Austintown Community Briefs

June 10, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for June 20

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be June 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the large 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 Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend.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 Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Smith Corners Church to host breakfast

Smith Corners Church, located at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road, will have a pancake, egg and sausage from 9-11 a.m., all you can eat. The meal is free or by donation. The event occurs monthly, on the second Saturday of each month. Proceeds go to world missions of the Methodist Church.

Niles Friendly Squares event

The Niles Friendly Squares will host its monthly square dance on June 11 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. For more information, contact Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for Independence Day on July 4.

Kid’s First Theatre Initiative selects winners at vocal competition

Ethan Hess was the winner of the recent vocal completion, Mahoning Valley Singing Star, Jr. sponsored by the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative. Hess performed the song “Somebody to Love,” originally sung by rock star Freddy Mercury. Hess won a cash prize, vocal lessons with Rick Blackson and a recording session with Mainsail Music. Other winners were Ally Grande, Bailey Conley, Maddison Kutsch, Mia Bordonaro and Adrianna Quinlan, who were presented with framed plaques. Judges were local performers Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson. All contestants in the competition have been offered roles in the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative’s production of “The Wizard of OZ,” which will be performed in October and scholarships to the company’s four week theatre camp, “Camp Showbiz.” For further information about Kid’s First Theatre Initiative, call 330-406-0606.

Healthy eating seminar

Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND with the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman, will be hosting a free natural health seminar titled “How to Eat and Live Right for your Blood Type” on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Suzelis will discuss the scientific background behind the “Eat Right for Your Type” diet, as well as dietary and lifestyle guidelines for each of the blood types. Whether you’ve been following the diet for years or have just been introduced to the diet, this seminar will be beneficial for you. Suzelis will have an open question and answer session at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have. The seminar will take place at the center at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex). For more information or to reserve your seat, call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com. The event is free, but RSVP is required.

Austintown Food Service receives second place in PepsiCo contest

The Austintown Food Service department was awarded second place in the PepsiCo K-12 School Recipe Contest. Schools nationwide submitted their recipes for a chance to take home a top place in the contest. The award winning recipe was the “BBQ pulled pork chili frito pie.” This recipe took first place during the school’s Frito Top and Go Throwdown in March, a contest incorporating the new low-fat, whole grain Frito product to promote fun, yet healthy recipes for students. The food service department was awarded a $1,000 gift certificate to use on equipment for the Austintown Fitch cafeteria.

Chair yoga

Hosted by the Friends of PLYMC. Pay as you attend at $10 per class. Dress comfortably. Class will meet every Friday in July at the Canfield library from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. This event is for adults.

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.”

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.

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 event is for adults at the Austintown library.

Coupon swap for July

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross proudly serves the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. Taking blood donations to helps our community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Austintown library will host a blood drive on July 5 from 1-6 p.m. and July 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“...And the Rest is History” book club

Join the club 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 event is for adults at the Austintown library on July 7 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.

Basic Microsoft Publisher class

Learn the very basics of Microsoft Office Publisher. This is a beginner’s class that will teach users how to add and edit page components. Basic computer skills are required. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults and will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Gift card raffle and rummage sale

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 4490 Norquest Blvd, in Austintown, will sponsor a gift card raffle and rummage sale during its 33rd annual festival June 8 through June 12. The rummage sale will be hosted in the school building and the gift card raffle will be hosted on the grounds. These two events will take place from 6-10 p.m. each evening. Drawings will take place Sunday evening before the main raffle. Winners do not have to be present.

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.

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.

Watercolor with Andrea

Have you always wanted to paint with watercolors? Join the Austintown library and learn step by step to create your very own work of art. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults on July 12 at 6:30 p.m.

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.

Scrapbooking club

Scrapbook a page and share your scrapbooking ideas. Paper and supplies provided. All teens and adults are welcome to this event hosted by the Austintown library on July 8 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.

