Poland community briefs

Poland Forest hosts wildflower walk

The Friends of Poland Forest will lead a Wildflower Walk Sunday at 9 a.m. The leisurely walk will start at the Forest parking lot at the end of College Street in Poland Village.

We’ll walk the woods and paths spotting and identifying the spring wildflowers, which are at their peak. Participants are also welcome to bring binoculars for the spring warblers now passing through.

The Friends of Poland Forest is an organization dedicated to preservation of the forest as a natural area and wildlife sanctuary. It finances printing of forest maps and its members volunteer in forest cleanup, control of invasive plants, leading hikes and other educational activities for both adults and school children.

For information, contact Frank Krygowski at 330-757-9057.

Poland residents earn academic recognition

Christopher and Rebecca Hanna of Poland have been named to Ohio State University’s winter quarter Dean’s List. The Dean’s List at Ohio State consists of those students who have earned a 3.5 or higher grade point average.

Bond with babies and books at Poland library

Join the Poland Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County May 15 at 10 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help babies 6 to 23 months old become successful readers. A similar program designed for children 2 and 3 is offered on all Thursdays in May at 10:30 a.m. Children aged 4 and 5 can attend a reading program Thursdays in May at 1 p.m.

Trim a tree for May

Decorate an ornament for an all-season tree at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours throughout May.

Free blood pressure screening available

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will provide free blood pressure screenings May 25 at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Enter the Celebrate Poland poetry contest

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County are accepting poetry submissions until May 28 for the Celebrate Poland event planned for June 25-26.

Teens grades seven through 12 can express their praise for Poland in poetry form anda long-time Poland residents will select winners.

Winners will receive prizes and have their names printed on bookmarks for distribution at the library. All entries will be displayed at the Poland library during the weekend celebration.

Discuss books at the library cafe May 14

Join Reuben’s Readers at the Rosetta Stone Chapters Cafe in the Poland library May 14 at 10 a.m. to discuss books you are reading or have read.

Look for birds while hiking Join certified volunteer naturalist Nancy Brundage May 1 at McGuffey Wildlife Preserve and May 8 at the Lanterman’s Mill parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1-mile, easy-rated hike. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to help search for feathered spring migrants. The hike will be offered Sunday at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at 8 a.m. with guide Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited.

Library will be closed All branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will be closed May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.

Meet with Friends of the library Tuesday

Friends of the Library will meet Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The spring luncheon will feature Dana School of Music students.

Beware of solicitors using Goodwill Industry’s name

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has been notified that solicitors are calling people offering to pick up their old computers and charging them a pickup fee, while using Goodwill’s name.

While Goodwill does accept old computers and computer equipment as part of the Reconnect computer recycling partnership with Dell, Goodwill does not solicit or charge people for their computers.

Those wishing to get rid of old computers and equipment can drop them off at any one of Goodwill’s eight donation centers in Austintown, Boardman, Liberty, Calcutta, Salem, Warren, Hermitage or New Castle.

Businesses, schools or organizations with large quantities can call Goodwill at 330-759-7921 to make arrangements for a pickup.

If you are contacted by someone offering to pick up your computers for a fee and using Goodwill’s name, contact Goodwill.

Mill Creek business women plan meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will meet at A La Cart in Canfield May 11 at 6 p.m.

The guest speaker at the event will be Paula Campbell, an Aflac agent, who will discuss benefit options to meet your needs.

The membership will also be voting on new officers for 2010 and 2011.

A dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost for the meal is $17 and includes swiss chicken, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, sand trap potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert.

Reservations must be made no later than Tuesday. For reservations, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 after 5:30 p.m.

Buy or sell baby items at Boardman Park

Boardman Park will host another Baby Bargain Boutique May 22 at the Masters Pavilion from 9 a.m. until noon. This is a great opportunity to buy or sell good usable maternity clothes, baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and furniture for children under the age of 5.

Registration for tables are available at the Park Office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost for tables inside the pavilion are $15 for Boardman residents and $20 for nonresidents and $10 for Boardman residents and $15 for nonresidents for tables in the outside grass space.

