Austintown Community Briefs

Trash and Treasure sale

Grace Lutheran Church, located at 162 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown, will have a Trash and Treasure sale on May 2 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be a variety of items for sale, including household goods, tools, books, clothes, collectables and other items. Lunch, baked goods and refreshments will be available. The proceeds from the sale will be used be the men’s group to fund improvement or maintenance projects around the church. The entrance to the sale area is in the rear of the church.

Saxon Club to host flea market

The Saxon Club will host its flea market starting on May 5 and every following Tuesday into October, weather permitting. The flea market will start at 8 a.m. (venders can set up early) and it will end at 2 p.m. Large spaces are available at $5 per space. The Saxon Club is located at 710 South Meridian Road, on the west side of Youngstown.

BPJWL to celebrate 35th anniversary

The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will celebrate its 35th anniversary on May 4 with a spring social at Michael Alberini’s, located at 1140 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, in the Private Dining Room at 6 p.m. The league was established in 1979 and federated in 1980. Throughout the last 35 years BPJWL has raised more than $750,000 and donated it back to the local community. The special guests will be GFWC/Ohio-President, Linda Ross, Linda Crish GFWC/Second Vice-President and Director of Junior Clubs, Yvonne Ford. Past presidents of the league are asked to bring their scrapbooks to share that evening. Members are to bring Mother’s Day gifts for children to give their mothers who are victims of domestic violence at Sojourner House. Contact Linda Crish, GFWC Ohio Second Vice President/BPJWL Social Chairwoman at 330-727-9321 for further information.

Neighborhood Ministries is seeking churches to provide free meals

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 8 – Aug. 21. If your church or organization is interested in receiving free meals for children this summer, contact Neighborhood Ministries at 330-755-8696 or email lisa_scannell@ohionm.org. The deadline for submitting a site request is April 30.

Memorable meals

Support Grown Youngstown, Tyler Historical and Stambaugh Auditorium on April 26 at 2 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium. Enjoy classic food and drinks from beloved valley restaurants. Tickets are available from Stambaugh Auditorium, at Kravitz Deli or by calling 330-259-0555.

Quilt group to meet

That Quilt Group I Belong To will host its April meeting on April 21 at 7 p.m. at Fair Park in Canfield. The facility will be available from 1-5 p.m. for those wishing to work on charity quilts. Doors will reopen at 6:30 p.m. for the regular meeting. The topic of the meeting will be “Buttons and Bows Challenge.” Those who pledged to complete a project using the “Buttons and Bows” theme will bring their finished projects to display. That Quilt Group I Belong To meets monthly, on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m at Fair Park in Canfield, with a few exceptions. The quilt guild is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley, at all skill levels. For additional information, contact president Ginger Mangie at 330-702-0532.

Applications for The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest

Applications for a Youngstown State University Scholarship from The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at mottlesmurals@gmail.com or applications may be retrieved from http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University and be of Italian descent in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 7.

Checking up on bluebirds

Walk along Bluebird Trail to check nest boxes at MetroParks Farm on May 24 from 2-4 p.m. Nest Box kits are available for purchase. Call FNC for details.

Frogs in the Sanctuary

Listen to frogs for this moderate 1.5 mile walk on May 29 from 8:30-10 p.m. Bring boots and flashlights. Register to FNC by May 28.

Spring vase arrangement

Learn how to artistically arrange cut flowers with Deby Clark at Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $36; FFRG $30.

Leaf Bowl

Construct a clay bowl embossed with leaf patterns at Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. This is led by Lynn Cardwell. The cost is $34; FFRG $28.

Managing conflicts with Canadian Geese

Learn more about conflict management with Canada Geese during a free public program on April 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. The program will take place at the Lariccia Family Community Center, Rotary Room, Boardman Park, located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman. The seminar will be led by Division of Wildlife staff who specialize in dealing with goose conflicts. This program is best suited for ages 16 and up. The program is free but pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Call Bryan Kay, Division of Wildlife at 330-245-3026 or e-mail Bryan.Kay@dnr.state.oh.us.

