Poland Community Briefs


Truck sale to be Sept. 13

The Immaculate Heart of Mary will have a “Treasures in Your Trunk Sale,” sponsored by its Social Concerns Group, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sept. 13. The sale will take place in the church parking lot, located at 4500 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown. Only 100 spaces are available at $10 per space and they are filling up fast. No refunds will be given for any reason. Take your own table (up to 8 feet) for setting up in front of your trunk. Homemade baked goods, food and beverages will be available. A used book sale will take place in the Parish Center at the same time. Also available this year will be a large selection of fresh mums from a local nursery. For more information, or to obtain a registration form, call Dolly Anderson at 330-792-8355 or Rebecca Velasco at 330-799-7751.

Security experts to address Ostomy group

Christopher Wentz, information security officer, and Kristi Blue, corporate security and fraud investigator, both with Farmers National Bank, will discuss identity theft and fraud during the next meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group, which will take place from from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Humility House, located at 755 Ohltown Road in Austintown. The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group, sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners, provides information and encouragement to individuals who have or will have ostomies. The group meeting is free and open to ostomy patients, families and friends. Refreshments are provided and parking is free. For more information, call 330-480-3440. The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group meets once a month March through December. Speakers are invited based on the interests of the group.

BPJWL to have 35th anniversary

The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League will have its annual welcome back picnic on Sept. 9 at the Georgeanna Parker center in Boardman Park at 6 p.m. and general meeting at 7 p.m. In recognition of BPJWL’s 35th anniversary, they will kick off the year with a goal of collecting 35 of the listed school supplies. Each member is to bring two of the following items: scissors for middle school students, #2 pencil package, pens, glue, crayons (24 count) and one subject notebooks. All members are asked to bring a covered dish to enjoy. Women who are interested in joining, receiving more information or donating school supplies can call membership chairwoman Linda Fabian at 330-782-8208. The Boardman Poland Junior Women’s League is open to all women over 18, residing in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties who are interested in friendship, fun and community involvement. Their mission is to provide a creative outlet for women interested in providing community service in areas of arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public affairs.

Bridal fair

Go to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 7 from 12-4 p.m. to meet area bridal vendors and discover ideas for your ceremony and reception. Register for door prizes and be a guest at the 3 p.m. Wedding Fashion Show.

Guided tractor wagon rides

Come to MetroParks Farm Sept. 7 from 1-4 p.m. to learn about the animals, visit the barns and see the crops. Tractor wagon rides will be every half hour. Donations accepted. The fall craft fee is $1.

Bear Creek walk

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 7 from 2-4 p.m. to sample macroinvertebrates, and rate the creek’s cleanliness. Wear appropriate shoes for walking in water. Register at Ford Nature Center by Sept. 6. Moderate rating, one mile.

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 September at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of yoga stles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. Drop-in class. $10 per class.

T’ai Chi in the gardens

Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 3 from 12-1 p.m. Drop-in class. $10 per class.

Pilates basic

Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with Angela Lubonovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 3 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring a mat and water. Drop-in class. $10 per class.

Slow as a snail

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 4 from 10-11 a.m. and Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. to learn about snails through a story, craft and hike. Register/pay by two days in advance. Fee: $5 registered, $7 not registered. Additional fees apply after deadline.

T’ai chi basics course

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Sept. 4, 11 and 25 for a 10 week course intended for beginners only. Starting at square one, you will explore the stances and movements, rhythms and applications of a classic t’ai chi form. Marie Lew will guide you in following the theme of circles and cycles in warm-ups and breathing exercises, all the while developing coordination, flexibility and leg strength, improving balance, stability and concentration. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $100; there is a 10 percent discount if registered by Sept. 1.

A loose knit group

Enjoy the view from the Antonucci library at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 5 (and every two weeks on Friday until Sept. 19) 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.

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens each Friday through Oct. 17 to take part in fun drop-in activities in the family garden. Watch as the garden grows with characters from Alice in Wonderland and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends. Registration not required.

