Austintown Community Briefs

Mahoning Valley walk benefiting JDRF

Take steps to help the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people’s lives. By joining a team or making a donation to JDRF, you’ll raise money to help fund critical research. The walk will be on May 21 at the Watts Center of Youngstown State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://www2.jdrf.org/mahoningvalleywalk. For more information, contact Timothy Styranec at 330-533-5306 or by email at tmstyranec@zoominternet.net.

Torch Club meeting at Kilcawley Center

Chapter President Donald Butler will deliver the talk at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting at 7 p.m. on March 21. His topic will be “Edwin Armstrong, the Forgotten Inventor of Wireless Communication.” The meeting will be in Kilcawley Center, Bresnahan Rooms I and II, on the campus of Youngstown State University. The public is invited to attend. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m. Attending only the lecture is free of charge. Dinner for nonmembers is $20. Call 330-757-4148 for reservations. For club information, call 330-792-7351.

Have your pet featured in a calendar

West Side Cats is having a pet photography contest. For each $1 you pay, you can submit one photo of your favorite pet. Each vote will be an additional $1 fee which can be paid through PayPal at: Westsidecats@yahoo.com or dropped off at the shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. The top 12 winners will have their pets photo featured on a month of the new calendar and receive a calendar of their own. There will also be a grand prize for the pet with the most votes. Calendars will be sold after the contest ends. The photography contest will end on May 30 (Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Facebook page “West Side Cats Photography Contest.”

Skywarn organization offers severe weather training

Mahoning County Skywarn, a volunteer organization of weather spotters, will be hosting a training session on how to recognize approaching storms and tornadoes. This will be an interesting and informative presentation. Michelle Sowers, Ohio EMA in Cleveland, will conduct the training on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown Fitch High School Auditorium, located at 4560 Falcon Drive. Training is free and open to the public. Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m.

Oh Wow! receives grant

Oh Wow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology has received a $10,000 grant from the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, in support of educational programming to students in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. President and Executive Director Suzanne Barbati expressed her appreciation for the continued support. Additional information about the center is available at ohwowkids.org.

Man Up Mahoning Valley offers prostate exams

Man Up Mahoning Valley, NEO Urology and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley will provide free prostate cancer screenings March 22 for men 40-years-old and older who are uninsured or under-insured. Screenings consist of a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood draw and will take place from 5-7 p.m. at St. Joe’s at the Eastwood Mall, Sears Concourse, located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road. This event is open to the public but registration is required. Call 330-480-3405 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.

Austintown Kiwanis Club to host pancake breakfast

The next big event coming up for the Austintown Kiwanis Club is their annual pancake breakfast on March 19 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Austintown Community Church. The club encourages parents to come out with their families. The children will have the chance to meet and take a picture with Tweety Bird. The Austintown Key Club members will be painting faces.

Pet expo to take place April 2 and 3

Mark your calendars for the North East Ohio Pet Expo Show and Sale that will take place on April 2 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and April 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This year, it will take place at Yankee Lake in Brookfield, located at 1814 Route 7 Yankee Lake. There will be a Pet Fashion Show on April 3 at 2 p.m., along with a Feline Pageant on April 2 at 2 p.m. Of course, West Side Cats will have a booth at the Expo so feel free to stop by and see them while you are there. They plan on having their mascot, Mittens, in attendance.

West Side Cats has April fundraiser

Mark your calendars for April 2 for the West Side Cats Fundraiser at Davidson’s Restaurant, located at 3636 Canfield Road in Austintown Township. The hours will be 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. West Side Cats will be having a 50/50 Raffle, Chinese auction with about 15 baskets of items and they will be selling cat and dog toys. Feel free to have some lunch at Davidson’s Restaurant while you are stopping in. Tickets may be purchased at the West Side Cats Shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown, Tuesday through Saturday from 2-6 p.m. or call Marie at 330-519-5002. And don’t forget to stop by West Side Cats to purchase your tickets and feel free to visit with the cats.

