Poland Community Briefs

March 27, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

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. This year’s first guided walk is April 19 at 2 p.m. and offers an additional feature. The event starts with a presentation on the “Spirituality of Labyrinths” in The Ursuline Center, then moves outdoors for a walk celebrating the Earth. The complete list of walks is as follows: April 19 at 2 p.m. - Celebrating the Earth; May 12 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Motherhood; June 9 at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrating Fatherhood; 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.

Award dinner set for March 29

The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Council Boy Scouts of America will host its annual District Awards Dinner recognizing their 2014 Volunteers and the 2014 Class of Eagle Scouts from the district. This year’s dinner will take place at St. James Episcopal Church Glenwood Ave in Boardman and will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. The recognition dinner will honor 24 scouts who have earned their Eagle Scout Award in 2014, the highest award possible in the Boy Scouts. Also being honored will be Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing Crews and Scout volunteers. The Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Boy Scout Council serves families in Mahoning County and Hubbard with 1,100 youth involved in 42 units supported by 150 adult volunteers. The program will begin at 6 p.m. on March 29 and reservations are required by calling Greater Western Reserve Council Service Center at 330-898-8474, Boy Scouts of America, Whispering Pines District, located at 4930 Enterprise Boulevard in Warren.

Free seminar on April 9

Dr. Ted Suzelis, N.D. will be presenting a free seminar titled, “Overcoming Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue” on April 9 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 in Boardman). Join Suzelis for an informative seminar that will provide good options for people struggling with these complex issues. Suzelis will discuss some of the causes of these common problems, along with therapies that he finds helpful in resolving them. For more information or to register, call 330-729-1350 or go online at OhioND.com. There is free admission, but RSVP is required.

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 $7.50 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2-years-old. 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.

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.

Mill Creek ABWA sets April meeting

The American Business Women’s Association, Mill CreekChapter, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Margaret “Peggy” Williams, a former social studies and English teacher at Austintown Fitch High School, will share details on her travels to Northern Ireland. She currently serves as a tour guide at the Arms Family Museum of Local History in Youngstown. A brunch menu at $17 per person will be served. To make a reservation, call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by April 5.

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.

Farm Tours

There will be guided tractor wagon tours of the farm of MetroParks with tours starting each half hour on April 19 and 26 from 1-4 p.m. Barns will be open to visit with the animals. Donations will be accepted. There is a $1 craft fee.

Cha-cha dance class

Enjoy learning a fun and versatile Latin dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Classes will be offered on April 7 and 14 from 6-7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Swing Dance Class

Learn this easy to follow dance at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks. Beginners are encouraged to come. The cost is $5 per class. Call FNC for details.

Spring fling

Join Mlll Creek Metroparks Ford Nature Center for a day of adventure and discovering nature on April 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hike, look for signs of spring and make seed bombs. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Ages 8-12 are welcome. Register and pay at FNC by April 4. The cost is $20 R and $25 NR.

If you plant them they will grow

Two- and 3-year-olds will learn how plants get started through a story, activity and craft on April 9 from 10-11 a.m. or April 11 from 12-1 p.m. at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Metromutts: hike into spring

Search for daffodils on this easy two mile hike up East Newport Drive past Daffodil Meadow at East Newport Boat Launch on April 12 at 11 a.m. Local shelters will bring some adoptable dogs to join on the hike. Call FNC for details.

ODNR boating safety class

Learn about boating safety with a full training being offered and a proficiency exam at the end of the class on April 18 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Metroparks. The cost is $10 to register. Bring a lunch. Call 330-740-7100 to register.

Contra dance at Pioneer Pavilion

Join the fun of Contra Dance at Pioneer Pavilion in MillCreek Metroparks at 7-10 p.m. on April 18. Beginners and veterans are welcome to join in on this British Isles folk dance. The cost is $7 for the class. Call FNC for Details.

Let’s dance

Dance the Waltz, Fox Trot, Tango and more with half hour dance lessons from 6-9 p.m. on April 21 at McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm. Singles and couples are welcome. The cost is $5 per person.

Wiggly Worms

Ages 3-6 can learn why earthworms are important on April 10 and 11 from 10-11 a.m. Learn how they eat, breathe and help your garden with an interactive program at Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek MetroParks. Register and pay two days in advance at FNC. The cost is $5 R and $7 NR.

Sprout Club: animals and plants

Ages 3-5 are welcome to explore the way animals need plants on April 23 from 1-2 p.m. A snack and craft will be included at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek MetroParks. Space is limited. Register and pay $7 by April 21.

Let’s go timberdoodlin’

Join Mill Creek MetroParks and attempt to witness the sky high flight of male woodcocks (aka timberdoodles) on April 10 from 7:30-9 p.m. at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead. Boots are required. Call FNC for details.