Foray into fungi

Come to Lanterman’s Mill on Sept. 6 from 1-3 p.m. to explore the rotten world of fungi, including tips on how to identify some edible species of mushrooms. Local mycologist Walt Sturgeon will present an indoor program as well as a guided hike to find and observe these organisms. Please note: collection in the park is prohibited. Easy, one mile.

Harvest moon Kayak

Come to East Newport Boat Launch on Sept. 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the harvest moon kayak ride. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center two days before program. $12 per person if registered; $15 per person if not registered. The second person in tandem is 1/2 price. Additional fees apply after deadline. Age and experience restrictions apply.

Dog seminar

Come to the Birch Hill Cabin on Sept. 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. for a seminar on teaching dogs boundaries around children and teaching children to respect a dog’s space. Whether it’s 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. Please leave your dogs at home for this workshop. Register at Ford Nature Center. Members free; nonmembers $5. Presented by The Learning Dog.

End of summer arrangement

Join Marie Borocz at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to be guided in using sunflowers, carnations, mums and limonium, accented with bear grass to create a sunny arrangement for your home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Recreational hike

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 10 from 9-10 a.m. for a faster paced recreational hike of two or four miles.

Food for thought

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. to explore the benefits of a whole foods, plant-based diet with Samie Winick as she shares her favorite resources and recipes for a healthier planet and a healthier you. Class participants will have an opportunity to taste a few dishes with these super foods in the starring role. Call Fellows Riverside Garden to register. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Silly squirrels

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 12 or 13 from 10-11 a.m. to discover the life of squirrels through hands-on activities and exploration. For children ages 3-6. Register/pay two days in advance. The cost is $5 registered; $7 not registered. Additional fees after deadline.

Remembering Idora Park

Idora Park closed its gates for the final time in early September 1984. Rick Shale, author of Idora Park: The Last Ride of Summer will present a slide program about the beloved amusement park on Sept. 12 from 7:30-8:30 p.m at Pioneer Pavilion. Register at Ford Nature Center by Sept. 11.

Fall fun at Lanterman’s Mill

Go to Lanterman’s Mill on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for some harvest time fun. Take a turn grinding grain, carding and spinning wool, playing games from the past, exploring the grist mill to see how things were done in the 1800’s and more. Regular mill admission fees apply. Craft activity available for $2 fee.

Teaching the Trees

Come to the Old Log Cabin on Sept. 6 from 10-11:30 a.m. to enjoy reading this collection of essays by natural history author Joan Maloof which highlight the extraordinary relationships that trees have with their ecosystems. Book discussion to follow.

The Farmer and the Chef

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 13 from 6:30-10 p.m. as chefs and farmers work together to create an array of freshly prepared cuisine from locally grown vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy products. Sample amazing food and craft beer in the barn decorated by Something New, enjoy desserts, including mini cupcakes made with an assortment of veggies and vote for your favorite soup in the People’s Choice competition.

Gail George and Donkey Engine will be performing for your listening and dancing pleasure.

The Green Cathedral Half Marathon

Mill Creek MetroParks is proud to announce the second annual Green Cathedral Race presented by Zim’s Max Freeze and sponsored by WFMJ/WBCB on Sept. 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you’re looking for a competitive run, a fun run, or a leisurely scenic walk through Mill Creek Park then this is the event for you. Proceeds benefit the Wick Recreation Area Children’s Playground Project. Register online at www.gopherarun.com or visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org for a printable registration form and event details. Contact Rikki Brammer at rikki@millcreekmetroparks.org for course description and event questions. The half marathon starts at 8:30 a.m., the 5k starts at 8:45 a.m., and the Kid’s Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. The half marathon early registration fee is $35; after Sept. 5 it’s $40, the 5k early registration fee is $25; after Sept. 5 it’s $30 and the Kids Fun Run (ages 10 and under) is free.

Idora: 30 Years Later

Come to Lanterman’s Mill on Sept. 14 from 2-3:30 p.m. to share your memories of Idora Park as you walk through the perimeter of what was once the beloved amusement park. Easy, one mile. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Fused glass pendants

Lynn Cardwell will help students create two fused glass pendants at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. The pendants will be fired and ready for pick up in approximately four weeks. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Recreational hikes

Come to the Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive Sept. 16 from 6-7 p.m. for faster paced recreational hikes of one or three miles.

