Poland Community Briefs

Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park

Boardman Twp. Park and Marge Hartman’s Paws Town, a volunteer -non-profit organization, have partnered to create Boardman’s first dog park. Thanks to a large gift from the Marge Hartman Foundation, and the fund raising efforts of Paws Town, INC. organization, the Marge Hartman’s Paws Town Dog Park is open and accepting membership applications. Memberships will be good for one year from April 1 until March 31, 2015. Membership fees will not be prorated. Memberships for Boardman residents will be $40 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Non-Boardman resident fee will be $65 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Membership packets may be picked up at the Boardman Park Office, in the outdoor literature boxes at the Dog Park, or online at boardmanpark.com. Beginning April 1, everyone using Paws Town Dog Park must have a membership in order to ensure that all dogs are healthy and vaccinated. New members will be given a code to enter the dog park and they will also be issued a badge to wear.

Newcomer’s club to meet

Newcomer’s of Mahoning Valley is having its monthly luncheon meeting on April 23 at Davidson’s Restaurant. The Honorable Judge Theresa Dellick will be speaking.

The group has been an established group since the 1970’s formed to support women and families that have a change in their life. They enable others an opportunity for social events to meet and form friendships in the community. The gathering starts at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Contact Lori at 330-707-9022 for more information or to make reservations.

Easter pictures to be featured

Easter is right around the corner and Neighbors wants your holiday pictures to feature on a holiday page this spring. Email your pictures of holiday outfits, egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny and family events to neighbors@vindy.com by May 1 to see your picture in print. Include names of all people photographed listed from left to right and front to back, as well as a brief summary on events happening in the picture and in which town you would like your photo to run (Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland). We look forward to seeing pictures of your great family celebrations!

Local educators earn Master Teacher designation

Nine area educators have been designated Master Teachers. According to the Ohio Department of Education, a Master Teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in the following areas: consistent leadership, focused collaboration, distinguished teaching — focus on students and environment, distinguished teaching — focus on content, instruction and assessment, and continued professional growth. The 2014 Master Teachers from Mahoning County are Paula Willock (Jackson Milton Elementary), Mary Williams (Mahoning Career and Technical Center), Mary Janek (Campbell High School), Susan Dunn, (Springfield High School) Jennifer Pint (Struthers Middle School), Sue Ann Nagle (Struthers Middle School), Lynn Chui (B. L. Miller Elementary, Sebring), Thomas Slaven (Mahoning Career and Technical Center), and Eva Sullivan (Poland Middle School). The Master Teacher program is directed by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Educator Standards Board.

Marilyn Michalak named employee of the year

Marilyn Michalak was named employee of the year at Shepherd of the Valley’s Poland location to honor her dedication and service. Michalak joined the staff in July 2008 as a residential assistant in the Nursing Department. She lives in Columbiana.

Garlic Mustard Pull to be April 26

The Poland Municipal Forest Garlic Mustard Pull will be April 26 from 9 a.m. until noon. Garlic Mustard is an alien plant which threatens to choke out the native plants. Removal of Garlic Mustard is easiest this time of year. Participants will be instructed on which plants to target and how to remove them effectively. Groups must have adult supervision and will need to provide their own garden and work gloves. If you are interested in participating, contact Elinor Zedaker at 330-757-2489 or Gordon Longmuir at 330-757-4058.

Second Breath benefit to be May 4

A Second Breath for Chuck Kaden, a spaghetti dinner benefit, will take place May 4 from 1-6 p.m. at Poland Presbyterian Church’s banquet room, located at 2 Poland Manor Dr. in Poland. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 10-years and under and will include spaghetti, salad, drinks and dessert. There will be a bag auction and lottery raffle. Tickets will be sold at the door, but pre-sale tickets can be purchased by contacting Darla White at 330-531-4224 or Patricia Zitello at 330-720-0327. Proceeds from the benefit will help offset the cost for Kaden’s lung transplant surgery.

