Austintown Community Briefs

Niles Friendly Squares to dance

On Sept. 12, the Niles Friendly Squares will host its monthly dance from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. All square dancers are welcome. For additional information, call Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for Sept. 18

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be Sept. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories,” the two-hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ The fee is $10 per class, which includes $5 in Peaberry Bucks for that night only. For more information, contact Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Bingo and card party for SMA cure

On Sept. 20, the Austintown Eagles #3298 Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a Bingo and Card Party at 1655 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown. Admission is $5 and includes a luncheon and a chance to win the door prize and bingo cards are $1 each. Proceeds from this benefit go to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the number one genetic cause of infant deaths. SMA is a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat or breathe.

Butterfly information session on Sept. 22

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to learn about monarch butterflies. Monarch populations are decreasing due to habitat loss. You can help save the monarch butterfly by providing suitable habitat in your own yard. This program will take place on Sept. 22 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.

Informational meeting for Punta Cana Destination Adventure

On Sept. 24 at 7 p.m., an informational meeting will take place for The Happiness Coalition’s Punta Cana Destination Adventure for April 23-27, 2016 at Tequila Jalisco on 583 E. Main St. in Canfield. Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. For more information about the Punta Cana Destination Adventure, visit www.happinesscoalition.com.

Free meals at Smith Corners

The Smith Corners United Methodist Church is hosting a free pancake, sausage and egg breakfast on Sept. 12 from 9-11 a.m. and Supper at the Corner on Sept. 17 from 4:30-6 p.m. The meals are free as a community outreach of the church and is open to all. Both events will be at the Smith Corners United Methodist Church, located at 300 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown. Donations will be accepted to continue the Supper at the Corner program, and proceeds from the pancake breakfast will go to World Service Projects. The church is also a sponsor of the Smart Choice Food program, which provides special value boxes of meats, pastas or children’s meals. There are also ”On the Go” meals for those who have no time or patience to cook full meals. These meals are diabetic friendly. The food can be ordered online at www.smartchoicefoods.com where a credit card may be used, or by calling the church at 330-799-9390 where cash or money orders may be used for payment. Delivery to the church will be Sept. 26, with pickup from 9-10 a.m.

ABWA to meet Sept. 20

The Network Council of the American Business Women’s Association will sponsor its annual ABW Day on Sept. 20 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield beginning at noon. A luncheon will be served for $20 consisting of swiss chicken, roast pork, stuffed shells, sandtrap potatoes, California vegetable medley and cherries in the snow for dessert, along with beverages and rolls and butter. The guest speakers will be Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sutman, owners of Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket in the Oak Hill Renaissance Building, The Purple Cat and Golden String Radio. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 13, and you must have a reservation. Call Shirley Pappagallo at 330-270-9779. The public is welcome. The chapters in the are are the Youngstown Charter Chapter, Tri Gold Chapter and the Mill Creek Chapter. They will have information about their chapters on hand during the ABW day. For further information, call Kathy Anderson at 330-533-6675.

Learning to co-parent through divorce

The Happiness Coalition is hosting a four-week series of Learning to Co-Parent Through Divorce. Join to learn tools to help you co-parent successfully and assist you in understanding and responding to the needs of your children before, during and after divorce. Call Robyn Podboy to register at 330-757-4259. Classes will take place on Wednesday evenings beginning Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at 1570 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Suite C-101 in Austintown. Further information can be found at www.happinesscoalition.com.

Begin your new life navigating through separation

Join this small group for those whose lives have been affected by divorce or separation. You don’t have to go through it alone. Be a part of a caring group of people that together will find peace, power and healing. Look forward to rebuilding your life with a positive focus. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays beginning on Sept. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at RP Life Consulting, located at 1570 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Building C-101 in Austintown. For more information, contact Robyn Podboy at 330-757-4259.

Cancer survivor nutrition program set for Sept. 16

Cancer survivors are invited to feed their bodies and nourish their souls during a free nutrition program in the Serenity Garden at the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Sept. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Kathy S. Padgitt, M.D., who practices at The Kidney Group Inc. and The Center for Lifestyle Change, and Kayla Aulise, RD, LDN, oncology services, Mercy Health Youngstown, will explain how cancer survivors can empower themselves by taking charge of their everyday nutrition. There will also be plenty of healthful foods to sample. Space is limited and reservations are required and can be made by calling 330-480-2763. Free parking is available in the lot in front of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center and in the Park Avenue parking deck.

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 takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (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.

Senior dinner discussion to be Sept. 15

On Sept. 15, Lane Funeral Homes, in conjunction with Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, is having a free informal evening of discussion on Elder Law with Atty. Charlene Burke of the Lane & Rusu Law Firm, and Funeral Pre-Planning with Marcia Melvin of Lane Family Funeral Homes. Dinner will be provided prior to the discussion. Limited seating is available, so RSVP to Brookdale Cornersburg Assisted Living, located at 2300 Canfield Road in Youngstown, by calling 330-793-0085 or 330-518-4972.

Welcome back picnic to be Sept. 14

The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will have its annual welcome back picnic on Sept. 14 at the Georgeanna Parker Center in Boardman Park at 6 p.m. and general meeting at 7 p.m. All members are asked to bring a covered dish to enjoy for the evening. Members will be collecting school supplies that are needed for Struthers Middle School. This school was selected because of the hard work of the Meadors girls who attend there and are BP Juniorettes. Women who are interested in joining, receiving more information or donating school supplies can call Membership Chairwoman Linda Fabian at 330-782-8208. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women 18 and up residing in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship, fun and community involvement. The group’s mission is to provide a creative outlet for women interested in providing community service in areas of arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public affairs.

