Poland Community Briefs

YWCA Young Women With Bright Futures Awards set for March 8

The 20th annual Young Women with Bright Futures awards will be at 10 a.m. March 8 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Senior high school women selected by their teachers or administrators for their leadership qualities, academic excellence, creativity and volunteerism will be honored at this event. Twenty-seven area high schools participate in this event each year. U.S. District Court Judge Benita Y. Pearson will be the keynote speaker. Major sponsors for the event are State Farm Insurance, Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, and The Vindicator. The 2014 Young Women with Bright Futures honorees are Julie Larkin of Austintown Fitch, Madeline Smotzer of Boardman, Karen Kocanjer-Hinkson of Campbell Memorial, Erin McGraw of Canfield, Monica Mattiussi of Cardinal Mooney, Janay Robinson of Chaney, Melina Kline of Choffin CTC, Angel Bell of East High School, Heaven Clark of Girard, Leah McConnell of Hubbard, Tara Balsinger of Jackson-Milton, Logan Hunkus of Liberty, Gia Amendola of Lowellville, Queen-Amina Chijide of Mahoning County CTC; Bailee D’Amore of McDonald, Lauren Cameron of Mineral Ridge. Alexandra Yuhas of Niles McKinley, Sarah Comstock of Poland Seminary, Madison Handy of Sebring McKinley, Emily Erb of South Range, Heather Sutherin of Springfield, Carly Greenwood of Struthers, Emilia DePaul of Ursuline, Breanna Winters of West Branch, Paige Ewing of Western Reserve, Paris Yanno of Youngstown Christian, and Ariel Gilchrist of Youngstown Early College.

Fish dinner to be March 21

There will be a fish fry sit down at the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club, Inc., on March 21. The meal will include Fresh Ocean Perch, Fries and Coleslaw and will cost a donation of $15 for the full dinner. There will be an $8 lunch special from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Newcomers Club fundraiser set for April 5

The Newcomers Club of Canfield will sponsor its annual fundraiser, “Making A Difference Through Laughter” April 5. The event will take place at Mojos Pub-n-Grill on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and a comedy show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and also include a chance to win a grand prize. The event will also include a basket auction. For tickets or sponsorship information, call Jeannie Gulia at 330-651-1713 or Paula Lavin at 678-557-6414. Reservations must be completed by March 28. The Newcomers Club of Canfield Foundation provides vital funds to various local charities who support the needs of the community.

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, call 330-505-5060.

Cicuto named to Dean’s List

Kara Cicuto of Poland was named to the Dean’s List for academic excellence at Duquesne University for the fall semester.

Holy Family Seniors Club officer election results

At a recent election of officers, the Holy Family Seniors Club elected the following officers for 2014: Ruth Burns, (president), Jennie Nethers, (vice president), and Laurie Fox, (secretary and treasurer). The Holy Family Seniors Club meets the third Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m, for a brief business meeting followed by lunch, bingo or card games. The club will have its March meeting on March 17 at the Holy Family Parish Hall, located at 2729 Center Road, with Theresa Adler, Dora Cercone, and Helen Kaplon serving as hostesses. New and renewal membership dues are $10 per year and will be collected at the March meeting. Membership is open to seniors age 55 and up living within a comfortable driving distance to Holy Family Parish in Poland. In addition to membership dues, the cost for lunch is $3, optional bingo is $1, and a 50-50 raffle is offered at each meeting. For additional information, contact Ruth Burns at 330-757-1334.

Slovak Society officer election results

The National Slovak Society’s (NSS Life) Assembly 731 had its organizational meeting in February at the Poland Christian Church hall and elected the following officers for 2014: Laurie Fox (President), Linda Estes (Vice-President), Ruth Burns (Recording Secretary), Mike Fox Sr. (Treasurer), Mike Fox Jr. (Financial Secretary), Kathy Cessna (Youth Program Coordinator),and Beth and Matt Mason (Fraternal Co-directors). Six active members were chosen to be delegates to represent the assembly at the NSS 36th Quadrennial Convention in Hershey, Pa. this summer.

Historical Society to meet

The Poland Historical Society will host its next meeting on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road in Poland Township. Marian Kutlesa from the Struthers Historical Society will be the guest speaker at 7:30 p.m.

Wine tasting event

The Poland Swim Club is announcing its first wine tasting fundraiser March 28 at the Holy Family Parish Center, located at 2731 Center Road. The event is open to members as well as nonmembers and funds raised will be used for general improvements and renovations to the swim club. Included in the ticket price of $50 for one or $90 for two are Luva Bella wines, Miller Lite and Bud Lite, hors d’oeuvre stations and a DJ. There will also be a Chinese Auction and 50/50 Raffle. For tickets or more information, contact Chris Eich at 330-501-4871 or ChristineEich@aol.com.

