Poland briefs

Scouts need cars to wash today

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 2 is hosting a car wash at Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman Poland Road, today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Troop 2 Scoutmaster Rod Emerson has challenged the members to wash at least 100 cars in recognition of the 100 years of scouting being celebrated this year.

Donations will be accepted.

Poland businessman attends conference

Todd M. Bury, president of Bury Financial Group, just completed SagePoint Financial’s 2010 National Education Conference (NEC). The NEC is a comprehensive education and training meeting that provides independent financial advisors access to intensive learning curriculums, comprised of nearly 120 sessions focused on continuing education and business-building opportunities.

Poland residents receive honor

Emily Yavorsky and Thomas Lange were named to Thiel College’s Dean’s List for spring 2010.

Alum graduates university with honors

Ashley Mitzel, a 2006 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, received her Bachelor of Music Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

She graduated Cum Laude and was recognized as the Outstanding Performer at the School of Fine Arts Ceremony. Ashley is the daughter of George and Lori Mitzel. She will begin pursuing her MBA from the University of Cincinnati this September.

Festival fun June 24

St. Charles Borromeo Parish will host its festival June 24-27 at 7345 Westview at state Route 224. For information, call 330-758-2325.

Performers to raise money for theater

Youngstown’s favorite charity drag revue is on the move. Now in its seventh year, “Fund raising is a Drag!” will take place June 4, 5, 11, and 12 at the Rust Belt Theater Company, housed in the Calvin Center at 755 Mahoning Avenue.

Proceeds will benefit the Rust Belt Theater Company’s Summer Series and Studio for Young Actors, a program that provides instruction and performance opportunities for young actors and singers ages 12 to 24 free of charge.

Throughout the years, performers have raised money for Toys for Tots, Angels for Animals, Pride Youngstown, YSUnity, MDA, Violet’s Cupboard, the LGBT groups at Kent State and John Carroll universities and the Ursuline Mother House.

Senior insurance program appoints advisors

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has invited Kristen Taylor, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Niles and Carole Moore, admission/marketing director, Shepherd of the Valley in Howland, to become members of its Volunteer Advisory Board.

The purpose of the OVAB is to help improve and grow its volunteer network, addressing such items as volunteer recruitment, training and retention and beneficiary outreach.

The board meets quarterly in Columbus with telephone meetings on the off months and provides information to seniors about Medicare and associated coverage.

For information about Medicare and associated coverage in Trumbull County, contact Kristen Taylor at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles at 330-544-0771, ext. 2817. For Mahoning County, contact Carole Moore at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland at 330-856-9232, ext. 2617.

Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree

A party at Holy Family Parish Center June 28 at 7 p.m. will honor Cardinal Mooney Assistant Principal James M. Cooney who has announced his retirement effective June 30.

Plans are under way to establish The James M. Cooney Scholarship. In lieu of gifts, Cooney would appreciate contributions to the scholarship.

For reservations, tickets or to donate to the scholarship, call the school office at 330-788-5007.

Appliance drive at Canfield fairgrounds

Do you have any unwanted appliances that you would like to dispose of? If so, Canfield Township, with the sponsorship of the Mahoning County Green Team, is having an Appliance Drive today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

This is open to all Mahoning County residents. Accepted items are refrigerators, hot water heaters, air conditioners, stoves, water softeners, dehumidifiers, microwaves, washers, small appliances and any other scrap metal.

Freon will be removed for free from the refrigerators, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

Please do not bring electronic items like televisions, radios, VCRs, computers or tires.

Enter off Route 46 at Gate 9 near Leffingwell Road. Call the Green Team at 330-740-2060 for information.

Share your summer fun in Neighbors

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 after the event, so we can share them with your neighbors.

Summer Cruise Nites begin in June

The Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club will host Cruise Nites every Tuesday from June through August from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chick-fil-a on state Route 224 near South Avenue in Boardman, weather permitting. Registration will be $2. Plaques or $15 gas cards will be awarded and 50/50 raffles prizes will be given away nightly. All proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley.

St. Luke festival begins July 8

The St. Luke Parish Festival will be July 8-11 at the church, 5235 South Ave. Thursday will feature Family Night and kids 12 and under can enter free. Homemade food and Chinese auctions will be available every night. For information, call 330-782-9783.

