Poland briefs

Wonderful Water set

Wonderful Water will be Aug. 6 and 8 at Oh Wow! from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The program is free, but general admission applies to non-members. The program includes a series of activities that show what water is and what it can do. This event is for grades pre-k through eighth.

Oh Wow! hosts Make It

Oh Wow! will host Make It - Underwater Viewers - Aug. 3 from noon until 2 p.m. The cost is $3 for members and $11 for non-members. Join Oh Wow! as they explore the wonders of water by making and experimenting with underwater viewers. For children in grades kindergarten through eighth.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled

Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers, July 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road. Led by author and professional writer Nancy Christie, the two hour sessions include a mix of writing exercises, information on the creative and business aspects of writing and group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’

The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or atnancy@nancychristie.com.

HMHP presents food seminar

The Humility of Mary Health Partners community outreach department will present a program called “Mindfulness vs. Mindlessness: Impact on the Foods We Choose” on July 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. The JACBCC is located on Park Avenue, west of St. Elizabeth Health Center, across from the parking deck. The program is open to the general public. Registration is free but limited, and parking is available in front of the JACBCC. For more information or to register, call 330-480-2763 by July 16.

Have fun with bubbles

Have some good, clean fun with bubbles Aug. 20 and 22 from 2-4 p.m. at Oh Wow! Learn how to make your own bubble solution, plus another trick or two. Program is free, general admission applies to non-members. This event is for children in grades pre-k through fourth.

Historical Society meeting set

The next regular meeting of the Poland Historical Society will be on July 16 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road (Route 224) at the Struthers Road, intersection in Poland Township.

Little Red Schoolhouse open to public

The Little Red Schoolhouse will be open to the public on July 14 from 1-3 p.m. Tour the inside of the building and browse through the numerous displays. The Historical Society has several books on the Civil War that are available for purchase.

Patterson earns honors

Katherine Patterson of Poland has been placed on the Gettysburg College dean’s honor list for outstanding academic achievement in the spring 2013 semester. Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester’s work are placed on the college’s dean’s honor list.

Beaumier ends semester with 4.0

Danielle Beaumier of Poland was named to the dean’s list at Youngstown State University for the spring 2013 semester. Beaumier, a sophomore, ended the semester with a 4.0 GPA. She is a 2011 graduate of Poland High School and a member of the Society for Photographic Education.

Caldwell named to Dean’s list, earns degree

Caitlyn Caldwell of Poland has been named to the dean’s list at Hiram College for the spring 2013 semester. In order to be eligible for the Dean’s list, students must complete 12 or more hours for graded coursework and achieve at least a 3.6 GPA for the semester.

In addition, Caldwell received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English for Hiram College on May 11. She received departmental honors.

Abraham receives degree

Elizabeth Abraham of Poland graduated from the University of Deleware during the school’s 164th commencement May 25.

Dana School presents vocal clinic

The Dana School of Music will present the 16th annual Dana Vocal Performance Clinic July 22-27 at Youngstown State University. Sessions will primarily be offered in Bliss Hall, however, additional locations will be selected on campus. Choir directors and music teachers are encouraged to recommend this week-long program to their vocal students.

The clinic is open to all singers who will be in high school during the 2013-2014 school year, as well as incoming YSU voice majors. Tuition for the 2013 clinic is $240 after June 28. For those who need it, on campus room and board for six nights and seven days is an additional $230, based on double occupancy.

More information about the Clinic or an application may be found by calling the Dana School of Music at 330-941-3636 or emailing Dr. Yun at myun@ysu.edu.

Safe sitter program spots available

Spots are still available for the July and August sessions of Humility of Mary Health Partners’ Safe Sitter program. The two-day sessions will be offered at St. Elizabeth Health Center, located at 1044 Belmont Ave. in Youngstown, on July 17 and 18 and St. Joseph Health Center, located at 667 Eastland Ave. in Warren, on July 30 and 31 or Aug. 15 and 16.

All sessions take place from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and students must attend both days of the course. The program is open to boys and girls ages 11-13.

Safe Sitter teaches responsible childcare and prepares babysitters for emergency situations like first aid, rescue breathing, instances of choking, accident prevention and calling for help.

The program costs $28.50 per child, and scholarships are available to those unable to pay. Registration is required, as class sizes are limited to 15 students.

