Poland Community Briefs

Bonding with babies and books

There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months at the Poland library on Feb. 11, 18 and 25 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader on Feb. 12 (holiday program), 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader on Feb. 12 (holiday program) and 26 at 1 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta Move story time

There will be a story time for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver at the Poland library on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature 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, dance to songs and play.

Happy hearts day

Get in the Valentine’s Day spirit with stories, games, songs and more fun on Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. This event is for school-age children.

Lego my library

Children ages 6 and up will meet to enjoy creating Lego designs on Feb. 17 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided.

Listen and lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos, which will be provided, at the Poland library on Feb. 19 from 1-2 p.m.

Trim a Tree for February

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-season tree. This event is open to children of all ages during regular library hours at the Poland library through the month of Feb.

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Begin the Year of the Sheep with games, trivia, snacks and more on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. This event is for grades four and up.

TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meting

Check out the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. Help plan and support teen activities at the library.

Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome and snacks will be provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Blind date with a book

An exciting, single book is seeking a fun-loving reader. Meet at the Poland library anytime in February. Will be wearing a plain book jacket and sitting out on display. Rate the book once you have read it. This event is for teens.

Academy Award Predictions

Who’s going to win an Oscar? Fill out an Academy Award ballot Feb. 1-21 at the Poland library and the teen with the most correct predictions will win a prize. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 and adults through the month of February.

Sit and Stitch

Teens and adults can sit and stitch with others at the library on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Share ideas and skills while making new friends. Bring your own quilting, appliqu , knitting or crochet projects and supplies. This is not an instructor-led activity.

Finding our family members in uniform

Explore the records of the armed force at the Poland library on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to pursue personnel files and unit histories in order to understand your ancestor’s role in defending our nation’s heritage. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for adults.

Get connected with your eReader at the library

Bring your eReader to the Poland library on Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. and the librarians show you how to download eBooks from the library’s digital catalog on the library website. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register.

Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?

Dr. Kathy Padgitt presents the latest research on eating healthy to prevent breast cancer at the Poland library on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. This event is for adults.

Burke named to Miami University President’s List

Ryan P Burke of Poland was named to the Miami University fall 2014 president’s list. Miami University students who are ranked in the top three percent of undergraduate students within each division for first semester 2014-15 have been named to the president’s list recognizing academic excellence.

History buff program

Interested in history? Join the Poland library in hearing about topics of interest in the area of history on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

Mercy College of Ohio announces Youngstown Campus Honors List

The following students from Poland were awarded honors for the fall 2014 semester at Mercy College of Ohio: Elizabeth Brown, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Dean’s List, Angeline Prato, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Honors List, Marissa White, AS Nursing Youngstown, Freshman, Honors List. To be named on the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of [3.3] or higher and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours. To be named on the Honor’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of [3.3] or higher and be enrolled for 6-11 credit hours. To be named on the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 GPA and be enrolled for 14 or more credit hours.

Students named to Miami University Dean’s List

The following Poland students were named to Miami University Dean’s List: Abby O Begezda, Christopher J Lipari, Austin J Miller, Eric J Shoaff. Students who ranked in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within each division for first semester 2014-2015 have been named to the dean’s list recognizing academic performance.

Polish Carnival to be Feb. 14

A Polish Carnival Celebration will take on a love-inspired air this year when the doors open on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown. Ticket prices are $40 per person. Hosted by the energetic PolishYoungstown organization, this Slavic-inspired Pre-Lenten Celebration includes samples of elite Polish alcohols imported for the event and not normally available in Ohio - complimented with a buffet, music, dancing, gift baskets, beads, games and a trivia contest, as well as a paczki parade, royalty and prizes.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2015-2016

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2015-2016 school year can now apply. The application is available for sophomore students on the school’s website. Current students do not need to reapply. The school offers 22 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

Local benefit to be Feb. 8

The Mahoning Valley Ulster Project will be hosting its Wine and Beer Tasting Benefit on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at Drake’s Landing Banquet Center, located at 2177 West Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Tickets are $25 per person and includes light appetizers and tickets for wine or beer sampling. There will be a Chinese Auction, 50/50 raffle and giveaways. For tickets or more information, contact Jenette at 330-518-5290 or Carrie at 330-565-2900. Each year the Ulster Fundraising committee works to raise $20,000, which is the amount necessary to cover expenses for the host teens and Northern Irish teens. Visit www.ulsterprojectmv.com for more information.

