Austintown Community Briefs

Viars is Coordinator with Mahoning Safe Communities

In the June 14 article titled “Students learn dangers of distracted driving,” Susan Byers should be listed as Susan Viars, a Coordinator with Mahoning Safe Communities. Viars spoke to Austintown Fitch students on at the Fitch Prom Rally on May 16 and is not affiliated with SAFE (Self Abuse Finally Ends).

The Learning Dog to host open house

The public is invited to join in celebrating the fourth open house at The Learning Dog Training & Enrichment Center, located at 757 N Main Street in Hubbard on June 22 from 12-4 p.m. This is a fundraiser to help local animal rescues. There will be door prizes, free gifts, food, refreshments and a Chinese auction. The Learning Dog is a force-free dog training facility. For more information, call 330-534-4990.

Saxon Club to host dance group

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 South Meridian Road in Youngstown, will be hosting a youth dance group along with a small band from Nuremberg, Germany. This performance of traditional music and dance will be June 23 at 7 p.m. Admission for the concert will be $5. Tickets will be available at the door. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase before and after the concert. In addition to the dancing and spirited music performed by the German groups, there will be open floor dancing. This concert by the Nuremberg band (Schlager-Taxi), and dance group is part of a tour of Canada and the United States. Branch 30 of the Youngstown Saxon Club will host this event. The tour is sponsored in part by the Alliance for Transylvanian Saxons. For more information on this event, and tickets in advance, contact Dr. John H. Boehm, Jr. at 330-518-3625 or the Youngstown Saxon Club at 330-792-7973. The public is welcome to attend.

PSHS reunion to be June 27 and 28

The Poland Seminary High School Class of 1989 is hosting its 25-year reunion on June 27 and 28. There will be an adults-only mixer at The Magic Tree, located on South Avenue in Boardman, from 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Friday.

An open house for the entire family will be offered on Saturday at The Gallery at Wittenauer’s in Poland from 5-7:30 p.m. More information can be found on the PSHS Class of 1989 Facebook Group site.

Fitch class of 1959 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1959 will host its 55th class reunion on Aug. 1-3. On Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., there will be a social meet and greet at the home of Ralph Roberts, located at 931 Kirwan Dr. in Austintown; on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m., there will be a four entree buffet dinner at A La Carte Catering, located at 429 Lisbon St. in Canfield. Social hour will be from 6-7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be a class picture at 6:20 p.m. and will cost $11, payable that evening; and on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a breakfast buffet at the Saxon Club Lower Lounge, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. The cost is $10 per person. Classmates who haven’t responded to mailings or emails, or who haven’t been contacted should contact Bernie Layshock Zets at 330-799-5849 or walker0621@aol.com by July 1.

Conroy graduates from Walsh University

Kristin Conroy, a resident of Austintown, graduated from Walsh University with a MA in Master of Arts in Education. More than 365 graduates were awarded their degrees during Walsh University’s spring commencement ceremony on May 4.

The Linda and Jerry Riley Benefit Fund

There will be an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on June 22 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at St. Christine’s Church for a donation of $5 to benefit Jerry Riley, an Army veteran who is now confined to a wheelchair due to Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s and dementia. There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and more. Proceeds will help Riley make his home wheelchair accessible. If you are not able to make it and would still like to donate, you can make a deposit at any Huntington Bank by telling them to put it in the Linda and Jerry Benefit Fund.

Meet Jennifer Holm

Meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Our Only May Amelia,” books about Babymouse and Squish, and more at the Austintown library on Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Free summer program

The Austintown Local Schools will be offering a free, federally funded summer breakfast and lunch program for children 18-years-old and under at the Austintown Elementary School from June 9 - Aug. 15. The program is run by volunteers from the community and is still in need of volunteers to help with science projects, art, sports clinics, crafts, reading time, yoga, zumba and any other fun activities for children.

Contact the Food Service Office Secretary Natalie Winkle at 330-797-3900 ext. 2032, for more information or to be added to the volunteer schedule.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Austintown library Tuesdays in June 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

Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to join the Austintown library Thursdays in June at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Movie night

Join the Austintown library on June 21 at 2:30 p.m. for a movie night. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 and younger must be with an adult. Movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G.

