Poland Community Briefs

Akron Children’s Vision Center expands services

Akron Children’s Hospital’s Vision Center is moving to a larger, dedicated ophthalmology space on the Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley Beeghly campus July 20 to expand its services and availability to the community. The Vision Center, which diagnoses and treats a range of eye diseases and disorders in newborns to teens, will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in Room C1100 in Building C. The center is relocating from the Boardman Medical Pavilion adjacent to St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. The Vision Center has three pediatric ophthalmologists offering surgical capabilities and a pediatric residency-trained optometrist. The center’s doctors treat patients with eye injuries, retinopathy of prematurity, eye muscle problems, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma and cataracts, as well as offer routine vision correction needs. Learn more at akronchildrens.org. To schedule an appointment, call 330-746-9480 or email visioncenter@chmca.org.

Adult culinary students open the Bistro at MCCTC

Student-operated restaurant, The Bistro at MCCTC, will open for dinner to the public July 13 through Aug. 6. The Bistro will be open Monday through Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. The Bistro is run by the adult culinary 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. The Bistro accepts cash and checks only and reservations are needed in advance. Call 330-729-4100 to make your reservation.

Youngstown Shrine Club to have rib roast

The Youngstown Shrine Club has announces that its annual Prime Rib Roast event is scheduled for July 25 at the club’s outdoor pavilion. This event features a mid-afternoon light lunch as well as a full prime rib dinner (including beverages) served at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Jim Hazlett at 330-651-7185 or Hugh Davenport at 330-519-1712. The cost is $35 for individuals and $60 for couples - non-members and ladies are encouraged to attend. The Youngstown Shrine Club is located at 1697 W. South Range Road in North Lima.

Local students named to University of Dayton Dean’s List

The University of Dayton has released its Dean’s List for spring 2015. The following undergraduate students from Poland are being honored for achieving a minimum 3.5 GPA for the semester: Samuel Hanlon, Devin Joss and Nicholas Tesone.

Mill Creek MetroParks lakes closed to public access

In collaboration with and in response to the recent testing results provided by the Mahoning County District Board of Health, in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3745.104 with E. coli levels, Mill Creek MetroParks is closing Lakes Newport, Cohasset and Glacier for public use until further notice. Effective immediately, all scheduled activities for these lakes will be cancelled until further notice. No fishing or recreational use of Lakes Newport, Cohasset and Glacier is permitted as well. If you have registered for an upcoming water program/activity, contact the Ford Nature Center.

Local students named to Dean’s List

Students eligible for the John Carroll University Spring 2015 Dean’s List must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours within one semester and have a quality grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Natalie Hanna and Veronica Christoff, both from Poland, achieved this distinction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 July 22 and 23 at St. Joseph Warren Hospital and Aug. 5 and 6 at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. For information or to register, call 330-480-3070.

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.

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 seeking 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.

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: 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.