Third Annual Valentine’s Day Walk-In Weddings

The Chapel of the Friendly Bells at Trinity United Methodist Church (UMC) in downtown Youngstown once again will be the site for walk-in weddings on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), Clergy couple Rev. Jerry Krueger of Trinity UMC and Rev. Susan Brown of Canfield UMC will offer a simple, Christian wedding service including traditional wedding vows, exchange of rings, scripture and a blessing of the couple. Wedding vow renewal services will also be offered. The fee for each wedding is $50, which will be donated to the Good Shepherd Kitchen in Youngstown and Canfield Community Care Net. Weddings will be performed in the order that couples arrive. Couples must bring their wedding license, identification and the $50 fee in cash. Weddings will not be performed for participants who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Attendants and guests are welcome to come. The event will take place at Chapel of the Bells at Trinity UMC from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14. The Chapel is located at 30 West Front Street. Contact Trinity UMC at 330-744-5032 for more information.

Wintertime tea

Enjoy some southern charm with a fundraiser for the Antonucci Horiculture library at Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 1 from 2-4 p.m. Treats, entertainment, tea and conversation will be provided. Hats are admired, but not required. Call FRG to register. The cost is $35 per person.

Nourishing soup fest

Join Fellows Riverside Garden for an afternoon of demonstrating and tasting soup while learning how to prepare Provencal vegetable soup in one hour that you can enjoy for the rest of the week with Karen Cvetkovich on Feb. 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The cost is $30 to register (FFRG $26). Register and pay by Feb. 13.

All about hearts

There will be an event for ages 3-5 on Feb. 19 from 1-2 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy a heart-felt story, a heart ornament craft and a heart healthy snack. The cost is $5 to enter.

Open studio-garden design

Planning your own ornamental garden and need some help with your garden design challenge? Bring your design problems or questions to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and a staff member can help you and offer some suggestions. Basic sketching tools are provided or bring your own.

Orchid walk-about

Join one of Fellows Riverside Garden’s experts on an orchid walk highlighting the main varieties of orchids displayed throughout the Davis Center on Feb. 7 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Orchid clinic

Stop by Fellows Riverside Gardens with your orchid questions for orchid experts Dave Miller and Jackie Land on Feb. 18 from 2-4 p.m. Bring any problem orchids you may have and they will help you get them back on track. Orchid bark mix and orchid pots will be available for sale for a nominal fee.

Botanical mornings

Appreciate the structural beauty of the Gardens during this wintertime stroll with Lynn Zocolo on Feb. 20 from 9-10 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Look for witch hazels and perhaps some early bloooming bulbs. The cost is $5 to enter.

Botany for beginners

Have you ever been stumped by a botanical name? Are you confused by differences between xylem and phloem? If you answered yes to either questions then perhaps a refresher in botany with Mandy Smith on Feb. 25 from 9:30-11 a.m. will help out. The cost $8 to enter and the event will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Love rocks project

Stop by this love rock gathering on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens and learn the story of how rocks came to be and create your own to give to others. Donations are appreciated and all proceeds benefit the Family Garden.

Cabin fever fest

Bum off the winter blues at Cabin Fever Fest on Feb. 21 from 12-2 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area. A chili cook-off, outdoor games, sled riding and other activities will be provided. Enter the snow sculpting competition (weather permitting) and participate in winter crafts. Sample chili and vote for your favorite for a small donation. There is a $10 fee to enter the chili cook-off. Call FNC for chili cook-off registration, rules, or general event details. This event is presented by the Metroparks police and recreation departments.

Souper bowl II

Look for signs of wildlife and see if the falls are frozen on this 3 mile hike around Lake Cahasset on Feb. 8 from 2-4:30 p.m. Warm up afterwards with some homemade soup. Bring a bowl and a big spoon with you. Register at FNC by Feb. 6. The hike begins at Pioneer Pavillion.

Hunger moon

Although the weather outside is frightful, a winter 2 mile hike on Feb. 13 from 7-8 p.m. can be delightful. Learn why Native Americans gave this month’s moon such a strange name. Call FNC for details. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot.

Lily pond in winter

The lily pond has plenty of visitors during the warmer months, but it is a lonely place when it is cold. Explore nature in and around the pond in winter for this 2 mile walk at Ford Nature Center 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive for this easy 1 or 3 mile hike at 9 a.m. on Feb 11. You can also meet at MetroParks Bikeway Kirk Road Trailhead for a 2-4 mile hike at 9 a.m. on Feb. 25.

