Austintown Community Briefs

Church to have special reception

Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman, was formed in Youngstown on March 2, 1889 by a small group of Swedish immigrants. 125 years later, it has become a melting pot of nationalities, including Swedish, German, Italian and many others. They are celebrating this occasion with a special service at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 21, followed by a reception at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Friends of the congregation are invited to attend. Reception requires reservations, which can be made by calling the church office at 330-758-574.

August quilt group meeting

That Quilt Group I Belong To will host its August meeting on Aug. 19 at Fair Park in Canfield. Doors will open at 10 a.m. for members wishing to work on charity quilts. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Dennis Moffitt, co-owner of the “Somewhere Sewing” quilt store in Millersburg, will speak on the proper care, maintenance and servicing of sewing machines. That Quilt Group I Belong To Is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley, including all skill levels. For membership information, call president Ginger Mangie at 330-702-0532.

Seeking former students

A reunion is being planned for Aug. 23, at Sts. Peter and Paul church hall, located at 421 Covington St. in Youngstown. If you attended the school, even if you did not graduate, you are encouraged to join in the fun and reminiscing. The reunion is open to everyone who attended the school. Sts. Peter and Paul Saturday mass is at 4 p.m. The reunion will follow at 5 p.m with a Pot Luck dinner. All whose names end in A-L should bring casseroles to share and M-Z should bring desserts. Anyone may also choose to bring wings, pizza, sandwich rings, etc. instead of assigned dishes. Monetary donations will also be accepted in place of food.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled

Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers, to take place on Aug. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. Led by author and professional writer Nancy Christie, the two-hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or at nancy@nancychristie.com.

World War II Heritage group to hear veteran speaker

The guest speaker for the World War II Heritage group this month will be William Farragher of Youngstown. He is a former medic in the Alaska campaign. Reservations for the Aug. 18 dinner preceding Bill’s talk are $14. and may be made by calling Dave Frank at 330 757-0515. A La Carte Catering in Canfield will be the setting for the 6:30 p.m. event, deadline for reservations is Aug. 15.

Free health consultation

There will be free health consults from a local doctor on Aug. 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Mussler Chiropractic and Wellness Center, located at 755 Boardman Canfield Road (State Route 224), Suite C-2, in Boardman (inside the South Bridge West complex). Come in for a 10 minute consult with Dr. Dannielle MacDuff, ND and find out what naturopathic care can do for you. Appointments are required. Call 330-758-9567 for more information or to RSVP.

Poker and pasta event

The second annual Mike Hull Memorial Poker Run and Pasta Dinner for Autism will take place on Aug. 16 at noon, with registration at 11 a.m. at the Dash Inn, at Mahoning Valley Lanes. The cost is $10 per person and includes a food ticket. Kids ages 3-5 bowl free. Additional activities include live music starting at 5 p.m., a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese Auction. For more information, contact Melissa at 330-781-0918 or Nancy at 330-622-1709.

Bingo and card party to be Sept. 21

The Austintown Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Post 301 Bingo Party Plus third annual card party plus will be on Sept. 21 from 2-5 p.m. at 3652 Oakwood Ave. in Austintown. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and admission will be $5 per person. The event will feature Bingo, a card party, basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. For more information, contact Diana at 330-799-1738 or Betty at 330-788-4274.

Fitch class of 1965 reunion planning

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1965 has begun making plans for their 50th class reunion in September of 2015. The group is looking for up to date addresses and also class members who would like to serve on the planning committee. Their next meeting will be Aug. 21 at Smith Corners Church, corner of Kirk Road and State Route 46 at 7 p.m. Details and information can be obtained from Lynn (Coates) Foriska at 330-792-0172 or email lynnfrsk@aol.com, or Connie (Swisher) Sinchak at 330-797-9963 or email at consin@zoominternet.net.

Spaghetti dinner benefit to be Aug. 17

There will be a spaghetti dinner benefit for Colton James Price at Andrews Hall at Angels for Animals, located at 4750 W. South Range Road in Canfield, on Aug. 17 from 2-6 p.m. The cost is $8 per plate for adults and $5 for children (ages 12 and under). Carryouts will be available and tickets are available at the door. Price was born prematurely at 30 weeks and spent his first 48 days of life in the NICU. He was able to go home for 11 days, but on Father’s Day, he experienced complications which put him into respiratory distress and was Life Flighted to Akron Children’s main campus for readmission. Proceeds from the benefit will go toward helping to offset the financial harships facing Price’s parents at this time. Donations are also being accepted for those who would like to help but are unable to attend by contacting Britney Price at 234-564-9583, Nicole Price at 330-429-4299 or Amanda Kegelmyer at 330-429-1085.