First Sebring hike

Be ready for bushwacking and wet conditions at Sebring Woods (parking at 450 Courtney Road) for this difficult one mile hike on May 31 from 2-4 p.m. Call FNC for details.

Sailing Lessons at MCCTC

Sailing lessons for beginners are being offered at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on May 26 and June 2, 6 and 9. Class meets on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday June 2 at Berlin Lake 12-4 p.m. The class is taught by a certified sailing instructor and members of the Berlin Yacht Club (www.berlinyachtclub.com). The cost is $55 and includes a book. To register, call MCCTC at 330-729-4100.

Bluebell trolley

Join Boards of FNC and head to the ocean of Bluebells at Poland Municipal Forest on May 1 from 12-2 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. Register and pay at FNC. The cost is adults - $7 R; $10 NR; 12 and under or 60 and up - $5 R; $8 NR.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

There will be volunteer-led recreational hikes on May 6 at 9 a.m. (meet at FNC for this moderate four mile hike), May 10 at 2 p.m. (meet at FNC for this moderate 2 mile hike), May 12 at 6 p.m. (meet at Gold course Overflow lot on West Golf Drive for this easy one or three mile hike), May 20 at 9 a.m. (meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm for this easy 2 or 4 mile hike) and May 26 at 6 p.m. (meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead, Kirk Road, for this moderate to or four mile hike).

Library closing

All libraries in the PLYMC system will be closed on May 10, 24 and 25.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting and program

Patricia Natalia Dunbar, President of the “Friends of the Mahoning River,” will present the mission of their group (to promote, advocate, education, recreation and restoration of the Mahoning River) for adults at the Austintown library May 18 at 10 a.m.

Show what you know: sourdough

Create a wild yeast sourdough starter on May 5 at 6:30 p.m. In this bread-making program at the Austintown library, create and discuss the step-by-step method for creating, nurturing and maintaining a robust wild yeast (a.k.a. sourdough) starter, used to bake a variety of breads and sweet treats, or slightly fermented for sourdoughs. Some knowledge of basic bread making skills is helpful. Registration is required. This event is for adults.

Show what you know: body scrubs

Learn the basic components needed to make your own body scrubs from salt, sugar and other basic ingredients. Make one to take home with you at the Austintown library on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Class size is limited. Call to register. This event is for adults.

Coupon Swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in at the Austintown library to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons or learning new tips from other coupon-clippers. This event is for adults during normal library hours in the month of May.

Blind date with a book

Exciting, single book is seeking a fun-loving reader. Will be wearing a plain book jacket and sitting out on display during Austintown Library hours in May. This event is for adults.

Blood pressure check

There will be a blood pressure check by the Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Austintown library on May 26 at 11 a.m.

Blood Drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross is taking blood donations to help the community at the Austintown library May 12 from 1-6 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

...And the Rest is History Book Club

Read a sizzling, red-hot history book lately? The Austintown library would love to hear all the juicy details. Join the library on May 7 at 6 p.m. for an informal discussion covering all areas of history, including historic eras, people, places and things. This event is for adults.

Facebook for seniors

Learn how you can connect with friends, family, send messages and share photos on Facebook at the Austintown library on May 15 at 11 a.m.. Then call the Austintown library to book-a-Librarian to set up your own Facebook account. To register, call 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Basic computer class: email

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account. This is a beginner’s class at the Austinntown library on May 27 at 6:30 p.m. that will cover setting up an Internet based email account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and the Internet is required. Space is limited to four. Call 330-744-8636 to register and specify basic computer class at Austintown: e-mail. This event is for adults.

Basic computer class at Austintown: internet

Learn how easy it is to use the Internet. This class requires some knowledge of how to use a computer mouse. Space is limited to four. The class takes place at the Austintown library on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 to register and specify Basic computer class at Austintown: internet. This event is for adults.

Saturday movie matinee

Join the Austintown library for a Saturday movie matinee on May 16 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G.

Frogs in the preserve

Listen to sounds of frogs at Mill Creek Preserve from 8:30-10 p.m. on May 1. Bring boots and flashlights for this moderate 1.5 mile walk. Call FNC for details.