Visit Lincoln Park

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. or from 12:30-2 p.m. to visit Lincoln Park, home to the famous Council Rock, the legendary site of an 18th century Native American gathering. You’ll travel through Mill Creek Park en route and back. Some walking. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center by Sept. 16. The cost is adults $5 registered, $7 not registered; 12 and under or 60 and over $3 registered, $5 not registered.

Explorer’s garden

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 18 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. as Dan Hinkley, considered one of the most prolific independent plant hunters of modern times, will discuss the process, perils and joys of observing plants in their wild state. Hinkley will discuss the process of bringing home seed for evaluation and possible introduction to landscapes across North America. Join him in this evening lecture as he leads you through the mountain floras of southwestern China, northern Vietnam and the Japanese Archipelago while providing a glimpse into how his previous collections have settled down in his own garden, Windcliff, on the shore of Puget Sound in Washington State. Sponsored in part by the John S. and Doris M. Andrews Memorial Lecture Series. The cost is $25; FFRG member $20.

Birding the sanctuary

Come to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 20 from 8-9:30 a.m. as Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited leads this walk. Bring binoculars and boots. Register at Ford Nature Center by Sept. 19. Faerie gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. or 12-1:30 p.m. to make a special faerie garden. Be inspired to create a miniature garden that any good faerie would not be able to resist. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. For ages 6-17. The cost is $12.

Sunset at the farm

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 20 from 5-8 p.m. to watch the sun set on the horizon as you enjoy the late summer atmosphere at the farm. Enjoy folk music as you roast a marshmallow over the campfire, explore the animal barns and a corn maze, watch cider and homemade apple butter being made and try a sample, play some old time games, ride a horse drawn wagon and more. Pony rides and face painting available for a small fee.

End of summer

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 21 from 2-3:30 p.m. to explore the farm and environs with some special emphasis on the longhorn cattle. Moderate. 1.5 or 2.5 miles. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Gardening basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 23 from 1:30-3 p.m. for a gardening basics class. Even if you missed the initial Landscape Design Theory class, you will walk away from this class with the skills to look at gardens from a designer’s point of view. After a review of some basic elements of design, Bridget Beck will introduce the class to some famous (and not so famous) gardens and what makes them work as pieces of art. This class will also discuss sustainable design and designing contemporary gardens. Students are encouraged to bring sketches and notes on their home garden design projects for studio time at the end of class. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $20; FFRG member $16.

Marble fish painting

Jackson Pollock was an American abstract expressionist painter who was famous for innovative action paintings. Children ages 5-7 are invited to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 23 to create a personal fish painting in a Jackson Pollock style as well as learn about warm and cool colors. Register/pay by Sept. 21. The cost is $5 registered, $6 not registered.

Herbal tea time

Join Pam Baytos at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to discuss herbal teas, infusions and decoctions. Learn how to brew and prepare herbs, and what plants to grow for specialty use gardens. You’ll mix a few tea blends then enjoy a cup of tea along with scones and herbal butter in your take home tea cup and saucer. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 23 from 7-8 p.m. to hear Jim McCormac of Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife speak about birding Ohio’s north coast and the new Lake Erie Birding Trail from Conneaut to Toledo. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Recreational hikes

Come to the MetroParks Bikeway at Kirk Road Trailhead on Sept. 24 from 9-10 a.m. for faster paced recreational hikes of two or four miles.

Plant parts and patterns

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 24 from 11-12:30 p.m. to enjoy a mid-morning stroll through the gardens as you learn the basics of botany and patterns of plant families. Learn the basic parts of a leaf and look at venation patterns and leaf arrangements. Return to the Davis Center for a on a seasonal lunch plus dessert. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Garden gnomes

Children ages three to five who are accompanied by an adult are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens Sept. 25 from 1-2 p.m. to explore the gardens in search of garden gnomes. Enjoy a snack and craft. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $5.

