Poland Community Briefs

Monday Night Writers to meet

Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend the next meeting of Monday Night Writers on Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. 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.’ Plans for the upcoming “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day will also be discussed. The fee is $10 per class and registration is preferred. For more information, contact Nancy Christie at 330-793-3675 or at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Downton tea location change

The Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League will host a Downton Abbey Tea to benefit The Sojourner House Domestic Violence Program at The Poland Presbyterian Church, located at 2 Poland Manor Dr. in Poland, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., instead of the Poland library. The cost is $25 per person. The tea includes lunch, special herbal teas, a basket auction, 50/50 raffle, a contest for the best costume from the Downton era and more. Lynn Zocolo will present “A Gift of a Garden.” For tickets, donations, or more information, contact Sperry Rongone at 330-770-3880 or sperrywsc@aol.com. A limited amount of tickets will be available. A portion of the proceeds will be given to PBS.

Pork-kraut dinner

The Youngstown Saxon Club will host a Pork-Kraut dinner on Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $8.75 for adults and $5 for children and includes dessert and coffee, tea or pop. The Public is welcome and take-outs will be available.

Torch Clubs to have meeting

John K. Fockler, Jr. will be the speaker at the Youngstown Chapter of International Torch Clubs dinner-discussion meeting on Nov. 17. The title of his talk is “Echoes of the Old West in Science-Fiction.” The meeting will be in Kilcawley Center, the Ohio and Ohio Buffet Room, 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.

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.

Quilt group to meet Nov. 18

That Quilt Group I Belong To will have its November meeting on Nov. 18 at the Fair Park Rotary Building in Canfield. The building will be open from 1-5 p.m. for those wishing to work on charity quilts or other projects. The evening meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. President Ginger Mangie will teach a “make and take” project, which will be a sewn and embellished snow lady. Kits for the project cost $15 and can be paid at the meeting. Call Ginger at 330-702-0532 to order a kit. Bring scissors and pins if you will be making the project. 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 at 330-702-0532.

History lunch to be Nov. 20

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s next Bites and Bits of History Lunch Program is Nov. 20 at noon. Sister Mary McCormick of The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown is the featured speaker. Sept. 18 marked the 140th anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters in Youngstown. The Ursulines began by teaching at St. Columba School and then had a long history of teaching at the elementary and high school levels. McCormick’s talk will reflect on this history with stories and photos, and tell how 140 years later, Ursuline Sisters continue to minister to the people of the greater Youngstown area, participating in Christian formation at all stages of life and meeting the needs of God’s people in collaboration with others. Parking is available for $2 in the lot on the west side of the History Center. Overture restaurant at the DeYor is offering a $6 Bites and Bits lunch special. Call 330-744-9900 to place your order. Visit www.mahoninghistory.org for the monthly listing of topics and speakers, or call 330-743-2589 for more information.

Seniors club to meet Nov. 17

The Holy Family Seniors Club will meet on Nov. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish Hall, located at 2729 Center Road in Poland. Hostesses for the event are JoAnn Smith and Ruth Fabek. Following lunch, members will enjoy Bingo and cards. Members are reminded that reservations and $13 for the Christmas luncheon and the money will be collected at the November meeting. Questions should be directed to Ruth Burns, President, at 330-757-1334.

Poland Historical Society to meet

Many people know that the former Poland Seminary High School stadium on Cortland Street was named Baird Mitchell Field, but do not really know much about this local star athlete and war hero. Local historians Ted Heineman and Dave Smith have uncovered many interesting facts and photos never before seen in Poland and will share their findings following the 6:30 p.m. Poland Historical Society meeting on Nov. 18. The program is open to the public will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at the intersection of Route # 224 and Struthers Road in Poland Township.

Thanksgiving service offered

The Poland Community Thanksgiving Service will be Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Presbyterian Church, located at 1951 Mathews Road. The preacher is Pastor Reid Lamport of Church of the Rock in Poland. Other Poland congregations participating are Holy Family, Prince of Peace Lutheran, Poland Presbyterian and Poland United Methodist. The offering is for the Poland Community Food Pantry. Fellowship will follow the service.

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.

