Austintown Community Briefs

Austintown Optimist Club installs officers

On Oct. 14, the Austintown Optimist Club began the new year with the installation of the 2014-2015 officers. Present at the event were president Lori Ferreri; new treasurer Pete Fraser; Zone 5 Lt. Governor Jim Hoffman, who administered the oath of office; Lynn Larson, Optimist Club secretary, and Kelli Zemko, president-elect.

History to Go will be Oct. 25

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s History to Go program for October will be guided walking tours of Oak Hill Cemetery. The free event will be on Oct. 25 from 2-4 p.m. A welcome table will be located at the entrance to Oak Hill Cemetery at 344 Oak Hill Avenue. Tour guides will lead visitors to several locations in the cemetery, providing history and historic images. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled – check the Historical Society’s website at www.mahoninghistory.org or call the Historical Society office at 330-743-2589 for details and updates.

Wine tasting event to be Oct. 25

The Youngstown Shrine Club’s sixth annual Wine Taste event will take place on Oct. 25 from 7-10 p.m. at 1735 W. South Range Road in North Lima. There will be live entertainment, dancing, raffles, prizes and food by Gia Russa. The cost for the event is a $30 donation in advance or a $35 donation at the door. For more information, call 330-549-5228.

Civil War ball to be Nov. 1

A gala “Living History” Ball honoring Youngstown’s Civil War Governor, David Tod, will take place in the ballroom of the Tyler History Center in downtown Youngstown on Nov. 1 from 6-7 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the educational programs of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. David Tod, the great-great-great grandson of Governor Tod will receive guests, as will President Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and Dan Rice, a colorful entertainer of the 1800’s. There will be easy to learn period dancing, historical skits, prizes, light refreshments and more. Period dress is encouraged, but not required. To register, contact Janet Moy LaMonica at 330-793-3072 or email dtcwball@yahoo.com. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for teens ages 13-18. For more information, visit www.davidtodcivilwarball.com or www.mahoninghistory.org, or call 330-793-3072.

Card party and more to be Oct. 26

The St. Partick Altar Guild Card Party, Bingo and Salad Buffet will take place on Oct. 26 from 1-3:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Social Hall, located at 1420 Oak Hill in Youngstown. The cost is $5 per person and can be paid at the door.

AMS PTA to host annual craft show

On Nov. 8, the Austintown Middle School PTA will host it’s 31st annual Craft Show from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Austintown Middle School, located at 800 Racoon Road.

This event will feature more than 200 vendors selling homemade crafts, food, art, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics and more. There will also be a Chinese Auction and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is free for all so stop in for a day of shopping and fun. Vendor spaces are still available. For more information, contact Michelle Misik at 330-559-8791 or Deb Fuller at 330-506-6626.

Women’s group to host sale

The women’s group of Grace Lutheran Church, located at 162 South Raccoon Road in Austintown, with host its annual Trash and Treasure sale on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be household goods, clothing, holiday decorations, toys, books and miscellaneous items.

Baked goods will also be available for sale. At 12:30 p.m., all clothing will be $1 per bag and all merchandise will be half off. Proceeds from the sale will be given to area charities. A lunch of homemade vegetable beef soup or a prok and sauerkraut sandwich, followed by a piece of pie, will also be available. Also offered are hot dogs, sloppy Joes, soda pop and coffee.

Local Dairy Queens to host pumpkin hunt

There will be a free pumpkin hunt with candy, prizes and mini pumpkins for children ages 2-9 on Oct. 25 at noon at the Cornersburg Dairy Queen, located at 3555 S. Meridian Road, or on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Austintown Dairy Queen, located at 146 N. Canfield-Niles Road.

Decorate your own pumpkin free with a Dairy Queen cupcake purchase (while they last). There will also be a costume contest prior to the hunt on the day of the event.