Bluebells galore and more

See the beauties of spring at Poland woods (off of Route 170 in Poland) on May 3 from 2-4 p.m. for this easy two mile walk. Call FNC for details.

Two township traipse

Come to MetroParks Bikeway, Kird Road Trailhead on May 16 from 2-4:30 p.m. for this moderate-difficult five mile walk. Prepare for possible muddy conditions. Call FNC for details.

The peeping continues...

Catch, watch and release frogs at Vickers Nature Preserve on May 22 at 8:30-10 p.m. Bring boots and flashlights for this easy one mile walk. Call FNC for details.

Astronomy night

The third annual Bill Pearce Memorial Star Party will be on June 6 from 9-11 p.m. The rain date will be June 12. This event is free and open to the public at Austintown Park-Pogany Pavilion (turn left on the first road when entering the park). For more information, contact Rich Mattiussi at mattiussi52001@yahoo.com

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for ages 4 and 5 to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills at the Austintown library at 11:30 a.m. on May 6, 13, 20 and 27. Use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten.

Who let the dogs out

Going on vacation soon and don’t want to leave your dog in the kennel? Call Cheryl Segall, a home pet sitter and founder of “Who Let The Dogs Out”. Call Cheryl at 330-782-3163 or 330-787-1381.

Women in touch: aging and brain health

Learn how to keep your brain fit despite growing older during Women in Touch Spring 2015. Kathleen McCulloh, director of sister services for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in Villa Maria, Pa., will present “How to Age and Not Get Old: Keeping Your Brain Fit.” She will discuss the normal aging process, how to maintain brain health and mental exercises. Women in Touch will take place April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s, located at 7440 South Ave. in Boardman, and May 7 at Leo’s Ristorante, located at 7042 E. Market St. in Warren. The cost is $18 including dinner. Reservations are required. For information or reservations, call 330-480-3070.

Knowing, identifying and controlling invasive plants program

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to ‘Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants,’ a program presented by Eric Barrett of OSU Extension. Become a first detector to help control invasive plants and encourage others to stop planting and cultivating these plants. This program will take place on April 28 from 7–8 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on Route 46 in Canfield. All are welcome. Call Wild Birds Unlimited at 330-629-2473 for details.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic set for July 13

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will take place at Youngstown Country Club on July 13. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18 hole scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle.

Spring sewing luncheon

The local chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG) will have its annual “Spring Extravaganza” luncheon and fashion show at Ala Carte in Canfield on April 25, starting at 10 a.m. Talented sewists will model their hand-sewn garments, quilts and other miscellaneous projects on a runway. The cost is $23 and the deadline for registration is April 14. Make checks payable to ASG Niles Chapter and mail them to Karen Bandy, 256 Rosegarden NE, Warren OH 44484.

New Austintown Scholarship

The Austintown Schools are establishing a scholarship fund in honor of Lynda Zubal Molnar. She lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease earlier this month. Molnar was a remarkable woman who truly loved teaching. Every donation, large or small, will make an impact on Austintown students. Donations can be payable to Austintown Local Schools (Lynda Molnar in subject line) and mailed to 700 S. Raccoon Road, Youngstown, OH 44515.

Strike out cancer

The Austintown Schools are striking out cancer with the “Strike Out Cancer” fundraiser will benefit an Austintown student on May 1 at the Scrappers Field when YSU takes on Oakland. Team Emily will receive 90 percent of the proceeds to benefit Emily Orlaski. Emily is a fourth-grade student in Austintown Intermediate School who was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor, a kidney cancer that mainly affects children. She is currently receiving treatments and the fundraiser will help to defray the mounting medical expenses.

