Poland briefs

Last summer concert at SOV

Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, will host a free concert featuring The Jim Frank Trio on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The trio plays a variety of music and has been a crowd-pleaser for many years. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 330-726-7110, extension 0.

Local remodeler builds its way to the top

For the 18th consecutive year, Duncan’s Bath and Kitchen Center, located in Poland, has been designated as one of America’s Top 500 Remodelers. The recognition was recently awarded by “Qualified Remodeling Magazine” and will be published in the magazine’s August 2011 edition as well as online at www.qualifiedremodeler.com.

The Top 500 is the longest ongoing recognition program in the remodeling industry, recognizing remodelers for significant success. Recipients must demonstrate sustained success in remodeling installation dollar volume and are chosen based on their previous year’s performance in a number of categories.

Duncan’s services, founded in 1956, include remodeling of baths, kitchens and basements as well as barrier-free remodeling, room additions and plumbing. For additional information, visit www.LetDuncanDoIt.com.

Mickey Schuster Scholarship spaghetti dinner set

Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Dr., Boardman will host its semiannual Mickey Schuster Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is $6.50 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling the church office at 330-758-5745. The dinner includes salad, bread, pasta with meatballs, dessert and drink. Takeouts are available.

All proceeds go to the Mickey Schuster Scholarship Fund and are distributed each year to college students at Bethel.

Calling all card players

Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W, Western Reserve Road, Poland, invites all card players to play on Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served and no reservations are needed. For more information, call 330-726-7110, extension 0.

Bulldog Turf Club donates to food pantry

The Bulldog Turf Club and friends donated $700 worth of food to the Poland Inter Faith Food Pantry on Aug. 3. The pantry is housed at the Poland Methodist Church and is sponsored by Poland’s four largest churches: Poland Methodist, Poland Presbyterian, Prince of Peace and Holy Family.

In order to make the donation, members and friends of the club made personal cash donations. Turf club members and friends then went shopping, purchased and delivered the food. No Turf club funds were used in this project.

“This is the third time that members and friends of The Bulldog Turf Club have made a donation to the food pantry. The food pantry is a great community resource and we are proud to support it,” said Turf Club Chairman Bob Richards, Jr. “We are honored to provide this community service. We will continue our efforts for the Pantry for as long as we can.”

Pancake breakfast helps animal rescue organizations

TNR of Warren and For the Dogs Animal Rescue will sponsor a pancake breakfast on Sept. 17 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Packard Park Indoor Shelter House, 1703 Mahoning Ave. in Warren.

Cost is $7 per person for all-you-can-eat-pancakes served with sausage, milk, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. In addition to the breakfast, tickets will be available for a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction.

Both groups are nonprofit, volunteer-based and rely solely on donations and fundraisers. All proceeds from the event will continue to help TNR of Warren and for the Dogs save the dogs and cats of Trumbull and Mahoning counties.

For more information, call 330-330-8166, visit www.tnrofwarren.org or www.ForTheDogs.Petfinder.com or follow them on Facebook.

Library helps babies bond with books

The Poland branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” for children ages 6-23 months Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m.

This program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library helps toddlers become readers

The Poland branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk” for 2 and 3-year-olds on Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. The program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help toddlers become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Vendor space available

Vendor/craft space is still available for the Shepherd of the Valley Family Fall Fest and Craft Show on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland. All proceeds go to support resident activities. Interested crafters/vendors can call 330-726-7110, ext. 0 for more information.

Library calls all travelers

The Poland branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time for the Family” on Sept. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The library encourages the whole family to put on pajamas and come honor top readers for Summer Reading 2011 with stories and fun.

Win tickets to show

Enter a contest to win four vouchers for the Oct. 28 performance of “Phineas and Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever.” To enter, visit any branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, fill out an entry form and write a paragraph explaining why you like Phineas and Ferb. The contest runs Sept. 14- Oct. 14. Drawings will take place Oct. 15 at each branch. The library will notify winners.

Library hosts Fun Times

The Poland branch of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Fun Times” for children ages four and five on Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 1 p.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Student graduates from Otterbein, interns in New York

Mark Cramer, son of Randy and Vicky Cramer of Boardman and Todd and Lisa Smith of Poland, recently graduated from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. The 2007 Poland graduate is interning with the National Hockey League offices in New York.

Garden club hosts horticultural show

The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown will host its 47th annual horticultural show today and tomorrow at Fellows Riverside Gardens. This show is free and open to the public.

