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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.