Austintown Community Briefs
NHS to have induction ceremony
The Austintown Fitch Chapter of the National Honor Society will host its 76th Annual Induction Ceremony on April 11 at 9 a.m. in the high school auditorium. The current senior class will welcome approximately 75 new members. Directly following the ceremony, NHS members, new members and their families will have cookies and punch in the Fitch Media Center.
Grandson of residents named to Dean’s List
Brian Sirak, grandson of Robert and Shirley Sirak of Austintown, was named to the Dean’s List at the School of Business Administration at Dayton University.
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, 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 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.
Newcomers Club fundraiser set
The Newcomers Club of Canfield will sponsor its annual fundraiser, “Making A Difference Through Laughter,” April 5. The event will take place at Mojos Pub-n-Grill on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and a comedy show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and also include a chance to win a grand prize. The event will also include a basket auction. For tickets or sponsorship information, call Jeannie Gulia at 330-651-1713 or Paula Lavin at 678-557-6414. Reservations must be completed by March 28. The Newcomers Club of Canfield Foundation provides vital funds to various local charities who support the needs of the community.
Knights of Columbus to have pasta dinner
The Knights of Columbus, Council #3930, will be hosting a pasta dinner on March 30 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish center, located at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown from noon until 5 p.m.
All dinners include pasta and meatballs, tossed salad, bread and butter, homemade desserts, punch and coffee.
The cost is $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6-9 years-old and children 6 and under are free. They will also offer a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit The Knights of Columbus charities.
Fitch robotics team awarded
Falco Tech 3193 Austintown Fitch Robotics Team won the Entrepreneurship Award at the New York Regional competition. This award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by recognizing a team that has developed the framework for a comprehensive business plan. The team submitted a formal business plan and organized information before the event started. During the event, judges asked them questions regarding the team’s organization, fundraising and sponsors for the $25,000 per year program. The team will travel to the California University of Pennsylvania in California, Pa. on March 27 - 29 for a competition including 48 teams from across the US and Canada.
Clare Bridge to host Easter Egg Hunt
Clare Bridge in Austintown, located at 1420 S. Canfield Niles Road, will have its Easter Eddstravaganza and egg hunt April 12 at 11 a.m. The public is invited to bring their children and grandchildren to the the Easter Egg Hunt and party. Enjoy the festivities and learn about all the places your life can go at our community.
Austintown cancels Waiver Day
The March 31 Waiver Day for the Austintown Local School District will be rescheduled for June 5. This will result in March 31 being a normal instructional day and June 4 becoming the last day of school for students.
Board of Education to have session March 24
On March 24 at 9:30 a.m. the Board of Education will have a special session for the purpose of an Executive Session at the Central Office of the Board of Education Offices at 700 S. Raccoon Road. This will be a discussion with regard to employment of personnel.
Historical society to give women’s history presentation
On March 25 at 7 p.m., the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown present “Founding Mothers: Great Women in Mahoning Valley History” at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, located at 325 West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. Catherine Dougherty Hillman, Margaret Van Horn Dwight, Dora Schwebel, Mary Ann Campana - the lives of these women are woven into the history of the Mahoning Valley.
Join Traci Manning, the Historical Society’s Curator of Education, for a celebration of women’s history. Learn about the women who lived, worked, and learned here – and how their stories and struggles helped to shape and change the Mahoning Valley.
This lecture is free and open to the public. Free adjacent parking is available at the History Center. For more information, call 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.
Fundraiser to be March 22
BSA Troop 184 will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on March 22 from 3-7 p.m. at Saint Joseph Church, located at 4545 New Road in Austintown. The event is all you can eat and will offer dine in or carry out options. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. There will also be a basket raffle and 50/50.
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, 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.
Newcomers Club fundraiser set for April 5
The Newcomers Club of Canfield will sponsor its annual fundraiser, “Making A Difference Through Laughter” April 5. The event will take place at Mojos Pub-n-Grill on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and a comedy show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and also include a chance to win a grand prize. The event will also include a basket auction. For tickets or sponsorship information, call Jeannie Gulia at 330-651-1713 or Paula Lavin at 678-557-6414. Reservations must be completed by March 28. The Newcomers Club of Canfield Foundation provides vital funds to various local charities who support the needs of the community.
Gold Award project to benefit soccer league
Play It Forward is a Girl Scout Gold Award service project to collect used soccer equipment to be distributed to children in the community participating in the Austintown Junior Soccer League. Youth and adult sized soccer cleats, shin guards, shorts, socks and soccer balls will be collected on March 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the pavilion at the Austintown Junior Soccer League fields, Ohltown Road in Austintown. Collection bins are also available inside Fitch High School and Austintown Middle School through the end of March. For more information, email goldgear14@gmail.com.
