Austintown Community Briefs

Scholarship fundraiser plans finalized

The Austintown Alumni Association met recently to finalize preparations for this year’s scholarship fundraiser. Members are selling a book of six raffle tickets for $5 or individual tickets for $1 each. The first prize is $500 cash, second prize is gift certificates to local businesses worth at least $200 and third prize is dinner for two at Rachel’s Restaurant and dinner for two at The Manor. Profits from this project support the association’s scholarship fund, which awarded $6,000to Austintown Fitch seniors who graduated in June 2016. The winners of this year’s raffle will be drawn at the Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame football game at Falcon Stadium on Sept. 16. Tickets will be on sale at the Hall of Fame game, or by contacting any member of the Alumni Association or its president, Lynn Larson, at 330-518-5727.

Horticultural Show to be Aug. 20 and 21

The 52nd annual Horticultural Show, sponsored by The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown, will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Mill Creek MetroParks on Aug. 20 and 21. The event is open free to all exhibitors ad the public is welcome. For more information, Call Rodney Toth at 330-759-1993.

Local church hosts clothing giveaway

There will be a free clothing giveaway on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at The Church of Jesis, located at 185 N. Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown.

Sons of the American Revolution to meet

The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will be hosting its fourth and final organizational meeting on Aug. 24 at the Canfield library between 6:30-8 p.m. They will be making plans to recruit at the Canfield Fair at a booth in the Veterans section. They intend to continue to add new members to the Charter group until Dec. 1. They will be recruiting at the fair and taking “selfies” with the children and adults when Color Guard members are on site. They hope to encourage all to appreciate the freedoms Americans enjoy as a result of this country’s War of Independence and to ”Honor their Patriot” by joining the Mahoning Valley Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution serving Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties.

Free breakfast to be Aug. 13

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown, will be hosting a free pancake, sausage and egg breakfast on Aug. 13 from 9-11 a.m. Donations are accepted, and proceeds will go toward World Service Projects.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for Aug. 15

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be Aug. 15 from 6-8 p.m. in the small meeting room at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, located at 43 W. Main Street 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 offer an opportunity for members to get group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ For more information, contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Fitch 1996 class reunion

The 1996 class of Austintown Fitch High School will be having its 20-year reunion at Hollywood Gaming on Sept. 3. Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Contact Shanna (Glenellen) Laraway at Austintintownfitchhighclassof1996@gmail.com for reservations and more information.

Local church hosts community outreach dinner

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road in Austintown, will be hosting Supper at the Corner on Aug. 18 from 4:30-6 p.m. This supper is free as a community outreash program of the church, and is open to all each month. Donations will be accepted to continue the program.

Smith Corners Church to be site of Family Fun Night

There will be a Family Fun Night on Aug. 26. This will be an outdoor evening at Smith Corners United Methodist Church Pavilion, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. The event will feature food, music by “Higher Ground” from Howland UMC, a bounce castle, games, spin painting and a hayride. In case of weather problems, the event will take place indoors. This event is free.

Outdoor Worship to be Aug. 28

There will be an outdoor worship even on Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Smith Corners United Methodist Church pavilion. Reverend Marilyn Coney will lead worshipers. Dress casually and bring a comfortable chair if desired.

DAR brunch social to be Aug. 13

The Daughters of the American Revolution new member Social Brunch is Aug. 13. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political women’s volunteer service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Call Marty Campana at 330-503-2013 for reservations or questions.

Playtime at your library

Prepare for kindergarten through play at the Austintown library at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18. They will read a story and have fun with developmentally appropriate games and activities that you can do with your child to help them get ready for kindergarten. This event is for children ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Friendly Squares to host dancing introduction

If you are looking for something to exercise your body and mind, the Friendly Squares of Niles are having an introduction to Modern Square Dancing on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Join them at the Niles Senior Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles, on that night. For more information, call 330-506-3370.

South Class of 1971 to have reunion events

The South Class of 1971 is hosting its 45th reunion celebrations soon. Reservations are required for all three events. Reunion events include Sept. 2 - Informal get together at MVR, Sept. 3 - formal dinner at The Fifth Season Banquet Center and Sept. 4 - family picnic in Mill Creek Park. Costs vary depending on the number of activities you are attending. For more information, contact Linda Burks at 330-372-6938 or go to Classreport.org. Payments can be made online through PayPal with John Larson. Make your reservations as soon as possible or miss out on this fun reunion.

Gold medal crafts: grab and go craft

These craft events are for crafty children of all ages at the Austintown library during library hours in the month of August.

Square Dancing

Do you like to dance? Listen to different kinds of music? On Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., the Friendly Squares of Niles are having an introduction to Square Dancing. Join them at the Niles Senior Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles on that night. For more information, call 330-506-3370.

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.

Medicare 101

For those new to Medicare, or planning for the future, this program will provide information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental insurance, including costs and eligibility requirements. The presentation will also review federal programs available to help those with low incomes pay for prescription and medical costs. The program will be conducted by an Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information (OSHIIP) volunteer at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is for adults.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will take place every Tuesday in August at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library.

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 at 10 a.m. on Aug. 25 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.

Browns or Steelers?

