Poland briefs

Poland Historical Society meets Tuesday

The next regular meeting of the Poland Historical Society is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Little Red Schoolhouse located at 4515 Center Road (Rt. 224).

At 7:30, Ted Heineman will have a presentation about Poland’s role in the Civil War. Guests will also have an opportunity to view the many historical items on display in the schoolhouse.

Italian Fest to be in August

The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest will be held on Aug. 3-5 in downtown Youngstown. The festival is now accepting applications for the Italian Man and Woman of the Year. Applications for scholarships are also available. Applicants must be attending Youngstown State University in order to be eligible for these scholarships. Deadline for applications is June 1. For more information and applications, contact Arlene DeChellis at 330-726-8019.

Walk for Life set

Pregnancy Help Center Walk for Life is May 5 in Boardman Park, Thomas C. Masters Pavilion. Registration is at 9 a.m., the two-mile walk begins at 10 a.m.

Chuck E. Cheese will be there to pass out coupons for the Boardman location for free tokens for all day May 5. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from the day go toward the Walk for Life total.

Enjoy pizza and games at Chuck E. Cheese after the walk and benefit women and babies in the community. Sponsor forms for the walk can be downloaded directly from www.supportcarenet.com. No need to collect money — get pledges and we will bill sponsors. For more information, call 330-788-4000.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meeting set

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet on April 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Ave. in Boardman. The group will share, inform and educate on daily living with a chronic disease. Anyone with an interest in fibromyalgia may attend.

Eat pasta, support Tyler

A pasta dinner in support of Tyler Branca will be held on May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 7345 Westview Drive. The cost is $9 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Dinner includes pasta, meatballs, salad, roll, dessert, coffee, tea and orange drink. Pasta, sauce and meatballs are donated by Cafe Capri.

Branca is a 21-year-old college student who was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Monetary donations are also accepted at any First National Bank — just ask for the Tyler Branca Fund.

Sheely’s Furniture celebrates 60 years

Sheely’s Furniture and Appliance of North Lima is celebrating 60 years of doing business in the region. Sheely’s is hosting a special four-day event at its store. Today and Monday, customers can stop by for a number of giveaways including a chanced to win appliances, furniture and gift cards. Families can stop by for special kids events, too. To learn more about Sheely’s, visit their website at www.Sheelys.com.

Wine tasting event set

The sixth annual St. Michael’s Family Life Center Benefit Wine Tasting is Friday at 7 p.m. The event will feature wines from more than half a dozen distributors across northeast Ohio, as well as food stations prepared by Naffah Hospitality of Canfield.

Tickets are $50 per person in advances. Reservations are being accepted for tables of eight people.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the St. Michael’s Parish office at 330-533-6839.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Program set

The Bladder Cancer Awareness Program will be April 23 at 5 p.m. at Ciminero’s Banquet Center, 123 N. Main Street in Niles. Dr. Vince Ricchiuti and Dr. Dan Ricchiuti of NEO Urology Associates Inc., and Partners for Urology Health will discuss risk factors, prevention and treatment options for bladder cancer.

The program is free and open to the public with dinner provided. Register by calling 330-480-3151 or toll-free at 877-700-4647. Registration is needed by Thursday.

Registration opens for Women’s Heart Day

Registration for Woman’s Heart Day, a free health and wellness extravaganza provided by Humility of Mary Health Partners has begun. Provided as a service to the community, Woman’s Heart Day will take place on May 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covelli Centre. This annual event features free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, educational presentations on a variety of women’s health issues, cooking demonstrations, refreshments and giveaways.

Among the health screenings offered this year are bone density, lipid panel (cholesterol) and glucose testing, arterial disease assessments, blood pressure readings, vision screenings, body fat measurements and health age assessments.

Registration is required and appointments for lipid panel testing are limited.

For information or to register, call the HMHP Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

Mooney student recognized

Nicole Ginnis, a junior from Cardinal Mooney, will be recognized at Holy Family Church on April 15 for her winning essay on Right to Life. Her essay was chosen as the best by the Mahoning Valley Right to Life Organization and will now compete on the state level in Columbus.

