Poland briefs

Duquesne recognizes Poland residents

David White, a senior in the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, has been named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Duquesne University. David is the son of Bill and Judy White of Poland.

Brian Ciccone, a sophomore in the Mylan School of Pharmacy, has been named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Duquesne University. Brian is the son of Bruce and Michele Ciccone of Poland.

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.

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.

Poland grad completes basic training

Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Lenny Liguore, son of Lou and Loretta Liguore of Poland, completed basic training in Cape May, N.J., on Feb. 24. In his current assignment, he is serving on the Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay, home port St. Ignace Mich.

Liguore is a 2005 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.

Reinhardt honored as first-year scholar

Elizabeth Reinhardt of Poland was honored during the First-Year Scholars Reception on Feb. 28 at Emporia State University. The inaugural event honored more than 140 first-year students at ESU who earned a 3.5 or higher grade point average in their first semester.

Local residents named to Dean’s List

Adam Robert Colton Wheeler is a recipient of the Dean’s Award for academic excellence during the 2011 fall term at Colgate University, where Wheeler is a member of the Class of 2013.

To be eligible for the Dean’s Award, a Colgate student must achieve a 3.30 or higher average while enrolled in four courses. Wheeler, a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, is concentrating in Biology at Colgate. Wheeler lives in Poland.

Adam Robert Colton Wheeler is the son of Michelle Evans and Brian Evans.

Learn new recipes

Chef David Armstrong will share recipes and culinary techniques on March 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Armstrong will demonstrate how to prepare two savory soups and a salad.

Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $35 ($28 FFRG members).

Canfield group hosts murder-mystery dinner

Canfield Welcome Wagon will host a “Murder Mystery Dinner Theater” March 23 at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman at 6 p.m. The event will include both silent and Chinese auctions, as well as the meal and live performance.

Tickets are $50. Proceeds will benefit as many as two dozen local charitable organizations. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 330-793-1551.

ABWA meeting set for Wednesday

The Tri-Gold Chapter of The American Business Women’s Association will meet on Wednesday at Johnny’s on Market Street. A social at 5:30 p.m. will precede the dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Dinner choices are twin, grilled pork chops, eggplant mozzarella or sauteed chicken piccata. Salad, red skin potatoes, rolls and butter, coffee or tea are included. The cost is $18.

Speaker for the evening will be Kathy Baret from Silver Lining Cancer Fund Inc.

The ABWA Association is open to all working or retired women. For more information and reservations, call 330-533-8730 or 330-757-9368.

Search for birds

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk on March 17 at 8 a.m. The walk will be at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, a 264-acre park district property closed to the public. Binoculars and boots are required. Reservations must be made by calling Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m. March 16.

Additional details will be given upon registration.

No “walk ins” will be permitted.

Poland grad Reffner named scholar

Meredith Reffner, a 2008 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, has been named a Founders Scholar for the fourth consecutive year by Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

Reffner is a senior majoring in journalism with a second concentration in Spanish and minoring in West European Studies.

She is in the Hutton Honors College and holds a 4.0 GPA. Reffner was recently invited to join Kappa Tau Alpha, a national honor society in journalism and mass communication. She is an active member of the Beth Wood Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America and a Media Scholar.

This past summer, she was an intern with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

She is the daughter of Terry and Susan Reffner.

Business group to honor Woman of the Year

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will celebrate its annual Woman of the Year event March 13 at 6 p.m. at Johnny’s Restaurant. The Woman of the Year Award will be announced. Ruth Johnson Nilsson from Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park will be the guest speaker.

The menu will be stuffed chicken breast, sirloin beef tips, cavatelli and meatballs, roasted red potatoes, sugar snap peas and corn, salad, bread, peppers and oil, soda, coffee and homemade dessert. The cost is $20 and the deadline for reservations is March 5 by calling Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Joan Lucansky at 330-755-8212. The chapter is preparing for its Relay for Life bus trip to The Rivers March 3 and its annual Chinese auction April 22 at the Ursuline Motherhouse on Shields Road.

Landscape Watercolor Series set

Local artist Chris Leeper is teaching a watercolor class on March 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. The class will emphasize special elements in a landscape. This month learn techniques for painting skies.