For more information or to register, call community outreach at 330-480-3070.

Prime rib roast set for July 27

The prime rib roast will be July 27 from 4-8 p.m. at the Youngstown Shrine Club Pavilion. The cost is $30 per person. This event is for adults only. For tickets, call Ralph Lewis at 330-482-9565 or Bill Early at 330-426-9546.

Golf clinics for adults to be Tuesdays

Range and golf clinics for adults will be available every Tuesday in July from 6-8 p.m. Range time followed by on-course play at main golf course. Register by calling 330-740-7112 or email Andy@millcreekmetroparks.org. The cost is $25 for one day, $45 for two days or $60 for four days.

Enjoy a family tour

The Metro Parks will be giving family tours July 18 at 10 a.m. Take a guided tour of the MetroParks Farm, which includes a wagon ride, visit with the animals and the playroom. Space is limited. Reservations are suggested.

Take an evening farm tour

Join the Metro Parks for an evening tour around the farm July 24 from 1-4 p.m. Space is limited; reservations are suggested. In honor of National Dairy Month, you will enjoy a special ice cream treat. The cost is $3 person.

Participate in golf tournament series

The par 3 tournament series will be July 15 and 26 at the Par 3 Golf Course. The series is for ages 4-15 in four age divisions.

Registration began June 15. Call Mill Creek Golf Course 330-740-7112 or email Andy@millcreekmetroparks.org.

The cost is $16 for 18 hole divisions, $8 for nine hole divisions and $5 for five hole division.

Wheat harvest activities set

Take a tractor-wagon ride through the MetroParks Farm. Wheat harvest will take place this month. Children can make a craft to take home. Suggested donations are $2 per person or $5 per family.

Watch a movie under the stars

Enjoy a family oriented movie outside as the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm uses its barn door as the movie screen July 20 at 9 p.m. Popcorn will be provided. Bring non-alcoholic drinks, chairs and blankets. Arrive early to visit with the animals and choose your spot on the lawn.

Dunkin’ Donuts hosts mug design contest

Dunkin’ Donuts is hosting their second annual “Miracles for Munchkins” travel mug design contest running now through July 26. Talented artists from across the Mahoning Valley area are encouraged to enter artwork that best interprets the miracles and promises delivered by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley in the form of pencil drawing, watercolor, painting, photography or graphic design.

The winning design will be featured on a limited-edition travel mug for sale at all Mahoning Valley Dunkin’ Donuts locations this fall and will be awarded a $100 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. Dunkin’ Donuts will donate the money from the sales of the $5 mug during the month of October to the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley and have guaranteed the hospital a minimum donation of $20,000. With the purchase of the $5 mug, guests will receive refills for $.99 at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants through the end of the year.

Junior golf camp set

The junior golf camp will be July 16, 23 and 30. Ages 11 and up will begin range time at 1 p.m. Nine holes begins at 2 p.m. Ages 10 and under will have range time from 2 to 4 p.m., with nine holes beginning at 3 p.m. The golf camp will be at Mill Creek Golf Course. Call the Pro Shop for details and to register. The cost for range time plus nine holes is $20, two-hour range time is $20 and one-hour range time is $15.

Learn soccer skills

The British soccer camp will be July 29 - Aug. 2 for children ages 3-18. Players of all abilities will receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts. The event includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages and a daily tournament and will be at the Wick Recreation Area. Online registration is recommended. Call 330-740-7100 for details.

Batting clinic to be July 27

Focus on improving hitting mechanics with Coach Craig Antush of YSU July 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. This clinic will benefit players of all experience levels. Spaces limited to provide one-on-one instruction. Registration and fee due by July 24. Call Ford Nature Center. The clinic will be at Wick Recreation Areaand the cost is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

Enjoy birds

Birds and birdhouses will be July 20 from 1:30-3 p.m. Spend some time learning about the habits of birds, recognizing common birds in the area and taking a nature walk to “go birding” (weather permitting). Then paint decorative birdhouses to take home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $14 ($12 FFRG member).

Learn about insects

Ladybugs will be July 20 from 11 a.m. to noon. This is the first of three preschool classes focused on insects and creatures in the garden. Learn about the ladybug and spend time in the Family Garden looking for them (weather permitting). Listen to a story, have a snack and make a ladybug craft. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $6 ($4 FFRG member).

