Poland briefs

Hear some of the best speakers in the area

Toastmasters will host Evaluation and Speech Contest Feb. 7 at Shepherd of the Valley, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, at 7 p.m. The public is welcome and admission is free.

Local athlete makes Dean’s list and breaks records

Ryan Rovnak of Poland, son of Richard and Michelle Rovnak, was named to the Dean’s list at Mercyhurst North East for the spring 2010 term.

In order to be selected, students must be enrolled in an associate degree program on a full-time basis and must achieve at least a 3.5 GPA.

Rovnak also played baseball at the school. He set the all-time, single-season record for hits with 53 and the all-time stolen base record with 19. He hit .349 and holds the record for runs scored with 42 and second all-time with four triples.

Poland cadet receives Citadel honor

Cadet Joshua Thomas Cook was honored for outstanding academic achievement at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, during the fall semester of the 2010-2011 academic year.

Cook is seeking a BS in Civil Engineering. Cook achieved Dean’s List recognition, which is given to those cadets and active duty military students registered for 12 or more semester hours whose grade point ratio is 3.2 or higher with no grade below a C for the previous semester’s work.

Cook is seeking a BS in Civil Engineering and earned a Gold Star for achieving a 3.7 grade point average or higher. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert James Cook II of Poland.

Visit Little Learners at open house

Little Learners Academy Preschool located at 1951 Mathews Road in Poland will host an open house Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The academy is accepting registrations for the 2011-2012 school year.

Valentines With Vets

In what is becoming a tradition for Shepherd of the Valley and Zion Lutheran Church, preschoolers from Zion Lutheran and Veterans who live at Shepherd of the Valley will make Valentine’s Day cards for active duty troops.

The children and veterans will meet at Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon to make the cards.

Sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley, the completed Valentines will be delivered to troops overseas.

For information, contact Area Marketing Director for Shepherd of the Valley Kate Davis at 330- 550-3790 or via e-mail at kdavis@ShepherdoftheValley.com.

Poland alum earns a spot on the Dean’s list

Courtney Long, of Poland, daughter of Edward and Torea Long, was named to the fall 2010 Dean’s list at Ashland University.

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be enrolled full time and achieve at least a 3.5 GPA. Long is majoring in speech communications.

Bowl for Relay for Life

Poland’s Relay for Life is hosting a fundraiser Feb. 19 at Mahoning Valley Lanes in Austintown from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost is $10 and includes three hours of unlimited bowling and shoes.

To get a ticket or for information, contact event organizer Sharon Mochtyak at smochtyak@gmail.com.

Learn to eat better with Ted Suzelis

Naturopathic doctor Ted Suzelis will present a lecture titled, “Blood Type Diet Meal Prep” Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at his Boardman office, located in the Southbridge Executive Park at 725 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Suite K-4.

Suzelis and his wife, Robin, will share tips and tricks for creating easy blood type diet-friendly meals. For information or to register, call Stephanie at 330-729-1350 or register online at www.ohiond.com. Admission is free.

Find Girls Scout cookies with GPS

Get a free cookie locator application to find Girl Scout cookies sales by zip code, city, state or cell phone GPS location by calling **472665437 from a mobile phone.

Consumers may also connect to a troop selling cookies by contacting the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888-984-4664.

See familiar faces at the Arms Museum

The Arms Family Museum is featuring a new exhibit titled “Familiar Faces: Memorable Media Personalities” through mid-March. The exhibit features a collection of photographs from WKBN television and radio and WFMJ. Names included in the exhibit include Susie Sidesaddle, Ed Barron, Ted Niemi, Bob Black and Don Guthrie.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior and college students and $2 for children. Admission includes a guided tour of the historic home, six local history exhibits and a hands-on discovery room.

For information, call 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.

Learn self-health care

Learn self-care and how to make decisions about your health during the Health at Home program from 11 a.m. to noon or 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, 8401 McClurg Road, Boardman.

The program uses Health at Home, a book of step-by-step instructions for over 200 health problems. All participants attending the program will receive a free Health at Home book, plus instruction and practice on how to use the book.

The program is free, but registration is required by calling the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Donate a coat and get a discount drive extended

Burlington Coat Factory, ABC’s “Good Morning America” and One Warm Coat organization are extending their fourth annual Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Drive through Feb. 13.

Customers can donate a coat at any Burlington Coat Factory, 529 Boardman-Canfield Road, and receive a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase at the store.

All donated coats in Youngstown will stay in the local area and be distributed by Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley to keep adults and children warm this winter.

Feast at a fish fry

The Lowellville Rod and Gun Club will host a fish fry Feb. 18 at its 6225 Quarry Road location.

The cost for the meal is $15 and includes ocean perch, fries and coleslaw.

