Austintown briefs

Donate items for a trash and treasure sale

Donations of unneeded items will be accepted April 6-8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Austintown Senior Center, 100 Westchester Dr. for a trash and treasure bake sale April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund senior center activities and operating costs.

Eat ice cream with the Easter Bunny

Visit the Easter Bunny April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Austintown Dairy Queen, 146 Canfield-Niles Road.

There will be a live bunny display, free candy-filled and eggs and egg coloring the DQ way.

Have dinner with the Doc

Dr. Jason Marucci and Dr. Joseph Ethen will host a “Tired if Being Tired” health lecture and complimentary dinner Wednesday at Stonebridge Grille and Tavern, 1497 Boardman-Canfield Road.

The dinner talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. and address simple strategies to deal with “burn out” and the feeling of constantly being tired. As an added bonus learn how stress is preventing you from losing weight and why diets and exercise haven’t worked for you. Exercise less and lose more weight.

Preregistration is necessary and seating is limited.

To register, call 330-286-3669.

Business Women host Chinese auction

Tri-Gold Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its fifth annual Chinese Auction at St. Nick’s Hall in Struthers April 9 at 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $5 and includes a sheet of bidding tickets, a door prize entry and refreshments.

All proceeds go toward the annual scholarship fund given to area students.

To make a donation, get chapter information or purchase tickets call Sharon at 330-793-6208.

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.

Second place for toastmaster

Youngstown Executive Toastmaster Kathy Hammons won second place at the Central Division International Speech Competition in Akron March 15 for her performance of “These Walls Are Coming Down.”

Pasta benefit planned Sunday

A pasta and meatball dinner to benefit double lung transplant recipient Tina Carkido will be Sunday 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.

Enroll early at Summit Academy

Summit Academy in Youngstown is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year for kindergarten through eighth grade.

Enrollment packets can be picked up at the school’s office at 144 North Schenley Ave.

For information, please visit www.summitacademies.com or call 330-259-0421. The deadline for early enrollment is May 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Learn to use a computer

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.

Historic awards nominations under way

Nominations for the Historic Preservation Committee’s 2011 Historic Preservation Awards will be accepted until April 1.

The awards program is in it seventh year and honors those in the Mahoning Valley who take an active role in preserving historic buildings, sites and districts. Historic preservation projects in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties are eligible for recognition in appropriate categories. Award winners will be announced to the public during Historic Preservation Month in May and recognized by the members of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society at the Society’s Annual Meeting in June.

A brochure containing all awards program criteria and an application form is available on the Historical Society’s Website, www.mahoninghistory.org or by mail. For information call 330-743-2589 or e-mail mvhs@mahoninghistory.org.

Eat pancakes Sunday

An all-you-can-eat-pancake breakfast will be served at Austintown Community Church, 242 S. Canfield-Niles Road, in the Fellowship Hall Sunday 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.

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.

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 Monday 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.

Pasta benefit planned Sunday

A pasta and meatball dinner to benefit double lung transplant recipient Tina Carkido will be Sunday 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.

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 and Sunday.

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 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.

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 today 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 Wednesday 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.

Plan to plant a garden

Children who have completed second grade can register through Thursday 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.

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 Sunday at 2 p.m. Walkers should meet at the Ford Nature Center.

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