Poland briefs

Senior receives award

Rebecca Mowad, a senior at Poland Seminary High School has recently received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. To qualify for this award, Mowad first attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar in June of 2010 as one of the school’s representatives, then went on to complete 308 hours of community service within one year. In addition to receiving a certificate of recognition from the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and a President’s Volunteer Service Award Certificate, she also received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama.

Lighting of the village

Poland’s third annual Lighting of the Village Christmas Celebration will be Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Peterson Park Town Hall and the Poland library. The event, sponsored by Poland Junior Women’s Club, will feature performance by several local choral groups and the Poland Seminary High School band, free refreshments, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and a puppet show.

For more information contact Jeannette Albert at 330-757-2488 or visit http://www.PJWC.org.

Shepherd of the Valley passes survey

According to the State of Ohio, Shepherd of the Valley–Poland is perfect. In October, SOV-Poland underwent its annual state survey and they passed with flying colors.

“This result is due to the staff’s commitment to providing quality care to our residents,” said Kelly Stansloski, SOV-P Associate Director. “I want to congratulate them on their dedication to not only meeting but exceeding the state guidelines.”

Assisted living providers offer services to residents who require some assistance, but do not need the level of care provided by a nursing home. The State licenses these providers, conducting annual reviews to ensure the providers adhere to the standards set by the State.

For more information, contact Kelly Stansloski, Associate Director, Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, at 330-726-7110, ext. 0.

Drop and shop for free

Mauthe Park, 156 Smithfield Road, in Struthers is collecting holiday decorations in good condition (wreaths, lights, ornaments) and items suitable for holiday gifts (toys, books, clothes) on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.

Those bringing decorations can take “new to you” festive decor and do holiday gift shopping for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Republic Services.

This free event is sponsored by Republic Services, Poland Township, City of Struthers, Mauthe Park, Green Team and YSU re:CREATE.

For more information, call Sarah Ellis, YSU re:CREATE manager, at 330-941-2238.

Bird walk in the park

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk to search for feathered winter residents and migrants on the Mindy Henning Memorial Trail today at 8 a.m. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm.

Doctor gives health lecture

Ted Suzelis will be present his lecture titled, “Naturopathic Thyroid Care” on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at his Boardman office, located in the Southbridge Executive Park at 725 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite K-4, Boardman.

In this lecture, Suzelis will discuss naturopathic options for thyroid health.

For more information or to register, call Stephanie at 330-729-1350 or register online at www.OhioND.com. Admission is free.

Junior Women’s League presents Donation Day

The Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will present “Making Kids Count” Donation Day at Dunkin Donuts, 6041 Market Street, Boardman Saturday to collect new blankets and other items of care essentials (gifts too!) for babies. A free cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee will be given with any donation from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Making Kids Count” is an organization to help welcome and support the arrival of babies whose parents need a little extra financial support.

Boardman Park announces Carve-Out winners

On Oct. 25 Boardman Township Park hosted the “Great Pumpkin Carve-Out” for the community.

The winners of contest were:

Preschool, Will Gehring- first place, Julia and Mia Massacci- second place

K-4th grade Jacob Gehring- first place, Will Linder- second place

5th-9th grade Katharine Repetski- first place, Kylie Thomas- second place

10th-Adult Chuck Pangburn- first Place, Matt Lettau- second place

Winners may pick up their prizes at the park office, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Horticulture students open floral shop

The Horticulture students at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center have opened their floral shop to the community. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday through May.

The Floral Shop currently offers a selection of fall floral arrangements for the home, office or as gift. The students can also create custom fresh floral arrangements for their customers.

To plan an order or for more information, contact Mary June Emerson, Horticulture Instructor at 330-729-4000, ext. 1671.

Design fresh flower centerpieces

Design a fresh flower centerpiece at Fellows Riverside Garden on Nov. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lemon leaves, eucalyptus berries and hypericum share the limelight with autumn-hued roses in this Thanksgiving centerpiece. Dolly Vivalo will instruct you step by step in the design of this stunning fresh flower arrangement placed in a unique leaf vase.

The cost is $28 for Mahoning County residents and $35 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The Gardens presents Breakfast Botany: Birch

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites you to Breakfast Botany: Birch on Nov. 18 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Start your morning with a brisk walk through the Gardens on then return to the Garden Caf to enjoy a light breakfast and learn about plants in the birch family.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

Olde Fashioned Christmas

Lanterman’s Mill will be decked out in holiday finery Nov. 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill.

The program will include Santa, artisans demonstrating crafts, a juggler, a balloon artist and musicians.

Bring a hat, scarf or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm-up children in need from Mahoning County this winter.

Shop in the Gardens Holiday Open House

Shop the beautiful garden-related items, jewelry and holiday and home d cor today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The limited edition 2012 Mill Creek MetroParks calendar from local nature photographer Scott Lanz will also be available.

Profits from the calendar sales support the future Ohio Woodland Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Heritage Presbyterian hosts free lunch

Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1951 Mathews Road, Poland, is hosting a free lunch on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church invites everyone to attend. For more information call the church at 330-707-9031.

Class of 1991 reunites

The Poland Seminary High School class of 1991 will have their 20th Class Reunion on Nov. 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Embassy, 5030 Youngstown-Poland Road.

A reunion mixer will be held on Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Youngstown Sports Grille, 7463 South Ave., Boardman.

