Poland Community Briefs

Pork-kraut dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 S. Meridian Road, will host its next pork-kraut dinner on Feb. 16 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The price of $8.75 for adults and $5 for children includes desserts and coffee, tea or pop. The public is welcome and take-outs will be available.

Torch Club dinner

Donald Butler will be the guest speaker at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 17. The title of his talk is “Lighting For the 21th Century and Two Inventors Responsible For It.”

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. Dinner for nonmembers is $20. Call 330-757-4148 for reservations. For more information on the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs, call 330-792-7351.

Historical society Feb. 18

The Poland Historical Society will host its February meeting on Feb. 18, the third Tuesday of the month, at the “Inn on the Green,” located at 500 S. Main St. in Poland. At 6:30 p.m., previous owners, Ginny and Steve Meloy, will talk about the history of the building and their experiences with the Inn. New owners, Kathleen and Mark Lyda, will offer a tour of the Inn following the Meloy’s presentation. The regular meeting will be offered after the tour.

Local students named to Dean’s List

Nicholaos Frangopoulos and Adam Valko of Poland have been named to the University of Dayton’s Dean’s List or Dean’s Recognition List for the 2013 fall semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate degree-seeking student must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA for that semester and must have been enrolled for 12 or more credits that semester. To qualify for the Dean’s Recognition List, an undergraduate degree-seeking student must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA for that semester and must have been enrolled no less than six credits and not more than 11 and one-half credits that semester.

Poland boy scout troop 44’s spaghetti dinner

Join Boy Scout Troop 44 for their 22nd Annual all you can eat spaghetti dinner Feb. 23 from 12-5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Poland Presbyterian Church, located at 2 Poland Manor. Prepared and served by the members of the troop, this dinner costs $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. Carry-out dinners will be available. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any troop 44 member or at the door. Troop 44 meets every Monday at 7 p.m. on the third floor of Poland Presbyterian Church. For more information about the troop and its activities, contact Martin LaRue at 330-550-5797.

Harriett Sprinkles open for business

Harriett Sprinkles is now open. The shop is located at 82 North Main Street in Poland, the same address as the old Poland Bake Shop, and is a full-service bakery.

The original part of the building dates back to 1845. The shop was idle for several years, during which the ownership changed hands several times. Jones purchased the building and put in a new kitchen before re-opening Nov. 21.

Rotary to host chili golf open

The Poland Rotary will be sponsoring the 29th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic at 9 a.m. on Feb. 22 at Bedford Trails Golf Course. This event includes 18 holes of golf, beverages, music and more. Wendy’s sponsors the chili available throughout the day, which is also used in the chili eating contest. There will be a putting contest, door prizes, raffle and music by The Rage. There will also be closest to the pin and hole-in-one prizes. The cost for the event is $25 per person.

For more information, call Andrew Grischow at 330-509-1506 or go online at www.polandrotary.org. The money raised at the event supports local charities. Other sponsors for the event include Capital Tile Service and Ken Greco Co. (food), Amerifirst Mortgage and Republic Service (music) and HR Evans and Roof Rite (beverage).

Orientation meeting rescheduled

Because of the weather related school cancellations, the orientation meeting for all eighth-graders and their parents who reside in the Poland School District has been rescheduled for Feb. 20. The meeting will be offered in the Poland High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

For more information, call the Guidance Office at Poland High School at 330-757-7036.

Conrad namd to Dean’s List

Poland resident Taylor L. Conrad was named to the Rhodes College Dean’s List for the 2013 fall semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credit hours of academic work and must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.70 or better. Conrad is a graduate of Poland Seminary High School.

Tesone named to Dean’s List

Meredith Tesone, a 2013 Poland Seminary High School graduate, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2013 semester at Bowling Green State University. Tesone is the daughter of Chris and Maureen Tesone of Poland.

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, 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, please call 330-505-5060.

College admissions workshop at PSHS

There will be a college admissions workshop at Poland Seminary High School on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. This workshop is geared to parents of juniors and sophomores and is intended to answer the many questions concerning the college admissions process. Greg Landis, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions from the University of Akron, along with Judy Volosin and Rob Sainato, the Poland High School Guidance Counselors, will also address other topics, such as college admission tests, college visits, the college application process and the many resources available in the Guidance Office.

Poland Relay for Life to be in July

The Poland Relay for Life will take place July 11 and 12 at the Poland Seminary High School Stadium. Form a team or join an existing team by contacting Tasha Wells at tasha.wells@cancer.org or by calling 888-227-6446 ext 2223. Team information meetings will be at the Poland United Methodist Church, located at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road. The following dates are scheduled for this year: Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., March 18 at 6 p.m., April 15 at 6 p.m., and May 20 at 6 p.m.

