Austintown briefs

Arms Museum plans Christmas program

Plans for this year’s Memories of Christmas Past are underway at the Arms Family Museum. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is looking to the Valley community for some help with this year’s display.

Highlights this year will be on local Valley traditions and will include family heirlooms, nativity collections, handmade cigar box doll houses and a large collection from John Garver, inventor of the locally produced Plakie twirler ornaments.

The society is looking for Christmas items related to downtown department stores. McKelveys, McCrorys, Higbees, Strouss-Hirshberg or any other downtown establishment are desirable. Items will be displayed on a short-term loan basis and will be returned to the owner after the exhibit closes in January.

Please email a description and picture of items to events@mahoninghistory.org or contact the Historical Society with any questions at 330-743-2589. Memories of Christmas Past opens on November 23 and runs through January 5, 2014.

Visit www.mahoninghistory.org for more details.

Church to host drive through dinner

Western Reserve United Methodist Church will host a drive through chicken dinner Aug. 1 from 4 p.m. until the contents sell out.

The cost is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and a brownie. The church is located at 4580 Canfield Road.

Give blood at the library

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive at the Austintown library on Aug. 20 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Buzz about books at library

The Austintown library will host Page turners: Book Buzz on Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun.

Know your customers

The Austintown library will host Know Your Customers: Exploring the Library’s Business Databases Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Join Stuart Gibbs, the Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about your customers and potential customers. The featured databases, DemographicsNow - Library Edition, Local Market Audience Analyst and ReferenceUSA’s U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles bring timely and authoritative data and insights for your marketing plan.

Locate your customers

The Austintown library will host Locate Your Customers: Exploring the Library’s Business Databases Aug 19 at 6:30 p.m. Join Stuart Gibbs, the Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about how to target potential customers. The featured databases, D&B Million Dollar Database and ReferenceUSA (Business, HealthCare, New Business, and Residential modules), bring timely and authoritative information to develop strategic marketing.

Class features Nook for newbies

Adults can bring your Nook to the Austintown library and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on their website on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.

Bring Adobe ID and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register.

Kindle class set in August

Bring your Kindle to the library and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on their website on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.

Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for specific library to register. Bring Amazon account and email information.

Participate in caption contest

The Austintown library will host Beneath the Surface Caption Contest during library hours through the month of August. Write the best caption or description and you could win a prize.

There will be different pictures for you to caption each month of summer break. For teens in grades 7-12.

Wiggle worms storytime set

Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver can join the Austintown library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development, and motivate language learning Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.

Adults and kids, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Babies and books set at library

Babies ages 6 to 23 months can join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader every Tuesday in August at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join an Olympian’s quest

The Austintown library will host An Olympian’s Quest: Gods and Titans and Monsters- Oh My Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. Come join us dressed as your favorite god, demi-god, titan or monster for a night of fun, food, games and crafts to celebrate the upcoming movie release of “Percy Jackson and the “Sea of Monsters”.

This is a Tween-only event and requires pre-registration.

Join end of summer reading celebration

The Austintown library will host an end-of-summer reading celebration on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The party will include karaoke, games, snacks and more. Bring the entire family. Fun for kids of all ages.

Tales for toddlers set for Wednesdays

Join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader every Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library hosts Fun for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 4-5) become a successful reader every Aug. 14 at 11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Play with an iPad

Children and parents have an opportunity to use the library’s iPad for a 20-minute session. Appoints are available Aug. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the librarian at the location you would like to visit. They will ask for the subject area you’d like to explore with your child. Registration and adult ID (valid license, state ID or library card) is required. For kids from age four to sixth grade. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

Car show fundraiser set

Join the Austintown library for an evening of cars and fun to benefit the Library’s Children’s Summer Reading Club on Aug. 2 from 6-9 p.m. Register your car for the event for $1. There will be a prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Listen to DJ Two’s Company. New Seasonings Caf will be selling refreshments at the event. Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. For Information, contact Deborah Liptak, development director, at 330-740-6086.

Ostomy group to meet Aug. 13

The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group, sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners, will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Cedar Room at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 8401 Market St., Boardman.

The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group meets monthly at alternating locations in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. It provides support, education and encouragement to individuals who have or will have ostomies. Families and friends of ostomy patients are welcome. Refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440.

Nypaver earns degree

Eastern Kentucky University recognized 1,708 graduates at the conclusion of the Spring 2013 semester, including Amy N Nypaver of Austintown. Nypaver graduated with a MAED degree in communication disorders and was recognized at commencement ceremonies May 11.

Afternoon on the water

The Metro Parks will host an afternoon on the water July 27 from 1-3 p.m. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch.

Have fun with bubbles

Have some good, clean fun with bubbles Aug. 20 and 22 from 2-4 p.m. at Oh Wow! Learn how to make your own bubble solution, plus another trick or two. Program is free, general admission applies to non-members. This event is for children in grades pre-k through fourth.

Wonderful Water set

Wonderful Water will be Aug. 6 and 8 at Oh Wow! from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The program is free, but general admission applies to non-members. The program includes a series of activities that show what water is and what it can do. This event is for grades pre-k through eighth.

