Poland Community Briefs

Miami University names Poland grads to Dean’s List

Miami University students who achieved a 3.5 or better grade point average for second semester 2011-2012 have been named to the dean’s list recognizing academic performance. Named to this semester’s Dean’s List were Emily Jean Slaven, Emily Kathleen Seiders, Jordyn Elisabeth Grzelewski, Sara Louise Rubesa, Caitlin Teresa Lyden, Sarah Christy Rhein, and Mitchell Potter Baird, all of Poland.

Miami confers degrees on eight Poland natives

Miami University awarded 3,219 degrees to students during spring commencement exercises on May 5 at Yager Stadium. Among them were Emily Jean Slaven (B.S. in Kinesiology & Health), Dana Lynn Doctor (Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude), Sarah Christy Rhein (Bachelor of Arts), Alyssa Marie Kozlow (Bachelor of Arts), Caroline Morris Watson (Bachelor of Arts), Kevin Michael Koval (B.S. in Business), Kathryn Elizabeth Krumpak (Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude), and Mitchell Potter Baird (B.S. in Business, Summa Cum Laude), all of Poland.

Go camping and party at library

The Poland library will be sharing campfire stories, songs, games, and s’more fun at its summer reading finale on Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. Treats will be provided. This is an experience for children of all ages.

Parent and child workshop at the Poland library

The public library will hold a session at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. on Aug. 2 and to help children develop early literacy skills that will make it easier for them to learn to read when they start school. This workshop is for parents, caregivers and teachers of children ages 0-5 to help learn about the five early literacy practices - talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. The approximately 50-minute workshop is for adults, but there will be activities to help occupy the children attending.

Bonding with babies and books

The Poland library will host an event at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays from Aug. 1-29 for babies 6-23 months old that 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.

It’s ‘Just a Dream’ at the library

Join the Mahoning County Green Team at the Poland library as they read “Just a Dream” by Chris Van Allsburg and have fun making a craft at 2 p.m. on Aug. 9. This event is for children preschool to grade 3.

Make a sky craft or trim a tree

Make art on a string to swing from the sky above the librarian’s desk or decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree at the Poland library during regular library hours the month of August. This is for children of all ages.

Get your blood checked at the Poland library

A blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross is to be held at the library on Aug. 28 from 1-4 p.m.

Library books for all eReader users

This informative hands-on event is designed to teach readers about a variety of eReaders, including the Kindle, the Nook and the iPad. See demonstrations, try out the eReaders and learn how to borrow eBooks from the library from 10 a.m. until noon on Aug. 25 at the Poland library. Registration is recommended, but not required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for Poland library.

Rod and gun club hosts Conservation Day

Lowellville Rod and Gun Club is holding its first Conservation Day on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. It includes fishing, archery, boating and shooting with medals and prizes awarded. There will also be wildlife exhibits, informational displays, special guests from area agencies, and free refreshments. Participants must provide their own fishing equipment, but bait will be provided. For information, call John at 330-757-9020.

Connect with your eReader at the library

Bring your e-Reader to the Poland library from 10-11 a.m. on Aug. 4 and at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6, 13, and 20 and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on their website.

There is limited availability, so sign-up is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for Poland library.

Sulmona Valley Auxiliary to have picnic

The Sulmona Valley Auxiliary will meet on July 24 at 5 p.m. at the home of Catherine Ricottilli for its annual picnic. Call Arlene DeChellis at 330-726-8019 for reservations.

Monday night writers group

Join area writers for a mix of writing exercises and feedback at Monday Night Writers. Led by author and professional writer Nancy Christie, the two-hour sessions will explore both the creative and business aspects of writing.

Those with ‘works-in-progress’ will also have a chance to get comments and critiques on their work. The next meeting is July 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield. There is a $10 fee per class and registration is preferred.

For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or atnancy@nancychristie.com.

Austintown native and author to host book signing

Lori Whited Neidlinger, author of “I Banish You, Pink,” will be holding a book signing at Rita’s in Austintown on July 21 and White House Fruit Farm in Canfield on July 22.

“I Banish You, Pink” is a children’s book for ages 6-9 and is written to engage and encourage young readers, showing a positive way of dealing with some pressures and trends. Have your copy signed with a personal message from the author.

