Poland Community Briefs

Woman of the Year dinner to be March 8

The Mill Creek Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its annual Woman of the Year dinner at Piccadilly Parlour on the green in Canfield on March 8. The guest speaker will be Barbara Shaffer, Society Features Editor of the Vindicator. During the evening the committee will announce its 2016 Woman of the Year and present her with gifts and plaques. She will be the chapter representative as she attends all functions including the national convention in the fall. Dinner will include cream of broccoli cheddar soup, potato and chive quiche, assorted tea sandwiches and mini desserts, tea, coffee, ice tea and lemonade. The cost is $20 and the public is invited. Call your reservations into Bonnie Pannunzio no later than March 4 at 330-793-2437. The Daffin’s Easter candy will be distributed and committees will form to prepare for the annual basket auction on April 24 at the Ursuline Center on Shields Road.

Spaghetti dinner benefits scholarship

Come to the Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 425 Crestview Drive, fellowship hall for a spaghetti dinner on March 5 from 4-7 p.m. This event will benefit the Mickey Schuster Scholarship Fund. Adult dinners are $8 and dinners are $5 for children under 12. Carry-outs are available. If you have any questions, call the church at 330-758-5745.

Knitting guild receives top honors

The Western Reserve Knitting Guild of Canfield took top honors in a nationally sponsored contest. The “Big Apple Lemon Drive” contest was sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council as a way to promote the benefits of knitting and crocheting as a way to relieve stress. Guilds and craft clubs around the country were asked to knit or crochet lemon shaped stress balls which will be handed out in NYC in April for National Stress Month to help relieve tax time stress. The Western Reserve Knitting Guild made the most “lemons” in their category to win this honor. To contact the group about joining or to donate yarn for its charity work, email wrkg.ohio@gmail.com.

YWCA accepting entries for 34th Annual Art Exhibition

The YWCA of Youngstown is accepting entries for its 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art Exhibition, which will take place June 18 until July 15 at 25 W. Rayen Ave. The art exhibition showcases works by local, regional and national women artists age 18 and older. The juried show features all media, including paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and metal work. New this year is a special rate for artists ages 18-25. Also new is an online entry option. Entry forms are available by calling 330-746-6361, ext. 102, or at WomenArtists.ywca.org/2016. An online entry option is also available on the website. Forms are due by March 28. Artists may enter a maximum of five entries. This year’s juror is Dr. Stephanie L. Smith, professor of art history at Youngstown State University. A preview party for the show will take place from 7-9 p.m. on June 17 at the YWCA. Proceeds from the art show will benefit the YWCA Housing Programs.

Poland student named to Dean’s List

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must have a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or higher. Caleb Jarrett is one of those outstanding students.

Free tax preparation for qualifying individuals

The local branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will again 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. All sites are staffed by volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS.

Orchid walk-up clinic

On March 2, bring your orchids to Fellows Riverside Gardens and have an orchid expert look at your plant, talk about its culture, and help you re-pot it if necessary. Drop-ins are welcome from 6-8 p.m.

Spring seminar

On March 9, Fellows Riverside Gardens will host a spring seminar from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Landscape and Nursrey Association, MCMP and OSU Extension - Mahoning County. Topics will focus on innovative ideas for the green industry. Call 330-398-7710 or visit www.mvlna.org for details. Entry is $70 to the public, $40 for MVLNA, FFRG and Garden Club members and Master Gardeners.

Orchids of China

Tom Sampliner, noted native flower photographer and native orchid specialist, will present a slideshow tour of his visit to China. Hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8.

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 March 19, June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration is March 17. The series costs $42 and individual classes are $16.

Learn how to spring clean your garden

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Weeding is a much needed spring clean for your garden. Learn simple ways to keep weeds out of the garden as well as benefits you can get from those “weeds.” Register and pay by March 22. Tickets are $14 for the public, $12 FFRG.

Botanical mornings at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Discover the joy in the blossoming spring at Fellows Riverside Gardens with one of the knowledgeable staff members. Come out on March 25 at 9 a.m. Register and pay the $5 fee by March 23.

