Poland Community Briefs

Memory, wellness checks

Shepherd of the Valley in Poland, located at 301 W. Western Reserve Road, is providing free, confidential memory screenings on Wednesday as part of Community Memory Screenings, an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). Designed to promote proper detection of memory problems and provide education about successful aging, the screening takes five to 10 minutes and consists of a series of questions and tasks. Screenings are by appointment between noon and 4 p.m. In addition, participants will be able benefit from a number of wellness screenings. For more information or to make an appointment, call 330-727-7110, extension 0.

Ethridge Commended

James A. Ethridge has been named a Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. He received a letter of commendation from Poland Seminary High School and from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although Ethridge will not continue in the competition for Merit scholarship awards, he placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.4 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Fibromyalgia support

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet on Oct. 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Dr. in Boardman. The topic, presented by local instructor Cathleen Giblin, will be Gentle Chair Yoga. Learn how others manage aches and pains on a daily basis. For more information, call 330-509-3333 or 330-758-8413.

ABWA meeting Oct. 9

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) will hold its Oct. 9 meeting at Rachel’s Restaurant on Westchester Drive in Austintown at 6 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a menu of baked Italian chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, salad, rolls, beverages and dessert.

The cost is $16 per attendee. The ABWA will be welcoming any interested guests who would like to attend the meeting and get to know the group. A committee of members will be presenting the fall enrollment activities. Call for reservations by Oct. 2 to Kathy Anderson 330-533-6675 or Jackie Fischio 330-788-6634.

The chapter is part of the Network Council for ABWA, along with Tri-Gold chapter and Youngstown Charter chapter, and will be holding their annual style show on Sept. 30 at Mr. Anthony’s.

Roast beef dinner is Oct. 21

The Kids Grieve Too organization at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner or Wick Avenue and Wood Street is hosting its 15th annual Roast Beef Dinner and Dessert on Oct. 21 from 12-4 p.m. Kids Grieve Too is offered for children experiencing the loss of a significant other in their lives and is headed by Elaine Curran, a licensed Independent Social Worker.

Archery Friends and Family Day is Oct. 20

On Oct. 20, there will be a Friends and Family Day supporting On Target Outfitters from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 8281 Leffingwell Road, Canfield. The cost to participate is $10 per family and there will be 3-D archery, air rifle shooting, trap shooting, fishing (bring your own pole), tomahawk shooting and more. Food will be available to purchase. The rain date is Oct. 27. For more information, visit www.ontargetoutfitters.org.

Girls night out focuses on cars

In an effort to raise cancer awareness and assist local fund-raising efforts, the Boardman AAMCO Transmission and Total Car Care is hosting “Girls Night Out,” an event at its shop at 7880 Market Street on Oct. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. The shop’s certified technician will conduct several clinics every half-hour on basic car maintenance, from checking tire tread and pressure to checking fluids and belts under the hood. Appetizers will also be provided. There is no cost to attend, but attendees can purchase raffle tickets for prizes donated by local vendors, including Mary Kay, PartyLite, The Flower Loft, Quaker Steak and Lube and Shine! Salon and Spa. Raffle tickets cost $1 each or $5 for six tickets. Attendees should RSVP by calling 330-729-9980 or e-mailing bill@boardmanaamco.com. All proceeds from the raffle will be benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Boardman.

Art Festival in the Glen

Innovative Interiors, located at 4845 Market Street, Suite 9, in Boardman will host its first Art Festival in the Glen, featuring local artists, live entertainment, and food vendors this Saturday from 1-6 p.m. For more information, call 330-788-0100 or 330-240-0748.

YMCA need vendors

The Davis Family YMCA is putting out a call for vendors for its annual Afternoon of the Arts on Oct. 27, from 12-4 p.m. The event will include a craft show, art exhibit, artists at work, kids’ crafts, live performances, music, poetry reading, and light refreshments. Vendor tables are available for $20 each. For more information, call the YMCA at 330-480-5656 or e-mail Suzanne Gray at sgray@youngstownymca.org.

