Poland briefs

Poland alum graduates US Merchant Academy

Anthony Galka, a 2006 Poland Seminary High School graduate, received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems with a concentration in offshore engineering from the US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y.

He received his license as a US Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer and commissioned Ensign for the United States Navy Reserve.

While at the academy, he served as an Emergency Medical Technician (certified in the state of New York) and played saxophone with the band. He served as Regimental Bandmaster 2009-2010.

Anthony is employed by Military Sealift Command, who provides support operations for the Navy. He is assigned to a rescue/salvage ship in the Far East. Some of the places he visited are Sihanouk-ville, Cambodia; Singapore; Hong Kong; Japan and the Philippine Islands.

Learn more about joint replacement

Woodlands Assisted Living Center at Hampton Woods, 1525 Western Reserve Road, Poland will host a free Joint Replacement lecture Monday at 6 p.m. The Arthritis Foundation Northeastern Ohio Chapter is sponsoring the event.

The speaker will be Dr. David Weimer, of Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates. Weimer is a specialist in orthopedic surgery and will address the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. He will also discuss lifestyle changes that may help with the pain of arthritis and when to seek medical treatment and joint replacement surgery.

Light refreshments will be served and reservations may be made by calling 800-245-2275, extension 114. Arthritis Foundation educational materials will be available.

The Woodlands at AustinWoods and HamptonWoods conducts Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Exercise classes at the Ursuline Mother House in Canfield. For information or to register, call 330-792-7681.

Help children go to camp and get coupons

Friendly’s in Poland will offer trick-or-treat coupons for a donation to Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s through Oct. 31.

Each $1 donation will receive five coupons for free kids cones, plus a coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase at Friendly’s. Coupons are redeemable from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 and the money raised will benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs.

October meeting for ABWA planned

Members of the Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA will meet Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at A La Carte in Canfield.

The cost for dinner is $16.50 and will include Swiss chicken, sausage with peppers and onions, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, dessert and beverages.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Kathy Mcnab Welsh, who is an assistant district attorney for Akron and Youngstown.

To make reservations, contact Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 after 6 p.m. The deadline for reservations is Tuesday.

Drink good wine for a good cause Nov. 6

Angels for Animals will host its annual wine tasting event Nov. 6 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Andrews Hall, 4750 state Route 165 in Canfield.

Tickets for the event are $30 for single or $50 for couples in advance at $35 and $60 at the door. The featured wines are red, sparkling whites and dessert wines.

The proceeds will support shelter programs. For information or tickets, call Diane Less at 330-502-5352 or visit www.angelsforanimals.org.

Free forum for seniors The Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services Adult Protective Services will host a Senior Forum Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Covelli Center, 228 Front St. in Youngstown.

Admission is free and informational tables, basket raffles and refreshments will be available.

For transportation or information, call 330-884-6952.

Solve a murder, help a shelter dog

Murder at the Masquerade, an interactive and comical Murder Mystery Dinner is planned for Oct. 23 at the St. George Croatian Center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event is being put on by For the Dogs Rescue to help raise funds to offset costs of vetting shelter dogs rescued from local pounds before placing them up for adoption. Tickets are $30 and include admission to the show as well as a buffet dinner.

A Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and centerpiece raffle will be available. To reserve tickets, call 330-398-9468 or 330-717-2151. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.ForTheDogs.Petfinder.com.

Have a salon conversation

Discuss topics of interests in a conversation salon group 10 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

For information, contact the Development Office at 330-744-8636, ext. 51630.

Bond with babies and books in October

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host songs, finger plays, appropriate book and other activities for babies 6-23 months Wednesdays throughout October and Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.

A similar program for children 2 and 3 will be offered on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and a program for children ages 4 and 5 will be offered Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Check your blood pressure

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will hosts a blood pressure screening Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Trim a tree for October

Children of all ages can decorate an ornament for the all-season tree at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County during regular library hours in October.

Rindy earns AP Scholar Award

Lucas Rindy was one of four members of Poland’s Class of 2011 to qualify for the AP Scholar Award.

