Our Town briefs

Resident named to Citadel President’s List

Cadet David Wilson Peck was named to the President’s List for the 2009 fall semester at The Military College of South Carolina for his contribution to his company and his excellent military and academic record.

The honor is one of the most distinguished award lists a cadet can be placed on and is a combination of the Dean’s List and Commander’s List.

Peck is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Peck and is seeking a bachelor’s degree in history.

St. Nick’s offering fish fry Feb. 19

St. Nicholas Church at 764 Fifth St. in Struthers is having a fish fry Feb. 19 with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cost for the lunch special is $6 and includes fried fish or fish sandwich, french fries or mac & cheese and coleslaw. Lunch is take-out only. Phone orders to 330-755-5859.

The cost for the dinner special is $8.50 and includes fried or baked fish, choice of baked potato, haluski, french fries or mac & cheese and coleslaw or salad, roll, dessert and coffe or tea. Children’s dinners are $4.25 with pizza available. There will be no phone orders during dinner hours.

Library hosts Baby Brilliant program

The Poland Public Library will host Baby Brilliant: Bonding With Babies and Books Wednesdays in February at 10 a.m.

The program features developmentallt appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger play and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This program is available on Thursdays for toddlers ages 2 and 3 and children ages 4 and 5.Tales and Talks for ages 2 and 3 will be at 10:30 a.m. and Fun Time For ages 4 and 5 will be at 1 p.m.

Church breakfast club

Poland Presbyterian Church will feature health care issues in two sessions at its breakfast club Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 at 10:15 in the Fellowship Hall.

The first session will be presented by Dr. Teri Riley, director of faculty relations of economics at Youngstown State University, and will focus on the cost of health care.

The second session will be presented by Dr. Robert Gillette and focus on the changes needed in the United States so its health care costs can be more consistent with other nations. Both events are free and open to the public.

High honor received Courtney Long, a student at Ashland University, made the Dean’s List for the fall semester of 2009.

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be enrolled full time and achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Long is the daughter of Edward and Torea Long and is majoring in speech communications.

Mystery dinner fundraising event

The Byzantine Center at the Grove on Shady Run Road will host an adults-only mystery dinner theatre fundraiser today at 6 p.m.

Local actors will perform “A Wedding to Die For” as guests dine and participate in a clue hunt to solve the crime. A silent auction, 50/50 raffle and cash bar will be available. The cost is $45 and proceeds will benefit Montessori School.

YMCA to host annual Spin-a-thon

The Central YMCA will host a Spin-a-thon Saturday in support of the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign.

During the annual event, spinners secure $50 donations for each hour they ride, with some riders even committing to ride the entire seven hours to raise funds for the campaign.

Money raised through this event will benefit the Strong Kids Campaign, which provides financial assistance to underprivileged youth and families for membership and/or program fees, assistance to special needs populations and agencies with usage of the YMCA’s pools and gyms. For information contact Maureen Horvath at 330-744-8411.

Nominations being accepted for Athena Award

The Regional Chamber and The Vindicator/vindy.com are seeking nominations for the 2010 Athena Award until Mar. 1.

The award is presented annually to recognize area business and professional women who demonstrate significant achievements in their business that produced exceptional organizational impact. The recipient should provide valuable leadership service to the community and exhibit support for and involvement in the goals of professional women.

Past Athena recipients include Patricia Brozik, Karen Cohen, Molly Seals, Dr. Sheryl Figliano, Sister Patricia McNicholas, Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Eugenia Atkinson, Dr. Gwendolyn Hughes, Lynn Cavalier, Dee Crawford, Diane Sauer, Nancy Jastatt-Juerguns, Carolyn Anderson, Helen Paes, Marie Izzo Cartwright, Trudy Bayman and Elaine Wilson.

Nominees are not required to be a member of the Regional Chamber or employed by a Chamber-member firm. Candidates may self-nominate and past Athena nominees are eligible.

To obtain a nomination or sponsorship form or for information, contact Kim Gonda at 330-744-2131 ext. 35 or visit www.regionalchamber.com.