The cost is $45 per person for the reunion at $10 per person for the mixer.

For more information call Heidi Balough Smith at 330-506-7151 or Mary Jo D’Amato at 330-718-4384.

Blood pressure screening available

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be blood pressure screening on Nov. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Poland library.

Trim a tree at the library

The Poland library invites children of all ages to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree the month of November during library hours.

Library hosts Bonding with Babies and Books

The Poland library is hosting Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books on Nov. 16, 23 and 30 at 10 a.m. for babies ages 6-23 months. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities designed to help children become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Poland Presbyterian promotes Pioneer Clubs

Poland Presbyterian Church is hosting an afternoon with “Jungle Terry,” wildlife educator on Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor. The event is open to families in the community and will promote the launching of the church’s new Pioneer Clubs program.

Pioneer Clubs is a Christ-centered weekly program for kids ages 4 years through 6th grade. Kids will earn badges for various activities, play fun games, make new friends and learn about the Bible.

Shepherd of the Valley hosts food drive

Shepherd of the Valley in Poland will be collecting non-perishable food items during the month of November. Donated items can be dropped off at the receptionist desk at Shepherd of the Valley- Poland, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland.

All items collected will help stock the food bank at Victory Lutheran Church, Glenwood Blvd, Youngstown. The church currently feeds 160-180 people per month and expects the number to rise.

For more information call 330-726-7110, ext. 0.

Library hosts Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk

The Poland library is hosting Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2-3. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finer plays and other activities that will help children become a successful reader.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library hosts Fun Times

The Poland library will host Fun Times for 4s and 5s on Thursday at 1 p.m. for children ages 4-5. The program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities to help children come successful readers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Design fresh flower centerpieces

Design a fresh flower centerpiece at Fellows Riverside Garden on Nov. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lemon leaves, eucalyptus berries and hypericum share the limelight with autumn-hued roses in this Thanksgiving centerpiece. Dolly Vivalo will instruct you step by step in the design of this stunning fresh flower arrangement placed in a unique leaf vase.

The cost is $28 for Mahoning County residents and $35 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The Gardens presents Breakfast Botany: Birch

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites you to Breakfast Botany: Birch on Friday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Start your morning with a brisk walk through the Gardens on then return to the Garden Caf to enjoy a light breakfast and learn about plants in the birch family.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

Enjoy Olde Fashioned Christmas

Lanterman’s Mill will be decked out in holiday finery Nov. 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill.

The program will include Santa, artisans demonstrating crafts, a juggler, a balloon artist and musicians.

Bring a hat, scarf or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm-up children in need from Mahoning County this winter.

Disney Prince and Princess Party set

Princesses and Princes from preschool to third grade are invited to the Disney Prince and Princess Party at the Austintown library on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Dress up as your favorite Disney princess or prince.

This is a fundraising event for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Tickets are $20 per child and the price of admission includes a ticket voucher for the a Disney on Ice performance of “Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey” at the Covelli Centre.

Children at the library party must be accompanied by an adult, who is admitted free. Attendance is limited to 100.

For information or to register, call 330-740-6086.

Montessori school hosts Baby Talk

The Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley, 2008 Lynn Ave., Youngstown is hosting Baby Talk: Where Babies Communicate every Tuesday in November.

The classes taught by Karen Steed, Deaf Educator and Sign Language Interpreter and Barb Ricks, Speech Language Pathologist is designed to increase vocabulary, reduce frustration and expand expressive language in babies.

Classes are geared to children ages 6 months to 2 and a half years and their parents.

Baby Talk level I will be Tuesdays in November (15,22) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Baby Talk level II will be Tuesdays in November (15,22) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Class fees are $50 and include the session and sign language resource materials.

For more information call Barb at 330-540-1025 or email Karen at baileysignstoo@aol.com.

Pajama Jam at the library

The Poland library is hosting Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family on Nov. 21 from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Families are invited to put on their pajamas and come for holiday stories and more fun.

Trim a tree at the library

Children of all ages are invited to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree at the Poland Library. Children can decorate the ornament during library hours throughout Nov.

Breaking Dawn wedding is Thursday

The Poland library invites girls in grades 7-12 to attend a wedding celebration for Bella and Edward from the Twilight Series on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library.

The event will include games, crafts, prizes, surprises and food.

Beginning Nov. 1, teens can register by calling 330-744-8636, by visiting www.libraryvisit.org/Breakingdawn or in person at the library. Registration is limited.

Shaffer joins Farmers National Bank

Timothy Shaffer will be the new Vice President at Farmers.

Shaffer began as a management trainee and assistant branch manager in 1984 and has since help positions such as credit analyst, branch manager, small business loan officer and commercial loan officer. In his new position with Farmers National Bank, Shaffer will lead the commercial lending efforts in the Mahoning Valley.

Third annual food drive

Dr. Cecil, Dr. Gudaitis and staff will be hosting their third annual food drive during the month of November. On Thursday, the doctors will provide all chiropractic adjustments at no charge for existing patients in exchange for at least a bag of nonperishable food items. Call to reserve an appointment.

During the week of Nov. 14-18, the doctors will offer new patients a consultation and X-rays in exchange for two bags of non-perishable food items.

All food and proceeds will be donated to the Warren Family Mission.

Library helps babies bond with books

The Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” for babies 6-23 months on Nov. 16 and 23 at 10 a.m.

The program includes developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.