Austintown Community Briefs

Youngstown area Ostomy support group

The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6-7 p.m. on May 10 at Humility House, located at 755 Ohltown Road in Austintown. Sponsored by Mercy Health – Youngstown, the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America Inc. (UOAA), a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States. Meetings of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group take place the second Tuesday of each month with meeting places alternating between Humility House and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Meetings are open to the public, refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440.

West Side Cats garage sale

Spring is on it’s way here in Northeast Ohio. It is just about “Garage Sale” time for West Side Cats (WSC), located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. WSC will host a “Presale Garage Sale” on May 13 from 3-6 p.m. The following day, May 14, the garage sale will continue from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the West Side Cats Shelter. Baby clothes and furniture are a special interest. WSC will feature a table of cat toys, T-shirts, bottled water, etc. to purchase, also funding the shelter. All questions can be addressed to Janet.

Mill Creek ABWA to have May meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will host its May 10 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes Spinach quiche, chicken crepes, French toast sticks, link sausage, sliced ham, home fried potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea and decaf. The cost is $18 and the deadline to get your reservations will be May 1. You can call Jackie Fischio at 330-788-6634 or 330-559-4808 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2507 or 330-565-6913 for reservations. Election of new officers will take place and results from the basket auction will be discussed. The public is welcomed.

“Sweet Pieces for Autism” campaign

The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley is excited to be the beneficiary of a Philadelphia Candies project to support Mahoning Valley families affected by autism. In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Philadelphia Candies is hosting its annual “Sweet Pieces for Autism” campaign. Stop by its Hermitage or Boardman retail locations from now until April 30, and purchase a 1.5 ounce chocolate puzzle pop. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from this specialty item will be donated to the programs of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. Families and organizations that are interested in gifting, buying and selling chocolates in support of the Autism Society’s many programs including Camp Friend, can pre-order puzzle-pieces and chocolate pops by contacting the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley at 330-333-9609 or autismmv.gmail.com. For more information, call Philadelphia Candies 724-981-6341.

Italian Fest scholarship available

Applications for the 2016 Youngstown State University Scholarship from The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at mottlesmurals@gmail.com or applications may be retrieved from http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org/. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University and be of Italian descent in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 7.

Trash and treasure sale

Grace Lutheran Church, located at 162 S. Raccoon Road, will host a trash and treasure sale on May 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be a variety of objects for sale, including household goods, tools, books, clothing, collectables and more. Lunch, baked goods and refreshments will be available. Proceeds from the sale are used by the men’s group to fund improvement and maintenance projects around the church. The entrance to the sale is in the rear of the church.

DQ sip-n-paint

Sip an Artic Rush, a shake or an Orange Julius while you paint your Dairy Queen cake. Celebrate Mom and Dad by creating an edible masterpiece. May 7 and June 8 (the days before Mother’s Day and Father’s Day) Dairy Queen will be hosting a Sip-N-Paint with qualified DQ Cake decorators assisting. Make your cake colorful and fun - add sprinkles, gel icing, ribbon and candy. Place an Edible Image on your cake for an added touch. The Cornersburg Dairy Queen, located at 3555 S. Meridian Road, will host its event from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For details, call the location at 330-799-5295. The Austintown Dairy Queen, located at 241 E. Park Ave., will host its event from 4-7 p.m. For details, call the location at 330-892-6100.

Fundraiser for Austintown Night Out

Austintown Night Out will be hosting its second annual Celebrity Server Fundraiser at BW3 Resturant in the Austintown Plaza, located at 6000 Mahoning Ave., on May 25 from 6-9 p.m. Special celebrity servers will be former Austintown Township Trustee Lisa Oles and current Trustee Jim Davis. All tips received by the servers, as well as 15 percent of the night sales, will be donated to the Night Out event. Coupons are required to turn in for the 15 percent donation and can be found on the Austintown Night Out Facebook page, by emailing Austintownnightout@gmail.com or by calling 330-774-1803.

Austintown Night Out to be Aug. 2

Austintown Night Out will be hosted on Aug. 2, from 5-9 p.m. at Austintown Township Park. There will be police cars, fire trucks and ambulances for children to explore, as well as a bounce house, face painting, clowns, games and live music. There will be a visit by Frozen’s Queen Elsa and Anna, and Captain Jack Sparrow. Night Out is an event that occurs nationally on the first Tuesday in August by police departments and block watches promoting cooperation and understanding between safety forces and the citizens. This will be the fourth year for Austintown’s event. The event is free and open to the public.

Saxon flea market

The Saxon Club will host its Flea Market every Tuesday through October, starting on May 3 (weather permitting). The Flea Maket starts at 8 a.m. (vendors can set up early) and ends at 2 p.m. Large spaces are provided for $5 per space. On opening day (May 3), set up will be free to vendors. A variety of items will be available such as household goods, books, tools and collectables. Refreshments are available. The Saxon Club is located at 710 S. Meridian Road, on the west side of Youngstown.