Society meeting rescheduled

The National Slovak Society’s Region 7 has rescheduled its annual meeting to Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Poland Christian Church, located at 6248 Struthers Road in Poland Township. Region 7 includes NSS members in Assemblies 8, 731 and P09A. Election of 2014 officers will be at this meeting. Representatives from the National Office will be present to discuss the 36th Quadrennial Convention in Hershey, Pa. in June. A delegate will be elected to represent the local region at the convention.

Contact Laurie Fox, Region 7 Secretary, at 330-536-8850, for additional information or directions to the Church hall.

Information on MCCTC

Adults interested in enrolling in career certification programs this year at the Adult Career Center Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are invited to attend one of several free informational sessions offered this winter at MCCTC. Informational sessions are free to attend and include career investigation as well as reading, math and language assessments. There will be a chance to tour the building, meet instructors and learn about financial aid opportunities. Upcoming informational sessions will be offered Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. and March 11 at 6 p.m. All sessions will take place at the Adult Career Center MCCTC, located at 7300 North Palmyra Road in Canfield. For more information or to register to attend, call the Adult Career Center at 330-729-4100.

Support group to meet

The Mahoning Valley Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet on Feb. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m at Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Dr. in Boardman. Anyone juggling daily living with a chronic, invisible disease is welcome to join in the discussion.

St. Vincent de Paul Society to host winter gala fundraiser

The St. Vincent de Paul society of Mahoning county will be hosting their annual winter wonderland gala fundraiser Feb. 15 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d’ourves and cocktails. There will be a cash bar. More than $3,000 in cash and prizes will be given away. There will be silent and Chinese auctions as well as entertainment by Fast Freddie of 93.3. Tickets are $50 and are available at mahoningsvdp.com or by calling Brian J. Antal at 330-690-8435.

Twice loved book sale

Peruse the tables in the Antonucci Horticulture Library at Fellows Riverside Gardens throughout February from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closed Mondays) for books on gardening, cooking, and nature. There will also be garden magazines for sale. Donations of related used books are appreciated at any time. All proceeds benefit the Antonucci Horticulture Library.

GA 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 will be offered Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive, and another will be offered 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.

Wintertime tea

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 23 from 2-4 p.m. for an afternoon of tea. There will be fruit-laced treats, savories, sounds of the tropics, and of course tea. All proceeds benefit the Antonucci Horticulture Library. Registration is required. $30 fee.

Annual winter garden seminar

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m (sign-in begins at 8 a.m.) for the annual winter garden seminar. Garden experts will take you through the steps in planning and plant selection to create an ever-changing landscape that can last for the entire year.

For more information and to register, go to the Winter Seminar page at www.mgcy.org/ or call John Kolar at 330-545-2266. Registration is required. Fee: $40; $50 after February 8. Presented by the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown.

Orchid clinic

Join Dave Miller and Jackie Land at Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to learn how to repot your orchid. Bring any problem orchids you may have and they will help you get them back on track. Receive an orchid to repot in class and take home. Orchid bark mix will be available for sale for a nominal cost. Registration required. Fee: $20; FFRG member $15.

Pilates basics

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 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. The fee is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Join Marina Perdos every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich every Tuesday and Thursday in February from 5:30-7 p.m. for a blend of yoga styles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. The fee is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi in the gardens

Join Marie Lew every Wednesday in February from 12-1 p.m. in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The fee is $10 per class.

Pilates sculpt

Join Angela Lubonovich every Wednesday in February from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to be guided in using hand weights to tone the body with an emphasis on core strength and control. Bring a mat, water and two-pound weights if you have them. The fee is $10 per class.

Introduction to essential oils

Join Marina Perdos Feb. 28 at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 2-3:30 p.m. to learn how to easily incorporate the healing properties of essential oils into your daily life. You will have the opportunity to experiment and will be able to take your custom blends home. Registration required. Fee: $39; FFRG member $30.

Faerie gardens

Bring your children ages 6-11 to Fellows Riverside Gardens Feb. 8 from 12:30-2 p.m. to make a faerie garden. Children will spend the afternoon creating a miniature garden. Registration required. Fee: $12; FFRG member $10.

Children’s nature hour

Bring your children ages 3-5 to Pioneer Pavilion Feb. 14 or 15 from 10-11 a.m. to learn all about groundhogs and when they usually wake up. Pre-register/pay at Ford Nature Center. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR (day of program, if space available).

Sounds of winter

Come to Mill Creek Park Feb. 16 from 2-4 p.m. to listen to the sounds of nature as you walk along the Mindy Henning Trail. Chickadees, woodpeckers, and maybe even a hawk may break the silence. Meet at MetroParks Farm. Moderate rating, two miles.