He earned an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

His name was not included on the original list sent to the school by the College Board. The other three qualifying were Brendan Higgins, Lidia Mowad and Stacia Ruse.

St. E’s offers depression screening Oct. 7

Depression is a serious illness that affects 19 million Americans annually. Eighty percent of all episodes can be treated effectively.

The St. Elizabeth department of psychiatry and behavioral health will conduct depression screenings from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in the St. Elizabeth Mill Creek room, and from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 8 at St. Joe’s at the Mall inside the Eastwood Mall in Niles.

The screenings are free and open to the public. For information, call 330-480-3359.

Go back in time at the “Sock Hop”

The National Slovak Society’s Assembly 731, located in Poland, will sponsor a “Sock Hop” Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 251 S. Broadway Ave., Salem.

People of all ages can enjoy dancing to the oldies music, the Hokey Pokey, Bunny Hop, The Twist, Hoola Hoop, and do the limbo. Refreshments will include an old-fashioned “soda fountain” with root beer floats, milk shakes, ice cream cones, popcorn and hot dogs. Everyone is invited to dress up in the “oldies” outfits, poodle skirts, jeans and T-shirt. The cost is $4 for nonmember adults and $2 for nonmember children. Members are admitted free.

Drive through and pick up dinner at local church

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, is hosting “Take Out Thursday” this Thursday. Drive through and pick up a dinner of stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and a brownie.

The cost is $7. No reservations needed. Meals will be served starting at 4 p.m. and will continue until sold out.

Sign up online for new gas rate

Vectren has prepared a dedicated Web site for Poland Village residents to sign up for the new gas rates. This is the easiest way for anyone to enroll, if they don’t want to wait for a letter to arrive from Vectren. To sign up, visit www.getnaturalgas.com/polandvillageg.

Hayride sponsored by Slovak society

The National Slovak Society’s Assembly 731 is sponsoring its annual “Halloween Hayride” Oct. 15 at Countryside Farm in Poland. The cost is $8 per person and members get in free.

Contact Laurie Fox at 330-536-8850 for information.

MCCTC starts alumni organization

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is looking for graduates of the Career Center interested in starting an alumni association.

Spearheaded by Career and Technical Supervisor Tom Kempe, the organization is hoping to attract many of the school’s former students to kick start an organizing effort.

A registration form is available at mahoningctc.com and clicking on the Alumni Association registration form link. All forms should be mailed to Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Attn: Tom Kempe, at 7300 North Palmyra Road in Canfield.

For information, contact the career center at 330-729-4000.

Federation fund raiser benefits scholarships

Youngstown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., affiliated with the Ohio and General Federation of Women’s Clubs Inc., will host its annual luncheon and fashion show Oct. 20 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman.

The event is a fundraiser for scholarships. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling Yvonne Ford at 330-755-6828 or Linda Crish at 330-757-7990.

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.

Great food program offers affordable meals

Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, is the local site for the Great Food For All program.

Each big value box costs $30 and comes complete and ready for pick-up. The family variety box is available for $36. Cash, money order or cashier’s checks are accepted at the time the order is placed. No checks are accepted. Credit cards are accepted with a $1 convenience fee.

Go to www.greatfoodforall.com, type in zip code 44515, and scroll down until Smith Corners UMC pops up. Then pick up the ordered food boxes at Smith Corners UMC. For information, contact the church office at 330-799-9390.

Compete in a great pumpkin carve out

Bring carving tools, newspapers and imagination to the Great Pumpkin Carve Out Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 17 and Oct. 18 at noon in the Ex-servicemen’s Pavilion in Boardman Park.

There will be a small charge for pumpkins and prizes will be awarded in all age categories.

Pumpkin walk at Twilight

Jack O’Lanterns will be smiling at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. as guests walk around the gardens at twilight.

Harvest decorations will be on display throughout Fellows Riverside Gardens. Refreshments and entertainment will be available in the Davis Center after the walk.

Buy baby bargains Oct. 9

Boardman Park will host its Baby Bargain Boutique Oct. 9 at Master Pavilion and Lariccia Bocce Court from 9 a.m. to noon.

