Poland Community Briefs

Italian Fest scholarship available

Applications for the 2016 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.

Nonfiction book sale

Shopping for Mother’s Day or just want some good books? The Friends of PLYMC Bookstore at the Poland library is having a half-price sale the entire month of May on all nonfiction, including collectable books.

Registration open for Celebrate Poland

Local authors, artists and musicians can participate in Celebrate Poland at the library. The event will be hosted at Poland library from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on June 25, but registrations are being taken beginning in May. Free spaces are available for sale of books, music and art. The event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. To register, call the development office at 330-740-6086.

Yoga class

Friends of PLYMC is sponsoring a Yoga Class every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Poland library in the meeting room. You can pay as you attend at $10 a session. This event welcomes adults.

Spring luncheon

The Friends of the Poland Library will host a spring luncheon at the Poland library on May 3 at 10 a.m. Tickets are required.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive to proudly serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Poland library on May 17 from 12:20-6 p.m. and May 27 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on May 8, May 29 and May 30.

GA 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 takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (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.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Join the Poland library on Wednesdays in May at 10 a.m.

Tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the Poland library on Thursdays in May at 10:30 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (2-3 year-olds) become a successful reader. 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 library 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, talk and play. Go to the Poland library on May 23 at 6:30 p.m. for this event.

Lego my library

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

Listen and Lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos. Legos will be provided. This event is for ages 4-7 at the Poland library on May 12 at 1 p.m.

Preschool: fun with numbers

Have fun exploring numbers with stories, songs, a craft and more. This event is for children ages 3-5 at the Poland library on May 4 at 6 p.m.

Spring painting party

Create your very own painting as you follow along step-by-step with the library’s presenter. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event will be hosted on May 2 at 6 p.m. for children in grades K-4.

Spring painting party for grades 5-12

Create your very own painting as you follow along step-by-step with the library’s presenter. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for grades 5-12 at the Poland library on May 16 at 6 p.m.

Frosted

Want to learn how to decorate cupcakes like a pro? Here’s your chance to experiment with different frosting tips and learn great decorating techniques. You’ll be amazed at what you can create. Remember to bring a container if you’d like to take your finished goodies with you. Space is limited, so registration is required. Call 330-744-8636. This event is for teens and adults at the Poland library on May 5 at 6 p.m.

GoT bleach t-shirt

Calling all “Game of Thrones” fans. Fun is coming...to the library. Bring in your own colored t-shirt and join the library in creating a bleach shirt celebrating the release of the sixth season of the show. Registration is required and space is limited, so don’t miss out. Call 330-744-8636. This event is for teens and adults at the Canfield library on May 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Color your world

Join the Poland library on May 11 at 7 p.m. for a relaxing evening of adult coloring. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own. Colorful light refreshments will be served. 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 to register. This event is for teens and adults at the Poland library on May 7 at 10 a.m.

Event raises funds for Habitat for Humanity

The Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors is inviting the public to a Reverse Raffle and Dinner fundraiser that will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley. The event will take place on April 28 at The Embassy, located at 5030 Youngstown Poland Road in Boardman. The evening will get underway with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and then the drawing for the $4,000 grand prize. Tickets are $100 for dinner and a raffle ticket, and $50 for each additional dinner. Only 150 raffle tickets will be sold. Entertainment will be provided by Steve Fazzini, and there will also be a Chinese auction and side board. RSVPs are requested no later than April 14 to jessica@ycar.org or 330-788-7026, ext. 6.

Daffodil weekend

See more than 200 species and cultivars on display at the Gardens during a special guided walk each day. Take a stroll through Daffofil Meadow in Mill Creek MetroParks. Participate in the Daffodil Show in the Davis Center that highlights the diversity and beauty of daffodils. Daffodil weekend at Fellows Riverside Gardens is April 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Kite festival

Join the celebration of kites and all things that float, soar and fly through the skies. The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites will brighten the skies with expert kite flying and ingenious designs. Bring your own kite to fly and enter in free games. Enjoy free bubble, glider and pinwheel activities. Create a kite for a small fee. This event will be hosted at Wick Recreation Area on April 30 at 11 a.m. Call Ford Nature Center for details.

