Poland Community Briefs

Women in touch: aging and brain health

Learn how to keep your brain fit despite growing older during Women in Touch Spring 2015. Kathleen McCulloh, director of sister services for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in Villa Maria, Pa., will present “How to Age and Not Get Old: Keeping Your Brain Fit.” She will discuss the normal aging process, how to maintain brain health and mental exercises. Women in Touch will take place April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s, located at 7440 South Ave. in Boardman, and May 7 at Leo’s Ristorante, located at 7042 E. Market St. in Warren. The cost is $18 including dinner. Reservations are required. For information or reservations, call 330-480-3070.

Food and beverage operation at Mill Creek MetoParks

Mill Creek MetroParks is now accepting proposals for Food and Beverage Operation at the Mill Creek Golf Course. Proposals are to be submitted by 4 p.m. on April 16 in person at the Mill Creek MetroParks Administrative Office, located at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road in Canfield, or via email to brian@millcreekmetroparks.org. For questions or more information, contact Brian Tolnar, Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Director, at 330-740-7112. The request for proposal application forms can be downloaded from http://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/request-for-proposal,

Ostomy product fair set for April 14

A product fair featuring companies that specialize in medical supplies for ostomy patients is slated for 6-7 p.m. on April 14 in the Azalea Room at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. in Boardman. ConvaTec, Hollister and Coloplast are among the companies that will be represented during the fair, which takes place during the monthly meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group. Meetings of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group take place the second Tuesday of each month with meeting places alternating between Humility House and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Meetings are open to the public, refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440.

Knowing, identifying and controlling invasive plants program

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to ‘Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants,’ a program presented by Eric Barrett of OSU Extension. Become a first detector to help control invasive plants and encourage others to stop planting and cultivating these plants. This program will take place on April 28 from 7–8 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on Route 46 in Canfield. All are welcome. Call Wild Birds Unlimited at 330-629-2473 for details.

North Course at Mill Creek Golf course now open

The North Course of the Mill Creek Golf Course is open for the season effective April 6. The Donald Ross-designed championship Mill Creek Golf Course is located at 1 West Golf Drive in Boardman. The South Course at the Mill Creek Golf Course will open at a later date. The Course may close at any point due to inclement weather. Call 330-740-7112 for the status of the course. For more information about the Mill Creek Golf Course or to make a tee time, visit millcreekmetroparks.org.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic set for July 13

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will take place at Youngstown Country Club on July 13. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18 hole scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle.

Annual forest stream cleanup set for April 18

The Annual Poland Municipal Forest Stream CleanUp and Garlic Mustard Pull will be on April 18 from 9 a.m until noon. Take the College Street entrance to Poland Municipal Forest. All volunteers are welcome and appreciated. For more information, email Poland Forest Board member Beth Queen at sbcmqueen@zoominternet.net.

O’Kane selected to attend Boys State

Poland Seminary High School junior student Connor O’Kane will attend the 2015 session of American Legion Buckeye Boys State, to take place June 14-21 on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Buckeye Boys State is a “Hands On” workshop in the principles and organization of Ohio government. Young men attending the event learn about Ohio government by operating the agencies and levels of a mythical state government.

Simply Slavic call for vendors

The fifth annual Simply Slavic festival will be on June 20 from 12-11 p.m. on Federal Plaza East. Organizers are seeking authentically Slavic retail, craft, fine art and food vendors for its marketplace and food tents. Simply Slavic has vending space for 15 food vendors and 10 marketplace vendors who will provide a variety of Slavic merchandise and foods for patrons during the festival. The confirmation deadline for previous vendors is April 15. Applications from new vendors will be accepted after this date, but questions are welcome at any time. For more information, contact info@simplyslavic.org or call at 330-509-0754.

