Friday, November 30, 2018
Sausage and pancake breakfast
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Columbus #3930 are sponsoring a sausage and pancake breakfast on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the parish center, located at 4500 Norquest Boulevard in Austintown. The menu consists of sausage and a variety of “all you can eat” pancakes and assorted beverages. The cost for adults is $5 and $3 for children ages 12 and younger.
Intermediate Microsoft Word
This class, which will take place on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library, will cover formatting and editing documents, including aligning text, spacing, creating bullets, adding pictures and tables, and word art. Basic computer knowledge is needed. Registration is required; call 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.
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. The book for December is “Artemis” by Andy Weir. The meeting will take place on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Austintown library. This event is for adults.
Silent book club
Join the Austintown library for its silent book club on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. You can bring in your own book, grab one off the shelf or even read a digital book in a designated group quiet time. During this time, they will discuss what they will be reading and whether the book is a hit or a miss. Light refreshments will be provided. 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, come to the Stranger Reads book club on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library 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.
Blood drive
There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 22 and from 1-6 p.m. on Dec. 27. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). More information can be found online at www.RedCrossBlood.org.
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 during December to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This event is for adults.
Bunk beds to be build for families in need
Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Youngstown Chapter, a local organization dedicated to building and delivering bunk beds to children in need, is partnering with many local organizations to build 20 bunk beds for families who are in need on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Austintown Local Schools Transportation Department, located at 275 Idaho Road (behind Austintown Intermediate School; park behind Austitnown Fitch High School). Monetary donations, as well as donations of new twin bedding and pillows will also be accepted on the day of the build. Sleep in Heavenly Peace has received donations from many local organizations and private donors, including Denise DeBartolo-York, Austintown Rotary, Austintown Local Schools, Lowe’s of Boardman, Bernard-Daniels, Walmart, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Sleepy Hollow Sleep Shop, among others, to make this build possible.
Gift-wrapping fundraiser at Barnes & Noble
On Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Friends of the Friends of the Public Library of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble. Tips received from this fundraising event go to the Friends of PLYMC for children and teen programs. If you make a purchase at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 7, tell the cashier that you want to support the Friends of PLYMC, so that a percentage of the sale will go to the Friends. To volunteer or for more information, call the PLYMC development office at 330-740-6086.
Holiday closings
All Mahoning County libraries will be closed for holidays as follows: Dec. 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, as well as on Jan. 1.
Chapter Chat book club
Attend the Chapter Chat book club on Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library where they will be discussing “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance. Light refreshments will be served. This event is for adults.
Friendly Squares Christmas dinner and dance
The Friendly Squares will host their Christmas Dinner Dance on Dec. 8 at the Niles SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. The festivities begin with a Christmas dinner for Friendly Squares members from 6-7:30 p.m. Members should RSVP for dinner by Nov. 30 to Frankie Hammond at 330-506-3370. Bring a covered dish to share. Square dancing, which is open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. Gene Hammond and Neil Harner will be the callers and Frankie Hammond will be cuing the 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. There is a $6 donation per person at the door. For additional information, call Gene Hammond at 330-506-3370.
Santa at the library
See Santa and a live reindeer at the Austintown library on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Although Rudolph doesn’t have a shiny nose, he’ll be at the library with Santa and Santa’s sleigh. Take your picture with Santa, see his reindeer and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks in the meeting room. You can make a reindeer craft, play games and listen to a reindeer story or two. This event is for the family.
Holiday craft and vendor show offered at senior center
The 20/9 Radio club will be hosting its sixth annual holiday craft and vendor show on Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Austintown Senior Center, location at 112 Westchester Dr. in Austintown. This event is a fundraiser. Admission and parking are free and the event is handicap and stroller accessible. There will be drawings for basket raffles and special gifts. Participants can also have pictures taken with Santa by a professional photographer at an additional expense. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the radio club’s website at www.20over9.org, call them at 330-651-8420 or email craftshow@20over9.org. Find them on Facebook at 20/9 Radio Club Craft and Vendor Show.
Candy calendar
Visit the Austintown library every day from Dec. 1-22 for a treat from the library’s candy calendar. This event is for children of all ages and is a holiday program.
Christmas tree engineering
Have fun creating different types of Christmas trees using a variety of materials at the Austintown library on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. This event is for school-age children and is a holiday program.
