Austintown Community Briefs

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Square dancers celebrate ninth anniversary

The Niles Friendly Squares will celebrate their ninth anniversary at their monthly square dance on Sept. 14 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center. Dress is casual and there is a $6 per person donation at the door. Gene Hammond and Neil Harner will be the callers.

Call for entries to short fiction contest

Teens and adults who are current residents of Mahoning, Trumbull, Mercer and Lawrence counties are eligible to enter a writing contest sponsored by Lit Youngstown and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The contest is part of a suite of activities sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program. All activities will be related to “Into the Beautiful North” by Luis Alberto Urrea. According to the organizers, the fiction contest was inspired by a similar contest on National Public Radio in 2012, called 3-Minute Fiction. Urrea served as a judge and read an excerpt by local writer Nin Andrews on the air. The winners of the Short Short Fiction teen contest and the open contest will be invited to read on Oct. 5, as part of Lit Youngstown’s Fall Literary Festival. The contest winners will be followed by Festival Keynote Reader George Ella Lyon. The readings will take place in the second floor lounge at the Hilton DoubleTree. Stories will be judged anonymously by Big Read planning committee members, and must be entered by Aug. 31. Winners will be announced in September. To enter, visit https://lityoungstown.org/2019/07/21/short-short-fiction-contest/.

Auditions hosted for “Evita” at Hopewell Theatre

Hopewell Theatre announces auditions for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Evita” at 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 5 at 702 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. Marlene Menaldi Strollo is directing, with Ed Phillips as musical director. Based on the life story of Argentine political leader Mar a Eva Duarte Peron, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Per ≥n, “Evita” follows her early life, rise to power, charity work and eventual death. “Evita” requires a large ensemble cast of singers and dancers of all ages. There are two lead female roles, one requiring an actress who can play ages 16-25 and one requiring an actress who can play ages 25-40. There are three lead male roles requiring actors who can play ages 25-65. Auditioners are asked to come prepared to sing a chorus from an upbeat broadway song (something from “Evita” is encouraged). Come dressed for stage movement. An accompanist is provided; no recorded accompaniment is accepted. If you need further information, contact the director at 330-533-8789 or Marlene.Strollo@gmail.com.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months can participate in 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize at the Austintown library every Tuesday in September at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Austintown library every Wednesday in September 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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookmark challenge

Create and design your own bookmark at the Austintown library on Sept. 16-21 during regular library hours with a favorite book, characters or any reading themes. Two winners will be chosen to win a prize and have their bookmarks printed for everyone to take. This event is for children of all ages.

Evening pre-kindergarten story time

This program, which will take place on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Austintown library, is for children who are ages 4 and 5 to help develop pre-literacy and kindergarten readiness skills. They will use books, stories, rhymes, music, movement and crafts to help your child get ready for kindergarten.

Gotta Move story time

Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver can join the Austintown library every Thursday in September 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.

Family game night

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 30 from 6-8 p.m. for all or part of its two-hour game night. They will have everything for you and your family to enjoy together including: board games, giant games, video games and even a basketball game.

Guess the picture book

Try to guess the picture book from the cut up cover at the Austintown library during regular library hours throughout September. One winner chosen at random from correct entries. This event is for children of all ages.

Lego my library

Meet at the Austintown library on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, ages 6 and up.

Read to Reese

Read to Reese, a therapy dog from Pet Partners, on Sept. 14 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 ask for the Austintown library. This event is for school-age children.

Kimchi club at Austintown

If you enjoy K-Pop, K-dramas or other Asian music/TV, join the Austintown library on Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. where you can meet new friends and discuss current Asian Pop Culture. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is for teens.

Strategy board games at the library

Go to the Austintown library on Sept. 7 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.

DIY birdseed ornaments

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. where they will be making birdseed ornaments that you can take home that night. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults and teens.

Movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during a movie at the Austintown library on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. The movie will be a newly released DVD rated PG or G. This event is for the family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

1919 strike year centennial

In this program on Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m., the Austintown library will take a look at labor conditions in Youngstown and explore the unrest that culminated in the Steel Strike of 1919. This was an interesting period in Youngstown history. It reveals evidence of the early movement to form trade unions. Integral to labor-management relations was the role of many unskilled immigrant laborers, as well as the increased migration of African American laborers from southern states and elsewhere. Many of us call Youngstown home today due to the arrival of our ancestors during this era. The group will identify library resources that describe this period and discuss their usefulness for genealogical research. This event is for adults and teens. Registration is required by calling the information services department at 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Pinning made simple - introduction to Pinterest

Join the Austintown library on Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. in its beginner’s class and learn how to set up an account, search for items (like recipes or craft ideas), create boards and save pins. Space is limited and registration is required. Attendees should have an email account before attending. Call 330-744-8636 to register. This event is for adults.

