Austintown Community Briefs

Learn about bees

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to “Bees.’ Learn about the important lives that bees lead. Sister Jean Thurin, education manager for Villa Maria Community Center in Pennsylvania, will give insight into these marvelous creatures. This program will take place on March 24 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.

Book features Haiku Poetry by Jim Villani

Pig Iron Press of Youngstown, Ohio has announced the publication of “Natural Moments”, a collection of 52 poems in the Japanese Haiku format by Jim Villani, editor of Pig Iron Press. Writer, editor, publisher and teacher Jim Villani established Pig Iron Press in 1993. He was Born in Youngstown and raised in Boardman. He was educated at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and Cardinal Mooney High School. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Language Arts fr4om Youngstown State University and was a fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. “Natural Moments” retails at $9.95. It is available at Pig Iron Press, 26 North Phelps Street, downtown Youngstown, or by mail at P.O. Box 237, Youngstown, Ohio 44501. Dealer inquiries invited. For more information, call Pig Iron Press at 330-747-6932.

Harvest for Hunger at Sparkle Markets

Through April 11, customers of Sparkle Markets will have the opportunity to Check Out Hunger and feed hungry families in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Customers may tear off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon available at the register that will be added to their grocery bill. Customers may also donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the collection bin at the front of the stores. Last year, Sparkle Markets raised $6,421 through the donation coupons, which enabled the Food Bank to distribute $96,315 worth of food to people right here in the Mahoning Valley.

Farm animal baby shower

Meet the new spring animals at the kick-off to MetroParks Farm season on April 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be plenty of animals to see and pet. Bring your cameras to capture photo opportunities. Cake and punch will be served while supplies last.

Starry night

View the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society at MetroParks Farm. The event will take place on April 17 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sky viewing is weather dependent. The rain check date will be April 24. Call FNC for details.

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.

Breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny

Join MetroParks Farm for morning of breakfast, crafts, face painting and bunny visiting. Hosted by The Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit committee, the event will be from 9-10:30 a.m. on April 4. The price is adults - $7.50, Children ages 3-12 - $5 and under 2 years is free. Register by April 1.

Bunny day at the farm

Join MetroParks Farm on April 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and visit with a variety of rabbit breeds. Learn about keeping a rabbit as a pet.

Plant the seed to read a book

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting the ninth annual Children’s Book Festival on April 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Authors will be featured along with illustrators, book characters, storytellers and hands on activities for children to enjoy. All ages are welcome.

Pop-Up Library at Park Vista of Youngstown

This event is in conjunction with a Mahoning Valley Lifelong Institute program and will be at Park Vista on April 21 from 1-2 p.m. The Pop-Up Library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a library card, or learn about digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up Library at your event, visit http://www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on April 22 for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Austintown library for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money at 11:30 a.m. on April 22. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Every penny counts

Join the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 21, during Smart Money Week, and learn some creative (and mostly painless) ways to save money. Each participant will receive a free piggy bank. This event is for teens and adults.

Couponing and smart saving tips

Join the Austintown library on April 20 at 6 p.m. for an informative session on couponing and many other ways to save money. Everyone is encouraged to share your tips and ideas. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

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 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 11:30 a.m.

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 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 10 a.m.. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Come to the Austintown library on April 7, 14, 21 and 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.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library on April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 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.

Goulash dinner to be March 21

The Youngstown Saxon Club’s 39th annual President’s Benefit Goulash Dinner will take place in the Saxon ballroom on March 21. The dinner is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and final reservation must be made by March 17. To make your reservation, call the Saxon office at 330-792-7973.

Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park

Spring is on the way and it’s a perfect time for you and your dog to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors by joining the Marge Hartman’s Paws Town Dog Park at Boardman Park. The 3.25 acre fenced in Dog Park has separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, a dog wash station, benches, small shade trees and dog waste bags. One year memberships to Paws Town are available for 2015-2016. Memberships will be valid from date of purchase through March 31, 2016. Memberships for Boardman residents will be $40 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Non-Boardman resident fee will be $65 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Membership packets may be picked up at the Boardman Park Office Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the outdoor literature boxes at the Dog Park or online at boardmanpark.com. One day passes are available for $5. Bring your dog’s shot records on your Veterinarian’s letter head, rabies and county tag numbers and enjoy a day with your “best friend” at Paws Town.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.