Poland Community Briefs

West Side Cats garage sale

Spring is on it’s way here in Northeast Ohio. It is just about “Garage Sale” time for West Side Cats (WSC), located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. WSC will host a “Presale Garage Sale” on May 13 from 3-6 p.m. The following day, May 14, the garage sale will continue from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the West Side Cats Shelter. Baby clothes and furniture are a special interest. WSC will feature a table of cat toys, T-shirts, bottled water, etc. to purchase, also funding the shelter. All questions can be addressed to Janet.

“Sweet Pieces for Autism” campaign

The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley is excited to be the beneficiary of a Philadelphia Candies project to support Mahoning Valley families affected by autism. In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Philadelphia Candies is hosting its annual “Sweet Pieces for Autism” campaign. Stop by its Hermitage or Boardman retail locations from now until April 30, and purchase a 1.5 ounce chocolate puzzle pop. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from this specialty item will be donated to the programs of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. Families and organizations that are interested in gifting, buying and selling chocolates in support of the Autism Society’s many programs including Camp Friend, can pre-order puzzle-pieces and chocolate pops by contacting the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley at 330-333-9609 or autismmv.gmail.com. For more information, call Philadelphia Candies 724-981-6341.

Spring Fling to be April 30

The Lake Milton Association presents a Spring Fling Dance benefiting the Fireworks Fund on April 30 from 7-11:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, located at 16465 Milton Avenue in Lake Milton. This event is open to the public. There will be dancing, music, appetizers and a cash bar. The cost is $10 per person.

Mill Creek ABWA to have May meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) will host its May 10 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes Spinach quiche, chicken crepes, French toast sticks, link sausage, sliced ham, home fried potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea and decaf. The cost is $18 and the deadline to get your reservations will be May 1. You can call Jackie Fischio at 330-788-6634 or 330-559-4808 or Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2507 or 330-565-6913 for reservations. Election of new officers will take place and results from the basket auction will be discussed. The public is welcomed.

Poland Lions host Treasures of the Trunk

The Poland Lions Club Treasures if the Trunk sale will take place on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Poland Seminary High School parking lot. This is a one-day sale from the trunks of participants’ cars. Venders are still needed, but register quickly as there is a 100 space limit. Vender registration must be postmarked before May 1 at the cost of $10 or after May 1 at the cost of $15. For more details, call Judy at 330-360-3641 or Lori at 330-506-9611.

Historical society to host tour fundraiser

As a fundraiser, the Poland Historical Society is hosting a bus trip to the Stan Hywet Hall and Hower House in Akron on June 4. The cost for the bus and admission fees is $65 per person due by May 9. Those wishing to attend should mail their check, made payable to “Poland Historical Society,” along with their name, address, phone number and email address to PO Box 5052, Poland, OH 44514. The schedule for the day is: 8:15 a.m. - arrive at the Poland Seminary High School parking lot. Be prompt. The group must stay on schedule and they have permission to leave cars in the lot for the day. 8:30 a.m. - bus leaves from the parking lot for Akron. 10 a.m. - arrive at Stan Hywet Hall for a tour of the manor house, followed by time to explore the grounds, greenhouse and gift shop. Shuttles are available for anyone who has difficulty walking. 12:15 p.m. - leave for lunch at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Akron. The cost of the buffet luncheon is $18 per person. 2:15 p.m. - depart for Hower House for a docent led tour of the Victorian mansion. 4 p.m. - leave for home. Questions should be directed to Larry Bartos at 330-757-4223.

Digging begins on new digital sign

Construction crews are preparing to install a digital sign that will display school messages on the corner of Rt-170 and Dobbins Road near Poland Seminay High School. The graduating classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 pledged money half the money for the sign, and Eric Spiegel, Bulldog Class of ‘76 donated the rest. Speigel is the President and CEO of Siemens USA.

Friends of the Poland Library luncheon

The Friends of the Poland Library will meet on May 3 for a spring luncheon catered by Kravtiz. At 10 a.m, Kathy Richter, librarian, will present the program “A Visit to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.” The business meeting and luncheon will follow the program. Reservations are required and attendance is limited to 50. Information may be obtained by calling the developmental office at 330-770-3114.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.