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or toll-free at 877-700-4647.

Program focuses on household hazards

Humility of Mary Health Partners will offer two “Women in Touch Programs” from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 30 at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave., Boardman; and April 7 at Leo’s Ristorante, 7042 E. Market St., Howland.

The topic of these programs is “Making Your Home a Healthy Home.” Participants will learn common household hazards (lead, mercury, arsenic, carbon monoxide, radon, mold and volatile organic compounds) and the factors that contribute to air quality and health, and what to do to prevent or reduce exposure.

The cost of $18 includes dinner. Registration deadline is one week prior to program date. For information or to register, call the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or toll-free at 877-700-4647.

Pasta benefit planned March 27

A pasta and meatball dinner to benefit double lung transplant recipient Tina Carkido will be March 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Local No. 66 Union Hall, 291 McClurg Road.

The cost for dinner will be $8 for adults and free for children 6 and under who eat on site. The dinner includes pasta, sauce and salad by Nicolinni’s Ristorante Executive Chef Patrick Lavanty and homemade bread by the Bread Chef. Take-out orders will be available.

There will be a Vento motorcycle and gift basket auction and 50/50 drawing.

All proceeds will benefit Carkido. Make checks payable to Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

Fish and Game club to travel to Pittsburgh

The Fish and Game of Vienna is taking a bus to the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Pittsburgh April 30.

The bus is departing the Fish and Game of Vienna parking lot at 8 a.m. and will return at 7 p.m. Tickets for the trip are $18 each or two for $35.

Senior center has active plans for March

The Austintown Senior Center, 100 Westchester Dr., is hosting several activities throughout the month of March.

Every Monday there will be free blood pressure screenings, line dance and Zumba classes every other Tuesday, Tai Chi Wednesdays and yoga and senior shape-up Thursdays.

Susan Jacobs will teach a drawing class Monday and March 28.

The center will provide transportation First Ladies Library in Canton Thursday. Call 330-953-1416 for information.

Rotary Club to host Pancake breakfast

The Boardman Rotary Club is hosting its 28th annual Pancake Breakfast during Boardman Park’s Maple Syrup Festival today, Sunday and March 26 and 27.

The traditional selection of pancakes and sausages will be served by Boardman Rotary and Interact Club members in the park’s Lariccia Family Community Center.

Tickets are $6 and available for purchase from any Boardman Rotary club member or at the door.

Call Cynthia Rogers at 330-559-4966 for information.

Too much to mow?

Local citizens should consider putting their small acreage to productive agriculture use and learn how to become a tiller of the soil by attending three free evening seminars scheduled Thursday and March 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mill Creek Metro Parks in Canfield.

Attendees will learn how agriculture production can be successful.

These seminars will present tools needed for planning, marketing, managing, financial resources, budgets and evaluating what the land can support for a successful business.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by contacting Mahoning Farm Bureau at 330-533-5553 or info@mahoningfarmbureau.com.

Presenting the seminars is Countryside Conservancy in cooperation with the Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc., Mahoning Farm Bureau, The Ohio State University Extension of Mahoning County and Mill Creek MetroParks.

TOPS hosts sale

Austintown TOPS No. 2191 will host its annual “Trash and Treasure Sale” April 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, 45 Idlewood Road.

Tables are $10 each and concessions will be available. For information, call Shawne Wilfong at 330-774-1803.

TOPS is a support group for those trying to lose weight. They encourage weight loss through healthy eating and exercise. Membership is open to men, women and children 8 and up. Meetings are every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church. Call Kerry at 330-799-2894 for information.

Find trash and treasure

The Austintown Community Church Preschool Childcare Center is hosting its annual “Trash and Treasure Sale” today in the upstairs auditorium at Austintown Community Church, 242 S. Canfield-Niles Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The sale will feature specialty raffle baskets and drawings. Snacks, light lunch items and beverages will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the sale go towards the purchase of developmentally appropriate classroom educational materials. Call the school office at 330-793-1843 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for information.

Austintown Curves offers Zumba classes

Curves Austintown is featuring The Curves Circuit With Zumba Classes Mondays at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Silver Sneakers and nonmembers are invited. For information and prices, call 330-793-9802.

Bonding with babies and books

Join the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Thursdays in April at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. This event is for children ages 6 to 23 months old.

This event is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Wednesdays in April at 10 a.m. and for 4 and 5-year-olds April 26 at 10 a.m.

