Austintown Community Briefs

February 3, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

Victorian Players to have auditions

The Victorian Players will have auditions for Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Feb. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the theatre, located at 702 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. Needed are actors ages 16 and older. Auditioners will be asked to read from the script. Performance dates are April 14-23. Directing is Amy Anne Kibler. If you have any questions, call 330-746-5455.

Pancake and sausage breakfast to be Feb. 5

Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Columbus #3930 is sponsoring a pancake and sausage breakfast on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the parish center, located at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown. The menu consists of pancakes, sausage and beverages. The cost for adults is $5 and $3 for children 12 and under.

Legacy Dog Resuce “treat” sale

Legacy Dog Rescue will be hosting a Valentine “Treat” Sale on Feb. 11. The event will take place at Family Video in Austintown, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Choose from a variety of Valentine-themed cookies, cupcakes and treats for all of your loved ones, including dog treats too. Some of the group’s adoptable dogs will be making an appearance as well. Proceeds will help Legacy Dog Rescue, a local nonprofit group, save dogs that have been abandoned, abused or neglected, and place them into loving homes.

Pancake Breakfast

There will be a free pancake, sausage and egg breakfast at Smith Corners United Methodist Church at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road. It will take place on Feb. 11 from 9-11 a.m. Donations are accepted, and proceeds are for World Service Projects.

Supper at the corner

This supper is free as a community outreach of the church and open to all each month. It will take place at Smith Corners United Methodist Church at 3000 S. Canfield Niles Road on Feb. 16 from 4:30-6 p.m. Donations are accepted to help to continue this program.

Kindergarten Kick-Off

The Austintown Local Schools will be hosting Kindergarten Kick-Off on March 8, at 6 p.m. at Austintown Elementary School. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour the kindergarten classrooms, meet staff members and learn about transitioning smoothly from home or preschool to kindergarten. Information on staggered start, summer programs as well as tips to assist your child before and during kindergarten will all be discussed. All incoming kindergarten students, along with parents, should attend this important event.

Newcomers meetings for January and February

Newcomers of Mahoning Valley Book Club will be meeting on Feb. 9 and will be discussing a book by David Baldacci, “The Camel Club.” The Movie Group saw “La La Land” in January and is looking forward to seeing another good movie on Feb. 15. Needlework will resume meeting on Feb. 7 and a restaurant and date will be chosen for Roundtowners, also in February. The birthday luncheon will be announced at the luncheon in January. The luncheon in February will be on the 22nd at 11:30 a.m. at the Poland library. Lunch will be catered by Kravitz. Attorney and former judge Shirley Christian will be speaking. For more information about the group or meetings, contact Amy at 330-953-3349 or Jorine at 330-757-7212.

PLYMC offers online learning service

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) is offering a free service which connects library cardholders to the popular learning platform, Lynda.com. Library customers can get to the free Lynda.com offerings by using the PLYMC portal through a link on the LibraryVisit.org website. Look on the horizontal menu under “LEARN” for the link. Library customers can learn anytime, day or night. Lynda.com is available online 24/7. The learning resource offers more than 3,000 courses and 150,000 video tutorials taught by experts. Some available areas include 3-D, animation, audio, business, design, home computing, photography, video, the web, technical skills, business techniques, creative skills and more. Lynda.com is a paid service which is being provided free of charge to PLYMC cardholders through the library’s website: LibraryVisit.org. Ohio residents who don’t have a card will find it easy to sign up. With a digital card, online offerings such as Lynda.com can be used without worry about fines or fees. Sign up from home for a digital card at: www.libraryvisit.org/our-happenings/library-card-services.

Knitting guild to meet on Feb. 14

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild will meet on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Rotary Community Building in Fair Park in Canfield. A program of a knitted headband with right and left twists will be presented by Shawn Anderson. Those wishing to participate should bring size 8 US circular knitting needles, scissors, a stitch marker and a tapestry needle. The pattern will be provided. Anyone interested in joining the Guild or donating yarn for charity work can contact wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

ABWA meeting to be Feb. 14

The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will host its Feb. 14 meeting at A La Cart in Canfield. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and costs $18. The menu consists of city chicken and lemon chicken, red skin potatoes, California blend vegetables, tossed salad, cole slaw, Jello, rolls and beverages and dessert. The guest speaker for the evening will be owner of Mr. Darby’s, Bob Neapolitano. The new store is on Market Street, next to Antones. A short meeting will follow. The public is invited. Reservations are due no later than Jan. 31. Call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527. Plans are underway for the upcoming basket auction, to take place on April 30 at the Ursuline Motherhouse on Shields Road. For more information about the auction, call Judy Codespote at 330-797-1488. Profits from this fundraiser go into the Education Fund of the Chapter to educate students and send members to leadership conferences sponsored by our national offices of ABWA.