Floral drawing workshop

Join Fellows Riverside Gardens March 5, 12 and 19 at 10:30 a.m. for a journey into floral drawing. Learn techniques and problem solving then delve into two projects, one with graphite and one with watercolor. A supply list will be provided. Register by March 1 for the series of classes. The cost is $44 fo the public, $36 FFRG.

Create Stoneware windowsill vase

Lynn Cardwell will be at Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. to help students create a stoneware vase for the windowsill. It will be glazed, fired and ready for pick up in approximately five weeks. Register and pay by March 13. The cost is $34 (FFRG $28).

Design spring flower arrangements

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. to embrace this spring holiday with colorful floral. Design an arrangement with fresh pink, white and yellow carnations; white, yellow and purple daisies; and baby’s breath with seasonal accents. Register and pay by March 20. The cost is $34 (FFRG $28).

Orchid art exhibit

Jamie Kirkell’s silk paintings bring a fun, fresh perspective to the study of the orchid and the iris. Come see the art in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open until April 10.

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.

Blood drive by the Mahoning chapter of the American Red Cross

The Poland library will be hosting a blood drive on March 3 at 12:30 p.m. Proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital, the American Red Cross will be taking blood donations to help the local community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Color you world

Join the Poland library on March 2 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.

Lego my library

Meet at the Poland library on March 22 at 6 p.m. to enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. There will be a variety of musical and movement activities will appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. Adults and children: get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, and talk and play.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

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. Come to the Poland library every Thursday in March at 10:30 a.m.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months old. There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize every Wednesday in March at 10 a.m. at the Poland library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Yoga class offered at the Poland library

Yoga class for everyone is $10 a session. Classes are every Wednesday in March at 5 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC.

Lucky coin sale at the library book store

The Friends of PLYMC Bookstore will have a lucky coin sale on March 12 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Stop in to receive a lucky coin and learn what your discount will be in the store that day. During the Month of March, all gardening, crafts, hobbies, auto mechanics, collecting, religion, art and trip books will be half-off in the bookstore.

Friends of the Poland Library program and meeting

Learn the story of Fellows Riverside Garden with presenter Lynn Zocolo on March 1 at 10 a.m. Adults are welcome.

Get connected with digital media at the Poland library

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 and ask for the Poland branch to register for a class on March 5 at 10 a.m. Teens and adults are welcome to attend.

Investment research 24/7 at the Poland library

Join Stuart Gibbs, the Business and Investment Center librarian, to learn about databases to assist you in making your personal finance choices. Featured databases are Business Insights: Global, Morningstar Investment Research Center and Standard & Poor’s NetAdvantage. WiFi access allows you to bring your device to research these powerful sources of reference. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. The event will be March 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Business start-up workshop to be offered

The Poland library will be hosting this event on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. The Poland library has partnered with SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, in presenting this seminar. Are you thinking about starting a business in the near future or further down the road? Members of SCORE will address key topics for those considering beginning a business: start-up considerations, marketing, finances and technology for business. The Business and Investment Center librarian will discuss the library’s sources and services for business start-up and beyond. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services or register online using the events calendar. This event is offered to adults.

No need to knead

Join the Poland library as they teach you how to make homemade bread without kneading on March 24 at 6 p.m. Sample a finished loaf and take home a batch of dough to bake at home. Ingredients will be provided, but you must bring your own mixing bowl and mixing spoon. A food waiver must be signed and space is limited. Registration is recommended for this event. Teens and adults are welcome.

March marble madness

Think you can move a marble around the room using only cardboard tubes? Come to the Poland library and find out on March 29 at 2:30 p.m. Create marble mazes and CD spinners using just a marble, CD and bottle cap. This event is for students in grades 4-12. A snack will be provided.

Trim a tree for March

Children of all ages can decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-seasons tree during library hours this March.

Fun with Letters at the Poland library

Have fun exploring letters with stories, songs, a craft and more. This event is for children ages 3-5 at the Poland library on March 10 at 6 p.m.

Listen and Lego

On March 3, children ages 4-7 are encouraged to come to the Poland library at 1 p.m. for some fun. Listen to a story and then enjoy building with Legos. Legos will be provided.

