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Library closings announced
The Austintown library will be closed from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on March 7 and will be open from 1-9 p.m. that day.
Join the library for movie night
The Austintown library is hosting a movie night on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie that will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Strategy board games at the library
Come to the Austintown library on Feb. 24 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.
Saxon club hosts dinner event
The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road, will host its next pork-kraut dinner on Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The price is $9.50 for adults and $5 for children. It includes dessert and coffee, tea or pop. The public is welcome and take-outs are available.
Paper crafting corner
Join the Austintown library every other month to learn how to create a different paper craft. The next event is Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. If you are planning on attending the event, register at 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.
Chapter Chat book club
If you love books, go to the Chapter Chat Book Club on Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library where they will be reading and discussing a book together every month. February’s book will be “The Martian” by Andy Weir. Light refreshments will be served. This event is for adults.
Page Turners book club
If you love books and are looking for a good read, attend the Page Turners book club on Feb. 21 from 6-7 p.m. at the Austintown library and hear what others are reading and share your favorite read, or just come in and join the fun. This event is for adults.
True Crime Series, part 2: Black Dahlia
This five-part series will cover a different unsolved true crime each month. You choose any book, documentary (etc.) based on the current month’s topic and join the group for discussion. The next meeting is on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for adults.
Blood drive
There will be a blood drive on Feb. 17 from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Austintown library by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults.
Friends of the Austintown Library presentation and meeting
On Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library, Kalea Hall, business reporter for the Youngstown Vindicator, will discuss her visit to Cuba during the week of mourning for Fidel Castro. The presentation will be followed by a meeting. This event is for adults.
Public invited to Audubon Society program
Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to “Birding Within 90 Minutes of Boardman” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Canfield library. Jeff Harvey, president of the local Audubon chapter, will present a program on the many great birding locations within our area and what birds can be found.
Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for Feb. 19
The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be on Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the small meeting room at the Canfield branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, located at 43 W Main Street 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 Gifts of Change” and “Rut-Busting Book for Writers,” 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.
Blind date with a book
The Austintown library is offering “blind dates” with books during regular hours in February. Each book will be dressed in a plain book jacket and sit out on display during library hours. Take a chance and find your next great read. This event is for adults.
Event to support Legacy Dog Rescue
Celebrate the Year of the Dog at Myrddin Winery, located at 3020 Scenic Drive in Lake Milton, while supporting Legacy Dog Rescue starting Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. and proceeding through Feb. 18 at 6 p.m., while the winery is open. Enjoy a homemade Fortune Cookie with a chance to win prizes, a special treat for your dog and check out the basket raffle. Dogs are welcome at this event. For more information on Myrdinn Winery you can visit their website, www.myrddinwine.com. Learn more about Legacy Dog Rescue at www.ldrofohio.org.
Austintown Local Schools announce 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.
Lenton fish dinner event offered
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, will offer Lenten fish dinners at the parish center, located at 4500 Norquest Boulevard in Austintown, beginning Ash Wednesday and running every Friday through March 23. The menu includes fried or baked Haddock, fried shrimp, coleslaw or applesauce, bread and butter, choice of two sides, assorted desserts and beverages. There is also a complimentary pasta and pizza table with the purchase of adult eat-in dinners, only. The cost is $11 for adult dinners and $6 for children under the age of 12. Take out dinners can be ordered at the door or by calling 330-270-0650.
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.
Cardinal Mooney celebrates start of Catholic Schools Week
In celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2018 Cardinal Mooney High School is offering a $100 early application bonus to any prospective family that applies for admissions to the 2018-19 academic year by March 1. There is no additional paperwork to complete and applicants are encouraged to go to www.cardinalmooney.com/apply-now and fill out an application for admissions.
St. Brendan’s offers fish dinner events
St. Brendan’s will host fish dinner events on all Fridays during Lent, Feb. 16 through March 23 at Maxwell Hall, located at 144 N. Schenley Ave. in Youngstown. Dinner, which in eat-in or take-out from 4-7 p.m., will cost $11 for adults or $6 for children and includes your choice of baked, fried, Cajun or beer-battered fish, one side of your choice from french fries, macaroni and cheese, haluski or roasted potatoes, and cole slaw or applesauce, bread, butter and dessert. There will be a luncheon, which is take-out only, served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will include a sandwich and one side for $7. For more information, call 330-792-3683.