Pawerful Penguin March

Go to Boardman Park’s Ex-Serviceman’s Pavillion on April 11 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and join the Pawerful Penguin March to raise money for the Animal Chairty Humane Society. Walk your furry friends throughout the park and race to win yummy and stylish prizes your canine companion will be sure to love. YSU’s Pete and Penny Penguin will be available for pictures. DJ Rio will provide music to get everybody up and grooving. Hot dogs and beverages will be available, along with doggie biscuits and water bowls. A representative from the Animal Charity will be available to chat, and will have some dogs from the shelter that are available for adoption. This event is free for all ages. Donations are accepted. All proceeds will go to Animal Charity of Youngstown.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions. A GA meeting is offered every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another is offered every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (in Cornersburg). Both meetings will 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.

Gardening basics: pruning

Learn about the basic pruning for the home landscape with Ellen Specher at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks on April 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register and pay by April 9. The cost is $8 per person.

Advanced bread making

Create a loaf of bread using pate ferment with the modified heart method to bake at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 12-4 p.m. Register and pay by April 9. The cost is $24 or $20 FFRG.

Open studio-garden design

Bring any gardening problems to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 2-4 p.m. and a staff member can offer suggestions.

Master gardener gathering

Master gardeners from any program are welcome to join this spring gathering of plants, food and fun at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 22 at 6-8 p.m.

Botanical mornings

Explore the budding spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens with Lynn Zocolo on April 24 from 9-10 a.m. Register and pay by April 22. The cost is $5 per person.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens for an afternoon of breathing and movements to ease stress and improve health on April 15, 22 and 29 from noon-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket to Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30 at 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Restorative yoga

Begin the morning in a quiet time while you restore your body and nourish the mind with restorative yoga and journaling at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 11 from 9-10:30 a.m. Register and pay $20 by April 9. Drop-ins pay $22.

Laughter yoga

Enhance your well-being with laughter through this fun class led by certified instructor Teresa Lisum at Ford Nature Center on April 15 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. No experience is required. The cost is $5 per person.

Meditation and mindfulness

Explore mindfulness methods with Karress Cvetkovich at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 19 from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Register and pay by April 17 for $15 per person. Drop-ins will pay $18.

The Ursuline Center announces 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk Schedule

The Ursuline Center, located at 4280 Shields Road, has announced its 2015 Guided Labyrinth Walk schedule. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free events. Walks generally take 20-30 minutes. This year’s first guided walk is April 19 at 2 p.m. and offers an additional feature. The event starts with a presentation on the “Spirituality of Labyrinths” in The Ursuline Center, then moves outdoors for a walk celebrating the Earth. The complete list of walks is as follows: April 19 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Earth; May 12 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Motherhood; June 9 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Fatherhood; July 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Families; Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Welcoming the Stranger; Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Peace; and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, Showing Solidarity with the Poor.

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf opens at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Friends Specialty at the Garden Caf in Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens has officially opened for business. The Garden Caf has been refreshed and newly updated and will offer an eclectic selection of teas, locally roasted coffee, a locally sourced lunch menu, desserts and other libations all served with a complimentary view of stunning Lake Glacier. The Caf is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for pastries, coffee and tea. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information or questions, contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000.

Mill Creek ABWA sets April meeting

The American Business Women’s Association, Mill CreekChapter, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Margaret “Peggy” Williams, a former social studies and English teacher at Austintown Fitch High School, will share details on her travels to Northern Ireland. She currently serves as a tour guide at the Arms Family Museum of Local History in Youngstown. A brunch menu at $17 per person will be served. To make a reservation, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by April 5.

Plant the seed to read a book

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting the ninth annual Children’s Book Festival on April 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Authors will be featured along with illustrators, book characters, storytellers and hands on activities for children to enjoy. All ages are welcome.

Farm Tours

There will be guided tractor wagon tours of the farm of MetroParks with tours starting each half hour on April 19 and 26 from 1-4 p.m. Barns will be open to visit with the animals. Donations will be accepted. There is a $1 craft fee.

Cha-cha dance class

Enjoy learning a fun and versatile Latin dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Classes will be offered on April 14 from 6-7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Swing Dance Class

Learn this easy to follow dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Beginners are encouraged to come. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Metromutts: hike into spring

Search for daffodils on this easy two mile hike up East Newport Drive past Daffodil Meadow at East Newport Boat Launch on April 12 at 11 a.m. Local shelters will bring some adoptable dogs to join on the hike. Call FNC for details.