PJWC to sponsor egg hunt

An Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Poland Junior Women’s Club, will be offered April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Poland Town Hall gazebo and grounds. All children through fourth-grade are invited to attend. Bring a basket for collecting eggs. Visit www.pjwc.org for details about the club and to view upcoming events.

Dianna Kokoszka to speak at DeYor April 24

Nationally renowned writer, speaker and leader Dianna Kokoszka will present a program titled “Empowering Women in the Mahoning Valley” on April 24 at 6 p.m. at the DeYor Performing Arts Center in downtown Youngstown. Kokoszka is the CEO of MAPS Coaching and Keller Williams University. An author of 21 books, she has been named Business Woman of the Year by Denver Business Magazine, Business Council Entrepreneur of the Year by Champions of Free Enterprise and Best of the Best in Real Estate Trends in Dallas, Texas. The evening will begin with a mixer and cocktails. The program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling the DeYor box office at 330-744-0264, or online at www.YoungstownSymphony.com/box-office.

Fibromyalgia support group to meet

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group will welcome Natalie of Senior Independence to the next meeting on April 16. This meeting, focused on independent living, is from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman. Plan to bring a friend and learn about a topic that will affect all of us all sooner or later. If you have an interest in fibromyalgia or need help living with a chronic condition maybe we can help.

Children’s book festival

Come to the eighth annual Children’s Book Festival at Fellows Riverside Gardens April 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Altrusa Club of Youngstown, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Public Media and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will present an event that brings authors, illustrators, book characters, storytellers and hands-on activities for children. Meet Daniel the Tiger and Princess Presto and help to promote literacy in the Mahoning Valley. This is a free event.

Earth Day breakfast, birds and blooms

Celebrate Earth Day April 22 from 7:30-10:30 a.m with a light breakfast and some bird viewing at Ford Nature Center and a ride on the trolley to various locations in the MetroParks deemed the best for viewing the season’s birds and blooms. Brief stops for viewing may require a short walk, so wear sturdy shoes. There is limited seating. Pre-register and pay 36 hours in advance online or at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $10 registered or $12 not registered.

ODNR boating safety class

An approved boating class will be offered at Pioneer Pavilion April 26 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. You will receive full training and complete a proficiency exam at the end of the class. Bring a lunch. Call 330-740-7100 to register. The fee is $10.

Bunny Day at the farm

Hop on down to the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on April 19 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for an opportunity to learn about real bunnies, hosted by the Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit Committee. The group will bring a variety of rabbit breeds and will provide free photo opportunities, activities and bunny advice. Bunny crafts and face painting will also be available for a small fee. Call 330-533-7572 with questions.

Trolley tours

Hitch a ride aboard the brand new trolley, the Cohasset Express on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. and April 27 at 3 p.m. for a guided tour of Mill Creek MetroParks. The 1.5 hour tour will give you the chance to explore, experience and enjoy the beauty of the natural elements and historic features and buildings of Ohio’s first park district. There is limited seating. Pre-register and pay 36 hours in advance online or at Ford Nature Center. Boards at Ford Nature Center. Fees are $5 (R), $7 (NR) for adults and children 12 and under or adults 60 and up are $3 (R) and $5 (NR).

Breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny

In addition to ongoing Bunny Day events, the Junior Fair Rabbit Committee will also host an exclusive breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny in McMahon Hall on April 19 from 9-10:30 a.m. The event will include posed photos, followed by a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and drink. The cost of $7.50 for adults, $5 for children 3-12 years-old and free for 2-years and younger includes Bunny Day event craft and face-painting ticket for each child. Space is limited so RSVP and pay 36 hours in advance online or by calling 330-533-7572.

Hike into spring

Meet at Newport Boat Launch April 12 at 11 a.m. to take a hike up East Newport Drive past Daffodil Meadow, then head back to the boat launch. This hike is an easy rating of two miles. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptables. The event is free. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Fly a kite

Come to Bears Den Cabin April 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. to make and decorate your own kite, then see how well they fly. The event is open to all ages and children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and payment due at Ford Nature Center by April 8. The fee is $5 (R) and $6 (NR).