Friends of the Austintown Library program and meeting

Dr. Alton Merrell of YSU will direct the talented Jazz Musicians Program on April 25 at 10 a.m. Hosted by the Austintown library.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

Proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. Taking blood donations to help our community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Austintown library on April 5 at 1 p.m. and April 30 at 10:20 a.m.

Socrates philosophy group

This event is 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 adults on April 18 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the development office at 330-740-6086.

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 to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults at the Austintown library during open hours.

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 April 20 at 6 p.m.

Chapter chat book club

Love books? Come to the Chapter Chat Book Club where there will be reading and discussions of a book every month. Each month will be a new genre. This month’s book is “Black-Eyed Susans” by Julia Heaberlin. The club is open to adults. This meeting will be on April 25 at 6 p.m.

History book club

Join “...And the Rest is History” book club for lively discussions of the 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 at the Austintown library on Apil 7 at 6 p.m.

Tuesday Night Tech Bytes

Bring your basic technology questions for a one-hour question and answer session with a librarian. They will cover basic computer, basic software, eBooks, Internet and email. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on April 19 at 6 p.m.

Basic Microsoft Publisher class

Learn the 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 required. Space is limited, call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults at the Austintown library on April 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday movie matinee

Join the Austintown library for a Saturday Movie Matinee. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. Children age 7-years and younger must be with an adult. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG-13 to G. This event is for the family at the Austintown library on April 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Mother’s Day body scrubs

Learn the components needed to make an exfoliating body scrub out of household ingredients. Make one to take home or to give to a special person for Mother’s Day. Registration is required by calling 330-744-8636. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on April 28 at 6 p.m.

Scrapbooking club

Bring your photographs and create a scrapbook page for them. Paper and other supplies provided. This event is for teens and adults at the Austintown library on April 7 at 6 p.m.

Art with Andrea

Join the Austintown library in this art class. Andrea will guide you through a monthly project and help you work through your own art. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults on April 21 at 6:30 p.m.

TeenXTreme Blackout Poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so here’s your chance to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet. Create a poem by eliminating (blacking out) the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the library provide. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes. Talk to a librarian for details. For teens in grades 7-12 during open hours throughout April.

Teen Advisory Meeting

Check out at the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. This event is for teens in grades 7-12. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on April 2 at 3 p.m.

Melted crayon art

Create a work of art with crayons, a hair dryer and your imagination. This event is for grades 5-12. Registration is required. This event is for tweens and teens at the Austintown library on April 13 at 6 p.m.

Favorite cookie

Vote on your favorite cookie each time you come to the library. The cookie with the most votes at the end of the month will be featured at the Hangry Bird’s party in May. This event is for grades 5-12 at the Austintown library during open hours.

Tween Scene movie club

Join in for snacks and a craft while discussing some of the coolest movies you have “scene” and decide on what to should watch next. This event is for tweens ages 8-12 at the Austintown library on April 23 at 2 p.m.

Tales to tails

Come and read to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Bring your own book (or the library will find one for you) and read to a furry friend. 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 April 9 at 11 a.m.

Take a guess

Guess the number of items in the jar. Closest guess wins a small prize. This event is for the family at the Austintown library during library hours.

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 at 6 p.m. on April 6 and at 11 a.m. on April 16.

Grab and go craft

Make a craft to take home. This event is available during Austintown library hours. Children of all ages are welcome.

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 and talk and play. Come to the Austintown library on April 14 and 21 at 10 p.m.

Fitness fun story time

Join the library for stories and activities selected from the Eat, Play, Grow program. Good fun and good nutrition. Prizes and snacks will be given. This event is for children ages 2-5 and is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Kids Coalition. Come to the Austintown library on April 7 at 10 a.m.

Earth Day party

Join the Austintown library in celebration of Earth Day. Enjoy “Lorax” themed activities, snacks and create a recycled craft to take home. Children of all ages are welcome on April 9 at 1 p.m.

Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s

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. This event is hosted by the Austintown library at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in April.

Bonding with babies and books

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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in April.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

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 is hosted by the Austintown library at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in April.