ODNR boating safety class

Learn about boating safety with a full training being offered and a proficiency exam at the end of the class on April 18 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Metroparks. The cost is $10 to register. Bring a lunch. Call 330-740-7100 to register.

Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join the fun of Contra Dance at Pioneer Pavilion in MillCreek Metroparks at 7-10 p.m. on April 18. Beginners and veterans are welcome to join in on this British Isles folk dance. The cost is $7 for the class. Call FNC for Details.

Let’s dance

Dance the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango and more with half hour dance lessons from 6-9 p.m. on April 21 at McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm. Singles and couples are welcome. The cost is $5 per person.

Wiggly Worms

Ages 3-6 can learn why earthworms are important on April 10 and 11 from 10-11 a.m. Learn how they eat, breathe and help your garden with an interactive program at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance at FNC. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR.

Sprout Club: animals and plants

Ages 3-5 are welcome to explore the way animals need plants on April 23 from 1-2 p.m. A snack and craft will be included at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks. Space is limited. Register and pay $7 by April 21.

Eagle Watch

Search for and observe eagles with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on April 12 at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Chose any session (8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m.) and register at FNC by April 11. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Birding in the Sanctuary

Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on April 18 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Register at FNC by April 17.

Audubon Society Mahoning Valley

Eric Barrett of the OSU Extension will present, “Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants” at MetroParks Farm on April 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Pop-Up Library at Park Vista of Youngstown

This event is in conjunction with a Mahoning Valley Lifelong Institute program and will be at Park Vista on April 21 from 1-2 p.m. 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 digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up Library at your event, visit http://www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary.

Smart money gotta guess

Use your estimation skills to figure out how many items are in a jar. If you have the closest guess for your age level, you’ll receive a piggy bank. This event is for pre-kindergarten to grade 6 at the Poland library during normal library hours in the month of April.

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 April at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

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

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library on April 23 and 30 at 1 p.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, and finger plays, and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

For children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Poland library on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Poland library on April 21 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, age 6 and up.

Listen and lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos at the Poland library on April 16 at 1 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for ages 4-7.

Trim a tree for April

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

Youngstown playhouse

The Youngstown Playhouse will present Family Night with the Poland library. Enjoy a sample of the production “Fiddler on the Roof.” This event is for the whole family to enjoy at on April 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Be a super sitter

Already a babysitter or planning on babysitting sometime soon? Want to improve your skills and have an edge as you apply for jobs? Join the Poland library on April 25 at 11 a.m. and discuss baby brain development, wonderful books, rhymes and songs you can share and fun crafts and other activities you can use to keep the children entertained. You’ll leave with your own babysitter survival kit filled with rhymes, crafts and other ideas. This program is for informational purposes only and is not a certified program. Registration is required. To register, stop by the Poland library or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library. This event is for ages 11-18.

Poland Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting

Join the Poland area TAB (Teen Advisory Board) on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. 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.

Bottle cap creations and other cool crafts

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at 6 p.m. by making cool crafts out of bottle caps and other recycled materials at the Poland library. This event is for grades 4-12.

Library resources for family history

In order to take advantage of today’s rich blend of research tools, explore all manner of print, non-print and electronic resources available through the Poland library’s website, and a bit beyond. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for adults at 6:30 p.m. on April 14.

Appy hour

What’s an app? What apps are right for me? Learn all about popular apps for smartphones and mobile devices on April 13 at 6 p.m. See a variety of apps that will help you connect to your library, find a good place to eat, keep you entertained in a long grocery line, find a great new recipe, or find great music to listen to on your walk. Registration is recommended and can be made by calling 330-744-8636. Ask for Poland. This event is for teens and adults.

Get connected with your eReader at the library

Bring your eReader to the Poland library and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s Digital Catalog. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. This event is for teens and adults at 10 a.m. on April 18.

