Poland Cammunity Briefs

Learn about bees

Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to “Bees.’ Learn about the important lives that bees lead. Sister Jean Thurin, education manager for Villa Maria Community Center in Pennsylvania, will give insight into these marvelous creatures. This program will take place on March 24 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.

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 fr4om 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.

Breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny

Join MetroParks Farm for morning of breakfast, crafts, face painting and bunny visiting. Hosted by The Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit committee, the event will be from 9-10:30 a.m. on April 4. The price is adults - $7.50, Children ages 3-12 - $5 and under 2 years is free. Register by April 1.

Bunny day at the farm

Join MetroParks Farm on April 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and visit with a variety of rabbit breeds. Learn about keeping a rabbit as a pet.

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.

Beverly Lewis comes to Poland library

Join the Poland library for a lunch and book signing with bestselling author Beverly Lewis, who will speak about her new book, “The Love Letters,” at 12 p.m. on March 25, in the meeting room of the Poland library. Lewis has won numerous awards. Her new book comes out the day before her Poland appearance. Doors will open at 12 p.m. with lunch at 12:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by the author. Tickets are $25 for members of the Literary Society and $35 for non-members. Books will be available to purchase.

Hanlon named to Honors’ Dean’s List

Samuel Hanlon, a 2011 Poland High School graduate, has accomplished Honors’ Dean’s List at the School of Business Administration at University of Dayton for the term ending December 31, 2014.

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.

Mercy Health to Host ‘Health at Home’ Workshop

Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, will host a one-hour workshop on March 11 in the Youngstown Room at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, located at 1044 Belmont Ave. The workshop includes an easy-to-use reference guide that provides information about more than 200 common health problems as well as tips on caring for yourself and your family, preventing illness and injury, and advice on when to seek medical attention. The morning session runs from 11 a.m. until noon and the evening session runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The workshop and all materials are free, but reservations are required. Call 330-480-3070. Health at Home workshops will be offered at St. Joseph Warren Hospital on April 16 and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital on May 20.

Goulash dinner to be March 21

The Youngstown Saxon Club’s 39th annual President’s Benefit Goulash Dinner will take place in the Saxon ballroom on March 21. The dinner is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and final reservation must be made by March 17. To make your reservation, call the Saxon office at 330-792-7973.

Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park

Spring is on the way and it’s a perfect time for you and your dog to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors by joining the Marge Hartman’s Paws Town Dog Park at Boardman Park. The 3.25 acre fenced in Dog Park has separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, a dog wash station, benches, small shade trees and dog waste bags. One year memberships to Paws Town are available for 2015-2016. Memberships will be valid from date of purchase through March 31, 2016. Memberships for Boardman residents will be $40 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Non-Boardman resident fee will be $65 for one dog and $10 for each additional dog. Membership packets may be picked up at the Boardman Park Office Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the outdoor literature boxes at the Dog Park or online at boardmanpark.com. One day passes are available for $5. Bring your dog’s shot records on your Veterinarian’s letter head, rabies and county tag numbers and enjoy a day with your “best friend” at Paws Town.

Holy Family Senior Club

At a recent election of officers, the Holy Family Seniors Club elected the following officers for 2015: Ruth Burns (president), Carol Huck (vice president) and Laurie Fox (secretary/treasurer).

The Holy Family Seniors Club meets the third Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m. At the March 16 meeting, a representative from the Poland Township Police Dept. and the Poland Township Trustees will present information to the group about the new Poland Township Senior Watch Program. The meeting will be followed with lunch, bingo or card game and a relaxing afternoon with friends. The Club will host its March meeting on at the Holy Family Parish Hall, located 2729 Center Road in Poland, with Carol Huck, Helen Kaplon and Jane Colella serving as hostesses with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. New and renewal membership dues are $10 per year and will be collected at the March meeting. Membership is open to seniors age 55 and older living within a comfortable driving distance to Holy Family Parish in Poland. In addition to membership dues, the cost for lunch is $3, optional Bingo is $1 and a 50-50 raffle is offered at each meeting. For additional information, contact Ruth Burns at 330-757-1334.

