Poland Community Briefs

Rogers named to Dean’s List

Malone University recently announced that Jake Rogers, a project management major from Poland, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Malone Management Program through the adult studies accelerated degree completion program, leading to a bachelor of arts degree in management. To qualify for the Dean’s List, the student must achieve a 3.50 grade point average or better and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.

The Learning Dog to host open house

The public is invited to join in celebrating the fourth open house at The Learning Dog Training & Enrichment Center, located at 757 N Main Street in Hubbard on June 22 from 12-4 p.m. This is a fundraiser to help local animal rescues. There will be door prizes, free gifts, food, refreshments and a Chinese auction. The Learning Dog is a force-free dog training facility. For more information, call 330-534-4990.

Saxon Club to host dance group

The Youngstown Saxon Club, located at 710 South Meridian Road in Youngstown, will be hosting a youth dance group along with a small band from Nuremberg, Germany. This performance of traditional music and dance will be June 23 at 7 p.m. Admission for the concert will be $5. Tickets will be available at the door. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase before and after the concert. In addition to the dancing and spirited music performed by the German groups, there will be open floor dancing. This concert by the Nuremberg band (Schlager-Taxi), and dance group is part of a tour of Canada and the United States. Branch 30 of the Youngstown Saxon Club will host this event. The tour is sponsored in part by the Alliance for Transylvanian Saxons. For more information on this event, and tickets in advance, contact Dr. John H. Boehm, Jr. at 330-518-3625 or the Youngstown Saxon Club at 330-792-7973. The public is welcome to attend.

PSHS reunion to be June 27 and 28

The Poland Seminary High School Class of 1989 is hosting its 25-year reunion on June 27 and 28. There will be an adults-only mixer at The Magic Tree, located on South Avenue in Boardman, from 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Friday. An open house for the entire family will be offered on Saturday at The Gallery at Wittenauer’s in Poland from 5-7:30 p.m. More information can be found on the PSHS Class of 1989 Facebook Group site.

Summer fun at the library

Children of all ages are invited to the Poland library on June 28 at 2:30 p.m. to beat the heat and play some games.

Poland Forest photo contest

The Friends of Poland Forest are having its second annual photography competition and exhibition The Beauty of the Woods. Photos must be taken within Poland Municipal Forest and must focus on nature. Contest rules and entry forms are available in The Caf at Wittenauer’s, Poland Village Hall, in the kiosks at the Forest’s entrances and at various Poland businesses.

The entry fee is $10 per person for up to two entries. The contest is for amateurs in three age divisions; children 12 and under, teenagers 13-19, and adults 20 and older. Awards will be given to the top photo in each division, plus one Best in Show. Winners in each age group will receive a $25 gift certificate from YM Camera or The Photo Place. The Best in Show will receive an additional $25 gift certificate and a gift certificate for framing from Frameworks. All entrants will receive a one year membership in the Friends of Poland Forest.

Matted prints will be accepted from Aug. 2-10 at The Caf at Wittenauer’s, located at 122 S. Main Street, and will be displayed in The Gallery at Wittenauer’s from Sept. 5-21.

Awards will be presented Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. Gordon Longmuir, president of the organization, said that the purpose of the contest is to spotlight one of Poland Village’s greatest treasures and promote membership in the Friends of Poland Forest. Email photocontest@wittenauers.com for more information.

Bonding with babies and books

Caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months old are invited to the Poland library Wednesdays in June 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.

Trim a tree for June

Come to the Poland library during June to decorate an ornament for the all-seasons tree. This event is for children of all ages.

Poland Historical Society to host summer events

The Poland Historical Society will host an open house at the Little Red Schoolhouse the second Sunday of June, July and August from 1-3 p.m. On June 15 at 1:15 p.m. the Model T Car Club will visit the Little Red Schoolhouse on their way to a picnic in Lowellville. The public will have about an hour to see the Model T cars on display. On June 17 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a regular business meeting (no program) at the Little Red Schoolhouse. On June 29 the public is invited to visit the Historical Society’s display tent at Celebrate Poland. Also, walking tours through Poland Village to see historical homes and businesses will be provided by the Historical Society. Time and details will be provided at a later date. On July 13 from 1-3 p.m. there will be an open house at Little Red Schoolhouse. On July 15 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a regular business meeting (no program) at the Little Red Schoolhouse. On Aug. 10 from 1-3 p.m. there will be an open house at Little Red Schoolhouse. On Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a regular business meeting (no program) at the Little Red Schoolhouse.

Fitch class of 1959 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1959 will host its 55th class reunion on Aug. 1-3. On Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., there will be a social meet and greet at the home of Ralph Roberts, located at 931 Kirwan Dr. in Austintown; on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m., there will be a four entree buffet dinner at A La Carte Catering, located at 429 Lisbon St. in Canfield.