This essay was a project of Dr. Richard Mattiussi’s Religion class at Mooney. Nicole is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Ginnis of Poland.

Mooney student wins prestigious award

Ricky Clark, a senior from Cardinal Mooney High School, has been awarded the State Farm Insurance Scholarship by the National Merit Foundation. He will be receiving between $3,000-$8,000 per year renewable to apply to his college tuition. He plans to attend The University of Notre Dame or Princeton University next fall. He is the son of Fran and Rick Clark of Poland.

Poland resident earns honors

Sigma Alpha Lambda is proud to announce that Kenzie Ellise Black of Poland has recently become recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the Youngstown State University.

Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development and lifelong professional fulfillment.

Rindy named to Dean’s List

Luke Rindy has been named to the Fall 2011 Deans List at Slippery Rock University. He is a freshman majoring in Biology and plans to attend the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is the son of Wendy and John Rindy of Poland and a 2011 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.

Bonding with Babies and Books

The Poland library will host “Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books” for babies 6-23 months on April 18 and 25 at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities. Children must be accompanies by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

The Poland library will hosts Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s on April 19 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. The program will include 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.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

The Poland library will host Fun Time for 4s and 5s on April 19 and 26 at 1 p.m. The program will include developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meeting set

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet on Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Ave. in Boardman. The group will share, inform and educate on daily living with a chronic disease. Anyone with an interest in fibromyalgia may attend.

Join a loose knit group

Team up with other crafters on Friday to make afghans and other projects to donate locally. The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon in the Antonucci Library. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for more information.

Registration opens for Women’s Heart Day

Registration for Woman’s Heart Day, a free health and wellness extravaganza provided by Humility of Mary Health Partners has begun. Provided as a service to the community, Woman’s Heart Day will take place on May 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covelli Centre. This annual event features free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, educational presentations on a variety of women’s health issues, cooking demonstrations, refreshments and giveaways.

Among the health screenings offered this year are bone density, lipid panel (cholesterol) and glucose testing, arterial disease assessments, blood pressure readings, vision screenings, body fat measurements and health age assessments.

Registration is required and appointments for lipid panel testing are limited.

For information or to register, call the HMHP Healthline at 330-480-3151 or 877-700-4647.

HMHP to host drug take-back

Humility of Mary Health Partners, as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, will collect unused prescription medications on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown and St. Joseph Health Center in Warren.

Unused and expired prescription drugs can be dropped off at drive-through collection sites on the Belmont Avenue ramp at St. Elizabeth and at the main entrance at St. Joseph. Participation is free and anonymous – no questions asked.

Medications need not be in original containers. If medication is disposed of in its original container, identifying information should be removed. Liquid medications, intravenous solutions, injectable drugs and syringes will not be accepted.

Celebrate life group to meet

Men and Women United for Life, a pro-life group within the Diocese of Youngstown, and the Youth Ministry students from Holy Family Parish in Poland are sponsoring the second annual unique celebration of life titled “Blessed One.” The celebration will be April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holy Family Parish, 2729 Center Road.

Deacon Ralph Poyo of the Diocese of Steubenville, a nationally-known speaker and the founder of New Evangelization Ministries will be the keynote speaker for the event. A reception will follow the event at the Parish Center.

For more information, contact Natalie Wardle, youth minister at St. Charles Parish, at 330-758-2325.Look for golden daffodils

Join our hike around Lake Newport tomorrow at 2 p.m. and keep your fingers crossed that Daffodil Meadow is in bloom.

Meet at Newport Wetlands parking lot. Difficult rating, five miles.

Car Trunk and Treasure Sale set

The Ursuline Center Car Trunk and Treasure Sale will be July 14 at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Ursuline Center on Shields Road in Canfield. Spaces are now available for cars. The cost for a side-by-side space is $25, but the fee will increase to $30 after June 30. All spaces are first-come, first-served.

The sale will also include food and refreshments on sale as well as a book, bake and furniture sale that be will held inside the center. The sale of pets, firearms and fireworks will not be permitted.