PJWC to host Easter Egg Hunt

The Poland Junior Women’s Club, along with New Life Church, will have its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Poland Town Hall gazebo and grounds on March 28 from 1-3 p.m. All children through grade 4 are invited to attend. The event will begin at 1:15 p.m. for children aged 0-3 in the garden behind the town hall; at 1:30 p.m. for children aged 4-6 in the gazebo area in front of the town hall and at 1:45 p.m. for children aged 7-10 on the north lawn in front of the town hall. Other activities will also be available for the children to enjoy, including face painting, story time, balloon animals, character visits, community vehicles, photos with the Easter Bunny and cookies and cocoa. Remember to bring a basket for collecting eggs. For information on this event and on other upcoming events, visit http://www.pjwc.org/.

Kravits St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza

Kravitz Delicatessen kicks off St. Patrick’s Day with an extended weekend of Irish Food, Fun and Entertainment. Five days of Food and Entertainment in store for patrons Kravitz Delicatessen’s annual St. Paddy’s Corned Beef Fest being offered at both the original Liberty location and its recently revamped location inside the Poland library. Irish bands will perform including County Mayo, Lou Rafferty and Company, Coleen McNally Harris and the only area appearance this year of Brady’s Leap. The event kicks off with the Old Dublin Fish Fry on March 13. Belmont Avenue patrons can dine on fried fish with macaroni and cheese or cole slaw while listening to Youngstown’s own, County Mayo, who is returning to Kravitz Delicatessen and performing traditional Irish songs and ballads. March 14 is “Leprechaun Lolapalozza” at the Poland library. It’s a day of Leprechaun lore, food, stories and games. The day starts at 9 a.m. with Kravitz open for breakfast. Children get into the fun by dressing as their favorite leprechaun and going on the parade of leprechauns through the library. They can hear tales of the Giant Leprechaun, have their picture taken with the Brenden the Leprechaun, meet Captain McFinn, hear Irish stories and have an Irish lunch. Coleen McNally Harris and friends perform Irish songs and ballads at noon. The Burke Irish Dancers will perform at 3 p.m. Competition of skill start at 3:30 p.m. with Lucky Charms eating, corned beef eating and pickle eating contests with chances to win prizes.

Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church services

Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church will observe Palm Sunday and the Passion of our Lord on March 29 with worship at 10 a.m. There will be a Soup Supper on Maundy April 2 at 6 p.m. with worship at 7 p.m. On Good Friday, there will be a Tenebrae Service at 7 p.m. On Easter Sunday, worship will be at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church office at 330-757-3272.

Growth International Volunteer Excursions

Devyn and Treva Appugliese are asking for contributions to help them help others in Tanzania with the organization, GIVE (Growth Internatial Volunteer Excursions). This May, Devyn and Treva will be traveling to Tanzania with GIVE. GIVE focuses on sustainable community development in marginalized communities by assisting, educating and empowering the local population. The total trip cost is $5,000 per person. To help support the sisters’ trip, donations can be sent to 2334 Venloe Dr. Poland, OH 44514. Donations also can be made through paypal to appugliese.2@osu.

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.

Second Saturdays (member only hours)

Join WOW! Pals starting on March 14 before the OHWOW museum opens to the public for members 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

On March 25, bring your grandparent(s) to OH WOW! This will take place on 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.

Magic math

Make your own Magic Math kit to thrill and amaze your friends from 12-1 p.m. on March 21 at OHWOW. Ages eight and up are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

Hack-it

Explore circuitry and robotics with InspireWorks Staff at OHWOW! on March 28 from 12-1 p.m. This event is for ages 9 and up.

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.

Map of ME

Practice your map-making skills at OH WOW from 12-1 p.m. on April 4. Make a personalized ME Map and explore some examples of different types of maps. This event is for ages 6 and up. Limited spots are available and pre-registration is required.

Closed for the day

OH WOW will be closed on April 5.

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.

What in the world is this word?

Grab an entry form and look around the Poland library for St. Patrick’s Day themed pictures. Find eight in total each with a letter underneath. Copy down the letters and unscramble them to discover a St. Patrick’s Day related word. All completed entry forms with the correct word will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize. One entry per person. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 during normal library hours through the month of March.

