Austintown Community Briefs
Ursuline Center announces 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.
Award dinner set for March 29
The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Council Boy Scouts of America will host its annual District Awards Dinner recognizing their 2014 Volunteers and the 2014 Class of Eagle Scouts from the district. This year’s dinner will take place at St. James Episcopal Church Glenwood Ave in Boardman and will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. The recognition dinner will honor 24 scouts who have earned their Eagle Scout Award in 2014, the highest award possible in the Boy Scouts. Also being honored will be Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing Crews and Scout volunteers. The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Boy Scout Council serves families in Mahoning County and Hubbard with 1,100 youth involved in 42 units supported by 150 adult volunteers. The program will begin at 6 p.m. on March 29 and reservations are required by calling Greater Western Reserve Council Service Center at 330-898-8474, Boy Scouts of America, Whispering Pines District, located at 4930 Enterprise Boulevard in Warren.
Free seminar on April 9
Dr. Ted Suzelis, N.D. will be presenting a free seminar titled, “Overcoming Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue” on April 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman (SouthBridge West Complex at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D-3 in Boardman). Join Suzelis for an informative seminar that will provide good options for people struggling with these complex issues. Suzelis will discuss some of the causes of these common problems, along with therapies that he finds helpful in resolving them. For more information or to register, call 330-729-1350 or go online at OhioND.com. There is free admission, but RSVP is required.
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.
Mill Creek ABWA sets April meeting
The American Business Women’s Association, Mill CreekChapter, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Margaret “Peggy” Williams, a former social studies and English teacher at Austintown Fitch High School, will share details on her travels to Northern Ireland. She currently serves as a tour guide at the Arms Family Museum of Local History in Youngstown. A brunch menu at $17 per person will be served. To make a reservation, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by April 5.
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 the 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 $7.50 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2-years-old. 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.
Farm Tours
There will be guided tractor wagon tours of the farm of MetroParks with tours starting each half hour on April 19 and 26 from 1-4 p.m. Barns will be open to visit with the animals. Donations will be accepted. There is a $1 craft fee.
Cha-cha dance class
Enjoy learning a fun and versatile Latin dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Classes will be offered on April 7 and 14 from 6-7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.
Swing Dance Class
Learn this easy to follow dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Beginners are encouraged to come. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.
Metromutts: hike into spring
Search for daffodils on this easy two mile hike up East Newport Drive past Daffodil Meadow at East Newport Boat Launch on April 12 at 11 a.m. Local shelters will bring some adoptable dogs to join on the hike. Call FNC for details.
ODNR boating safety class
Learn about boating safety with a full training being offered and a proficiency exam at the end of the class on April 18 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Metroparks. The cost is $10 to register. Bring a lunch. Call 330-740-7100 to register.
Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion
Join the fun of Contra Dance at Pioneer Pavilion in MillCreek Metroparks at 7-10 p.m. on April 18. Beginners and veterans are welcome to join in on this British Isles folk dance. The cost is $7 for the class. Call FNC for Details.
Let’s dance
Dance the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango and more with half hour dance lessons from 6-9 p.m. on April 21 at McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm. Singles and couples are welcome. The cost is $5 per person.
Spring fling
Join Mlll Creek Metroparks Ford Nature Center for a day of adventure and discovering nature on April 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hike, look for signs of spring and make seed bombs. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Ages 8-12 are welcome. Register and pay at FNC by April 4. The cost is $20 R and $25 NR.
If you plant them they will grow
Two- and 3-year-olds will learn how plants get started through a story, activity and craft on April 9 from 10-11 a.m. or April 11 from 12-1 p.m. at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wiggly Worms
Ages 3-6 can learn why earthworms are important on April 10 and 11 from 10-11 a.m. Learn how they eat, breathe and help your garden with an interactive program at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance at FNC. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR.
Sprout Club: animals and plants
Ages 3-5 are welcome to explore the way animals need plants on April 23 from 1-2 p.m. A snack and craft will be included at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks. Space is limited. Register and pay $7 by April 21.
Let’s go timberdoodlin’
Join Mill Creek MetroParks and attempt to witness the sky high flight of male woodcocks (aka timberdoodles) on April 10 from 7:30-9 p.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead. Boots are required. Call FNC for details.
Eagle Watch
Search for and observe eagles with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on April 12 at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Chose any session (8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m.) and register at FNC by April 11. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Birding in the Sanctuary
Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on April 18 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Register at FNC by April 17.
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.
Garden guide training program
Volunteer garden guides will share the history and magic of Fellows Riverside Gardens plant collections from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 10. Call Lynn at 330-740-7116 ext. 211 for details.
Legacy Dog Rescue bake sale set for March 28
Legacy Dog Rescue will be hosting a bake sale and Easter Bunny pictures on March 28 at Family Video, located at 4385 Kirk Road in Austintown. The event will run from 12-4 p.m. Pictures are $6 for a 4 x 6 inch print and there will be an assortment of baked goods. Proceeds help the continued success of Legacy Dog Rescue by saving dogs from local shelters.