Newcomers Club of Canfield

The Newcomers Club of Canfield, formerly known as Welcome Wagon Club of Canfield, will host its October meeting at Bella Nitesh Spiritual Arts and Education Center, 837 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The topic of the evening’s program will be stress relief and coping with life. Light refreshments will be served. Members, guests, and prospective members are invited. RSVP to Sherri at sherrijacobs@zoominternet.net or 330-507-3093.

The Newcomers Club of Canfield is open to all women in the Mahoning Valley. It provides an opportunity for members in the community to welcome newcomers, engage in recreational and social activities, and to help support the civic, social and charitable life of the community.

Local church to host buffet

Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive, Boardman, is planning its semi-annual International Buffet Oct. 27. There will be seatings at 4 and 6 p.m. The cost will be $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 330-758-5745 or Delaine at 330-549-9116. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 21.

The dinner includes food and desserts from Germany, Italy, Slovakia and Sweden. Proceeds will used for community outreach and the support of Bethel’s ministry.

Calculus: The Musical at YSU

The Youngstown State University College of STEM and Department of Mathematics and Statistics will host MathFest, a day of mathematical workshops and contests for area high school students on Oct. 18. This year, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the event, they are inviting “Calculus: The Musical” to perform at 1 p.m. in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center. “Calculus: The Musical” is a humorous view of the development of calculus through song. More information about Maththeater, who wrote and perform the musical, can be found at http://matheatre.com.

For more information about YSU’s MathFest, visit www.math.ysu.edu/~mathfest. This event is free and open to the public.

Shopping day at Alberni’s

Altrusa International of Youngstown will be hosting a “Shoppopalooza,“ a luncheon and shop-fest at Michael Alberni’s Restaurant, located at 1140 Boardman-Poland Road, on Oct. 11 starting at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 and the event is open to the public.

For reservations, call Liz McGarry at 330-565-0228. They are also looking for new members. For membership information, call Chris Hanrahan at 330-550-2388.

New business helps college students

Former MCCTC engineering instructor Bob Dukish has opened a new business in Canfield, Help Buzzer, which helps students gain real-world experience while offsetting some of the costs of college. For more information, visit www.helpbuzzer.com or email bob@dukish.com.

Teen driving survival school set

On Oct. 13, at the Value City Department Store parking lot in Boardman, the Sports Car Club of America will sponsor a Tire Rack Street Survival teen-driving school. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of American youths aged 16 to 19. Tire Rack Street Survival program is a national driver education program that teaches teens the skills they need to stay alive behind the wheel. Students use their own vehicles so that the skills they learn can be directly translated to their own daily driving experiences.

The Tire Rack Street Survival Æ program is open to permitted and licensed drivers ages 16-21. Registration forms can be found online at www.streetsurvival.org. The cost is $75 per student and some insurance companies offer premium discounts to graduates. Space is limited and registration is required.

Public labyrinth walk is Oct. 21

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, will offer the final guided walk of the season on Oct. 21 from 2-3 p.m. and celebrate the Journey of Autumn and marking the Feast of St. Ursula, for whom the Ursuline Sisters are named. Anyone wishing to walk the Labyrinth but unable to make one of the official walks can come anytime at their own convenience.

There are guides provided at the Labyrinth’s entrance, but there is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. People can use the labyrinth in any way they need.

The Ursuline Center Labyrinth is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and open year-round from dawn to dusk for all persons of faith. There is no cost to use the Labyrinth, which is handicapped-accessible and offers ample parking.

Local magician Tom Dowling earns honor

Tom Dowling, president of Youngstown-based Tom Phoolery Productions, Inc., was one of seven professional entertainers selected to lecture at the 2012 KIDabra International Biz Builder Conference held recently in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Dowling is a full-time professional entertainer specializing in themed educational programs for local schools, libraries and commercial events. His company also designs and manufactures original magic effects and props for professional magicians. His selection as a presenter at the KIDabra conference places him in the top 10 percent of professional family magic entertainers.

Baby Talk: where babies communicate

Baby Talk, a small organization founded by a teacher of the deaf and a speech therapist Barbara Ricks and Karern Steed, is now offering sign language classes for parents and their children ages 6 months to 2 1/2 years. Classes will be every Friday and Saturday from now until Oct. 20 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Classes will be at Beyond Expectations at 725 Boardman Canfield Road in Boardman.