Trash and Treasure sale to be May 20

The Austintown Night Out Committee is hosting a Trash and Treasure sale on May 20 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Austintown Township Park. Spaces are $10 each. The event is outside and is rain or shine. Vendors are welcome to bring canopies. For more information, contact Shawne Wilfong at 330-774-1803 or email AustintownNightOut@gmail.com. More information can also be found on Austintown Night Out’s Facebook page.

Friendly Squares to have monthly dance

The Niles Friendly Squares will host their monthly square dance on Feb. 11 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. Dress is casual and there is a $6 donation per person at the door. This will be a high/low dance with alternating tips for new dancers currently taking lessons and tips for more experienced dancers. The theme this month is Valentine’s Day, so wear something red if you so desire and celebrate the holiday with the Friendly Squares. Gene Hammond will be the caller. For additional information, call Gene at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Alternatives for managing anxiety, stress and depression

The use of antidepressants has skyrocketed over the past two decades. One in four women in their 40s and 50s takes an antidepressant. Too often the side effects of these medications leave people wondering if the cure is worse than the disease. You’re invited to a free seminar presented by the local leading authority on natural ways to address the genetic, environmental and dietary causes of these chemical imbalances. Call 330-729-1350 today to reserve your spot for this free seminar. Seating is limited. The seminar will take place at the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The address is 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex).

Newcomers meetings for January and February

Newcomers of Mahoning Valley Book Club will be meeting on Feb. 9 and will be discussing a book by David Baldacci, “The Camel Club.” The Movie Group saw La La Land in January and is looking forward to seeing another good movie on Feb. 15. Needlework will resume meeting in February on the 7th and a restaurant and date will be chosen for Roundtowners, also in February. The birthday luncheon will be announced at the luncheon in January. The luncheon in February will be on the 22nd at 11:30 a.m. at the Poland library. Lunch will be catered by Kravitz. Attorney and former judge Shirley Christian will be speaking. For more information about the group or meetings, contact Amy at 330-953-3349 or Jorine at 330-757-7212.

Plat Books available

An updated Mahoning County Plat Book is now available at the OSU Extension Office in Canfield. This publication contains township maps of the entire county, showing plat maps (including all rural landowners) with detailed information on each section. The book also contains an alphabetical list of land owners relating to the page and section of the plat book. The details of each parcel include the outline of the parcel, who owns the land and how many acres are included. The book is published by Farm and Home Publishers (FHP). FHP uses county and townships offices, ODOT information and 911 information to produce this accurate map. The sale of the Mahoning County Plat Book is a fundraiser for the Mahoning County 4-H program. This book makes a great gift for the avid hunter, hiker or bird watcher of the family. Updated full-color Index Maps show each township’s geographic location in detail. Each plat book is $25 plus tax (totaling $26.69). To inquire or purchase a copy, call 330-533-5538 or visit the OSU Extension Office at 490 S. Broad St, in Canfield.

PLYMC offers online learning service

ABWA meeting Feb. 14

Who said that? Black History Month contest

Match the African American heroes to their equally famous quotations at the Austintown library during library hours in February. A winner will be selected from the correct entries to receive a prize. This is for children, tweens and teens.

Grab and go craft for February

Make a craft to take home at the Austintown library during library hours in February. This event is for children of all ages.

Playtime at your library

You’ll 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 at the Austintown library on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Activities will vary at each program. This event is for ages 2-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-Kindergarten story time

This program is for 4- and 5-years-olds to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. You will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten at the Austintown library every Wednesday in February at 11:30 a.m.

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 February at 10 a.m.

Tales and talk for 2’s & 3’s

Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in February 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.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Austintown library on Feb. 2, 9 and 23 at 10 a.m. 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.

Guess the picture book

Can you guess the picture book from the cut up cover? One winner chosen at random from correct entries at the Austintown library during library hours in February. This event is for children of all ages.

Lego Mindstorms Robots, part one

Discover how to build, program and test Lego Mindstorms Robots at the Austintown library on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Children will work through the stages of building and programming the robots with a break to eat. Bring a packed lunch. This event is for grades 3-7. Sign up by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Boardman library. Space is limited.

Book crush

Do you have a book crush? Tell the Austintown library about it during library hours in February. This event is for grades 6-12.

Teen Advisory Board

Join the Teen Advisory Board. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun at the Austintown library on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Strategy board games at the library

Do you like to play strategy board games? Come to the Austintown library on Feb. 11 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. This event is for teens and adults.

Color your world

Join the Austintown library on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. for a relaxing evening of adult coloring. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own. This event is for teens and adults.

Paper crafting corner

Join the Austintown library on Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. to learn how to create a different paper craft. Registration is required.

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 Thursdays at 6 p.m., a meeting will take place in Faith Chapel Fellowship Church, located at 511 E. Pershing St. in Salem, while at 7:30 p.m. a meeting will take place at New Life Lutheran Church, located at 1181 Churchill-Hubbard Road in Youngstown. Both of these locations are 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.

Get one-on-one assistance from library

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 wide 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. This is for teens and adults.