Poland Community Briefs

Holiday open house

Blackburn Home will be hosting a holiday open house Dec. 15-19 from 2-4 p.m. each day. Visitors from the community are invited to tour the historic home, which will feature traditional decorations for the holiday season. For more information, call 330-757-2240.

Arms Family Museum to have holiday display

Memories of Christmas Past, the annual holiday spectacular, will run through Jan. 4 at the Arms Family Museum. The seven period rooms of the Arms Family home are filled to the brim with rare, one-of-a-kind, vintage decorations that include ornaments, lighting, trees and toys. This display features many pieces from the Historical Society’s collection as well as items on loan from private collectors. Hours for the museum are Tuesday-Sunday from 1-5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 1-8 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Admission for the exhibit is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens; and $5 for children ages 3-18 (under 3 are free). Proceeds from the event help fund the educational and exhibit programs sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Visit www.memoriesofchristmaspast.com or call 330-743-2589 for additional information.

International Torch Clubs to meet

Dr. Lowell Satre, YSU Professor Emeritus of History, and his wife, Ellen, will be speakers at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. They will discuss a recent bicycle tour of their ancestral homeland in Scandinavia. The meeting will be in Kilcawley Center, Bresnahan Rooms I and II, on the campus of Youngstown State University. The public is invited to attend. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the lecture at 7 p.m. Attending only the lecture is free of charge. Dinner for nonmembers is $20. Call 330-757-4148 for reservations, and for club information, call 330-792-7351.

Toy collection for children at hospital

“Brighten Up for the Kids” is a holiday fundraiser that collects toys, gifts, games and raises money for the children who need to stay in the hospital over the holiday. All proceeds, gifts, toys and monetary donations go to Akron Children’s Hospital of the Mahoning Valley. Items needed this year include coloring books, crayons, craft sets, games, books, infant toys, mobiles and onsies. The collection runs from Nov. 24 until Jan. 7. The last day for drop off for toys will be Dec. 23. They also started a Christmas light competition on Market Street to help make the area surrounding the hospital bright and cheery so that families and employees at the hospital can feel the holiday spirit.

No December meeting for Monday Night Writers

The Monday Night Writers group will not be hosting its regular monthly meeting in December. Instead, group members and those interested in fiction are invited to attend the “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day event at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Boardman on Dec. 21 from 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or by email at nancy@nancychristie.com. The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be Jan. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories,” 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 Christie.

Gamblers Annonymous 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 Youngstown (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.

Quilt group to have holiday party

That Quilt Group I Belong To will host its December meeting and Holiday Dinner Party on Dec. 16 at the Fair Park Rotary Building in Canfield. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Catering will be provided by the Broad Street Diner, and entertainment will be provided by Mr. Eddie Durkin. Contact Mary Durkin for reservations at 330-533-2375. Those who wish to participate in the gift exchange are asked to bring a $15 sewing-related gift. The annual quilt raffle drawing will take place, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Silver Lining Fund. Guests are asked to bring coloring books and crayons to donate to Akron Children’s Hospital. 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.

Historical society to host holiday party

Members of the Poland Historical Society plan to enjoy time together celebrating the season on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. They will begin the evening with a very brief meeting opening and spend the rest of the time enjoying holiday cheer together. The society will provide sandwiches and beverages, and ask that attendees bring a pot-luck casserole or dessert to be shared by all. They will also need volunteers to help cleanup after the party. Those who can help with holiday decorating of the Schoolhouse are invited to stop by and offer help on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. They will leave the decorations up until early January and will need help when they take them down. Contact Larry Baughman (President) or Dave Smith (Secretary) with questions and/or RSVP for the Christmas party.

Wreath ceremony in Poland cemetery Saturday

The old Poland Village Cemetery adjoining the Presbyterian Church has been selected as a site for a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13. The Poland Village Hine Fund is hosting the event. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will involve the placement of a pine wreath at the headstone of each of the veterans buried in the graveyard. There are 13 veterans of the Revolutionary War, 13 from the War of 1812 and 10 Civil War veterans buried in the graveyard. Descendants of some of the veterans will be present for the ceremony. The public is invited to attend. Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization. They will be placing wreaths at the headstones of fallen veterans at nearly 1,000 locations across the country and overseas on Dec. 13.

Poland Cub Scouts from Pack 2 to present body armor for new K-9 Officer

Due to the support and generosity of the Poland community during their popcorn fundraiser, Cub Scout Pack 2 in Poland has exceeded their goals this year. In turn, they have decided to help support the community that supports their Pack. The Pack presented body armor for their new K-9 officer to the Poland Township Police Department on Dec. 10. They are able to make this presentation due to the proceeds from the popcorn fundraiser, as well as the generosity of Blue Line Ltd. of North Lima, who discounted the vest as well as contributed towards the cost.

Financial aid workshop

There will be a financial aid workshop at Poland Seminary High School on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. This workshop is geared to parents of graduating seniors and is intended to answer the questions concerning the financial aid process. Parents of juniors are also welcome to attend to get an idea of what is forthcoming. Speakers at the workshop will be Gina McHenry from YSU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship, along with Poland High School’s Guidance Counselors, Rob Sainato and Judy Volosin. Specific topics to be addressed include types of financial aid, how the financial aid process works, completing the FAFSA, alternative funding sources for higher education and a questions and answer session.

Wine taste fundraiser to be Feb. 6

The ninth annual St. Michael Parish Wine Taste will take place on Feb. 6 inside the church Family Life Center. Proceeds from the event benefit the Center. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 330-533-6839.