Carry-out will be available from noon to 5 p.m. and a sit-down meal will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be no service from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Register for kindergarten

Registration for children entering the Poland Local School’s kindergarten will take place March 5 and March 12 at Union Elementary School, 30 Riverside Dr. from 9 a.m. to noon. Kindergarten students will attend school from 8:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. each day. Parents may register for the Afterschool Care Program during student registration.

Parents or guardians must provide the child’s original, raised seal, birth certificate and Social Security card, immunization records, proof of residency (mortgage documents, house closing papers or rental agreements), parent identification (driver’s license and two current utility bills or credit card statement) and custody papers if applicable.

A child entering kindergarten must be 5 by Aug. 1 and 6 by Aug. 1 to enter first grade. A screening program is set for April 5-7. Parents will be given an appointment for screening during the registration process. No registration papers will be given out before March 5.

Red Cross needs blood

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Library hosts free blood pressure screenings

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer free blood pressure screenings at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.

Taste wine for a cause

The Youngstown Club on Commerce Street will host a wine tasting extravaganza Mar. 5 for the benefit of Mahoning County DD Special Olympics.

Chef Michael will use his culinary expertise to prepare hors d’oeuvres with various wines to enhance the complementary flavors of both.

Tickets are $50 per person and include a charitable tax deduction of $25. To reserve tickets, call 330-724-2177.

Valentine’s party planned for Jr. League

The next meeting for the Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will be Monday at The English Pub, 1305 Boardman-Poland Road.

A Valentines’s Day party is planned. Please wear something red to celebrate Women’s Heart Month.

Women interested in joining or receiving information can contact the membership chairperson Linda Crish at 330-727-9321 or 330 757-7993.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sessions begin the first week of February. To schedule an appointment, call 330-726-2492.

Trim a tree at the Poland library

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

Curves offering free seniors’ memberships The Poland Curves is offering free basic memberships for their circuit strength training and exercise program to senior citizens age 65 and over that have certain Medicare supplement policies.

The Silver Sneakers program has no rigid class time. Ladies can come any time Curves is open.

Personal training and encouragement from our dedicated staff is included.

To learn if you qualify, call 330-757-8800 or stop in at 3040 Center Road, Route 224..

Bring brilliant babies to the library

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” Wednesdays in February at 10 a.m.

This event is for children 6 to 23 months old and books, songs, rhymes and finger plays are some of the activities that will be provided for the children.

This program is also available for 2 and 3-year-olds Thursdays in February at 10:30 a.m.

The event for children ages 4 and 5 is scheduled for Thursdays in February at 1 p.m.

Help warm up America

Join other crafters from the Loose Knit Group at the Antonucci Library Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon and help warm up America by making afghans and other projects.

All helping hands are welcomed. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time.

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

Writing workshop planned

Karen Shubert will lead a writing workshop about meaningful, everyday experiences Wednesday and Feb. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Various topics will be explored. All levels of experience are welcome — just bring a pen and paper.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116.

Buy used books for good prices

Shop for used gardening book, cookbooks and horticulture magazines at the twice-loved book sale Feb. 12-20 from 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Davis Education Center and Visitor Center.

The sale benefit’s the Antonucci Library at the Gardens and donations of used gardening books are appreciated at any time.

Learn to grow a giant pumpkin

The Ohio Valley Pumpkin Growers will host a free pumpkin growing class Feb. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

Registration is required. To register, call 330-533-7278.

Decorate eggs Pysanky-style

Mary Soldo will teach an introductory Pysanky egg decorating class for ages 12 and older Feb. 12 at Fellows Riverside gardens.

The cost for the workshop is $15 for garden members and $20 for nonmembers and participants will create their own egg. Registration and fee are due at the Ford Nature Center today.

Take an inside passage to Alaska

Ken Gober, retired Cleveland MetroParks naturalist, returns Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. to kick off the Nature Photography Exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The exhibit will feature the waters of Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm and the ports of Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines and Elfin Cove.

Play the nature game

Participate in Mahoning Valley Audobon Society’s “Do You Know? The Nature Game” Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at MetroParks Farm and have a chance to win prizes.

Compete by identifying various natural wonders by sight and sound. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 888-864-8851.

Garden on the sunny side

Join three garden experts at the Winter Seminar of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown Feb. 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore what’s new in gardening.

The annual event is cosponsored by Mill Creek MetroParks and will feature ideas for entrance gardens, great plant combos, trees and shrubs for small spaces and what’s new for the garden.

The fee is $50. For information and to register, call John Kolar at 330-545-2266 or visit www.mgcy.org/wintersseminar.aspx.