Socrates Philosophy Group

Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join this group. Program is open to the public. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Friends of the Austintown library program and meeting

James Cossler, Director of the Youngstown Business Incubator, will present at this event for adults on May 23 at 10 a.m.

Coupon swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during Austintown library hours in May to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive to proudly serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 10 from 1-6 p.m., May 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and May 31 from 1-6 p.m.

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. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 18 at 6 p.m.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on May 8, May 29 and May 30.

GA 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 at 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.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

Playtime at your library

Prepare for Kindergarten through play. The librarian will read a story and have fun with developmentally appropriate games and activities that parents can do with your child to help them get ready for Kindergarten. This event is for 2-6 year-olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult to this one hour program. Join the Austintown library on May 26 at 10 a.m.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

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

Bonding with babies and books

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

Tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the Austintown library on Wednesdays in May at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (2-3 year-olds) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fitness fun story time

Join the Austintown library on May 5 at 10 a.m. for stories and activities selected from the “Eat, Play, Grow” program. Good fun and good nutrition. Prizes and snacks will be given. For children ages 2-5. This event is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the library 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. Go to the Austintown library on May 12 and May 19 at 10 a.m. for this event.

Grab and go craft for May

Make a craft to take home. Children of all ages are welcome during Austintown library hours.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up at the Austintown library on May 4 at 6 p.m. and May 21 at 11 a.m.

Take a guess

Guess the number of items in the jar. Closest guess wins a small prize. This event is for the family at the Austintown library during open hours.

Tales to tails

Read to a therapy dog from Pet Partners at the library. Bring your own book, or the library will find one for you. Registration is required. Space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. This event is open to school-age children on May 28 at 11 a.m.

Tween Scene movie club

Join the club for snacks and a craft while discussing some of the coolest movies you’ve “scene” and decide on what the club should watch next. This event is for tweens ages 8-12. This event will be hosted at the Austintown library on May 19 at 6 p.m.

“Hangry” birds

Set ‘em up, knock ‘em down and feed your inner HANGRY...featuring a life-sized Angry Birds game and cookie station. This event is for grades 5-12 at the Austintown library on May 16 at 6 p.m.

TAB meeting

Check out the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting. 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 at the Austintown library on May 7 at 3 p.m.

Art with Andrea

Join the Austintown library on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. for this art class as professionals guide you through a monthly project and help you work through your own art. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults.

Scrapbooking club

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas. Paper and supplies provided. This event is for teens and adults at the Austintown library on May 13 at 11 a.m.

Stained glass votive holders

Learn to make a stained glass votive candle holder. Registration is required. This event is for adults at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on May 26.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools. Sign up to create each month’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3-D item. Participation is limited to one session per person each month to accommodate demand, registration required. Call 330-744-8636 for this adults-only event hosted by the Austintown library on May 9 at 11 a.m. and May 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday movie matinee

Join the Austintown library on May 21 at 2:30 p.m. for a Saturday Movie Matinee. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children age 7 years and younger must be with an adult. Movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G.

Business start-up workshop

The library partners with SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, in presenting this seminar. Are you thinking about starting a business in the near future or further down the road? Members of SCORE will address key topics for those considering beginning a business: start-up considerations, marketing, finances and technology for business. The Business and Investment Center librarian will discuss the library’s sources and services for business start-up and beyond. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults and will be hosted by the Austintown library at May 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Basic Microsoft Excel class

Learn the basics of Microsoft Office Excel. This is a beginner’s class, but basic computer skills are required. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Social media overload

Learn about social media, the most popular sites, their uses and how you might benefit from using them. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 27 at 11 a.m.

...And the Rest is History book club

Join the club for lively discussions of our latest readings in history and historical fiction. No assigned titles. Pick a subject that sparks your interest and share your thoughts on your selection. All areas of history and historical fiction are welcome. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 5 at 6 p.m.

Chapter Chat book club

Love books? Come to the Chapter Chat Book Club to read and discuss a book together. Each month will be a new genre. The book this month is Stephen King’s “The Tommyknockers.” This event is for adults at the Austintown library on May 23 at 6 p.m.

Kite festival

Join the celebration of kites and all things that float, soar and fly through the skies. The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites will brighten the skies with expert kite flying and ingenious designs. Bring your own kite to fly and enter in free games. Enjoy free bubble, glider and pinwheel activities. Create a kite for a small fee. This event will be hosted at Wick Recreation Area on April 30 at 11 a.m. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Get “golf ready”

Learn everything you’ll need to play golf in just a few lessons. PGA pros will show you ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session will focus on various golf skills. Mix and match clinics available. One day clinic - $25, any two clinics - $45, any three clinics - $60 and any seven clinics - $100. Dates for the program vary through Aug. 17.

Spring plant sale

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 6 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and May 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for unique quality plants for the home garden. Perennials (sun and shade), annuals, herbs, fruits, vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs and more will add to your garden’s beauty.