Oh Wow! hosts Make It

Oh Wow! will host Make It - Underwater Viewers - Aug. 3 from noon until 2 p.m. The cost is $3 for members and $11 for non-members.

Join Oh Wow! as they explore the wonders of water by making and experimenting with underwater viewers. For children in grades kindergarten through eighth.

Prassinos earns degree

Alexandre James Prassinos of Austintown was among 3,678 students from Miami University who received degrees during spring commencement exercises May 11 at Yager Stadium.

Prassinos received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Miami University is a public university located in southwestern Ohio, offering more than 100 degree programs in humanities, science, engineering, business, education and fine arts.

Junior golf camp set

The junior golf camp will be July 30. Ages 11 and up will begin range time at 1 p.m. Nine holes begins at 2 p.m. Ages 10 and under will have range time from 2 to 4 p.m., with nine holes beginning at 3 p.m.

The golf camp will be at Mill Creek Golf Course. Call the Pro Shop for details and to register. The cost for range time plus nine holes is $20, two-hour range time is $20 and one-hour range time is $15.

Family garden Fridays set

The Metro Parks will host Family Garden Fridays every Friday now through September from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities will be centered on gardening with children. Learn about vegetables with “Eat Your Colors” and see which insect is the “Bug of the Week.” Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information.

Join book discussion

Read Earth In Mind: On Education, the Environment and the Human Prospect by David Orr, and then join the discussion July 27 at 10 a.m. The discussion will be at Ford Nature Center.

Mahoning Kayak trip set

Join the Metro Parks and meet up with members of Trumbull Canoe Trails, a regional paddling club, on a portion of the Mahoning River Water Trail. The trip is 3.66 miles; approximately one and one half to two hours. Not for first-time kayakers. Kayakers must be 18 years old. Meet at Trumbull County MetroParks’ Canoe City. Call Ford Nature Center for details. The cost is $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents.

Sculpt with Pilates

Pilates Sculpt will be offered every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Join trainer Angela Lubonovich in using light hand weights to tone the body with emphasis on core strength and control. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Bring a mat, water (and two number weights if you have them). Cost is $10 per session; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Practice Yoga at the park

Yoga will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday in July from 9:30-11 a.m. and from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Join Marina Perdos in the mornings and Karres Cvetkovich in the evenings for a blend of energizing yoga styles. Students at all levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. Classes are outdoors weather permitting. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Cost is $10 per class; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Take T’ai Chi

T’ai Chi Step One will be offered every Wednesday in July from noon to 1 p.m. Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. The cost is $10 per class; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Participate in Pilates

Pilates basics will be taught every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with fitness trainer Angela Lubonovich. Bring a mat and water. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Cost $10 per sessio; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Hear concerts at the Judge Morley Pavilion

Live at the Judge Morley Pavilion will offer free performances, unless admission is listed. The concerts will be July 28 from 6-8 p.m. - House Band (Rock and Roll) and July 31 at 7 p.m. - James Everett Band.

Kindle class set in July

Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on their website July 31 at 6 p.m. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for specific library to register.

Meet “Bad Kitty” author

Meet the creator of the popular Bad Kitty books and hear how he gets his ideas for Kitty’s adventures on July 30 at 2 p.m. at the Austintown library. Fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to finish your 30 hours of reading for an invitation to the Bad Kitty Breakfast Bash which will be held the morning of July 30. Register for Summer Reading at a Mahoning County library near you or online at www.LibraryVisit.org.

Free open houses set

Every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. running through Aug. 14, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will host free Hands-On-History Open Houses at the Arms Family Museum of Local History, located at 648 Wick Ave. in Youngstown. Each week will feature a different historical theme – “Celebrating the Fourth,” “My Town, Your Town, Youngstown,” and “The House that Olive Built,” to name a few. Hands-On activities will include arts and crafts, games, toys, artifacts, dress-up clothing and more.

Participants can spend as much or as little time engaging in the activities and each week will feature something for all ages and interests. The open houses are free and open to the public and all participants can take advantage of half-priced admission for a full Arms Family Museum tour.

Historical society sponsors summer camp

In celebration and remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will have an immersive Civil War Summer Day Camp for students ages 7-14. The Turning Points Camp runs Aug. 5-9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, located at 325 West Federal St. in Youngstown.

The History Center will be transformed into a hybrid 2013/19th century location with the center’s spaces serving as battlefields, Ford’s Theatre, a Council of War room and more while using state-of-the-art media and education technology. Participants will explore all aspects of the war, from the politics and leaders to the civilian struggle and military life. Engaging and interactive lessons will include debates, mock elections, The Manual of Arms, 19th century games, chores and more.

Summer Camp registration information can be found at www.mahoninghistory.org.

Dunkin’ to host happy hour

Dunkin’ Donuts in the Youngstown area will host a summer happy hour through the end of August. Guests can enjoy discounts on a select featured beverage each month between 2-4 p.m. The month of June is featuring Dunkin’s Ice Coffee at 50 percent of stated menu prices. To learn more, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.