Grab and go event

Children of all ages are invited to the Austintown library throughout June to make a special craft. Spy Kids training

Come to the Austintown library on June 25 at 11 a.m. and use science to uncover clues and solve mysteries, including fingerprinting, cracking codes, an obstacle course and more. This event is for school-age children.

Would you rather?

Come to the Austintown library throughout June to answer some “would you rather?” questions and make up some of your own. For teens in grades 7-12.

Genealogy discussion group

Whether you are brand new to genealogy or a seasoned veteran, please join the Austintown library on June 25 at 6 p.m. for an informal discussion group and share your research tips, experiences, successes and road blocks with others who are exploring their family trees.

Eat Dessert First book club

Come to the Austintown library on June 26 at 6 p.m. to sift through an array of cookbooks at the monthly meeting. Chat about new recipes, share ideas and discuss cookbooks. All ages are welcome.

Blind date with a book

Come to the Austintown library throughout June for a blind date with a book. Rate the book when you’re finished.

Coupon swap

Come to the Austintown library during library hours in June to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons or learning new tips from other coupon clippers.

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 at the Austintown library from 4-6 p.m. beginning on June 3. For more information, visit www.growyoungstown.org.

Pop-Up library at Simply Slavic Heritage Festival

The Pop-Up library will be at the Simply Slavic Festival on Federal Plaza East on June 21 from 12-3 p.m. This event will focus on local history and genealogy resources. The Pop-Up library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a library card, or learn about the digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up library at your event, visit www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary.

Blood pressure check

The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be having a blood pressure check at the Austintown library on June 24 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Blood pressure check

The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be having a blood pressure check at the Austintown library on June 24 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting

Come to the Austintown library on June 23 at 10 a.m. and learn about the Scrappers and its players for the 2014 season. A representative from the Scrapper’s organization will be the guest speaker. A brief history of the organization, the year’s expectations, the players, changes and the need for community support will be the topics covered in the presentation. There will be a brief meeting following the presentation.

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).

Fizz, Boom, Read!

Summer reading starts June 1 at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. There will be special presenters, authors, prizes and surprises for participants and a chance to meet an author. Go to libraryvisit.org/summerreading or visit a PLYMC library near you to register. Fizz, Boom, Read! is summer reading with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) theme. Children receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen and a Mahoning Valley Scrappers Game voucher just for signing up. For the first four hours read, children receive a paperback book while supplies last.

For the first eight hours read, children receive a beach ball (birth to age 8) or a light up yo-yo (ages 9-11). Children ages three and up will also get one free admission ticket to OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. For the first 12 hours read, children earn a chance to win a $25 gift card to Toys‘R’Us (birth to age 8). Children ages 9-11 earn a chance to win an iPod shuffle. Children who read 30 hours will receive a special invitation to meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Babymouse” and “Squish,” when she visits in August.

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Join the Ford Nature Center June 27 at 6:30 p.m. for Blues, Brews and BBQ, a fundraiser to celebrate the upcoming renovation of this historic facility. You’ll get the first peek at the new Ford Nature Center master plan as you listen to blues, dine on creative cuisine and sample craft beer and wine. Email Linda@MillCreekMetroParks.org to receive an invitation by mail. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ford Nature Center renovation. The fee is $45 per person; advance tickets required.

Hooked on fishing

Come to the MetroParks Farm June 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a program conducted by the MetroParks police to teach children about the sport of fishing. All ages are welcome. This program is free

Live at the Morley

Come to the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion June 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. to hear the 2014 Hard Rock Rising Cleveland Champion band Winslow perform their unique brand of soul rock. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Botanical dinners

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 11, 18 or 25 from 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a dining experience overlooking Lake Glacier while learning about the featured plant of the evening. June 11 is strawberries, June 18 is asparagus and June 15 is raspberries. Briefly gather and sip on the specialty drink to find out why the plant du jour is so special. Call the Garden Caf at 330-740-7071 for reservations and pricing.