Picnic in the park

Enjoy an afternoon excursion at Mill Creek Metro Parks on Sept. 25 from 1-4 p.m. Explore several park landmarks and make a very special stop for a picnic with sandwiches from Gordy’s Specialty Market. Register/pay by Sept. 23 at Ford Nature Center. Adults are $15 registered, $17 not registered; 12 and under or 60 and over are $12 registered, $15 not registered. The options for Gordy’s Jolly Trolley Picnic Packs (featuring Boars Head) include a sandveech, kettle potato chips, pickle, bottled water and a sweet treat. Mayo and vinaigrettes served on the side. Have your picnic pack selection ready when you register for this trolley tour.

Animal portraits

Children ages 8 -12 are invited to Ford Nature Center on Sept. 26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to create visual textures of feather, fur and scales for a unique animal portrait. Learn how to blend oil pastels and work from a reference photo. Register/pay by Sept. 24. The cost is $5 registered; $6 not registered.

Restoration and journaling

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to reflect and restore using gentle movement, breathing practices and journaling all the while in the atmosphere of garden beauty with Michelle O’Brien. Bring a mat, some favorite pillows, blankets for props and the writing tools of your choice. No prior writing or journaling experience is necessary and each written piece is for your own private introspection. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Stroller walk

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 27 from 10-10:45 a.m. to connect yourself and your child to nature. Enjoy a short guided walk through the gardens. Specially designed hike for children in strollers with a caregiver. Call 330-740-7116 for more information.

Kayak tour

Come to the East Newport Boat Launch on Sept. 27 from 1-3 p.m. for the first fall kayak naturalist and volunteer-escorted trip. Age and experience restrictions apply. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center two days before the event. The cost is $12 if registered, $15 if not registered. Second person in tandem is 1/2 price. Additional fees apply after dealine.

Fall hike

Come to the golf course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive on Sept. 28 from 10-11 a.m. to celebrate fall as you trot down the East Golf Hike and Bike Trail. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptables. Easy, two miles.

Pumpkin picking wagon tour

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 28 from 1-4 p.m. for a guided tractor and wagon ride and pick your own pumpkin. Supplies will be on hand to decorate your pumpkin. The pumpkins will be just the right size for children to carry. Dress appropriately for the pumpkin patch. This event will be every Sunday through October 19. The wagon ride is $1; with pumpkin it’s $4.

Cycles and anthocyanins

Come to MetroParks Farm on Sept. 28 from 1-3 p.m. to explore the colors of fall with a guided afternoon bike ride. Moderate, six miles. Helmet required. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Vinaigrette extraordinaire

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 28 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. to sample and learn about vinegars, special oils, herbs and toppings that will elevate your salad experience. Karres Cvetkovich will share with you recipes, organic herbs, and fresh ideas to take home. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $28; FFRG member $24.

Leaf bowl

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Sept. 30 from 5:30-8 p.m. as Lynn Cardwell teaches students to construct a clay bowl embossed with leaf patterns. The work will be glazed, fired and ready to take home approximately five weeks after the class. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Recreational hikes

Come to MetroParks Bikeway MetroParks Farm Trailhead on Sept. 30 from 6-7 p.m. for faster paced recreational hikes of 2 or 4 miles.

Dawn Patrol Rendezvous

The Youngstown chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 531, is conducting a chartered bus trip to the US Air Force Museum in Dayton to attend the 2014 World War I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous offered by the museum and the Great War Aeroplanes Association commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I in Europe. The biennial Dawn Patrol Rendezvous is one of the nation’s premier historical aviation events and brings the excitement of early air power to Ohio. The Dawn Patrol Rendezvous features flying vintage original and reproduction WWI aircraft, radio-controlled models, era automobiles, period re-enactors, a collector’s show and a mock aerial battle in the afternoon. The event is free to the public as is the museum (more information atwww.nationalmuseum.af.mil/wwi.asp). The bus will leave from Austintown at 6 a.m. on Sept. 27 and return there at 11 p.m. the same day. The bus trip cost is $26 for EAA members; $26 or $30 for non-members. Contact Chapter 531 president John Stoll at 330-727-3762 or email him at jstoll@zoominternet.net for more details and to receive the bus trip application form.