For more information, contact the center at 330-533-3831 or visit www.theursulinecenter@yahoo.com.

Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off raises money

On March 18 the Mahoning Valley’s finest pizza establishments donated their time and talent to present more than 1,100 attendees with the best pizzas. This year’s Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off raised more than $38,000 for the Potential Development Program’s School of Autism.

Local pizzerias participating in The 2012 Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook Off included: Bella Napoli, Brier Hill Pizza and Wings, Bruno Bros. Pizza, Cassese’s MVR, Cocca’s Pizza, Gia’s Pizzeria, La Rocca’s Pizza and Pasta Ristorante, Southgate Pizza, Sunrise Inn, Strikers and Wedgewood Fernando’s Pizza.

The Potential Development Program, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that offers special education services to children with developmental delays, behavioral concerns and a diagnosis within the autism spectrum.

Lego My Library

The Poland library invites children 6 and older to create Lego designs on Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. Legos will be provided.

Create a sky craft

The Poland library invites school-aged children to make art on a string to swing from the sky above the librarian’s desk. The crafts will be available to make during library hours through the month of April.

Jam in your pajamas

The Poland library will host Celebrity Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family on April 23 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Join us with our special guest, meteorologist Mark Monstrola from WFMJ TV 21. The whole family is invited to put on pajamas and come to the library for wacky weather stories and more fun.

Trim a tree at the library

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

Screen your blood pressure

The Poland library will host a blood pressure screening provided by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. The screening will be on April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Connect with your eReader

Bring your e-Reader to the Poland library on April 16 and 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. or April 21 from 10 to 11 p.m. You’ll learn how to download eBooks from library’s digital catalog on the website. Limited availability, sign-up required. To sign up, call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library.

Attend federal contracting workshop

The Poland library is hosting a federal contracting workshop on April 25 at 10 a.m. Sonya Wagasky of the Small Business Administration’s Cleveland regional office will be giving the informative workshop on the requirements and regulations of expanding your business opportunity to include becoming a federal contractor.

Compete in Crossword Puzzle Tournament

The Poland library is hosting a Crossword Puzzle Tournament on April 21 at 9 a.m. The tournament is for children, teens and adults. The registration fee is $10 per adult and $5 per child under 18. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. For information about this fundraising event and entry fee, contact the library’s the development office at 330-740-6086.

Participate in Ohio Plant Lover’s Tour

The MetroParks is traveling to Ohio Prairie Nursery on May 30 to see native plants best suited for Ohio. The bus will continue on to the American Herb Society and Holden Arboretum for lunch and a tour. The David G. Leach Research Station displaying spectacular rhododendrons is the last stop before a delicious dinner at the Ferrante Winery and Ristorante. Cost is $135 ($95 for FFRG members). Registration is due by April 30. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for details.

Get fit together

Mill Creek MetroParks and Fitness Together present this event held at Wick Recreation Area and surrounding park drives on April 28 at 9 a.m. Fitness Together is a local, group-training studio dedicated to helping people achieve their overall fitness goals. All profits from the race, sponsorships, and registration fees will be given to the Mill Creek Park Foundation supporting outdoor education and recreation activities within Mill Creek MetroParks.

This walk/run event is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to have a good time and support a great cause. Whether you are a veteran racer, a first time participant, or someone who would prefer to walk while socializing with friends and family, we welcome you. Registration forms available online at www.fitnesstogethercanfield.com. For more information call 330-702-1311.

Cost is $15 for early registration (prior to April 27); $20 for event-day registration .

Search for wildflowers

The MetroParks is hosting a hike that will search for the first blooming wildflowers. The hike will take place tomorrow at 2 p.m. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, three miles.

Take bird walks

Certified Volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage will lead two spring walks. The walks will be:

April 21 at 8 a.m., meet at Newport Wetlands. Easy rating, less than one mile.

April 28 at 8 a.m., meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Easy rating, less than one mile.

Learn the park’s natural history

The MetroParks will host Earth Day Now and Then hike on April 22 at 2 p.m. Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse will lead this leisurely paced excursion to discuss the Park’s natural and cultural history, and Earth Days in the past. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, three miles.