Austintown Schools opening the door for ECOT students
Due to the closing of ECOT, the Austintown Local Schools have received calls regarding enrollment for those displaced students. The district is recommending their online program, Falcon Pride Online, to students considering enrollment in the district. Tutors in online labs communicate weekly, via phone and/or email, with parents about grades, behavior and expectations. Students in grades 6-12 also participate in the 1 to 1 Chromebook Initiative, allowing them to complete assignments easily from home. Superintendent Vincent Colaluca encourages those seeking additional information to contact the program director, Mariel Sallee, at 330-797-3900, ext.1512.
Basic e-mail class offered at the library
Learn how easy it is to set up your own email account at the Austintown library on Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. This is a beginner’s class that will cover setting up an internet based email account and how to use it. Some knowledge of computers and the internet is required. Registration required as space is limited. Register online via the library’s event calendar or call 330-744-8636. This program is offered for adults.
Guess the picture book
Can you guess the picture book from the cut-up cover at the Austintown library? One winner will be chosen at random from correct entries. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Grab a craft and go
Make a craft to take home at the Austintown library during library hours. Children of all ages are encourage to participate.
Join playtime at your library
Prepare for Kindergarten through play at the Austintown library on Feb. 19 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. This program is for children who are ages 2-6. All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult to this one-hour program.
Friendly Squares to host February Square Dance
The Friendly Squares will host their monthly square dance Feb. 10 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. Gene Hammond will be the caller and Frankie Hammond will be calling line dances. “Valentines” will be the theme for the dance. 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.
Decode the past
Show what you know about Black History Month by answering historical questions and decoding a secret word at the Austintown library during the month of February. A winner will be selected from the correct entries to receive a prize. This program is for children, tweens and teens during regular library hours.
Cardinal Mooney opens admissions with winter open house and new student referral program
Cardinal Mooney High School, located at 2545 Erie St. in Youngstown, is kicking off the 2018-19 admissions season with a new student referral program. Current Mooney families and employees are encouraged to refer students from qualifying public and charter schools to apply for admissions. Eligible referrals may earn referring families a $500 tuition credit. For more information on the program, visit the “apply now” link on the school’s website, www.cardinalmooney.com. Interested applicants can learn more about the program at Mooney’s winter open house, set for Feb. 4 from 1-4 p.m. at the school. Attendees will be treated to student-led tours, information on block scheduling and financial aid, as well as be entered for a chance to win one of two $500 tuition credits just for attending the open house. RSVPs for the open house are encouraged through the school’s website at https://www.cardinalmooney.com/2018/01/04/winter-open-house-set-sunday-february-4th/.
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 January
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 February 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.
Bonding with babies and books
This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months at the Austintown library every Tuesday in February at 10 a.m. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize.
Play Bookopoly at the library
Teens and adults, play Bookopoly for fun and prizes. Pick up your game board and instructions at any branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and play Bookopoly from Jan. 1 through March 31. Work your way around the game board by completing tasks, such as checking out a book, visiting our Pop-up Library or getting out into the community. Completing color sets earns you an entry slip for a prize drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card. Complete the entire board to enter into a drawing to win a Kindle Fire. The contest ends March 31 and all prizes will be awarded on April 16.
Junior League hosts New York trip
The Junior League of Youngstown is hosting a round trip from Youngstown to New York City April 13-15. Spend the day as you wish for your selection of Broadway plays, shopping, sightseeing and dining. The “NYE Ball Drop” price is $139 per person if paid in full by Dec. 31 and $149 per person without a discount. Payment plans are accepted and must be paid in full by March 14 and will be $149 per person. Tickets are available until March 14 for the trip. Your ticket is transferable in the event you are unable to attend. No cash refunds will be issued. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Since its founding in 1901 by social activist Mary Harriman, The Junior League has evolved into one of the oldest, largest and most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, encompassing more than 150,000 women in the 291 Leagues in four countries. For more information, contact Fund Development Chairman Amy Banks at 330-743-2000 or email juniorleagueofyoungstown@gmail.com.
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.
Coupon swap at the library
Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in to the Austintown library during library hours to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons.
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/#.
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.