Admission to the sale is free.

For information, call Karen at 330-965-0482 or visit www.boardmanpark.com.

View beautiful blooms on Poland Woods walk

See a parade of spring wildflowers on a easy-rated, 2-mile hike through Poland Woods Sunday at 2 p.m.

The 250-acre tract of wet woodland features a carpet of bluebells and other short-blooming beauties.

Celebrate Mothers’ Day with Doris Day

For Mother’s Day, enjoy a one-woman show with Damaris Peters Pike May 9 in Christman Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium.

There will be a brunch buffet at 11:30 a.m. followed by the program “QUE SERA-SERA The life and music of Doris Day” at 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $30 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Reservations are required and due Thursday. For information, call Stambaugh Auditorium at 330 747-5175.SFlbPreschool nature hour

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 enjoy a story, activities, and a craft as they find out how and why animals camouflage and “advertise” today at 10 a.m. The cost is $2 for Boardman residents and $3 for non-Boardman residents. Pre-register at Ford Nature Center.

Regional Chamber to host interactive expo

The Regional Chamber and the Shepherd Event Center are hosting the first “Show Within A Show” an interactive, business-to-consumer showcase.

This new event will feature more than 50 vendors from a variety of industries, plus food, music and fun, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 6 at the event center, 7469 South Ave., Boardman.

Some industry themes include home and d cor, trade shows and promotions, performance racing, health and beauty, Hot Rod show and shine, outdoors and landscapes, pets on parade, desserts and more, golf and construction arenas.

The $20-per-person ticket fee includes admission to the show, plus unlimited beer and wine provided by Vintage Estate and appetizers courtesy of Caffe Capri. The Sensations will provide live music.

Reservations for the show can be made at www.regionalchamber.com (Calendar of Events section) or by calling Jennifer at 330-744-2131, ext. 12.

There is also remaining space for exhibitors. Those interested should call 330-559-1732.

International children’s choir set to sing Sunday

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Children of the World International Children’s Choir will present a free concert Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield.

The choir is a special group of orphaned and disadvantaged children from several different countries that travel across the United States for 10 months a year.

The group puts a voice and face to the desperate needs of children whose lives have been devastated by civil war, famine, poverty, unclean water and preventable diseases.

For information, call the church at 330-533-6848 or visit www.oldnorthchurch.org.

Junior Women’s League hosts annual Spring Social

The next meeting of the Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will be held Monday at The Springfield Grille at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Spring Social.

All members are asked to bring a favorite book they have read in the last year to share and promote literacy.

The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women over 18, residing in Mahoning,, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship, fun and community involvement.

For information, contact Debbie Chop at 330-726-2942.

Walk to raise awareness

St. Elizabeth and St. Joseph Surgical Weight Loss Center is taking a step forward in raising awareness of obesity by presenting the area’s first “Walk from Obesity” May 15 at Boardman Park.

The” Walk from Obesity” was established to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and to support initiatives focusing on prevention, education, research, treatment and advocacy.

The cost to participate in the walk is $25. Registration is free for children 12 and under.

To register, visit HMpartners.org and click on the “Walk from Obesity” link.

Honor mom with wildflowers and a walk

Bring your mom to Ford Nature Center May 9 at 2 p.m. to enjoy the spring beauty of Mill Creek Park during an easy-rated hike. Children can make a special craft to honor their mother, while parents hear a presentation about wildflowers. The event is free, but registration is required by May 8.

To register, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Safety boating class offered at the park

Ohio law requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982 who wishes to operate or supervise operation of watercraft over 10 HP to successfully complete an approved boating course or proficiency exam.

This eight-hour class is offered at Yellow Creek Park today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive full training and complete the exam at the end of the class.

Bring a lunch. The cost is $10. Call 330-740-7100 to register or inquire.