Mercy Health program addresses portion size

How much is a serving? Most Americans don’t know. That’s one of the factors contributing to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Learn what constitutes a single serving and how to manage portion size during the next “Healthy Eating for You: Portion Control” presentation Sept. 15 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. in Boardman. Registered dietitian and community educator Bridget Lackey will lead the informational discussion and answer questions from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Willow Room. The presentation, provided by Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, is free and open to the public. Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling 330-480-3070.

Get connected at your library

Learn how to use your library card to download or stream free movies and TV shows, and get free access to many popular digital magazines. This event is for adults and will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Austintown library.

Pinterest for seniors

The Austintown library will host an informative session on how to use Pinterest at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. See how you can collect and share ideas for recipes, crafts and everything using Pinterest. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This session is for adults.

Page Turners book club

Love books? Looking for a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun at the Austintown library. This session is for adults and will be from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Free blood pressure screening

The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association will perform the free screening will take place at the Austintown library from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sept. 22.

Preventing foreclosures in your neighborhood

Foreclosure is never easy. Join Beth Stefura, Educator in Family and Consumer Sciences from the Mahoning County Extension Office, at the Austintown library to learn how to prevent foreclosure in your community. This talk will cover what foreclosures are, how they work, why homeowners face foreclosure, resources available and possible scams. This talk is for adults and will take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Friends of the Austintown Library program and meeting

Jim Sutman, Director of Iron and String Life Enhancement, Inc., parent company of The Purple Cat, will speak at the Friends of the Austintown Library Program and Meeting. This meeting will take place at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28.

YPD hosts T-shirt sale

The Youngstown Police Department is beginning its 2015 Breast Cancer T-shirt sale. New this year are children’s sizes, including youth small, youth medium and youth large at $10 each. Adult sizes small, medium, large and extra large are $12 each, while 2XL are $14, 3XL are $16 and 4XL are $18. Contact Officer Wallace at 330-885-0964 or at GSGK2003@YAHOO.COM for payment inquiries. Cash, checks or money orders only. Shirts are dark gray with black and pink on them this year. All orders with correct payment, name, correct sizes and phone numbers need to be in by Sept. 22. All proceeds this year will again be given to the YSU Pink Ribbon Classic in October.

ABW Day to be Sept. 20

The Network Council of the American Business Womens Association will sponsor its annual ABW Day on Sept. 20 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield beginning at noon. A luncheon will be served for $20 consisting of Swiss chicken, roast pork, stuffed shells, sandtrap potatoes, California vegetable medley and cherries in the snow for dessert, along with beverages, rolls and butter. The guest speakers will be Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sutman, owners of Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket in the Oak Hill Renaissance Building, The Purple Cat and Golden String Radio, to name a few. These programs have been developed for adults with disabilities in the local area. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 13 and you must have a reservation. Call Shirley Pappagallo at 330-270—9779 to make reservations. The public is welcome. The chapters in the area are: Youngstown Charter Chapter, Tri Gold Chapter and Mill Creek Chapter. They will have information about their chapters on hand during the ABW Day. If you have further questions, call Kathy Anderson at 330-533-6675.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools. This event will have two sessions, both at the Austintown library. The first session is on Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m., and the second session is on Sept. 25 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, so registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

Couponing and smart saving tips

The Austintown library is hosting a session on couponing at 10 a.m. on Sept. 19. Join them to learn about couponing and many other ways to save money. Be prepared to share your tips with others. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services or register online using the events calendar. This session is for adults.

Emancipation Day celebration: African-American Genealogy

To observe Ohio’s commemoration of the abolishment of slavery in the United States, the Austintown library will survey the resources available for African-American genealogical research. This event is for adults and will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Basic Computer Class

The Austintown library is hosting a class on Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. where you can learn very basic computer skills. This is a beginner’s class that will cover use of a mouse, computer terms and simple Internet use. Space is limited to five. Call to register 330-744-8636 and specify the library. This event is for adults.

September is National Preparedness Month

Austintown SERVPRO disaster recovery specialist says a readiness plan is the key to business continuity when disaster strikes. September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Æ Emergency READY Program. SERVPRO Æ professionals specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it like it never even happened, for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO Æ of Ashtabula & North Trumbull Counties, please contact James Dobson at 440-319-3360 or dobson.sp9960@gmail.com. For more information on the SERVPRO Æ and the SERVPRO Æ Emergency READY Program, visit https://ready.servpro.com/home/mobileapp.

Treasures in Your Trunk sale

The Immaculate Heart of Mary will have a “Treasures in Your Trunk Sale” sponsored by its Social Concerns Group from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sept. 12. The sale will take place in the church parking lot, located at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown. There are 100 spaces are available at $10 per space and spaces are filling up fast. No refund will be given for any reason. Take your own table (up to 8 feet) for setting up in front of your trunk. Homemade baked goods, food and beverages will be available. A used book sale will take place in the Parish Center at the same time. Also available this year will be a selection of fresh mums from a local nursery. For more information or to obtain a registration form, call Dolly Anderson at 330-792-8355 or Rebecca Velasco at 330-799-7751.

Austintown Alumni Association Raffle

Members of the Austintown Alumni Association are selling raffle tickets to support the association’s scholarship fund. The fund awarded $7,000 to Fitch Seniors who graduated in June. The raffle tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. First prize is $500; second prize is a variety of gift certificates to local businesses; third prize is a dinner for two at Rachel’s Restaurance plus a bouquet of flowers every month. Winners of the raffle will be announced at the Austintown Hall of Fame football game on Oct. 2. For tickets or more information, please contact Joann Sulenski at 330-793-1101.

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.

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 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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 for September

Through the month 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.