Austintown Community Briefs

Band night

The Austintown Fitch High School Band Night will take place on Aug. 24 beginning at 7 p.m. at Falcon Stadium.

Then and now

Neighbors wants your first-day-of-school photos both past and present! If you would like to show off your first day of school photo from the 90’s, 80’s, 70’s and beyond on its own or along side your child or grandchild’s first day of school photo from this year, email the photo in a digital file, along with the year it was taken, which school you attended and names listed from left to right and front to back, to neighbors@vindy.com by Sept. 7. You may also send the photo to Attn: Neighbors, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501. If you would like your picture returned to you, include a self addressed stamped envelope. We look forward to seeing your pictures of first days throughout the years!

Square dance lessons

Learn to square dance with weekly square dance lessons on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. beginning on Sept. 15 at the Niles Senior Scope Center, located at 14 East State Street in Niles. The lessons are sponsored by the Friendly Squares. All age groups are welcome. For additional information, contact Gene or Frankie Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370 or Ghfh67 @aol.com. The Friendly Squares will also be conducting square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Sept. 3 from 7-8 p.m. and Sept. 6 from 2-3 p.m. at the International Building stage.

Pierogi-lovers wanted 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 some of the coolest parts of the event happen. The festival will have its Second Annual Best Pierogi Contest, which is open to all amateur cooks and businesses. Get an entry form online or by request at email info@polishyoungstown.org or call 330-333-9724. Along with the Best Pierogi Contest, anyone 18 and older can enter the annual pierogi eating contest for a fee of $10. Those interested in entering can get an entry form online or at the ticket booth any time before then. For more information on any of these events, visit www.polishyoungstown.org, email info@polishyoungstown.org or call 330-333-9724.

Garage Sale

A garage sale will be hosted to benefit Salem Quota Speech and Hearing Clinic on Aug. 29. The sale will be at 1476 Westview Dr. in Salem from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic a success

The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, which took place in July at the Youngstown Country Club, was able to donate $15,000 to the American Cancer Society. The 2016 Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will be take place on July 18, 2016 at the Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Now You Know September program

Join youth counselor Nikunji Patel of Meridian HealthCare at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Austintown library. Patel will talk about what attracts so many of our youth to heroin, the early warning signs, treatment options and the keys to prevention or successful recovery. Anyone interested in reserving a spot for this program should call 330-744-8636 and specify “Now You Know” Program.

Shark Week pre-kindergarten story time

The Austintown library will host a shark-themed program for 4- and 5-year-olds on Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. This program aims to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills through the use of books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts.

Shark Week tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Sept. 16 for developmentally-appropriate shark themed books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children ages 2 and 3 become a successful reader.

Shark Week teen art contest

Show off your artistic talent at the Austintown library during regular hours from Sept. 10-19. Teens in grades 7-12 are welcome to choose a shark from from the papers provided and make it the most interesting one in the sea. One lucky participant will win a small prize.

Shark Week family movie matinee

Join the Austintown library at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 for a shark-themed family movie. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Shark Week family story time

The whole family can have fun on Sept. 12 at the Austintown library for this shark-themed day. The fun begins at 11 a.m. and will include stories, games, crafts and snacks.

Shark Week gotta move story time

The Austintown library will have activities for children ages 2-5 on Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. Join them for a variety of ocean and fish musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning.

Shark Week take two: classic movies

The Austintown library will play a classic shark movie on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Those interested in attending can call 330-744-8636 to find out which movie is playing this month.

Shark Week tweens and teens

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. for some shark crafts, snacks and games. Participants in grades 5-12 can paint a shark bank, make a shark tooth necklace and more.

Pre-kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. The program will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten. This program will take place at the Austintown library at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, 9, 23 and 30.

Bonding with babies and books

This program is for caregivers and their little ones between 6-23 months at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. The program will take place every Tuesday in September, and will include twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

This program is for children ages 2 and 3 and their caregivers at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Sept. 2, 9, 23 and 30. Join the library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader.

Fitness fun story time

The Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition is sponsoring a program at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3 and 17. Children ages 2-5 are welcome to join the library for stories and selected activities from the Eat, Play, Grow program. Prizes and snacks will be given, as well as good fun and good nutrition.

Gotta Move Story Time

This program is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. The Austintown library will host Gotta Move Story Time at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24. Join them 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.

Grab and go craft

Through the months of September, children of all ages can go to the Austintown library during regular hours and make a craft to take home.