Get connected with eBooks and digital magazines

Learn about all that OverDrive can do for you at the Austintown library on Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. Join in this beginner’s class where you will learn how to set up an OverDrive account, download materials and get an overview of the OverDrive features. This event is for adults. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 to register.

Microsoft Excel class 1

Learn the basics of using Microsoft Excel for creating simple and useful spreadsheets at the Austintown library on Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. This beginner’s class will cover setting up a spreadsheet and entering data. Some basic computer skills are required. Class will soon be followed by Microsoft Excel class 2. Register online via the library events calendar or call 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Stamping with Cindy

Learn to create your own handmade cards using stamps, punches and other fun tools at the Austintown library on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Participation is limited to one class for the fall session. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library. This event is for adults.

Chapter Chat book club

Attend the Chapter Chat book club on Sept. 19 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. This month’s book will be “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert A. Heinlein. Light refreshments will be served. 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, which will meet on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Austintown library, will get together to read and discuss books turned into movies that are soon to be released in the theaters. Come to talk about books, movies, have a small snack and meet new people. Join for one month or every month. The book for September is “Little Fires Everywhere,” by Celeste Ng. This event is for adults.

Silent book club

Need some quiet me time? Then join the Austintown library on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for its Silent Book Club. 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.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital on Sept. 17 from 1-6 p.m. and Sept. 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) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.

The magic of tidying up

Learn about the life-changing magic of tidying up and how you can put it into action in your own life at this event at the Austintown library on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Chris Beers, founder of Home Joy, will inspire and empower audience members to organize their homes and lives once and for all in this engaging presentation. He will describe the preeminent home organizing process known as the “KonMari Method.” Created by Marie Kondo, organizational consultant superstar and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” this profound method of home organizing has changed the lives of millions. Now it is your turn. This event is for adults.

Friends organization to meet

The Friends of Austintown Library will have a meeting and presentation on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library. Lisa Solley will give an overview of services available for older adults.

Holiday closing

All libraries in the PLYMC system will be closed Labor Day weekend on Sept. 1 and 2.

Austintown Schools looking to hire bus drivers

The Austintown Local School District is hiring bus drivers for the 2019-2020 school year. All certifications required to receive the CDL are paid by district. No experience is necessary. Apply online at www.austintownschools.org or contact the transportation department at 330-797-3900, ext. 1084 for more information.

Knights of Columbus #3930 sponsors annual event

The Knights of Columbus #3930 will be sponsoring their annual “Treasures in the Trunk” sale, which will take place on Sept. 14 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church parking lot on Norquest Boulevard in Austintown from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Spaces cost $10, payable at time of set-up, with set-up beginning at 7 a.m. Refreshments will be available. Contact Dion at 330-506-9081.

Saxon Club offers weekly flea market event

The Saxon Club, located on Meridian Road in Austintown, is hosting a flea market in their parking lot every Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Spaces cost $5. Refreshments are available. Call Rich a 330-503-0535 for more information. These sales run through October.

Friendly Squares to dance at Canfield Fair

The Niles Friendly Squares will be performing square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Aug. 29 from 7-8 p.m. on the stage located in front of the International Building. A new year of weekly square dance lessons will begin Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. The Tuesday evening sessions will run through April 14, 2020. There is a nominal fee of $6 per person per lesson. To sign up for lessons, contact Gene or Frankie Hammond at 330-506-3370.

Mahoning Valley ABWA to host founders day event

The Mahoning Valley Network Council of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) is hosting a founders day event on Sept. 22. This women’s organization was founded 70 years ago to help women be empowered in the workplace. Jane Turzillo, author of “Wicked Women of Northeastern Ohio” will be the day’s speaker. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the meal will be served at 1 p.m. The menu includes roast pork, stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed shells, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad and cherries in the snow for dessert. Tickets are $22 per person. Contact Shirley Pappagallo at 330-270-9779 for tickets as reservations are due by Sept. 15. All women of the area are invited to attend.

Austintown choir craft show accepting vendors

The third annual Austintown Choir Craft Show, which takes place on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Fitch High School Cafeteria, is still accepting vendors. Those interested may contact Bill Klein, Fitch Vocal Music Director, at 330-797-3900, ext.1025. All money raised will go towards the concert choir’s Chicago tour to veterans hospitals.

