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Austintown Community Briefs

Friday, August 19, 2016

Fitch 1996 class reunion to be Sept. 3

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.

Square Dancing

On Sept. 13 the Friendly Squares of Niles are hosting an introduction to Modern Square Dancing. This will be at the Niles Senior Center (Scope). The time is from 7-9 p.m. If you have been looking for something else to tone your body and mind, give this a try. For more information about the new class, call 330-506-3370.

Local children to audition to perform with Moscow Ballet

The Moscow Ballet will be running a “Dance With Us” program in Youngstown for students ages 7-17. Anna Radik, soloist and a principal dancer from the Moscow Ballet, will be auditioning children from the Youngstown area on Aug. 29 at Ruth’s Dance and Fitness Co. LLC in Boardman to audition for “The Great Russian Nutcracker,” which will take place at Deyor Performing Arts Center on Nov. 26. The choreography will be taught Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, then after that Ruth from Ruth’s Dance and Fitness Co. LLC will work on the choreography with the students. All children from the Youngstown community between the ages of 7-17 are welcome to audition. If cast, the students will need to pay a $50 casting fee and must be able to attend all rehearsals between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1.

Cafaro Family Foundation supports the local Scoutreach Program

The Cafaro Family Foundation has provided a $5,000 donation to the local Boy Scouts of America’s Scoutreach program for this coming school year. This recent donation reflects the perennial support by the Cafaro Family Foundation for Scoutreach, which brings Scouting to disadvantaged youth in the Warren and Youngstown City Schools at no cost to either the schools or to youth that become Cub Scouts. This past school year, more than 1,000 boys in grades 1-5 participated in this Scouting program, which is not only well received by the children, but also by the teachers and school administrators. This Scouting program reinforces good study habits, attendance and individual recognition. The generosity of the Cafaro Family Foundation will support Scoutreach’s current initiative to expand the program to include sixth-graders, which is a request by school administrators.

Learn to square dance with Friendly Squares

Learn to square dance at the weekly square dance lessons being offered beginning Sept. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. The lessons are being offered by the Niles Friendly Squares. All age groups are welcome. There is a nominal fee of $6 per lesson. For additional information, contact Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426, 330-506-3370 or Ghfh67@aol.com. The Friendly Squares will be conducting square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Sept. 1 from 7-8 p.m. and Sept. 4 from 2-3 p.m. at the International Building stage.

PLYMC libraries are Pok Stops

Pok mon trainers up to grade 12 are invited to stop in and get a free gift at any local library from Sept. 6-17 during regular library hours. Tell the library staff that you’re there to hunt for Pok mon and you will receive a prize. Check out library materials that day or get a library card and you can receive an additional prize (both prizes are limited to one of each per participant). Your library has always been the place to get your favorite books, DVDs and music CDs and now you can get your Pok mon gear as well. The Pok mon Library project is for children through grade 12.

Pre-kindergarten story time

This program, which will take place every Wednesday in September at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library, is for 4- and 5-year-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. They will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten.

Playtime at your library

Prepare for kindergarten through play at the Austintown library on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. 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 those ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fitch cross country receives donation

Austintown Fireworks committee chairman, Chuck Chalker, recently helped present the Austintown Fitch cross country team with a check for $250 for helping with the first Planet Fitness Freedom 5K run in Austintown, which took place on the July 4th weekend. The committee hopes to expand the race and include even more runners next year.

Bonding with babies and books

The Austintown library will host an event for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months every Tuesday in September at 10 a.m. 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.

Tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

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

Grab and go craft

Make a craft to take home during regular hours at the Austintown library for the month of September. This event is for children of all ages.

Chef’s battle to be Sept. 24

There will be a culinary competition at the Austintown library on Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. for school-aged children, tweens and teens, conducted by chefs from Cooking Caravan, that features audience members as sous chefs and judges.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning every Thursday in September at 10 a.m. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, talk and play.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Austintown library on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, age 6 and up.

Picture book bingo

Celebrate library card sign-up month by playing picture bingo based on favorite children’s book characters on Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library. This program will be fun for the whole family. Win prizes, and if you don’t have a library card, now is the time to get one.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. and Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up to create each month’s greeting card with matching envelope. Participation is limited to one session per person each month to accommodate demand, registration required. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

STEM stations available

There’s always something new to discover at the library. Look for its interactive STEM stations on display during the month of September during regular hours at the Austintown branch. With two new stations to explore each week, you’ll want to come back again and again. This event is for school-age children.

Learn about library databases

Need free homework help? What to take an online class? Doing research? Don’t want to pay for legal forms? Come and explore the library databases and learn how your library card can give you an abundance of free services and information on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for teens and adults.

Color your world

Join the Austintown library for a relaxing evening of adult coloring on Sept. 8 from 6-7 p.m. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Colorful, light refreshments will be served. This event is for teens and adults.

DIY your locker

Go back to school in style. The Austintown library will show you how to decorate and organize your locker on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Basic computer class

Learn very basic computer skills at this event on Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library. This is a beginner’s class that will cover use of a mouse, computer terms and simple internet use. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register and specify basic computer class and the name of the library. This event is for adults.

TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting

Join the Austintown area TAB (Teen Advisory Board) on Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Austintown library. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Scrapbooking club to meet

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas on Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown library. Paper and supplies are provided. All adults and teens are welcome.

Upcycled e-Reader book covers

Upcycle an old book into a cover to protect and transport your E-Reader device on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. Register by calling 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Tea and Mystery book club

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. to sip tea and discuss your latest mystery novel find. This event is for adults.

...And the Rest is History Book Club

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. for a lively discussion of this club’s latest readings in history and historical fiction. There are 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.

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. Each month will be a new genre. Call the Austintown library at 330-744-8636 to find out this month’s exciting read and be prepared to discuss on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. This event 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 from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Austintown library. This event is for adults.

Blood drives

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital on Sept. 13 from 1-6 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Austintown library. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults.

Guess the book

Can you guess the book title from cut-up pages in a jar? One winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries. This event is for adults at the Austintown library during regular hours in September.

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 throughout September to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Austintown Friends meeting and presentation

What you can do to prevent falls? Learn from Ben Melnykovich, Trauma Outreach/Injury Prevention Coordinator, at the Austintown library on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. Meeting to follow presentation. This event is for adults.

Socrates Philosophy Group

If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join the Austintown library for the Socrates Cafe` Philosophy Group on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. This is open to the public, and is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. To join, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086. This event is for adults.

Holiday closing

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. Happy Labor Day.

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 $6,000 to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guess the book

Can you guess the book title from cut-up pages in a jar? One winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries. There will be a new contest with a different book each summer month. This contest is for adults at the Austintown library during library hours in August.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.