The cost is $50 for four weeks of either Friday classes or Saturday classes and materials are included. Space is limited. Call 330-540-1025 or e-mail christiansigns2@gmail.com to register.

Bonding with babies and books

This event if for caregivers and their little ones who are 6 to 23 months. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Wednesday in October at 10 a.m. Costumes may be worn to the event on Halloween. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader on Oct. 18 and 25 at 10 a.m. Costumes may be work to the event on Oct. 25.

Fun with letters for 2s and 3s

An hour of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing with letters for parents/caregivers and children ages 2-3 will be available at the library on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. In addition to reading ABC books, play with tactile, magnetic, and foam letters. Children will also make letters with playdough, cookie cutters, stampers, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

The Poland library will host developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 4-5) become a successful reader on Thursday, as well as Oct. 18 and 25 at 1 p.m. Costumes may be worn to the event on Oct. 25. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun with letters for 4s and 5s

An hour of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing with letters for parents/caregivers and children ages 4-5 will be hosted by the Poland library on Thursday at 1 p.m. In addition to reading ABC books, play with tactile, magnetic, and foam letters. Children will also make letters with playdough, cookie cutters, stampers, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Kids vote elections 2012

At the Poland library during regular hours from Monday through Nov. 6, vote for your favorite storybook character. There will be three categories: toddler/preschool, grades K-2, grades 3-6. The ballot contains nominees submitted at the library in September. One vote per library visit. Results will be posted Nov. 7 in the Poland library.

Lego my library

Kids, age 6 and up, will meet at the Poland library on Oct. 23 from 6-7 p.m. to enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided.

Pajama jam is spooky fun

Put on your PJ’s or costumes and bring the whole family to the Poland library on Oct. 29 from 6:30-7 p.m. for Halloween stories and more.

Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb: The Best Live Tour Ever”

Enter a contest during regular business hours at any library in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system to win four tickets for the Oct. 27 performance at the Covelli Centre at 1 or 3 p.m. Contest runs through Oct. 13. Entries available at all PLYMC libraries. To enter, fill out an entry form and write a paragraph on why you like Phineas and Ferb. Drawings will take place Oct. 15 at each branch and the Library will notify winners.

Sky craft at the library

Make art on a string to swing from the sky above the librarian’s desk during library hours for the month of October. This event is for school-age children.

Trim a tree for October

Decorate an ornament during the regular library hours throughout October for the all-seasons tree at the Poland library. For children of all ages.

Monster bash with teen author Rick Yancey

Join the Poland library at their Monster Bash on Oct. 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to hear award-winning teen author Rick Yancey present “Monsters – Are They Real? The Science and Research.” He will also be signing books and posing for pictures. Afterward, have fun playing the “build a monster” game for a chance to win a prize and enjoy some refreshments and additional prizes. Yancey is also the author of the Alfred Kropp series for children and the Effective Detective series for adults. Registration is limited. Register by calling the library at 330-744-8636 or registering online at www.libraryvisit.org/teens and clicking on Poland. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 and their families.

The grossest thing I ever read

Share your favorite loathsome literary moment from any book you’ve read by filling out our entry form at any library branch during regular hours or online at www.libraryvisit.org/teens. The Teen Advisory Board will select the grossest of the gross entries and the winners will receive autographed copies of ”The Monstrumologist” by Rick Yancey. For teens in grades 7-12.

Danielle Scott Memorial Poetry Contest 2012

Danielle Scott was a beloved Teen Advisory Board member who was lost to cancer. To honor Danielle, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is sponsoring the fourth annual Danielle Scott Memorial Poetry Contest. This year, to correspond with Teen Read week author Rick Yancey and his Monstrumologist series and in keeping with the 2012 Teen Read week theme of “It Came From the Library,” poems entered should have a horror-related theme: monsters, the supernatural, the gothic and so on. Entries may be submitted online at www.teenxtremeonline.org/submityourwork.cfm or on standard 8 Ω” x 11” paper (not to exceed two pages) to any public library in Mahoning County by Oct. 31. If you submit your entry online, select the writing type “Poem” and be sure to include your phone number. Hard copies must be typed and be sure to include your name, telephone number, grade and school on your entry. Entries are not returnable. One winner will be chosen and will be awarded a plaque and a monetary prize. Eligibility: All entrants must be in grades 7-12 and either live in or attend school in Mahoning County.