HMHP presents “Coping With Stress”

Humility of Mary Health Partners will present “Coping With Stress: What to Do When Life Isn’t Perfect” with Rachel O’Neill, Ph. D., for the autumn Women in Touch program. O’Neill, who has more than 14 years’ experience in the mental health profession, will discuss strategies to effectively manage stress and improve one’s health. Continuing education credits are available for nurses, dieticians, dietary technicians and social workers. The program is offered twice: from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Ciminero’s Banquet Center in Niles, and from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. Tickets cost $18 and include dinner. Registration is required and can be made by calling 330-480-3070.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting

Lori Stone will discuss changes in the military for women from WWII to present and the VA Clinic on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown at the Friends of the Austintown library meeting on Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. She is currently a volunteer at the VA Youngstown Outpatient Clinic.

Friends of Fido and Legacy Dog Rescue announce Night at the Races

Friends of Fido and Legacy Dog Rescue will hosting a Night at the Races on Nov. 15 at the St. Maron Church Antioch Hall, located at 1555 S. Meridian in Youngstown. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the first race running at 7 p.m. The admission price is $5. If you pre-buy your ticket, you will receive five free Chinese Auction tickets. Bring 10 or more pounds of dog food and you will receive five more free Chinese Auction tickets. In addition to the Chinese Auction, there will be a 50/50 raffle, food and beer for sale. Pre sale tickets are available now. Call Jenn at 330-719-5569 or Shirley at 330-720-7216 if you would like to purchase your tickets early and get free Chinese Auction tickets.

Blood pressure check

There will be a Blood Pressure Check by Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Austintown library on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Blind date with a book

Throughout the month of October at the Austintown library, participate in Blind Date With a Book. Books will be packaged in plain brown paper.

Library Eats Book Club – soups

There’s a chill in the air, so it’s time to warm up with soups and chowders on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. They will be discussing “souper” cookbooks. For adults.

Local church to have October food events

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown, is having food events in October.

On Oct. 25, the Ladies Circle will be having its semi-annual Vegetable Soup sale, at the price of $6 per quart. Bring your containers. Orders are requested by calling the church office at 330-799-9390.

South High Class of 1965 reunion planning

The South High Class of 1965 has begun making plans for their 50th class reunion in September 2015. The committee is looking for up-to-date addresses and e-mail addresses. Details and information can be obtained by going to the class website at youngstownsouth65.com or by calling Gene at 703-625-4317 or Cheryl at 330-787-1381.

Show What You Know: Crochet

Learn how to crochet at the Austintown library every Tuesday in October at 6 p.m. No experience is needed. This event is for beginners or those who want to brush up on their techniques and skills. Bring a size G or H crochet hook and a ball of 4-ply worsted yarn to make a special project. The event is a presented by Bev Miller as part of a series of four sessions. Class size limited. Sign up now by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. The event is for adults and teens.

Sixth annual Danielle Scott Memorial Poetry Contest

Danielle Scott was a beloved Teen Advisory Board member whom was lost to cancer, and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is sponsoring the sixth annual poetry writing contest to honor Danielle and her love of writing. Teens may enter one poem with a theme of their choice. Entries may be submitted online at http://www.libraryvisit.org/danielle or on standard 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch paper (not to exceed two pages) to any public library by Oct. 31. If you submit your entry online, select the writing type (poem) and be sure to include your phone number. Hard copies must be typed. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, grade and school on your entry. Entries are not returnable. One winner will be chosen and will be awarded a plaque and a monetary prize. All entrants must be in grades 7-12 and either live in or attend school in Mahoning County.

Gotta Move story time

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 Thursdays in October at 10 a.m.. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play. This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Oct. 30 will be a holiday program and costumes are welcome.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

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 Wednesdays in October at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Oct. 29 will be a holiday program and costumes are welcome.

Bonding with Babies and Books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. The Austintown library will host twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize Tuesdays in October at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

There will be a program for 4- and 5-year-olds every Wednesday in October at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. They will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten. Oct. 29 will be a holiday event and costumes are welcome.

National College announces Dean’s List

National College in Youngstown and the American National University online program released the Dean’s List for the second spring term. The following students, from Austintown, earned a minimum grade point average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0, and thus achieved the honor and privilege of being placed on the Dean’s List: Hannah Napolitan and Bre’Shawn Williams.