A sign of spring?

Meet at Scholl Recreation Area Feb. 23 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike to find the first wildflower of 2014. Moderate rating with some hills, approximately two miles.

Health and wellness walks

Join Mill Creek Park Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. and Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. to experience the benefits of walking, including strengthening muscles and bones, improving cardiovascular function, and relieving stress. The Feb. 5 walk meets at East Golf Hike and Bike Trail off Shields Road. Easy rating, one or three miles. The Feb. 19 walk meets at Ford Nature Center. Moderate rating, two or four miles.

Coffee with the birds

Join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited at Ford Nature Center Feb. 15 from 8-9:30 a.m. to watch birds at the feeders during The Great Backyard Bird Count. Coffee provided; please bring your favorite mug. Space is limited, so call to register by Feb. 14 for a 45-minute session (8–8:45 a.m. or 8:45–9:30 a.m.).

Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley

Come to MetroParks Farm Feb. 25 from 7-8 p.m. to learn about the bugs you find in your yard and the ones the birds love to eat. Presented by Dr. Bill Snyder of The Ohio State University’s Extension Service. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Puppy love

Take a brisk walk with your canine companion Feb. 16 from 11-12:30 p.m. around Mill Creek Golf Course. Walk on the cart paths, then retire to the historic Fieldhouse for hot drinks, cookies and treats. Each dog will receive a Valentine. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptable dogs. Easy rating, one or two miles, depending on the weather. Meet on the porch at Mill Creek Golf Course. Free. Bring along an item to donate to Animal Charity. Large blankets, dry puppy and dog food, dog collars and leashes, rawhides, dog toys and treats, air freshener, plastic baggies, plastic totes with lids, rubbing alcohol and disinfectant spray would be appreciated.

March in to the sky

The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society and MetroParks’ Recreation Department invite you to a star party at MetroParks Farm March 1 from 7-10 p.m. View the night sky through high powered telescopes. Galaxies, star clusters, double stars, nebulae and Jupiter will be in sight during this observation session. The star viewing will be followed be a brief presentation at McMahon Hall to discuss and learn about the objects viewed through the telescopes. A celestial children’s craft and refreshments will be provided. Sky viewing is weather-dependent.

Light, shadow and a jukebox

Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17 - March 23 to experience the watercolor work of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow. The exhibit will have a jukebox.

Jewels of winter

Join the Davis Center Tuesdays Feb. 1 - March 16 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to observe orchids on display. Bring your camera, there will be plenty of flowers around the lobby to photograph.

Nature photography exhibit

Come to Ford Nature Center Tuesdays through Sundays Feb. 22-March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the annual nature photography exhibit. Entries will be accepted from Feb. 1-9. Applications will be available to download at http://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/things-to-do/nature-photography-exhibit/.

Through the lens

Come see 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 through 1926. In addition to park scenes, several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display. The photographs be on display until Dec. of 2014.

Torch Club to offer essay contest

The Youngstown Torch Club, a local dinner/discussion/debate organization, which meets monthly on the campus of YSU, is offering a $1,000 essay scholarship competition, open to any current YSU student.

Students may submit a paper previously written for any college course, or an original work, on any subject or topic of interest. Papers are requested to be 800-1000 words and deadline for submission is March 1.

Remit paper to: tcopeland@neo.rr.com or send to Dr. Tom Copeland, 313 N. Belle Vista Ave. Youngstown 44509. For more information, visit Youngstown TORCH Club on Facebook.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months are invited to the Poland library every Wednesday in February 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 every Thursday in February at 10 or 11 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 for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library every Tuesday in February 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

Join the Poland library Feb. 18 from 6-7 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided. For children ages 6 and up.

Pajama jam

Put on your pajamas and bring the whole family for stories at the Poland library Feb. 24 from 6:30-7 p.m.

Trim a tree

Children of all ages are invited to the Poland library throughout February to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree.

Get connected with digital media

Come to the Poland library Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. to learn how to download free ebooks, audiobooks, movies, tv shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland branch to register.

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be having a blood pressure screening at the Poland library on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 1-4 p.m.

Valentine love book sale

Visit the Friends of PLYMC bookstore in the Poland library during open hours Feb. 12-15 for the Valentine Love Book Sale. All fiction, romance, and love stories will be 1/2 off. On Feb. 14 the books and gifts throughout the entire store are 1/2 off.

Book discussion

There will be an open book discussion facilitated by Greg Smith with “Sometimes You Win Sometimes You Learn” author John Maxwell every Tuesday in February at 8 a.m. in the Poland library meeting room. All are welcome to attend. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

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.