First Night Youngstown is seeking event staff

First Night Youngstown, a family-friendly, alcohol-free, celebration of the arts, is looking for event staff to assist in its downtown New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31. Event Staff must be at least 16-years of age (with parental approval) or older. Staff is needed to sell admission buttons at each of the indoor First Night Youngstown venues. Event staff will work in pairs and each staff member will be awarded a $25 stipend at the end of the evening. The 4-hour shifts will vary depending on the venue. Event Staff will not be scheduled after 10 p.m. An event staff training session is scheduled for Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. in the second floor auditorium of the Ohio One Building. The Ohio One Building is located in downtown Youngstown at the intersection of E. Boardman and Champion Streets. For more information and an application, visit the www.firstnightyoungstownoh.com, call the FNY Office at 330-744-9966 or email at infofirstnightyoungstown@netzero.net.

Student art on display

The Davis Family YMCA is hosting its annual Student Art Show from Dec. 1-21 at the McClurg Road facility. Students who learned or honed their skills at the Y during 2014 were invited to participate. More than 30 students will show 60 pieces of art. While many are beginners, others have become so accomplished that they’ve been accepted into some of the most prestigious art shows in the area, often winning awards and selling their work. The opening reception will take place on Dec. 7 from 1-2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. For more information, call the Y at 330-480-5656 or email sgray@youngstownymca.org.

Poland Historical Society meeting

The Poland Historical Society will celebrate the Christmas Season together following their 6:30 p.m. meeting on Dec. 16 at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road in Poland Township. Members are asked to bring a covered dish to share. Sandwiches, dessert and beverage will be provided. Questions and RSVP should be directed to Larry Baughman, President, at 330-757-2788 or Dave Smith, Secretary, at 330-757-8375.

Holiday closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24; Christmas Day, Dec. 25; New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31; and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

Friends of PLYMC’s Canfield Committee sets fundraiser

Support the new Canfield Library by purchasing Stone Fruit Coffee special blend for the holidays. The cost is $15 per bag. Coffee can be purchased from one of the Friends of the Library or at Stone Fruit Coffee in Canfield. Proceeds benefit the Canfield Library Capital Campaign.

Cheers to the new Canfield library

Pick up a flyer at the library and bring it to the Canfield Ruby Tuesday fundraiser on Dec. 30, all day, and 20 percent of the net sales will return to support the Canfield Library Capital Campaign. Flyers will be available in PLYMC libraries.

Blood pressure screening

There will be a blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross on Dec. 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Poland library. This event is for adults.

Gingerbread house

Stop by the Poland library for some holiday cheer on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. Use graham crackers, icing, gumdrops and more to build and decorate a miniature gingerbread house. Space is limited and registration is required. Stop in the Poland Library or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for tweens and teens in grades 4-12 and is a holiday program.

Trim a tree for December

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-season tree during regular library hours in the month of December. This event is for children of all ages.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Poland library on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

Gotta Move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Poland library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning on Dec. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Enjoy the holly days

Join the Poland library on Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. for holiday games, songs, stories, crafts and more fun. This event is for school age children.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes and finger plays, and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 18 is a holiday program.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library for developmentally appropriate book, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader on Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 18 is a holiday program.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. The Poland library will host twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Senior Christmas luncheon to be Dec. 15

The Holy Family Senior Club will enjoy a catered Christmas luncheon on Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, located at 2729 Center Road in Poland. Members can make reservations by calling Ruth Burns, President, at 330-757-1334 and sending $13 per person to her home address: 6834 James St., Poland, OH 44514. Following lunch, members will play Bingo and cards.

HMHP name changes to Mercy Health

In November, Humility of Mary Health Partners will change its name to Mercy Health. The change will more accurately reflect a partnership with the network of healthcare providers that comprise Mercy Health, the largest health system in Ohio. This transition began in July when Catholic Health Partners (CHP), HMHP’s parent, changed its name to Mercy Health. At that time, it was determined that all CHP markets would eventually mirror that name change. These changes are in name only. All services, locations, modes of operation, care providers, administrators and employees will remain the same. As part of the system name change, HMHP Physician Associates, HMHP’s employed physician group, will become Mercy Health Physicians. The names of HMHP’s three health centers – St. Elizabeth, St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth Boardman -- will change to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, St. Joseph Warren Hospital and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. During this transition, the Mercy Health name will be added to many materials, but new signage reflecting this name change will not be installed on buildings until a definitive time frame has been established for the full migration to the Mercy Health brand across all markets.

Carlozzi Financial Services hosts annual funds and food drive

Carlozzi Financial Services is again helping local families in need this holiday season. The public is invited to join Carlozzi Financial Services and their clients and give a monetary donation or a non-perishable food item to Second Harvest Food Bank. Monetary donations or non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Carlozzi Financial Services, located at 831 Southwestern Run, Suite 1, in Poland. For more information, visit www.CarlozziFinancialServices.com. Second Harvest Food Bank distributed more than 9.2 million pounds of food in 2013 in the tri-county area. Last year, Carlozzi Financial Services collected over 190 pounds of food and $960.00 in monetary donations.

MCCTC’s Horticulture Club poinsettia fundraiser

The Horticulture FFA Club at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is taking orders for red poinsettias for the upcoming holiday season. The plants are single, pinched (multiple bloom) in a 6.5 inch pot. You have your choice of green, red or gold foil for around the pot and you can also add a white, green or a red satin bow. The poinsettias will be ready for pick-up starting Nov. 20 and the sale will go until Dec. 17. The cost of the plants is $8.50. To order a poinsettia plant, call 330-729-4015, ext. 1671, or stop in at the Horticulture Program at 7300 North Palmyra Road in Canfield.