Junior golf clinics

Come to Mill Creek Golf Course Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for instruction time with course play to follow. Learn full swing, short game, putting, and fundamental motor skills. The cost is $20.

Adult golf clinics

Come to the Mill Creek golf course Aug. 6 (and every week until Aug. 27) from 6-8 p.m. for one hour of instruction time. Course play to follow. The cost is $ 25 for one clinic, $ 45 for two clinics, $ 60 for three clinics and $100 for seven clinics.

Tickets on sale for annual raffle

The Austintown Alumni Association is now selling tickets for its annual raffle. Funds from this project will be used to award scholarships to Austintown Fitch 2015 graduates. First prize is $500; second prize is a basket of gift cards from local businesses worth at least $200 and third prize is a $50 dinner for two at Rachel’s Restaurant and flowers from Something Unique Florist. Tickets are $1 each or a book of six tickets is $5. The winning tickets will be drawn on Aug. 29 at the Hall of Fame football game. Winners need not be present. The alumni association was able to award scholarships totaling $6000 to eight graduates in 2014. For tickets or more information, contact Joann Sulenski, alumni president, at 330-793-1101 or Patti Griffin at 330-793-4799.

Recreational hikes

There will be a series of volunteer-led recreational hikes being offered throughout August. On Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. there will be an easy 2 or 4 mile hike at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead. On Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. there will be a moderate 2 mile hike at Ford Nature Center. On Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. there will be an easy 2-4 mile hike at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead and on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. there will be an easy 2-3 mile hike starting at 401 West Main Street in Canfield.

Botanical dinners

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens August 13 (and every week until Aug. 27) from 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a botanical dining experience overlooking Lake Glacier while learning about the featured plant of the evening. On Aug. 13, it will be zucchini/peaches, on Aug. 20 it will be tomatoes/basil and on Aug. 27 it will be peppers/plums. Briefly gather and sip on the specialty drink to find out why the plant d’jour is so special. Call the Garden Caf at 330-740-7074 for reservations and pricing.

Birding the sanctuary

Come to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Aug. 16 from 8-9:30 a.m. as Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited leads a walk. Bring binoculars and boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by Aug. 15.

Alice’s tea party

Children ages 6-11 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 16 from 12:30 until 2 p.m. for a proper tea just like at the Mad Hatter’s house. Children will learn what plants make tea, sip samples and have a snack. The cost is $8.

Pizza party

Children ages 12-17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 16 from 3-4:30 p.m. to enjoy the bounty of the family garden for a pizza party. Teens will learn how-to create a yummy pizza from garden to oven. The cost is $10.

Movie under the stars

Bring your own blanket or chair to MetroParks Farm on Aug. 16 from 8-10:30 p.m. for an outside movie feature that begins at dark. The barn door will be movie screen. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase or bring your own snacks.

Facility opens at 8 p.m. for a pre movie activities; barns are open late to visit with the animals. In the event of rain, movie will be shown inside.

Ursuline reunion to be Aug. 30

The Ursuline High School Class of 1969 reunion will take place on Aug. 30 from 6-10 p.m. at the 5th Season Banquet Center, located at 1400 N. Canfield-Niles Road (State Route 46) in Mineral Ridge. The cost is $40 per person and there will be a cash bar. A class photo will be taken. the cost will be $15 and it will be available that night. Make checks payable to class of “69 Ursuline” and RSVP no later than Aug. 6. Send checks to Bill Ortz, 114 Griswold Dr., Boardman,Oh 44512. Questions can be directed at billortz@yahoo.com or by phone at 330-717-4402.

Fitch 40th reunion be be Aug. 29 and 30

Austintown Fitch Class of 1974 is having its 40th year reunion over Labor Day weekend. Prior to the game on Aug. 29, the class will have a tailgate and home football game at Fitch stadium at6 p.m. A post-game party will be at Trax on Raccoon Road in Austintown. On Aug. 30, they will reunite at 7 p.m. at The Upstairs Lounge, located on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown, for drinks, dinner and more. It will be “Dutch treat.” For more information and reservations, contact Kim Ringer Paden at cpaden@zoominternet.net or by phone at 330-540-9435, or Marcia Gamble Sturdevant at Marcia.sturdevant@gmail.com or by phone at 330-501-2298.

