Poland Community Briefs


Dixon named to dean’s list

James Dixon from Poland has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2015 semester at the University of Vermont. Dixon, is a Senior Business Administration major. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

Shepherd of the Valley hosts annual car show

Shepherd of the Valley, located at 301 W. Western Reserve Road in Poland, will host its annual car show on June 5 from 4-8 p.m. Bring in your unique or classic car to display and enjoy a day of entertainment and food. The event is free and open to the public.

Academic scholarships for Cardinal Mooney to be awarded to top students

Cardinal Mooney High School will help further the education of top students from parochial feeder schools within the Diocese of Youngstown school system by awarding Academic Excellence Scholarships to those schools’ top performers. St. Christine’s in Youngstown, St. Nicholas in Struthers, St. Charles in Boardman and Holy Family in Poland are considered feeder schools for Cardinal Mooney. Two students at each of these schools will be offered $2,000 scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. These scholarships are renewable each year of the students’ four-year education at Cardinal Mooney, contingent upon them maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.75 each academic year.

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.

Blood drive at Poland library

The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the Poland library on June 10 from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

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.

Fun time for 4s and 5s

Join the Poland library on June 11 at 1 p.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the Poland library on June 11 at 10:30 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, 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.

Young to speak at American Business Women’s Association

Aaron Young, new executive director of Mill Creek MetroParks, is slated to speak at the June 9 meeting of the Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. His presentation will follow the 6:30 p.m. dinner at A La Cart Catering, located at 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Call Darlene Demjen at 330-755-9089 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2527 by May 31 to make a reservation at $17 per person.

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 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.

New hours to take place at local museum and history center

The Arms Family Museum and The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center will have new hours beginning on May 26. The Arms Family Museum and The Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 12–4 p.m. The archives library at the Tyler History Center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 12–4 p.m. View more visitor information at www.mahoninghistory.org.

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.

An army of ants

Can you carry three times your weight? Ants can. Children that are ages 2-3 can join Ford Nature Center on June 11 from 10-11 a.m. to discover more about these insects. Register and pay $4 R; $6 NR by June 9.

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 June 18, 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.

Offerings: posies for Emily and other dreamers

Fine art photographer, Patricia Christaoks, pays homage to writers such as Emily Dickenson in an exhibition at Fellows Riverside Gardens-Weller Gallery now through June 14 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 McGuffy preserve

Join Jeff Harvey of Wild Birds Unlimited to focus on meadow species at McGuffy Wildlife Preserve on June 13 from 8-9:30 a.m., located in Coitsville Township, half mile east of Route 616 on McGuffy Road. Register at Ford Nature Center by June 12.

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.

Beaver Creek kayak

Explore one section of Little Beaver Creek on June 7 from 12-4 p.m. This event is not for first time kayakers. Meet at Beaver Creek State Park. Age restrictions apply. Subject to water level and weather conditions. Register and pay Ford Nature Center $30 R; $35 NR by June 3.

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 hosts sumemr series of spirituality programs

The Ursuline Center is offering a Summer Spirituality Series of programs, beginning with classes on world religion taught by Sister Nancy Dawson. Dawson, executive director of The Ursuline Center and an instructor of World Religions classes at Youngstown State University, will teach three classes on world religions. Her classes are offered on June 1, 8 and 15 from either 10:30 a.m until 12 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. The first two classes will cover Judaism and Islam. The subject of the third class will be determined based on participants’ interest and the information presented in the first two sessions. The donation is $15 per session, or $40 for all three if paid by June 1. To register, call The Ursuline Center at 330-799-4941.

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.

Garden adventure day

Enjoy adventuring throughout Fellows Riverside Gardens as treasure and fairies create magical family fun on June 6 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Hooked on fishing

The MetroParks police are conducting the fishing program to teach children about the sport on June 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm. All ages are welcome to this free event.

Explore at Ford Nature Center

Come explore Mill Creek Park for a three-day camp. Learn about trees, explore a creek, enjoy a ride on the Lake Glacier boat and take a look at wildlife in Ohio. Meet at Ford Nature Center on June 16-18 from 10 a.m. unitl 2 p.m. Register and pay by June 9. The cost is $50 R; $60 NR.

