Austintown Community Briefs

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Hopewell to present “A Wrinkle in Time”

The Hopewell Theatre, located at 702 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown, recently announced their summer family show, “A Wrinkle in Time,” based on the Newberry Award winning novel by Madeline L’Engle and adapted to the stage by Morgan Gould. Nearly 30 actors and actresses, from ages 5-0, some neophytes and many theater veterans, take to the stage in the telling of this mystical, spiritual, family friendly production. Performances will be July 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on July 29 at 2 p.m. Call the theatre at 330-746-5455 or go online at www.hopewelltheatre.org, and book reservations now as tickets are expected to go fast. Ticket prices are $13 adults, $10 senior citizens and $8 students. The theatre is air conditioned, and security is provided.

Memorial run to take place on July 28

On Saturday July 28, the sixth annual Mike Hull Memorial Ride for Autism will host a whole afternoon of fun and activities for the entire family. Mike Hull was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather of a granddaughter on the autism spectrum that he cherished. He was also a musician who loved playing and donated his time and talent to organizations in need. Hull’s generosity did not stop when his earthly life ended in 2012, but continued by becoming an organ donor where his generous gift helped hundreds. The annual poker run is way for Hull to continue to help those in need. The event begins at 11 a.m. with registration at the Dash Inn, located at 2716 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown, followed by a blessing of the bikes at 11:45 a.m. The run will begin at noon. From The Dash Inn riders proceed the Grandview (Lake Milton), Power House Cafe (Salem), STYX (Austintown), Brick House (Youngstown) and ends at West Side Bowl (the former Strikers/Mahoning Valley Lanes). There will also be a bowling and pizza party. This event is free for all children and adults with special needs from 12-10 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Crazy. Organizers thank Nate and Jamie Offerdahl, owners of West Side Bowl, for the generous gift. The cost to participate in the run is $10 per rider and it includes a food ticket, music and fun. Non-riders can still enjoy a Chinese raffle and 50/50. Proceeds support the programming of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley helping families and individuals with autism in the tricounty area. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/512413275841778.

Girls softball league starts registration for fall

The Austintown Girls Softball League recently announced that fall registration is open. There will be an in-person date to register on Aug. 11 from 2 p.m. at the Jessica Moorhead Pavillion. Online registration is also open at http://agslohio.com/teams/default.asp?u=AGSL&s=softball&p=registration and will end after the in-person date. This is the easiest way to register. The cost to participate is $50 per player and this includes a player’s shirt.

Olivia’s Grace barbecue and tasting fundraiser

Join Paladin Brewing on July 21 at 6 p.m. as they raise money for Olivia’s Grace, a local nonprofit providing bereavement photography for families who have experienced the loss of a child through stillbirth, miscarriage or infant death at no cost. The fundraiser will feature a barbecue and beer tasting, a single-elimination corn hole tournament and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $25 and include a barbecue pulled pork or beef sandwich, macaroni and cheese, sides and a drink. The cost to participate in the single-elimination corn hole tournament is $10 per person or $20 per team. The winning team takes home $200. The event is in collaboration with CWC Productions, a photography and videography company owned by Abby Chandler. To purchase tickets, contact Andrea by texting 330-881 3024 or emailing olivias.grace21115@gmail.com. To view the event on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/195514127775409/.

Get ready for kindergarten

Celebrate the start of kindergarten by joining the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 11 a.m. on Aug. 8 for an adventure as they read books, sing songs and say rhymes. Activities will be geared to children entering kindergarten and their parents/caregivers.

DeWine announces Teen Ambassador Board members

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recently announced that more than 300 students representing 52 Ohio counties have been named to his office’s Teen Ambassador Board for the upcoming school year. The mission of the Teen Ambassador Board is to provide Ohio’s future leaders with an inside look at Ohio law and government. The board is open to high school juniors and seniors from public, private, home, charter, and online schools located in Ohio. This year’s Teen Ambassador Board kick-off meeting will be held in August. Local teens named to the board are Daniel Turillo (Boardman High School), Nicolina Aiad-Toss (Cardinal Mooney High School), Dominic DeRamo (Canfield High School) and Alexander Stoneman (Ursuline High School).