Admission to the sale is free and table rentals are $15 for Boardman residents and $20 for nonresidents.

The event is an 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.

To rent a table, visit the park office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Celebrate Halloween fright-free

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting its annual fun and fright-free event Oct. 16 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the Judge Morley Pavilion.

There will be a mummy-wrapping and pie-eating contest. Along with these competitions, the person with the best costume will win a prize.

Pet owners can bring their costumed animals (secured on leads) for a special competition.

Spend the whole day hiking

An all-day walking tour, seven miles, is being offered Oct. 10 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks.

Bill Whitehouse will lead this ramble around two Park lakes. Lunch will be at the Covered Bridge from noon to 1 p.m.

Participants should meet at Lanterman’s Mill. Registration is required by Oct. 9. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Hike for the health of it

Experience the beauty of the MetroParks with a series of escorted hikes. Earn fun rewards for the 2010 season.

Interpretive Hikes are generally slow-paced with stops to enjoy information about the hike’s topic.

The bird walks will take place today, Sunday and Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. For today’s and Oct. 9 walks, participants should meet at Newport Wetlands. This is an easy rating hike, less than one mile.

For the Sunday walk, participants should meet at the kiosk at MetroParks Farm. This is a moderately difficult one-mile hike.

Fall foliage photo hike

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering a moderately-paced hike along Lake Glacier’s west side Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

Participants should meet at the Ford Nature Center and bring a camera to capture the autumn colors and reflections during the hike.

Visit the preserve in autumn

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering an observation of the wetlands restoration project at the Mill Creek Preserve Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.

Participants are asked to wear boots or old shoes and be prepared for a moderately difficult two-mile hike. Parking is available off Western Reserve Road, north of New Buffalo Road.

Bridges of Glacier

Mill Creek MetroParks is inviting hikers to the Lily Pond Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. for a three and a half mile hike through the bridges of Lake Glacier.

Health and wellness walks

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering several different health and wellness walks throughout the month of October.

The first one is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. The Oct. 13 walk is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road.

Participants can meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead on Mahoning Avenue Oct. 19 for a walk, or Oct. 27 at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm at 9 a.m. All walks are moderately difficult two to four mile hikes.

Botanical pottery

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting a pottery class where Lynn Cardwell will help students construct an autumn “green man” wall ornament and will share the related garden folklore Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The pottery will be glazed, fired and ready for pickup approximately three weeks after the class. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $39 for nonmembers and $30 for members.

Make herbal vinegars

Mill Creek MetroParks invites you to make herbal vinegars with Dolly Vivalo as she shares her special recipes and techniques Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Take home a sampler of three different vinegars in attractive jars. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $26 for nonmembers and $20 for members.

Guided tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to admire the autumn splendor.

A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Mill Creek hosts pumpkin carving

Mill Creek MetroParks invites you to have fun carving pumpkins Oct. 14, 15 and 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for display at the Pumpkin Walk held Oct. 17.

Carving will take place in an area that may be chilly, so dress in warm layers. Carving tools will be available or bring your own. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Breakfast botany

Start your morning with a brisk walk through the Mill Creek MetroParks Gardens Oct. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Return to the Garden Caf for a light breakfast and to learn about plants in the fig family.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents.

Halloween arrangement

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting a class, instructed by Deby Clark, Oct. 20 from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. to teach students how to make attractive fall arrangements.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $28 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Photography field trip

Enjoy the morning photographing autumn landscapes in Mill Creek MetroParks with instructor Patrick Hyland Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Students will meet on the DeYor Concourse at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Call the gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $20 for residents and $26 for nonresidents.

Yoga in the Gardens

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering several yoga classes throughout October. Beginners classes are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Intermediate classes are offered Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All levels are welcome to attend the Thursday classes from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This class offers a blend of yoga styles with the restorative power of nature.

Instructor Heidi Suraci welcomes students at all levels. Bring a mat and small blanket. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information. The cost is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Ease stress, improve health, and increase vitality with the Mill Creek Gardens T’ai Chi classes every Wednesday in October from noon to 1 p.m.

Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 for information. The cost is $10 per class.

Meditation in movement

Join Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance Oct. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Learn to focus on inner strengths through simple, graceful movements while appreciating the beauty of the surrounding gardens.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $10.

Plants with animal names

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting an event for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, accompanied by an adult, Thursday, Friday and Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon.

The guests will plant a pot of hens and chicks and learn about plants with animal names. A snack and story will be enjoyed along with the activity.

The cost is $7 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Dress for a walk in the Family Garden. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Restoration yoga

Promote heightened awareness and self-healing through specialized breathing techniques and postures at Mill Creek MetroParks yoga class Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The cost is $20. Bring your yoga mat. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register by Oct. 22.

Tales for twos

Halloween is a time for ghosts, monsters, and — owls.

The Ford Nature Center at Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting an event for 2-year-olds and their adult companions where they will learn all about the owl through a story, an exploration and the assembly of crafty treat holder Thursday at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.

Peanut, the screech owl, will also make an appearance. Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to register.

Dinosaur fern garden

Did you know that ferns grow from spores, not seeds?

Mill Creek MetroParks is hosting an event for children ages 6 and older, accompanied by an adult, Oct. 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

They will learn interesting fern facts, paint a pot and dinosaur, and plant a prehistoric fern garden. The cost is $10 for residents and $13 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register.

Preschool nature hour

Have fun with fall colors and learn about autumn changes through a story, rhyme, craft and an outdoor walk at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

For preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and accompanied by an adult. The cost is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 to preregister.

A loose knit group

Help “Warm Up America,” with other crafters making afghans and other projects to donate locally Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center.

All are welcome — 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.

Tree identification workshop

Beginners are welcome to the second part of this two-season approach to the study of trees at Mill Creek MetroParks Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Program is held indoors and outdoors. Bring your own lunch and drink. The cost is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Registration and payment due at Ford Nature Center by Oct. 18. Call the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 for information.

Mahoning Valley Audubon Society

Jim McCormac, president of Ohio Ornithological Society, is one of the nation’s most prominent naturalists and will be visiting Mill Creek MetroParks Farm Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

He will host an illustrated expedition of Alaska’s St. Paul Island, known for its array of rare bird life. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Public is welcome. For information, call 888-846-8851.

Learn how to wow tailgate party guests

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 as he demonstrates how to prepare and serve unusual, taste-tempting dishes to wow your guests. Come with an appetite! The cost for the event is $28 for garden members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, call 330-740-7116.

Get lost in a corn maze

Find your way through a corn maze and take a guided tractor-wagon tour of MetroPark Farm Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to see what’s being harvested this season. Tour wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a corn-themed craft to take home.

See fall colors at the farm

See orange pumpkins dot the countryside and leaves full of color on a guided tractor-wagon tour of MetroParks Famrm Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can make a craft to take home.

Farm life discussion and tractor ride

A guided tractor-wagon ride with a discussion about farming is planned Oct. 24 at MetroParks Farm from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The program will complement the Farm Life exhibit that opened at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Children can also make a craft to take home.

Don’t miss the last tractor ride of the year

MetroParks Farm will host the last tractor ride of the year “Thoughts of Thanksgiving” Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wagon leaves every half hour. Children can make a turkey craft to home.

See nature’s inspirations

Ginny Lanterman Wiengard’s canvasses, wooden boxes and metal trays painted in oil will be on exhibit through Oct. 10 at Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Her inspiration came from her passion for flowers and the natural beauty surrounding her Florida home.

Take the best drive in the park

Original drawings, vintage photos and equipment of Mill Creek Golf Course will be on display in the Melnik Musuem at Fellows Riverside Gardens through December.

Farm life at Weller Gallery

Weller Gallery in Fellows Riverside Gardens will host “Farm Life: A Century of Change for Farm Families and Their Families” Oct. 15 through Nov. 28.

The exhibit was funded be NEH on the Road and highlights the social and cultural issues brought by decades of change that touch members of farming communities.