Family garden Fridays set

The Metro Parks will host Family Garden Fridays every Friday now through September from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities will be centered on gardening with children. Learn about vegetables with “Eat Your Colors” and see which insect is the “Bug of the Week.” Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information.

Join book discussion

Read Earth In Mind: On Education, the Environment and the Human Prospect by David Orr, and then join the discussion July 27 at 10 a.m. The discussion will be at Ford Nature Center.

Understand dog aggression

MetroMutts: Understanding Aggression will be July 21 at 10 a.m., presented by The Learning Dog. This seminar will teach you the different types of aggressive behaviors whether they curable or treatable. It will be at Yellow Creek Park Lodge and is free for MetroMutts members; the cost is $5 for non-members.

Hike with your mutt

The MetroMutts hike will be July 13 at 10 a.m. Bring your canine companion for this hike on East Cohasset Trail. Meet at Ford Nature Center parking lot. The hike has an easy rating on paved trail and will span two miles.

Afternoon on the water

The Metro Parks will host an afternoon on the water July 20 and 27 from 1-3 p.m. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch.

Join a loose knit group

All hands helping to “Warm Up America” are welcome on July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet can join. Donations of yarn and needles are always appreciated. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information.

Thunder moon kayak trip to be July 19

Join the Metro Parks for a thunder moon kayak trip July 19 from 8-10 p.m. The trip is for ages 18 and older and is not for first-time kayakers. Hope for a clear night so the moon will light the way. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch.

Mahoning Kayak trip set

Join the Metro Parks and meet up with members of Trumbull Canoe Trails, a regional paddling club, on a portion of the Mahoning River Water Trail.

The trip is 3.66 miles; approximately one and one half to two hours. Not for first-time kayakers. Kayakers must be 18 years old. Meet at Trumbull County MetroParks’ Canoe City. Call Ford Nature Center for details. The cost is $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents.

Bird walk to be July 20

Birk Walk will be July 20 at 8 a.m. Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead this walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, a 264-acre park district property closed to the public. Because of parking limitations, reservations a must. Call Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m. on July 19. Boots are a necessity. No “walk-ins” will be permitted.

Health and wellness walks set

The Metro Parks will host health and wellness walks in July. Join for the health of it and experience the many benefits of walking. Walks will be: July 17 at 9 a.m. at the overflow parking lot on West Gold Drive (easy rating, one or three miles), July 23 at 6 p.m. at the MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm (easy rating, two or four miles) and July 31 at 9 a.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road (easy rating, two or four miles).

Hunt crayfish

The good old-fashioned crayfish hunt hike will be July 21 at 2 p.m. Join the Metro Parks and walk along and within Sawmill Creek, a very clean stream that is a tributary to Meander Reservoir. Wear shoes and clothing you can get wet and dirty in. Meet at the end of Laurel Hill Drive, located off Herbert Road. The hike has a moderate rating and will cover one mile.

Sculpt with Pilates

Pilates Sculpt will be offered every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Join trainer Angela Lubonovich in using light hand weights to tone the body with emphasis on core strength and control. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Bring a mat, water (and two number weights if you have them). Cost is $10 per session; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Practice Yoga at the park

Yoga will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday in July from 9:30-11 a.m. and from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Join Marina Perdos in the mornings and Karres Cvetkovich in the evenings for a blend of energizing yoga styles. Students at all levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. Classes are outdoors weather permitting. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Cost is $10 per class; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Take T’ai Chi

T’ai Chi Step One will be offered every Wednesday in July from noon 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; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Participate in Pilates

Pilates basics will be taught every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with fitness trainer Angela Lubonovich. Bring a mat and water. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for information. Cost $10 per sessio; or use your Scenic Fitness Card.

Breakfast Botany set

Breakfast Botany: Beech will be July 19 from 8:30-10 a.m. Start your morning with a brisk walk through the gardens. Return to the Garden Caf to have a light breakfast and learn more about this ornamental garden tree. Call FRG to register. The cost is $9 ($7 FFRG member).