Joanie’s Sisters to address cancer and spirituality

Dr. Jacquelyn E. Bailey, director of Community Outreach and Patient Navigation at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, will discuss spirituality for cancer patients and cancer survivors during the next meeting of Joanie’s Sisters in Support Sorority. The meeting, slated for Nov. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m., takes place at the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, located at 1044 Belmont Ave. in Youngstown. It is open to all women affected by breast or ovarian cancer – newly diagnosed as well as long-term survivors – and a guest. Free parking is available in the lot immediately adjacent to the center on Park Avenue as well as in the parking deck. For information, call 330-480-2763 or email Kathie Marini at kjmarini@mercy.com.

YWCA offers free preschool to eligible families

The YWCA of Youngstown has received a grant from the Ohio Department of Education to provide free preschool to eligible families. Families below 100 percent of the federal poverty line will qualify for free preschool. Families between 100 percent and 200 percent of the FPL will qualify on a sliding scale fee basis. The child must not have ever received any local, state or federal childcare funding and must be age 3 or 4 or not yet age eligible for Kindergarten. The ODE preschool hours at the YWCA are 9-11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch are not included. The YWCA is also now enrolling for CDI Headstart. CDI Headstart hours are 8:30 a.m. until noon, Monday through Thursday. CDI Headstart provides free preschool for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds who are income eligible. Extended care is available for those who need it. For more information, contact Jennie at jandrews@ywcaofyoungstown.org or 330-746-6361, ext. 125.

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.

Poinsettia painting course

Students will explore this wonderful flower from an artistic point on Nov. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Live poinsettias will be provided to work from. Marianne Hilke will show you how to see your subject from start to finish. Bring a camera to copy your set-up, continue to work from your photograph the second week. Finishing with a history of a favorite botanical artist and their work. Note: you can paint in any medium you are familiar with, demonstration done in oils. The cost is $28; FFRG member $24.

Birding the sanctuary

Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on Nov. 15 from 8-9:30 p.m. at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Boots are required. Register at Ford Nature Center by Nov. 14.

Mindfulness for Personal and Professional Development

Allow yourself to blossom in any setting by acquiring skills for growth in personal and professional development on Nov. 15 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Michelle O’Brien will guide you in using thought and movement to align your mind and body for more advantageous living. Bring a mat for movement and a receptive mind for thought. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

Creating with herbs II

Mandy Smith will guide you on how to use herbs and other natural ingredients to make a spicy massage oil, a body butter and homemade shaving cream, each of which you will take home, on Nov. 15 from 1-4 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy herbal infusions and other treats as you learn self-care for yourself and your family during this season of giving. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Contra Dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join in the fun of a Contra Dance on the ballroom floor at historic Pioneer Pavilion on Nov. 15 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. This unique folk dance form from the British Isles can be enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike. Dancers are instructed for each dance. Call Ford Nature Center for details. The cost is $7 at the door includes refreshments.

Gratitude and abundance seminar

Prepare for the holiday season with mindfulness practices for letting go of your daily preoccupations to remember what’s really important to you on Nov. 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Karres Cvetkovich will help you settle into the spirit of appreciation for your gifts and blessings to celebrate more wholeheartedly this year. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $36; FFRG member $28.

Nature had it first

Many effective inventions were copied from other living things. Hike while learning about nature’s adaptations and the inventions inspired by them on Nov. 16 from 2-4 p.m. starting at Ford Nature Center. This hike has a moderate rating of 2 miles.

Doodlebugs: Indian corn

This event, for ages 5-7, will take place on Nov. 18 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Ford Nature Center. Create your own version of Indian corn as you learn about line and color mixing. Discover the history of this cool plant and some of its uses. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center by Nov. 16. The cost is $5 R $6 NR.

Volunteer-led hikes

There will be volunteer-led recreational hikes on Nov. 19 from 9-10 a.m. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road. This hike has an easy of 2 or 4 miles.

All evergreens are not pine trees

Enjoy a walk through the gardens and explore the many different types of evergreen plants with Lynn Zocolo on Nov. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Learn about the evergreens that add structure and texture to our plant collections and how to tell the difference between a pine, a spruce, and a fir tree. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $10; FFRG member $8.

Botanical delights: ginger

Spice up your fall by exploring the history of Ginger, Zingiber officinale, along with its culinary and medicinal uses on Nov. 20 from 6-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Mandy Smith with share some warming treats as you learn how to make ginger candy for the winter season. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $16; FFRG member $12.