Baby brilliant playtime

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 2-6 year-olds. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Austintown library on April 28 at 10 a.m.

Join a Relay for Life team

If you are interested in joining a team, visit the Relay for Life website at http://relayforlife.org/austintown. Attend one of the up-coming meetings at the American Cancer Society office in Canfield. Meeting dates are April 21 and May 26.

Fundraising from the trunk

A “Cure in your Trunk Sale” will be hosted on April 23 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Highway Tabernacle Church Parking Lot. This is a fun way for Relay for Life teams to raise money. This fundraiser is open to teams and any vendors that would like to attend. Spaces for this fundraiser are a donation of $10. Rain or shine – no refunds. If you are interested, email kellyjohwp@gmail.com.

Quarter Auction hosted in Austintown

The second annual Quarter Auction will be April 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction starts at 7 p.m. Last year, this event raised more than $10,000. For information, contact Amy Hughes, Relay for Life Co-Lead, at amy@ydcpa.com.

Austintown Relay for Life

On June 4, Austintown will host its annual Relay For Life event at the Austintown Elementary School parking lot from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. During those 12 hours participants will be celebrating, remembering and fighting back against cancer. Opening ceremonies will be followed immediately by a survivor lap. Lunch will be provided for survivors and caregivers. The event will include a variety of activities. Help the community reach the fundraising goal of $90,000.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival 5k run

The Immaculate Heat of Mary Festival 5k has been an annual event in the Youngstown area for over thirty years. The event will take place on June 9 at 7 p.m. Entry fees are $13 in advance and $15 on race day. In order to receive a shirt, mail in advance entry fee by May 22. Registration for the event will begin at 5 p.m. in front of the entrance to the school. Refreshments will be served to runners. Proceeding the adult run will be a free children’s run for sixth-grade and under. All children must be registered and have their form signed by a parent or legal guardian who must be present at the time of the race. Register online at https://runsignp.com/Race/OH/Austintown/IHMFestival5K or call Bob at 330-360-4876 for details.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for March 21

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be March 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Tequila Jalisco Mexican Restaurant, located at 583 E. 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.

West Side Cats in need of volunteers

West Side Cats, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave., is in need of volunteers for different duties throughout their shelter including cleaning, laundry and transporting cats to and from veterinary offices. The program is also in need of a volunteer grant writer well-versed in the entire grant-writing process. West Side Cats is an all volunteer 501 (3)(c) shelter. Call Marie at 330-519-5002 for details, or look online at www.WestSideCats.org or on their Facebook page.

Gathering Place event to be hosted by Lord of Life Church

On April 11, the Lord of Life Church, located at 550 N. Broad St., will host a Gathering Place event at 11 a.m. The program will include a speaker from the Canfield Police Department and lunch will be provided by the Woodlands. This event is a free community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens. Contact Bernadette Beler at 330-533-6045 for more information, or call the church at 330-533-3531.

Smith Corners United Methodist Church Smart Choice Food Program

The Smart Choice Food Program is a program sponsored by Smith Corners United Methodist Church that provides special value boxes of meats, pastas or children’s meals. There are also “on the go” meals available for those who have no time to cook full meals. These meals are diabetic-friendly. The food can be ordered online at www.smartchoicefoods.com, where a credit card may be used, or by calling the church at 330 799-9390 where cash or money orders may be used for payment.

Saxon Club hosts annual goulash dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club will host its 40th annual Presidents’ Benefit Goulash Dinner on March 19 in the Saxon Club ballroom. The event is open to the public. The dinner features cubed roast beef simmered in onions and herbs, and served with quartered red skin potatoes, along with tossed salad, bread and butter, and coffee or tea with German strudel for dessert. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with all bar drinks free until 6:30 p.m. and a cash bar thereafter. Soft drinks will be free all evening. Dinner is served family style beginning at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Youngstown Saxon Culture Brass Band. The donation is $15 per person and reservations must be made by March 13. For reservations, call the Saxon office at 330-792-7973.