New MCESC superintendent named

The Governing Board of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center (MCESC) has named Traci Hostetler as the new Superintendent of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center. Traci Hostetler has more than 20 years of experience in public education, and has served in various roles in public education, most recently as Superintendent of East Palestine City Schools. She also served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Massillon City School District and Middle School Principal at the Canfield Local School District. Hostetler has experience in rural, urban and suburban school districts. Hostetler earned her Bachelor’s at Kent State University, a Master’s in Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Superintendent’s License from Ashland University. CESC provides services for more than 46,000 students in school districts in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Portage and Geauga Counties. Hostetler’s contract as MCESC Superintendent will begin on Aug. 1. Hostetler will serve as MCESC’s Superintendent. Previously, the MCESC Superintendent also served as the Superintendent at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC). In March, Dr. Ron Iarussi announced his resignation as Superintendent at MCESC and MCCTC. Dr. Iarussi has accepted a job as Superintendent at Marion City Schools.

Pre-kindergarten story time

This program, which will take place on Aug. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library, is for children who are ages 4- and 5-years-old to help them develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. 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. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Tuesday in August at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library on Aug. 1 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 who are ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a care-giver. Join the Austintown library every Thursday in August 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.

Lego my library

Meet at the Austintown library on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children who are ages 6 and up.

Strategy board games at the library

Go to the Austintown library on Aug. 4 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. This event is for adults and teens.

Horror movie marathon for teens

Take your mind off the horror of a new school year by spending the day at the Austintown library’s Horror Movie Marathon on Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. The movies will be rated PG-13, so make sure it’s okay with your parents that you watch them. They will start the first movie as soon as the doors open, and keep the reels going until 5 p.m. Stay for as little or as long as you want... if you dare. This event is for teens entering grades 7-12 only. No exceptions. Some snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive on Aug. 18 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 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).

Read It Before You See It book club

People always say the book is better than the movie. This book club will get together to read and discuss books that are soon to be released in the theaters. Talk about books, movies, have a small snack and meet new people at the next meeting on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Austintown library. The book discussed will be “Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys. Join for one month or every month. This event is for adults.

Read to Reese

To boost your reading confidence, come and read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners, on Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Austintown library. Bring your own book, or the librarians will find one for you, and read to a furry friend. Registration is required. Space is limited. Register online or by calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children.

Basic Microsoft Word

Learn basic skills of Microsoft Word to get you started creating a document at the Austintown library on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Beginner computer skills are needed. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online via the library’s event calendar or call 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Mystery and Tea book club

Join the Austintown library on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. to sip tea and discuss your latest mystery novel find. This event is for adults.

Stranger Reads book club

If you want to talk about a book, but want to avoid the obligation of reading one picked out for you, join the Stranger Reads book club at the Austintown library on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. and tell them what you enjoyed reading this month. You might even hear about a new book you want to read. This event is for adults.

Pop-up library

There will be a pop-up library at the Austintown Farmers Market, located at 6000 Kirk Road in Austintown, from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 13 and 27.

Gotta Move 2.0

The Austintown library will project child-friendly workout videos onto the big screen on Aug. 17 at 3:30 p.m. for participants to follow along. Wear comfy clothes and prepare to work up a sweat during this 30-minute program. This event is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Shake, shimmy and make

Make a musical instrument and more during regular hours during August at the Austintown library. This event is for children of all ages.

DIY dog toy

Join the Austintown library on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. in making a DIY dog toy that your pet will love. Registration is required and space is limited. This event is for adults and teens. Call 330-744-8636 to register.

Family movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during this movie at the Austintown library on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

The future of burial rites

On Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library, find out if cemeteries are a permanent part of the landscape in family history research. During the 21st century it is likely that dwindling land space, environmental concerns, the surge in non-burial options and the availability of new technologies all will lead to significant changes in death rituals. The group will examine what this means for genealogy. This event is for adults and teens. Registration is required by telephone 330-744-8636 or online via the events calendar.

Chapter Chat book club

Attend the Chapter Chat book club on Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library where they will be reading and discussing a book together every month. Each month will be a new genre. Light refreshments will be served. This event is for adults.