Simply Slavic call for vendors

The fifth annual Simply Slavic festival will be on June 20 from 12-11 p.m. on Federal Plaza East. Organizers are seeking authentically Slavic retail, craft, fine art and food vendors for its marketplace and food tents. Simply Slavic has vending space for 15 food vendors and 10 marketplace vendors who will provide a variety of Slavic merchandise and foods for patrons during the festival. The confirmation deadline for previous vendors is April 15. Applications from new vendors will be accepted after this date, but questions are welcome at any time. For more information, contact info@simplyslavic.org or call at 330-509-0754.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions. 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 Youngstown (in Cornersburg). Both meetings will 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.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens for an afternoon of breathing and movements to ease stress and improve health on April 29 from noon-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 28 and 30 at 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Immaculate Heart of Mary 5K run

Immaculate Heart of Mary is putting on the annual 5K festival and Kids run on June 4 at 7 p.m. All participants must be registered, including those in the childrens run. The adult entry fee is as low as $10. The children’s run is free. Runners can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Austintown/Ihmfestival5k.

Basic computer class: email

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. This is a beginner’s class that will cover setting up an Internet based e-mail account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and Internet is required. Space is limited to four. Call to register 330-744-8636 and specify Basic Computer Class at Austintown: E-mail. This event is for adults.

Cookbook club

Join the Austintown library on April 23 at 6 p.m. to share your favorite appetizer recipes. Bring a homemade dish to share with friends. (Food waiver must be signed.) This event is for adults.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive sponsored by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library on April 25 at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Free blood pressure check

There will be a free blood pressure check by the Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Austintown library on April 28 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting and program

Kent J. Engelhart, Ph.D. Professor of Jazz Studies, YSU, will bring a YSU student to perform during the meeting on April 27 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library.

TeenXTreme blackout poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so here’s your chance to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet! Create a poem by eliminating-blacking out-the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the Austintown library provides. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes! Talk to a librarian for details. For teens in grades 7-12 during the month of April.

Daffodil weekend

Discover the delights of daffodil’s at Fellows Riverside Gardens. See more than 200 species on display during a guided walk from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 25 and 26. Take a stroll through Daffodil Meadow and participate in the Daffodil Show that highlights the diversity and beauty of daffodils.

Audubon Society Mahoning Valley

Eric Barrett of the OSU Extension will present, “Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants” at MetroParks Farm on April 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Locate your customers

Join Stuart Gibbs, Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about how to target potential customers at the Austintown library on April 27 at 6 p.m. 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. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Trim a tree for April

Decorate an ornament for the Austintown library’s all-season tree. This event is for children of all ages during regular library hours in the month of April.

The Ursuline Center announces 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk Schedule

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, has announced its 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk schedule. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free events. Walks generally take 20-30 minutes. This year’s first guided walk is April 19 at 2 p.m. and offers an additional feature. The event starts with a presentation on the “Spirituality of Labyrinths” in The Ursuline Center, then moves outdoors for a walk celebrating the Earth. The complete list of walks is as follows: April 19 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Earth; May 12 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Motherhood; June 9 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Fatherhood; July 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Families; Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Welcoming the Stranger; Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Peace; and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, Showing Solidarity with the Poor.

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf opens at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf in Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens has officially opened for business. The Garden Caf has been refreshed and newly updated and will offer an eclectic selection of teas, locally roasted coffee, a locally sourced lunch menu, desserts and other libations all served with a complimentary view of stunning Lake Glacier. The Caf is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for pastries, coffee and tea. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information or questions, contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds at the Austintown library to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. The use of books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts will help your child get ready for kindergarten on April 29 at 11:30 a.m.

Bonding with babies and books and signs, oh, my!

Come to the Austintown library on April 28 at 10 a.m. and learn how to use American Sign Language (ASL) with your child through rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. There will be a different topic each week with easy corresponding signs to learn and share. Babies ages 6-23 months must be accompanied with an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally appropriate book, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader on April 29 at 10 a.m.. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library on April 30 at 10 a.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Wednesdays at the WOW!

Join OH WOW! every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore the InspireWorks Lab. Details can be found at www.ohwowkids.org.

Grandparents explore for free

Bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! the last Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on April 29 for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

Women Artists art exhibition

The YWCA Women Artists: A Celebration! Annual Art Exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists, age 18 and older. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102 or at ywca.org/youngstown. They are due no later than March 30. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. There is a nonrefundable fee of $10 per entry or $45 for five entries. Entry is by CD only. This year’s juror is Susan Talbot-Stanaway, former director of the Zanesville Museum of Art, Zanesville. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 20, at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.