Sprout Club meeting

Join the Sprout Club at Fellows Riverside Gardens this spring to learn about the amazing world of plants with topics that include: pizza plants, moss pets and herbs. Each class will include an activity and snack. Attend all three classes and receive a plant-related prize. Classes will be from 1-2 p.m. on April 21 and May 19. Register by March 15. The series costs $15 and individual classes are $7.

Spring into fun

Children, ages 6- and 7-years-old, are welcome to the Ford Nature Center March 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Spring into fun and look for signs of the season while discovering nature. Hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts and games are all part of the fun. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and pay March 26. The event will be $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Spring into nature

Children (8-12 year-olds) are welcome to the Ford Nature Center March 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to spring into nature and explore the new season. Go on a hike, look for signs of spring, make a craft, play games and much more. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and and pay by March 26. The event will be $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

Starry night event

Come to the MetroParks Farm on April 2 to view the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society. The time is to be determined. More details will be available in April’s calendar.

Woodcock Watch

Come to McGuffey Wildlife Preserve on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. This preserve offers an excellent habitat for an odd-looking bird named the Woodcock. Witness the amazing mating flight of the males. Call the Ford Nature Center for details about this easy .5 mile walk.

Audubon Society of the Mahoning Valley talk

Jeff Harvey, President of the Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley, will discuss some of the common, uncommon and rare birds of our state. Come to the MetroParks Farm March 22 at 7 p.m.

Easter brunch at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Contact the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7116 to register for this March 27 event.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Come out March 23 at 9 a.m. for an easy walk of 1-3 miles. Meet at overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive.

Seasons change hike

Enjoy the first day of spring on March 20 at 2 p.m. while looking and listening for signs of the new season and remnants of the old. Starting at the Ford Nature Center, this hike will be a moderate length of 3 miles.

Ford hunt and hike: cardinals

This year is the MetroPark’s quasquicentennial (125th anniversary). Try to locate 25 hidden cardinals to commemorate this milestone, then go for a hike of your choice. This event will take place at the Ford Nature Center during March hours.

Meditation and mindfulness

Come to the Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 20 at 10:30 a.m. to explore a diversity of mindfulness methods with Karres Cvetkovich. Register and pay by March 18. The cost is $15 and drop-ins will pay $18.

Yoga basics course offered at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Choose Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings for this relaxing eight week yoga course. The cost is $80. Sunday classes will be March 20 through May 8 at 9 a.m., Tuesday classes will be March 22 through May 10 at 6 p.m.

T’ai chi for beginners at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Learn this art of energy balancing, coordination, flexibilty and leg strength during this 10 week course. The cost is $100. Classes will be Thursday nights through May 12 at 12 p.m.

Chair to Mat movement

Increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Accessible to anyone for health, fitness and relaxation. Movement is done seated in chairs and in standing positions. Feel free to drop-in Wednesdays in March at 9 a.m. Each class is $10.

T’ai chi step one in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March at 12 p.m. for this class. Warm-ups, breathing and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Each class is $10.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket. Each class is $12.

Cha-cha dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Learn the steps to this fun and versatile Latin dance. This is a paired dance, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 22, 29 and April 5 at 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

Rumba dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Come out and learn the Latin dance of love. This easy-to-follow dance is paired, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 22, 29 and April 5 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

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 beginning on March 4. 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.

YWCA accepting entries for 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Exhibition

The YWCA of Youngstown is accepting entries for its 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Exhibition, which will take place June 18 until July 15 at 25 W. Rayen Ave. The art exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists age 18 and older. The juried show features all media, including paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and metal work. New this year is a special rate for artists ages 18-25. Also new is an online entry option. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102, or at WomenArtists.ywca.org/2016. An online entry option is also available on the website. Forms are due by March 28. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. This year’s juror is Dr. Stephanie L. Smith, professor of art history at Youngstown State University. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 17 at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show will benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.

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 March 19, June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration is March 17. The series costs $42 and individual classes are $16.

