Poland Community Briefs

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.

Local students make the Dean’s List at Miami University

Miami University students who ranked in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within each division for second semester 2014-2015 have been named to the dean’s list recognizing academic performance. Students from Poland to earn this distinction were Erin Carreiro, Anna Sabol and Kevin Krumpak.

Vacation Bible School to begin July 27

Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 2985 Center Road in Poland, will host Vacation Bible School July 27-30 from 6–8:30 p.m. The theme is Living in God’s Time. Forms for registration for children entering into grades Kindergarten through fifth in the fall can be requested at the church office at 330-757-3272 or e-mail sec3280@sbcglobal.net. The deadline for registration is July 24. For more information, call the church office. This four evening event is free for participants.

Students named to Dean’s List

Devan Weckerly and Jacqueline Jepsen have been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2015 semester at the University of Mount Union. To be eligible for Dean’s List, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of traditionally graded coursework while achieving a grade point average of 3.550 or better with no grade below a B.

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.

Get connected with digital media

Would you like to learn how to download free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, complete issues of magazines and more to your computer and mobile devices? Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland branch of the library to register for this July 6 event at 6 p.m.

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.

Holiday closing

All Mahoning County public libraries will be closed for Independence Day on July 4.

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.

Animals galore with Jungle Terry

Meet Jungle Terry’s live animal friends in the interactive pet show at the Poland library on July 7 at 10:30 a.m. This event is for children of all ages.

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.

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 July 9 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 (ages 4-5) become a successful reader on July 9 at 1 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Crafting is my super power

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a super craft made by super children of all ages. This activity will take place at the Poland library during regular library hours from July 6-11.

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

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. As part of “Celebrate Poland,” the Historical Society will provide walking tours of the village graveyard next to the Poland Presbyterian Church, located at 2 Poland Manor, on June 26 at 6 p.m. A small bus and walking tour of the Poland Riverside Cemetery to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cemetery will be offered at 11 a.m on June 27. The Historical Society will have a display tent located near the Village Hall on June 27 from 9 a.m. until 4 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.

Kayak tours

There will be kayak tours beginning at the East Newport boat launch on June 26 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. (not for first time kayakers, must be 18-years-old) and June 27 from 10 a.m. until noon. Age and experience restrictions apply. Register and pay two days days prior to the event at Ford Nature Center. The cost is $12 R; 15 NR. The second person in tandem is half the price. Additional fees apply after the deadline.

Spring cleaning kayak

Help clean the shores and wetlands of Lake Newport on June 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Participants must have paddling skills. Age restrictions apply. Reserve a kayak or bring your own. Meet at the East Newport boat launch. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

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.

Thursdays family farm tours

Tour includes playroom time, a stop in the barns and a tractor-wagon ride at MetorParks Farm on June 25 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Standard trolley tours

Explore and experience a guided hour and a half tour of Mill Creek MetroParks on June 23 and 28 from 2-3:30 p.m. or 4:30-6 p.m. at the boards of Ford Nature Center. There is limited seating. Register and pay in advance at Ford Nature Center. The cost is adults - $6 R, $9 NR; those 12 and under or 60 and up - $4 R, $7 NR.

Picnic in the park

Enjoy an excursion in Mill Creek MetroParks with stops to explore park landmarks and a very special stop for a picnic with sandwiches from Gordy’s Speciality Market on June 25 from 1-4 p.m. Register and pay in advance at Ford Nature Center. Meet at the Boards of FNC. The cost is adults - $16 R, $19 NR; those 12 and under or 60 and up - $14 R; $17 NR.

Landscaping for pollinators

Learn how to make your garden a happy home for both plants and pollinators on June 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Register and pay $14; FFRG $12 by June 18.

Botanical mornings

Take in the beauty of Fellows Riverside Gardens with a guided walk led by Lynn Zocolo on June 26 from 9-10 a.m. Register and pay $5 by June 24.

Growing roses

Get tips on how to plant, fertilize and manage pest problems at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register and pay $14; FFRG $12 by June 25.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 23, 25 and 30 from 9:30-11 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a mat and a small blanket. The cost is $12 per class.

Tai’Chi step one in the gardens

Partake of warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements that ease stress, improve health and increase vitality at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 24 from 12-1 p.m. The cost is $10 per class.

