Austintown Community Briefs

Back-to-school

The beginning of the 2015-2016 school year is just around the corner and Neighbors wants to feature your back-to-school moments! Email us your best picture of your children in their first-day-of-school ensemble, reuniting with friends after a long summer apart, meeting their new teachers or posing with their families to neighbors@vindy.com. Specify which edition you would like the photo to run in (Austintown, Boardman, Canfield or Poland) and if possible include names for those pictured listed from left to right and front to back. The deadline for picture submission is Sept. 4.

Clothing giveaway

West Austintown United Methodist Church, located at 6749 Mahoning Ave. in Austintown, will host a free clothing giveaway on Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and everyone is welcome, no questions asked.

Local church has free clothing

There will be free clothes on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ, located at 185 N. Canfield-Niles Road, on the corner of State Route 46 and Radio Road, in Austintown.

The National Buddy Walk Program

The Down Syndrome Association of the Valley 2015 Buddy Walk is one of more than 250 Buddy Walk events planned in cities across the country and around the world this fall in and around October in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome. On Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. anyone wishing to join the cause can go to The Shops at Boardman Park. For more information, visit www.buddywalk.org.

Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA to meet

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Tim Seman, genealogy and local history librarian of The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will speak about preserving family history. Special guests will be the chapter’s scholarship recipients. The dinner menu includes hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, potato, pasta, fruit salads, coffee, tea, iced tea and apple cake. The cost is $12 per person and guests are welcome. Reservations are due by Aug. 2 to Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527.

Annual Polish Heritage Festival

In preparation for its seventh annual Polish Day on Aug. 30 from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Luke Church and Hall on South Avenue in Boardman, organizers are seeking marketplace vendors of all types who are seeking to reach their enthusiastic, shopping attendees. PolishYoungstown has vending space for 10 marketplace vendors, who will offer any variety of information and merchandise for our patrons during the festival. Authentic ethnic retail, craft, fine art and food vendors are especially requested, but all interested groups are welcome. The deadline for vendors is Aug. 7. Applications are available at http://polishyoungstown.com/polishday/marketplace.

Early Childhood Learning Center to host open house

The Early Childhood Learning Center at St. Joseph, located at 4565 New Road in Austintown, will host an open house on Aug. 9 from 12-2 p.m. for preschool, prekindergarten and transitional kindergarten classes at before and aftercare until 5:30 p.m.

Smith Corners Church events

Smith Corners Church, located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown will host a free pancake, sausage and egg breakfast on Aug. 8 from 9-11 a.m. Donations will be accepted and proceeds will go toward world cervice projects. The church will also host Supper at the Corner on Aug. 20 from 4:30-6 p.m. This is a free community outreach program and donations will go toward continuing the program. The church will host Family Fun Night on Aug. 28 from 6-8 p.m. Join them for free food, games, bounce and Firmly Grounded, a Christian band from Howland. The event will take place rain or shine.

Crafting is my super power

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a super-duper craft made by “super children” of all ages during regular hours at the Austintown library in the month of August.

A new name for Austintown Fitch High School Falcon Stadium

The Austintown Local School District announced a long-term partnership with Greenwood Chevrolet for the naming rights of the Austintown Fitch High School Falcon Stadium. The new name effective today is Greenwood Chevrolet Austintown Falcon Stadium.

Smart Choice food

Smith Corners Church will sponser the Smart Choice Food program, which provides special value boxes of meats, pastas or children’s meals. There will also be on-the-go meals for those who don’t have time or patience to cook full meals. These meals will be diabetic friendly. The food can be ordered online at smartchoicefoods.com, where a credit card can be used, or by calling the church at 330-799-9390 where cash or money orders may be used for payment (the deadline is Aug. 11 for church orders.) Delivery to the church will take place on Aug. 29 with pickup from 9-10 a.m. The church is located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown and is handicapped accessible.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. 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 every Thursday in August at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Lego my library

Meet at the Austintown library on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children age 6 and up.

Reading saves the day

You’re all superheroes. Celebrate your summer accomplishments at a party filled with fun and snacks at the Austintown library on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. This event is for children of all ages.

Summer picnic program

The Austintown library, in partnership with Neighborhood Ministries, will be a site offering lunch to school-age children who need something to eat during the day. Come to library June 15 through Aug. 20 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for a lunch you can eat in the library. This event is for school-age children in kindergarten through grade 12.

Art with Andrea

Join the Austintown library in this art class as they guide you in pencil sketching a still life arrangement and help you work through your own art on Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. All art supplies will be provided. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults.

Show what you know - body scrubs

Learn the basic components needed to make your own body scrubs from sugar and other basic ingredients at the Austintown library on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. Make one to take home with you. Class size is limited so call the library to register. This event is for adults.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. Sign up for either session to create each month’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3-D item. Class size is limited and registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

Basic word computer class

Learn very basic computer skills involving the Microsoft Office Word program on Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austinown library. This is a beginner’s class that will cover cut and paste and the Word menus. Space is limited to five. Call to register for the event at 330-744-8636 and specify Basic Word Computer Class and library name. This event is for adults.

Saturday movie matinee

Join the Austintown library for a Saturday Movie Matinee on Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children age 7 years and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the entire family.

Take two: classic movie mornings

Join the Austintown library for some great old movies, ranging anywhere from vintage classics up through 1970 on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. First they will watch the movie, followed by a short group discussion wrap-up. Call 330-744-8636 to learn which movie is playing this month. This event is for adults.

Sit ‘n stitch

Join the Austintown library for a morning to knit, crochet, embroider, sew or other lap needlework on Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. until noon. Bring in your current project, make new friends and learn from one another. This event is facilitated by a librarian and is for adults.