Learn how to spring clean your garden

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Weeding is a much needed spring clean for your garden. Learn simple ways to keep weeds out of the garden as well as benefits you can get from those “weeds.” Register and pay by March 22. Tickets are $14 for the public, $12 FFRG.

Botanical mornings at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Discover the joy in the blossoming spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens with one of the knowledgeable staff members. Come out on March 25 at 9 a.m. Register and pay the $5 fee by March 23.

Design spring flower arrangements

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. to embrace this spring holiday with colorful floral. Design an arrangement with fresh pink, white and yellow carnations; white, yellow and purple daisies; and baby’s breath with seasonal accents. Register and pay by March 20. The cost is $34 (FFRG $28).

Orchid art exhibit

Jamie Kirkell’s silk paintings bring a fun, fresh perspective to the study of the orchid and the iris. Come see the art in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open until April 10.

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.

Blood pressure check at the library

The Austintown library will be hosting a blood pressure check by the Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association on March 22 at 11 a.m.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver and will include a variety of musical and movement activities that will 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. Come to the Austintown library March 31 at 10 a.m.

Grab and go craft For March

Make a craft to take home. Children of all ages are welcome during Austintown library hours.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

There will be developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities to help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader at the Austintown library every Wednesday in March at 10 a.m. Children 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 twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Tuesday in March at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library. 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 on March 24 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for children ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Socrates Philosophy Caf to meet

If you love philosophy and want to discuss philosophical topics, join the Austintown library for Socrates Philosophy Group on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. This is open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. For more information, contact the development office at 330-740-6086. This event is open to adults.

Friends of the Austintown Library program and meeting

Keith Kaiser, Horticulture Director at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Metro Parks, will be presenting “Are You Ready for Spring?” at the Austintown library on March 28 at 10 a.m. This event is open to adults.

Coupon swap at Austintown Library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Adults are welcome to drop in during library hours to stretch shopping dollars by swapping coupons.

Basic Microsoft Excel class to be offered

On March 29 at 6:30 p.m., the Austintown library will host a class to learn the basics of Microsoft Office Excel. This is a beginner’s class, but basic computer skills are required. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

Chapter Chat book club meeting

Love books? Come to the Chapter Chat book club meeting at the Austintown library on March 28 at 6 p.m. where they will be reading and discussing a book together. Each month will be a new genre. Call the Austintown library at 330-744-8636 to find out this month’s exciting read. This event is open to adults.

Discover social media

Learn about social media, the most popular sites, their uses and how you might benefit from using them on March 21 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is open to adults.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools. Sign up to create this month’s greeting card with matching envelope and 3-D item. Participation is limited to one session per person each month to accommodate demand and registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults at the Austintown library. Meet March 21 at 10 a.m. or March 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn how to make Easter Bunny popcorn balls

On March 25 at 11 a.m., learn to make festive treats at the Austintown library and take one home with you. Register at 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Art with Andrea

This art class at the Austintown library will guide you through a monthly project and help you work through your own art. Call 330-744-8636 to register for the event taking place on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to adults and teens.

Enjoy pixel art

Get creative with pixelated art in the teen department and put it on display for others to enjoy. This event is for students in grades 5-12 at the Austinown library during regular hours in March.

Take a guess

Guess the number of items in the jar. The closest guess wins a small prize. This activity is open to families during Austintown library hours.

Pre-kindergarten story time

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 every Wednesday in March at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library.

Fundraiser to take place for American Cancer Society

The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic committee will be hosting two events in April benefiting the American Cancer Society. On April 13, a golf clinic will take place at Creekside Golf Dome in Girard from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Participants will receive instruction and practice in driving, chipping and putting. The cost is $25 per person. On April 24, “high tea” will be served at Piccadilly Parlor in Canfield at 11 a.m. A variety of teas and finger food will be served in a delightful Victorian atmosphere (wearing hats and gloves is optional). The cost is $25 per person. For further information and registration, contact Ginny at 330-219-9092 or Nancy at 330-272-5794.