43
Austintown Food Service Department earns grant
The Austintown Food Service Department recently earned a $37,000 Equipment Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The food service department will use those funds to purchase a $32,000 combination oven for Austintown Middle School (AMS) and $5,000 for an upright freezer at the Austintown Early Learning Center (AELC). The USDA set aside $16 million for equipment grants in the year 2017. The state of Ohio was appropriated over $749,000. Austintown received 5 percent of those funds.
Austintown food service now taking bids for 2018-2019 school year
The Austintown food service department is now taking bids for the 2018-2019 school year. Bid packets for bread, dairy and pizza can be found on www.affoodservices.com. Bids must be turned into the treasurer’s office in a sealed and labeled envelope by 10 a.m. on May 4.
Spring Senior Citizens Dinner to be April 25
Food, fun and entertainment are in store for Austintown seniors, ages 65 and older, on April 25 for the Spring Senior Citizens Dinner. Board members, student groups and school staff will serve dinner during this bi-annual event at 4 p.m. in the Fitch High School cafeteria. Tickets for the dinner are $2 and advance reservations are required. Call 330-797-3919 by April 20 to reserve your seat.
Ukulele group to meet
There will be a Steel Valley Ukers meeting at the Austintown library April 21 from 3-5 p.m. The group is a non-profit. There is no fee to attend any of their meetings. The group plays ukuleles and is open to all ages and skill levels.
Hopewell Theatre presents “An Evening of O. Henry”
The Hopewell Theatre’s “An Evening of O. Henry” consists of 11 playlets based on short stories written by O. Henry. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and will run April 14, 20 and 21, with one Sunday matinee on April 22 at 2 p.m. Hopewell Theatre’s founding board member Tom Copeland adapted eleven of O. Henry’s short stories to fit the stage. He serves as director for the production. Each playlet, even the shortest, has a surprise ending literary aficionados. The production has a company of actors including Miles Assion, John Dalbec, Gary Deckant, Robert K. Ellway, Teresa Evans, Tom Gilmartin, Jr., C. Richard Haldi, Marisa Keshock, Tom Kusiowski II, Hannah LaBranche, Adrienne Mackey, Trudy Mason, Linda McGrath and Anita Weinstock. Reserve tickets online at www.hopewelltheatre.org or call 330-746-5455. Tickets are $13 for general admission, $10 for students and senior citizens. There is a parking lot guard at evening performances. Group rates are available.
Local shrine club to host dinner event
The Youngstown Shrine Club will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on April 29 at the club’s main hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The meal includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and a beverage, as well as dessert. This is a community event and the public is invited to attend. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any club officer or on the day of the event; carry-outs are also available. For additional information, contact the club at 330-549-3857, ext. 0.
Dunkin’ Donuts helps feed local families
Now through April 30, Dunkin’ Donuts in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties will be selling icons for a $1 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. With every icon purchased, the customer receives a $1 off coupon for a pound of coffee. For every $1 given, the Food Bank can distribute $11 worth of food to hungry families in our community. Last year, Dunkin’ Donut locations in the Mahoning Valley raised more than $21,000 to feed local families. The campaign is a collaborative effort of four food banks, including Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. All funds raised will remain in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties to feed our friends and neighbors. For more information on how you can get involved in Harvest for Hunger, visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org or www.harvestforhunger.org.
AGSL hosts Quarter Auction
The Austintown Girls Softball League will host a Quarter Auction event on April 21 at St. Anne Ukrainian Byzantine, located at 4310 Kirk Road. The ticket price is $10 and includes one paddle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the auction begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is for adults only and you may bring your own beverage.
Quarter auction event to benefit St. Joseph Church
St. Joseph Church, located at 4545 New Road in Austintown, will sponsor its fourth Quarter Auction on April 20. This event is for adults who are ages 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, which includes admission and a bidding paddle. The auction will feature 50/50 and lottery tree raffles. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 330-792-3751 or 330-792-7907 (evenings only). Proceeds from this event will benefit the church.
Coupon swap at the library
Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during regular hours at the Austintown library to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons.
Movie night offered at the library
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie at the Austintown library on April 30 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Paper crafting corner at the library
Join the Austintown library every other month to learn how to create a different paper craft. Registration is required for this class on April 27 at 11 a.m. This program is for adults.
Guess the morphed picture
Try to identify the celebrity parents of the morphed baby faces at the Austintown library during April. The most correct answers wins a prize. This event is for teens in grades six and up during regular library hours.
Friends meeting announced for April
Austintown Friends of the Library will have their presentation and meeting at the Austintown library on April 23 at 10 a.m. Brenda Duffet, event planning coordinator at the Mahoning County Sanitary District, will discuss the history of the Meander Reservoir.
