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AMS to host Austintown FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition
The Austintown Robotics team recently announced the 2017 Austintown Falco Tech FIRST LEGO League robotics competition on Dec. 9 at Austintown Middle School, located at 800 South Raccoon Road in Austintown. The event will take place in the main gymnasium from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available – proceeds will help fund the Austintown robotics program. FIRST LEGO League robotics teams from Northeast Ohio, three from Austintown, will be a part of a 15-team field. For more information about sponsoring local FIRST robotics teams or robotics competitions, stop by the event information table, where you can pick up handouts, ask questions of event staff and even arrange a VIP tour of the competition and pit areas for an up-close look at what FIRST is all about. If you have additional event questions, contact Andy Yantes at 330-540-6897.
Outreach event to be Dec. 16
Our Community Kitchen will be hosting an outreach event on Dec. 16 at 551 Mahoning Ave. from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event will be a free spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Cocca Family. Volunteers from the Management Team of area Walgreens and teachers from Windham High School will be volunteering to serve and distribute items. Warm winter clothes, toys and personal hygiene products will be given away during the event. Contact Skip Barone with any questions at 330 272-1621 or SBarone@ockohio.org.
Blood Drive at the library
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross Proudly serves the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. The Mahonong Chapter will be taking blood donations to help the community at the Austintown library on Dec. 28 from 1-6 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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, e-mail and the internet; downloading e-books and audiobooks; researching a topic; discovering new books and authors and 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.
Holiday closings at the library
All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and Jan. 1.
Philosophy group meeting announced
There will be a Friends of PLYMC Socrates Cafe’ Philosophy Group meeting at the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Coupon swap at the library
Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in to the Audtintown library during library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons.
Christmas decoration swap at the library
Bring in any new or gently used Christmas ornament or decoration on Dec. 16 at the Austintown library and swap it out for something that is new to you. Swapping will take place at your leisure during library hours.
Tea and Mystery book club
Join the Tea and Mystery book club on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library to sip tea and discuss your latest mystery novel find.
Join the 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. Join the Page Turners book club for adults on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library.
Chapter Chat book club meeting announced
The Chapter Chat book club will meet on Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library to read and discuss a book together every month. Each month will be a new genre. Call the library at 330-744-8636 to find out this month’s book. Light refreshments will be served at this program for adults.
Valley STEM + ME2 accepting applications for 2018-2019 school year
Enrollment is open for upcoming ninth and 10th grade students interested in applying to the Valley STEM + ME2 Academy for the 2018-2019 school year. The 7,500 square foot lab is housed on the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center Campus. The Academy uses a rigorous curriculum, utilizing problem-based learning based on STEM principles. The Valley STEM + ME2 Academy’s mission is to prepare students with skills necessary to compete in the global economy while nurturing the characteristics of discovery, invention, application and entrepreneurship. This Academy provides the ideal setting for students to receive problem-based education based on mastery of skills. The Academy has a STEM-designation from the Ohio Department of Education. Call or e-mail Mara Banfield, Director of Valley STEM + ME2 with any questions or to schedule a tour at 330-729-4000 or mara.banfield@mahoningctc.com. All interested applicants should apply at https://valleystem.enrolltrack.com/StudentPortal/#.
Playtime at your library
Prepare for Kindergarten through play at this event at the Austintown library on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 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. Activities will vary at each program. This event is for children who are ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Grab and go craft for December
Make a craft at the Austintown library during regular hours throughout the month of December and take it home. This event is for children of all ages.
Santa’s workshop
The Austintown library will host a Santa’s Workshop event on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. in which participants can make a gift for someone special. This event is for teens and tweens. This is a holiday program.
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 December at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library. Dec. 20 will be a holiday event.
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 at the Austintown library every Tuesday in December at 10 a.m.
Tales and talk for 2s & 3s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in December at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader. Dec. 20 will be a holiday program.
Guess the picture book
Guess the picture book from the cut up cover at the Austintown library during December. One winner chosen at random from correct entries. This event is for children of all ages.
Paper crafting corner
Join the Austintown library every month to learn how to create a different paper craft. The next event will take place on Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. You must register for this event, which is for adults.
Movies
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during this movie at the Austintown library on Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Local team has fundraiser
The Canfield Girls Basketball Boosters will host Designer Bag Bingo at St. Michaels Parish Family Life Center on Jan. 20, 2018. Thirteen games of bingo will be played, with an authentic designer handbag, including Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach, Tory Birch, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and Phillip Lim, awarded as the prize for each game. The handbag for the grand finale game will include the highest valued handbag filled with gift cards. Other raffles will be offered. Tickets are $40 pre-sale and $45 at the door and include 12 rounds of bingo, grand finale bingo, hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket. Additional bingo cards and daubers will be available to purchase. A cash bar of beer and wine will also be offered. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with bingo beginning at 6 p.m. All funds raised will benefit the Lady Cards Basketball program. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit Facebook and search Lady Cards Basketball Boosters Designer Purse Bingo. Tickets will also be available to purchase at Canfield High School girls basketball home games.