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

Trolley tour

Meet at Ford Nature Center March 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. to take a ride on the new MetroParks trolley to visit Bears Den, the Old Log Cabin, and Pioneer Pavilion. There will also be a visit to the Wick Area maple sugar project.

Limited seating. Choose one time slot only.

Pre-register and pay at Ford Nature Center by March 14. The fee is $5 if registered, $7 if not registered.

Plant parts and patterns

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 19 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for a mid-morning stroll as you learn the basics of botany and patterns of plant families.

From plant parts to nomenclature and the evolution of plants, discover the intricacies that make plants special. Return to the Davis Center for a seasonal lunch and dessert. Registration required.

Fee: $16; FFRG member $12

Loose knit group

Come to the Antonucci Library in Fellows Riverside Gardens March 21 at 10 a.m. to help create blankets for organizations that give to those in need. All helping hands are welcome, both experienced knitters and those wanting to learn to knit or crochet. Donations of yarn and needles are appreciated at any time. Registration not required.

Yoga basics

Learn the basics of yoga taught by Karres Cvetkovich Sundays in March at 10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Bring a mat and small blanket. Fee: $10 per class.

Pilates basics

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

Yoga in the gardens

Join Marina Perdos Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 9:30-11 a.m. and Karres Cvetkovich Tuesdays and Thursdays in March from 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens 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 at Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March from 12-1 p.m. for warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. Fee: $10 per class.

Pilates sculpt

Join Angela Lubonovich Wednesdays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens 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.

T’ai Chi course

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

Creating with herbs

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 22 from 1-3:30 p.m. to learn how to use herbs and other natural ingredients to make salves, creams and lip balms, each of which you will take home. There will be herbal infusions and other treats as you learn self-care for yourself and your family. Registration required. Fee: $39; FFRG member $30.

Spring garden

Children ages 6-11 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 15 from 12:30-2 p.m. to explore the gardens in search of signs of spring. Learn why plants start emerging and growing, plus make your own sundial. Registration required. Fee: $5.

Papermaking

Children ages 7-12 are invited to Ford Nature Center March 22 from 1-2 p.m. to learn how paper is made and recycle waste paper into new paper for writing, drawing, or art. There will also be an opportunity to do origami. Pre-register/pay at Ford Nature Center by March 21. Fee: $2 R; $3 NR.

Spring potted bulbs

Teens ages 12-17 are invited to Fellows Riverside Gardens March 15 from 2-3 p.m. to create a planter filled with spring bulbs, including crocuses, daffodils and tulips. Learn about these plants and why they bloom in the spring. Registration required. Fee: $8.

A day of Asian culture

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

Twinkie, deconstructed

After reading Steve Ettlinger’s exploration of the ingredients on a Twinkie label, join a group discussion on the book at Ford Nature Center March 22 from 10 - 11 a.m.

Lookin’ for the green

Meet at Ford Nature Center March 16 from 2-4 p.m. to look for greenery on a hike. Moderate rating, 2 miles.

Spring break hike

Meet at Yellow Creek Park March 23 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike followed by an indoor presentation about Florida. Moderate rating, 2 miles.

Ask the naturalist

Meet at Ford Nature Center March 30 from 2-4 p.m. for a hike. Bring along your nature and MetroParks questions (or think of them along the trail) for naturalist Bill Whitehouse, and he will do his best to answer them. Moderate rating, 2 miles.

Wildlife Sanctuary walk

Join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited March 15 from 8-9:30 a.m. for a walk at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Reservations must be made by calling Ford Nature Center by March 14 at 5 p.m. Walk-ins not permitted.

Audubon Society presentation

Join Jeffrey Hall at MetroParks Farm March 25 from 7-8 p.m. for the presentation “Spring Beauty–Seasons’ Beginnings.” Hall is the past president of Washington County Audubon Society in New Jersey and now lives in Pennsylvania. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

MetroMutts: St. Patrick’s hike

Meet at Bears Den Cabin March 16 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. for a St. Patrick’s hike around the Bears Den Loop. Dress your hound in a bit of color to celebrate the day. There will be cookies and treats in Bears Den Cabin after the hike. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptables. Easy rating, 1.5 miles. Free program. Call Ford Nature Center for more information.