True Crime series to meet
This five-part series will cover a different unsolved true crime each month at the Austintown library. The next meeting will be April 23 at 6 p.m. and the topic will be Jon Benet Ramsey. You can choose any book, documentary (etc.) based on the current month’s topic and join in for a discussion.
Chapter Chat book club meets in April
If you love books, attend the Chapter Chat book club at the Austintown library on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. where they will be reading and discussing a book together. Each month will be a new genre. This month’s read is “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith. Light refreshments will be served.
A dozen makes a difference
The Austintown library wants their library materials being used by the community. Help them empty their shelves by borrowing books, movies and other items. Borrow a dozen or more items at one time on your library card at the Austintown library. Show your check-out receipt to a librarian to receive a small giveaway.
Guess the picture book
Can you guess the picture book from the cut up cover? Children of all ages can participate in this program at the Austintown library during library hours. One winner chosen at random from correct entries.
Take home a craft
Make a craft to take home at the Austintown library for the month of April during library hours. Children of all ages can participate.
Join family game night
Join the Austintown library on April 26 at 6 p.m. for all or part of our two-hour game night. They will have everything for you and your family to enjoy together including, board games, giant games, video games and even a basketball game. This program is fun for the whole family.
Connect with digital media
Learn how to download free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices. No registration is required for this program at the Austintown library on April 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Fundamentals of music theory offered
Learn the fundamentals of music theory from Shirley Bartlett at the Austintown library every Thursday in the month of April at 2 p.m. Topics covered in this five week session will include basic theory like the names of lines and spaces and more advanced concepts like major and minor scales. Reservations are needed for each session at these classes for teens and adults.
Smart money picture bingo at the library
Celebrate Money Smart Week with fun and prizes for the whole family at the Austintown library on April 28 at 11 a.m. Picture Bingo for all ages and every child in attendance will receive a piggy bank.
Strategy board games offered at the library
Do you like to play strategy board games? Come to the Austintown library on April 14 at 3 p.m. to play games like “Ticket to Ride,” “Settlers of Catan” and “Carcassonne.” Play what’s there or bring your own to share. Light refreshments will be served at this program for adults and teens.
Detectives wanted
Calling all detectives: join the Austintown library on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. for activities and games to solve a mystery. This program is for school-age children.
Playtime at the library with Baby Brilliant
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. April’s program will be on the 16 at 6:30 p.m. Activities will vary at each program for ages 2-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Read to Reese
On the second Saturday of each month, read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners, at the Austintown library. This month’s program will be April 14 at 11 a.m. Bring your own book, or the library 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 is for school aged children.
Friendly Squares to hold dance April 14
The Friendly Squares will host their monthly square dance on April 14 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State Street in Niles. Gene Hammond will be the caller and Frankie Hammond will be calling line dances. This will be a high/low dance with alternating tips for new dancers currently taking lessons and tips for more experienced dancers. Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served. There is a $6 donation per person at the door. For additional information, call Gene Hammond at 330-506-3370.
Page Turners book club to meet in April
Love books? Looking for a good read? Hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun at the Austintown library on April 18 at 6 p.m. This book club meeting is for adults.
Poland class of 1968 to host reunion
The Poland Seminary High School class of 1968 is having a 50-year reunion on Sept. 15 at the Magic Tree, located on South Avenue in Boardman. For more information on the reunion, call Jay at 330-953-0953.
Austintown Local School District announces open enrollment for 2018-2019
The Austintown Local School district will again have statewide open enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. Applications will be accepted for students in grades Kindergarten through eighth-grade based on grade level availability. Applications are now available on the Austintown School’s website at www.austintownschools.org. 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 eighth are eligible. One application must be completed for each student. No new students will be accepted in grades 9-12. Only existing open enrollment students and those in special programs will be accepted into the high school. Open enrollment will close on Aug. 3 for the 2018-2019 school year. Call the registration office at at 330-797-3900, ext. 1516 if you have additional questions or need more information.
Read to Reese
On the second Saturday of each month, come and read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners at the Austintown library. Bring your own book, or let the library will find one for you and read to a furry friend. Registration is required as pace 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 drama club presents “Beauty the Beast.”
“Be our guest” as the Fitch Drama Club presents “Beauty and the Beast” April 20-22 in the Austintown Fitch auditorium. Pre-sale tickets are available now. Contact Fitch High School at 330-797-3900, ext. 1025 to purchase your ticket. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and free for veterans, seniors and children ages 5 and younger.
Gotta Move Story Time presented at the library
Join the Austintown library every Thursday at 10 a.m. for “Gotta Move Story Time.” This program is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join them 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.
Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s announced for April
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday 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.
Pre-k storytime at the library
This program, offered every Wednesday in April at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library, is for 4-5 year-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.
Pink Ribbon Golf Classic to be in July
The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will take place at Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club on July 16. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18-hole scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle. For further details, contact Donna Mowrey at 330-207-9630 or Nancy Felton at 330-533-2712.
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.