Traffic advisory for ongoing construction

Resurfacing of state Route 170 from Lee Run to the northern Poland corporation will have various lane restrictions in either direction or both directions between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The work is part of a $400,000 project of the Ohio Department of Transportation and is set to be completed by June.

Buy spring plants from students of MCCTC

The Horticulture program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center has begun its spring plant sale.

Students of the school have prepared assorted annuals, hanging baskets, tomatoes, peppers and flats of flowers and will sell them until the supply runs out.

The Horticulture Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2010 recycling Regatta

Valley residents can participate in the “Build and Race a Recycled Boat” race June 12 at Lake Milton State Park.

All boats must be made of at least 70 percent recycled product and they must be able to be broken down and recycled after the event.

No nails, 55 gallon drums or containers that held household hazardous waste are allowed. Old boogie boards or surfboards or motors are prohibited. Boats may be pre-made prior to the event.

For recycled products to use, call the Green Team, ReCreate, Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling or a local school.

For information or entry forms, contact Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District at 330-740-7995.

To enter the Regatta, each crew or captain must complete an entry form and release form and return it by Tuesday to Recycle Regatta, Mahoning SWCD, 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown, OH 44509.

No children under 12 can ride on the boat, but they can help build. The Regatta is being held to coincide with the Mahoning River Consortium’s River Wide Picnic Day.

Brothers receive high honors at university

Tyler Vallinger, a second-year junior at John Carroll University and 2008 graduate of Poland Seminary, has made the dean’s list for Spring 2010. He was also chosen as a recipient of the Sound Mind/Balanced Man award in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and membership into the Eta Sigma Phi Honor Society, all for his high academic achievements as well as personal conduct.

Trent Vallinger, a freshmen at Lake Erie College and 2009 graduate of Poland Seminary, was also awarded to the dean’s list for Spring 2010. He is a member of the Lake Erie College Baseball team and a Physical Therapy major.

Both are the sons of John and Melanie Vallinger of Poland.

PHS graduate finds success in Indiana

Meredith Reffner, a 2008 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, has been named a “Founders Scholar” with a 4.0 GPA by Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

Meredith is a sophomore in the Hutton Honors College and is majoring in journalism with a second concentration in Spanish and minoring in West European Studies.

She is a staff writer and copy editor for the campus newspaper, a copy editor for the newspaper’s special publications and a volunteer with IU Relay For Life. This summer she will be an intern with Pittsburgh Magazine.

Meredith is the daughter of Terry and Susan Reffner.

Beware of solicitors using Goodwill 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.

Clinic extends hours for required Dtap 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 a vaccination clinic 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 330-726-8107.

Park preps for summer

Mill Creek Park is reopening many attractions soon in preparation for summer. Lanterman’s Mill is back to its summer hours. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered daily to eligible women over 65 at Curves in Poland.

The classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall health. For information, call 330-757-8800.

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.

New website for Holy Family School

Holy Family School has launched its new website at www.hfspoland.org. Many hours were spent to organize and complete the new site so that school families and prospective families can obtain information and forms. The site was designed by Christine Boniface.

Summer Festival of the Arts seeks volunteers

The 12th annual Summer Festival of the Arts, scheduled for July 10 and 11 on YSU’s campus, is seeking volunteers for the event.

Volunteers are needed for artist registration; information booths; in the children’s hands-on art tent; for technical assistance at performance sites and at the Festival of Nations international area, among others.

Various shifts are available for the two-day event. Each volunteer receives a festival T-shirt, cold water and reserved free parking.

Those needing service hours logged, such as that for National Honor Society, sorority or fraternity service, may also participate. Service verification forms will be completed.

Interested individuals or teachers advising service organizations may obtain an application by calling 330-941-2307, by email at lafactor@ysu.edu or logging on to www.ysu.edu/sfa for a downloadable form.

SOAR to new heights with girls program

Conference No. 1 for the S.O.A.R. program will take place at Mill Creek MetroPark’s Fellows Riverside Gardens July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This program targets girls ages 8 to 12. Its purpose is to energize girls’ self-esteem and become aware of all types of negative media influences and how to manage negative emotions.

S.O.A.R. stands for Shine in their Own Amazing Way.

The conference will include a combination of yoga, art, dance, hair and skin care, and a variety of other activities. Cost is $80 and includes all classes, lunch snacks, T-shirt and any art projects.

One dollar from each fee will be contributed to Fellows Riverside Garden’s Family Garden.

For information, call Mariellen at 330-509-9642.