Imagine with us at the library
Parents can learn to read to children who are ages 3 and 4 while their children enjoy a story and an activity at this event on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Austintown library. The library’s Early Learning Specialist will show you how to share books with your little ones so that they will become proficient readers. Sign up for a library card and check out books. The event will feature food, raffles, giveaways and more. Dinner will be provided by Panera Bread. Raffles and giveaways are provided by the library and the United Way. This program is part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Initiative. Registration is required by calling 330-744-8636 or online at www.libaryvisit.org/programs. This event is for adults and preschoolers.
Pre-kindergarten story time
This program, which is offered every Wednesday in December at 11:30 a.m. at the Austintown library, is for children ages 4 and 5 to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. The will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten.
Playtime at your library
Prepare for kindergarten through play at the Austintown library on Dec. 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 event is for ages 2-6.
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 at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at the Austintown library.
Tales and talk for 2s and 3s
Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in December 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 ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a care giver. Join the Austintown library every Thursday in December 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.
Guess the picture book
Guess the picture book from the cut-up cover during regular hours at the Austintown library during December. One winner chosen at random from correct entries. This event is for children of all ages.
Make a gingerbread man
Join the Austintown library on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at the library to create and eat your very own gingerbread man. Enjoy other gingerbread crafts and activities and even build a graham cracker house for your gingerbread man. A drawing will take place, and the winner will receive a book. Registration is required. This event is for children of all ages.
Lego my library
Meet at the Austintown library on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children who are ages 6 and up.
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. The next event will be Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. 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 ask for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children.
Strategy board games at the library
If you like to play strategy board game, go to the Austintown library on Dec. 8 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.
Bottle cap snowmen
Make a snowman out of bottle caps at the Austintown library on Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Materials will be provided. This event is for tweens in grades 5-8.
DIY gift tags
Join the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 in creating unique gift tags to customize your gift-giving this holiday season. Registration is required and space is limited. This event is for adults and teens. Call 330-744-8636 to register.
Portrait drawing 2
Join the Austintown library on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and they will teach you how to use a grid to copy a photograph and draw a portrail. Participation in the first program is required to attend this program. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults.
Get connected with digital media at the library
If you would like to learn how to download free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices, attend this program at the Austintown library on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. This event is for adults.
Art with Andrea
Join the Austintown library on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and they will take you step by step to create your very own work of art. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for teens and adults.
Retired educators to meet in December
The Mahoning Retired Teachers Association will meet on Dec. 12 at Drake’s Landing in Canfield. The social hour will begin at 11 a.m. with lunch at 11:45 a.m., followed by the meeting and program. Susan Harris will preside. The Boardman High School jazz band will provide the entertainment. Carol Kinsey, regional liaison from ORTA, will present updates from STRS. The community service project is monetary donations and toys for the Salvation Army. Grilled chicken salad or the buffet lunch, which will feature baked ham, will be served. All area educators are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.mahoningcountyretiredteachers.com.
Choir boosters host Santa’s Workshop Craft Show
The Austintown Fitch Choir Boosters will host a Santa’s Workshop Craft Show in the Fitch High School cafeteria on Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The show will consist of crafts, consultants, a 50/50 raffle and a basket auction. The fundraiser will benefit the choir boosters, who are raising money for the choir’s trip to the Norfolk, Va. Navy base.
Movie night
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during a movie at the Austintown library on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m., which will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the entire family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa at the library: reindeer games
Santa Claus is coming to the Austintown library on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Come and see Santa and a live reindeer. Although Rudolph doesn’t have a shiny nose, he’ll be at the library with Santa and hiss sleigh. Take your picture with Santa, see his reindeer and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks in the meeting room. You can make a reindeer craft, play games and maybe listen to a reindeer story or two.
Gamblers Anonymous meetings
If you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, Gamblers Anonymous, the only known remedy for arresting such an illness, may be able to help. A meeting of Gamblers Anonymous will take place on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman. Another G.A. meeting will take place on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Presbyterian Church, located at at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (Cornersburg). There is no charge for the meetings, although collections are taken up at each meeting to provide for coffee, sugar and creamer, treats and free literature. The average contribution given by members at most meetings is $2. Meetings last about one-and-a-half hours and are both closed meetings, or, you must have suffered from a gambling addiction to attend. The Youngstown-area G.A. groups are friendly and welcoming and established members love to see new members join the fold. They are more than happy to help suffering gamblers and are knowledgeable about how to stay clean from this dreadful disease.
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: 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.
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 1451 Churchill Hubbard Road in Youngstown. 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.