Poland Community Briefs

Christmas in Columbiana

The Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau has announced the “Christmas in Columbiana” events, officially opening with th annual Christmas parade on Friday, Nov. 22. Every Thursday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 29, you can view the Joy of Christmas drive-through holiday light display at the Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park. There are over 60 fabulous light scenes, a million Christmas lights and three stops: The Gingerbread House, the Train Depot Pavilion and Santa’s Ice Castle. An $8 donation per car is requested at the admission. For more information, contact Gina Morwllo at 330-482-2282.

Saxon Club to have pork-kraut dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road, will host its last pork-kraut dinner of the year on Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The price is $8.75 for adults and $5 for children and includes dessert and coffee, tea or pop. The public is welcome and take-outs will be available.

Non-profit organizations can now sell admission buttons

First Night Youngstown is the premier New Year’s Eve event in downtown Youngstown. To be admitted into First Night entertainment venues during this New Year’s Eve event, attendees must purchase an admission button. Area non-profit organizations may sell admission buttons and keep a portion of the proceeds. The more the organization sells, the more it earns.

Organizations may begin selling now, and through Dec. 21. For more information, email infofirstnightyoungstown@netzero.net or call 330-744-9966.

North to Icing Out Cancer on Nov. 20

The Poland PTO will offer a bake sale fundraiser titled Icing Out Cancer on Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. at North Elementary School to benefit a local family that has be struck by cancer. All Poland local school staff and parents are welcome to participate. Questions on the bake sale, can be directed to North Elementary School at 330-757-7008.

Carlozzi Financial Services to host food and funds drive

Carlozzi Financial Services is again helping fill the shelves of the Second Harvest Food Bank. The public is invited to help feed hungry families this holiday season with donations of non-perishable food items or monetary donations, which can be dropped off at Carlozzi Financial Services, locates at 831 Southwestern Run, Suite 1 in Poland.

For information, visit www.CarlozziFinancialServices.com.

Caregiver Connection to be Nov. 18

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter will present Caregiver Connection on Nov. 18 from 1-3 p.m. at Poland United Methodist Church, located at 1940 Poland-Boardman Road in Poland. The program takes place in observance of November’s National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregivers Month. It is designed for caregivers to hear presentations about caregiving, dementia, research, communications and local resources that are available. Those attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about these topics from the local Alzheimer’s Association staff.

The Caregiver Connection program is free of charge to family caregivers with support provided by the Beverly A. Chiron Education Fund. Refreshments will be provided. Those interested in attending should call Carolyn Lake at 1-800-272-3900 or e-mail clake@alz.org.

Quilt group to meet Nov. 19

That Quilt Group I Belong To will host its November meeting on Nov. 19 at Fair Park in Canfield. Doors will be open from 1-5 p.m. for those who wish to work on charity quilts.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The “make and take” project this month is an appliqu ed angel designed from the Dresden plate pattern. Kits are $8. To sign up, call Ginger at 330-702-0532. That Quilt Group I Belong To Is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley, including all skill levels. For membership information, call president Ginger Mangie at 330-702-0532.

Holiday Open House

Join the staff of Poland Veterinary Centre on Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m. to benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue and Friends of Fido. Bring unused cat and dog toys, Milkbone dog treats, paper towels, sturdy trash bags, laundry soap (without bleach), white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, new large litter boxes, Acana cat food, dog beds or gently-used blankets and towels. Cash donations will also be gladly accepted. For your donation, receive a free picture of your dog or cat with Santa. Photos will be available to pick up in the office on Dec. 9, or the file can be e-mailed. After your pet’s photo, enjoy snacks and refreshments, tour the hospital, create a special paw imprint ornament and holiday bandana and learn about preventative dental care (and take home some goodies) from the technicians.

Friends and relatives are also invited to bring their well-socialized pets. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier for its safety.

Monday Night Writers to meet Nov. 18

Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers, to be Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. The event will be 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 at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Babyak to speak at International Torch Clubs dinner

Carole Babyak will be the guest speaker at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner and discussion meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 in Kilcawley Center, Bresnahan Rooms I and II, on the campus of Youngstown State University. The title of Babyak’s talk is “Finding My Civil War Ancestors” and she will read chapters from her upcoming novel about a Southern Civil War soldier. The public is invited to attend. Dinner for non-members is $20. Call 33-)757-4148 for reservations. For club information, call 330-792-7351.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child, a function of Samaritan’s Purse, is busy collecting shoebox gifts to send to hurting children around the world, most of them have never received a gift in their lives. Everyone is invited to help, all you need is a heart for children.

If you or your group are interested in helping and want more information, contact Sandy at 330-565-8057 or Nancy at 330-565-4221. If you are familiar with Operation Christmas Child and you are looking for a ‘Relay Center’ (drop off area), this year National Collection week is Nov. 18-25 and Tabernacle EPC, located at 2432 South Raccoon Road. The Hours of Operation are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. and Nov 25. (last day) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Give them a call or visit www.samaritanspurse.org to find out how to help a needy child.