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

Quaker Steak hosts canned good drive

Come join Heels ‘n Wheels Entertainment and Hairy George from The Fast and Hairy Bike Show at Quaker Steak in Austintown on March 22 for an emergency bike night.

This event will be a can collection event for Feed Our Valley and is from 6 to 10 p.m. It includes music, indoor bike games, raffles and drink specials.

Bring your cans (non-perishable) donation and have your picture taken with the Heels ‘n Wheels models. Your donation gets you BOGO free chance for the 50/50 pot collected that evening.

A portion of the profits from the drink shots specials and all cans donated will benefit the Feed Our Valley Program.

The cost of this event is only your cans donation. For additional information, call 330-550-4000.

MetroMutts: Shamrock Hike set

The MetroParks will host a hike along East Golf Hike Bike Trail on March 17 at 10 a.m. All dogs must be on a leash, non-aggressive and under the owner’s control. MetroMutts members will get a special treat. Meet at the parking lot off Shields Road. Easy rating, two miles.

Songwriter Girl workshop set

Songwriter, Kristi Manna, is hosting a song writing and vocal/performance intensive workshop today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The workshop will be held at Think Through Center, 5234 Southern Blvd., Suite D.

Manna will discuss the real truth behind networking, co-writing, copyrights, and rejection. The workshop will provide the opportunity to perform and co-write songs.

The cost is $50 and space is limited.

For more information, call 615-323-2915 or email info@songwritergirl.com.

Bonding with Babies and Books

The Poland library will host Baby Brilliant: Bonding with Babies and Books for babies 6-23 months on March 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. The program will include developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. 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 March 15, 22 and 29 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 March 15, 22 and 29 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.

Lego My Library

The Poland library invites children 6 and older to create Lego designs on March 20 from 6 t0 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 March.

Jam in your pajamas

The Poland library will host Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family on March 26 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The whole family is invited to put on pajamas and come to the library for stories and more fun.

Hunger Games movie release party set

The Poland library will host a Hunger Games Movie Release Party on Thursday at 6 p.m. for teens in grades 7-12. The party will include games to test your mettle against other tributes, food and prizes. Registration is required.

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 March 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

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 March.

Connect with your eReader

Bring your e-Reader to the Poland library on Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or March 17 at 10 a.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.

Discuss books at the library

The Poland library will host a leadership book discussion on Tuesday and March 20 and 27 at 8 a.m. Greg B. Smith will facilitate the leadership book discussion on the last five chapters of the “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell. To register, contact the development office at 330-740-6086.

Orchid Walk and Talk

Dave Miller from the Greater Akron Orchid Society will lead an orchid walk on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The walk will highlight the many varieties of orchids displayed throughout the Davis Center. Refreshments will be provided during a question session. The walk is free but registration is needed.

Spring Landscape Clinic set

The Mahoning Valley Landscape and Nursery Association, Mill Creek MetroParks and OSU Extension Mahoning County will sponsor a spring horticulture clinic on March 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic will be held at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The topics will focus on innovative ideas for the green industry. Vendors will display current service products.

For more information, call 330-757-0884 or visit www.mvlna.org for speaker and registration information.

Cost is $50 ($30 for MVLNA and FFRG members).

Breakfast Botany: The Willow Family set

Start your morning with a brisk garden walk and breakfast on March 30 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. After the walk, a light breakfast will be served in Garden Cafe as you learn about the willow plant family. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

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

Join a loose knit group

Team up with other crafters on March 16 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.

Express yourself at writing workshop

Join Karen Schubert in writing about meaningful, everyday experiences on March 14 and 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The workshop will explore various writing styles. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring a page or two of writing to share.

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

Pysanky Workshop set

MetroParks will host a Pysanky workshop on March 24 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

This ancient tradition of decorating eggs is practiced throughout Central and Eastern Europe. The motifs and colors change between regions. In the West, images of nature and pastel colors prevail. In the East, geometric patterns in earth tone colors are dominant. This introductory workshop is taught by Carol Novosel of New Castle. Participants will create their own beautiful eggs. Registration and fee due at Ford Nature Center by March 17.

