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Montessori students support local animal rescue
Students from the Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley recently collected donations for New Lease on Life Animal Rescue in Struthers. On March 9, student and parent volunteers delivered the donations and spent time walking dogs, playing with puppies and assisting with other tasks to support New Lease on Life’s mission to secure a safe and caring home for all pets in need. Through a number of community service projects throughout the school year, MSMV students learn practical life skills through volunteer experiences that foster compassion and empathy. Founded in 1976, The Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley is committed to providing a high-quality Montessori educational environment that nurtures independent, life-long learning while instilling respect, responsibility and resourcefulness. For more information, visit www.msmv.org.
Check out hunger at Sparkle Markets
Through April 20, customers of Sparkle Markets will have the opportunity to Check Out Hunger and feed hungry families in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Customers may tear off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon available at the register that will be added to their grocery bill. Customers may also donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the collection bin at the front of the stores. Last year, Sparkle Markets raised $11,518 through the donation coupons, which enabled the Food Bank to distribute $126,698 worth of food to people right here in the Mahoning Valley. Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, a member of Feeding America, provides food to those in need in the tri-county area through 160 programs provided by hunger-relief organizations, which include church pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and after-school programs. In 2018, the food bank distributed more than 10 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of produce. For more information on the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org or call 330-792-5522.
Austintown Schools host spring senior citizens dinner
Food, fun and entertainment are in store for Austintown seniors, 65 and older, on April 24 for the Spring Senior Citizens Dinner. Board members, student groups and school staff will serve dinner during this bi-annual event at 4 p.m. in the Fitch High School cafeteria. Tickets for the senior dinner are $2 and advance reservations are required. Call 330-797-3919 by April 19 to reserve your seat.
Austintown Lions to host membership night on April 8
The Austintown Lions Club will be hosting a special membership night and a program on Olde Idora Park on April 8 at Austintown Community Church on Route 46 in Austintown. The program will start at 6:30 p.m. with guest speaker Jim Amey. Anyone interested in serving the Austintown community and becoming an member of the Austintown Lions Club is welcome to attend the program. For more information and to make your reservation, contact Lion Bob Whited at 330-792-7907 or olebert1@aol.com.
TeenXTreme blackout poetry contest
April is National Poetry Month, so indulge in some ‘creative destruction’ and express your inner poet during library hours. Create a poem by eliminating - blacking out - the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) which are provided. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes. Contact a librarian for details. This program is for teens in grades seven through 12.
Kindergarten readiness stations
The library’s kindergarten readiness stations are in every library branch and feature fun activities for you and your preschool child to complete together. For the month of April, stations feature preschool board games. Playing games is an easy and fun way to spend time together and they are also rich in learning opportunities. Board games can teach important social skills, such as communicating verbally, sharing, waiting, taking turns and enjoying interaction with others. These skills are part of the social emotional domain of early learning. Stop by the Austintown branch to visit a kindergarten readiness station, play a game and help your child build these important skills.
ABWA’s Mill Creek Chapter has April 9 meeting
The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will host its April 9 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the evening will include southern baked chicken, Swiss steak, buttered parsley potatoes, peas and carrots, tossed salad, apple sauce, Jell-O, dessert, coffee and tea. The cost is $18 per person. Reservations may be made by calling Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 or Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 by March 31. The speaker for the evening will be Jeanie Steves from Damsel in Distress. The public is welcome.
St. Christine Scout Troop 22 hosts pancake breakfast
St. Christine Scout Troop 22 is hosting a pancake breakfast on April 14 at the St. Christine Parish Center, located at 3165 S. Schenley Ave. in Youngstown, from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. This pancake breakfast benefits Scout Troop 22 for summer camp/activities and other year-round program costs. The breakfast includes all-you-can-eat pancakes with a variety of fruit toppings, sausage, scrambled eggs, milk, orange juice and coffee, and costs $7 per person, children 6 and under free. Tickets can be purchased at the door and carry out is available.