Hike the Triple Crown

In 2012, Rick “Handlebar” Ostheimer of Youngstown became one of an estimated 200 hikers to have completed “The Triple Crown”: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Join Ford Nature Center March 21 from 7-8 p.m. for this free event to hear about his experiences and learn about his gear.

Orchid display

Come to the Davis Center Lobby Feb 1 - March 16 to observe orchids on display. Bring a camera to photograph orchids around the Davis Center.

Watercolor display

Come to the Weller Gallery Jan. 17 - March 23 to view the watercolors of local artist Don Wright whose botanical work plays on light and shadow.

Fibonacci numbers exhibit

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

Through the Lens exhibit

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

Neighborhood Ministries, a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program, is seeking churches or organizations to join in providing free meals to children ages 18 and under who live in the Youngstown area. The meals are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Ohio Department of Education from June 9 – Aug. 22. Sites may choose one or two meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and/or a snack. If your church or organization is interested in receiving free meals for children this summer, please contact Neighborhood Ministries at 330-755-8696 or email SFSP@ohionm.org. The deadline for submitting a site request is March 31.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library Thursdays in March at 10 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 Tuesdays in March at 1 p.m. for developmentally-appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays, and other activities that will help your children, ages 4-5, become successful readers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lego my library

Children ages 6 and up are invited to the Poland library March 18 from 6-7 p.m. to create Lego designs. Legos will be provided.

Pajama jam

Put on your PJs, bring out the whole family and come to the Poland library March 17 from 6:30-7 p.m. for St. Patrick’s Day stories.

Trim a tree for March

Children of all ages are invited to decorate an ornament for Poland library’s all-seasons tree during the month of March.

Rediscover your inner leprechaun

Come to Kravitz Deli and the Poland library March 15 to join in the all-day festivities. Kravitz Deli will be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lunch with the leprechauns

Come to the Poland library March 15 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for lunch. Lunch will be in the Poland library meeting room. The cost is $14.99 for adults and $7.99 for children under 12 and tickets can be purchased at the Kravitz Deli in the Poland Library. Meet Charlie the giant leprechaun, bring your cameras to take pictures, and listen to Irish songs and music of the harp with Coleen McNally Harris and Harper Kirk. Learn Irish taditions and folklore from the mouth of the leprechaun.

Irish dinner

Come to the Poland library March 15 from 5-7 p.m for an Irish dinner and entertainment by Coleen McNally Harris and her harp accompanist, Harper Kirk. Seating is limited and tickets can be purchased at the Kravitz Deli in the Poland library for $19.99 for adults and $8.99 for children age 12 and under.

St. Patrick’s Day stories and games

Join the Poland library March 15 at 1:30 p.m. for St. Patrick’s Day stories read by a giant leprechaun and spirited games to celebrate the day.

St. Patrick’s Day science

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Poland library March 15 at 2 p.m. with science demonstrations and activities.

St. Patrick’s Day book sale

Come to the Poland Library Friends bookstore all day March 15 for a St. Patrick’s Day book sale and character appearance. Select a coin from the pot of gold for % savings in the store that day. Meet Captain McFinn and purchase a signed book from the Captain McFinn Book Series. There will be cookies and face painting.

St. Patrick’s Day events to be March 15

Come to the Poland library March 15 for all day events. At 11 a.m. there will be a Find Your Inner Leprechaun scavenger hunt throughout the library. Complete the scavenger hunt and get prizes. Meet Captian McFinn in the Poland Library Bookstore. At 1 p.m. there will be a parade of leprechauns with prizes for the best-dressed leprechauns. At 1:30 p.m. there will be leprechaun story time. At 2:45 there will be a fastest pickle-eating contest with a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Kravitz Deli, a corned beef eating contest for adults with a chance to win a night on the town, and a Lucky Charms eating contest with a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Kravitz Deli. At 3:30 p.m. there will be Burke Irish dancers and at 4 p.m. there will be St Patrick’s cookies and cokes in the Deli, compliments of Charlie, the giant leprechaun and Kravitz Deli.

“Divergent” movie release party

Come to the Poland library March 20 at 6 p.m. for the Divergent movie release party based on the Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth. There will be games, food, prizes and more for teens in grades 7-12. Space is limited. To register, go to www.libraryvisit.org/Divergent or call 330-744-8636.

Blood drive

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations at the Poland library March 25 from 12:30-6:30 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 blood pressure screening at the Poland library March 25 from 1-4 p.m.

Free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals

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

Spring sale and bazaar

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

Relay for life team meetings rescheduled

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

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

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.

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.

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.