Social hour will be from 6-7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be a class picture at 6:20 p.m. and will cost $11, payable that evening; and on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a breakfast buffet at the Saxon Club Lower Lounge, located at 710 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown.

The cost is $10 per person. Classmates who haven’t responded to mailings or emails, or who haven’t been contacted should contact Bernie Layshock Zets at 330-799-5849 or walker0621@aol.com by July 1.

Read with Mr. Puppet

Ventriloquist and puppeteer Bob Abdou will leave everyone learning and laughing at the Poland library on June 16 at 10 a.m. in a program that’s filled with audience participation, music, science, magic and more. This event promises fun for the whole family.

Farm to You

Members of Grow Youngstown’s Farm to You program are invited to the Poland library Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. to pick up their share of locally-grown produce beginning June 3. For more information, visit www.growyoungstown.org.

TAB meeting

Come to the Poland library on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. for the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting. Help plan and support teen activities at the library and meet new people. Newcomers are always welcome. Snacks will be provided. TAB is for teens in grades 7-12.

Pop-Up library at Simply Slavic Heritage Festival

The Pop-Up library will be at the Simply Slavic Festival on Federal Plaza East June 21 from 12-3 p.m. This event will focus on local history and genealogy resources. The Pop-Up library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a library card, or learn about the digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up library at your event, visit www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary.

Blood pressure screening

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be having a blood pressure screening at the Poland library June 24 from 1-4 p.m.

Local author, artist and musician event

Come to the Poland library on June 28 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and meet local authors, musicians and artists. Local participants can register to participate by contacting the Development Office at 330-740-6086. Participants will be selling and signing their wares.

History Lovers book sale June 28

Celebrate Poland at the Poland library on June 28 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the History Lovers book sale. History books are half price.

Fizz, Boom, Read!

Summer reading starts June 1 at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. There will be special presenters, authors, prizes and surprises for participants and a chance to meet an author. Go to libraryvisit.org/summerreading or visit a PLYMC library near you to register. Fizz, Boom, Read! is summer reading with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) theme. Children receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen and a Mahoning Valley Scrappers Game voucher just for signing up. For the first four hours read, children receive a paperback book while supplies last.

For the first eight hours read, children receive a beach ball (birth to age 8) or a light up yo-yo (ages 9-11). Children ages three and up will also get one free admission ticket to OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. For the first 12 hours read, children earn a chance to win a $25 gift card to Toys‘R’Us (birth to age 8). Children ages 9-11 earn a chance to win an iPod shuffle. Children who read 30 hours will receive a special invitation to meet Jennifer Holm, author of “Babymouse” and “Squish,” when she visits in August.

Sister park

Join Bill Whitehouse at Austintown Township Park June 29 from 2-4 p.m. to explore Mill Creek’s smaller sister park. Moderate rating, up to 2 miles.

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Join the Ford Nature Center June 27 at 6:30 p.m. for Blues, Brews and BBQ, a fundraiser to celebrate the upcoming renovation of this historic facility. You’ll get the first peek at the new Ford Nature Center master plan as you listen to blues, dine on creative cuisine and sample craft beer and wine.

Email Linda@MillCreekMetroParks.org to receive an invitation by mail.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ford Nature Center renovation.

The fee is $45 per person; advance tickets required.

Book sale

The Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County bookstore will host a half-price book sale on all books in honor of Celebrate Poland on June 28 during bookstore hours.

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).

Hooked on fishing

Come to the MetroParks Farm June 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a program conducted by the MetroParks police to teach children about the sport of fishing. All ages are welcome. This program is free

Nature Center.

Live at the Morley

Come to the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion June 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. to hear the 2014 Hard Rock Rising Cleveland Champion band Winslow perform their unique brand of soul rock. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Botanical dinners

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 11, 18 or 25 from 6-8 p.m. to enjoy a dining experience overlooking Lake Glacier while learning about the featured plant of the evening. June 11 is strawberries, June 18 is asparagus and June 15 is raspberries. Briefly gather and sip on the specialty drink to find out why the plant du jour is so special. Call the Garden Caf at 330-740-7071 for reservations and pricing.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

On June 4, meet at Ford Nature Center at 9 a.m. for a moderate hike of 2 or 4 miles. On June 10, meet at the overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive at 6 p.m. for an easy hike of 1 or 3 miles. On June 18, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road at 9 a.m. for an easy hike of 2 or 4 miles. On June 24, meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm at 6 p.m. for an easy hike of 2 or 4 miles. Volunteer-led recreational hikes are generally faster paced and focus on exercising in the outdoors.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a walk around Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary June 21 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 by June 20 to secure your spot.