Guided tractor wagon rides

Come to MetroParks Farm on Aug. 17 from 1-4 p.m. for guided tractor wagon rides. The rides leave approximately every 1/2 hour for a tour of the farm. This is the last weekend activity until after the Canfield Fair; be sure to visit Old McDonald’s Barn. Barns are open. Donations accepted. Craft fee is $1.

Summer digital scavenger hunt

Come to Ford Nature Center Aug. 17 from 1-3 p.m. to search for the warmest season’s hidden secrets. Check in at Ford Nature Center for a list of nature objects to track down and document with a camera or phone.

Fused glass pendants

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. as Lynn Cardwell will help students create two fused glass pendants. The pendants will be fired and ready for pick up in approximately four weeks. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Painting in the park

Come to MetroParks Farm Aug. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a relaxing country evening outdoors. An instructor from Wonderstruck Artisan Market will guide you step-by-step on how to paint a specially designed MetroParks Farm-inspired masterpiece. Fee includes light refreshments and all art supplies needed to create and take home your very own painted canvas. Register by Aug. 21 at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $35 registered; $40 not registered.

Stroller walk

Come to the Lily Pond on Aug. 27 from 10-10:45 a.m. to learn to connect yourself and your child to nature. This guided walk around the Lily Pond will focus on observing and learning about the turtles and frogs normally found there. Specially designed for children in strollers with their caregivers. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for more info.

Reiki workshop

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn an ancient method of natural and hands-on healing with Usui Reiki. During this day-long workshop you will learn everything you need to become a Reiki practitioner. Mandy Smith, Usui Reiki Master, will guide you in learning the history of Reiki, basic physical and energy anatomy, and the hand positions used to complete Reiki treatment. You will receive attunements that establish you as a channel for healing. Upon completion of the workshop, you will receive a Reiki I certificate. Bring a bagged lunch. The cost is $85; FFRG member $70.

Horticulture show

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to admire summer’s bounty of flowers and vegetables at this show from Men’s Garden Club.

Traveling naturalist

A naturalist will be stationed at the Lily Pond Aug. 24 from 1-3 p.m. Stop by to chat about the pond’s wildlife and upcoming improvements. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Botanical delights

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Aug. 30 from 1-3 p.m. to delight your senses in the soothing fragrance of lavender as you learn about differences in species and cultivars and ways to use lavender in and around your home. FRG Horticulture Education Manager Mandy Smith will guide you in creating an herbal dream pillow for restful nights as you taste some sweet treats. The cost is $20; FFRG member $16.

Recreational hikes

Come to the Ohio Department of Transportation on Aug. 31 from 2-3 p.m. for 2-3 mile fast-paced, volunteer-led hikes. Call FNC for more info.

One Gourd Above

Come to the Weller Gallery in Fellows Riverside Gardens Aug. 15 through Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to view the gourd artwork of John and Karen Martin.

Youngstown Steel exhibit

Come to the outdoor gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through fall 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to view the steel sculptures by artist Tony Armeni that celebrate Youngstown’s spirit of invention.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens through fall of 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to view a collection of rare glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronical scenes from Mill Creek Park from 1907 - 1926.

Yoga basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in August from 8-9:15 a.m. to learn yoga basics. Bring a mat and small blanket. $10 per class.

Zumba at the Morley

Come to Wick Recreation Area’s Morley Stage Thursdays in August from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Zumba. Purchase a token at Par 3 building. $7 per class. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursdays in August for yoga. Bring a mat and small blanket. $10 per class.

T’ai chi in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in August from 12-1 p.m. to learn t’ai chi movements and breathing exercises. $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in August from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for pilates basics. Bring a mat and water. $10 per class.

Drums alive at the Morley

Come to Wick Recreation Area’s Morley Stage Thursdays in August from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to enjoy drumming and aerobic dance. Purchase a token before class at Par 3 building. $7 per class. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Family garden Fridays

Take part in fun drop-in activities in the family garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens in August from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Watch as the garden grows with characters from Alice in Wonderland and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends. Registration not required.