Lego my library

Children ages 6 and up can enjoy creating Lego designs at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on Sept. 2 and at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26. Legos will be provided.

Take a guess

Throughout September, stop by the Austintown library during regular hours and guess the number of items in the jar. The closest guess wins a small prize.

Tales to tails

Come and read to a therapy dog from Pet Partners at the Austintown library at 2 p.m. on Sept. 26. You can bring your own book to read to a furry friend, or let the librarians find one for you. Space is limited, so registration is required. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library.

TAB meeting

Teens in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting at the Austintown library at 3 p.m. on Sept. 5. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are welcome.

September is National Preparedness Month

Dennis O’Harra, Director of the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, will be giving a presentation at the Austintown library on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will cover protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency. The program also includes information on caring for seniors, disabled individuals and pets during an emergency. Informational handouts will be provided. Register online using the events calendar or by calling the library at 330-744-8636.

Art with Andrea

Join the Austintown library in this art class as they guide you through a monthly project and help you work through your own art. This class will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22. Call 330-744-8636 to register.

Diabetes Partnership of the Mahoning Valley meeting

There will be a meeting of the Diabetes Partnership of the Mahoning Valley at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Stonebridge Grille and Tavern. They will be getting ready for and discussing upcoming events, including the Canfield Fair, which will take place Sept. 2-7. To all those that are interested in signing up to help at the booth, contact Marsha Kamensky at marshakam@sbcglobal.net. In addition, the Ankle and Foot Care Centers 17th annual Golf Outing to take place on Sept. 18. If unable to attend the meeting and you are interested in the golf outing, contact Ed Hassay at 330-301-0476. The St. Patricks Spaghetti dinner will also take place on Nov. 1.

Newcomers Club to meet

The Newcomers Club of Canfield has announced the officers for the 2015-2016 year: President - Betty Popa-Schuld, First Vice President - Sara Dysert, Second Vice President - Karen Morvay, Secretary - Rose Bissett, Treasurer - Julie VanDevender, Publicity - Sherrie Jacobs and Basket Raffle Chair - Diane Durrant. Upcoming meetings will include a September potluck, October Witches Wine Fest. and a November Holiday Decorating Ideas. The purpose of the Newcomers Club of Canfield is to provide an opportunity for members of the community in and around Canfield to develop friendships, welcome newcomers and to help support the civic, social and charitable life of the community. It is further formed to engage in recreational and social activities in support of these purposes. The meetings are take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced. The Newcomers Club of Canfield is open to all women of the Mahoning Valley.

Schonberger to be next guest

Rabbi Joseph P. Schonberger of Liberty will be the guest speaker for the Mahoning World War II Heritage Society meeting on Aug. 24. The speaker will be preceded by a banquet dinner at AlaCarte Catering on Lisbon St. in Canfield at 6:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by contact Dave Frank at 330-757-0515 before Aug. 21. Schonberger is currently the spiritual leader of Temple El Emeth, a Conservative Jewish congregation in Liberty. He was ordained in 1981 from the Jewish Theological Seminary, having also received a Master’s Degree and Bachelors’ Degree from Columbia University. He served in a congregation in Bangor, Maine for 15 years and has resided in Youngstown, serving Temple El Emeth, for 18 years. He is a child of Hungarian Holocaust survivors who went to Palestine in 1947 and worked hard for the State of Israel. He was a volunteer ambulance attendant, served as a youngster in the Canadian Merchant Marine, played music and served five years in the United States Army Reserves as a Chaplain.

Dairy Queen stores raise funds

The Dairy Queen Stores in Cornersburg (3555 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown), Austintown DQ (146 N. Canfield Niles Road) and Columbiana DQ (241 E. Park Ave) all operated by the Smith family of Canfield raised $8,464 during the 10th Annual DQ Æ Miracle Treat Day to support Akron Children’s Hospital, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). On Miracle Treat Day, these DQ stores donated $1 or more from every Blizzard Æ Treat sold to Akron Children’s Hospital. Throughout the year, the restaurant raises funds for the for Akron Children’s Hospital, Boardman campus through a variety of initiatives including free cone day, a Bucks for Buckets campaign, Miracle Treat Day, the Radiothon and other events, as well. CMN Hospitals is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Since 1984, the Dairy Queen system has raised more than $100 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in local communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 21 at 3 p.m. and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children age 6 and up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.