Best book playlists

Often, teen authors will include a playlist of songs that they listened to while writing their books. This music may have inspired them, or perhaps the genre of music was fitting to the setting or character they created. For this contest, you’re in charge. Choose a teen book and create a playlist of at least five songs for it. Include your reasons for matching the songs to the book. The winner will receive a gift card and the winning playlist will be featured on a bookmark at the Austintown library. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during library open hours.

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 6 at 6 p.m. and 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 7 and 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.

Carnival at the library

Step right up to the most fun around, the library carnival is coming to town. The carnival will feature a variety of indoor/outdoor carnival and Olympic style games, activities, snacks and good times galore. This event is for children of all ages at the Austintown library on July 13 at 11:30 a.m.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 6 at 10 a.m.

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.

Pre-kindergarten storytime

This program is for 4- and 5-year-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. Use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on July 6 at 11:30 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.

Olympic dreams

Learn what it takes to be an Olympic hopeful as Sports Illustrated for Kids 2015 Sports Kid of the Year Finalist Natalie Hershberger shares her experience and demonstrates her talent. Hershberger’s books will be available for purchase at the event. Join the Austintown library on July 14 at 11 a.m. for this event.

Read to Reese

Come and read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Bring your own book or the library will find one for you. Registration is required. Space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children on July 8 at 2 p.m.

Quarter auction fundraiser to be June 16

The Never Muzzled/Pawz 2 Adopt Quarter Auction will be on June 16 at 6 p.m. at the Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Austintown. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and include a soft drink, a light snack, a biddle paddle and a door prize drawing ticket. There will be more than 80 prizes, gift baskets and door prizes. Pizza slices will be for sale for $1. All money from the auction and raffles goes to the Never Muzzled and PAWZ 2 Adopt.

Quilters’ garage sale to be June 11

Stop by the Quilters’ Garage Sale and pick up some fabric and crafting supplies. The sale will take place one day only – June 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 3735 Barber Drive in Canfield. From a slightly used serger sewing machine to quilting notions and crafting supplies and lots of fabric, this is a great opportunity for quilters and crafters. Proceeds from this sale help TQGIBT – That Quilt Group I Belong To – promote quilting in the Valley. Members stitch charity quilts and other projects that are donated to hospitalized children and veterans. There is also a Carnival glass punch bowl complete with 12 cups. Barber Drive is just off Fairway drive near Tippecanoe Road in Canfield Township. TQGIBT meets at Fair Park in Canfield on the third Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions. TQGIBT is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley. For information on membership, contact president Helen Lewis at HMLrutgers@icloud.com or by calling 330-286-3966.

Contra dance returns to the area

The Western Reserve Contra Dance will be hosted from 7-9:30 p.m. on June 11 at the Dublin Grange Hall, located at 6571 Fairground Blvd. in Canfield. The “contra” is a New England social dance, with ever-changing partners and live traditional music by the band “One String Short.” A caller will teach each dance and guide the dancers. Dress is casual, beginners and all ages are welcome, partners are not required and new friends will be made. Admission is $8 and light refreshments will be served. The Grange Hall is just off 224, behind the CVS pharmacy. See www.westernreservecontradance.com for more information.

Surgeons to address ostomy group

Dr. Gregory S. Huang, a trauma surgeon at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Ricchuiti, a urologist with NEO Urology, will be the featured speakers during the next meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group. Sponsored by Mercy Health – Youngstown, the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6-7 p.m. June 14 in the Azalea Room of St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. in Boardman. Meetings of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group take place the second Tuesday of each month with meeting places alternating between Humility House and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Meetings are open to the public, refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440

American Business Women’s Association meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of The American Business Women’s Association will host its June 14 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the evening includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, broccoli salad, fruit salad, coffee or iced tea and brownie sundae for dessert. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are due to Jackie Fischio at 330-788-6634 or 330-559-4808 or to Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2507 or 330-565-6913 by June 6. The public is welcome. The guest speaker for the evening will be Gianna Cioffi who will provide details on the Lake-to-River Food Cooperative Online Market.