Brookdale Easter egg hunt on March 28
Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, located at 1420 South Canfield Niles Road in Austintown, will host an egg hunt on March 28 at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. The date to RSVP was March 24.
Sit ‘n Stitch
Join the Austintown library for a morning to knit, crochet, embroider, sew or other lap needlework on April 10 from 11 a.m. until noon. Bring in your current project, make new friends and learn from one another. Facilitated by a librarian. This event is for adults.
Stamping with Cindy
Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library on April 24 at 10 a.m. and April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up for either session to create April’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3-D item. Class size is limited, registration required. Call 330-744-8636 for registration. This event is for adults.
April showers bring may flowers
Make some awesome blossoms to take home on April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Paper, cloth and embellishments will be provided. This event is for grades 4-6.
Chip bag totes
Be stylish and environmentally friendly on April 21 at 6 p.m. Make small tote bags or purses out of recycled chip bags and duct tape. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.
Exploring the library’s business databases
Join Stuart Gibbs, Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about your customers and potential customers on April 13 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Featured databases, DemographicsNow - Library Edition, Local Market Audience Analyst and ReferenceUSA’s U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles bring timely and authoritative data and insights for your marketing plan. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.
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.
Lego my library
Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Austintown library on April 1 at 6 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.
Saturday movie matinee
Join the Austintown library for a Saturday movie matinee on April 18 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children ages 7 years and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G.
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.
Special Phantoms story time
All are welcome to come out and see the Youngstown Phantoms hockey players for a meet and greet and story at the Austintown library on April 1 at 3 p.m. Also, The Pop-Up Library will be at the Phantoms’ Library Hockey Game on April 11 at 7:05 p.m. at the Covelli Centre. Show your library card that evening and get a discount for your admission to the game.
Austintown Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Become a member of the Austintown library’s Teen Advisory Board. Your opinion counts. You can help out with library programs, help decide what books to buy, discuss what you are currently reading, meet new people and have a snack. TAB will be meeting the first Saturday of each month. Teens in grades 7-12 are eligible. April’s meeting will be on April 11 at 3 p.m.
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. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during the month of April.
Scrapbooking Club
Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas at the Austintown library. Pre-register for this event by calling 330-744-8636. This event is for adults on April 14 at 11 a.m.
Show what you know-body scrubs
Learn the basic components needed to make your own body scrubs from salt, sugar and other basic ingredients at the Austintown library on April 3 at 11 a.m. Make one to take home with you. Class size is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register.
Buckeye Horse Park Equestrian Exchange
On March 28, the Buckeye Horse Park will host an event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in which vendors will promote their barn, stallion, jewelry, or anything else they would like to showcase. The event will take place in the Austintown Plaza, in the old Fashion Bug store. The buckeye Horse Park is a non-profit portion of Mill Creek MetroParks which serves the equestrian community as well as the area communities.
Area Robotics teams to compete in competition at the Wolstein Center
The Northeast Ohio FIRST Robotics Alliance (NEOFRA) has seven area robotics teams that will be competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional in Cleveland Ohio on March 27-28. The seven teams are from the following Valley High Schools, Austintown Fitch, Canfield, Cardinal Mooney, Champion, Girard, Hubbard and Warren Harding. The teams were given the game specifications during a worldwide broadcast on January. The teams will be competing in the competition called RECYCLE RUSH. The game is a recycling-themed game played by two Alliances of three robots each. Robots score points by stacking totes on scoring platforms, capping those stacks with recycling containers, and properly disposing of pool noodles, representing litter.
Celebrity Server Night on March 30
Austintown Night Out will be holding a Fundraiser on March 30. The “Celebrity Server Night” will be from 5-8 p.m. at Pizza Hut, located at 5332 Mahoning Ave in Austintown. The Hostess for the event will be Queen Elsa of Arendelle, and “Celebrity Servers” include Austintown Trustee Jim Davis, local business owner Deanna Hosey owner of Something Unique Florists and 27 News Reporter Gerry Ricciutti. Each Celebrity server will make their own “Signature Pizza” that will be on the menu for the evening. Customers can vote on their favorite pizza. All Tips from the evenings event will go towards the Austintown Night Out event. The National Night Out, an event held around the country the first Tuesday in August. It is held by Block Watches and Police Departments and supports and encourages relationships between neighbors and law enforcement under positive circumstances. Community residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights and come out and meet their neighbors. This will be the third year Austintown has participated in the event that is held at Austintown Township Park from 5-8:30 p.m. on August 4. There will be music, games, face painting, food, clowns, bounce house and dunk tank, as well as demonstrations by area safety forces including the Austintown Police and Fire Departments, SWAT, Ambulances, and The Ohio State Highway Patrol. Children can see and explore the vehicles. The event is free and open to the public.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.