Poland community briefs

Shepherd of the Valley hosts job fair

Shepherd of the Valley Home Health Services will host a job fair for registered nurses (RNs) and aides interested in working in the home health field Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the offices in Austintown.

Attendees must either bring a resume or go online prior to the fair and upload their resume and information at www.ShepherdoftheValley.com. Other openings available at the five Shepherd of the Valley locations can also be viewed.

For more information, contact Deidre Watson at 330-530-4038, extension 2038 or dwatson@ShepherdoftheValley.com.

Local personal trainer publishes book

Mark Russo, a personal trainer and owner of Fantastic Fitness, Inc., in Boardman has published an ebook which is currently available on Amazon.com.

The book, “Creating a Dynamite Body” describes the details of Russo’s approach to fitness. His five-tier system combines diet, aerobics, weight training, stretching and rest for best results. The program, which Russo developed during his 20-year career as a weight training enthusiast and personal trainer, is described in detail in his eBook.

Photos show specifics of each stretch and weight training exercise emphasizing correct form to minimize injury, the main culprit in derailing a fitness program. The program has been very successful for athletes and everyday folks who need to minimize gym time due to busy schedules.

Garden club hosts horticultural show

The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown will host its 47th annual horticultural show Aug. 27-28 at Fellows Riverside Gardens. This show is free and open to the public.

Entries may be submitted by young and old alike on Aug. 27 from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Awards will be presented Aug. 28 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.

You could win a Chevy Cruze for $20

The Rotary Club of Canfield is partnering with Hospice of the Valley to make someone the lucky winner of a “fully-loaded” 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ.

Tickets for the car raffle will be on sale this weekend at the Southern Park Mall. The Chevy Cruze will be on display in the Main Concourse in front of Macy’s and raffle tickets will be available for $20. Proceeds from this raffle will benefit Canfield Rotary and Hospice of the Valley and their many local community projects.

Library, Yellow Creek Theatre sponsor movie night

The Friends of the Library and Yellow Creek Theatre will co-host a family movie night at the Yellow Creek Outside Theatre Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. A Disney movie will be the featured presentation. Bring lawn chairs and families to the back parking lot of the Poland library.

New gourmet eatery now open in Boardman

Bella’s To-Go, a quick-serve gourmet cuisine eatery and catering service, has opened at 400 Boardman-Poland Road, across from the Shops at Boardman Park, near Sprint and the new Plato’s Closet.

The eatery offers a range of healthful and delicious choices. On the light side, there are seasonal soups, unusual wraps, bold salads, stuffed burgers and exotic pizzas. Entr e selections include chicken francaise, veal marsala and filet tenderloin with an array of side dishes that change daily.

Meetings set for LPDC

The Poland Local Professional Committee will meet Aug. 25 at 11 a.m., and 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.

Library hosts Baby Brilliant 2’s and 3’s

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host the Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s program Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

The event includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children ages 2-3 become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

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.

Alum makes the Dean’s List

Devyn Appugliese, a freshman in the A.J. Palumbo School of Business Administration, daughter of Marcia A. Greening of Poland, has been named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Duquesne University.

The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, with no grade lower than a “C.”

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.

Decorate library with folded cranes

According to Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a wish. The Poland library will be open this summer for those wanting to help fold 1,000 paper doves to decorate the library. This event is for for children of all ages.

Fours and fives learn word skills

Developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities will entertain children (age 4-5) and help them become a successful reader.

The Poland library is hosting this event, titled Fun Time for 4s and 5s, on Thursday. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Green Team teaches recycling program

The Mahoning County Green Team will visit the Poland library Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. for a program titled Mother Earth Visits the Library. Mother Earth herself will read, “Dear Children of the Earth, A Letter from Home,” written by Schim Schimmel. After listening to this reminder of the responsibility we all have to protect the world, participants will make colorful flower magnets from used bottle caps and receive Earth-themed coloring books. This activity is recommended for children in preschool through grade 5.

Marine Corps reunion set for Aug. 13

The Tri-State Marine Detachment No. 494 of the Marine Corps League will host the 32nd annual Marine Corps Reunion Aug. 13 at the Saxon Club, 710 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

The event is open to all Marines past and present, plus friends and their quests.

The festivities will begin with refreshments at 6 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7, followed by the speaker, music and dancing and will last until midnight. The speaker was assigned by the United States Marine Corps, Commandant’s office and will be Lt. Col. Joseph Raftery, a Philadelphia native and a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

The evening will also include, door prizes, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.

Tickets for this event will be $25.Reservations can be made by calling Frank Griffiths at 330-533-2314 or Ed Leviseur at 330-702-0667.

Get money tips as summer winds down

A smart money game will highlight the final reading event of the summer at the Poland library on Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. The event is for children of all ages. Preschoolers must attend with an adult.

Attention Chaney Class of 1956

The 55th year reunion of the Chaney High School Class of 1956 will be at A La Cart, 429 Lisbon St. Canfield, Aug. 20 with hors d’oeuvers at 6 p.m. and a buffet dinner at 7 p.m.

Reservations and payment are due by today.

For information, call Larry Probert at 330-799-1201 or e-mail larpro@sbcglobal.net or call Joan Fergus at 330-533-5972 or e-mail at jferg@zoominternet.net.

Austintown Lube hosts swimsuit contest

Quaker Steak & Lube Æ in Austintown is hosting its first Swim Suit USA International Model Search, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles.

Women can put on their best tasteful swim and night wear and win prizes, including cash and a trip to Las Vegas representing the state of Ohio.

The competition will consist of a preliminary round today starting at 8 p.m. with a different panel of judges each week.

The final round will be Aug. 6. During the final round, most of the judges from the previous weeks will come back to select a lady from the Austintown Quaker Steak & Lube Æ to move on to Canton and maybe ultimately, Las Vegas.

For information on how to enter the contest, call Danielle Hall at 330-349-9464.

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.

Tour MetroParks Farm via tractor

Children can make a craft to take home and tractor rides leave every half hour tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MetroParks Farm.

High honors for Poland student

Ryan Storkel, a freshman in the Mylan School of Pharmacy, was named to the spring Dean’s List of Duquesne University.

The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with no grade lower than a “C”.

Storkel is the son of Bill and Teri Storkel of Poland.

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.

Players perform Shakespeare in the park

The Mahoning Valley Players will perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” this weekend at the Judge Morley Pavilion at 6 p.m.

The free performance is a romantic comedy with star-crossed lovers, mistaken identity and happy ending. Lawn seating is available, bring a chair or blanket.

Hike during Sunfest

Meet at the kiosk near the tennis courts at Wick Recreation Area tomorrow at 11 a.m. for a one-mile, easy-rated exploration of nearby trails.

Sculpt sand at Sunfest

Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a masterpiece and perhaps win a prize tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area.

Sand and water will be provided. Participants should bring tools and creativity. To reserve a pile of sand for $5, call 330-740-7107.

Italian Fest scheduled

The Italian Fest is set for this weekend in downtown Youngstown.

Festivities began Friday at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies, followed by the Miss Italian Youngstown Pageant at 7 p.m. The Miss Italian Youngstown beauty and talent pageant has become a tradition at the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest. The pageant includes modeling, speaking about Italian heritage and performing a talent.

There will be continuous entertainment and fun activities, including Morra and a pasta eating contest. A little King and Queen will also be crowned.

For information, contact pageant chairman Anthony Julian at 330-799-8184 or 330-207-0515.

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.