Zumba at the Morley

Enjoy the outdoor setting of Mill Creek MetroParks at Wick Recreation Area Tuesdays in June from 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays in June from 5:30-6:30 p.m. while you Zumba. This easy to follow, calorie burning dance-fitness party will help melt inches and stress away. A class token needs to be purchased at the Par 3 kiosk before class to participate. Tokens will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Call Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7107 for information. The cost is $7 per class.

Yoga basics

Feel comfortable at Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in June from 8-9:15 a.m. in a class meant for everybody while you learn the basics taught by Karres Cvetkovich. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Join Marina Perdos Tuesdays in June from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich Thursdays in June from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens for a blend of energizing yoga styles. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in June from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. The cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathing with Angela Lubonovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens Sundays in June from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring a mat and water. This is a drop-in class. The cost is $10 per class.

Cleaning with essential oils

Learn how to clean and disinfect more naturally at Fellows Riverside Gardens with Jeanette DiRubb June 21 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. as she shows you howto incorporate essential oils and specific doTERRA products to clean all areas of the home, including laundry. Bring your favorite cleaning tool (sponge, rag, etc) to test out the cleaning solutions and take home a spray bottle with your choice selection. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Sacred space

Join Karres Cvetkovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens June 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m to learn new ways to create sacred space and how to invoke harmony within. All are welcome. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Junior golf program

Come to the Mill Creek golf course June 1 and 8 at 1 p.m. or June 17 and 24 at 11 a.m. for a weekly junior golf program consisting of one hour range time and course time to follow. The cost is $20.

Weekly golf clinic

Come to the Mill Creek golf course Wednesdays in June at 6 p.m. for one hour range time with on-course play to follow. Clinic fees are $25 (one day clinics), $45 (any two clinics), $60 (any three clinics) and $100 (any seven clinics).

Kayak trips

Come to the East Newport Boat Launch June 14 from 1-3 p.m., June 21 from 9-11 a.m., or June 28 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to go on kayak trips. All skill levels are invited on these naturalist and volunteer-escorted trips. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Age restrictions apply. Registration/payment is due 36 hours before program at Ford Nature Center. The fee is $12 per person R; $15 per person NR; second person in tandem Ω price.

Wonderland creatures

Children ages 3 -5 who are accompanied by a caregiver are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 10-11 a.m. to explore how Alice adventured with the Dormouse, Gryphon, Mock Turtle and other creatures through hands on activities, a snack, and craft. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Bugs of Wonderland

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to discover the bugs that live in Wonderland from the snap dragonfly to the caterpillar. Children ages 6-11 will enjoy fun activities and crafts. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register at 330-740-7116. The fee is $5.

Botanical soaps

Teens ages 12–17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. to learn how to make their own glycerin soaps using flowers from the gardens and essential oils. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at at 330-740-7116 to register. The fee is $10.

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.

Family tour day

Come to MetroParks Farm June 12 and 26 at 10 a.m. to take a guided tractor wagon ride and tour the barns to learn about the animals and play in the farm playroom. Call 330-533-7572 to register. Space on the wagon is limited. Pack a snack or lunch and stay around after the tour.

Flashlights and fireflies

Take a tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens June 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. as the sun dips below the horizon and the fireflies light the way. Bring a flashlight and enjoy making a firefly craft together as a family. There is a $5 suggested donation.

Summer story time

Come to MetroParks Farm June 30 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a story about tractors and then use a toy tractor to make a unique painted picture. Washable paint will be used, so dress appropriately. You can visit the barns while your art work is drying. Call 330-533-7572 to register. The fee is $2 R; $3 NR.

Explore wildlife

Children ages 5-6 who are accompanied by an adult are invited to Ford Nature Center June 24 or 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to discover the wildlife of Mill Creek MetroParks. Exploration will include hiking, nature games, crafts, stream-stomping, bug-catching, scavenger hunts, meeting live animals and a ride on the Lake Glacier Passenger Boat. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 17. The fee is $50 R, $60 NR.

Explore heritage and history

Children ages 8 and up are invited to Lanterman’s Mill, the Old Log Cabin and Pioneer Pavilion June 24 and 26 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to meet at a different historic Mill Creek MetroPark site and enjoy summer activities and explore the heritage and history of the Mahoning Valley. Camp will be based at the park’s three oldest buildings, Lanterman’s Mill, Old Log Cabin and Pioneer Pavilion. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 17. The fee $60 R, $70 NR.

True beauty

Girls ages 10-14 are invited to Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens June 30 and July 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn about true beauty. This empowering summer camp uses journaling and inspirational women to lead girls in discovering their own inner beauty. Girls will have the chance to learn, create and grow though zumba, gardening, self-defense, yoga, meditation, making lip balm, facial scrubs and friendship bracelets. Call 330-740-7107 to register. The fee is $120 R, $135 NR.