The staff at the Austintown library is divided on the age-old argument: Browns versus Steelers. So help them settle the score. Vote all month of August long during library hours, one vote per day, on which team you like better. If the Browns win the crowd favorite vote, Steelers fans will have to take a picture of themselves wearing Browns gear for the whole library to see, and vice versa. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Peppermint foot soak

Learn to make a relaxing peppermint foot soak at the Austintown library on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. Registration is required. 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 Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. 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. This class is for adults.

Movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during a movie at Austintown library on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event will be for the family.

Book a librarian

Would you like a personal introduction to resources available at the library? Need more time with a librarian than you can get over the phone or if you just walk in? Book-a-Librarian sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. A library staff member will give undivided attention to customers who want in-depth help with a variety of library services, such as: learning to use a computer, email, the Internet, downloading e-books and audiobooks, researching a topic, discovering new books and authors to read and enjoy, business, non-profit, or genealogy help. To schedule an appointment, visit any library, call 330-744-8636 or go online at www.libraryvisit.org/Book-a-Librarian.

Chapter Chat book club

Love books? Come to the Chapter Chat Book Club, where they will be reading and discussing a book together every month at the Austintown library on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. Each month will be a new genre. This club will be 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 Austintown library on Aug. 17 from 6-7 p.m. This event is for adults.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

This drive is proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. The American Red Cross will be taking blood donations to help the community at the Austintown library on Aug. 9 from 1-6 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fitness support group

Join the meetings to support each other in weight loss, fitness or any other health goals you have at the Austintown library on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. They will be using a free fitness app to supplement their meetings. Each month they will discuss a different topic. This month’s topic is calorie burning. This group 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 library hours at the Austintown library to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This program is for adults.

Couponing and smart saving tips

Come join the Austintown library on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. for an informative session on couponing and 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 event is for adults.

Local YMCA to feature Ervin Newman paintings

The Davis Family YMCA is hosting “Hooray for HOLLYWOOD,” an art show featuring 28 paintings by the late Ervin Newman of Poland. All of the works, created in the 1940s, feature movie stars of that era. They were painted while Newman was a student at Struthers High School or shortly thereafter. “Hooray for HOLLYWOOD” runs from July 27 through Aug. 31 at 45 McClurg Road in Boardman. The official opening is on July 27 from 3-5 p.m. in the Gallery at the Y. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will include cake and punch, plus music by local favorites, Steve Fazzini and Mike Roncone. In the spirit of the theme, red carpet and/or 1940s era attire is encouraged. Cecilia Newman, who donated the works after reading about the Y’s arts programs, will be the guest of honor. Because the paintings were created before she met her husband, Cecilia doesn’t have much information regarding their origins. Anyone who remembers Ervin is asked to contact Suzanne Gray at the Boardman YMCA 330-480-5656 or sgray@youngstownymca.org.

Chaney Class of 1956 to have reunion

The Chaney High School Class of 1956 will host its 60th reunion on Sept. 24 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at A La Carte Catering in Canfield (429 Lisbon St.). The cost to attend is $30 per person, and spouses and friends are welcome. Event organizers ask that the classmates who are planning to attend call and provide current addresses. For questions, or to provide current addresses, call Larry Probert at 330-799-1204 or Joan Fergus at 330-533-5972.

Socrates Philosophy Group

This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join them for Socrates Caf Philosophy Group. Open to the public at the Austintown library on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. and sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

East Class of 1966 to have reunion

Youngstown East High School Class of 1966 will be having a 50th reunion on Sept. 2 from 6-10 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 343 Via Mount Carmel Ave. in Youngstown. The event will include a dinner buffet, as well as music provided by a D.J. Tickets will be $40 per person. If you are planning to attend, call Marie Macchio Mamanis at 330-533-1633 or Janine Ross Johnson at 330-716-1543.

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 at the Austintown library Tuesdays in July at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

First Night Youngstown announces annual button design competition

First Night Youngstown is calling for local and regional artists to participate in the annual design competition of its New Year’s Eve events admission button. The winning artist will be promoted at all press events. The artist will also be a celebrity guest in the Downtown Christmas holiday parade and tree-lighting event. The button series is traditionally intended to celebrate downtown Youngstown’s unique historic buildings and architecture. Buttons may be designed using any medium and then digitally saved as a .jpeg. Artists should depict Youngstown in a manner that highlights New Year’s Eve, no champagne glasses or images of drinking alcohol; First Night events are family-friendly. The design must include the phrase “First Night Youngstown 2017.” Interested artists should call 330-744-9966 or email firstnightyoungstown@gamil.com. Submission deadline is Aug. 31. Each year, admission buttons provide entry to all First Night events on New Year’s Eve in downtown Youngstown, sold at $5 and $10 each. Proceeds from the sale help compensate performers.

Summer Discovery

Join the fun during Summer Discovery, the program for summer reading and fun, which runs from June 1 through Aug. 13 at the Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Learn about science from the experts at COSI and Mad Science. Watch “The Monsters of Baseball” come to life with the Madcap Puppets. Learn how astronauts prepare for flight from specialists at the Air and Space Museum, and enjoy many other great entertainers. For a complete list of library programs, visit your local library or LibraryVisit.org. There’s something for everyone during Summer Discovery.

Saxon flea market

The Saxon Club will host its Flea Market every Tuesday through October (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. 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.

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.

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 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.