Poland Community Briefs

Knitting guild to celebrate birthday

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild will be celebrating its 31st birthday at the next meeting on July 14. The WRKG meets at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at Fair Park in Canfield. Also, along with the celebration will be installation of new officers for the upcoming year. The Guild would like to invite anyone interested in knitting, crocheting and other fiber arts to join them. For more information, call Jen Kendall at 330-559-4193 or visit wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for July 20

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be July 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Peaberry’s Caf , located at 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. 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.’ The fee is $10 per class, which includes $5 in Peaberry Bucks for that night only. For more information, contact Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Mercy Health Offers Diabetes Education

Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, will offer diabetes education July 14, 15 and 16 at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. The three-day course runs from 9-11:30 a.m. in the diabetes classroom at St. Elizabeth Hospital, located at 1044 Belmont Ave. Free parking is available in the deck on Park Avenue. Healthcare professionals who teach the course, which is certified by the American Diabetes Association, focus on the medical aspects of the disease such as medications, glucose monitoring, exercise and complications during the first session. The second and third sessions focus on learning to plan meals, count carbohydrates, interpret food labels and make positive food choices. The classes are offered throughout the year at three Mercy Health Youngstown locations: St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, St. Joseph Warren Hospital and Hospice House. The classes will be repeated July 21, 22 and 23 at Hospice House, located at 9803 Sharrott Road in Poland. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 330-480-2676.

Miss Italian Youngstown Pageant accepting applications

All ladies who are proud of their Italian heritage can apply to be part of the 2015 Greater Youngstown Italian Festival Pageant. This year, the pageant will take place on July 31 from 6-8 p.m. on the main stage. The pageant is culture-based. Any young lady between the ages of 16-24 may enter if they have Italian as part of their descent. The pageant gives young ladies the chance to present a brief speech about their heritage, respond to a question from the judge, as well as present a talent to be judged on. In the past, participants have showcased everything from singing, dancing, instrumentals, readings, comedy and more. For more information on becoming a pageant participant, visit the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest website. The deadline for application is July 12.

Recruitment and team registration taking place

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is inviting Mahoning and Columbiana County area residents to form teams and register to participate in the Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 10 at the Watson Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State University, located at 651 Elm Street in Youngstown. The Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, education and research. Check in is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place annually in more than 700 communities. The event is an inspiring and meaningful experience that calls on participants of all ages to share their collective voice as an advocate, walk in honor of their loved ones and help raise awareness of programs and services available to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, there will be refreshments, basket drawings, a children’s corner and entertainment, as well as other activities.

Korean Veteran talks with World War II Heritage Society

Arthur Cornfield of Vienna will speak to the World War II Heritage Society on July 20. The event will be at A La Carte Catering in Canfield, with a buffet dinner to precede the speaker. Reservations are $14 each and may be made by contacting David Frank at 330 757-0515 before July 17.

Campbell Memorial reunion

The Campbell Memorial High School Class of 1975 is having a 40th class reunion on Sept 5. The reunion will be at Caf 422 and the deadline for purchasing tickets is July 17. Tickets are $35 per person and details on purchasing tickets can be found by contacting 330-755-7638.

Riverside Cemetery tours announced

The Poland Historical Society will host its monthly summer open house at the Little Red Schoolhouse on July 12 from 1-3 p.m. Historic documents and artifacts are available for viewing. Vintage Poland post cards and Civil War books will be available for purchase. The schoolhouse is located at the intersection of State Route 224 and Struthers Road. Another open house will occur on Aug. 9. Following the open house, society members will be leading guided tours through historic Poland Riverside Cemetery beginning at 4 p.m. This year is the 150th anniversary of the opening of the cemetery. The tours will visit the memorials of early Poland families, government officials, war veterans and sisters of President McKinley. Tours begin at the cemetery chapel. The rain date is July 19 at 4 p.m.

Whipkey named to Dean’s List

Bryan Whipkey of Poland has been named to the Dean’s List at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa. for the Spring 2015 semester. Whipkey is an Economics major at W&J.

Noll named to Dean’s List

Amy Noll, a junior Mathematics major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with High Distinction for the Spring 2015 semester. Noll is a 2012 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. 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.

Brooker named to spring 2015 Dean’s List

Madison Brooker of Poland was named to the spring 2015 Dean’s List at The University of Findlay. To earn this achievement, a student must attain a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Clarion University announces Spring 2015 Dean’s List

Madeline Kopper and Rachael Robertson of Poland were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2015 semester at Clarion University. To be included on the semester Dean’s List, students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 graded credits and achieve a semester QPA of at least a 3.50.