Fitch offers annual Cabaret show
On March 30, Austintown Fitch High School Concert Choir will be presenting Cabaret; Musical Theatre Performance Concert in the Fitch High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. Tickets for adults are $5 and $3 for senior citizens and students. There will be 40 acts, including solos, duets and a few ensemble performances. This 54 member concert choir will be performing song medleys from “Newsies,” “Spamalot,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “South Pacific,” “Miss Saigon,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and more.
SJIHM home and school quarter auction
The St. Joseph Immaculate Heart of Mary home and school quarter auction will take place March 22 at the Maronite Center, located at 1555 S. Meridian Road. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the auction begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 and tickets must be purchased in advance. Various donated items will be available for bid. The number of quarters required for each bid is based on the value of each item. Bring your own quarters. This is an adult only, bring your own beverage event. Snack bar and 50/50 proceeds will benefit the eighth-grade trip to New York City. For tickets, call Molly Faloon at 330-502-9163 or Nicole Fryfogle at 330-502-9996.
Kindergarten registration information
Austintown Local Schools will be having kindergarten registration and screening during the week of April 28 - May 1. Registration packets can be picked up at Austintown Elementary School and Austintown Early Learning Center starting March 3. Children must be 5 years of age by Sept. 30 to enroll in kindergarten. Registration and screening will take approximately 30 minutes. Anyone living outside of the Austintown Local School District, must also complete an open enrollment application in addition to the registration packet, which can be found on the district website at www.austintownschools.org.
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.
Yoga basics
Learn the basics of yoga taught by Karres Cvetkovich Sundays in March at 10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bring a mat and small blanket. Fee: $10 per class.
Pilates basics
Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment, and breathing with Angela Lubonovich Mondays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bring a mat and water. Fee: $10 per class.
Yoga in the gardens
Join Marina Perdos Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of yoga styles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. The fee is $10 per class.
Pilates sculpt
Join Angela Lubonovich Wednesdays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens to be guided in using hand weights to tone the body with an emphasis on core strength and control. Bring a mat, water, and two pound weights if you have them. The fee is $10 per class.
T’ai Chi course
Join Marie Lew Thursdays in March and April and May 1 and 8 at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a ten-week course that includes warm-ups, breathing exercises and instruction in the first steps of a complete classic Chen T’ai Chi form. It is designed for beginners with little or no previous background in this art of energy balancing. Taken as a whole, this course will ground the student in the basic principles of movement and the meaning behind the movements while developing coordination, strength and flexibility. Registration required. The fee is $100; 10 percent discount ($90) if registered by March 1.
Short term host family opportunities available through 4-H
Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage, and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for one month this year, as part of an international exchange program being offered by the County OSU Extension, 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 100 Japanese youngsters (aged 12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18.
Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. Families are urged not to alter their daily routines or lifestyles during their visitor’s stay. Exchangees provide their own spending money, and the sponsoring organization furnishes comprehensive medical insurance. All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless, and non-4-H families. The only requirements are that for the Japanese month-long exchange, hosts must have a family member of the same gender and approximate age of the exchangee, three meals a day, and a separate bed for the visitor. Those interested should contact Gretchen Kalinay at 330-799-8407 or Gary Reel at 330-533-7712 for an application form and more information about this and other 4-H international exchange programs. More information and an application can be found at the website www.ohio4h.org/youth/international.
Creating with herbs
Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 22 from 1-3:30 p.m. to learn how to use herbs and other natural ingredients to make salves, creams and lip balms, each of which you will take home. There will be herbal infusions and other treats as you learn self-care for yourself and your family. Registration required. Fee: $39; FFRG member $30.
T’ai Chi in the gardens
Join Marie Lew at Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Fee: $10 per class.
Papermaking
Children ages 7-12 are invited to Ford Nature Center March 22 from 1-2 p.m. to learn how paper is made and recycle waste paper into new paper for writing, drawing, or art. There will also be an opportunity to do origami. Pre-register/pay at Ford Nature Center by March 21. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR.
A day of Asian culture
Travel to Cleveland April 24 from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. to explore gardens, art, and food. Visit Cleveland’s Chinatown with guide Dr. Y.T. Chiu, tour Japanese gardens at Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and discover the Asian exhibits at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Register by calling Fellows Riverside Gardens. Fee: $155; FFRG member $110. Registration deadline is March 28.