Trim a tree for May

Decorate an ornament for the library’s all-seasons tree. Open to children of all ages throughout the month of May at the Poland library

The poetic details of plants

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens for a writing workshop Tuesdays beginning through May 10 at 6 p.m. Writer Karen Schubert will host this five week workshop incorporating the details of plants into your own writing. Dress for outdoor exploration. Registration has passed.

Ford hunt and hike

This year is the MetroParks quasquicentennial (125th anniversary). Stop by Ford Nature Center to try and locate 25 birthday cakes hidden to commemorate this milestone and then go for a hike of your choice. This event is open April 6-30 during open hours.

125th anniversary tours

Sit back and relax on the Cohasset Express while enjoying views of the natural and historic features of 125-year-old Mill Creek Park, Ohio’s first park district. Limited seating is available. Event date is April 24 at 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Register and pay at least two days in advance at Ford Nature Center. Adult tickets are $7, non-resident adult tickets are $10. Tickets for children 12 and under and adults ages 60 and up are $5, tickets for non-resident children and seniors are $8.

Bluebell trolley

After viewing Mill Creek Park’s bluebells, head out the view the carpet of them in Poland Municipal Forest. Register and pay at least two days in advance at Ford Nature Center. This event will be April 28 at 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tickets prices are as follows: adult residents - $8, non-residents - $11, child and senior residents - $6, non-residents - $9.

Collegiate Club golf card sale

This event is offered by Mill Creek Golf Course until April 31 and is available to any college student under the age of 23 with an active college ID. Colleges and universities include: Gateway Community College, Univesity of Mount Union, Univesity of Akron, Kent State University and Youngstown State Univesity. Call Mill Creek Golf Course for details. The cost is $19.99.

Get “golf ready”

Learn everything you’ll need to play golf in just a few lessons. PGA pros will show you ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session will focus on various golf skills. Mix and match clinics available. One day clinic - $25, any two clinics - $45, any three clinics - $60 and any seven clinics - $100. Dates for the program are April 27 through Aug. 17.

Ladies night out

This event will be hosted on April 28 at 5 p.m. by the Mill Creek Golf Course. Featuring a golf clothing trunk show, give-a-ways, contests and prizes. Area vendors and sales representatives will be on hand to give a preview of 2016 ladies clothing, shoe, purses and accessory lines. Drink specials, popcorn and appetizers are available. Tickets are $15.

Search for spring wildflowers

Join a weekly search for these charmingly named short-time bloomers. On April 24, meet at YCP at 2 p.m. and wear boots for a moderate hike of 2 miles.

Frog walk

During spring, male frogs serenade the females. Meet at Vickers Nature Preserve to listen, look, catch and release in the “froggiest place” in the MetroParks. Boots are required at this April 29 event at 8 p.m.

Volunteer-led recreational hikes

Call Ford Nature Center for details. April 26 at 6 p.m. meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MPF for an easy walk of 2 or 4 miles.

Spring plant sale

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 6 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and May 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for unique quality plants for the home garden. Perennials (sun and shade), annuals, herbs, fruits, vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs and more will add to your garden’s beauty.

Guided daffodil walk

Delight in the beauty, diversity and fragrance of daffodils on this guided walk. Drop-in on April 24 at 6 p.m. for this free event at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Designing gardens

Thinking about creating a home, community or school gardening space? Come learn about the principles of designing gardens that are welcoming to visitors at any age. Register and pay $12 by April 24. This event is hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Botanical mornings

Discover the joy in the blossoming Spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens on April 29 at 9 a.m. The event will be guided by a knowledgeable staff member. Register and pay $5 by April 27.