Athena scholarship applications available

The Regional Chamber is seeking applications until Apr. 1 for the 2010-2011 Athena Scholarship, which will be awarded at the 18th annual Athena award dinner May 20.

The $1,500 scholarship has been established to further the goals of the Athena mission to advance women’s leadership and promote education.

Scholarship applicants must be a resident of the Mahoning Valley and either a current full or part time student, or high school senior planning to attend or already enrolled at Youngstown State University or Kent State University’s Regional Campuses,

Recipients of the scholarship should have demonstrated initiative and excellence in her educational or work pursuits, a proven record of community involvement and service and commitment, and experience mentoring others.

The recipient will be notified by a representative of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley by May 5.

For an application or information, contact Kim Gonda at 330-744-2131 ext. 35, or visit www.regionalchamber.com.

Swiss steak dinner

West United Methodist Church on Mahoning Avenue is sponsoring a swiss steak dinner Mar. 6 at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The menu for the dinner will include swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, specialty salad, rolls, beverages and dessert.

The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 & under. Advanced ticket sales only.

For tickets, call 330-770-8679.

On the winter terrace

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host the live music of FireSign Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The fee is $15 and includes hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats accompanied by a glass or two of wine or beer.

For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Yoga at the gardens

Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting yoga classes taught by Heidi Suraci Tuesdays and Thursdays in February for students of all levels.

Tuesday’s will feature a beginner class from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and an intermediate class from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday classes will be for all level students from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cost for the lesson is $10 per class. Bring a mat and small blanket.

For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

T’ai Chi Step One class at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host T’ai Chi classes taught by Marie Lew Wednesdays in February from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The class is designed to ease stress, improve heath and increase vitality with warm-ups, breathing exercises and T’ai Chi movements.

The fee is $10 per class.

For information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Interpretive Hike

Join Bill Whitehouse for a two-mile, moderately difficult hike Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ford Nature Center.

The walk will be slow-paced as Whitehouse reminisces about Lindley Vickers. Vickers was a Mill Creek Park naturalist for four decades and was born 110 years ago this month.

For information, call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107.

Two-day ODNR boating safety class offered

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is offering an eight-hour boating safety class Wednesday and Feb. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Birch Hill Cabin in Mill Creek Park.

The class will be offered in two sessions and participants must attend both to receive full training and to complete the exam.

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

To register, call 330-740-7126.

Family fun night planned

The Holy Family Home and School Alliance is sponsoring its annual family fun night today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Holy Family School. The event is part of Catholic Schools Week, which celebrates Catholic education in the community.

Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family and includes games, prizes, DJ David Perry, Jocko the clown, face painting and other events.

There will be a children’s Chinese auction with tickets at four for $1. Pizza, walking tacos, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, desserts, pop and coffee will be available.

Cardinal Mooney opens doors to public

Cardinal Mooney High School will host an open house Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

The open house will conclude Mooney’s Catholic School Week celebration and is designed to give the public an opportunity to visit the school and learn more about it and its curriculum.

Members of the faculty and administration will be available to explain the school’s curriculum, detail new course offerings for the 2010-2011 school year and to discuss financial aid opportunities.

In addition, students will be featured in various demonstrations and projects.

Visitors will be invited to take guided tours of the building.

Information concerning registration procedures will be available and new student registrations will be accepted.

The school’s Alumni Association will sponsor a tuition drawing featuring four $500 scholarship prizes.

A Super Bowl tailgate party will be hosted by the Cardinal Mooney Home and School Association in the school cafeteria from noon to 4 p.m.

It will feature meatballs and sauce made by LaRiccia’s, peppers and sausage from the MVR and homemade bread and rolls from Cafe Capri, along with salads and homemade desserts. Food will be served for dining or can be taken out.

The open house is open to all Cardinal Mooney parents, friends, alumni and to prospective students and their parents.

Silver sneakers program

The MetroParks Farm is hosting an free exercise program on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The program is designed to increase muscular strength and range of movement through a variety of exercise.

For information, call MetroParks Farm at 330-533-7572.

SClBWine, beer & cheese fest

The Junior Women’s League of Canfield is hosting its fifth annual wine, beer and cheese fest Feb. 27 at Antone’s Banquet Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by Jim Golen. Proceeds will be donated to Kids Grieve Too.