Learn from Chris Yambar

Love to draw? Want to write your own graphic novel? Join Chris Yambar, regular contributor to the Simpson’s television show and author of the Mr. Beat books, for a two day, hands on workshop at the Austintown library on Aug. 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. and learn how this pop artist, publisher and comics writer creates the unique art that has won him national acclaim. For teens and adults. Reservations are needed.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Austintown library Tuesdays in August at 10 a.m. for 20 minutes of language enrichment, including rhymes, songs and stories followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

Join the Austintown library Thursdays in August at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play. For children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver.

Craft event

Come to the Austintown library to make a special craft throughout August.

End of summer celebration

Bring the family to the Austintown library on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. for the end of summer reading celebration. There will be games, snacks and more.

Movie day

Join the Austintown library on Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m. for a movie. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages seven and younger must be with adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G.

Would you rather?

Would you rather always whisper or always shout? Answer this and other mind-boggling would you rather questions at the Austintown library during August.

Kindle class

Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the website. Don’t forget your Amazon account and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register.

Genealogy discussion group

Whether you are brand new to genealogy or a seasoned veteran, please join an informal discussion group at the Austintown library Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. and share your research tips, experiences, successes and roadblocks with others who are exploring their family trees.

Blind date with a book

Come to the Austintown library during August and pick out a book to read. Rate it once you’ve read it.

Farm to You

Members of Grow Youngstown’s Farm to You program are invited to pick up their shares of locally grown produce each Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at the Austintown library. For more information, visit www.growyoungstown.org.

Eat Dessert First Book Club

Come to the Austintown library on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. to sift through an array of cookbooks at the monthly meetings where you will chat about new recipes, share ideas and discuss cookbooks.

Free blood pressure check

The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be having a free blood pressure check at the Austintown library on Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Holiday closings

All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

East High’s 50th reunion

The 50th East High School reunion will take place on Aug. 30 at Mr. Anthony’s, located at 7440 South Avenue in Boardman, from 6-10 p.m. All 60’s classmates are welcome. There is limited seating and no tickets will be sold at the door. The cost is $50 per person and there will be a cash bar. Registration is at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:45 p.m. Make checks payable to East High School Class of 64, Mailed to Sandy (Santillo) Reed, 3216 Glen Oaks Drive, Youngstown, OH 44511. For more information, email sandrabeachbum@aol.com or call 330-793-9008.

Austintown kindergarten book bag giveaway

If you or someone you know need help providing a book bag and school supplies for an Austintown kindergarten student, join The Church of Jesus Christ, located at 185 N. Canfield-Niles Rd, Austintown on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m for a kindergarten book bag giveaway. Snacks and drinks will be served. Quantities are limited. Call 330-533-6615 to reserve a bag.

Gun raffle

Brandon Kovach, candidate for Columbiana county auditor is raffling off a stainless steel Ruger 10/22 and a turkey/waterfowl mossberg 535 shotgun. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online via a donation from his facebook page facebook.com/electkovach or his website electkovach.com and they will be mailed to you. The drawing will take place Sept. 1 and you must be legally able to own a gun to qualify.

Kovach can be reached at 330-974-5625 with any questions.

Awards Luncheon Oct. 2.

Nomination forms are available through the Shepherd of the Valley website at www.ShepherdoftheValley.com; click on Quick Links and choose Valley Legacy Awards. They are also available at all Shepherd of the Valley locations. For additional information, contact Cheryl Fitzgerald at CFitzgerald@SHEPHERDOFTHEVALLEY.com.

Oh Wow! to close on Mondays

Starting on Memorial Day (May 26), OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology will be closed on Mondays. Summer hours remain in effect through Labor Day, (Sept. 1).

Open enrollment continues

The Austintown Local School District is continuing with its open enrollment policy for the 2014-15 school year. New for next school year, they will not be accepting any new open enrollments students in grades 10, 11 or 12. This does not apply to existing open enrollment students who are currently enrolled in Austintown. New open enrollment students (accepting grades K–9 only) can begin to complete applications on March 3. One application must be completed for each student. Visit www.austintownschools.org for the complete timeline of deadlines and the open enrollment guidelines. For your convenience, computers are available for your use to complete the online forms at either the Austintown Early Learning Center, located at 4211 Evelyn Road, or the Austintown Board of Education building, located at 700 S. Raccoon Road, during regular business hours.