In the forest

The work of realist painter Jason Floyd Lewis relishes the natural beauty of uninhabited places. The Wellers Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature this artwork until June 12.

Loghurst museum to host sale

Loghurst is hosting a Trunk and Tool sale on April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Each car will pay a fee of $10. Set-up is from 8:30-10 a.m. If you have questions about this event, call 330-533-4330.

Hospice of the Valley to train new volunteers

Hospice of the Valley is hosting training sessions for new companion volunteers to visit hospice patients in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays through May 3, from 1-4:30 p.m., at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Sears Concourse Eastwood Mall, located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road in Niles. During the training program, volunteers will learn what Hospice of the Valley’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for patients and their families and how they fit into that team. Hospice volunteers serve in a variety of ways including companions for hospice patients at home or in nursing homes and support to the family members. Volunteers may also assist with indirect patient services such as clerical support, reception desk, mail team and fundraising. Volunteer assignments are made close to the volunteer’s home. All volunteers must wait one year after the loss of a loved one before they can become a volunteer. For more information or to register, call 330-549-5902.

Mahoning Valley walk benefiting JDRF

Take steps to help the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people’s lives. By joining a team or making a donation to JDRF, you’ll raise money to help fund critical research. The walk will be on May 21 at the Watts Center of Youngstown State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://www2.jdrf.org/mahoningvalleywalk. For more information, contact Timothy Styranec at 330-533-5306 or by email at tmstyranec@zoominternet.net.

Have your pet featured in a calendar

West Side Cats is having a pet photography contest. For each $1 you pay, you can submit one photo of your favorite pet. Each vote will be an additional $1 fee which can be paid through PayPal at: Westsidecats@yahoo.com or dropped off at the shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. The top 12 winners will have their pets photo featured on a month of the new calendar and receive a calendar of their own. There will also be a grand prize for the pet with the most votes. Calendars will be sold after the contest ends. The photography contest will end on May 30 (Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Facebook page “West Side Cats Photography Contest.”

Coupon swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults at the Austintown library during open hours.

Favorite cookie

Vote on your favorite cookie each time you come to the library. The cookie with the most votes at the end of the month will be featured at the Hangry Bird’s party in May. This event is for grades 5-12 at the Austintown library during open hours.

Join a Relay for Life team

If you are interested in joining a team, visit the Relay for Life website at http://relayforlife.org/austintown. Attend one of the up-coming meetings at the American Cancer Society office in Canfield. Meeting date is May 26.

Austintown Relay for Life

On June 4, Austintown will host its annual Relay For Life event at the Austintown Elementary School parking lot from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. During those 12 hours participants will be celebrating, remembering and fighting back against cancer. Opening ceremonies will be followed immediately by a survivor lap. Lunch will be provided for survivors and caregivers. The event will include a variety of activities. Help the community reach the fundraising goal of $90,000.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival 5k run

The Immaculate Heat of Mary Festival 5k has been an annual event in the Youngstown area for over thirty years. The event will take place on June 9 at 7 p.m. Entry fees are $13 in advance and $15 on race day. In order to receive a shirt, mail in advance entry fee by May 22. Registration for the event will begin at 5 p.m. in front of the entrance to the school. Refreshments will be served to runners. Proceeding the adult run will be a free children’s run for sixth-grade and under. All children must be registered and have their form signed by a parent or legal guardian who must be present at the time of the race. Register online at https://runsignp.com/Race/OH/Austintown/IHMFestival5K or call Bob at 330-360-4876 for details.

Sprout Club meeting

Join the Sprout Club at Fellows Riverside Gardens this spring to learn about the amazing world of plants with topics that include: pizza plants, moss pets and herbs. Each class will include an activity and snack. Attend all three classes and receive a plant-related prize. Class will be from 1-2 p.m. on May 19. The deadline for registration has passed.

Yoga basics course offered at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Choose Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings for this relaxing eight week yoga course. The cost is $80. Sunday classes will be through May 8 at 9 a.m., Tuesday classes will be through May 10 at 6 p.m.

T’ai chi for beginners at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Learn this art of energy balancing, coordination, flexibilty and leg strength during this 10 week course. The cost is $100. Classes will be Thursday nights through May 12 at 12 p.m.

Austintown Local School district announces open enrollment 2016-2017

The Austintown Local School district will have statewide open enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year. Applications will be accepted for the students in grades kindergarten through ninth-grade, and they can be downloaded on the Austintown Local Schools website beginning on March 4. In order to be accepted for open enrollment, completed applications must be submitted online. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any students living in the state of Ohio and entering grades kindergarten through ninth are eligible. One application must be completed for each student. Call the registration office if any additional information is needed at 330-797-3900, ext. 1516.

Advanced Master Gardener series

This series, led by Ellen Speicher, will focus on pruning, plant names and fall gardening. The event will be hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration has passed.

America’s Schoolmaster exhibit

The Early Days of William Holmes McGuffey will be on display in the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead, located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The exhibit will be open though January 2017.