Poland lights up village

For the fifth consecutive year, the Village of Poland will celebrate the Christmas season with the Lighting of the Village Celebration on Dec. 7. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features holiday carols, cookies and cocoa, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa’s arrival in Poland and the lighting of the village Christmas tree and decorations. The evening will end when every child has had a chance to talk to Santa.

The lighting of the village celebration is free and open to the public, and is run solely on donations from generous businesses and individuals. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to the Poland Junior Women’s Club in care of Carolyn Fender, 8651 Hilltop Drive Poland, OH 44514. For more information, or to volunteer, call 330-716-1705.

Spaghetti dinner benefit to be Nov. 17 The Jack Aey Cancer Benefit Fund Raiser Spaghetti Dinner and Chinese Auction will be Nov. 17 from 12-4 p.m. at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, located at 4580 Canfield Road (Route 62) in Canfield. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $6 for youth, ages 6 and younger. Takeout will be available. Donations can be made at Home Savings - Joyce Aey, with a memo to Jack Aey Benefit.

Boardman Park to host mother/son date night

Boardman Park will be hosting its Mom and Son Date “Knight” on Nov. 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lariccia Family Community Center.

Come celebrate an evening with your little man making memories; eating, dancing, making crafts and posing for a professional photo as a keepsake of this fun night with mommy’s little Knight. Also, moms, don’t forget to bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.

The boys (ages 3-8) are welcome to dress as their favorite hero, knight/Batman/Star Wars/super hero or just nice dress attire.

Tickets will be on sale at the park office beginning Oct. 22, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Cost is $15 per couple, $5 per additional child for residents and $18 per couple, $5 per additional child for non residents. No walk-in reservations will be accepted.

Prince and Prince party fundraiser to be Nov. 16

Princesses and princes from preschool to third grade are invited to dress up as their favorite Disney princess or prince and join the fun on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m at the Poland library. Parents are invited to bring their camera and smart phone for photo opportunities. Refreshments will be served, compliments of the Friends of PLYMC. Admission is $10 per child. Each child must be accompanied by an adult; the adult is admitted free. Admission includes a free voucher to the “Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic” presentation at the Covelli Centre. The first 100 reservations will be accepted. For reservations, call the Development Office at 330-740-6086. Additionally, the library is also sponsoring a contest to win tickets. Stop in a library near you between Nov. 16 - Dec. 4 to register to win a family four-pack of tickets to the show.

Society to discuss birds

The Audubon Society-Mahoning Valley will host a meeting on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. “Birds in Flight” is our local licensed bird rehabilitation center. Director Heather Merritt will share what it takes to bring birds back to good health after they have an accident. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 1.888.846.8851. Held at MetroParks Farm.

Mad moon hike set

The Mad Moon hike will be Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. We’ll hope the nearly full moon will light our way to the Keystone State and back. Meet at Stavitch Bicycle Trail on East Liberty Street in Lowellville.

Moderate rating, 4 miles.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead this walk on Nov. 16 at 8 a.m. The hike will be at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, a 264-acre park district property closed to the public. Because of parking limitations, reservations must be made by calling Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m., Nov. 15. No walk-ins will be permitted.

A to Z hike to be Nov. 24

Join the Mill Creek Metro Parks on an alphabet hike through the Mill Creek Gorge on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. During the hike, hunt for natural items that go from A to Z. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill. Moderate rating, two miles.

Health and wellness walks set

The Metro Parks will host a health and wellness walk beginning at 9 a.m. The walk will be Nov. 20, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road. Moderate rating, two or four miles.

Learn yoga basics

Feel comfortable in a class meant for everybody while you learn the basics of yoga taught by Karres Cvetkovich every Sunday in November from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Experience the release of mental and physical tensions that act as powerful barriers to enjoying life. Cost is $10 per class.

Practice Yoga at the park

Yoga will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday in November 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 November 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 in November 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.

Sculpt with Pilates

Pilates Sculpt will be offered every Wednesday in November 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.

Learn to make apple dumplings

Children, ages 6-11, are invited to warm up their autumn with apple dumplings on Nov. 23 from 1:30-3 p.m. Enjoy learning how to make your own apple dumpling, sample dumplings already made, and hear stories about apples throughout history. Held at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Cost is $12, FFRG member $10.

Bountiful Harvest to be Nov. 21, 23

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host Bountiful Harvest Nov. 21 from 1-2 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. until noon. Preschoolers, ages 3-5, will Learn about a few of the vegetables and fruits harvested and eaten at the first Thanksgiving and create a cornucopia using some of these foods. Students will also enjoy a snack and story. Cost is $8, FFRG members $6.