Creative creekers: turkeys

This event, for ages 8-12, will take place on Nov. 21 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Ford Nature Center. Discover the incredible style of seed/crop art by Lillian Colton. Learn about turkeys as you create your own crop art inspired turkey. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center by Nov. 19. The cost is $7 R $8 NR.

Garden gratitude flags

This event, for children ages 6–17, will take place on Nov. 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Get creative in expressing your thanks of this abundant season by making weather-resistant Gratitude Flags. Place these flags of happiness in and around your garden for your family and friends to enjoy. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $10.

Bread making class

Learn the basics of turning flour, water, salt and yeast into a scrumptious loaf of bread with Sara Scudier on Nov. 22 from 1-4 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The class will feature the how and why of pre-fermenting some of the flours; plus kneading, shaping and baking. The cost is $24; FFRG member $20.

MetroMutts: Hike – turkey trot

It’s almost Thanksgiving – will the turkeys be in hiding? Find out on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. until noon as you take a loop around the Ford Nature Center to see if you can find the resident flock, then take a walk on East Cohasset Drive. Animal Charity will be on hand with some of their adoptables. This hike has an easy rating of 2 miles.

Winter preparation

There are different ways that animals, including ourselves, survive the cold winter months. Explore this topic in the rugged and scenic Bears Den Area on Nov. 23 from 2-4 p.m. Call Ford Nature Center for details. This hike has a moderate rating of 2 miles.

Thanksgiving arrangement

Gather your family and friends around your Thanksgiving table with this fresh centerpiece. Using the warm hues of the season, Marie Borocz will guide you in designing an arrangement with carnations, mums, mini pumpkins and gourds and more on Nov. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. The cost is $39; FFRG member $30.

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley: birding by habitat

Cheryl Harner of the Greater Mohican Audubon Society and Richland County Master Gardeners will group birds by habitat and highlight some of the best plants and places for specific species on Nov. 25 from 7-8 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. Once birders consider the plant life associated with the bird they’d like to see, it’s easier to find the most desirable birds or even attract them to your yard.

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill

Lanterman’s Mill will be festively decorated for this traditional event on the last open weekend of 2014. Enjoy fine entertainment, taste chestnuts roasted over an open fire, give Santa your wish list, watch artisans demonstrate crafts and purchase unique gifts on Nov. 29 and 30 from 11-5 p.m. If you wish to share the holiday spirit with others, bring a hat, scarf, or pair of mittens to decorate a “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm up children in need this winter. Call Ford Nature Center for details. This event is sponsored by WFMJ/WBCB

Santa’s winter barn

Welcome Santa and some of his unusual animal friends from around the world such as a camel or yak on Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. Sit in Santa’s sleigh for that special holiday picture. Event is staged in barn, but it is not heated so dress appropriately. The craft fee is $1.

Totally tie dye

Join the Poland library for a fun-filled time as you tie dye in the afternoon on Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. Want to do your own shirt? Bring one with you. Otherwise, a bag or hat will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Register by stopping in the Poland Library or calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Poland library. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

TAB meeting

Be a founding member of the Poland area TAB (Teen Advisory Board) on Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Blood Pressure Screening

There will be a Blood Pressure Screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Poland library from 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 25.

Trim a tree for November

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-seasons tree during regular library hours throughout November. This event is for children of all ages.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Poland library on Nov. 18 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, age 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 Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Bonding with Babies and Books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Wednesday in November at 10 a.m. at the library at MetroParks Farm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Poland to start new sport

Poland Lacrosse would like to announce the start of it’s inaugural season and no experience is necessary. Lacrosse is a spring sport for both girls and boys. The season runs from Feb. 23 - June 6. The high school age team will be competing in the Ohio High Boys School Lacrosse Association (OHSLA) club division and the Ohio School Girls Lacrosse Association (OSLA) club division. More information is available at www.lacrosse-ohio.com. Poland will compete against local teams such as Boardman High Schoo, and Canfield High School, as well as other Akron and Canton area high school teams. There will be US Lacrosse certified coaches to teach the fundamentals of the game. Equipment will be provided. All boys and girls interested in playing lacrosse at the high school level should attend the sign up meeting on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Poland library in the lower level atrium. All information regarding equipment, age groups, costs, clinics and practice schedules will be available at sign ups. They also invite all grade school aged boys and girls to sign up. They will conduct clinics and practices as well as schedule games at the middle school and grade school level. Any questions prior to sign ups should be directed at Tom at polandlacrosse2014@gmail.com.