Geocaching Newport

Geocaching is a modern day outdoor treasure hunt. Meet at Newport Wetlands parking lot April 13 from 2-4 p.m. for an introduction to this sport that combines hiking and GPS while searching around Lake Newport for geocaches. Bring your smartphones and GPS devices. Visit www.geocaching.com to get a head start. This event has a moderate rating and will cover 3-5 miles.

Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time

Come to Ford Nature Center on April 26 from 2-4 p.m. to view a new film about the life and legacy of this noted conservationist and writer, courtesy of the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center. Then join Bill Whitehouse for his thoughts about Leopold and Earth days past and present.

Boy Scout Earth Day clean up

Local Boy Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs and Girl Scout Troops will spend the morning helping to clear out winter’s accumulation of litter across the MetroParks on April 26 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Unit leaders must contact the Ford Nature Center by April 14 to reserve a work area and detailed participation information.

Organic composting course

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens April 26 and 30, and May 3 and 7 (Saturdays 10-2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 4-8 p.m.) to join Grow Youngstown as they cover feedstocks relative to goals and availability, key temperatures, management necessary to keep aerobic conditions, a variety of static composting options and National Organic Standards management for organic compost. Make windrows and backyard bin piles. Register at www.growyoungstown.org. The fee is $50.

Scent games

This seminar, presented by The Learning Dog, will work on your dog’s natural ability to use their strongest skill: scent. Bring your dog to MetroParks Farm Barn number 4 on April 27 at 10:30 a.m. and work together. Bring your own treats. The event is free to MetroMutts members and $5 for non-members. Call Ford Nature Center to register in advance.

Learn to compost

Members of the Green Team will be hosting a backyard composting class at MetroParks Farm on April 27 from 1-3 p.m. Students will receive a compost bin upon completion. Call the Green Team at 330-740-2060 to register.

Cordials and liqueurs

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on May 6 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for a two-part series that will show you how humans have ingeniously utilized plants for beverages. In April, learn how to use a variety of fruits and liquors to make cordials. In May, get creative in the kitchen as you learn to concoct your own liqueur based on herbs, spices and seeds. The single class fee is $39 or $30 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members. The fee for the series is $65 or $47 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members.

Garden scavenger hunt

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 26 from 1-2 p.m. for an afternoon of scavenger hunt fun for the whole family as you tour the gardens. Get to know the ins and outs of landscape and the plants. The donation request is $5 per family.

Loose knit group

Enjoy the view from the Antonucci Library April 18 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. as you help to create blankets for organizations that give to those in need. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced and anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Registration not required.

Fresh Easter arrangement

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens April 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Marie Borocz will lead you in designing an arrangement with white and pink carnations, white, yellow, and lavender mums, baby’s breath and colorful faux Easter eggs. The fee is $39 or $30 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members.

Learn to make cream cheese

Join Beth Haddle at Fellows Riverside Gardens April 16 from 6-8 p.m. as she goes over the ins and outs on how to make your own cream cheese and ways to use it with herbs. Each participant will take home a starter to work with on their own. The fee is $20 or $15 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members.

Pilates basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens April 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with Angela Lubonovich. Bring a mat and water. This is a drop-in class and the fee is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Join Marina Perdos from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in April at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of yoga styles that will help you keep a healthy outlook. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class and the fee is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi in the gardens

Join Marie Lew April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 12-1 p.m. in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. This is a drop-in class and the fee is $10 per class.

Pilates sculpt

Join Angela Lubonovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as she guides you in using hand weights to tone the body with an emphasis on core strength and control. Bring a mat, water and 2 pound weights if you have them. This is a drop-in class and the fee is $10 per class.

Yoga basics

Join Karres Cvetkovich April 6, 13 and 27 from 9-10:30 a.m. to experience the release of mental and physical tensions that act as powerful barriers to enjoying life. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class and the fee is $10 per class.