Sister park

Join Bill Whitehouse at Austintown Township Park June 29 from 2-4 p.m. to explore Mill Creek’s smaller sister park. Moderate rating, up to 2 miles.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

On June 4, meet at Ford Nature Center at 9 a.m. for a moderate hike of 2 or 4 miles. On June 10, meet at the overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive at 6 p.m. for an easy hike of 1 or 3 miles. On June 18, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road at 9 a.m. for an easy hike of 2 or 4 miles. On June 24, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm at 6 p.m. for an easy hike of 2 or 4 miles. Volunteer-led recreational hikes are generally faster paced and focus on exercising in the outdoors.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk around Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary June 21 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 by June 20 to secure your spot.

Zumba at the Morley

Enjoy the outdoor setting of Mill Creek MetroParks at Wick Recreation Area Tuesdays in June from 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays in June from 5:30-6:30 p.m. while you Zumba. This easy to follow, calorie burning dance-fitness party will help melt inches and stress away. A class token needs to be purchased at the Par 3 kiosk before class to participate. Tokens will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 for information. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga basics

Feel comfortable at Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in June from 8-9:15 a.m. in a class meant for everybody while you learn the basics taught by Karres Cvetkovich. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Join Marina Perdos Tuesdays in June from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich Thursdays in June from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of energizing yoga styles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in June from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with Angela Lubonovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in June from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring a mat and water. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

Cleaning with essential oils

Learn how to clean and disinfect more naturally at Fellows Riverside Gardens with Jeanette DiRubb June 21 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. as she shows you how to incorporate essential oils and specific doTERRA products to clean all areas of the home, including laundry. Bring your favorite cleaning tool (sponge, rag, etc) to test out the cleaning solutions and take home a spray bottle with your choice selection. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Sacred space

Join Karres Cvetkovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens June 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m to learn new ways to create sacred space and how to invoke harmony within. All are welcome. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Junior golf program

Come to the Mill Creek golf course June 1 and 8 at 1 p.m. or June 17 and 24 at 11 a.m. for a weekly junior golf program consisting of one hour range time and course time to follow. The cost is $20.

Weekly golf clinic

Come to the Mill Creek golf course Wednesdays in June at 6 p.m. for one hour range time with on-course play to follow. Clinic fees are $25 (one day clinics), $45 (any two clinics), $60 (any three clinics) and $100 (any seven clinics).

Kayak trips

Come to the East Newport Boat Launch June 14 from 1-3 p.m., June 21 from 9-11 a.m., or June 28 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to go on kayak trips. All skill levels are invited on these naturalist and volunteer-escorted trips. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Age restrictions apply. Registration/payment is due 36 hours before program at Ford Nature Center. The fee is $12 per person R; $15 per person NR; second person in tandem Ω price.

Wonderland creatures

Children ages 3 -5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 10-11 a.m. to explore how Alice adventured with the Dormouse, Gryphon, Mock Turtle and other creatures through hands on activities, a snack, and craft. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Bugs of Wonderland

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to discover the bugs that live in Wonderland from the snap dragonfly to the caterpillar. Children ages 6-11 will enjoy fun activities and crafts. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Botanical soaps

Teens ages 12–17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. to learn how to make their own glycerin soaps using flowers from the gardens and essential oils. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at at 330-740-7116 to register. The fee is $10.

Guided tractor wagon rides

Join MetroParks Farm June 1 and 22 from 1-4 p.m. to explore how the farm is changing from spring to summer. Barns are also open to visit with the animals. Children’s craft fee is $1.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens each Friday starting May 9 until Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take part in activities in the family garden. 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. This event is free to all.

Family tour day

Come to MetroParks Farm June 12 and 26 at 10 a.m. to take a guided tractor wagon ride and tour the barns to learn about the animals and play in the farm playroom. Call 330-533-7572 to register. Space on the wagon is limited. Pack a snack or lunch and stay around after the tour.

