Austintown Community Briefs

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.

Mill Creek ABWA to meet

The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will host its Aug. 9 meeting at Al A Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes Swiss chicken, sand trap potatoes, kolbassi and sauerkraut, California blended vegetables, Caesar salad, tomato, pepper and onion salad, jello and dessert. The cost is $18 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by July 31. Mill Creek Chapter’s scholarship recipients will be guests at this meeting. This month’s guest speakers are twins Levi and Emily Smith, who run the Coze’ Coffee Shop at White House Fruit Farms. They are students at YSU and will speak about how they started their business and how it ties in with their education at YSU and their plans for the future. The public is welcome.

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.

Read to Reese

Come to the Austintown library and read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Bring your own book, or the librarians will find one for you, and read to a furry friend on Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. Registration is required. Space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children.

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.

Pre-kindergarten storytime

This program 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. This event will take place at the Austintown library on Aug. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

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.

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.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

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 on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. 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. 4, 11 and 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.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Austintown library on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children age 6 and up.

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.

Scrapbooking club

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas at the Austintown library on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. Paper and supplies will be provided. All teens and adults are welcome at this event.

Movie marathon for teens

Take your mind off the horror of a new school year at Austintown library on Aug. 12 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. by spending the day at the Horror Movie Marathon. The movies will be rated PG-13, so make sure it’s okay with your parents that you watch them. They’ll start the first movie as soon as the doors open and keep the reels going until 5 p.m. Stay for as little or as long as you want... if you dare. This event is for teens entering grades 7-12 only. No exceptions. Some snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

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.

Watercolor with Andrea

Have you always wanted to paint with watercolors? Join the Austintown library on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and they’ll take you step by step to create your very own work of art. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This class is for teens and 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.

Basic Microsoft Excel class

Learn the basics of Microsoft Office Excel at the Austintown library on Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. This is a beginner’s class, but basic computer skills are required. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This class is for adults.

Health and fitness apps for your smart device

Learn about health and fitness apps you can download onto your smart device at the Austintown library on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. 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

...And the Rest is History book club

Join the Austintown library on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. for lively discussions of the 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 club 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 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.

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.

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.

Car show

There will be a car show in the Austintown library parking lot on Aug. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Register your car for $5 per car. Other entertainment includes raffles, food and DJ by Lori Nard. Prizes are by Hitch the Artist. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.