Forest Studioz to have professional family pictures fundraiser
On Dec. 9 and 10, Forest Studioz will be hosting a “Winter Wonderland” photo session fundraiser for the entire family. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweaters, or glamorous festive dresses to the studio. Walk-ins are welcome from 4:30-6:30 p.m. All pictures are $10 dollars and will be printed on the spot. Forest Studioz is located 3434 Canfield Road in Youngstown. If you have any question about the event, contact Adia Love at 330-770-9503.
Austintown Bounce hosts Santa lunch
Austintown Bounce, located at 4317 Kirk Road in Austintown, will host a Lunch with Santa event on Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Santa will be on site from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Admission to the event is $7, and includes a hot dog and small fountain drink, unlimited play on the inflatables and more. A photographer will be available for photos with Santa. No coupons or passes will be accepted at this event.
Local dog rescue hosts cookie walk
Legacy Dog Rescue, a 501c3 non profit organization, will be hosting a Cookie Walk on Dec. 9, at Austintown Family Video, located at 4385 Kirk Road in Austintown, from 12–4 p.m. Mix and match homemade cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more for $5 per dozen. Get your holiday baking done the easy way while also supporting this organization’s efforts to help the abused, neglected and abandoned dogs of Trumbull and Mahoning County.
Gotta Move Story Time at the library
Every Thursday at 10 a.m., join the Austintown library for a story time for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a care giver. Join in 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.
Library to host Holiday Walk
Take a walk down Holiday Lane at the Austintown library on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. as you read stories and have fun with different activities that will be sure get you into the holiday spirit. Light refreshments will be provided for children of all ages.
Join the library for a Miser’s Brothers Christmas
Revel in the nostalgia of these classic Christmas characters at the Austintown library on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. with your family and remember what it was like that magical year when Santa Claus took a holiday on the night before Christmas morning. There will be music, crafts and games, as well as a surprise visit from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Miser Brothers themselves.
Join the Nutcracker Sweets Party at the library
Get the holidays cracking by attending the Austintown library’s Nutcracker Sweets Party on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. Featuring activities and games inspired by the classic story, the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky, and of course, a candy bar, this program will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. This party is for children of all ages.
Play strategy board games at the library
Do you like to play strategy board games? Come to the Austintown library on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. to play games like “Ticket to Ride,” “Settlers of Catan” and “Carcassonne.” Play what’s here or bring your own to share. Light refreshments will be served for adults and teens.
Read to Reese in December
On the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m., come and read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners at the Austintown library. Bring your own book, or the librarians will find one for you. Registration is required as space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. This program is for school aged children.
Austintown Fitch senior operates toy drive
Lexi Cintron, a senior at Austintown Fitch High School, has been involved with charity work for as long as she can remember. Growing up, her parents often took her to the Salvation Army to donate toys. At the age of 6, she thought of the idea to conduct her own, independent toy drive. Ten years later, she has collected and donated more than 5,000 toys to various organizations to helping families in need. With one year left of “Lexi’s Toy Drive,” she wishes to help as many people as she can through Someplace Safe, a shelter for domestically battered women and children. Those interested in helping can drop off donations to Spalon of Sara Morris, located at 5000 E. Market St. Suite 21, in Howland, during Dec. 2-16 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Book-a-Librarian offers additional help
If you would like a personal introduction to resources available at the library or need more time with a librarian than you can get over the phone or if you just walk in, this program is for you. 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 or the internet; downloading e-books and audiobooks, researching a topic, discovering new books and authors, 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 to book a librarian at ay of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Mahoning County Red Cross visits the library
Swap coupons 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.
Overeaters Anonymous to have local meetings
Overeaters Anonymous is offering meetings at several local locations and on a variety of days. On Saturdays at 10 a.m., there will be a meeting at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in the Church Hall, Room 2, located at 4453 Warren-Sharon Road in Vienna, Ohio. This location is handicapped accessible. On Sundays at 7 p.m., there will be a meeting at Shenango Presbyterian Church, located at 3144 Wilmington Road (Route 18) in New Castle, Pa. This location is handicapped accessible. On Mondays, a meeting will take place at 1 p.m. at the Girard Multigenerational Center, located at 443 Trumbull Avenue in Girard. This location is handicapped accessible. On Wednesdays, a meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Care - Northside Medical Center in the Medical Education Building, auditorium A, located at 500 Gypsy Lane in Youngstown. This location is handicapped accessible. On Tuesdays at 6 p.m., a meeting will take place at the Oxford House, located at 320 Benton Road in Salem. This location is handicapped accessible. On Thursdays, a meeting will take place at Valley Care - Northside Medical Center in the Medical Education Building, Auditorium A, located at 500 Gypsy Lane in Youngstown. This location is handicapped accessible. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, a meeting will take place at New Life Lutheran Church, located at 1181 Churchill-Hubbard Road in Youngstown. This location is also handicapped accessible. For more information on OA or meetings, go to www.oa.org or call one of the following Help Hotlines: Mahoning or Trumbull Counties - 330-747-2696; Columbiana County - 330-424-7767; Lawrence County - 724-674-3697.
GA to meet twice this week
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 is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (in 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. For more information, call the local Gamblers Anonymous hotline at 330-505-5060.