Applying Ayurveda to bring balance into your life

A two part course in Ayurveda, a mind-body health system that can bring balance to your life, will take place at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. Register and pay $50; $45 FFRG by June 14.

Chair to mat movement

Use stretching and movement poses that will lead you from the chair to the mat. Class takes place at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 20 from 9-10:30 a.m. Bring a mat. The cost is $12 per class.

Live at the Morley

The first concert of the season at the Judge Leo P. Morley Pavilion will take place on June 24 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Players in the park

The Mahoning Valley players and Mill Creek MetroParks present “The Illusion,” a fairy tale of love, murder, betrayal and irony at the Judge Morley Pavilion on June 26 and 27 from 6-8 p.m. Lawn seating is available. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Garden forum flower show

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host a summer garden flower show presented by Garden Forum of Greater Youngstown on June 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday morning in the park

Rise early for a ramble along the Old Tree Trail, Lily Pond and Lake Glacier. Starts at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

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.

Contra dance at the Covered Bridge

Join the fun of Contra Dance at Lanterman’s Mill Covered Bridge on June 20 from 6-9 p.m. The cost is $7; Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Traveling naturalist

A naturalist will be stationed at the Lily Pond. Stop by to chat about the ponds wildlife and its upcoming improvements on June 21 from 1-3 p.m. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Goin’ mothin’

Moths outnumber butterflies by more than eleven to one. Attract an array using black lights at Ford Nature Center on June 27 from 9-11 p.m. Bring a flashlight and camera. There will be limited parking. Register at FNC by June 26.

Family range night

There will be free golf instruction at the Mill Creek Gold Course practice range on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. There will be games, prizes and a cook-out on the range.

Celebrating local authors, artists and musicians

Support your local authors, artists and musicians who will be outside on the Poland Library grounds selling and signing their wares on June 27 at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC, this event is free to all participants and attendees. Anyone interested in participating should contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Half-price book sale

Visit the Friends of PLYMC bookstore in the lower level of the Poland library on June 27 at 11 a.m. All books will be 1/2 price that day.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at Poland library on June 23 at 6 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children that are age 6 and up.

Bam, pow, games

Play super games at the Poland library on June 27 at 2:30 p.m. This event is for children of all ages.

Simply Slavic looks for volunteers

The fifth annual Simply Slavic fesitival will take place on June 20 from 12-11 p.m. on Federal Plaza East. Organizers are looking for volunteers of every age and skill with different activities for the event. Various two-hour shifts are available. Every volunteer gets free admission and a t-shirt. For more information, contact help@simplyslavic.org or call at 330-333-1441.

Barnyard childrens camp

Children that are ages 5-6 can enjoy meeting new friends at the MetroParks Farm on June 22 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a mini fair with awards. Tour the farm and have a snack, do crafts, sing and play games. Register and pay $25 R; 30 NR by June 17.

Explore at Ford Nature Center and MetroParks Farm

Children that are ages 10-12 can explore the great outdoors at Ford Nature Center and MetroParks Farm June 23-25 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Geocoach, go on a scavenger hunt, do craft projects, go on nature hikes and more. Register and pay $60 R; $70 NR by June 16.

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.

Saplings: mosaic garden balls

Create a unique piece of garden artwork by decorating an upcycled bowling ball with glass marbles and stones. This event is for ages 6 and up at Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. Register and pay $12 by June 18.

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.

Viewing pollinators

Enjoy viewing more than 30,000 butterflies and moths collected locally and from faraway places by Greg Stanko at the lobby of Fellows Riverside Gardens from June 10-30 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.

Birding the sanctuary

Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited will lead this walk at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on June 20 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 19

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.

Show Your Superhero Crafting Powers

Calling all teen superheroes - drop by the Poland library on June 30 at 2 p.m. to make a variety of superhero-themed crafts. This event is for grades 7-12.

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.

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 on June 24 at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Wednesdays at the WOW!

Join Oh Wow! every Wednesday afternoon and explore the InspireWorks Lab from 4-5:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. 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 from 9-10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Get exclusive access to the museum and help WOW! Pals test new exhibit and program ideas,

Last Wednesdays-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. for free grandparent admission with the purchase of at least one child admission.

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.

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.

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.

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.