Poland briefs

February Trim a tree

The Poland library invites children of all ages to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree. This program is going on from Feb. 1-29 during library hours.

Valentine’s Day dinner set

The St. Vincent DePaul Society of Mahoning County and The Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Council No. 13586 are sponsoring their 2012 St. Valentine’s Day Benefit Gala Fundraiser Feb. 11 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Open Your Hearts for the Less Fortunate”. This annual event is a fundraiser to support the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the charitable works of the Knights.

Tickets are $50 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, filet mignon buffet dinner, dessert and a chance to win part of $3,500 in cash prizes. A live auction will also be held, along with a silent and Chinese auction and 50/50 Raffle. Music will be provided by a DJ all evening. Tickets can be obtained by calling Brian Antal at 330-690-8435.

Library sky craft

During the month of February, the Poland library invites school-aged children to make art on a string to swing from the sky above the librarian’s desk.

Pajama Jam: Sleepy time fun for the family

The Poland library will host Pajama Jam on Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Put on your pajamas and bring the whole family for stories and more fun.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

The Poland library will host Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s on Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 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.

Bonding with Babies and Books

The Poland library will be hosting Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books for babies 6-23 months on Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10 a.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.

Junior Women’s League meeting set

The next meeting of the Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will be Feb. 6 at The English Pub, 1305 Boardman-Poland Road.

A Valentine’s Day party is planned for women who are interested in joining the league. Wear something red to celebrate Women’s Heart Month.

Members are asked to bring red appetizers and desserts.

Women interested in joining or receiving more information can call Yvonee Ford at 330-755-6828.

Shepherd of the Valley honors employee

Shepherd of the Valley-Poland recently announced the December Employee of the Month as Mary Martin.

She has been employed by Shepherd of the Valley for 11 years and is the Poland community’s administrative assistant.

“Mary is the employee that makes the Poland community such a well organized place to work,” stated Kelly Stansloski, associate director. Mary currently resides in Austintown with her husband, Robert.

Career center launches mobile app

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is connecting with students, parents, staff and the community in a new way through its mobile app.

The app features information on the career center’s 22 high school programs and its Adult Education courses as well as photos, videos, news, events, resources and more. Now students and parents can check grades, receive snow day alerts and stay up to date on the latest news at MCCTC all on their smart phone or tablet computer.

MCCTC administrators made the move into mobile application development based on the level of interest from students, parents and staff on its social media sites.

The mobile app allows for users to comment on sections, post photos from events and share the app’s content with friends via Twitter, Facebook, email and text message. The mobile app was developed in partnership with MCCTC’s marketing provider The Prodigal Company. The MCCTC app is available for free download on both the Apple and Android markets.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Kuffel at 330-729-4120 or Adrienne Sabo at 330-707-2088.

Men’s Garden Club sponsors scholarship

The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown is sponsoring it’s 21st annual horticulture scholarship for high school seniors and college students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landscape design or allied subjects. Application deadline is March 1. Contact Keith Kaiser at 330-740-7116 or visit www.mgcy.org for additional information.

Men’s Garden Club seminar set

The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown will host its annual winter seminar on Feb. 18 at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Gardening on the Shady Side.”

Four garden experts will share their suggestions for making shade gardening a rewarding experience. The program includes lunch and door prizes. Contact John Kolar at 330-545-2266 for further details. Seating is limited.

Cardinal Mooney open house scheduled

Cardinal Mooney High School, 2545 Erie St., will host an open house on Feb. 5 from noon to 3 p.m.

The open house, which will conclude Mooney’s “Catholic Schools Week” celebration, is designed to give the public an opportunity to visit the school and learn more about the school and its curriculum. Members of the faculty and administration will be available to explain the school’s curriculum, detailed new course offerings for the 2012-2013 school year and to discuss financial aid opportunities.

In addition, students will be featured in various demonstrations and projects. Visitors will be invited to take guided tours of the building. Information concerning application procedures will be available and new student applications will be accepted.

The school’s Alumni Association will sponsor a “Tuition Drawing” featuring four $500 scholarship prizes. In addition, the Cardinal Mooney Home and School Association will host a Chinese auction in the cafeteria. The open house is open to all Cardinal Mooney parents, friends, alumni and prospective students and their parents.

Friendly’s offers cones for kids

Poland Friendly’s is kicking of its annual “Cones for Kid” campaign. The Valentine’s Day fundraiser will benefit 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs.

For a $1 donations, Friendly’s will provide restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s Kid’s Cones. The campaign runs through Feb. 13.

Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s Æprograms essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment for thousands of children annually.

Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the The Potential Development Program’s 2012 Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off, sponsored by BeautiStone. The event will be held at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., on March 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets to the event are $12.50 per person or $150 for a reserved table of 10. They can be purchased by visiting www.mvpizzacookoff.com or by calling Shellie Duchek, Development Officer for the Potential Development Program, at 330-746-7641.

