Austintown concert choir hosts purse Bingo
The Austintown Fitch concert choir will host a Purse Bingo event on Feb. 2 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Maronite Center. Proceeds from the event will support the choir’s trip to New York City to visit Lyon’s Veterans Hospital and Carnegie Hall. Pre-Sale ticket money is due by Jan. 29 to the Austintown Fitch main office in the amount of $25. Tickets at the door will be $30. Extra Bingo cards will be available for sale at the event for $5. Michael Kors, Coach and Kate Spade bags are up for grabs. A cash bar is available and event attendees are able to bring their own snacks and appetizers.
DIVA Donations has open house for new space
DIVA Donations Mahoning Counties First Formal Clothing Closet, located at 11836 South Ave. in North Lima, will be having an open house on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event is open to everyone. Attendees can view the new prom room and dresses that are available for the 2018 season. For this event, they will offer a $5-$10 donation dress sale for non-prom or homecoming events. All funds raised will help the group continue its #KindDeedCurrency Program. The day will include raffle baskets and more. They are still looking for vendors who want to be part of this event. There will be a $10 fee and basket donation for any venders who wish to have a space. There will be an automatic entry into a door prize. Additionally, any DIVA who comes to the open house is eligible to attend a special early appointment day. This event will also showcase the local businesses that help the group during the dance season and beyond. Any questions can be emailed the the group at DIVADonations@gmail.com.
STEAM activities at the library
Join the Austintown library on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. for Valentine’s Day STEAM activities. Some activities are messy, so dress appropriately. This program is for children in grades K-3.
Mill Creek American Business Women’s Association to have meeting Feb. 13
The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will have its Feb. 13 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes chicken crepes, ham and cheese strata, scrambled eggs, link sausage, bacon, home-fried potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee and tea. The cost is $17 and reservations may be made by calling Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 or Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 by Jan. 31. The speaker for the evening will be Dorothy Kane, who will talk about domestic violence. The public is welcome.
Free alternative health seminar to be Feb. 8
The Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman will be hosting a free seminar on alternatives for managing anxiety, stress and depression on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The Wellness Center is located at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex). The seminar is presented by Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND. Call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com to reserve your seat. Seating is limited and participants must pre-register.
Pioneer Pavilion to be location for game night
There will be a father-daughter game night on Jan. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion - Mill Creek MetroParks. Girls and their favorite father figure can attend the event and enjoy hot cocoa, snacks and various board games. All ages are welcome. The cost is $3 for residents; $5 for non-residents. Participants can pay at the door.
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.
Celebrate Valentines Day with Friends of Fido
The Mahoning County Dog Pound will be celebrating the “For the Love of Dogs” event with Friends of Fido for the fifth year in a row. Mail a $1 bill along with a Valentine to The Mahoning County Dog Pound, PO Box 14155 Poland, Ohio 44514, to help raise funds to care for the dogs. Organizations such as the boy and girl scouts, nursing homes and schools have participated in the past. Visit www.friendsoffidomahoning.com to see the dogs.
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/.
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.
Vegetable Soup Sale at the church
The Smith Corners United Methodist Church will be having a vegetable soup sale on Jan. 26 and 27. Soup will be sold by the quart for $6 and pre-orders are required. Call the church to order at 330-799-9390.
YMCA calls for art
The Davis Family YMCA in Boardman is now accepting art for its fifth annual FIVE Squared benefit art show and sale. Art must be submitted by Jan. 15. Name, title of the piece and contact info should be on the back and pieces can be mailed to The Davis Family YMCA, located at 45 McClurg Road in Boardman. All art must be 5 inches by 5 inches on a stiff surface. Any medium will be accepted, but must be light weight enough to hang on wall via sticky tack. Heavier pieces may have a hanging wire attached to back. Donations will be accepted from all ages and skill levels. Each artist may donate up to eight pieces and children may donate up to four. Early entry is encouraged. All art and artists’ names will be featured on a commemorative photomontage, featured at the Opening Reception on Feb. 4 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Boardman YMCA. All art with be hung anonymously and patrons may purchase art for $25. Once sold, a SOLD sign will be hung along with the artist’s name. Buyers will find out the name of the artist only after purchase. Pieces that do not sell will be available for pick up on or after March 7. A high resolution file will be sent to participating artists who provide an email address. Proceeds fund ARTreach programs for under-served children and families in the community. Artists may download a prospectus at the Gallery at the YMCA, ymcaart.blogspot.com or facebook.com/FIVEsquaredYMCA. Email sgray@youngstownymca.org for more information.
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.
Blood drive at the library
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross proudly serves the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. They will be taking blood donations to help the community at the Austintown library on Jan. 20 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and again on Jan. 29, 1-6 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Create a grab and go craft
Make a craft to take home at the Austintown library during the month of January.
Play I Spy
Find the hidden items in the bottle at the Austintown library during regular library hours in January. Children in grades K-6 can play.
Guess the picture book
Can you guess the picture book from the cut up cover at the Austintown library during regular library hours in January? One winner will be chosen at random from correct entries. Children of all ages can participate.
Join Family Game Night at the library
Join the Austintown library on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. for all or part of the two hour game night. There will be a variety of board games, as well as some oversize games to share. This event promises fun for the whole family.
Pre-k storytime at the library
This program, offered every Wednesday in January 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 January 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.
Chapter Chat Book Club to be Jan. 31
Come to the Chapter Chat Book Club on Jan. 31 at the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. Call the Austintown library at 330-744-8636 to find January’s read. Light refreshments will be served at this book club for adults.
Movie night at the library
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie at the Austintown library on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. Movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Swap your scrapbook paper
Bring in your unwanted scrapbook paper, gently used scraps, cutouts or embellishments and swap them out for something that is new to you. Swapping will take place during Austintown library hours on Jan. 27 at your leisure. This program is for adults.
A dozen makes a difference
The Austintown library wants their materials being used by the community. Help them empty the shelves by borrowing books, movies and other items. Borrow a dozen or more items at one time on your library card. Show your check-out receipt to a librarian to receive a small giveaway during the month of January,
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.
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/#.
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.
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.