Traveling naturalist

A naturalist will be stationed at the Lily Pond June 22 from 1-3 p.m. Stop by to chat about the pond’s wildlife and its upcoming improvements.

Shade gardening

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens June 21 from 10-11:30 a.m. to learn how to light up the shady areas of your yard with colorful shade-loving plants, including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. Ellen Speicher will guide you on a tour of the shade garden and discuss how to care for shade-loving plants. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330-740-7116 to register. The fee is $10; FFRG member $8.

Gallery exhibit

Lanterman’s Mill will be hosting a gallery exhibit June 14-22 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closed Mondays) displaying artwork from aspiring artists who have been influenced by local nature and Mill Creek MetroParks. Regular mill admission applies.

Chasing the Light exhibit

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Weller Gallery June 13 through Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see Christopher Leeper, a realist painter and local artist who works in various mediums.

Through the Lens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museuem through December 2014 for the Through the Lens exhibit. This 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 1907-1926. Several portrait negatives of the period will also be on display.

Class of 1984 reunion

The Austintown Fitch Class of 1984 30-year Class Reunion will take place on July 12 from 7-11 p.m. at the Maronite Center, located at 1555 S. Meridian Road in Youngstown. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by sending payment to Austintown Fitch Class of 84 Class Reunion, PO Box 1071, Perrysburg, Ohio 43552-1071. If you have any questions or comments, email eileenriffer@bex.net.

Fish dinner 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 High School summer concert band

The instrumental music department at Poland Seminary High School is organizing the first annual Poland summer concert band to perform this summer at the Celebrate Poland festival. All residents of Poland are welcome to participate, as well as any PSHS alumni living out of town. The band will be conducted by former PSHS band director, Albert Colella, assisted by current PSHS band director Nicholas Olesko. The music will be sent out one month in advance. Optional rehearsals will take place June 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. and June 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at McKinley Elementary. Mandatory rehearsal will take place June 27 from 4-6 p.m. at McKinley Elementary. The performance will be June 27 at 8 p.m. at the Poland Village Gazebo. The performance will immediately follow the firemen’s parade, which begins at 7 p.m. If you are interested in participating or know someone who is, contact Nick Olesko at polandscb@gmail.com for more information.

The Ursuline Center announces 2014 guided labyrinth walks

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, will begin its 2014 guided labyrinth walk season April 27 (weather permitting) with a short presentation on the Spirituality of Labyrinths at 2 p.m. in the center and a guided walk immediately following. This year the center is offering a series of themed walks. On April 27 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Rebirth,” on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Healing,” on June 19 at 6:30 p.m. the walk will be “On the Path to Emancipation: Freedom of Mind, Body and Spirit” in correlation with the Juneteenth holiday, on July 15 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Growing,” on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Accepting,” on Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Peace” and on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., the walk will be “On the Path to Awareness” (presentation on Spirituality of Labyrinths in the center).

All people of faith are invited to attend, whether they are new to or experienced with walking a labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth usually takes about 20 minutes. People wishing to experience the Labyrinth but unable to make one of the guided walks can come anytime at their own convenience. There are printed guides that give suggestions for following the path provided at the Labyrinth’s entrance, but there is no right or wrong way to experience the sacred walk. People can use the labyrinth in any way they need. The Ursuline Center Labyrinth is a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and open year-round from dawn to dusk for all persons of faith. There is no cost to use the Labyrinth, which is handicapped-accessible and offers ample parking. To learn more about the Ursuline Center Labyrinth, call Eileen W. Novotny, Ursuline Associate, at 330-533-3831.

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.

Banding the baby falcons

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife hopes to have newly hatched peregrine falcons to band and the public is invited to watch. If you would like to attend this special activity, which will take place downtown on a week day, Ford Nature Center will keep a contact list. As soon as ODNR-DOW gives the details, you will be contacted with the date and time.

Through the Lens exhibit

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens in the Melnick Museum through December 2014 for the “Through the Lens” exhibit. 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 1907-1926. Several portrait negatives of the period also on display.

Nicotine Anonymous to meet on Wednesdays

Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals from every walk of life who meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, located at 45 Idlewood Road in Austintown, to solve their common problem - an addiction to nicotine. The group is based on the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and the only requirement to join is a desire to stop using nicotine. There is no cost to attend, but a freewill collection will be taken at some meetings to offset the costs of meeting expenses. For more information on Nicotine Anonymous, call Tom at 330-717-2183.

For addition support in quitting your nicotine addiction, call HMHP Regional Treatment Center at 330-306-5010 of the Ohio Guit Line at 1-800-784-8669.

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.

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.

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