Holy Family students graduate

The Holy Family School graduation class of 2015 consisted of 33 eighth-grade students. The graduation Mass took place on June 3 at Holy Family Church in Poland. The Celebrant of this Mass was Rev. Msgr. William J. Connell, Pastor of Holy Family Parish. Joining him as Concelebrants were Rev. Michael Balash, Pastor of St. William Catholic Church, Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and Rev. Martin Celuch, Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows/St. Matthias. Holy Family’s Deacon Ray Hatala was Deacon of the Mass. Monsignor Connell congratulated the class for completing their grade school education at Holy Family School. Diplomas were given by Principal Kathleen Stoops, Monsignor Connell and the respective pastors participating in the graduation Mass.

Mill Creek ABWA to host picnic in July

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host a picnic for their next meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on July 14 at Georgeanna Parker Center located in Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. Chicken and beverages will be provided. Members are reminded to dress casually and bring side dishes and desserts. For further details or to make a reservation at $5 per person, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by July 5.

Dive into crime

Let the Mahoning County Sheriff’s dive team show you how they recover weapons, stolen jewelry and more at the Poland library on July 28 at 1 p.m. This event is for the whole family and no reservations are needed.

DIY vintage bookmarks

Turn vintage buttons and beads into handmade bookmarks on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. This event is for adults.

Appy hour

Learn what an app is and what apps are right for you at the Poland library on July 13 at 6 p.m. Learn all about popular apps for smartphones and mobile devices. 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 by calling 330-744-8636, and asking for Poland. This event is for teens and adults.

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.

Showcase holiday celebration

Independence Day is a time for celebration, family and patriotism. Parades, fireworks displays, picnics and more, Neighbors wants to see it all! Send the best photo of you and your family celebrating this national holiday (names listed from left to right and front to back, if possible, and please include your town somewhere in the email) to neighbors@vindy.com by July 7 at noon to be included in a holiday page showcasing celebration in your community.

Make it at your library

Re-purpose an unwanted t-shirt by turning it into a reusable tote bag on July 11 at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. Bring your own t-shirt, but other supplies will be provided. No sewing skills are required. This event is for teens and adults.

Christmas in July book sale

Don’t miss the half-price book sale July 6-18 at the Friends of PLYMC Bookstore in the lower level of the Poland library. All Christmas and holiday books and magazines will be 1/2 price July 6-18.

Wacky world of puppets

Explore the wacky world of puppets at the library’s week long puppet camp July 13-17 from 2-3:30 p.m. They will build and learn to work with a variety of puppets including sock, stick and glove puppets, masks and more. On July 17, host a 3 p.m. performance for the public featuring the puppets that the campers have built. Puppet camp will take place at the Poland library, for ages 10-17. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library. Puppet Camp is being offered in collaboration with Youngstown State University Theater Department.

Soar into summer reading with “Michael Recycle”

Join Peg Flynn and Kim Lewis of the Mahoning County Green Team as they present Ellie Bethel’s book, “Michael Recycle,” at the Poland library during the summer reading program on July 23 ar 2 p.m. This adventurous tale is about a young superhero who visits a garbage-infested town called “Abberdoo-Rimey” and teaches its residents how to clean up and recycle. After reading the story, program participants will create decorative candy dishes using recovered plastic bottles and stickers. At the conclusion of the program, everyone will receive an Eco-Superheroes coloring book and information to share with their parents. This program is recommended for children in pre-K through grade 3.

Bonding with babies and books

This event, for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-3 months old, will take place at the Poland library every Wednesday in July at 10 a.m. There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lego my library

Meet at the Poland library on July 21 at 6 p.m. and create Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

Trim a tree

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

Free tours of the Little Red Schoolhouse and Village graveyard set to take place

The Poland Historical Society will open the doors for free tours of the Little Red Schoolhouse located at the corner of Center Road (State Route 224) and Struthers Road in Poland Township on the second Sunday of each month during the summer. The public is invited to visit the Schoolhouse on July 12 and Aug. 9 from 1-3 p.m. Regular business meetings of the Historical Society during the summer will take place at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 4515 Center Road in Poland Township, on June 16 and Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Boardman Park hosts free concerts

It’s time to pack up your blankets and lawn chairs and head out to Boardman Park’s Maag Outdoor Theatre for some local entertainment at Music in the Park. All concerts, except for the Military Bands will be on Thursday evening’s beginning at 7 p.m. All concerts are free to the public thanks to the sponsorships of Talmer Bank-Premier Sponsor, The American Federation of Musicians Local #86-242, Southwoods Health and Hill, and Barth and King, LLC. For more information on this or other Boardman Park events, visit the park website at www.boardmanpark.com or call the park office at 330-726-8105.

Poland summer camps

This summer camp will be offered for several sports for students who will be in grades kindergarten through eighth-grade. Each camp is coached by players and coaches involved with the sport from Poland High School. Basketball, volleyball, soccer and track registrations will take place online and the camp payments will be collected on the first day of camp. To register and get more information, visit www.polandbulldogs.com. If you cannot register online, call Kim Grisdale at 330-757-4585.

