Poland briefs
Take a Bible school vacation
Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor Dr, will host a “Son Harvest County Fair” themed Vacation Bible School 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 through July 16 for children 3-years-old as of Jan. 1 to those who have completed fifth grade.
At the Son Harvest County Fair, children will grow the fruit of the Spirit in their lives: love, joy, peace, patience and kindness. There will be real-life farm activities, blue-ribbon arts and crafts, games, snacks, music and a “county fair” complete with a petting zoo and carnival games.
For information or a registration form, visit www.polandpresbyterian.org or call 330-757-1547.
Get soaked at your library
Too hot outside? Kids of all ages can join the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for games and activities with water, bubbles and balloons and enjoy an icy treat today at 2 p.m.
You will get wet, so dress accordingly. Parental supervision is needed for this outdoor event.
Library closed for Independence Day
All public libraries in Mahoning County will be closed July 4 and July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.
Get your blood pressure screened
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be performing blood pressure screenings July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Rhyme and win at the library
Answer rhymes correctly at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in July and win a prize.
Make a splash The Green Team and Youngstown Litter Control and Recycling present a special program based on the book “One Less Fish” by Kim Michelle Toft July 29 at 2 p.m. This book is a perfect illustration of how marine life is affected by carelessness and measures that can be taken to help. Participants can make a decorative fish from used CDs and scrap paper and receive a “Don’t Teach Your Trash to Swim” coloring book. For children in grades pre-K through five
Watch Peter Rabbit play at the library
Join the Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater for a performance of Miss Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit July 8 at 2 p.m. at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
Make it and take it at Poland library
Kids of all ages can visit the creation station at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during library hours July 13 through July 17 and make some nautical crafts.
Library’s beach party
Ride the waves and join the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for beach stories, games, songs and crafts July 22 at 2 p.m. Fun for all ages.
Poland alum makes Dean’s List
David White, a sophomore in the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, son of Judy and Bill White of Poland, has been named to the Spring 2010 Dean’s List at Duquesne University.
The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA with no grade lower than a “C”. White had a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
Two locals make the Dean’s List
The College of Wooster has released its spring-semester Dean’s List. The following area students achieved a GPA of 3.65 or above: Daniel Buckler, a Poland Seminary High School graduate, is a senior at Wooster majoring in history; Matthew Porter, also a PSHS graduate, is a sophomore majoring in political science.
Local alum receives degree from University
Amanda Lynn Cramer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in Women’s Studies from Otterbein College.
She was active in several campus organizations as well as her sorority Tau Epsilon Mu. She works for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus caring for patients on the Hematology/Oncology unit.
She is the daughter of Todd and Lisa Smith of Poland and Randy and Vicky Cramer of Boardman.
Free hot dogs at Mill Creek MetroParks
Starting Monday, weather permitting, Mill Creek MetroParks will have free hot dogs for the public Mondays and Tuesdays. The hot dogs will be served Mondays at the James L. Wick Recreation Area, off McCollum Road, and Tuesdays at Scholl Recreation Area. The hot dogs are sponsored by the Salvation Army’s Mahoning County Services. This will last through Aug. 31.
Thursday the church cooks Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, will offer take-out dinners Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. until sold out. The cost for dinner is $7 and includes stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and brownie. No reservations are needed. For information, call 330-792-5805.
Card players needed Card players of all kinds are invited to play the monthly card game at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 Western Reserve Road in Poland, Wednesday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.For information, call 330-726-7110, extension 0.
Ham radio operators show off this weekend
The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association will demonstrate its emergency communications abilities from 2 p.m. today until noon on Sunday at 12712 Unity Road, New Springfield. The public can see ham radio’s new capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes. The Field Day demonstration is part of “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio.For information, visit www.ARRL.org/fieldday or www.mvara.org.
Student makes Dean’s List at Georgetown
Steve DeGenaro of Poland was named to the Dean’s List at Georgetown University. Students must have a GPA of 3.7 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Nominate an outstanding senior or senior advocate
Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Valley Legacy Awards. The awards will be presented to an outstanding senior and outstanding advocate for seniors Oct. 14 at the Sixth Annual Legacy Awards, where all nominees will be recognized for their good works.
Candidates should be recognized for a lifetime of working to improve the Mahoning Valley or who have provided exceptional support of older Americans through their professional, volunteer or civic roles.