Basic email computer class

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at the Austintown library on Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. This is a beginner’s class that will cover setting up an Internet based email account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and Internet is required. Class size is limited to four. Call to register at 330-744-8636 and specify class and library name. This event is for adults.

Saving memories - downloading digital pictures

Keep your memories safe by learning how to transfer pictures from a digital camera or phone onto a computer and flash drive on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for adults.

Page Turners book club

Love books? Looking for a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read at the Austintown library on Aug. 19 from 6-7 p.m. This event is for adults.

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.

Show what you know: sourdough club

Create a sourdough starter on Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown library. In this monthly bread-making program, you will share recipes, home-baked samples and learn from one another. August’s theme is: “Waste Not, Want Not – Things to Do with Discard Starter.” Some knowledge of basic bread-making skills is helpful. (Food waiver must be signed.) Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood pressure check

There will be a blood pressure check with the Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Austintown library.

3-D printing: design

Design and customize your own 3-D READ keychain at 2 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Austintown library and get yourself one step closer to using this groundbreaking technology. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 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 during library hours throughout the month of August at the Austintown library to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Volunteers needed for Polish-American Heritage Day festival

In preparation for its seventh annual Polish Day on Aug. 30 from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Luke Church and Hall on South Avenue in Boardman, organizers are inviting the public to help make the event happen. Volunteers of every age, skill and ability are welcome. Help is needed for everything from set up and take down to ticket sales, helping with the pierogi contests and assisting in cultural display and children’s areas. Various two-hour shifts are available. Every volunteer gets free admission and a t-shirt. For more information, contact polishday@polishyoungstown.org or call at 330-333-9724.

Bonding with babies and books

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

Unmask! Comic Book Program with Jerry DeCaire

Teens, come to the Poland library’s Unmask - Comic Book Program on Aug. 13 from 1-5 p.m. Hear Marvel artist Jerry DeCaire talk about the Science of the Superhero and learn how to create your own comic books. You will also have a chance to make superhero crafts and have fun at our comic book exchange. You may want to enter the costume contest, fan art contest or our fan fiction contest as well, and be sure to snap a picture at our Superhero Selfie Station, too. Science of the Superhero will begin at 2 p.m. Those that would like to enter the costume contest, or the fan art or fan fiction contests need to register by 2:30 p.m. For contest instructions, go to any Mahoning County public library or our website, www.LibraryVisit.org/teens. You may prepare your entry in advance. Drawings will take place at 4:30 p.m. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Campbell Memorial class reunion to be Sept. 5

The Campbell Memorial Class of 1975 is seeking classmates to attend the 40th class reunion on Sept. 5 at Caf 422 in Boardman. All contact information can be shared by calling 330-755-7638 or emailing information to CMHS1975@roadrunner.com. The deadline to purchase tickets has been moved to Aug. 12.

Car show at Austintown library

Car enthusiasts: don’t miss the fundraising Car Show at the Austintown library on Aug. 15 from 6-9 p.m. The evening will include a DJ, refreshments and prizes. To sign up, call 330-740-6086.

Recruitment and team registration taking place

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is inviting Mahoning and Columbiana County area residents to form teams and register to participate in the Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 10 at the Watson Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State University, located at 651 Elm Street in Youngstown. The Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, education and research. Check in is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place annually in more than 700 communities. The event is an inspiring and meaningful experience that calls on participants of all ages to share their collective voice as an advocate, walk in honor of their loved ones and help raise awareness of programs and services available to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, there will be refreshments, basket drawings, a children’s corner and entertainment, as well as other activities.

Boardman Park hosts free concerts

It’s time to pack up your blankets and lawn chairs and head out to Boardman Park’s Maag Outdoor Theatre for some local entertainment at Music in the Park. All concerts, except for the Military Bands will be on Thursday evening’s beginning at 7 p.m. All concerts are free to the public thanks to the sponsorships of Talmer Bank-Premier Sponsor, The American Federation of Musicians Local #86-242, Southwoods Health and Hill, and Barth and King, LLC. For more information on this or other Boardman Park events, visit the park website at www.boardmanpark.com or call the park office at 330-726-8105.

Summer picnic program

In partnership with Neighborhood Ministries, the Austintown library will be a site offering lunch to school-age children who need something to eat during the day. Visit the library from June 15 through Aug. 20, Monday-Thursday from 12:30-1:30 p.m., for a lunch you can eat in the library. This event is for school-age children in kindergarten through grade 12.

Family fun Fridays

Each Friday, take part in the drop-in activities in the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens now through Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Guided garden tours

Enjoy an evening garden tour to see what is blooming and thriving in the Fellows Riverside Gardens on Wednesdays only from June 3 through Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.

Bits and pieces of history

Take a look at Mill Creek Park throughout the early years at Fellows Riverside Gardens-Melnick Museum now through December from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The world in a garden

Stunning images illustrate the diversity of the known plant world being shown at the Weller Gallery of Fellows Riverside Gardens from June 19 until Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Nature in iron

Nature in iron works are on display by local artist, Charles Hughes. Hughes hammers out nature as seen by a blacksmith. Work will be shown at Fellows riverside Gardens-Outdoor Gallery now through July from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Ursuline Center: summer series of spirituality

Sister Nancy Pawlen from the Ursuline Center will lead summer series of spirituality class on Experiencing Sacred Space on Aug. 12. She will help participants appreciate the fullness of the sacred around and within them. Participants can attend class from 10-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. The donation is $10. To register, call The Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941.

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: 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.