Twinkie, deconstructed
After reading Steve Ettlinger’s exploration of the ingredients on a Twinkie label, join a group discussion on the book at Ford Nature Center March 22 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Spring break hike
Meet at Yellow Creek Park March 23 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike followed by an indoor presentation about Florida. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Ask the naturalist
Meet at Ford Nature Center March 30 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike. Bring along your nature and MetroParks questions (or think of them along the trail) for naturalist Bill Whitehouse, and he will do his best to answer them. Moderate rating, 2 miles.
Audubon Society presentation
Join Jeffrey Hall at MetroParks Farm March 25 from 7-8 p.m. for the presentation “Spring Beauty–Seasons’ Beginnings.” Hall is the past president of Washington County Audubon Society in New Jersey and now lives in Pennsylvania. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
Watercolor display
Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17-March 23 to view the watercolors of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow.
Fibonacci numbers exhibit
Come to the Weller Gallery March 28-June 8 to take a look at the world of Fibonacci numbers and their relationship to the world.
Through the Lens exhibit
Come to the Melnick Museum through December 2014 to take a peek at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s 2014 exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit will display 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. In addition to nature scenes, several portrait negatives from the period will also be on display.
Neighborhood Ministries seeks meal sites for summer program
Neighborhood Ministries, a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program, is seeking churches or organizations to join in providing free meals to children ages 18 and under who live in the Youngstown area. The meals are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Ohio Department of Education from June 9–Aug. 22. Sites may choose one or two meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and/or a snack. If your church or organization is interested in receiving free meals for children this summer, please contact Neighborhood Ministries at 330-755-8696 or email SFSP@ohionm.org. The deadline for submitting a site request is March 31.
Bonding with babies and books
Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Austintown library every Tuesday in March 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.
Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in March at 10 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children, ages 2-3, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fun Time for 4s and 5s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in March at 11:30 a.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays, and other activities that will help your children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Find those snazzy hats
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at the Austintown library throughout March to see how many “Cat in the Hat” hats can you find hidden in the library. Tell the librarian and receive a prize. For children of all ages.
Gotta move storytime
Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to join the Austintown library Thursdays in March 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.
Grab and go craft
Children of all ages are invited to the Austintown library throughout March to make a craft to take home.
Xbox games event
Come to Austintown library March 29 at 3 p.m. to play brand new Xbox games on the big screen. For tweens and teens in grades 5-12.
Would you rather
Stop by the teen department of the Austintown library throughout March to answer some would you rather questions and make up some of your own. Come back each month to see if your questions were used to stump other people. For teens in grades 7-12.
Learn the Nook
Bring your Nook to the Austintown library March 25 at 6 p.m. and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the website. Don’t forget your Adobe ID and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. For teens and adults.
Blood Drive
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations at the Austintown library March 22 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to help the community. For appointments call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Free blood pressure check
The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will be at the Austintown library March 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. administering free blood pressure checks.
Friends of the Austintown library presentation
Come to the Austintown library March 24 at 10 a.m. to hear Michael A. Cizmar, Special Agent Coordinator of the FBI Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force present the history of the FBI, detailing the missions of the FBI nationally and in the Mahoning Valley. Cizmar will discuss the community’s input to the local FBI. This program will help provide an awareness of the FBI’S presence in the community and how citizens can be of service to the Violent Crimes Task Force. The Friends monthly meeting will follow.
Knitting classes
Join the Austintown library March 17 and 31, April 14, May 12 and June 9 from 10 until 11:30 a.m. to learn how to knit. The Friends of PLYMC are sponsoring a series of five knitting classes in the meeting room of the Austintown library. If you have a Friends of the PLYMC paid membership, there will be no fee. If you aren’t a Friend’s member, but would like to attend the program, you can join the Friends for $10, which gives you a membership, plus covers all costs of the knitting class. Sign up at the first date. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.
Free Tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals
The Austintown library will again provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. beginning the week of Feb. 11. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS. TCE sites are staffed by AARP volunteers. Volunteers will provide counseling on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To make an appointment, call 330-799-5849.
Craft and Vender show to be April 26
The annual Craft and Vendor show to benefit The Rich Center for Autism in Austintown will be April 26 at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Raccoon Road!. The event will be offered from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is open to the public free of admission. There will be a large Chinese auction and 50/50 drawing, along with 40 local vendors and crafters. All money raised will go to The Rich Center for Autism.
Spring craft show to be May 17
TOPS 2191 in Austintown will be hosting a spring craft show on May 17 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, located at 45 Idlewood Ave. They are taking requests for vendors. Tables run $20 each and space is limited. Call 330-774-1803 for details.
Light, shadow and a jukebox
Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17 - March 23 to experience the watercolor work of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow. The exhibit will have a jukebox.
Through the lens
Come see at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s 2014 exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit will display a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers, which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907 through 1926. In addition to park scenes, several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display. The photographs be on display until Dec. of 2014.