Attracting monarchs

On April 30, Fellows Riverside Gardens will host this event at 10 a.m. Learn how to attract Monarchs with tips from Ellen Speicher that include providing simple food and breeding sites for these lovely butterflies. Register and pay by April 28. Tickets are $14, FFRG $12.

In the forest

The work of realist painter Jason Floyd Lewis relishes the natural beauty of uninhabited places. The Wellers Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature this artwork until June 12.

Yoga in the gardens

Enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket to Fellows Riverside Gardens Tuesdays and Thursdays in April for $12 a class.

T’ai chi step one in the gardens

Warm-ups, breathing exercises and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. This class will be hosted Wednesdays in April at noon at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Each class is $10.

Chair to mat movement

Chair to Mat Movement is designed to increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Drop-ins are welcome and each class is $10. This event is hosted on Wednesdays in April at 9 a.m.

Loghurst museum to host sale

Loghurst is hosting a Trunk and Tool sale on April 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Each car will pay a fee of $10. Set-up is from 8:30-10 a.m. If you have questions about this event, call 330-533-4330.

Hospice of the Valley to train new volunteers

Hospice of the Valley is hosting training sessions for new companion volunteers to visit hospice patients in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Sessions will take place on through May 3, from 1-4:30 p.m., at St. Joe’s at the Mall, Sears Concourse Eastwood Mall, located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road in Niles. During the training program, volunteers will learn what Hospice of the Valley’s team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains do for patients and their families and how they fit into that team. Hospice volunteers serve in a variety of ways including companions for hospice patients at home or in nursing homes and support to the family members. Volunteers may also assist with indirect patient services such as clerical support, reception desk, mail team and fundraising. Volunteer assignments are made close to the volunteer’s home. All volunteers must wait one year after the loss of a loved one before they can become a volunteer. For more information or to register, call 330-549-5902.

Treasures of the Trunk sale offers vendor spaces

The Poland Lions Treasures of the Trunk sale will take place on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Poland Seminary High School parking lot. Spaces are currently available to vendors wishing to participate in the event. The cost for registration is $10 per one parking space with payment postmarked before May 1 and $15 per space after May 1. No hot food, soft drink or raffle drawing vendors will be accepted. There is a limit of 100 spaces and they are available on a first come, first served basis. After your registration payment is received, you will be notified of your confirmed space. Vendors may arrive after 7:30 a.m. and must be in their assigned space by 8:30 a.m. No refunds will be given for any reason and the event will continue, rain or shine. Proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Poland Lions Scholarship fund. If there are any questions, call Judy at 330-360-3641 or Lori at 330-506-9611.

Mahoning Valley walk benefiting JDRF

Take steps to help the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people’s lives. By joining a team or making a donation to JDRF, you’ll raise money to help fund critical research. The walk will be on May 21 at the Watts Center of Youngstown State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://www2.jdrf.org/mahoningvalleywalk. For more information, contact Timothy Styranec at 330-533-5306 or by email at tmstyranec@zoominternet.net.

Have your pet featured in a calendar

West Side Cats is having a pet photography contest. For each $1 you pay, you can submit one photo of your favorite pet. Each vote will be an additional $1 fee which can be paid through PayPal at: Westsidecats@yahoo.com or dropped off at the shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. The top 12 winners will have their pets photo featured on a month of the new calendar and receive a calendar of their own. There will also be a grand prize for the pet with the most votes. Calendars will be sold after the contest ends. The photography contest will end on May 30 (Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Facebook page “West Side Cats Photography Contest.”

Half-price sale at library book store

The Friends of PLYMC will be having a half-price sale on all gardening, religion, crafts and paperback romances displayed during bookstore hours in April.

Yoga classes at the library

Friends of PLYMC is sponsoring a Yoga Class every Wednesday in April at the Poland library in the meeting room. Pay as you attend, $10 per session. Class is from 5-6 p.m. For more information, contact the development office at 330-740-6086. This event is for adults.