The cost for the event is $30 or two people for $50.

For information, call Rhonda Rance at 330-565-1959.

Fibromyalgia meeting

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Group will meet Feb. 17 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman. Anyone with fibromyalgia is welcome to attend.

The meeting will feature Dr. Gregory Fagert speaking on Dry Eyes No More.

For information, contact 330-758-8413 or 330-565-7187.

Parks open for cross-country skiing

Cross country skiing is offered at Mill Creek MetroParks areas.

Skiing is permitted during daylight hours and is dependent on natural snowfall.

Skiing is offered at these areas: Mill Creek Golf Course (on marked course), par 3 golf course, East golf hike/bike trail, East Cohasset hike/bike trail, Chestnut Hill Drive, Calvary Run Drive and MetroParks Bikeway.

Can goods sought for Rescue Mission

The Adult Education Medical Assistant Program at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is having a community outreach drive for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Items needed include canned foods, first-aid items and toiletries.

Drop-off locations are Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on Palmyra Road in Canfield, Wedgewood Pizza on South Avenue in Boardman, Austintown Surgery Center on North Canfield-Niles Road in Austintown and Walgreen’s Pharmacy on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown.

Lenten retreat offered

The Ursuline Center on Shields Road is offering a Lenten retreat from March to April.

The opening session for all participants will be March 2 at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Beginning March 9, participants will meet with a facilitator once a week for 45 minutes on a day and time of their choice.

The cost of the retreat is $75 and includes materials. Scholarships are available on request. For information, call Eileen Novotny at 330-533-3831 Pre-registration is requested.

Womens’ league looking for new members

The Boardman Poland Junior Womens’ League is looking for new members to attend its Wednesday meeting entitled New Year, New Friends, New Stuff. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Glenellen Assisted Living on Market Street.

The 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 or to join, contact Nina Lowery by sending your name, address and phone number to Membership Chairwoman, BPJWL, P.O. Box 3412, Boardman, Ohio 44515.

Beginner Tai Chi classes on Thursdays

Instructor Sandra Vidis will teach the foundation in the eight-step Yang Family Style Form of Tai Chi each Thursday starting this week until March 15 at Ursuline Center.

The cost to attend is $75. Participants should wear loose clothing and soft low-heeled shoes.

For information or to register, call 330-799-4941 or e-mail theursulinecenter@yahoo.org.

Poland Rotary sponsors Chili Open and auction

The Poland Rotary is presenting the 24th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic at Bedford Trails Golf Course Feb. 27.

Admission to the event will be $25 per person or $100 a foursome and includes nine holes of golf, food, beverages, prizes and more. Tee times will begin at 9 a.m.

There will be a Chili Open Auction Jan. 29 at the Georgetown on South Avenue. Admission will be $50 per person and $370 for a table of eight and will include a five station dinner buffet and music and dancing with Steve Fazzini.

A block pool will be available for $100 per ticket and a silent and chance raffle auction will take place.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact the Poland Rotary at 330-540-1647 or e-mail to www.polandrotary.org.

Lenten prayer luncheon

A prayer luncheon will be offered Mar. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Prato Meeting Hall at Ursuline Center with presentations by Ginger Kubala and Eileen Novotny.

The cost will be $16 and includes lunch. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for registration.

For information, call Janet Frantz at 330-799-4941 or e-mail theursulinecenter@yahoo.org. Pre-registration is required.SFlbWomen’s book group to meet at Poland Library

Join the Women’s Book Discussion Group Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland Library Friends Bookstore to discuss “Life in the Balance: A Physicians Memoir of Life, Love and Loss with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia” by Dr. Thomas Graboys.

Library is hosting a magical book club

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is hosting a celebration of the book “Magician’s Elephant” by Kate DiCamillo today at 11 a.m. for kids in grades two through five.

There will be games, crafts and more. You can participate even if you haven’t read the book.

Decorate a Valentine tree

Come decorate an ornament for the Poland branch of the Public Library or Youngstown and Mahoning County during library hours in February.

Blood pressure screening offered at library

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer blood pressure screenings at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.