Poland briefs

Register your little one for preschool today

Little Learners Academy Preschool, 1951 Mathews Road, located inside the Heritage Presbyterian Church, will hold an open house today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Classes are available for 3 to 4 year olds and pre-k class for 4 to 5 year olds. Register for fall classes. Space is limited.

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.

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.

Support Arc of Ohio with haircut and eyebrow wax

The Salon at Macy’s in the Southern Park Mall will host a Benefit Style and Cut-A-Thon May 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost is $12 for haircut or style and $5 for eyebrow waxing.

Pastries and goodies will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties.

Call the Salon at Macy’s at 330-758-9105 to schedule an appointment.

Local church hosts free concert

First Church of Christ Scientist, 1515 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown, is inviting the community to a free concert and open house Sunday at 4 p.m.

The concert will feature guitarist, singer and songwriter Alex Cook. Prior to the concert there will be an informal open house at 3 p.m. All are welcome.

Cub Scouts looking for new recruits

Cub Scout Pack 44 of Poland will host its annual spring recruitment Tuesday. All boys going into first grade in the fall through current fourth graders are invited to attend.

The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Friends Church on Spitler Road.

Western Reserve Joint Fire Department, Poland Township Police, Poland Village Police, Rural Metro Ambulance and Medevac Life Flight helicopter will be there for the boys to get a hands-on look at rescue equipment.

For information, contact Patti at 330-727-3344.

Participate in the fight against obesity

St. Elizabeth and St. Joseph Surgical Weight Loss Center is raising awareness about obesity by presenting the area’s first “Walk from Obesity” today at Boardman Park.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m.

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.

Funds raised through this event will support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).

Discover the Labyrinth at Ursuline Center

The Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road in Canfield will host a presentation of the Labyrinth Sunday 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 www.theursulinecenter.org or emailing theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

Poland alumni receives J. Neel Reid Prize

Clay Rokicki, a 2001 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, has been awarded the J. Neel Reid Prize from the Georgia Trust.

The prize is awarded annually to a student, intern or recently registered professional in the field of architecture for study travel that honors the legacy of Neel Reid.

Reid was a Georgia architect whose own travel abroad inspired some of the most notable classical homes and buildings in Atlanta and the surrounding region during the early 1920s.

In keeping with the legacy of Reid, Rokicki will conduct a 12-day tour through England to study historic towns, buildings, details and gardens.

Rokicki is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. Learn how to manage all your stress

Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s family support counselors will present a one-hour free stress management and self-help strategies workshop Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

For information, contact Marlene Hanisko or Nancilyn Gatta at 330-744-3320.

Dinner and auction to benefit soccer team

The Ursuline High School boys soccer team will host a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction May 23 at Lucianno’s Caf and Banquet Center, 1739 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown, at 12:30 p.m.

The auction will begin at 4:15 p.m. Take out is available.

Playhouse presents award-winning show in May

The Youngstown Playhouse will present musical comedy murder mystery “Curtains,” today, Sunday, Friday and May 22-23.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket prices for “Curtains” are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

For reservations and information, call the box office at 330-788-8739.

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.

Discuss books at the library cafe Friday

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

Join knitting group at the par for a good cause

Help “Warm Up America” with others by making afghans and other projects to donate Friday 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.

Poland graduate receives university honor

Poland Seminary graduate Lauren Camacci was elected into membership in Phi Beta Kappa at Wooster College for her academic achievements and high standard of personal conduct.

Camacci is majoring in Communication and is the daughter of Annette and Dave Camacci of Poland.

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.

Poland resident named vice president

Poland resident Ellie Platt has been named Vice President of Development for Meridian Services.

She will be responsible for all marketing and public relations activities, fund development, grant writing and special events for the non-profit agency. Meridian Services is a non-profit agency that provides prevention, treatment and recovery support services for those battling addiction and its related issues. Meridian has been serving the Valley as Addiction Specialists for over 37 years.

Poland native named adult residential director

Poland native Rachel Hoffman has been named the Director of Adult Residential Services for Meridian Services. She will be responsible for management of all adult residential services including Donofrio Men’s and Women’s Center and Supportive Housing. Meridian Services is a non-profit agency that provides prevention, treatment and recovery support services for those battling addiction and its related issues.

Conference offers girls a unique experience

Sunshine Spirit Girl’s Conference, S.O.A.R. (Shine in your Own Amazing Rays), is giving girls a day of discovery, inspiration and seeds to grow on July 21 at Millcreek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The event is for girls ages 8 to 12.. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $65 per girl before June 1 and $80 per girl after June 1.

A few scholarships are available. For information, call 330-509-9642.

Mothers of Twins Club awards Mother of the Year

Christine Ruminski has been chosen as “2010 Mother of the Year” for the Youngstown Mothers of Twins Club.

She has been a member for 29 years and has three children. She and her husband, Frank, have been married for 34 years and live in New Middletown.

She will represent the Youngstown Mothers of Twins Club at the Ohio Federation of Mothers of Twins Club (OFMOTC) State Convention June 25 and 26 in Emerald Valley, Ohio, where a State Mother of the Year will be chosen from 15 clubs.

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.

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.

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.

Become a Hospice of the Valley Volunteer

The Hospice of the Valley’s is looking for new volunteers and will offer a volunteer training class May 25 in the Hospice House conference room. The classes are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks.

Volunteers will learn what the team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for the patients and their family and how volunteers fit into that team.

The Hospice House is located at 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, on the campus of The Assumption Village. For information and to register, call 330-788-1992.

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 and 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.

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.

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.

Health and wellness walks scheduled for May

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

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.

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. Glacier and Newport Boathouses reopen today, weekends only. Full schedule for the Boathouses resumes Memorial Day weekend.

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 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 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.