Typing class
This typing class at 10 a.m. on April 1, will teach the basics of typing through a series of exercises at the Austintown library. Proper keying position and technique will be stressed. Register online via the library events calendar or by calling 330-744-8636. This program is for adults and teens.
Portrait drawing 2
Visit the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 2, to learn how to use a grid to copy a photograph. Participation in the first program is required to attend this program. Call 330-744-8636 to register, as space is limited. This program is for teens and adults.
Bonding with Babies and Books
Visit the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Tuesday in April for 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months.
Lego my library
Visit the Austintown library at 6 p.m. on April 3, to enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This program is for children ages 6 and up.
Tales and talk for 2s and 3s
Visit the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in April for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader.
Coupon swap at the library
Drop in during Austintown library hours in April to stretch your shopping dollars by swapping coupons. This program is for adults.
Basic computer class
This beginner’s class will cover how to use a computer, keyboard and mouse, as well as simple internet searching at 10 a.m. on April 5 at the Austintown library. Space is limited. Register online via the library events calendar or call 330-744-8636. This program is for adults.
Strategy board games
Come to the Austintown library at 3 p.m. on April 6, 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 program is for teens and adults.
Blood drive
There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library on April 9 from 1-6 p.m. (Red Cross bus will be in parking lot accepting donations). For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at www.RedCrossBlood.org.
Read it before you see it
This book club will get together at 7 p.m. on April 11 at the Austintown library, to read and discuss books that are soon to be released in the theaters. Come to talk about books, movies, have a small snack and meet new people. The book for April is “3 Seconds” by Anders Roslund. This program is for adults.
Blood drive
There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Austintown library on April 13 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Red Cross bus will be in parking lot accepting donations). For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at www.RedCrossBlood.org.
Gotta move story time
Visit the Austintown library at 10 a.m. every Thursday in April 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 may act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, talk and play. This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver.
Silent book club
Visit the Austintown library for silent book club at 6:30 p.m. on April 16. 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, we will discuss what we will be reading and whether the book is a hit or a miss. Light refreshments will be provided. This program is for adults.
Make your own birdhouse
Visit the Austintown library to make your own birdhouse at 6 p.m. on April 17. All materials will be provided. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library to register. This program is for children in grades two to five.
Evening story time April 15
This once-a-month evening story time at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 at the Austintown library, will feature stories, movement and early literacy education. The story time is open to all ages, but geared toward preschool-aged children and their families.
Build a Lego Mindstorms robot
Visit the Austintown library at 2:30 p.m. on April 27, to build and program a Lego Mindstorms R3PTAR robot. The R3PTAR robot looks and acts like a cobra snake. It slithers across the floor like a real cobra, and strikes at lightning speed with its pointed red fangs. This program is for ages 10 and up. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Austintown library to register. Space is limited.
Friends of Austintown Library presentation
Todd Franko, editor of The Youngstown Vindicator, will be the morning speaker at the Friends of Austintown Library meeting and presentation at 10 a.m. on April 22. Franko will speak on the current concerns and happenings in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
Make a Game of Thrones necklace
Visit the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 23, to create a “Game of Thrones” themed necklace in celebration of the last season of the HBO show. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required by calling 330-744-8636. This program is for adults and teens.
Stamping for beginners
Visit the Austintown library at 6:30 p.m. on April 25, to learn the basics of rubber stamping. Learn about the various tools used and get helpful tips. This class is for beginners and registration is required. This program is for adults.
Social Security speaker
April is National Social Security Month. Visit the Austintown library at 12 p.m. on April 30, to learn about Social Security from Public Affairs Specialist Robert Fenn of the SSA. This informational session will touch on programs, benefits and services. This program is for adults.
Chapter chat book club
Come to the chapter chat book club at 6:30 p.m. on April 18, where we read and discuss a new book each month. This month is “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf. Light refreshments will be served. This program is for adults.