Cost is $12 for residents, $15 for non-residents (fee includes most supplies).

Enjoy Yellow Creek Park Winter Concert

The Al-Ray Combo will be performing a variety of music on March 22 at 7 p.m.

Kick off the photo exhibit

The Photo Exhibit Kickoff for The Keystone Elk will be March 25 at 2 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bob Coggeshall has been shooting Pennsylvania elk (with a camera!) for half a decade. From your chair, travel with Bob across the border and look into the lives of “Wapiti,” reintroduced from Yellowstone stock 1913-1926.

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley event set

Ellen Speicher will present “Gardening With Native Plants” on March 27 at the MetroParks Farm. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 1-888-846-8851.

Energize with yoga

Fellows Riverside Gardens is hosting yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays during March. 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 March 7, 14, 21 and 28 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.

Dye eggs in a basket

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites children ages 6 and older to learn to make dyes from plant material before decorating eggs to carry home nestled in baskets of grass. To register call Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost is $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents.

Create spring bouquets

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites preschoolers ages 3-5 to welcome spring on March 29 and 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. and March 31 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Participants will enjoy a story and snack before decorating a vase and arranging fresh flowers to take home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register.

The cost is $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents.

Register for Children’s Summer Vegetable Gardening Program

Fellows Riverside Gardens invites to register for Children’s Summer Vegetable Garden Program from now through March 31. This hands-on gardening program is for children who have completed second grade. Each child will tend a 3’ x 10’ garden throughout the summer at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Horticulture activities add to the fun. For more information and to register, call Fellows Riverside Gardens.

The cost is $85 for residents and $95 for non-residents.

Colonial Dames Chapter to meet in Canfield

The Tjaatje DeWitt Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century meets now in Canfield. Tjaatje DeWitt was the young Dutch ancestor of our Organizing President Kathryn VanBauknecht. The Indians captured Tjaatje and after being rescued by her Dutch countryman many months later and many miles from home, she lived to become a wife and mother.

Currently made up of 27 members from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, the chapter was first chartered Oct. 6, 1982 in Columbiana County and met in Salem, Ohio. As time passed and membership lessened due to lack of interest, the chapter moved to Canfield and is now constantly growing in numbers again.

Colonial Dames meets four times a year at A La Cart Catering in Canfield. Each meeting contains an organized program by a speaker on our American History along with business and a brunch. The first meeting this year is April 14 and the topic is “The One Room Schoolhouse”.

Anyone interested in joining Colonial Dames can contact cabg3@zoominternet.net.

Mahoning Chapter of NSDAR resumes after break

The Mahoning Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution resumed meetings on Feb. 13 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield after a break for the holidays. Their was Tim Seman, librarian of the main branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Seman spoke on the “Introduction to Genealogical Research”. Using his own family, he introduced us to the many avenues of research that are available to us today. A program and celebration of the 120th Anniversary of our chapter in 2013 was discussed and a committee formed. The 225th Anniversary of the Constitution falls this year during Constitution week in September.

Prospective members are invited to join us at the meeting the second Monday of each month except July, August and January at A La Cart Catering in Canfield.

OSU Extension offers class

The Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County announces a 2012 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class offered this spring.

The classes will begin March 28 and finish June 6 of this year. The classes will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Wednesday. Classes will be held at Mahoning County Extension in Canfield. The total tuition for the class is $125. Tuition includes a notebook of all materials, snacks, speakers and items for hands-on activities.

Interested candidates should contact OSU Extension 330-533-5538 for an application. For full consideration applications must be received by March 9. There is limited availability in the class. An interview prior to acceptance in the class is required.

Application forms and additional information can be obtained by visiting http://mahoning.osu.edu.

Buy half-priced books

The Poland library will host a St. Patrick’s Week Half-Price Book Sale during stores hours Monday through Friday. The Friends of PLYMC Bookstore, located in the lower level of Poland library will be selling half-priced books in honor of St. Patrick’s week. For store hours, visit http://www.libraryvisit.org/friendsbookstore.