Preschool now accepting new students

The Potential Development Preschool is now accepting applications for new students. The Preschool is an early childhood special education center that focuses on working with children ages 2 1/2 - 6 years-old who have behavioral problems, developmental delays and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students enrolled at Potential Development benefit from low teacher to student ratios, an extended school year that runs through the end of July, on site speech and occupational therapy services, more than 60 years of experience in working with children with special needs and weekly Gymsters classes.

The preschool program is licensed by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and participates in the Step Up to Quality program (SUTQ), a voluntary quality rating system for early care and education programs. The school is 1 of 6 preschools in Mahoning County to receive a Four-Star Rating from SUTQ out of a possible Five Stars. For more information on Potential Development’s Preschool or on how to enroll, visit the agency’s website at www.PotentialDevelopment.org or call Mary Beth Loto, Program Coordinator, at 330-746-7641 to schedule a tour.

Grab and go craft

Make a craft to take home throughout regular hours during October at the Austintown library. This is for children of all ages.

T’ai Chi Step One

Ease stress, improve health, and increase vitality. Join Marie Lew at Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in October from noon until 1 p.m. in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. This is a drop-in class and the cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

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

Yoga in the Gardens

Join Marina Perdos in the mornings and Karres Cvetkovich in the evenings for a blend of energizing yoga styles that will help you keep a healthy outlook on Tuesdays and Thursdays in October from 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Oct. 30 will only offer an evening class. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class and the cost is $10 per class.

Wax pumpkins

Children ages 6–9 can learn how to create their own wax pumpkin candles by melting those leftover bits and pieces of crayons on Oct. 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $5

Carved pumpkin art

Children ages 10–17 can get creative this autumn by making their pumpkin a work of art on Oct. 25 from 12-1:30 p.m. Learn techniques and which tools are the best to make your jack o’ lantern. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $10.

Creating sacred space

Karres Cvetkovich will guide you on how to go about creating space for the new you to emerge, to blossom, to outgrow the chrysalis which now binds to the past on Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Practice letting go of the old, coming into the present moment, and touching into your sacred soft spot of tenderness and harmony along the way. Conceive and muse about personal sacred home space for honoring yourself and all that you truly value. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $26; FFRG member $22.

Season changes

The MetroParks Farm is closing for the season. Make one last visit to the Barns and the Playroom before winter on Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m. They will be relocating some of our animals, winterizing the barns for those animals that stay and begin breeding and planning for next year. The farm will re-open on April 12, 2015 with Farm Animal Baby Shower.

Witch walk

Halloween arrives next week. Are witches around today? Join a hike on Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m. to search for them. This hike has a moderate rating of 2 miles. Meet at Ford Natuer Center.

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley

Heather Merritt, local licensed bird rehabilitator, and director of “Birds in Flight Sanctuary” will share what it takes to bring birds back to health after an accident on Oct. 28 from 7-8 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm.

Recreational hikes

There will be a recreational hike, a faster paced volunteer-led hike, on Oct. 29 from 9-10 a.m. Meet at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road. The hike has an easy 2 or 4 miles.

Looking for classmates

The Boardman High School class of 1965 has begun making plans for their 50th class reunion on Aug. 29, 2015. The committee is looking for current addresses of classmates. To contact the reunion group with names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, get in touch with either Theresa (Lopac) Cannon at 330-758-1339 or by email at jctc7464@yahoo.com, or Waldene (Burnett) Kane at 330-726-9236 or by email at waljkane@icloud.com.

Hudson Fasteners needs votes

Hudson Fasteners, Inc., a Youngstown Business Incubator portfolio company, has applied for a $150,000 grant from Chase as part of a newly launched program, Mission Main StreetSM Grants. Hudson Fasteners must submit a questionnaire outlining a business plan that will result in growth of the business and receive at least 250 votes to be eligible for a grant. Full eligibility requirements are available in the program rules. Customers, fans and community members can show support for Hudson Fasteners by voting at https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/business/detail/4169 using Facebook Connect.

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.