Movie night
Bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy during movie night at 6 p.m. on April 30 at the Austintown library. The movie will be a newly-released DVD rated PG or G. This program is for the entire family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Have a picture taken with a rescue bunny
Legacy Dog Rescue and F5RS, Frisky Ferrets, Fuzzies and Feathered Friends, will host a picture with a rescue bunny event from 12-4 p.m. on April 13, at Family Video, located at 4385 Kirk Road in Austintown. The cost is $8 to have a picture taken with a real therapy bunny or two, and the photo will be printed on-site to take home. There will also be baked goods available for purchase to help continue the lifesaving efforts of both groups. No dogs will be permitted due to the real bunnies. For more information on LDR visit www.ldrofohio.org or on F5RS visit www.f5rs.org.
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 Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman. Another G.A. meeting is offered on Sunday 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 1.5 hours and are both closed meetings, or, you must have suffered from a gambling addiction to attend.
Tri-Gold chapter of ABWA to have 15th anniversary
The Tri-Gold chapter of ABWA will host its 15th anniversary with the theme Crystal Showers Sprinkle Flowers. The event will take place on April 10 at A La Carte Catering in Canfield. This is an evening dinner meeting with a social period beginning at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Reservations are due by April and can be made by contacting Sharon Pasquale at 330-793-6208. Entertainment will be announced. The cost to attend is $21.50 with the choice of stuffed flounder or chicken francaise, swiss steak jardinere, tossed salad, red skin potatoes and a dessert of cake and ice cream.
Friendly Squares host April square dance
The Friendly Squares will host their monthly local square dance on April 13 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 cuing line dances. 1970’s Disco will be the theme. 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.
Austintown Schools schedule kindergarten registration
The Austintown Local Schools will host kindergarten registration for the 2019-20 school year for students residing in the Austintown School District. Kindergarten registration packets are available Monday through Friday at Austintown Elementary School from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and at Austintown Early Learning Center from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The packet explains all necessary documents needed. All new kindergarten students must attend a registration and screening appointment. Registration and screening for the 2019-20 school year will be done by appointment only. Contact the Registration Department at 330-797-3900, ext. 1551 or ext. 1516 to make an appointment. The registration location is Austintown Elementary School, 245 Idaho Road-Lynn Kirk Loop in Austintown. Appointments are available in April from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., with last appointment at 6:45 p.m., on April 23; from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 24; and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., with last appointment at 6:45 p.m., on April 25.
Evening with the Easter Bunny
Boardman Park will present an evening with the Easter Bunny from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 10 and 11. Tickets will go on sale at the park office from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting March 11. Tickets may also be obtained by calling the park office at 330-726-8105 to pay by credit card, or online at www.boardmanpark.com. Tickets are $7 for Boardman residents and $9 for non-residents. Children 2 and under are free. The evening includes dinner, arts and crafts and a family photo with the Easter Bunny.
Cardinal Mooney High School announces 16th annual “Celebrate Mooney” auction
Cardinal Mooney High School has set the date for its 16th annual fundraising auction as April 13. The largest fundraising event of the year will take place at the school, located at 2545 Erie St, Youngstown, between 5:30 and 11 p.m. Cocktails and silent auction to begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. This year’s honorary chairwoman is CMHS teacher, mentor and Cardinals sports enthusiast, Nancy Shugart. Tickets are available by calling the school at 330-788-5007 or online through the school’s website at www.cardinalmooney.com/events. Sponsorship opportunities are also available with options to have your company’s logo featured at the event. Call Sue Brandenstein at 330-788-5113 for more information.
