Austintown Community Briefs

Ostomy support group meeting

Elaine Pearce, a clinical dietitian at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, will address nutrition for individuals living with ostomies during the March 10 meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group.

Sponsored by Mercy Health, the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group is free and open to ostomy patients, families and friends. The meeting runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Humility House, located at 755 Ohltown Road in Austintown. The group provides information and encouragement to individuals who have or will have ostomies. Refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440. The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group meets once a month March through December.

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.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals starting on March 14 before the OHWOW museum opens to the public for members only hours from 9-10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Get exclusive access to the museum and help WOW! Pals test new exhibit and program ideas.

Last Wednesdays - grandparents explore for free

On March 25, bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! This will take place on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

Math tools

Make your own math tools from 12-1 p.m. on March 7 at OH WOW. Learn how to use mathematics tools that were used before calculators and computers. All ages are welcome. Limited spots are available and pre-registration is required.

Pi Day

During this special event for Pi Day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on March 14, WOW! Pals will celebrate Einstein’s birthday and the peculiar number pi all day with contests and hands-on activities! Receive $3.14 reduced museum admission if you bring a pre-packaged pie to donate to St. Vincent DePaul.

Magic math

Make your own Magic Math kit to thrill and amaze your friends from 12-1 p.m. on March 21 at OHWOW. Ages eight and up are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

Hack-it

Explore circuitry and robotics with InspireWorks Staff at OHWOW! on March 28 from 12-1 p.m. This event is for ages 9 and up.

Wednesdays at the WOW

Join OH WOW every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore in the InspireWorks Lab. Check out www.ohwowkids.org for details.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals before the museum opens to the public for member only hours in the month of April on the second Saturday of each month 9-10 a.m. starting on April 11. Get exclusive access to the museum and help WOW! Pals test new exhibit and program ideas.

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.

Map of ME

Practice your map-making skills at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 4. Make a personalized ME Map and explore some examples of different types of maps. This event is for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are available and pre-registration is required.

Closed for the day

OH WOW will be closed on April 5.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 11 and use some hands-on demonstrations to understand how Earth’s weather works. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is suggested.

Weather tools

Make your own tools to take home and observe the weather with at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 18. Learn what meteorologists watch for with this fun workshop for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are availale. Pre-registration is required.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW and use some hands-on demonstrations to help understand how the Earth’s weather works on April 25 from 12-1 p.m. All ages are welcome and pre-registration is suggested.

Tri-Gold ABWA to meet

The Tri-Gold Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet on March 11 at A La. Carte Catering in Canfield. The event will begin with social hour at 5:30 p.m and dinner at 6 p.m. The price is $19 and the buffet will consist of baked white fish, stuffed shells, Swiss chicken, sandtrap potato, California blend vegetables, tossed salad, relish tray, rolls and butter, and coffee or tea. Dessert will be pistactio delight. The speaker for the evening will be Ken David on the Topic of The American Veteran. The Crowning of The Chapters 2015-2016 Women of The Year will take place. For reservations, call Dolly Sonnenlitter at 330-545-5957 or Kay Meyers at 330-609-0310. Guests are welcome. Call for reservations or information about the National American Business Women’s Association.

Home inspection

All home buyers should know about the five major components to any home on March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Learn how to determine if a home inspection has been done properly. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. 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 March 13 from 11 a.m. until noon. Bring in your current project, make new friends and learn from one another. This event will be facilitated by a librarian.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools on March 27 at 10 a.m. and March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library. Each participant will create a greeting card with a matching envelope and a 3-D item. Class size is limited and registration required by calling 330-744-8636.

Scrapbooking club

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas on March 10 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown library. Pre-register for this event by calling 330-744-8636.

Duct tape baskets

Make a basket out of duct tape and take it home with you on March 17 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for grades 7-12.

TAB meeting

Check out the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting at the Austintown library at 3 p.m. on March 7. Help plan and support teen activities at the library Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

March madness: book battle

Vote each week for your favorites in the Austintown library’s book duels. Start with 16 teen titles and your votes will narrow it down to the champion. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during normal hours in the month of March.

Trim a tree for march

Decorate an ornament for the Austintown library’s all-seasons tree. Children of all ages are welcome to participate during regular library hours in the month of March.

Saturday Movie Matinee

Join the Austintown library for a Saturday Movie Matinee on March 21 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children age 7 and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G for the family.

Art sale

The YWCA of Youngstown will host an art sale from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 14 and 15 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. This is an opportunity for artists to sell their artwork and for members of the community to purchase original art. The cost for artists is $10 per table. The YWCA will retain a 20 percent commission on all art sales. All artwork must be priced $100 or less. Artwork does not need to be framed. Artists under 18 will need a parent or guardian to reserve the table.

Proceeds will benefit the Women Artists Annual Art Exhibition purchase of lighting. Tables are limited. The reservation deadline is March 6. Call Rita at 330-746-6361, ext. 102 for more information.

Bonding with babies and books

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

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.

Pre-kindergarten story time

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

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Thursday in March 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, talk and play.

Nomination accepted for Children’s Advocate Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Children’s Advocate Awards presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley who exhibit the spirit of caring and who work to make a difference in the lives of the children of the communities we serve.

Honorees will be recognized at the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley “Champions for our Valley’s Children” Celebration Dinner on May 12 at The Lake Club. Consider nominating a special individual, group or organization for the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley Children’s Advocate Award. The deadline for submission is March 16. Details regarding eligibility and criteria, as well as a nomination form are available at https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/event/champions-valleys-children/children_s_advocate_award_nomination_form_2015.pdf.