Psychologist to discuss emotional aspects of living with Ostomies

Charles A. Thorne, PhD, will discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of living with an ostomy during the next meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group. Thorne is a clinical psychologist with an extensive background in family health having served as associate director of the family medicine residency program at St. Elizabeth Health Center, director of the behavioral science division of the Family Health Center at St. E’s and psychologist for the pain clinic and acute rehabilitation departments at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren. The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Humility House, located at 755 Ohltown Road in Austintown.

Yoga basics

Feel comfortable in a class meant for everybody while you learn yoga basics taught by Karres Cvetkovich every Sunday in November from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Experience the release of mental and physical tensions that act as powerful barriers to enjoying life. 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 in the mornings and Karres Cvetkovich in the evenings for a blend of energizing yoga styles that will help you keep a healthy outlook Nov. 18, 20 and 25 at 9:30-11 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and small blanket. This is a drop-in class and the cost is $10 per class.

T’ai Chi Step One in the gardens

Ease stress, improve health and increase vitality with T’ai Chi Step One on every Wednesday in November from 12-1 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises and selected movements from a classic Chen T’ai Chi form. This is a drop-in class and the cost is $10 per class.

Pilates basics

Work on toning, shaping, core strength, alignment and breathingin pilates basics with Angela Lubonovich every Wednesday in November from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bring a mat and water. This is a drop-in class and the cost is $10 per class.

A Loose Knit Group

Enjoy the lovely view from the Antonucci Library as you help to create blankets for organizations that give to those in need Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. until noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens. 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.

YWCA invites artists to participate in art sale

The YWCA of Youngstown is inviting artists to participate in an Early Bird Art Sale before Black Friday. The sale will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 23 at 25 W. Rayen Ave. The YWCA is providing an opportunity for all artists – men and women – to sell their artwork at a pre-holidays art sale. The cost is $10 per table. The YWCA will retain a 20 percent commission on all art sales. All artwork must be priced $100 or less. Artwork does not need to be framed. Proceeds will be used to purchase lighting for the Women Artists Annual Art Exhibition. Artists under 18 will need a parent or guardian to reserve the table. Tables are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservation deadline is Nov. 17. Call Rita at 330-746-6361, ext. 102 for more information.

Local church sponsors clothing drop off

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Poland is now sponsoring a clothing drop off shed as a service to the community, installed in September. The clothing will be distributed all over the United States and world to those who can use it. This program keeps clothing out of the landfill, helps out those in need and Prince of Peace donates the small revenue generated to local causes. St. Pauly Textiles is a family owned upstate New York based company and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. St. Pauly collects usable clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, linens, blankets and drapes. In 2012, more than 59 million garments were distributed to an estimated 7.5 million people all over the world through the St. Pauly program. To drop off donations, you can find the donation shed in the parking lot at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 2985 Center Road in Poland. Prince of Peace is an ELCA Lutheran congregation and all are welcome. For more information, visit them online at www.princeofpeaceonline.com, on Facebook (“Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran, Poland, OH”) or by telephone at 330-757-3272.

Friends of Fido and Legacy Dog Rescue announce Night at the Races

Friends of Fido and Legacy Dog Rescue will hosting a Night at the Races on Nov. 15 at the St. Maron Church Antioch Hall, located at 1555 S. Meridian in Youngstown. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the first race running at 7 p.m. The admission price is $5. If you pre-buy your ticket, you will receive five free Chinese Auction tickets. Bring 10 or more pounds of dog food and you will receive five more free Chinese Auction tickets. In addition to the Chinese Auction, there will be a 50/50 raffle, food and beer for sale. Pre sale tickets are available now. Call Jenn at 330-719-5569 or Shirley at 330-720-7216 if you would like to purchase your tickets early and get free Chinese Auction tickets.

Coffee, Cookies, Candy, and Corn Beef fundraiser

Taste the best of the cafes at the library fundraiser on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Poland library. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

South High Class of 1965 reunion planning

The South High Class of 1965 has begun making plans for their 50th class reunion in September 2015. The committee is looking for up-to-date addresses and e-mail addresses. Details and information can be obtained by going to the class website at youngstownsouth65.com or by calling Gene at 703-625-4317 or Cheryl at 330-787-1381.