Pirate invasion July 28-29

Pirates have come to Avaloch Village July 28-29 at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. There will be special contests, entertainment, and for this weekend only, special guests, The Lake Erie Pirates. Meet real pirates and see displays of real pirate weaponry. The Great Lakes Medieval Faire is located seven miles south of I-90 on state Route 534 and open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, visit www.medievalfaire.com.

Helping Kids Grow Diaper Drive

The Boardman office of Making Kids Count, 7178 West Blvd., Suite E, will be hosting a Diaper Drive July 28 from 8 a.m. to noon to try to help families in need of assistance. Bring as many diapers in any size (size 3 is needed the most). There will be free coffee and doughnuts. For more information, contact 330-501-9865 or e-mail mkc@makingkidscount.org.

Charity car show coming to the Mahoning Valley

The Mahoning Valley Corvettes and Greenwood Chevrolet will be sponsoring its 18th annual car show on July 22 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Greenwood Chevrolet, 4665 Mahoning Avenue, Austintown. Registration is from 9-11 a.m. and the show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The show is open to Corvettes, antiques, classics, customs, and hot rods. There is an entry fee of $10 and if you are showing for National Council of Corvette Clubs points, the fee is $20. Proceeds will benefit local charities and plaques will be awarded for all classes and types of cars, including Peoples Choice Award. The first 125 will receive a 50th anniversary 3x4 dash plaque. For more information, call Dave Milich 330-207-5218 or Dan Lyden 330-726-7791.

Summer skating lessons offered at the Ice Zone

All Saturdays through Aug. 11, The Ice Zone, 360 McClurg Road, in Boardman will offer ice skating lessons. Participants can choose from three classes: basic skills skating classes for all ages, Mommy and Me skating (Adult and toddler to Kindergarten aged child), and a special needs skating class.

The cost is $90 per student and includes six skating lessons, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and a $25 registration fee that includes one year of basic skills membership to the U.S. Figure Skating Association, a personal record book to track progress, accident and injury insurance, and a one-year subscription to the U.S. figure skating “Basic Skills Skating Magazine.” The total cost is $115 for regular programs or $140 for Mommy and Me.

Local doctor offers free health lectures

Dr. Kathleen Padgitt, local kidney specialist, is presenting a series of lectures on whole foods for a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle on August 9. The program will be held at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center’s Azalea Room. The lecture is free and open to the public. To register, call the Humility of Mary Healthline at 330-480-3051 or, toll free, 1-877-700-4647. Future lectures scheduled for the same time and location are: Meat and Dairy, Sept. 12; Raw/Living Foods, Oct. 23 and Juicing/Smoothies/Fasting, Nov. 27. Registration for all the programs are through the Healthline.

Bonding with Babies and Books

Babies 6-23 months are invited to join the library on Wednesday at 10 a.m. for 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.

Jocko the Clown at the library

Experience juggling, magic, puppetry, music, plate spinning and balloon sculpting when Jocko the Clown comes to the Poland library tomorrow at 2 p.m. This show will be fun for the whole family.

How do they do that?

Want to see some neat experiments and learn how they’re done? Join us at the public library on Wednesday for this interactive program as we make science come alive. For children in grades K-6. The fun starts at 2 p.m.

Ohio companies going global

Join Mousa Kassis, faculty member at Youngstown State University and its Center of Excellence in International Business, at the public library on Monday at 6:30 p.m. for this program on exporting your company’s products and services.

Get your blood pressure checked

There will be a blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the public library on Tuesday from 1-4 p.m.

Connect With your eReader at the library

Bring your eReader to the library from at 6 p.m. on Monday and they will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on our website. Limited availability, sign-up required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for Poland Library.

Wearing your helmet could get you ice cream

The Boardman Optimists, Boardman Dairy Queen and Boardman Police are sponsoring a Bike Helmet Safety program this summer for Valley children. During June, July and August, officers will be handing out “sweet citations” to children seen wearing their bike helmets. These citations can be redeemed for a free small ice cream cone at the Boardman DQ, located at 6120 Market Street.

Italian Fest to be in August

The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest will be held on Aug. 3-5 in downtown Youngstown. For more information contact Arlene DeChellis at 330-726-8019.