YWCA accepting entries for 37th annual Women’s Art Exhibition
YWCA Mahoning Valley is accepting entries for its 37th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Show to take place June 28 through July 26 at YWCA’s downtown Youngstown office, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. The art exhibition showcases work by local, regional and national women artists. The juried show features all media, including paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, videography and metal work. Returning for a second time is a juried show for young women ages 14-17 from Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The show will feature seventeen works selected by jurors from the YWCA Women Artists Committee and will run in conjunction with the Women Artists show. Two-dimensional work is eligible for the 17 Under 17 show. Entry forms for both shows are available at YWCA’s offices in Youngstown and Warren and on the YWCA’s website at ywcamahoningvalley.org/women-artists. Entries are due by April 8. Priscilla Roggenkamp, Associate Professor of Art at Ashland University, will serve as the juror for the 2019 show. A ticketed Preview Party will take place on June 28 from 6-9 p.m. at the YWCA. Proceeds benefit YWCA Housing Programs. More than $2,000 in prize money will be awarded to artists at the party. For more information, contact Molly at mtoth@mvywca.org or 330-746-6361, ext. 109.
Youngstown Saxon Club to host annual goulash dinner
The Youngstown Saxon Club’s 43rd annual President’s Benefit Goulash Dinner will be held on March 30. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the family-style dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Donation is $16 for adults and $7.50 for children and includes coffee, strudel and some refreshments. There will be music, awards and raffles, Reservations are needed by March 22, and can be make by calling 330-792-7973.
Family movie night - “Angels in the Outfield”
Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 2305 South Canfield-Niles Road (State Route 46) in Austintown, will be showing the movie, “Angels in the Outfield” at its next movie night in Redeemer’s Fellowship Hall on March 31 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available for free after church on March 24 and 31 and at the door. Tickets entitle the holder to free popcorn and a drink during the movie. This event is open to the public.
All Inclusive Egg Hunt offered on April 7
Rulli Bros. Market, located at 8025 South Ave. in Boardman, will be the location for the second annual All Inclusive Egg Hunt. The egg hunt will take place on April 7, beginning at 2 p.m. The egg hunt is open to children in the Mahoning County, and there will be an alternative egg hunt for children with special needs inside of the store. All are welcome. For more information, search for the event “2nd All Inclusive Egg Hunt” on Facebook.
Lenten fish dinners offered
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will offer Lenten fish dinners at the Parish Center, located at 4500 Norquest Boulevard in Austintown, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 6, and then will run every Friday through Good Friday, April 19. 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. Dinners will be served from 4-7 p.m.
2019 Easter Alive program
Redeemer Lutheran Church, in conjunction with Thrivent and Cabinwood’s Northend Acres, is sponsoring a program for children ages 3-12 on April 13, starting at 11 a.m. at the church, located at 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road (State Route 46 between New Road and Kirk Road). The theme for this year’s free event is focused on Jesus’ love and humble service to others. The event will take place indoors. There will be two live miniature donkeys in a petting area provided by Cabinwood’s Northend Acres. A puppet skit starring “Humble” the donkey and “Gerbert” will be presented. There will be games, a craft and a snack for the children. On departure, the children will be given a small gift and candy. A family Easter basket will be raffled off with a few smaller raffle gifts to several families that have registered their children. You can register the day of the event at the church, but you can also avoid the registration line by preregistering on Redeemer’s website, www.RedeemerAustiintown.org.
Golf classic to benefit American Cancer Society
The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will take place at Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club on July 15. 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.
Legacy Dog Rescue hosting reverse raffle
Legacy Dog Rescue is hosting its third annual Reverse Raffle on April 6 at the Avion on the Water in Canfield. A total of 125 tickets will be sold. The cost is $65 per ticket, which includes two dinners and one chance to win the grand prize of $1,500. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the raffle at 7 p.m. A Chinese auction, games of chance and 50/50 drawings will also be available. Reserve your ticket by emailing Jenn at legacy_jenn@aol.com, texting Heather at 330-717-0635 or by sending a check to Legacy Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 3643, Youngstown, OH 44513. Legacy Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) rescue dedicated to helping dogs in Mahoning and Trumbull counties and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.ldrofohio.org.
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.