Nominees must have left a lasting legacy for the community and inspired others through their work ethic, concern for others and enthusiasm for the betterment of our community.
Nomination forms are available online at www.shepherdofthevalley.com, at all Shepherd of the Valley locations and WKBN and ClearChannel web sites. All nominations must be postmarked by July 30.
“Kids Helping Kids” kicks off at Sharon Speedway
The ROCcK Choir will sing the national anthem to start the Lou Blaney memorial Race July 7 at Sharon Speedway. On hand will be Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney.
Tony Stewart and the ROCcK Children’s Choir have combined to conduct the “Kids Helping Kids” tour. Stewart and the ROCcK choir will shoot a promo for Office Depot, a major sponsor of the Stewart-Haas Racing Company.
The ROCcK Children’s Choir will travel to Indiana to perform for the area hospitals affilated with the TSF July 11-13. Local sponsors for the transportation include Chuck Eddy, Greg Greenwood and Fred Martin. These local car dealers have joined together with “Kids Helping Kids.”
For information, contact Kate Blaney or Brenda Rider at 330-360-3300.
Family fun for all at Boardman Park
Boardman Township Park is hosting “Family Fun Night in the Park” today at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre at 6 p.m.
The free event is for kids of all ages and their families.
Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a science-themed fire and ice performance by Mad Science of Northeast Ohio.
At 7 p.m., No Ties, a light rock and blue’s band, will perform.
After dark, guests can view the film, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
Other activities include Jocko the Clown, hayrides, bounce around rental bouncers and face painting by Calvary Baptist Church.
Food concessions will be available, and guests are asked to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
For a list of other park events, visit the program page at www.Boardmanpark.com.
Class of 1952 to reunite
The Rayen School class of 1952 is hosting a picnic July 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Boardman Park in the Chester Lang Pavilion.
Coffee and doughnuts will be served at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch includes chicken, ribs, sides, drinks, and dessert.
Cost is $20 per person. Reservations must be made by July 12.
For information, call Kay Herberger at 330-759-1455 or Tom Ramos at 330-727-7259.
Poland resident earns degree in photography
Andrew Carlson, a resident of Poland, was among 677 students from the School of Visual Arts who received undergraduate degrees at the College’s commencement exercises May 14 at Radio City Music Hall. Carlson graduated with honors with a BFA in photography.
Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society reunion
A reunion of past and present members of the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society will be Sunday at 11 a.m. at the club grounds in New Springfield, Ohio.
No membership is needed to attend. Attendees are asked to bring their own food and drink. For information, contact Ken Clark at 330-533-2038 at or Tom “Pete” McBride at 330-729-9512.
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.
Free blood pressure screening offered
The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a free blood pressure screening July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
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 school families and prospective families can obtain information and forms. The site was designed by Christine Boniface.
Baby brilliant program
Babies 6 months to 23 months can enjoy developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Wednesday, July 14, 21, 28, and Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 10 a.m.
This program is also available for children ages 2 and 3 Thursday and Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and children ages 4 and 5 July 1 at 1 p.m.
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.
Poland alum makes Dean’s List at university
Francesca Kosec, a 2007 Poland graduate, has been named to the Dean’s List at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh for the 2010 spring semester in the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts. She is majoring in English and Communications.
Gia Kosec, a 2009 Poland graduate, has also been named to the Dean’s List at Duquesne for the 2010 spring semester in the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts. She is majoring in Economics and Journalism.
Trim a tree for summer
Throughout the months of July and August, kids of all ages can decorate an ornament at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for their all-season tree.
Summer Cruise Nites
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 through the 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.
Party planned for Cardinal Mooney retiree
A party at Holy Family Parish Center Monday at 7 p.m. will honor Cardinal Mooney Assistant Principal James M. Cooney who has announced his retirement effective Wednesday.
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.
Business and investment center seminar
Thinking about starting a business in the near future or further down the road? Become prepared with information important to starting a successful business by attending the Small Business Seminar at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County July 10 at 10 a.m.
Members of SCORE will address important topics for those considering developing a business: the business plan, the marketing plan, financial aspects of starting a new business, and technology and your business.
To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for information services.
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.
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.
S.O.A.R. 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.
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.