Eagle Watch

Search for and observe eagles with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited on April 12 at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Chose any session (8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m.) and register at FNC by April 11. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Birding in the Sanctuary

Search for birds with Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on April 18 from 8-9:30 a.m. Boots are required. Register at FNC by April 17.

Audubon Society Mahoning Valley

Eric Barrett of the OSU Extension will present, “Knowing, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants” at MetroParks Farm on April 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Garden guide training program

Volunteer garden guides will share the history and magic of Fellows Riverside Gardens plant collections from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 10. Call Lynn at 330-740-7116 ext. 211 for details.

Begezda named to Dean’s List

Abby Begezda, a 2013 Poland graduate, was named to the Fall Semester Dean’s List at Miami University. A sophomore biology major, Begezda maintains a scholastic average between 3.70 and 3.99.

History buff presenters

History presenter James E. Duffey, author of “Victim of Honor,” will speak on his book about the Civil War with a book signing at the Poland library on April 9 at 7 p.m. This presentation is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. This program is free and open to the public to attend. To register, call 330-740-6086.

Pop-Up Library at Park Vista of Youngstown

This event is in conjunction with a Mahoning Valley Lifelong Institute program and will be at Park Vista on April 21 from 1-2 p.m. The Pop-Up Library goes out into the community to serve you. Stop by and check out library materials, sign up for a library card, or learn about digital resources and branch services. For information or to inquire about a Pop-Up Library at your event, visit http://www.libraryvisit.org/popuplibrary.

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 330-726-2492 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment for April 13 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Smart money gotta guess

Use your estimation skills to figure out how many items are in a jar. If you have the closest guess for your age level, you’ll receive a piggy bank. This event is for pre-kindergarten to grade 6 at the Poland library during normal library hours in the month of April.

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 every Wednesday in April at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library on every Thursday in April at 10:30 a.m. for developmentally appropriate book, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (ages 2-3) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fun Time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library on April 2, 9, 23 and 30 at 1 p.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, and finger plays, and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

For children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the Poland library on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. for 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 and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs at the Poland library on April 21 from 6-7 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for children, age 6 and up.

Listen and lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos at the Poland library on April 16 at 1 p.m. Legos will be provided. This event is for ages 4-7.

Trim a tree for April

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-season tree. This event is for children of all ages during normal library hours in the month of April.

Youngstown playhouse

The Youngstown Playhouse will present Family Night with the Poland library. Enjoy a sample of the production “Fiddler on the Roof.” This event is for the whole family to enjoy at on April 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Be a super sitter

Already a babysitter or planning on babysitting sometime soon? Want to improve your skills and have an edge as you apply for jobs? Join the Poland library on April 25 at 11 a.m. and discuss baby brain development, wonderful books, rhymes and songs you can share and fun crafts and other activities you can use to keep the children entertained. You’ll leave with your own babysitter survival kit filled with rhymes, crafts and other ideas. This program is for informational purposes only and is not a certified program. Registration is required. To register, stop by the Poland library or call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library. This event is for ages 11-18.

Poland Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting

Join the Poland area TAB (Teen Advisory Board) on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Snacks will be provided. This event is for teens in grades 7-12.

Bottle cap creations and other cool crafts

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at 6 p.m. by making cool crafts out of bottle caps and other recycled materials at the Poland library. This event is for grades 4-12.

Library resources for family history

In order to take advantage of today’s rich blend of research tools, explore all manner of print, non-print and electronic resources available through the Poland library’s website, and a bit beyond. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar. This event is for adults at 6:30 p.m. on April 14.

Using the ancestry database

Join the Poland library on April 1 at 6:30 p.m. in this program as the Genealogy and Local History Librarian demonstrates the power of the Ancestry database and shows how it can be used effectively for genealogical research. This event is for adults. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Appy hour

What’s an app? What apps are right for me? Learn all about popular apps for smartphones and mobile devices on April 13 at 6 p.m. 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 and can be made by calling 330-744-8636. Ask for Poland. This event is for teens and adults.

Get connected with your eReader at the library

Bring your eReader to the Poland library and learn how to download eBooks from the library’s Digital Catalog. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. This event is for teens and adults at 10 a.m. on April 18.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Poland library on April 8 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Friends of the Poland library meeting and program

Poland Friends will host the library’s Spring High Tea featuring quiche, tea sandwiches, fruit and pastries at the Poland library on April 7. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. with events at 10 a.m. Professor Sara Hume from Kent State University will speak on “Fashions of Downtown Abbey.” The cost for the tea is $20 and the reservation deadline is March 31. For tickets, call 330-744-6086.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.