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 at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in March. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Quarter auction

The Austintown Relay For Life Committee is hosting a Quarter Auction on March 7 at The IHM Parish Center in Austintown. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include event admission, one bidding paddle, soft drinks, appetizers, dessert and one door prize entry. The event will also feature door prize drawings, a 50/50 raffle and a cash bar. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Feb. 23. Paid reservations will be held at the door. For more information, contact Kelly Phillips 330-518-3686 or kellyjohwp@gmail.com.

Austintown Local Schools announce Kindergarten Kick-Off

The Austintown Local Schools will be hosting a Kindergarten Kick-Off on March 25 at 6 p.m. at Austintown Elementary School. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour the kindergarten classrooms, meet staff members and learn about transitioning smoothly from home or preschool to kindergarten. Information on staggered start, summer programs as well as tips to assist your child before and during kindergarten will all be discussed. All incoming kindergarten students, along with their parents, should attend this important event.

Immediate opening in Austintown Local Schools

The Austintown Local Schools have an immediate opening for a Child Specific Paraprofessional (CSP) Bus Aide. The position is nine months and is 3.75 flex hours per day for the morning and afternoon bus run (6:30-8:30 a.m. /1:50-3:35 p.m.). Salary OAPSE negotiated rate starting at $12.03. Applications are being accepted online at www.austintownschools.org. Apply to Job ID#346.

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 in Boardman, and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (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.

10th annual tasting fundraiser

The Youngstown Area Grocers Association will host its 10th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser on March 20 from 6-9 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, located at 1000 Fifth Ave. in Youngstown. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a reserved table of eight. Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines and 50 microbrews, enjoy gourmet food and live entertainment. There also will be silent and Chinese auctions, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will benefit the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in Youngstown and the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, Pa. To purchase tickets, contact Brigid Kennedy at 330-792-7636 or email bkennedy@ursulinesistersaids.org.

Second annual community Austim and Disability fair

The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley office, is seeking autism service providers to participate in its second Annual Community Autism and Disability Resource Fair on March 22 from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman. Service providers will have the opportunity to provide participants information about autism and disability services and their organizations in the area and NE Ohio region. The resource fair also will have a series of educational workshops for parents while offering a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Booth space is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information, go to www.autismohio.org or call 330-743-9184.

Free Tax Filing Link and Assistance

The YWCA of Youngstown is offering a self-serve link to file taxes for free. Also being offered are free tax workshops and free tax filing assistance. The self-serve link is available on the YWCA website at ywca.org/youngstown. To file taxes through this link, users must have a household income under $65,000 if single and $95,000 if married. Also needed are the user’s social security number, W2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, information about other income, deduction and credit information (such as child care expenses, tuition, bills and union dues) and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible. For free tax filing assistance, walk-ins will be accepted from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. March 20 and April 10 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Appointments are required at all other times. To schedule an appointment, call Jennie at 330-746-6361, ext. 125.

YWCA Dance-a-thon

The YWCA of Youngstown is seeking participants for a Dance-a-thon to take place from 4-9 p.m. on March 7 at the YWCA of Youngstown, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Two people or more may form a team. Also needed are dance groups interested in performing. Individuals and spectators are welcome. The cost is $15 per person for team captain and members, $20 for individuals and $8 for spectators. Team captains must be age 18 or older. The event is open to those age 8 and older. Included in the event are door prizes, themed music, prizes, Dance-a-thon T-shirts, goodie bags, refreshments, a best dressed team prize and basket raffles. Four one-hour nonstop dance sessions will be interspersed with performances by professional and cultural dance groups. Visit ywca.org/youngstown for more information. Call 330-746-6361, ext. 112, to register or for details. The deadline to register was Feb. 24.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2015-2016

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2015-2016 school year can now apply. The application is available for sophomore students on the school’s website. Current students do not need to reapply. The school offers 22 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

The Bistro at MCCTC announces new winter and spring hours

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, has new winter and spring hours starting in January. The restaurant will be open for dine in or carryout from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Open dates are March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 31; and April 1 and 2. The Bistro is run by students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. This gives students the chance to gain experience in all facets of working in the restaurant industry, from working as kitchen staff and the Sous Chef to waiting tables and hosting. To make a reservation or place an order for carryout, call 330-729-4000, ext. 1506.

Tax preparation

The library will provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income. 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. Call the Austintown library at 330-726-2492 anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment for April 8 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Friends of the Austintown Library meeting

Allan Miller, editor and chief of O Gauge Railing Magazine, will discuss the reasons model railroading is often described as “the world’s greatest hobby” on March 23 at 10 a.m.

Blind date with a book

Experience a blind date with a book at the Austintown library anytime in March. Each book will be in a plain jacket and sitting out on display. 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 regular Austintown library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Blood pressure check

There will be a blood pressure check by Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association at the Austintown library from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on March 24.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. The Austintown library will be hosting a blood drive and taking blood donations to help the community from 1-6 p.m. on March 17. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults.

Page turners book club

Love books or a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just join in. This event is for adults at the Austintown library from 6-7 p.m. on March 18.

Cookbook Club meeting

This month’s featured food is pizza. Exchange recipes and bring your own unique pizza dish to share with everyone at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on March 26 (Food waiver must be signed). This event is for teens and adults.

Kindle class

Bring your Kindle to the Austintown library on March 16 at 6 p.m. to learn how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog from the website. Don’t forget your Amazon account and email information. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. This event is for teens and adults.

Facebook for seniors

See how you can connect with friends, family, send messages and share photos on Facebook on March 12 at 6 p.m. Call the Austintown library to book-a-librarian to set up your own Facebook account. This event is for adults.

Basic computer class: email

Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at this beginner’s class at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on March 25. It will cover setting up an internet based email account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and internet is required. Space is limited to four. Call to register at 330-744-8636 and specify basic computer class at Austintown: email. This event is for adults.