Struthers winter concert series

Enjoy an evening of music with Rex Taneri at Yellow Creek Lodge from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb 12.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a mat and a small blanket. The cost is $10 per class and classes will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

T’ai Chi step one in the gardens

Warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality at this T’ai Chi class on Wednesdays during the month of February from 12-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class and classes will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Restorative Yoga

Begin the morning with quiet time, restoring the body and nourishing the mind with restorative yoga and journaling with Michelle O’Brien on Feb. 28 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Each class will explore a specific topic to reflect on as you allow yourself to open to the process of relaxation and mindfulness. Bring several blankets, a pillow and a notebook. Register and pay $20 by Feb. 26.

It’s all about color

These lovely works from the Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland are all about colors of the season. They will be on display at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Jan. 23 through March 1.

Salsa dance class

Swing your hips and enjoy the Latin rhythms as you learn to salsa Feb. 10, 17 and 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. No partner? No problem. It is a paired dance, but everyone will learn together. Beginners are encouraged and welcomed. This class will be led by dance expert Lynda McPhail and A Time To Dance. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Rumba dance class

Come out and enjoy learning this easy to follow slow dance Feb. 10, 17 and 24 from 7-8 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. No partner? No problem! It is a paired dance, but everyone will learn together. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This class will be led by dance expert Lynda McPhail and A Time To Dance. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Puppy love

Take a brisk walk with your favorite Valentine - your canine companion - on Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. Explore the winter beauty of the lily pond. Meet at Birch Hill Cabin afterward for hot drinks, cookies and treats by the fireplace. Share the love and bring an item to donate to the local animal shelters. Call FNC for details.

Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join the fun of Contra Dance on the ballroom floor of historic Pioneer Pavilion on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. This unique folk dance from the British Isles can be enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike. Dancers are instructed for each dance. The cost is $7 per class. Call FNC for details.

Cumberland island national seashore

Join Eric Broviak for a talk and presentation about this island paradise with pristine beaches and stunning nature wonders at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 2-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Call FNC for details.

Hot dog hike

Join Mill Creek Park for a winter 2 mile hike around the Ford Nature Center and get warm by the campfire with hot dogs and hot chocolate on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. with your dog. Metromutts are free and not-yet members are $3. Register by Feb. 26.

Coffee with the birds

As part of the 18th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, join Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage to watch bird while sipping coffee or tea on Feb. 14 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:15-11 a.m. Bring your favorite mug. Limited space is available. Call Ford Nature Center to register.

Bluebird box workshop

Learn about Eastern Bluebirds and make a nest box to help their population. Afterward, hike to the bluebird trail along the MetroParks bikeway. The cost is $15 to register and $18 NR per nest box. Register and pay at the Ford Nature Center by Feb. 8. This event will take place from 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley

Mary Smith will present a program about the National Audubon Society’s priority species and habitats on Feb. 24 from 7-8 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. Mary previously had worked for Audubon Maryland-DC.

I love my new Canfield library fundraiser

Treat your sweetheart to a night out at the fundraiser benefitting the Canfield Library Capital Campaign at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield, at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. Tickets are $25 each and the evening features heavy hors d’oeuvres, chocolate desserts, a raffle and cash bar. For information and tickets, call the Library’s Development Office at 330-740-6086.

ABWA to meet on Feb. 10

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. The guest speaker will be Jimmy Sutman, owner of Iron and String Life Enhancement (ISLE), Purple Cat, Golden String Radio and Touch the Moon Candy Saloon, all in Youngstown. Dinner will include a medley of three soups and sandwiches as well as salad, coffee or tea and dessert. Reservations are $15 per person and may be made by calling Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 no later than Feb. 1.

Annual benefit to be Feb. 8

The Mahoning Valley Ulster Project will be hosting their fourth annual Wine and Beer Tasting Benefit on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at Drake’s Landing Banquet Center, located at 2177 West Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Tickets are $25 per person and includes light appetizers and tickets for drink sampling. There will be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and giveaways. For tickets or more information, contact Jenette at 330-518-5290 or Carrie at 330-565-2900. Each year the Ulster Fundraising committee works to raise $20,000, which is the amount necessary to cover expenses for the host teens and Northern Irish teens. Visit www.ulsterprojectmv.com for more information. The intent of the Ulster Project is to break down the walls of intolerance and mistrust that exist in Northern Ireland. It was created through the efforts of like-minded peace seekers who strive towards the ultimate goal of creating a community of peace through fostering tolerance, understanding and friendship. The Ulster Project focuses on changing the perception of Ireland’s youth by bringing them together in a strife-free atmosphere that emphasizes acceptance of all people, regardless of creed. During the month of July, the Northern Irish teens and American host teens are provided with a variety of spiritual social, and service opportunities.