Ladies day with the Business and Investment Center

Learn about starting a business, protecting yourself from scams, health techniques and how the Library can assist businesses at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 13 at the Poland library. There will be morning coffee or tea along with a breakfast treat. Presentations begin at 10 a.m. Presentation topics include entrepreneurship with Donna Walsh, Director of the Monus Entrepreneurship Center at Youngstown State University, scams and scam victims with Melissa Ames, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley, stress management with Ellen Ford, Manager of Community Health Education for Humility of Mary Health Partners and a certified advanced Yoga teacher, and how libraries can help business with Hannah Moses, Business and Investment Center librarian. To register for this free program, call 330-744-8636.

Connect with your eReader

Bring your e-Reader to the Poland library from 10-11 a.m. today or 6-7 p.m. on Monday, as well as Oct. 22, and the librarians will show you how to download eBooks from the Library’s Digital Catalog on our website. Limited availability so sign-up required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for Poland Library.

Book discussion on leadership

There will be a book discussion on ”Charge,” facilitated by Greg Smith, at the Poland library at 8 a.m. every Tuesday in October. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Blood drive at library

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross- at the Poland library on Wednesday from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Blood pressure screening

The Poland library will be hosting a blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross on Oct. 23 from 1-4 p.m.

Unique boutique

Shop with a variety of unique vendors in the lower level of Poland Library on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. The first 50 shoppers will receive a gift bag. Enter a raffle with quality gifts donated by each of the vendors. The Friends of PLYMC’s Bookstore will hold a half-price book sale. Admission is free. If you are planning to attend and would like more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Poland Historical Society additional open house

The Poland Historical Society will host an additional Sunday open house at the Little Red Schoolhouse this year. Visitors can tour the one-room schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road (state Route 224) at the Struthers Road intersection in Poland Township, on Oct. 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Fall events at White House Fruit Farm

Special fall outdoor events continue every weekend through Oct. 21 at the White House Fruit Farm in Canfield. Fall hours for the market are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m. White House Fruit Farm is located 10 minutes south of Canfield on Route 62. Additional information is available online at www.whitehousefruitfarm.com.

Monstrous art contest to be hosted

First read the book, then bring it to life in art. “The Monstrumologist” author Rick Yancey will be coming to the main library on Oct. 16 and to coincide with his visit, for the 2012 art contest, you can illustrate your favorite character or scene from any of the Monstrumologist books. Any visual medium is welcome. You can submit your drawing, painting, sketch, photograph, computer-generated art, etc. on paper no larger than 11-by-17, to any library in Mahoning County. Be sure to put your name, telephone number and grade on the back of your artwork. Entries will be judged in two groups (grades 7-9 and grades 10-12) and prizes will be awarded to one winner and one runner-up from each group. Prizes include dinner with the author, a signed copy of “The Monstrumologist” and a monetary award. Entries must be received by no later than Oct. 6. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 who live in or attend school in Mahoning County.

Poland women’s book discussion group to meet

The Poland women’s book discussion group will meet every second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. If you are interested in joining a book club or attending a Conversation Salon, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086 for more information.

Reuben’s readers to meet

Reuben’s readers will meet every second Friday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. If you are interested in joining a book club or attending a Conversation Salon, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086 for more information.

Conversation salon to have meeting

The conversation salon will meet every fourth Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. If you are interested in joining a book club or attending a Conversation Salon, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086 for more information.

Libraries to offer Sunday hours

Austintown, Boardman, and Poland libraries are now open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Local doctor offers free health lectures

Dr. Kathleen Padgitt, local kidney specialist, is presenting a series of lectures on healthy living. 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: Raw/Living Foods, Oct. 23 and Juicing/Smoothies/Fasting, Nov. 27. Registration for all the programs are through the Healthline.