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Austintown Schools announce calendar revisions
During a special board meeting on Feb. 15, the Austintown School Board approved an adjustment to the 2017-2018 calendar in regards to the spring break schedule. March 26, 27 and 28 will now be non-school days for students with that adjustment. The board made this decision for a few reasons. The board heard concerns regarding the length of spring break and wanted to give families the opportunity to take a trip. An Ohio Athletic Association rule caused a conflict with one of the district’s athletic programs and staff will be able to take advantage of this time and participate in professional development surrounding school safety. The board felt it was necessary for staff to again take part in active-shooter training.
Donna’s Kitchen to be open on Fridays during Lent
Donna’s Kitchen at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, located at 1655 S. Raccoon Road, will open to the public on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. during Lent. The menu features baked or fried fish dinners and sandwiches and children ages 6 and younger eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Fish dinners cost $12 and include salad or coleslaw, vegetable, rolls and butter, coffee or tea and one side. Sides available are haluski, macaroni and cheese, pierogi or baked potato. Fish sandwiches cost $5.75 and takeout is available.
United Veterans Council to host awards banquet
The United Veterans Council of Greater Youngstown will host its 77 Anniversary Recognition and Awards Banquet on April 6 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, located at 4500 Norquest Boulevard in Austintown. The community is welcome to attend and encouraged to submit nominees for the annual awards. A veteran, citizen and youth of the year will be selected from nominations submitted by the areas veteran service groups and community at large. To nominate a candidate, submit the individual’s name, contact information, military background, the achievement or significant contribution performed for the community, veterans or patriotic nature during 2017 and any veteran organization he/she belongs to that may also endorse the candidate. Any nomination that is a veteran will be moved to that category even if submitted as Citizen of the Year. Information may be submitted no later than March 1 via e-mail to uvcofyo@outlook.com, fax to 330-788-3979, or mailed to United Veterans Council. P.O. Box 55, Youngstown, OH 44501. Tickets for this event are available by contacting your local Veteran Post or the United Veterans Council to reserve a space.
Niles Friendly Squares to host dance March 10
The Friendly Squares will host their monthly square dance on March 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. 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.
Local newcomers club to meet on Feb. 28
Newcomers of Mahoning Valley will meet on Feb. 28 at the Olive Garden. The gathering is at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Hostesses are Phyllis Scoville and Jeanne Moore. The program will be a speaker from the Better Business Bureau who will talk about scams and fraud, and how to handle such situations. For more information about the group or for reservations, call Jorine at 330-757-7212.
Lenten Services offered for Lutheran Church
There will be mid-week Lenten Services offered at Grace Lutheran, located at 162 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown, on Feb. 28 with Rev Duane Jesse, with the topic “Blessed are the meek.” There will be a soup supper offered at 6 p.m. followed by the service at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is the Beatitudes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Audobon 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/#.
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.
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.
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.