Flashlights and fireflies

Take a tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens June 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. as the sun dips below the horizon and the fireflies light the way. Bring a flashlight and enjoy making a firefly craft together as a family. There is a $5 suggested donation.

Summer story time

Come to MetroParks Farm June 30 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a story about tractors and then use a toy tractor to make a unique painted picture. Washable paint will be used, so dress appropriately. You can visit the barns while your art work is drying. Call 330-533-7572 to register. The fee is $2 R; $3 NR.

Explore wildlife

Children ages 5-6 who are accompanied by an adult are invited to Ford Nature Center June 24 or 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to discover the wildlife of Mill Creek MetroParks. Exploration will include hiking, nature games, crafts, stream-stomping, bug-catching, scavenger hunts, meeting live animals and a ride on the Lake Glacier Passenger Boat. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 17. The fee is $50 R, $60 NR.

Explore heritage and history

Children ages 8 and up are invited to Lanterman’s Mill, the Old Log Cabin and Pioneer Pavilion June 24 and 26 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to meet at a different historic Mill Creek MetroPark site and enjoy summer activities and explore the heritage and history of the Mahoning Valley. Camp will be based at the park’s three oldest buildings, Lanterman’s Mill, Old Log Cabin and Pioneer Pavilion. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 17. The fee $60 R, $70 NR.

True beauty

Girls ages 10-14 are invited to Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens June 30 and July 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn about true beauty. This empowering summer camp uses journaling and inspirational women to lead girls in discovering their own inner beauty. Girls will have the chance to learn, create and grow though zumba, gardening, self-defense, yoga, meditation, making lip balm, facial scrubs and friendship bracelets. Call 330-740-7107 to register. The fee is $120 R, $135 NR.

Shade gardening

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 21 from 10-11:30 a.m. to learn how to light up the shady areas of your yard with colorful shade-loving plants, including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. Ellen Speicher will guide you on a tour of the shade garden and discuss how to care for shade-loving plants. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The fee is $10; FFRG member $8.

Through the Lens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museuem through December 2014 for the Through the Lens exhibit. This exhibit displays a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926. Several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display.

Class of 1984 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1984 30-year Class Reunion will take place on July 12 from 7-11 p.m. at the Maronite Center, located at 1555 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by sending payment to Austintown Fitch Class of 84 Class Reunion, PO Box 1071, Perrysburg, Ohio 43552-1071. If you have any questions or comments, email eileenriffer@bex.net.

The Ursuline Center announces 2014 guided labyrinth walks

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, will begin its 2014 guided labyrinth walk season April 27 (weather permitting) with a short presentation on the Spirituality of Labyrinths at 2 p.m. in the center and a guided walk immediately following. This year the center is offering a series of themed walks. On April 27 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Rebirth,” on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Healing,” on June 19 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Emancipation: Freedom of Mind, Body and Spirit” in correlation with the Juneteenth holiday, on July 15 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Growing,” on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Accepting,” on Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Peace” and on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Awareness” (presentation on Spirituality of Labyrinths in the center).

All people of faith are invited to attend, whether they are new to or experienced with walking a labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth usually takes about 20 minutes. People wishing to experience the Labyrinth but unable to make one of the guided walks can come anytime at their own convenience. There are printed guides that give suggestions for following the path provided at the Labyrinth’s entrance, but there is no right or wrong way to experience the sacred walk. People can use the labyrinth in any way they need. The Ursuline Center Labyrinth is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and open year-round from dawn to dusk for all persons of faith. There is no cost to use the Labyrinth, which is handicapped-accessible and offers ample parking. To learn more about the Ursuline Center Labyrinth, call Eileen W. Novotny, Ursuline Associate, at 330-533-3831.

Gamblers Anonymous to meet

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Cornersburg. Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend. For more information, call 330-505-5060.

Banding the baby falcons

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife hopes to have newly hatched peregrine falcons to band and the public is invited to watch. If you would like to attend this special activity, which will take place downtown on a week day, Ford Nature Center will keep a contact list. As soon as ODNR-DOW gives the details, you will be contacted with the date and time.

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.