Pockets of posies tradition continued Children 6 and older can learn about the tradition of making May baskets by assembling a colorful pocket and a cone to fill with dried flowers from the Family Garden today from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Tales for Twos: The Wide Mouth Frog

The Frog Princess will introduce children age 2 to fascinating creatures through story, craft, role-playing games and exploration Thursday at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m.

Observe wriggling tadpoles, leap across lily pads, and search for frogs out by the pond.

Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Create a Mother’s Day arrangement The colors in this spring arrangement will give your mother a reason to smile. Marie Borocz will demonstrate each step in creating this Mother’s Day arrangement Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The fee is $28 for Fellows members and $36 for nonmembers, To register call, Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Learn the basics of growing Dahlias

Stan and Linda Vuletich will share their knowledge and enthusiasm of growing and propagating dahlias Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Participants will divide tubers to take home. The fee for the class is $10 for Fellows members and $15 for nonmembers. To register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Health and wellness walks scheduled for May

Health and wellness walks are planned for 9 a.m. Wednesday at Poland Woods and May 26 at the Golf Course overflow parking lot and May 18 at Yellow Creek Park at 6 p.m.

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day Friday

Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens Friday from dawn to dusk to celebrate National Public Gardens Day and learn the vital role the garden plays in the Mahoning Valley community.

The day was designed to promote environmental stewardship and education while emphasizing the significant role citizens have in plant and water conservation.

Take T’ai Chi at the gardens Wednesdays

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with T’ai Chi classes at Fellows Riverside Gardens each Wednesday in May from noon to 1 p.m. Marie Lew will demonstrate warmups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The fee for each class is $10. For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Preschoolers celebrate moms with crafts

Preschoolers ages 3 through 5 can personalize a vase and fill it with a colorful bouquet of carnations at the park Thursday, Friday or May 8 from 11 a.m. to noon.

A snack and story will be included.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non- residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

A night on the terrace

Relax with friends at Fellows Riverside Gardens while listening to the music of FireSign Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For $15, you will be served appetizers accompanied by a glass or two of beer or wine.

Afterward, have dinner in the Garden Cafe or take a walk through the gardens.

Join knitting group at the par for a good cause

Help “Warm Up America” with others by making afghans and other projects to donate locally May 7 and 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet.

Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information.

Study trees with Ford Nature Center’s workshop

Ford Nature Center is hosting a tree identification workshop May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beginners are welcome to this two-part, two-season approach to the study of trees.

The program will be held indoors and outdoors. Bring your own lunch and drink.

The fee is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Registration and payment due at Ford Nature Center today.

Golf camp for new golfers available at park

Link up to golf with a three-day golf camp Wednesday, May 11, and 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and May 18, 20, 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Par 3 Golf Course at Mill Creek MetroParks.

This camp is designed for the true beginner. Lessons will focus on putting, short game, and full swing.

The cost is $35. Call 330-740-7112 to register.

Read and discussion at Ford Nature Center

Participate in the reading and discussion of the popular book “Silent Spring.” The discussion group will meet at Ford Nature Center today at 1 p.m.

Visit with family and goats at the farm

Families can visit with the Caprine family, a family of goats, Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks farm. Learn about these social creatures and make a special craft. Wagon tours will be given every half hour.

Park preps for summer

Mill Creek Park is reopening many attractions soon in preparation for summer. Lanterman’s Mill will resume its regular summer hours today. Glacier and Newport Boathouses reopen today, weekends only. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

Local resident finds success with job

Bury Financial Group of Poland recently hired Amanda Krpicak as executive assistant, where she will be servicing the day-to-day needs of their clients.

In November 2008, Krpicak obtained her associate’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix.

She plans to continue her education and work toward a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

As an Austintown resident, she is actively involved with her three children and the Austintown Junior Soccer League.

Poland resident received academic award

Kaitlin Hiznay was selected the 2010 recipient of the Virginia Caswell Memorial Spirit Award for Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Hiznay is a sophomore at John Carroll University in Cleveland studying Logistics and Marketing.

She is on the executive board of Eta Kappa, a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and the American Marketing Association and serves as a tour guide for the university. Hiznay is the daughter of Jim and Mandie Hiznay of Poland.

