Austintown Community Briefs

Spaghetti dinner to benefit family of local hero

The Commons at Greenbriar and Greenbriar Health Center will host an honorary spaghetti dinner for local hero John Fritz, a 26-year veteran of the Austintown Fire Department who passed away recently, on July 30 from 12-3 p.m. Fritz spent his life helping those in need. All proceeds from this benefit will go to his family, which includes his wife and five young children. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children under 12-years-old and free for children under 3-years-old, and can be purchased at the Austintown Fire Department, Greenbriar Healthcare Center or the Commons at Greenbriar. The Greenbriar Campus is located at 8064 South Ave. in Boardman. More information can be found by contacting Janette Neal at 330-413-5440 or Jennifer Roberts at 330-314-5152.

Lumen Christi scholarship available

Lumen Christi Catholic Schools will be accepting Ed Choice Scholarship applications through July 31. Your child is eligible for a scholarship if he or she lives in the city of Youngstown and attends a Youngstown public school. Also, children who are entering grades K-3 whose family income is below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline are eligible to receive a scholarship to attend Lumen Christi Catholic Schools. Application information can be found at http://education.ohio.gov/Topics or call Lumen Christi Catholic Schools at 330-788-6106 for additional details.

Pawz 2 Adopt pool party

Pawz 2 Adopt is having a pool party. Join the fun on July 23 from 2-6 p.m. at A Place for Paws, located at 165 Nulf Dr, in Columbiana. For any questions, send a personal message to the Pawz 2 Adopt Facebook page or call 330-779-1862.

West Side Cats to be at Italian Fest

West Side Cats will be at its booth again this year at “The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.” The “Greater Youngstown Italian Fest” runs from July 29-31, located at 23 Central Square in downtown Youngstown. Something new this year will be fireworks on Sunday night at 10:45 p.m. If you have any questions about the Italian Fest, call 330-942-4510. There is a $4 admission at the gate. Those under 12-years-old are admitted for free. No one under 18 will be permitted without a parent with them. This $4 admission fee helps to support the general expenses for the Fest. West Side Cats is proud to support “The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.” The shelter will be selling its famous T-shirts, along with other cat and dog items along with things for humans to enjoy.

Annual motorcycle festival to be July 17

West Side Cats will host its fifth annual Bike Run and Summer Festival on July 17 at Austintown Township Park, located at 6000 Kirk Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first bike out will be at 10 a.m. The last bike out will leave at 11 a.m. All motorcycles are welcome. The fee to join is $15 per bike plus an additional $5 for a passenger and $10 to compete in the show. The bike show will run from 1-5 p.m. and will include nine categories. Twenty-one trophies will be awarded. There will also be door prizes, a Chinese raffle, 50/50 raffle, prize for the best poker hand, food and refreshments. At this time, motorcycle accessory vendors and pet supply vendors and wanted. The event will include entertainment, starring Amanda Jones, JD Eicher and Benny Bassett. This event is sponsored by West Side Cats, Austintown Township Park and AIM Services, Co. A Childers Production.

Meritage of Miracles event to be Aug. 6

The Meritage Of Miracles Committee is planning an evening of intrigue and philanthropy. It will take place on Aug. 6 from 6-11 p.m. at The Hollywood Gaming And Mahoning Valley Race Course located in Austintown. Enjoy dinner and drinks while bidding on your favorite auction items. All of the proceeds raised at this event will be donated to Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley Palliative Care Program.The cost to attend is $55 for a single ticket or $100 for a couple. Sponsorship levels available. Visit meritageofmiracles.com to purchase tickets or contact Michelle Sergi - CEO and Founder sergi.michelle@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for July 18

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be July 18 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 St, 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 Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

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.

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.

West Side Cats at The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest

West Side Cats will host a booth again this year at The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest. The festival will run July 29-31 at 23 Central Square in downtown Youngstown. There will be fireworks Sunday night at 10:45 p.m. There is a $4 admission at the gate. Those under 12-years-old are admitted for free. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted without a parent or guardian. West Side Cats will be selling its famous T-shirts, along with other cat and dog items. If you have any questions about the Italian Fest, call 330-942-4510.

Socrates Philosophy group

Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join the Austintown library for Socrates Caf Philosophy Group. This event is open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. This event will be July 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Fitness support group

Join this meetings to support each other in weight loss, fitness or any other health goals you have. The group will be using a free fitness app to supplement the meetings. Each month the group will discuss a different topic. This event is for adults. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 19 at 6 p.m. The topic discussed will be “The importance of stretching.”

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 July 20 at 6 p.m.

Chapter Chat book club

Love books? Come to the Chapter Chat Book Club where to read and discuss a book every month. Each month will be a new genre. This month’s book is “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on July 27 at 6 p.m.

Movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie for the family at the Austintown library on July 28 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G.

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. This event is for adults at the Austintown library July 21 at 6:30 p.m. and July 22 at 11 a.m.

No bake energy bites

Ditch the doughnuts and make these delicious, easy to make, no-bake substitutions. Bring a container to take home your treats. Registration required. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on July 18 at 6 p.m.

Mini-golf at the library

Come and play a round of mini-golf with your friends or family at the Austintown library on July 30 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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 July 29 at 3 p.m.

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. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 28 at 10 a.m.

Grab and go crafts

This Gold Medal Crafts event will allow you to create a craft and take it home with you during the month of July at the library.

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.

Playtime at your library

Prepare for Kindergarten through play. 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 if for children ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 21 at 10 a.m.

Leaping lizards

Join the Austintown library for Outback Ray’s Amazing Animal Show. Ray will share his knowledge of the animals in his unique “family.” Learning will be fun and exciting while you hold and cuddle with his animals. This event is for children of all ages on July 19 at 3 p.m.

Across the finish line

Come and cheer on Pete the Cat. Join the library for stories, games and fun for children of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your camera and have your picture taken with the cool and groovy Pete the Cat. The Austintown library will host this event on July 27 at 11 a.m.

West Side Cats 5th Annual Bike Run and Summer Festival

On July 17, West Side Cats will host their 5th Annual Bike Run and Summer Festival at Austintown Township Park located at 6000 Kirk Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first bike will leave out at 10 a.m., the last bike leaving out at 11 a.m. All motorcycles are welcome. The fee to participate is $15 per bike and $5 per passenger. This event will also feature a bike show from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the show fee is $10. There are nine categories in the show and 21 trophies will be awarded. Come out for door prizes, a Chinese raffle, 50/50 raffle, food and refreshments. Entertainment will be provided by Amanda Jones, JD EICHER and Benny Bassett. Motorcycle accessory vendors and pet supply vendors are wanted for this event. Contact West Side Cats for more information.

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.

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 (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.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will be hosted at the Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club on July 18. The cost is $110 per golfer. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18 hole four-person scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For further details, contact Donna Mowrey at 330-207-9630 or Ginny Johnston at 330-219-9092.

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.