Book features Haiku Poetry by Jim Villani

Pig Iron Press of Youngstown, Ohio has announced the publication of “Natural Moments”, a collection of 52 poems in the Japanese Haiku format by Jim Villani, editor of Pig Iron Press. Writer, editor, publisher and teacher Jim Villani established Pig Iron Press in 1993. He was Born in Youngstown and raised in Boardman. He was educated at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and Cardinal Mooney High School. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Language Arts from Youngstown State University and was a fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. “Natural Moments” retails at $9.95. It is available at Pig Iron Press, 26 North Phelps Street, downtown Youngstown, or by mail at P.O. Box 237, Youngstown, Ohio 44501. Dealer inquiries invited. For more information, call Pig Iron Press at 330-747-6932.

Harvest for Hunger at Sparkle Markets

Through April 11, customers of Sparkle Markets will have the opportunity to Check Out Hunger and feed hungry families in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Customers may tear off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon available at the register that will be added to their grocery bill. Customers may also donate non-perishable food items by placing them in the collection bin at the front of the stores. Last year, Sparkle Markets raised $6,421 through the donation coupons, which enabled the Food Bank to distribute $96,315 worth of food to people right here in the Mahoning Valley.

Farm animal baby shower

Meet the new spring animals at the kick-off to MetroParks Farm season on April 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be plenty of animals to see and pet. Bring your cameras to capture photo opportunities. Cake and punch will be served while supplies last.

Starry night

View the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society at MetroParks Farm. The event will take place on April 17 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sky viewing is weather dependent. The rain check date will be April 24. Call FNC for details.

Daffodil weekend

Discover the delights of daffodil’s at Fellows Riverside Gardens. See more than 200 species on display during a guided walk from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 25 and 26. Take a stroll through Daffodil Meadow and participate in the Daffodil Show that highlights the diversity and beauty of daffodils.

Plant the seed to read a book

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting the ninth annual Children’s Book Festival on April 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Authors will be featured along with illustrators, book characters, storytellers and hands on activities for children to enjoy. All ages are welcome.

TeenXTreme blackout poetry contest

April is National Poetry Month, so here’s your chance to indulge in some “creative destruction” and express your inner poet. Create a poem by eliminating-blacking out-the words you don’t want from newspaper and magazine articles (or book pages) that the Austintown library provides. Three winners will be chosen from entries throughout the county and awarded cash prizes. Talk to a librarian for details. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during the month of April.

Wednesdays at the WOW!

Join OH WOW! every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore the InspireWorks Lab. Details can be found at www.ohwowkids.org.

Wednesdays at the WOW

Join OH WOW every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30 p.m. and explore in the InspireWorks Lab. Check out www.ohwowkids.org for details.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals before the museum opens to the public for member only hours in the month of April on the second Saturday of each month 9-10 a.m. starting on April 11. Get exclusive access to the museum and help WOW! Pals test new exhibit and program ideas.

Grandparents explore for free

Bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! the last Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on April 29 for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 11 and use some hands-on demonstrations to understand how Earth’s weather works. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is suggested.

Weather tools

Make your own tools to take home and observe the weather with at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 18. Learn what meteorologists watch for with this fun workshop for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are availale. Pre-registration is required.

Wacky weather tricks

Join OH WOW and use some hands-on demonstrations to help understand how the Earth’s weather works on April 25 from 12-1 p.m. All ages are welcome and pre-registration is suggested.

Women Artists art exhibition

The YWCA Women Artists: A Celebration! Annual Art Exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists, age 18 and older. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102 or at ywca.org/youngstown. They are due no later than March 30. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. There is a nonrefundable fee of $10 per entry or $45 for five entries. Entry is by CD only. This year’s juror is Susan Talbot-Stanaway, former director of the Zanesville Museum of Art, Zanesville. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 20, at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.

Nomination accepted for Children’s Advocate Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Children’s Advocate Awards presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley who exhibit the spirit of caring and who work to make a difference in the lives of the children of the communities we serve. Honorees will be recognized at the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley “Champions for our Valley’s Children” Celebration Dinner on May 12 at The Lake Club. Consider nominating a special individual, group or organization for the Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley Children’s Advocate Award. The deadline for submission is March 16. Details regarding eligibility and criteria, as well as a nomination form are available at https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/event/champions-valleys-children/children_s_advocate_award_nomination_form_2015.pdf