Coupon swap at the library

If you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have, drop in during Austintown library hours in August to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Shepherd of the Valley collecting socks to help veterans

During the month of July, Shepherd of the Valley is collecting white, cotton socks for Veterans in need. Shepherd of the Valley is having its first Stars and Stripes Sock Drive to benefit local veterans. The collected socks will be given to the Trumbull County Council of the American Legion to distribute to Veteran men and women in local nursing facilities and Veteran Clinics. White, cotton men’s and women’s socks can be dropped off at any Shepherd of the Valley community between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Drop-off hours for the corporate offices are 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Local offices participating are Boardman, located at 7148 West Boulevard (330-726-9061); Poland, located at 301 W. Western Reserve Road (330-726-7110) and the Corporate Office/At Home With Shepherd, located at 5525 Silica Road in Austintown (330-530-4038). For more information, contact Danielle Procopio at 330-530-4038, ext. 2057 or by email dprocopio@shepherdofthevalley.com.

The Hopewell Theatre announces a diverse 2018-19 season

The Hopewell Theatre recently announced its 2018-19 season, promising a lineup of contemporary, well-known shows, including two musicals. The Hopewell Theatre is located at 702 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Upcoming shows are: Aug. 31-Sept. 9 - “Moon Over Buffalo,” Oct. 19-28 - “Twilight Zone,” Dec. 7-15 - “Snoopy, the Musical,” Jan. 4-13 - “Sea Horse,” Feb. 15-24 - “Raisin in the Sun,” March 29-April 7 - “Godspell,” May 10-19 - “Deathtrap” and June 7-16 - “On Golden Pond.” Flex passes are on sale for six shows for $60 for adults and $42 for seniors/students.

Sunshine Golf Outing to take place on July 21

The 13th annual Sunshine Benefit Golf Outing, sponsored by Magilla’s Sports Bar and Grill, will take place on July 21 at Lakeside Golf Course. The outing is a three-person scramble that includes continental breakfast and lunch at the turn, followed by a made-to-order steak dinner reception at Magilla’s Sports Bar where prizes will be awarded for hole events, the winner of the 50/50 drawing and the winners of the Chinese auction will be announced. This year’s recipient is Rachel Sheridan of Boardman, who is currently battling stage 3 intraductal breast cancer. Those seeking to help with the event can consider becoming a hole and/or program sponsor for $100, give gift donations for the Chinese auction, give monetary donations or buy ceiling tile advertisement at Magilla’s Sports Bar and Grill. For more information, contact one of the following committee co-chairs: Jim Kroskoski at 330-507-3734, Mark Kellerman at 330-397-7652, John Mashiska at 330-519-6753, or Allen or Cyndi Gordon at 330-716-0756.

Get connected with digital media at your library

Learn how to download free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices at the Austintown library on July 25 at 10 a.m. This event is for adults and teens.

Chapter Chat book club

If you love books, attend the Chapter Chat book club on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library where they will be reading and discussing “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne. Each month will be a new genre. Light refreshments will be served. This event is for adults.

Coupon swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during Austintown library hours throughout July to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

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 every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a care-giver. Join the Austintown library every Thursday in July 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.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross on July 21 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Austintown library. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Pop-up library

There will be a pop-up library at the Austintown Farmers Market, located at 6000 Kirk Road in Austintown, from 5-8 p.m. on July 30.

Nominations sought for Italian Fest

The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest 2018 is seeking nominations for the Italian Man and the Italian Woman of the year. The nominee would be considered for the highest honor and if selected would be introduced in person at the festival opening ceremonies on Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. in downtown Youngstown. Applications are available to be retrieved from the event’s website: http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org/italian-man-woman-year/ or email caramia822@aol.com or lindailich@ymail.com.

Shake, shimmy and make

Make a musical instrument and more during regular hours at the Austintown library during July. This event is for rock and rollers of all ages.

Michael Roy’s Cirque du Papier: performing paper magic

See an interactive stand-up origami presentation by visual artist Michael Roy Baldridge on July 24 at 2 p.m. at the Austintown library. He brings origami into the new millennium, combining classic Japanese style origami with the latest in high tech folding. He’ll transform single, flat squares of paper into 3D forms of animals, flowers, sea life, birds and decorative objects right before your eyes. One sheet of paper. No cuts. No tears. No glue. With dexterity, quick wit and knowledge of origami history and technique, he will share the technology and art that is origami. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on origami workshop. Space is limited and registration is required. This event is for school-age children age and up, plus teens and adults.