Bluebells hike set

The MetroParks will be taking a hike on April 29 at 2 p.m. See the parade of spring wildflowers at one of the premier places in the area. Meet at Poland Municipal Forest. Easy rating, two miles.

Health and Wellness Walks set

The MetroParks is hosting health and wellness walks. The walks will be:

Tuesday at 9 a.m., meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Easy rating, two or four miles.

April 25 at 6 p.m., meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Easy rating, two or four miles.

Enjoy Breakfast Botany

The MetroParks will host Breakfast Botany: Sweet Shrub Family on Friday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Start your morning with a brisk garden walk. Return to the Garden Caf to enjoy a light breakfast and learn about the willow plant family. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.

Take a tour of the gardens

The MetroParks is hosting an Earth Day Tour of the gardens on April 22 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens with Ellen Speicher, assistant horticulture director to admire the glowing hues of daffodils displaying their spring colors. Speicher will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.

Learn to paint a gourd bird house

Pam Baytos will teach students how to paint a gourd transforming it into a very inviting home for birds on April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The cost is $17 for residents and $22 for non-residents.

Learn new recipes

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Armstrong will demonstrate how to prepare two savory soups and a salad to delight your guests. Come with an appetite. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The cost is $35 ($28 FFRG members).

MetroMutts hike set

Bring your canine companion to the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve for a hike tomorrow at 11 a.m. You’ll learn about the author of the famous McGuffey Readers while we explore the Preserve with our guest hiker, Richard Scarsella, President of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society. The Preserve is located on McGuffey Road in Coitsville Township. Easy rating.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, a 264-acre parcel closed to the public. The walk will be held on April 21 at 8 a.m. Because of parking limitations, reservations must be made by calling Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m., April 20. Binoculars and boots are required. No “walk ins” will be permitted.

Energize with yoga

Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays during April. Classes will be 9:30- 11 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. A blend of energizing yoga styles will help you keep a healthy outlook. Students at all levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information.

The cost is $10 per class.

Partake in T’ai Chi at the gardens

Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting T’ai Chi Step One on April 18 and 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information.

The cost is $10 per class.

Buy dahlias tomorrow

The Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society will offer unique varieties that will add to your dahlia collection. The sale will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Free hearing tests available by appointment

The Centers for Hearing Care will provide free hearing screenings at any of its six Valley locations by appointment only March 27-30.

To make an appointment, call one of these locations — Austintown (330-270-4327), Boardman (330-726-3339), Columbiana (330-337-3332), Liberty (330-759-3593), Howland (330-394-3300) or Salem (330-337-3332).

Take a trip to Wheeling Downs Racetrack

The 2012 Pink Ribbon Classic committee is sponsoring a bus trip to Wheeling Downs Racetrack and Casino on May 19. The bus will leave from Fab Limo on Connecticut Ave. in Austintown at 9 a.m. and will depart from Wheeling Downs at 5 p.m. The cost is $30 per person and each player will be give $25 in free play.

All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Send registration and checks to: Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, c/o Nancy Felton, American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad Street, Canfield, OH 44406. MetroParks presents Children’s Book Festival

The Children’s Book Festival: Plant the Seed to Read will be held on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The event will be a day of fun for children and their families together enjoying authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and many activities for children.

Bring your camera to be photographed with Curious George or the animals from the Akron Zoo. Admission is free.

Poland raffle raises equipment funds

The Poland concert bands and Jazz Ensemble are in need of updated equipment and sound system. To defray the cost, the band is sponsoring raffle fundraiser.

Each band member in grades seven through 12 will sell at least five raffle tickets. The proceeds will be used to purchase updated equipment for the bands. The cost of each ticket is $20 and will be entered into a weekly drawing. Weekly drawings for $100 will be held, with a $200 drawing on May 2 and a $500 drawing on May 16. Anyone interested in purchasing a raffle ticket can e-mail terriwindsor@gmail.com or contact Mr. Olesko, or a band member.