Children’s Nature Hour set

Children’s Nature Hour: Scat? What’s That? will be Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Everything, including animal droppings, has a place in nature. Children ages 3-6 will have fun learning about this silly subject. Pre-registration/payment required at Ford Nature Center. Cost is $2 for residents, $3 for non-residents.

MetroMutts presentation to be Nov. 17

MetroMutts: Keeping Harmony in a Household with Children and Dogs will be Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. The program is presented by The Learning Dog. Teaching our dogs boundaries around children and teaching children to respect a dog’s space is the key to keeping the peace. Whether it is a new baby on the way or introducing a new dog into a household with children, this seminar will cover all aspects of introductions and maintaining a happy household. Held at Pioneer Pavilion. Please leave your dog sleeping peacefully at home.

Cost is MetroMutts members free; not-yet-members $5.

Enjoy olde fashioned Christmas at the Mill

Bring the family to Lanterman’s Mill for this holiday tradition Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Be entertained by musicians and other fine performers. Watch as artisans such as a potter, tinsmith and woodcarver demonstrate their crafts. Have a taste of roasted chestnuts, a visit with Santa, and the sight of the Mill festively dressed in fresh greenery and ribbons. If you wish to share the holiday spirit with others, bring a hat, scarf, or mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree” for children in need this winter. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Shop in the holiday open house

The Shop In the Gardens offers unique finds and gifts for that special someone on your holiday list. You will find gorgeous accessories and d cor for yourself and your home. All holiday items are discounted 20 percent during the holiday open house Nov. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Author to sign books at library

Meet Les Cochran, author of the novel “Signature Affair,” will visit the Poland Library on Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. The former president of YSU will be selling his book and signing copies. Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

Screen your blood pressure

Easter Seals Private Duty Blood Pressure Screening - Providing free health assessments at the Poland library on Nov. 26 from 1-4 p.m. A nurse will be available for blood pressure screenings, pulse, oxygen saturation and weight. Easter Seals Private Duty is offering this service thanks to a grant to provide assessments to seniors in Mahoning County aged 60 plus, but participation will not be limited to seniors at the library.

Give blood at the library

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive at the Poland library on Nov. 27 from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Show what you know

The Poland library will host Show What You Know: Machine Knitting on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to a machine knitting class to make and embellish a snowman toy or ornament. The snowman will be on display during the month of November. Class is one hour in the children’s room at the Poland library. Reserve your spot by calling 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland Library.

Make rainbow loom bracelets

Children in grades 4 and up, are invited to the Rainbow Loom craft program on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boardman library. Rainbow Loom bracelets are fun, unique and great to give away as presents. Each session is limited to the first 12 tweens and teens who sign up. Beginners will be walked through the single pattern bracelet, but templates will be provided for loomers with more experience. Warning: Rainbow Loom Kits contain small rubber bands and sharp points. To register, call 330-744-8636 or sign up online at http://www.libraryvisit.org/programs.aspx. Program available to kids in fourth grade and up only.

Holiday pajama jam set

The Poland library will host Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Put on your pajamas and bring out the whole family for stories and fun.

Lego my library on Tuesday

Children, age 6 and up, can create Lego designs at the Poland library on Nov. 19 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided.

Babies and books set at library

Babies ages 6-23 months can join the Poland library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader every Wednesday in November at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales for toddlers set for Thursday

Join the Poland library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader every Thursday in November at 10 and 11 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Library hosts Fun for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 4-5) become a successful reader every Tuesday in November at 1 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Poland Players to present comedy

The Poland Players will present “Get Bill Shakespeare off the Stage,” a comedy by Joseph Robinette on Nov. 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. in the Poland Seminary High School auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door. The cost is $5 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults. For ticket information call 330-757-7018, ext. 0.

Poland Historical Society sets fall schedule

The Poland Historical Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road in Poland Township. Each month the regular business meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. with a free program planned for 7:30 p.m. which are open to the public. The program schedule is as follows:

Nov. 19 – Following the business meeting, historical society trustees will talk about why and how “Poland” got its name.

Dec. 17 – Annual Christmas dinner for members will be offered at the schoolhouse.

Arms Museum plans Christmas program

Plans for this year’s Memories of Christmas Past are underway at the Arms Family Museum. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is looking to the Valley community for some help with this year’s display. Highlights this year will be on local Valley traditions and will include family heirlooms, nativity collections, handmade cigar box doll houses and a large collection from John Garver, inventor of the locally produced Plakie twirler ornaments. The society is looking for Christmas items related to downtown department stores. McKelveys, McCrorys, Higbees, Strouss-Hirshberg or any other downtown establishment are desirable. Items will be displayed on a short-term loan basis and will be returned to the owner after the exhibit closes in January. Please email a description and picture of items to events@mahoninghistory.org or contact the Historical Society with any questions at 330-743-2589. Memories of Christmas Past opens on Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 5, 2014. Visit www.mahoninghistory.org for more details.