Entries may be submitted by young and old alike today from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Awards will be presented tomorrow at 4 p.m. Flowers and/or veggies may be entered. A special cash prize will be awarded for the heaviest tomato. Visit www.MGCY.org or call Rodney Toth at 330-759-1993 for details.

Meetings set for LPDC

The Poland Local Professional Committee will meet in 2012, on Jan. 19 at 3:15 p.m., March 22 at 3:15 p.m. and May 17 at 3:15 p.m. at Poland Middle School.

The purpose of the committee is to review and approve course work and CEU’s to be completed by educators within the district.

Grocery stores help Wounded Warriors

Three local Nemenz IGA’s will participate in a national cause marketing initiative to raise money for Wounded Warrior Project.

Locations include 2980 McCartney Road, Youngstown; 8 N. Broad St., Canfield; and 655 Creed St., Struthers.

During this national promotion, through Sept. 5, IGA will donate 10 cents from the sale of every specially-marked case of IGA brand water to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Historical society meets

The Poland Historical Society will host regular meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Little Red School House, 4515 Center Road.

The society is actively seeking new and previous members who would like to be involved in future events, including a Tour of Homes and Gardens. For information, call Joan Madej at 330-707-0692.

Help make 1,000 doves

Children of all ages can help fold 1,000 paper doves to decorate the Poland library during regular library hours through August. Japanese legends says that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a wish.

Get your lucky suit cleaned for free

Youngstown-based LaFrance Cleaners is introducing a program that will help unemployed individuals in the Mahoning Valley make a good first impression at their next job interview. The program called ‘Fresh Start’ allows area residents to have clothing they will wear when seeking employment dry-cleaned for free.

“Any businessperson will tell you that an applicant’s appearance is important when making a hiring decision,” said LaFrance president Stephen Weiss. “These days people need every possible advantage in order to land a job.”

The ‘Fresh Start’ program will run through the end of August. Individuals must bring in proof of unemployment and identification. The free service is limited to one outfit per participant and includes a shirt or blouse, slacks, dress or a skirt and suit coat or blazer.

LaFrance Cleaners has locations in Boardman, Canfield, Poland, Liberty and Youngstown, as well as free pick-up and delivery service to homes and offices in sthe Mahoning Valley.

Curves offers Silver Sneakers classes

Free Silver Sneakers classes are offered for eligible women over 65 at Curves in Poland during regular hours. For information, call or 330-757-8800 or visit Curves at 3040 Center Road.

Children learn reading skills

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will sponsor Baby Brilliant: Bonding With Babies and Books for babies 6-23 months every Wednesday in August at 10 a.m. The event features developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Daughters Revolution elects new officers

The Mahoning Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met June 13 at Ala Cart Catering in Canfield for the special purpose of installing new officers for the 2011-2013 term of office.

The new officers elected May 9 are Regent: Mary Altiere, Vice Regent: Milly Lumley, Chaplain: Priscilla Sutton, Recording Secretary: Rolayne Kasmer, Corresponding Secretary: Barbara Parker, Treasurer: Frances Stoner, Registrar: Nancy Lewis, Librarian/Historian: Bonnie Casto and Board members: Carol Tallman, Sarah Reynolds and Mary Lou Shively.

The chapter meets the second Monday of each month except in January, July and August.

The next meeting will be Sept. 12 at Ala Cart Catering at noon.

Enjoy classic rock, join in the club

Classic Rock Social Club is calling all classic rock fans to join them. There are no member fees, just e-mail John Paul jpjam@crsclub.com or call 330-792-8146.

Former resident Dean of Students

Kathy M. Shellogg was appointed Dean of Students at Capital University in Columbus.

Shellogg is a former resident of Poland and has been a student affairs educator for most of her professional career. She is involved as a private consultant working in the organizational change, leadership and community development in higher education, communities and not-for-profit organizations.

Shellogg has served in numerous leadership capacities for the American College Personnel Association, was a charter member of the Educational Leadership Foundation and presented more than 100 higher education organizations, government agencies and community organizations. She completed post-master’s work in higher education at the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor’s of Arts with honors from Wittenberg University.

Shellogg is the daughter of Charles and Bette Shellogg of Poland. She is married to Dr. Robert C. Oberst and has a son, Alexander.

Have family garden fun

Visit the Family Garden on fair weather Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to dig, plant, water or read a book. The Friendly Garden Greeter at the Discovery Cart will tell about plants and will offer many free hands-on activities.

For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Family tours are back at the farm

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout summer families can join MetroParks Farm for a 60-70 minute guided tractor-wagon tour of the facility.

The playroom will be open. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the tour. Reservations are suggested. For information, call the farm at 330-533-7572.