MetroMutts walk set for Feb. 12

The MetroMutts will be taking a half-mile walk on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. The hike will go by the new driving range and Learning Center area that are under construction. Hot cocoa and treats will be served afterward, weather permitting. Meet on the patio at Mill Creek Golf Course.

Participate in a book discussion

Read this Sigurd F. Olson classic, “The Singing Wilderness,” about Olson’s experiences canoeing the Boundary Waters, then join us at Ford Nature Center on Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. as we discuss what Roger Tory Peterson called “… the best essays on the north woods country I have ever read.”

Join a loose knit group

Team up with other crafters on Feb. 3 and 17 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 information.

Enjoy Yellow Creek Park Winter Concert

The Yellow Creek Park Winter Concert will be Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Yellow Creek Lodge. The Erie Heights Brass Ensemble, Dixieland will perform.

Landscape Watercolor Series set

Local artist Chris Leeper is teaching a series of watercolor classes emphasizing special elements in a landscape on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. This month, learn techniques for painting water.

The cost is $32 and $25 for members. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register and receive a supply list.

Express yourself at writing workshop

Join Karen Schubert in writing about meaningful, everyday experiences on Feb. 8 and 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The workshop will explore various topics to shape writing about them. Bring a pen and some paper. All levels of experience are welcome.

The cost is $10 per class. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

Breakfast Botany: Monkey Puzzle Family set

View highlights of the Gardens in winter on a brisk outdoor walk on Feb. 24 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Return to the Garden Caf for a light breakfast and learn more about members of the monkey puzzle family.

The cost is $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

Visit Twice-Loved Book Sale

Shop at the used book sale in the lobby of the Davis Education and Visitor Center from Feb. 18 to Feb. 26 for gardening books, cookbooks and horticulture magazines. The sale benefits the Antonucci Library at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Donations of used gardening books are always appreciated.

Enjoy the amazing world of Orchids

Demetria Marsh, an instructor at Phipps Conservatory, will lead a walk through the orchid display at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Marsh will give an overview of the history and basics of growing orchids. Each participant will receive an orchid plant to take home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The cost is $32 and $25 for members.

Visit the Jewels of Winter: Orchids

Visit the orchid display at Fellows Riverside Gardens to feel transported to the tropics from Feb. 1 to March 18. View the many colorful varieties of orchids, like exquisite jewels, to lift your spirits during the heart of winter.

Health and wellness walks set

The Mill Creek MetroParks is sponsoring three health and wellness walks. Join for the health of it and experience the many benefits of walking. The walks will be:

• Feb. 8 at 9 a.m., meet at main Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, one or three miles.

• Feb. 15 at 9 a.m., meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, two or four miles.

• Feb. 29 at 6 p.m., meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, four miles.

Photo walk set Feb. 19

Bring your camera and join Bob Coggeshall as we explore the always-scenic Lake Cohasset on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. This walk is free, but register by calling Ford Nature Center by Feb. 18.

Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, three miles.

Remembering Lindley Vickers

Lindley Vickers, Mill Creek Park naturalist for 40 years, has now been gone for 30. On the day after Lindley’s birthday, join Bill Whitehouse as he reminisces about their 17 years as coworkers.

This event will take place on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot. Moderate difficulty, two miles.

MetroParks presents Wooly Bears, Cow’s Tails and Onion Skins

Enjoy a presentation on weather folklore, followed by a two-mile hike on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty.

Groundhog Night hike set

Everyone knows what happens Groundhog Day, but what about Groundhog Night? Meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot to partake in this hike on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Be prepared for wintry trails. Moderate difficulty, two miles.

Wintertime Tea: For Love of a Book

Join Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens for an elegant and entertaining afternoon tea on Feb. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Eat tea sandwiches and sweets. Be entertained by the harp music of Darlene MacBenn and the humor of Herbal Theatrics. The cost is $25 or $20 for members.

The cost includes a donation to our Antonucci Horticulture Library. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

Winter Garden Seminar is Feb. 18

The annual Winter Seminar of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown and cosponsored by Mill Creek MetroParks will be on Feb. 18 from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

The seminar will focus on a challenge to any gardener — shade. Five garden experts will share their suggestions for making shade gardening a rewarding experience. Topics include Designing for Dry Shade, Great Plants for the Shade, Color in the Shade Garden, Drip Irrigation 101 and New Plants That Work.

For more information and to register, visit www.mgcy.org/WinterSeminar.aspx or call John Kolar at 330-545-2266. The cost is $40 ($50 after Feb. 11).

Wild Land: Thomas Cole’s Vision of America

Enjoy an evening with M.J. Albacete, executive director of the Canton Museum of the Arts, on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. Albacete will speak about Thomas Cole’s Vision of America in the 1800s. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register for this free program.