Flower essences

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens April 27 from 2-3:30 p.m. to be led through the art of creating flower essences, including meditation, journaling, plant observation and essence extraction. Part of the class will take place outdoors, rain or shine. The fee is $24 or $20 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members.

Seed crafts

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 26 from 3-4 p.m. to learn how to make a variety of seed crafts from seed paper to seed bombs for that special someone. This event is for ages 12-17 and the fee is $8.

Dahlia tuber sale

The Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society will have a sale at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 13 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Discover unique varieties that will add to the diversity of your dahlia collection.

Flower shows

The public is encouraged to enter all flower shows. Entries are received from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for details. Show hours are Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. April 19 and 20 is daffodil weekend.

Fibonacci numbers exhibit

Come to the Weller Gallery through June 8 to view the fibonacci numbers exhibit which takes an up-close look at the world of fibonacci numbers and their relationship to the world.

Through the Lens

Come to the Melnick Museum through December 2014 to take a peek at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit displays a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers, which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907 through 1926. In addition to park scenes, several portrait negatives of the period are on display.

Wildflower walks

Come to Mill Creek Park April 19, 27 and May 4 from 2-4 p.m. for a series of walks to witness the progression of early blooming wildflowers. April 19 meets at Newport Wetlands and will be a moderate rating of 2 miles. April 27 meets at Yellow Creek Park. Wear boots for possible creek crossings. This hike will be a moderate rating of 2 miles. May 4 meets at Poland Woods, located off Route 170 in Poland. This hike will be an easy rating of 2 miles.

Voices of the night

Birdsong fills the days of springtime and frogsong fills the nights. Meet at Vickers Nature Preserve April 26 from 8-9:30 p.m. to listen to the serenade. Catch, observe and then release frogs. Flashlights permitted and boots required. This hike is an easy rating of 1 mile.

Spring break adventure

Children ages 8-12 are invited to spend the day nature hiking, doing crafts and learning in and around the Ford Nature Center April 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Participants should dress for the weather and bring a lunch. Register and pay at Ford Nature Center by April 14. The fee is $15 (R) and $20 (NR).

Sanctuary walk

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary April 19 from 8-9:30 a.m. Reservations must be made by phoning Ford Nature Center by 5 p.m. on April 18. Boots are required and no walk-ins will be allowed.

Bird walks

Meet naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse at Ford Nature Center on April 19 and 26 from 8-10 a.m. to be led on a walk. You will drive to the best MetroParks location to view birds. The hike is an easy rating and will cover 1 mile or less.

Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Chuck Jakubchak will present “Sensational Migrations” April 22 from 7-8 p.m. at MetroParks Farm. Explore the journey that birds in Ohio take each year. Hummingbirds, orioles and ospreys are highlighted. In addition to bird facts, you will get travel tips to migration hot spots. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Public welcome.

Amy Stewart and The Drunken Botanist Lecture

Join author Amy Stewart at Fellows Riverside Gardens May 1 from 7-8 p.m. for her lecture on “The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks” brought to you by the Andrews Memorial Lecture Series. Explore the array of plants that humans have contrived to transform into alcohol. Enjoy a small dessert afterward. Registration required. The fee is $25 or $20 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members. For an additional fee, meet Amy Stewart at a reception before the lecture starting at 6 p.m. There will be hors d’oeuvres from Cater 2 U, wine, beer and two botanical cocktails to sample. Fee includes the lecture and dessert afterward. Registration required. The fee is $38 and $30 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens members.

Kite festival

Come to MetroParks Farm May 3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. as members of the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites and Fly Pittsburgh brighten the skies with expert kite flying and designs. Bring your own kites to participate in kite flying activities and contests. A Create-a-Kite workshop will be offered inside McMahon Hall for a small fee. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Fitness Together 5k

This walk/run event is for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a veteran racer, a first time participant or someone who would prefer to walk while socializing with friends and family, come to Wick Recreation Area May 10 from 9-11 a.m. Proceeds benefit Children’s Playground at Wick Recreation Area. Registration forms available online at www.facebook.com/ftcanfield. For more information, call Fitness Together at 330-702-1311. The registration fee is $15 for early registration (on or before May 9) and $20 on the day of event.