Little Falcons Golf Outing offers golf, food

Austintown Little Falcons Golf Outing is May 30 at 8 a.m. with registration from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course on Granview Road in Lake Milton.

The outing includes golf, beverages, golf cart, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, and hole-in-one prizes.

Cost is $65 per person. For information, contact Mike Cook at 330-501-4577 or Matt Hlebak at 330-398-5512.

Several programs awarded grants

The Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation was awarded grants to fund HMHP programs benefiting uninsured and underinsured patients.

The grants total nearly $115,000.

The St. Elizabeth Health Center Dental Clinic was awarded a $65,000 grant for a Safety Net Dental Care Program.

Smile Station, HMHP’s mobile dental clinic, was awarded a $24,960 grant by CHP from the Mercy Outreach Fund.

HMHP’s prescription assistance program was awarded a grant by CHP’s Mercy Outreach Fund totaling $24,929.

Help Neighbors showcase your summer

Summer is fast approaching and Neighbors would love to hear about your organization’s plans for spring and summer festivals, Vacation Bible School programs, community events and sports camps and outings.

Just let us know who, what, when, where and why and we’ll get the word out for you.

Then, don’t forget to send us pictures of all the fun so we can share them with your neighbors.

during regular library hours in April.

Clinic extends hours for required Tdap vaccine

The Ohio Department of Health has issued a new immunization requirement for schoolchildren beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

All in-coming seventh graders will be required to have a Dtap (Tetanus, diphtherial and pertussis) vaccination prior to starting school.

To assist parents, the Mahoning County District Board of Health, 50 Westchester Dr., Austintown, will offer vaccination clinics May 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the vaccination is $14.95.

To make an appointment for any of the clinics, call the health district’s Nursing Division at 330-27-2855, ext. 125.

Boardman Park offers new online reservations

Boardman Township Park’s is offering a new and improved online reservation system on its Web site.

Residents can see available rentals, rates, rental times and payment options. The payment system will accept all major credit cards.

Reservations can still be made in person at the rental office, but only payments in cash, money order or check can be accepted.

Visit the Web site at www.boardmanpark.com. For information, call the park office at 330-726-8107.

Discover the Labyrinth at Ursuline Center

The Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Rd. in Canfield will host a presentation of the Labyrinth May 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting at 2 p.m. and every quarter hour until 3:30 p.m. there will be a presentation in the auditorium on the how, what, why, when and where of labyrinths.

After each presentation participants can explore the labyrinth on their own or with a facilitator.

The labyrinth is designed to be used by individuals of all ages, families and groups.

The Labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is handicap accessible and has adequate parking.

Groups and individuals who are interested but unable to attend the open house can contact the center office for information at 330-799-4941 or by visiting theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

Spring clean and donate items to Goodwill

Get an early start on spring cleaning and donate to the Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries.

Items needed include clothing, housewares, small kitchen appliances, glasses, dishes and home decor.

Goodwill will take computers and computer equipment as part of the Dell Reconnect recycle program.

Donation location centers can be found in the Boardman Plaza, Hermitage Hills Plaza, Warren Plaza, Shenango Towne Center and at 2747 Belmont Ave. in Liberty.

Academic honor earned

Bridget Crogan and Jane Hutch have been named to the St. Mary’s College Dean’s List for fall 2009 semester for achieving a grade point average of at least 3.4 on a scale of 4.0.

Mercy College, St. E’s campus registration

Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, St. Elizabeth campus, is accepting applications for its August class. The two-year associate degree in nursing is a 20-month program over five semesters.

Students who graduate from the program are eligible to take state licensing examinations to work as registered nurses. Last year’s graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass rate for the licensing examinations.

The St. Elizabeth campus of Mercy College was opened in 2003. The first class of 26 students graduated in August 2004. So far, a total of 181 students have graduated from the program.

Financial aid and scholarships are available. For information, call 330-480-2379 or visit www.mercycollege.edu.