Austintown Optimist Club meets for March

The Austintown Optimist Club had its March dinner meeting at the Youngstown Saxon club on March 10.

In addition to dinner, the optimists heard Sandy Furano, adult education coordinator at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, and Sean Kuchman, head chef and instructor of the adult education culinary arts program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, speak about ongoing projects in the culinary arts program.

Furano discussed the specifics of the culinary arts program at the MCCTC, including the seven different certifications available to students who enroll in the program.

Kushman spoke about upcoming events and important dates for the culinary arts program. A Date Night On the Grill is scheduled for May 8, at which couples will be able to prepare and enjoy a three course meal. He also spoke about the MCCTC’s restaurant where patrons will soon be able to enjoy dinners prepared by the students of the adult education culinary arts program. Further information concerning dates and times of these events can be had by contacting the Adult Career center at 330-729-4100.

After the program, the Austintown Optimists were updated on current and future youth and fundraising programs. The Optimists recently sponsored a speech tournament for students of Austintown Middle School, in which eight girls and seven boys competed. Haley Farrow won the girls’ competition while Dyan Fitzpatrick won the boys’ competition. Fitzpatrick later won the Zone 5 oratorical contest and is now eligible to participate in the Ohio District competition in Columbus.

Other important dates for members of the Austintown Optimist Club to remember are: The annual fundraiser wine taste at the Youngstown Saxon Club on April 24, the annual Austintown Optimist Track meet at Austintown Fitch High School on May 2 and the annual Fishing Derby for special needs students on June 7 at the Lake Milton Fish and Game Club.