Gamblers Anonymous to meet

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Cornersburg. Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend. For more information, call 330-505-5060.

YMCA to host annual Good Friday breakfast

The YMCA of Youngstown will host its 35th annual Good Friday Breakfast and Service on April 18 at the Central YMCA. A gourmet breakfast buffet prepared by Jorgine’s Deli will be served at 7:15 a.m. with the service beginning promptly at 8 a.m. in the community gym. The service will be delivered by Fr. Gregory Maturi of St. Dominic’s Church and feature music by soloist Joselyn Parker. The event will conclude at 8:45 a.m. Individual tickets at $12 and reservations for tables of eight at $85 may be purchased by contacting Patty Tchoryk at 330-742-4781. Due to large attendance in previous years, early registration is required by April 9. More information is available at www.youngstownymca.org. The Central YMCA is located in downtown Youngstown on the corner of Commerce and Champion Streets.

Meet Clifford The Big Red Dog

Come to the Poland library April 15 at 1 p.m. to help celebrate National Library Week. Clifford-The Big Red Dog will make an appearance at a special story time. Bring your cameras to take pictures of your children with Clifford. For children of all ages.

Have you seen Bigfoot?

Join Dan Baker, co-founder of Ohio’s Genoskwa project, April 12 at 12 p.m. for an information session on Bigfoot sightings in Ohio. Researchers will share their sightings, show foot casts, photo evidence of Big Foot appearances, audio recordings of screams and howls and more. A question and answer period will follow. Participants are encouraged to share their stories and experiences, too.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Poland library Wednesdays in April at 10 a.m. for 20 minutes of language enrichment, including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library April 3, 17 and 24 for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children, ages 2-3, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library April 1, 22 and 29 at 1 p.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lego my library

Children ages 6 and up are invited to the Poland library April 15 from 6-7 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided.

Pajama jam

Put on your pajamas and bring the whole family to the Poland library April 28 from 6:30-7 p.m. for stories and more.

Trim a tree for April

Come to the Poland library throughout April to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree.

TAB meeting

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to to the Poland library April 30 at 6:30 p.m. to be a founding member of the new TAB (Teen Advisory Board) group. Help plan and support teen activities, decide what books to buy and discuss what you are currently reading. Snacks provided.

Blackout poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so come to the Poland library throughout April to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet. Create a poem by eliminating/blacking out the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the library will provide. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes. Talk to a librarian for details. For teens in grades 7-12.

Genealogy tutorials

Meet with Genealogy and local history librarian Tim Seman, receive a comprehensive demonstration of available resources and learn about and sign up for genealogy programs. Appointments can be made at libraries throughout the system. To schedule an appointment, call 330-744-8636 or email tseman@libraryvisit.org.

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be having a blood pressure screening at the Poland library April 22 from 1-4 p.m.

History Buff Book Club

Join the Friends of PLYMC at the Poland library cafe April 16 at 10 a.m. to establish the first History Buff Book Club. If you love to read history, this group is for you. The book club will meet the third Wednesday of each month.

Holiday closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed April 19 and 20.

Fried fish dinner to be on Fridays

American Legion Post 737, located at 16465 Milton Ave. in Lake Milton, will serve all-you-can-eat fried fish with french fries or macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, rolls and beverage on Fridays from 3-7 p.m. Chicken or shrimp is also available. Each meal is $8.50 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for those age 3 and under. A fish sandwich with fries and coleslaw is $7. For carry outs, call 330-654-5630. Live entertainment will be from 7-11 p.m.

Poland Lions Club accepting donations

The Poland Lions Club is now accepting donations for their garage sale. Donations can be made May 3 and 10 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Poland Masonic Lodge, located at 7685 Youngstown Pittsburgh Road on Route 170 near Dobbins Road. Donations of furniture, small appliances, pictures, lamps, tools, books, toys, electronics, jewelry, clothes and shoes would be appreciated. Call 330-750-0423 for pickup or more information. The garage sale is set for May 17 at the Poland Masonic Lodge.