Gotta move 2.0

On July 27 at 3:30 p.m., the Austintown library will project child-friendly workout videos onto the big screen and participants will attempt to follow along. Wear comfy clothes and prepare to work up a sweat during this 30-minute program. This program is recommended for children ages 6 and up.

Music trivia Monday

Compete against other families in an all-ages music trivia game on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library. The multiple choice quiz, accessed by your phone or one of the library’s devices, will test your knowledge of some of the top songs from the past 50 years. Answer quickly and accurately to score the most points. The winning family gets to be first in the post-game refreshments line. Snacks will be provided.

Identify the album cover

Match the album’s title and artist with the correct cover art for a chance to win a prize. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 and is offered during regular hours at the Austintown library throughout July..

A dozen makes a difference

The Austintown library wants their materials being used by the community. Help them empty their shelves during July by borrowing our books, movies and other items. Each time you check out a dozen or more items, you will help them create a masterpiece by adding a square to their “Starry Night” mosaic poster. This event is for all ages.

Family movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie at the Austintown library on July 31 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Camp F.R.I.E.N.D. announced for summer

The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley recently announce that it is bringing back and tripling its summer day camp options for children with special needs and their neurotypical friends. Three weeks of two styles of camp will be offered. Dates include July 30 until Aug. 3 (full camp and integrated camp for ages 3-22) and Aug. 13-17 (integrated camp for ages 6-13). Camp Friend is unique because the student-to-counselor ratio is extremely low and unmatched to address the intense needs of children and teens on the autism spectrum. As a result, every year interested applicants had to be turned away for lack of enough space. The addition of integrated camp will allow ASMV to serve more families by offering more camper spots. Integrated camp will provide the opportunity for higher-functioning individuals to attend a traditional day camp with our counselors there to assist as they have ideal chance to strengthen their social skills. Camp F.R.I.E.N.D.’s full camp will bring back a model of daily activities structured around social skill building themes to provide evidence based instructional opportunities in a fun setting. This, plus traditional summer camp activities like swimming, sports and crafts supported by an autism-qualified staff, provide a supported environment while ensuring an equitable experience. Camp costs $150 per student per week and numerous scholarships are available. Registration forms are available for download at http://www.autismmv.org/campfriend and can be mailed by request to ASMV at 330-333-9607. For more information or media inquiries, call Camp Coordinator Tracy Marciano at 330-333-9609, email camp@autismmv.org or go to www.autismmv.org/campfriend.

Stranger Reads book club

Do you want to talk about a book, but want to avoid the obligation of reading one picked out for you? Go to the Stranger Reads book club and tell them what you enjoyed reading this month. You might even hear about a new book you want to read. Upcoming meetings are Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for adults.

Coupon swap at the library

Do you have coupons you don’t need or need coupons you don’t have? Drop in during library hours during July and August at the Austintown library to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.

Austintown Food Service department announces summer food program

The Austintown Local School District will again sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for Children. Free meals will be made available to all children ages 1-18 at the Austintown Elementary School, located at 245 Idaho Road - Lynn Kirk Loop. Meals will be served Monday through Friday from June 4 until Aug. 17. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you have any questions about the program, contact Alexis Weber, RDN, LD, Food Service Director, at 330-797-3900 at ext. 2032 for more information.

Concert series begins June 5

The 2018 Summer Concerts in the Park Series at Austintown Township Park, located at 6000 Kirk Road, will soon begin. All concerts will take place on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. (weather permitting). The schedule is as follows: July 24 - Youngstown Area Comm. Concert Band, July 31 - Blue Siren, Aug. 7 - The Vegas Band, Aug. 14 - Jim Frank Combo (Continuing Healthcare Solutions Senior Art Exhibit) and Aug. 21 - Leanne Binder.

Saxon Club hosts annual flea market

The Saxon Club will start its annual flea market event on May 1 with a flea market taking place every Tuesday through October. The market starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., and takes place in the Saxon Club parking lot, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Austintown. Vendors can set up before 8 a.m. if they would like. The cost for vendors is $5 per space. Coffee, pop and other refreshments are available. Reservations for spaces are not required. If you have questions, contact Rich at 330-503-0535.

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, 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.

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.