TAB meeting

Check out the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting at the Poland library on March 25 at 6:30 p.m. Help plan and support teen activities being offered at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

“Insurgent” movie release party

So you’re Divergent? Don’t fall victim to the Erudite faction. Hop the train to the Poland library’s Insurgent movie release party based on the “Divergent” trilogy by Veronica Roth on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy games, crafts, food and prizes. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Trim a Tree for March

Decorate an ornament for our all-seasons tree. This event is for children of all ages at the Poland library during regular library hours in the month of March.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Poland library on March 24 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

International day of puppetry

Help the Poland library celebrate with a shadow puppet show. Stay after the performance to make your own shadow puppets and learn how to make a shadow puppet theatre. This event is for children of all ages at 6 p.m. on March 31.

Lunch with Beverly Lewis

Author Beverly Lewis will be at the Poland library on March 25 for lunch and a book signing, where she will speak about her new book, “The Love Letters.” Doors will open at noon. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. with a presentation by the author. The ticket price is $25 for members of the Literary Society and $35 for non-members. Books will be available to purchase.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. The Poland library will offer twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs, and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Wednesday in March 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 every Thursday in March 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 March 12 and 26 at 1 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta Move Story Time

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

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

Free tax preparation

The Poland Library will provide locations for free tax preparation and electronic filing for seniors and those (at any age) with low to moderate income. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Call the Poland library between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays to schedule an appointment 330-726-2492. Tax preparation will take place on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. through April 13.

Business Fair

There will be a business fair at the Poland library from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m on March 28. There is no charge to attend the fair. If you have a business and want to participate so that you can sell and promote your business, reserve your spot for $20, which includes the price of membership to the Friends of the Library. To register, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086.

Is colon cancer preventable?

Dr. Kathy Padgitt presents the latest research on colon cancer at the Poland library at 7 p.m. on March 26. This event is for adults.

Poland Library Leprechaun Lollapalooza

Join in the St.Patrick’s Day festivities at the Poland library on March 14. Librarians and Kravitz Delicatessen combine for a day of St. Patrick’s fun for the whole family. Times for events include: 9 a.m. - Kravitz Deli open for breakfast. Menu items available for purchase: corned beef and eggs, St. Patrick’s Day breakfast bagels, corned beef hash; 10:30 a.m. - meet the Leprechaun; 10:45 a.m. - parade of leprechaunas - dress as a leprechaun or in your most festive Saint Patrick’s Day gear and join a parade through the library. Each child who enters the parade will receive an entry for a chance to win a book of Irish fairy tales. This event is for children in grade six and under; 11 a.m. - St. Patrick’s Day story time for children of all ages; 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. - scavenger hunt for grades six and under; 12 p.m. - Irish music with Colleen McNally Harris and Harper Kirk. Lunch available for purchase: corned beef and cabbage; large corned beef sandwiches; large Reuben sandwiches; corned beef hash; Irish Stout Stew; Old Dublin chicken fingers and fries; Old Ireland hand-cut fries and onion rings; fish and chips; 2 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Day story time for children of all ages; 3 p.m. - Irish Burke Dancers; 3:30 p.m. - Corned beef, Lucky charms and pickle eating contests at Kravitz Deli along with complementary cookies; 4:30-5 p.m. - stop by the Lucky Leprechaun Sale at the PLYMC Bookstore and recieve a lucky coin to get a discount on all books. Make sure to join Captain McFinn for a special story time at 1 p.m at the Poland library bookstore.

Gamblers Anonymous 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 (in 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.

Second annual community Austim and Disability fair

The Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley office, is seeking autism service providers to participate in its second Annual Community Autism and Disability Resource Fair on March 22 from 10 a.m until 2 p.m. at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman. Service providers will have the opportunity to provide participants information about autism and disability services and their organizations in the area and NE Ohio region. The resource fair also will have a series of educational workshops for parents while offering a variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Booth space is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information, go to www.autismohio.org or call 330-743-9184.

Free Tax Filing Link and Assistance

The YWCA of Youngstown is offering a self-serve link to file taxes for free. Also being offered are free tax workshops and free tax filing assistance. The self-serve link is available on the YWCA website at ywca.org/youngstown. To file taxes through this link, users must have a household income under $65,000 if single and $95,000 if married. Also needed are the user’s social security number, W2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, information about other income, deduction and credit information (such as child care expenses, tuition, bills and union dues) and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible. For free tax filing assistance, walk-ins will be accepted from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. March 20 and April 10 at the YWCA, located at 25 W. Rayen Ave. Appointments are required at all other times. To schedule an appointment, call Jennie at 330-746-6361, ext. 125.

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.

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 March 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.