Learn gardening basics

Gardening Basics: Herbaceous Perennials will be July 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about these popular plants, including how to care for them throughout the growing season. This class includes a tour of both the sun and shade perennial gardens at Fellows Riverside Gardens to discuss the sensational perennials found there. Call FRG to register. The cost is $20 ($15 FFRG member).

Summer garden party set

Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens, celebrating their 25th Anniversary, will host this annual fundraising event July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening outdoors under the stars while supporting this public Garden. Call Fellows Riverside Garden to register. The cost is $70 for a non-reserved seat, $125 for reserved seating.

Hear concerts at the Judge Morley Pavilion

Live at the Judge Morley Pavilion will offer free performances, unless admission is listed. The concerts will be July 13 at 7 p.m. - Yellow Brick Road (a tribute to Elton John) - admission is $7 in advance, $10 at gate, July 17 at 7 p.m. - The Strange Familiar (Pop), July 24 at 7 p.m. - Chardon Polka Band, July 28 from 6-8 p.m. - House Band (Rock and Roll) and July 31 at 7 p.m. - James Everett Band.

Summer scholarship applications wanted

The Mahoning Valley Office of the Autism Society of Ohio announced that it is accepting applications for its inaugural Summer Camp Scholarship Program.

Funding will support the annual day camp hosted by Autism Society of Greater Cleveland from July 8-19 for children ages 3-19 at the City of Independence Old Recreation Building in Independence, Ohio.

Pink Ribbon Gold Classic

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will be at Squaw Creek – Avalon Golf and Country Club July 15. All proceeds from this event will go to the American Cancer Society.

The 18 hole scramble will be followed by lunch, a Chinese auction and raffle. The 2013 honoree is Patty Barber. For further details, contact Donna Mowrey at 330-207-9630 or Nancy Felton at 330-533-2712.

Free open houses set

Every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. running through Aug. 14, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will host free Hands-On-History Open Houses at the Arms Family Museum of Local History, located at 648 Wick Ave. in Youngstown. Each week will feature a different historical theme – “Celebrating the Fourth,” “My Town, Your Town, Youngstown,” and “The House that Olive Built,” to name a few. Hands-On activities will include arts and crafts, games, toys, artifacts, dress-up clothing and more.

Participants can spend as much or as little time engaging in the activities and each week will feature something for all ages and interests. The open houses are free and open to the public and all participants can take advantage of half-priced admission for a full Arms Family Museum tour.

Historical society sponsors summer camp

In celebration and remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will have an immersive Civil War Summer Day Camp for students ages 7-14. The Turning Points Camp runs Aug. 5-9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, located at 325 West Federal St. in Youngstown.

The History Center will be transformed into a hybrid 2013/19th century location with the center’s spaces serving as battlefields, Ford’s Theatre, a Council of War room and more while using state-of-the-art media and education technology. Participants will explore all aspects of the war, from the politics and leaders to the civilian struggle and military life. Engaging and interactive lessons will include debates, mock elections, The Manual of Arms, 19th century games, chores and more.

Summer Camp registration information can be found at www.mahoninghistory.org.

Tease your brain

Oh Wow! will host Brainteasers on July 23 and 25 from 2-4 p.m. for children of all ages. The cost is free for members, general admission applies to non-members. Try your logic at various logic puzzles and 3D brainteasers. OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology is located at 11 W. Federal St. in Youngstown.

Dunkin’ to host happy hour

Dunkin’ Donuts in the Youngstown area will host a summer happy hour through the end of August. Guests can enjoy discounts on a select featured beverage each month between 2-4 p.m. The month of June is featuring Dunkin’s Ice Coffee at 50 percent of stated menu prices. To learn more, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.

Mature drivers course at SOV

Shepherd of the Valley is inviting mature drivers, age 60 or better, to sign-up for the AAA Safe Driving for Mature Operators course. The state-certified course, which can qualify attendees for auto insurance discounts, is being offered Aug. 5 and 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with an hour for lunch, at Shepherds of the Valley - Poland, located 301 W. Western Reserve Road. The cost is $10 for AAA members and $15 for non-members. Lunch is available for an additional cost.

To register, call Elida Cowles, LPN at 330-726-7110, ext. 2318. For more information on this program, visit the Community Events page on the Shepherd of the Valley website, www.shepherdofthevalley.com.