Mother’s Day craft night

Mother’s Day is coming up and you can join the Poland library to make a special gift to give to Mom or another special woman in your life. All materials are provided. Call 330-744-8636 or stop by Poland librarians’ desk to register. This event is open to students grades 3 and up on April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

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 library will provide. 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 open hours throughout April.

Trim a tree for April

Decorate an ornament for our all-seasons tree. For children of all ages during library hours in April at the Poland library.

Read to Roxie, registered therapy dog

Relax and read to Roxie, a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International. Each child will be given a 15 minute reading session while spots remain. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for grades 1-4 on April 27 at 6 p.m.

“Poet-tree” Poland

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Poland library. Find your inner poet and write a poem on a leaf to hang on the tree. This event is for the whole family during library hours.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the library 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. Come to the Poland library on April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Build-a-poem

Why just write a poem when you can build one? Use “wordy” Duplo blocks to build a 3-D poem. Pictures of you and your creation will be displayed in the Poland library. This event is for children in grades K-6 during library hours in 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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Poland library at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays in April.

Poland Lions to have “Treasures of the Trunk” sale

Save the date for the Poland Lions Club “Treasures of the Trunk” sale on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Poland Seminary High School stadium parking lot.

Sprout Club meeting

Join the Sprout Club at Fellows Riverside Gardens this spring to learn about the amazing world of plants with topics that include: pizza plants, moss pets and herbs. Each class will include an activity and snack. Attend all three classes and receive a plant-related prize. Class will be from 1-2 p.m. on May 19. Registration has passed.

T’ai chi for beginners at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Learn this art of energy balancing, coordination, flexibilty and leg strength during this 10 week course. The cost is $100. Classes will be Thursday nights through May 12 at 12 p.m.

Advanced Master Gardener series

This series, led by Ellen Speicher, will focus on pruning, plant names and fall gardening. The event will be hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration has passed.

America’s Schoolmaster exhibit

The Early Days of William Holmes McGuffey will be on display in the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead, located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The exhibit will be open though January 2017.

Poland Lions to have “Treasures of the Trunk” sale

Save the date for the Poland Lions Club “Treasures of the Trunk” sale on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Poland Seminary High School stadium parking lot.

Two fundraisers to take place for American Cancer Society

The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic committee will be hosting two events in April benefiting the American Cancer Society. On April 24, “high tea” will be served at Piccadilly Parlor in Canfield at 11 a.m. A variety of teas and finger food will be served in a delightful Victorian atmosphere (wearing hats and gloves is optional). The cost is $25 per person. For further information and registration, contact Ginny at 330-219-9092 or Nancy at 330-272-5794.

East High class of 1966 reunion

The East High class of 1966 has begun making plans for their 50th reunion. They are looking for up-to-date addresses from all classmates who would like to attend. The event is planned for Sept. 2 from 6-10 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hall on the East Side. There will be a buffet dinner and music provided by a DJ. The cost to attend is $40 per person. For details and information or to provide a current address, call Janine Johnson (Ross) at 330-716-1543 or Marie Mamonis (Macchio) at 330-533-1633.

Poland Relay for life to by May 21 and 22

The 2016 Poland Relay for Life will take place May 21 and 22 from 2 p.m. until 10 a.m. at the Poland Seminary High School Stadium. This years’ events include the Kids’ Relay Party, starting at 2:30 p.m., with free activities, games, entertainment and a “Celebrating More Birthdays” cake. The second Miss Relay Pageant will begin at 4 p.m. for girls ages 0–18 years-old. New this year is a $500 scholarship for pageant contestants ages 16–18. The Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Poland Relay for Life event. At 6 p.m., the Survivor Ceremony begins with the crowning of the Survivor King and Queen. At 7 p.m., the complimentary Survivor Dinner will be served for all survivors and their care givers. The Luminaria ceremony takes place at 10 p.m., and games and contests will go on throughout the night. For more information about the 2016 Miss Relay Pageant and Scholarship, call 330-883-7541 after 5 p.m. or message the Poland Relay for Life Facebook page. The pageant entry deadline is March 1.