Mill Creek ABWA to meet Sept. 9

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. A buffet dinner, at $17 per person, will be served. Longtime member Katherine Novak will discuss her service on the board of directors of the William Penn Association, a fraternal organization that provides life insurance and annuities. For reservations, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by Aug. 31.

Founders Day open house to be Sept. 7

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is hosting a free Founders Day open house at the Arms Family Museum on Sept. 7 from 1-5 p.m. in celebration of the Society’s 139th anniversary. The museum will be open for tours, the education staff will have indoor and outdoor games and activities for all ages and refreshments, including Good Humor ice cream bars, will be available. For more information, call the Society at 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.

Price receives degree

John Price, a 2010 Poland Seminary High School graduate, received a Bachelors Degree in Marketing Management (Magna Cum Laude) at YSU’s Summer Commencement, which took place on Aug. 16.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Poland library Wednesdays in September 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 Thursdays in September at 10:30 a.m. 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 Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25 for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

Join the Poland library on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play. For children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver.

Lego my library

Come to the Poland library on Sept. 16 from 6-7 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided. For children ages six and up.

Trim a tree

Come to the Poland library throughout September to decorate an ornament for our all-seasons tree. Children of all ages.

Battle of the books

Stop in the Poland library during the month of September and nominate your favorite book. Books receiving the most nominations will be up for a vote in October to determine the overall favorite. All completed nomination forms will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a gift card. One nomination per person. For teens in grades 7-12.

TAB meeting

Come to the Poland library on Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. for the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. You can help out with library programs, decide what books to buy, discuss what you are currently reading, meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. Snacks provided. For teens in grades 7-12.

Eclectic genealogy

Celebrate William Holmes McGuffey’s 214th birthday at the Poland library on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. with a comprehensive introduction to genealogical research. Learn how to build your family tree by using a broad and diverse range of resources. For adults.

Get connected with digital media

Would you like to learn how to download free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices? Come to the Poland library on Sept. 8 from 6-7 p.m. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the specific branch to register. For adults.

Conquering the inflammation of arthritis without prescriptions

Dr. Kathy Padgitt, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, and certified in plant-based nutrition by Cornell University, will explain how nutrition and supplements can be used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis at the Poland library on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. Learn how making dietary changes can help reduce pain and inflammation. Reservations are needed. Register online or call 330-744-8636. For adults.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations at the Poland library Sept. 9 and 18 from 12:30 until 6:30 p.m. to help the community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be having a free blood pressure screening at the Poland library on Sept. 23 from 1-4 p.m.

Ted Ossoff at the library

Join Ted Ossoff, local PGA professional and contributor to Golf Digest Magazine, at the Poland library on Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. for an informative conversation and demonstration about playing the game, handling winter layoff and more. Ossoff will be available for questions. For adults.

POW to speak

WWII POW Irwin Stovroff will speak about his life experience in WWII as a Prisoner of War and Normandy at the Poland library on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

Holiday closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for Labor Day.

Shrine Club to have Clambake

The Youngstown Shrine Club (Crescent Company) will be hosting its premier fraternal event of the season, the annual “Claimbake,” on Sept. 6. This stag event includes two meals including the main meal of clams, lobster, chicken, corn and more as well as open bar. Lunch will be served from 1-4 p.m. and the main meal at 6:30 p.m. in the club’s outdoor pavilion, located at 1735 W. South Range Road (Route 165) in North Lima. Tickets are $85, are limited to 500 and can be purchased in advance by contacting Chairman Lee Hively at 330-533-3036.

Back to school

It’s time for the 2014-2015 school year to begin and Neighbors wants your back to school pictures to feature in an upcoming edition. Send your favorite picture from this year of your children (grades K-8) on the first day of school to neighbors@vindy.com. List the names of those pictured from left to right and front to back, as well as their grade and the school they will be attending this year. The deadline for photo submission is Sept. 7.

Church to have special reception

Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman, was formed in Youngstown on March 2, 1889 by a small group of Swedish immigrants. 125 years later, it has become a melting pot of nationalities, including Swedish, German, Italian and many others. They are celebrating this occasion with a special service at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 21, followed by a reception at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Friends of the congregation are invited to attend. Reception requires reservations, which can be made by calling the church office at 330-758-574.