Poland Lions Club fundraiser

The Poland Lions Club will be having a fundraiser May 17 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Poland Masonic Lodge, located at 7685 Youngstown Pittsburgh Road on Route 170 near Dobbins Road. There will be a gift basket raffle that will include a Swarovski crystal necklace, a Kindle, a signed Browns football, golf, a Moutaineer Resort stay, a camera, a shredder, headphones, jewelry, a Nine West wallet, a Steve Madden wallet, $100 gift card basket, Indians tickets, massages and more. Winners need not be present. The drawing is at 2 p.m.

Short term host family opportunities available through 4-H

Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage, and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for one month this year, as part of an international exchange program being offered by the County OSU Extension, 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 100 Japanese youngsters (aged 12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18.

Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. Families are urged not to alter their daily routines or lifestyles during their visitor’s stay. Exchangees provide their own spending money, and the sponsoring organization furnishes comprehensive medical insurance.

All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless, and non-4-H families. The only requirements are that for the Japanese month-long exchange, hosts must have a family member of the same gender and approximate age of the exchangee, three meals a day, and a separate bed for the visitor. Those interested should contact Gretchen Kalinay at 330-799-8407 or Gary Reel at 330-533-7712 for an application form and more information about this and other 4-H international exchange programs.

More information and an application can be found at the website www.ohio4h.org/youth/international

T’ai Chi course

Join Marie Lew Thursdays in March and April and May 1 and 8 at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a ten-week course that includes warm-ups, breathing exercises and instruction in the first steps of a complete classic Chen T’ai Chi form. It is designed for beginners with little or no previous background in this art of energy balancing. Taken as a whole, this course will ground the student in the basic principles of movement and the meaning behind the movements while developing coordination, strength and flexibility. Registration required. The fee is $100; 10 percent discount ($90) if registered by March 1.

A day of Asian culture

Travel to Cleveland April 24 from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. to explore gardens, art, and food. Visit Cleveland’s Chinatown with guide Dr. Y.T. Chiu, tour Japanese gardens at Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and discover the Asian exhibits at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Register by calling Fellows Riverside Gardens. Fee: $155; FFRG member $110. Registration deadline is March 28.

Fibonacci numbers exhibit

Come to the Weller Gallery March 28 - June 8 to take a look at the world of Fibonacci numbers and their relationship to the world.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to the Melnick Museum through December 2014 to take a peek at the evolution of photography during the Melnick Museum’s 2014 exhibit Through the Lens. The exhibit will display a rare collection of glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronicle scenes of Mill Creek Park from 1907-1926. In addition to nature scenes, several portrait negatives from the period will also be on display.

Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals

The Poland library will again provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income Mondays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. beginning the week of Feb. 11. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS. TCE sites are staffed by AARP volunteers. Volunteers will provide counseling on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For an appointment, call 330-726-2492.

Spring sale and bazaar

Poland United Methodist Church, located at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, will be having a spring spectacular sale and bazaar sponsored by Poland Relay for Life May 24 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be crafts, food, a 50/50 raffle and raffle baskets. Tables are $30 each and set up is from 7-9 a.m. Call Holly at 330-883-7541 after 5 p.m. for applications and availability.

Relay for life team meetings rescheduled

The remaining team meetings for the 2014 Poland Relay for Life have been rescheduled. The meeting time is still 6 p.m. and the location is still the Poland United Methodist Church on Route 224.

The new meeting dates are March 10, April 14, May 12, June 23 (rally and t-shirt distribution), July 11 and 12 (Poland Relay for Life event at Poland Seminary High School Stadium), and Aug 18 (wrap up).

Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals

The Poland library will again provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income beginning the week of Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS. TCE sites staffed by AARP volunteers. Volunteers will provide counseling on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To make an appointment call 330-726-2492.