Shepherd of the Valley names Employee of Month

Shepherd of the Valley- Poland recently announced the February Employee of the Month: David Fry. Fry joined the Shepherd of the Valley staff one year ago as the night security and janitor. .

The staff commended Fry on his work ethic saying, “he keeps this place shinning.”

Fry currently resides in Petersburg with his dog.

Youngstown Orthopaedic’s Weimer earns distinction

Dr. David A. Weimer, of Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons this month during a ceremony in San Francisco.

Weimer, who specializes in minimally-invasive hip and knee replacement, as well as complex hip and knee revision surgery, was one of 620 new members inducted.

A resident of Poland, Weimer joined Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates in 2008 and became a partner in 2011. The practice includes nine board certified orthopedic surgeons and comprehensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine and MRI services.

Weimer also serves on the staffs at Forum Health Northside Hospital and the Youngstown and Boardman campuses of St. Elizabeth Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency training at Wayne State University and Detroit Medical Center.

Guild searches for vendors

The Ladies Guild of St. Maron’s Church, Youngstown, is looking for vendors for its Craft, Antique and Flea Market on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 330-533-9337 or 330-565-1959.

Support the Seidita family

The Seidita Family Benefit will be on May 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at St. Matthias Church, 2800 Shady Run Road.

The cost is $10 and includes chicken, pasta and more. The event will include a 50/50 drawing, a chance auction and a bake sale. Prizes include a 50” television, $300 and $100.

Come support Carl and Lucy Seidita of Boardman who are both battling cancer and have been unable to work. The Seidita family is facing an enormous burden and need the help of their friends, family and community.

For tickets, donations and more information call Gary Frank at 330-651-8778 or Jim Higham at 330-942-6647.

Curves hosts food drive

Curves 14th annual food drive is now under way. Each club, including Curves clubs in the Youngstown area, is asking its members to donate bags of non-perishable food or cash throughout the month of March to support area community food banks. In addition, Curves clubs in the Youngstown area will waive the joining fee for new members who bring in a bag of non-perishable food or donate $30 to their local food bank from Monday through March 25.

Focus group participants sought

Parents of children between 8 and 12 years who are overweight and/or underactive are being sought for a focus group. The purpose of the study is to get opinions of parents in the development of a weight management and fitness program especially designed for children. To learn more about the focus group, call 330-480-3151 or toll-free 877-700-4647.

Search for Easter eggs at the park

The MetroParks is hosting an Easter extravaganza on March 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wick Recreation Area. The event will include an egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter bunny. Children 2-10 can join the scramble for candy and prizes and adults can compete in the Raw Egg Toss. Be sure to arrive early enough to find the age group area for your child before the start time.

Oxbows hike set

Bill Whitehouse will lead a hike tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. Hikers will explore oxbows, one created my humans and one created by nature. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, two miles.

Look for the green

The MetroParks is hosting a hike on March 18 at 2 p.m. Throughout the hike, participants will search for as much green as they can in the winter weather. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, four miles.

Wood Frogs walk set

The MetroParks is taking a hike through the Poland Woods on March 24 at 8 p.m. Throughout the walk, participants will listen for wood frogs, the first frog to emerge from hibernation. Meet at the Poland Woods. Easy rating, one to two miles.

Search for Spring Salamanders

The MetroParks will be searching for large spotted salamanders during a walk on March 31 at 8 p.m. During late winter or early spring, large spotted salamanders briefly leave their underground haunts and gather in woodland pools to mate. Hikers will look to see if they can catch them in the act. Boots and flashlights are recommended.

Meet at the end of Laurel Hill Drive, located off Herbert Road west of MetroParks Bikeway crossing. Difficulty rating, one and a half miles.

Call Ford Nature Center to register by March 31, 5 p.m.

MetroParks plans wellness walks

The MetroParks will host health and wellness walks. The walks will be:

March 20 at 6 p.m., meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, four miles.

March 28 at 9 a.m., meet at main Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, one or three miles.

The recreation hikes are generally fast-paced and focus on exercising in the outdoors.

Visit the Jewels of Winter: Orchids

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