Church to celebrate anniversary

Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church will be celebrating its 55th anniversary as a congregation in the Poland Community on Sept. 14. Friends and former members are invited to join the congregation in a special worship service and picnic on that day. To make a reservation for the picnic, or for more information, call 330-757-3272 by Sept. 1. Prince of Peace is located at 2985 Center Road in Poland.

Botanical delights

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Aug. 30 from 1-3 p.m. to delight your senses in the soothing fragrance of lavender as you learn about differences in species and cultivars and ways to use lavender in and around your home. FRG Horticulture Education Manager Mandy Smith will guide you in creating an herbal dream pillow for restful nights as you taste some sweet treats. The cost is $20; FFRG member $16.

Recreational hikes

Come to the Ohio Department of Transportation on Aug. 31 from 2-3 p.m. for 2-3 mile fast-paced, volunteer-led hikes. Call FNC for more info.

Ursuline reunion to be Aug. 30

The Ursuline High School Class of 1969 reunion will take place on Aug. 30 from 6-10 p.m. at the 5th Season Banquet Center, located at 1400 N. Canfield-Niles Road (State Route 46) in Mineral Ridge. The cost is $40 per person and there will be a cash bar. A class photo will be taken. the cost will be $15 and it will be available that night. Make checks payable to class of “69 Ursuline” and RSVP no later than Aug. 6. Send checks to Bill Ortz, 114 Griswold Dr., Boardman,Oh 44512. Questions can be directed at billortz@yahoo.com or by phone at 330-717-4402.

Fitch 40th reunion be be Aug. 29 and 30

Austintown Fitch Class of 1974 is having its 40th year reunion over Labor Day weekend. Prior to the game on Aug. 29, the class will have a tailgate and home football game at Fitch stadium at6 p.m. A post-game party will be at Trax on Raccoon Road in Austintown. On Aug. 30, they will reunite at 7 p.m. at The Upstairs Lounge, located on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown, for drinks, dinner and more. It will be “Dutch treat.” For more information and reservations, contact Kim Ringer Paden at cpaden@zoominternet.net or by phone at 330-540-9435, or Marcia Gamble Sturdevant at Marcia.sturdevant@gmail.com or by phone at 330-501-2298.

Youngstown Steel exhibit

Come to the outdoor gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through fall 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to view the steel sculptures by artist Tony Armeni that celebrate Youngstown’s spirit of invention.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens through fall of 2014 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to view a collection of rare glass negatives and acetate film negatives produced by two local photographers which chronical scenes from Mill Creek Park from 1907 - 1926.

Holiday closings

All public libraries in Mahoning county will be closed on Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

East High’s 50th reunion

The 50th East High School reunion will take place on Aug. 30 at Mr. Anthony’s, located at 7440 South Avenue in Boardman, from 6-10 p.m. All 60’s classmates are welcome. There is limited seating and no tickets will be sold at the door. The cost is $50 per person and there will be a cash bar. Registration is at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:45 p.m. Make checks payable to East High School Class of 64, Mailed to Sandy (Santillo) Reed, 3216 Glen Oaks Drive, Youngstown, OH 44511. For more information, email sandrabeachbum@aol.com or call 330-793-9008.

Gun raffle

Brandon Kovach, candidate for Columbiana county auditor is raffling off a stainless steel Ruger 10/22 and a turkey/waterfowl mossberg 535 shotgun. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online via a donation from his facebook page facebook.com/electkovach or his website electkovach.com and they will be mailed to you. The drawing will take place Sept. 1 and you must be legally able to own a gun to qualify.

Oh Wow! to close on Mondays

Starting on Memorial Day (May 26), OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology will be closed on Mondays. Summer hours remain in effect through Labor Day, (Sept. 1).

Family garden Fridays

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens each Friday starting May 9 until Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to take part in activities in the family garden. Watch as the garden grows with characters from Alice in Wonderland and Wonderland-like plants. Learn about garden creatures, tools and how to care for a garden. Take part in making garden treats, listening to stories, children’s yoga and adventuring with Alice and her friends. This event is free to all.