Slavic scholarship for YSU students

The Simply Slavic committee has announced that is seeking applicants for its academic scholarship and they are looking no further than Youngstown State University. Undergraduate YSU students who have completed their freshman year and are currently enrolled at YSU are encouraged to apply for the $500 scholarship. All applicants will be required to submit a 500-word essay on how being Slavic affects their lives. Applicants need to be able to substantiate that they are of at least 25 percent Slavic heritage (This requirement is waived for members of YSU’s Slavic Student Association). Funds can be used for scholarships, as well as applied to study abroad programs.

Family fun Fridays

Each Friday, take part in the drop-in activities in the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens now through Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Landscapes on the Hudson

Explore the Hudson River Valley landscapes from Aug. 13-16, leaving at 7 a.m. on the 13 and returing at 11 p.m. on Aug. 16. Registration and deposit due by June 12. Full payment due by July 17. Prices bases on double occupancy, additional charges for single occupancy. The deposit due is $250. The fee for the trip is $885, FFRG member: $835.

Sprout club

Children that are ages 3-5 can learn about the wonderful world of pollinators, tremendous trees and vegetables at Fellows Riverside Gardens on July 23 and Aug. 6 from 1-2 p.m. Register and pay $15 for the series or $7 for a class by June 16.

Bits and pieces of history

Take a look at Mill Creek Park throughout the early years at Fellows Riverside Gardens-Melnick Museum now through December from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The world in a garden

Stunning images illustrate the diversity of the known plant world being shown at the Weller Gallery of Fellows Riverside Gardens from June 19 until Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Nature in iron

Nature in iron works are on display by local artist, Charles Hughes. Hughes hammers out nature as seen by a blacksmith. Work will be shown at Fellows riverside Gardens-Outdoor Gallery now through July from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Every hero has a story

The Summer Discovery program for children will be ”every hero has a story” and will take place at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Children will have an opportunity to earn incentives by reading or completing activities or a combination of both. Children will receive a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen and a Mahoning Valley Scrappers game voucher just for signing up. When they complete five activities, children get a choice of paperback books. On completing 10 activities, they receive an incentive and for children ages 3 and up, they will get a free admission to OH WOW! When they complete 15 activities, they will be into a drawing for a gift card. And children who complete 20 activities by July 25 will earn a chance to have breakfast with author David Catrow, creator of the Max Spaniel books, in July.

Ursuline Center: summer series of spirituality

Sister Nancy Pawlen from the Ursuline Center will lead summer series of spirituality class on Experiencing Sacred Space on Aug. 12. She will help participants appreciate the fullness of the sacred around and within them. Participants can attend class from 10-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. The donation is $10. To register, call The Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941.

Trim a tree for June

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-seasons tree. This event is for children of all ages during the month of June.

Unmask: teen theme for the Poland library

Unmask is the teen theme. Teens who complete ten activities will receive a paperback of their choice. Completing 15 activities will make them eligible to win a $25 gift card. Completing 20 activities earns them a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Teens will enjoy seeing Marvel Comic Book Artist Jerry DeCaire presenting ‘Science of the Superhero’ at a special program on Aug. 13 at the Poland library. The program features more superhero fun and begins at 1 p.m., with DeCaire presenting at 2 p.m.

Safe Sitter classes set for this summer

Safe Sitter teaches boys and girls ages 11-13 how to be ideal babysitters. The two-day course covers basic first aid, rescue breathing, accident prevention, childcare tips, what to do if a child chokes and how and when to call for help. Cost for the program is $28.50 and scholarships are available for those who meet financial eligibility requirements. Classes are from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days and will take place June 24 and 25 and July 22 and 23 at St. Joseph Warren Hospital, and July 8 and 9 and Aug. 5 and 6 at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. For information or to register, call 330-480-3070.

Campbell Memorial class reunion to be Sept. 5

The Campbell Memorial Class of 1975 is seeking classmates to attend the 40th class reunion on Sept. 5 at Caf 422 in Boardman. All contact information can be shared by calling 330-755-7638 or emailing information to CMHS1975@roadrunner.com.

Bits and pieces of Mill Creek Park

Now though December 2015, visit the exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens-Melnick Museum that takes a look at the very early years of Mill Creek Park. The exhibit is open everyday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Nature in iron

Charles Hughes “hammers out” nature as seen through the eyes of a blacksmith at Fellows Riverside Gardens- Outdoor Gallery through July.

Landscapes on the Hudson

Explore the Hudson River Valley landscapes on August 13-16. Registration and $250 deposit are due by June 12. Full payment is due by July 17. Prices are based on double occupancy at $885 (FFRG member $835). Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park website for more details.

Family fun Fridays

Each Friday from May 8 until Oct. 16 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., take part in fun drop-in activities in the Family Garden at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Neighborhood Ministries is sseeking churches to provide free meals

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 8 – Aug. 21. If your church or organization is interested in receiving free meals for children this summer, contact Neighborhood Ministries at 330-755-8696 or email lisa_scannell@ohionm.org. The deadline for submitting a site request is April 30.

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.

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. The walk schedule is: 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.