Austintown food service department announces summer food program

The Austintown Local School District recently announced the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for Children. Free meals will be made available to all children ages 1-18 at the Austintown Elementary School, located at 245 Idaho Road-Lynn Kirk Loop. Meals will be served Monday through Friday from June 6 until Aug. 18. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Also, every Wednesday during the program there will be a craft activity for the children from 10-11 a.m. If you have any questions about the program, contact Tascin Brooks, DTR, Food Service Director at 330-797-3900 at ext. 2032 for more information.

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.

“Pups in the Park”

West Side Cats will be hosting a “Pups In The Park” day on June 18 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The organization will photograph your dog for a $10 donation. You will then receive a 5x7 framed photo after it is professionally processed and printed and framed. This event will be hosted in Mill Creek Park near the Suspension Bridge. West Side Cats will also be selling raffle tickets for the Father’s Day TV and other items for sale. All the proceeds will benefit the cats at West Side Cats.

Neighbors features adoptable pets

Check out the newest feature of Neighbors, the Adoptable Pets of the Week column! Each week, we will feature two adoptable pets from West Side Cats or Pawz 2 Adopt with pictures and information on page 2. Sponsorship for the column is available on a week-to-week basis for local businesses that love animals. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this column, call Kathy Smith at 330-747-1471, ext. 1214. All of the members of the Neighbors team love animals and we hope that we can help West Side Cats and Pawz 2 Adopt find forever homes for these adorable dogs and cats. More information on these organizations can be found on Facebook or by calling 330-792-4228 for West Side Cats and 330-779-1862 for Pawz 2 Adopt. Thank you for your continued support of this and all of our endeavors!

Host families needed for Northern Ireland teens

The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is a summer exchange program that brings together teen leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Founded in 1975, the program offers spiritual, social and service opportunities to help the students discover the common ground they share despite religious differences. Each year, Valley families play host to more than a dozen Northern Irish teens for this enriching experience. The group is searching for host families for two boys from Northern Ireland. Teens will arrive on June 27 and will depart on July 27. The host family should have a male teen between the ages of 14 and 17. This life-changing experience includes six service projects (Purple Cat, Potential Development, Mill Creek Children’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, Jubilee Gardens and Zion Lutheran Food Bank) as well as many fun events, such as a Scrappers Game, a road rally and a trip to Cedar Point to name a few. If you are interested in hosting a teen, contact Greg at 330-770-1440. For more information, visit ulsterprojectmv.com.

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.

Socrates Philosophy group

Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join the library for Socrates Caf Philosophy Group. Open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. Meet on June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Hobby games

Join the library for this fun introduction to Hobby Games from the folks at Malted Meeple. This event is for adults at the Austintown library one June 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Guess the book

Coupon swap

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Fitness support group

Join the library’s 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 a different topic will be discussed. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on June 14 at 6 p.m. The topic will be “fad diets”

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Austintown library’s event will be hosted June 11 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and June 14 from 1-6 p.m.

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 on June 15 at 6 p.m.

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. The book this month is “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on June 22 at 6 p.m.

Movie night

Please bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family at the Austintown library on June 16 at 6 p.m.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other 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 on June 10 at 11 a.m. and June 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Pool noodles and Pinterest

Pool noodles aren’t just for swimming. Learn about all the crafty things you can do with these fun, colorful toys. Make a craft to take home with you. Registration required. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on June 23 at 6 p.m.

#TBT sports edition

Can you guess these sports legends from their Throwback Thursday pictures? Whoever gets the most answers correct will win a prize. This event is for teens entering grades 7-12 at the Austintown library during open hours in June.

Life-size games

Enjoy some classic indoor/outdoor games with a giant twist. This event is for teens and tweens entering grades 5-12 at the Austintown library on June 21 at 6:30 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 June 1 at 6 p.m. and June 24 at 3 p.m.