OH WOW! adds new board members

OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology recently announced the addition of two new board members, Patrick Chovan of Omega Incorporated and W. Greg Sturrus of YSU’s College of STEM, and recognized the efforts of two founding members, Dr. Martin Abraham and Bruce Sherman.

How to Eat and Live Right for Your Blood Type seminar

Dr. Ted Suzelis, N.D. will be presenting a free seminar titled, “How to Eat and Live Right for Your Blood Type “ on Feb. 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman (SouthBridge West Complex at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D-3). Suzelis will discuss the scientific background behind the “Eat Right for Your Type” diet, as well as dietary and lifestyle guidelines for each of the blood types. Suzelis will have an open question and answer session at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have. For more information or to register, call 330-729-1350 or visit OhioND.com. There is free admission, but RSVP is required.

Bakers are ready for cookie table and cocktails

The third annual Cookie Table and Cocktails fundraiser is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, located at 325 West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. Amateur and professional bakers are set to share their sweet confections on the epic cookie table. Guests will be treated to cookies such as mini cannolis, assorted pizzelles, buckeyes, clothespins, nut kipfels, chocolate marshmallow brownies, caramel tarts and lemon tassies. The cookies will be judged and bakers will be awarded prizes in several categories, which include “Best Unexpected Ingredient” and “Best Twist on an Old Tradition.” Upwards of 4,000 cookies will be displayed, and if guests have their fill of cookies at the event, carryout boxes will be available to take some home. Bakers are still being recruited for the event, both amateur and professional. Bakers donate cookies and receive a free ticket to the event. A registration form is available at www.mahoninghistory.org.

Benson named to prestigious position

Gregory Benson, MD, has been names Medical Director of Akron Children’s Hospital’s new outpatient surgical center, which will open in May. The Center will be on the third floor of the $180 million Kay Jewelers Pavilion. Benson, a native of Poland, earned his medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his residency in anestesiology at Ohio State University Hospitals and his fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Mowad earns 2014 fall semester Dean’s List recognition

Lidia Mowad of Poland has been named to the 2014 fall semester Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University. To qualify for Dean’s List recognition, Ohio Wesleyan students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes.

Noll named to Dean’s List at Grove City College

Amy Noll, a junior Mathematics major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Distinction for the fall 2014 semester. Noll is a 2012 graduate of Poland Seminary High School and is the daughter of Robert and Janice Noll from Youngstown. Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40-3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60-3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85-4.0.

Heritage gardening seminar

Fellows Riverside Gardens will be hosting Garden Seminar: Heritage Gardening for the 21st Century on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Discover some of the successful, sustainable, and simple plants from the 18th through early 20th centuries. These tough and adaptable plants represent the foundation of our gardens today. Speakers will look at historic gardening methods that can be applied to our current gardens. Explore the rich heritage of the garden and what it means. The speakers’ books will be available for purchase at the seminar. This event is presented by the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown and Mill Creek MetroParks. For more information and to register, visit www.mgcy.org/Pages/WinterSeminar.aspx. The cost is $45 through Feb. 7 and $55 after that date.

New exhibit to begin Feb. 21

Ford Nature Center will be hosting a Nature Photography Exhibit Feb. 21 through March 15 during regular hours. View the talents of many amateur photographers.

Twice-Loved Book Sale

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host the Twice-Loved Books Sale Feb. 21 through March 1 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Peruse the tables in the Antonucci Horticulture Library for much loved books on gardening, cooking and nature. There will also be magazines for sale. Donations of related used books are appreciated at any time. All proceeds will benefit the Antonucci Horticulture Library.

The Bistro at MCCTC announces new winter and spring hours

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, has new winter and spring hours starting in January. The restaurant will be open for dine in or carryout from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Open dates are Feb. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 31; and April 1 and 2. The Bistro is run by students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. This gives students the chance to gain experience in all facets of working in the restaurant industry, from working as kitchen staff and the Sous Chef to waiting tables and hosting. To make a reservation or place an order for carryout, call 330-729-4000, ext. 1506.

Gamblers Annonymous 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 Youngstown (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.

Friends of PLYMC’s Canfield Committee sets fundraiser

Support the new Canfield Library by purchasing Stone Fruit Coffee special blend for the holidays. The cost is $15 per bag. Coffee can be purchased from one of the Friends of the Library or at Stone Fruit Coffee in Canfield. Proceeds benefit the Canfield Library Capital Campaign.