Family fun: Play I spy

Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting an family event April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will listen to a story, play “What Did You See?,” and make their own “I Spy” puzzle.

Gotta move story time

An active story time for children ages 2 to 5 will be available Thursdays in April at 1 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Find the animal in the library

Each week in April during regular hours at the Austintown branch of the Public library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, a different toy animal will hide somewhere in the children’s area of the library.

The children who find the animal receive a prize.

Pajamarama time at the library

Put on your PJs and bring your family to the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for stories, songs and more April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Attention video gamers

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting video gaming for teens Tuesdays in April at 2:30 p.m. For teens in grades seven through 12.

SCORE a new business

The Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County partners with SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, in presenting BIC Small Business Seminar April 9 at 10 a.m..

Are you thinking about starting a business in the near future or further down the road? Members of SCORE will address key topics for those considering beginning a business: business and marketing plans, finances, and technology for business.

The Business and Investment Center librarian will discuss the library’s sources and services for business start-up and beyond.

To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services.

Friends of the library hosts program

Parks Supervisor for Austintown Township Parks Joyce Gottron will present an informative program on the Austintown Township Park system followed by an interesting presentation on backyard wildlife presentation April 18 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered Monday through Saturday for eligible women over 65 at Curves in Austintown. The 30-minute classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall health. For information, call 330-793-9802.

Great food program offers affordable meals

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, is the local site for the Great Food For All program.

Each big value box costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up.

The family variety box is available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted at the time the order is placed. No checks are accepted.

Credit cards are accepted with a $1 convenience fee.

Go to www.greatfoodforall.com, type in zip code 44515, and scroll down until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the ordered food boxes at Smith Corners UMC.

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

Do yoga at the gardens

Bring a mat and small blanket to learn a blend of energizing yoga styles from Heidi Suraci at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout March.

Tuesdays will feature beginners’ classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and intermediate classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday classes will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are open to all levels.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

T’ai Chi in the garden

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form taught by Marie Lew Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. during March at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The costs is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Plant the seed to read

The Children’s Book Festival will be a day of fun March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for children and their families.

Altusa Club of Youngstown, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Public Media and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will bring together authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and many activities for children.

Author John Rocco and the original illustrator of Shrek will be present.

Write about the gardens

Karen Schubert will host a writing workshop March 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Bring a pen and paper and plan to explore various topics about the world, community, Mill Creek Park and the gardens.

The fee is $10 per class. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Make a date with the dog

MetroMutts members and nonmembers can shake off the remnants of winter and enjoy the first day of spring Tuesday at 10 a.m. with an easy to moderate 2-mile flat, paved surfaced hike.

Hikers should meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at the MetroParks Farm. Dogs must be non-aggressive, under the handler’s control and leashed (6-foot max) at all times. One dog per hiker.

Find butterflies in the backyard

Long-time butterfly enthusiast Suzanne Butcher will cover the history of butterflying and concentrate on species found in backyards Tuesday at MetroParks Farm.

Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley. For information, call 888-846-8851.

Create a berry bowl

Lynn Cardwell will show students how to fabricate clay into a practical, decorative berry bowl Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside gardens.

The bowl will be glazed, fired and ready for pickup approximately three weeks after the class.

The fee is $25 for garden members and $32 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Witch hazel and a walk

Start Friday with a brisk walk at Fellows Riverside Gardens, a light breakfast and lesson about the witch hazel family of plants from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Plan to plant a garden

Children who have completed second grade can register through March 31 for the Children’s Vegetable Garden program.

Each child will tend a 3-foot by 10-foot garden throughout the summer at MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Horticulture activities will add to the fun.

Classes meet April 9, May 7 and June 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Beginning June 15, children will meet every Wednesday morning through Aug. 17. Final harvest and clean-up will be Sept. 24.

The cost is $85 for residents and $95 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Share springtime brunch recipes

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques as he demonstrates how to prepare a brunch Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The fee is $28 for garden members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

See the new spring arrivals at farm

See new lambs, calves, pigs, rabbits, chicks and more at the MetroParks Farm’s animal baby shower April 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk among the wildflowers

Search for the first wildflowers of spring during a moderately-difficult 3-mile hike March 27 at 2 p.m. Walkers should meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Immerse in indoor nature

The skills of amateur photographers will be on display at the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through Sunday.

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