Keep swimming

Swim on over to Austintown library for a “finding Dory” party. It will be an ocean of fun with activities, games, crafts and snacks. This event is for the family on June 29 at 11 a.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, dance talk and play. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library June 23 and 30 at 10 a.m.

Gold Medal crafts

Grab and Go events at the library are open for children of all ages to create a craft and take it home. Open during library hours during the month of June.

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 is hosted by the Austintown library Tuesdays in June at 10 a.m.

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 is for ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on June 16 at 10 a.m.

Health at home

Attend the library’s workshop with Bridget Lackey from Mercy Health and receive a free copy of “Health at Home: Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions & Self Care.” You will learn about common health problems and the confidence to handle your family’s health. Registration required. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on June 17 at 3 p.m.

Read to Reese

Read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Bring your own book, or the library will find one for you. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children on June 17 at 11 a.m.

COSI current conditions

Watch as COSI brings the world of weather into Austintown library. You will be able to explore how weather affects life on Earth everyday, learn about technology used by today’s top forecasters, test your forecasting skills, explore meteorological instruments and discover why it’s important to monitor extreme weather events. Watch out for the lightning as COSI safely creates weather inside the meeting room. Children of all ages are welcome to the Austinwon library for this event on June 22 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Pop-Up Library at Austintown Farmer’s Market

The Pop-Up Library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a library card or learn about digital resources and branch services. On June 13 from 5-8 p.m., the Pop-Up library will be at the Austintown Farmer’s Market located at 6000 Kirk Road, with story times at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Kindergarten registration for the Austintown Local School district

Kindergarten registration will continue at the Austintown Local School District. Anyone interested in registering their child for 2016-2017 school year may do so at the Austintown Early Learning Center (AELC) on Evelyn Road. Call 330-797-3900 ext. 1551 to schedule an appointment. Registration packets are also available at the AELC or can be found on www.austintownlocalschools.org by clicking the “Registration & Open Enrollment” tab under “Departments.”

Open enrollment for Austintown Local School district

Registration for Open Enrollment will continue for the 2016-2017 school year at the Austintown Early Learning Center (AELC) on Evelyn Road. Only new students in grades Kindergarten through ninth-grade will be accepted for the upcoming school year. Call 330-797-3900 ext. 1551 to make an appointment. Registration applications can be picked up at the AELC or are available online at www.austintownlocalschools.org under the “ Registration & Open Enrollment” tab under “Departments.”

Animal shelter seeks donations

West Side Cats is seeking donations of gently used baby clothes for its fundraisers. The organization appreciates any help the community can give it in helping to improve the lives of its cats and kittens.

Parent-child program for incoming kindergarten students

Austintown Elementary School will host two parent-child programs in June packed with kindergarten readiness activities for the incoming students. One session will focus on reading while the other session will focus on math. The sessions will take place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the elementary school. Participants will learn games to build foundational kindergarten skills and will receive material to use at home throughout the summer. Children will also have the opportunity to eat complimentary breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria. Due to space restrictions only one adult per student may attend. For more information on program dates and how to register, visit www.austintownschools.org and click the “Schools” tab to find the “AES” page.

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.

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.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

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.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

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.

In the forest

The work of realist painter Jason Floyd Lewis relishes the natural beauty of uninhabited places. The Wellers Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature this artwork until June 12.

Austintown Local School district announces open enrollment 2016-2017

The Austintown Local School district will have statewide open enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year. Applications will be accepted for the students in grades kindergarten through ninth-grade, and they can be downloaded on the Austintown Local Schools website. In order to be accepted for open enrollment, completed applications must be submitted online. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any students living in the state of Ohio and entering grades kindergarten through ninth are eligible. One application must be completed for each student. Call the registration office if any additional information is needed at 330-797-3900, ext. 1516.

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 June 11 and 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.