Explore heritage and history

Explore the history and heritage of the Mahoning Valley at Mill Creek Park for this three day camp on June 16-18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Become an early explorer discovering Mill Creek Gorge, learn what animals live there now and in the past, take a boat ride on Lake Glacier, plus more. Register and pay $60 R; $70 NR by June 9. This event is for ages 8 and up.

Volleyball camp at Wick Recreation Area

YSU Assistant Volleyball Coach, Sarah Smith, will teach boys and girls ages 8-13 the skills of this sport. The camp will take place on June 16 and 17 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Register and pay $15 R; $20 NR by June 12.

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 on the library website. Space is limited. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the branch by name to register. This event is for adults at the Poland library on June 6 at 10 a.m.

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 3, 10 and 24 at 10 a.m. and June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Poland library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Creating a natural look in the garden with Martha Swiss

Master Gardener Martha Swiss, contributor to Pennsylvania Gardener magazine and publications editor for the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, will provide tips to get you started on the path to creating a natural looking garden for your property on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. Reservations are needed. This event is for adults.

Akron Zoo on wheels

The Akron Zoo on wheels presents “Superheroes” at the Poland library on June 17 at 10 a.m. Meet animals from the Akron Zoo. Akron Zoo follows a no-touch policy on reptiles for children under 5-years of age and senior citizens. This event is for children of all ages.

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.

Standard trolley tours

Explore, experience and enjoy a guided hour and a half tour on May 31 from 2-3:30 p.m. or 4:30-6 p.m. Register and pay in advance at FNC. The cost for adults is $6 R; $9 NR and for those 12 and under or 60 and over it’s $4 R; $7 NR.

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.

Posies for Emily and other dreamers

Fine art photographer Patricia Christakos pays homage to writers such as Emily Dickenson at Fellows Riverside Gardens- Weller Gallery though June 14 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.

Community garden coming to Boardman

Boardman Township Park, in partnership with 4H Mahoning County, is announcing Boardman’s first community garden, located in the Historic Southern Stables on Washington Boulevard. Community gardens allow you to experience the joys of gardening, promote healthy eating habits and build new relationships with others in the community. Registration for the 10 foot x 20 foot garden plots began April 13 at the Boardman Park Office, located at 375 Boardman-Poland Road, and are available for a fee of $25. Your fee includes the garden plot, water and periodic classes/instructions on gardening. Due to the limited number of plots available, registration is limited to Boardman residents only and only one plot per gardener/family. Garden season begins May 1 and runs through Nov. 15. For more information, visit the park office or call 330-726-8105.

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.

Junior golf clinics

Pre-shot routines and alignment to various targets will be emphasized, along with swing fundamentals, at Mill Creek Golf Course on May 31 at 1 p.m. Range and course time vary with age and skill level. The cost is $15 per session.

Farm tours

MetroParks Farm will host a guided tractor wagon tour of the farm leaving every half hour on May 31 from 1-4 p.m. Donations will be accepted and there is a craft fee of $1.

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.

Yoga basics course

Enjoy deep relaxation during this eight-week yoga course on May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 and July 5 from 9-10 a.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The cost is $80 or $72 if registered by May 12.

First kayak trip of 2015

Enjoy this naturalist and volunteer-escorted trip at East Newport Boat Launch on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. Register at FNC by May 28. The cost is $12 R; $15 NR. Age restrictions apply.

Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society sale

Fellows Riverside Gardens will host a Dahlia sale with many unique varieties on May 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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.

Applications for the The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest

Applications for a Youngstown State University Scholarship from The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at mottlesmurals@gmail.com or applications may be retrieved from http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University and be of Italian descent in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 7.

Sailing Lessons at MCCTC

Sailing lessons for beginners are being offered at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on June 2, 6 and 9. Class meets on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday June 2 at Berlin Lake 12-4 p.m. The class is taught by a certified sailing instructor and members of the Berlin Yacht Club (www.berlinyachtclub.com). The cost is $55 and includes a book. To register, call MCCTC at 330-729-4100.

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. 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.

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.