Have afternoon tea at the gardens

Join Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an elegant afternoon tea. Tea sandwiches, sweets, harp music by Darlene MacBenn and the humor of Molly Brown will be provided.

The cost for the event is $20 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Take a brisk walk before breakfast

Start Feb. 25 with a brisk walk through the gardens followed by breakfast at the Garden Caf and a lesson on members of the orchid family from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The fee is $7 for garden members and $9 for nonmembers. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with animals

Two-year-old children and their adult companions can honor most-loved animals Thursday at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Ford Nature Center’s “Tales for Twos: I love Animals.”

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Arrange flowers for someone special

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their favorite adult will use pink and red miniature carnations to make cushion flowers during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Hearts and Flower program Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. or Friday and Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon.

The fee is $8 for residents and $11 for nonresidents and a story and snack will be included. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Make a valentine

Children 6 and up and their adult partner can make handmade valentines using mulberry papers, pressed flowers and leaves during Fellows Riverside Garden’s Botanical Valentines Feb. 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost for the event is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Fly like an eagle

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will learn about bald eagles Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. during the Ford Nature Center’s “Preschool Nature Hour: Fly Like an Eagle.”

The cost for the program is $2 for residents and $3 for nonresidents. To register, call the nature center at 330-740-7107.

Listen to the Al-Ray Combo

The Al-Ray Combo will play a variety of music Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Yellow Creek Park Lodge.

Hunger Moon explained Feb. 18

Learn why the Native Americans gave this month’s moon such a strange name Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. during a 2-mile, moderately-difficult interpretive hike.

Hiker should meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot. Icy conditions are possible.

Explore Pioneer Pavilion

View vintage slides featuring the photography of Lindley Vickers and explore the historical Pioneer Pavilion Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

Meet at the pavilion. Walking will be minimal, but the program will be upstairs.

Take winter birds 101

A presentation on simple bird basics, common winter birds and the Great Backyard Bird Count will be followed by a hike to areas near Ford Nature Center Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Icy conditions are possible for this moderately-difficult 1-mile hike. Hikers will observe and count birds for the bird count. Meet at the Ford Nature Center.

Enjoy a hike and hot chocolate

Cool it on a moderately-difficult, 3-mile winter hike and then return to the Ford Nature Center for a warm cup of hot chocolate and a presentation about South Carolina wildflowers Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Hike for the health of it

Mill Creek MetroParks will host a Health and Wellness walk Feb. 16 at 9 a.m.

Feb. 16 walkers meet at the main Golf Course overflow parking lot for an easy-rated 1 or 3-mile walk.

SClBSClB

Make reservations at Boardman Park now

Boardman Park is now taking reservations for its Indoor Meeting Rooms, Open-Air Pavilions and St. James Meeting House for the balance of available dates in 2011 and for 2012 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 330-726-8105 or in person at the office, located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Reservations made through the office must be paid within 10 days from the date the reservation is made.

Reservation may be paid for by check, cash or money order. Reservations may also be made online at www.boardmanpark.com.

Become a MetroMutt member

Bring the pooch and join Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse for a hike around the Lily Pond Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Birch Hill Cabin.

Afterward, warm up at Birch Hill Cabin and learn more and become a MetroMutts member.

New members will receive a collapsible dog bowl. Refreshments and treats for canines and people will be provided. Dogs must be non-aggressive, under control and on a six-foot maximum leash at all times.

For information, call the Metroparks Administrative Office at 330-702-3000.

Learn how to make hors d’oeuvres

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques during a demonstration on how to prepare and serve four hors d’oeuvres Feb. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost the program is $28 for garden members and $35 for non-members.

To register, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

Monday meetings set for conservation district

Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District Board meetings for 2011 will be at 7 p.m. the second Monday each month at the District Office, 850 Industrial Road in Youngstown.

Anyone interested in being contacted regarding special meetings or changes to regular meetings can call 330-740-7995.

„ÄÄ

Be entertained on Valentine’s Day

Tickets are available for the Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Dinner and Entertainment Benefit for the Ursuline Center in Canfield.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road. The cost is $22 per person or $200 for 10 people and includes a Valentine-theme gourmet meal provided by Broad Street Diner and a chocolate fountain dessert.

Featured entertainment will include pianist Thomas Solich who will provide dinner music and the Ursuline High School Chorus who will entertain after dinner with a selection of popular music.

For tickets and information, contact the Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941 or visit www.theursulinecenter.org.

Do yoga at the gardens

Bring a mat and small blanket to learn a blend of energizing yoga styles from Heidi Suraci at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout February.

Tuesdays will feature beginners’ classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and intermediate classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday classes will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are open to all levels.

The fee is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.

T’ai Chi in the garden

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form taught by Marie Lew Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. during February at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The costs is $10 per class. For information, call the gardens at 330-740-7116.