Hopewell Theatre opens news season

The Hopewell Theatre is opening the 2019-20 season with “The Man with the Plastic Sandwich” by Roger Karsher. Fired after 20 years at the same job, Walter Price encounters three off-beat and provocative characters while contemplating his options on a park bench: Ellie, a high spirited ingenue who represents hope; Haley, a distinguished hobo representing wisdom; and Lenore, who represents reality. Laughs abound as Walter figures out just what to do with his life. The play is directed by Regina Olszewski Reynolds and features Carl Brockway as Walter Price, Elainie Huncik as Ellie, Sam Perry as Haley, and Lindie Schwarten as Lenore. Performance dates Aug. 30 and 31, and Sept. 1, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. For tickets, call 330-746-5455 or visit hopewelltheatre.org.

Weekly square dance lessons to begin on Sept. 10

The Niles Friendly Squares, a local square dance group dedicated to keeping alive the uniquely American art form of square dancing, will begin a new year of weekly square dance lessons. The introductory session will be Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. Each session builds upon the previous session and will include learning steps along with plenty of review and practice each week to help attendees master the moves. The sessions are designed to cover all the steps in the Basic Square Dance Program. Gene Hammond will be the instructor. The Tuesday evening sessions will run through April 14, 2020. There is a fee of $6 per lesson. The Friendly Squares will also be performing square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Aug. 29 from 7-8 p.m. on the stage located in front of the International Building.

Hopewell Theatre hopes to raise funds with fun

Hopewell Theatre’s 2019–2020 season kickoff “Fun” Raiser, an evening of food, fun, and prizes, will take place on Aug. 25 from 6-9 p.m. at A La Cart Catering, 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Tickets cost $30 and include a full dinner buffet, dessert, cash wine bar, entertainment and silent auction prizes. Local favorites Glenn Stevens and Regina Reynolds will emcee a terrific entertainment lineup - Just Friends Community Chorus will perform favorite hits of the 1950s, Tom Gent and Maureen Gorman Stenglein will sing classic show tunes, and stand-up comedian Jenna Cintavey and improvisational comedy troupe The Dinner Theatre Rejects will bring the laughs. For tickets, visit http://hopewelltheatre.org or call 330-746-5455. Hopewell Theatre, founded in 1992 as the Victorian Players, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to producing quality theatrical performances in the Mahoning Valley. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with performances, events, auditions and other Hopewell news—www.facebook.com/HopewellTheatre.

Chapter Chat book club

Go to the Chapter Chat book club on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library where they will be discussing “1776” by David McCullough. Each month will be a new genre. Light refreshments will be served. This event is for adults.

W. Pigott, E.W. Wilson and Youngstown, Washington

Despite the many miles of industrial riverfront in the Mahoning Valley, it may have been a bit too crowded for William Pigott and Elliot Wilson. Pursuing their interests out west, these Valley men founded significant steel and railcar manufacturing facilities in the Seattle area more than 100 years ago. The Seattle Steel Company forged one particular neighborhood on the banks of the Duwamish River, which would be named after their former home: Youngstown. By looking at the development of this industrial town, you may see, and be reminded of, some of the raw ingredients that made the Mahoning Valley. In this program, which will take place on Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown library, librarian Tim Seman will profile these men and highlight the interesting similarities and differences between Youngstown, Ohio, and Youngstown, Washington. Registration is required by calling the Information Services Department 330-744-8636, or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for adults and teens.

Bonding with babies and books

This event, which will take place every Tuesday in August at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library, 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.

Gotta Move story time

This event, which will take place on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. at the Austintown library, is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join in 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.

Picnic story time

Read books and sing songs in the sunshine at this event at the Austintown library on Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. This event is for children of all ages

Family movie night

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during this movie at the Austintown library on Aug. 27 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.

Class of 1959 to meet for 60th reunion

The Austintown Fitch High Class of 1959 is celebrating their 60th class reunion at a two day event. On Aug. 30, a meet and greet will take place at 5-7 p.m. at Hollywood Gaming, and on Aug. 31, a class breakfast at Davidson’s will take place at 9 a.m. and a social hour and sit down dinner at will take place at 5 p.m. at The Upstairs Restaurant. For more information, contact Maria Stacey at 330-799-0120 or Bernie Zets at 330-799-5849.

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings

If you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, Gamblers Anonymous may be able to help. Gamblers Anonymous meetings 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 is offered on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Presbyterian Church, located 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.

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 4:30 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.