Let it be spring

Spring stories, songs and more fun will be hosted at the Poland library on March 19 at 2 p.m. This event is for children of all ages to enjoy.

How Many Fish?

Help the Poland library celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a contest inspired by one of his many books. Guess how many pretend fish are in the jar. The closest guess wins a prize. This event is for children in grade 6 and under during library hours.

Dr. Suess birthday bash at the Poland library

Oh, the fun to be had. Help the Poland library celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories, games, crafts and more. Snacks will be provided. This event will be hosted on March 2 at 6 p.m. and is open to children of all ages.

Poland library Leprechaun Lollapalooza

Saint Patrick’s Day festivities will take place at the Poland library on March 12, including food, entertainment and fun. Irish food will be for sale all day at Kravitz Deli. Activities range from St. Patrick’s Day-themed story times to a scavenger hunt and more. Dress as a leprechaun or in your most festive Saint Patrick’s Day gear and join a parade through the library. Each child who enters the parade will receive an entry for a chance to win a book of Irish fairy tales. For a complete itinerary of the day’s events, contact the Poland library.

Poland Players plan spring musical

Poland Players are preparing for a fun-filled spring musical this year, with a timeless story told in a timely way. Cyrano De BurgerShack is a pop musical by Jeremy Desmon. It is the modern retelling of Cyrano De Bergerac by Edmond Rostand with singing, dancing and even sword play. The songs are audience-pleasers, including “Firework,” “Call Me Maybe,” “Eternal Flame,” “We got the Beat” and “Crazy For You.” More than 80 Poland Seminary High School Students will be singing, acting, dancing and preparing the sets for this production. Performances will be April 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., and April 17 at 2 p.m. Show tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.

Friends of the Poland Library to meet in March

The Friends of the Poland Library will greet Spring on March 1 at the Poland library. Refreshments will be at 9:30 a.m. with the program and business meeting to follow at 10 a.m. The program will be the “Story of the Fellowship Gardens” by Lynn Zocolo. The hostesses will be Reka Desai, Carol McCoy, Philomena Mazzarino and Sue Perry. Donations of books, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s are accepted at each meeting for the Poland Friends Book Cart. The meeting is open to the public. New members are welcome. Membership dues are $10 per year.

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.

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.

Area high school seniors to be honored

The 22nd annual Young Women with Bright Futures awards will be at 10 a.m. on March 5 at the Holiday Inn in Boardman. Senior high school women selected by their teachers or administrators for their leadership qualities, academic excellence, creativity and volunteerism will be honored at the event. State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) will be the keynote speaker. Major sponsors for the event are Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, Compco, State Farm Insurance, Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and The Vindicator. For ticket information, visit ywca.org/youngstown or call 330-746-6361, ext. 112. This year’s honorees are Isabella Caruso, Austintown; Anna Saxton, Boardman; Alexandria Olek, Brookfield; Sherrial Swiney, Campbell Memorial; Mackenzie Elias, Canfield; Marie Emch, Cardinal Mooney; Taylor (Tate) Acierno, Chaney; Noor Khalayleh, Choffin CTC; Shakayla Poole, East; Gabriella Cario, Girard; Ellie Martin, Howland; Margaret Herberger, Hubbard; Samantha Metts, Jackson-Milton; Saidah Yusuf, Liberty; Courtney Conklin, Lowellville; Lydia Mashburn, MCCTC; Adrianna Nicholson, Mineral Ridge; Jaclyn Rowley, Niles McKinley; Katherine Landry, Poland Seminary; Sydney Smith, Sebring McKinley; Carly Chopp, South Range; Kahlea Barricella, Springfield; Kaeleigh Blough, Struthers; Christina Leone, Ursuline; Nicole Double, Valley Christian; Chantel Bahn, Victory Christian; Allyson Crays, Warren G. Harding; Lauren Stitle, West Branch; Heather Lude, Western Reserve and Shyann Green, Youngstown Early College.

Two fundraiser 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 13, a golf clinic will take place at Creekside Golf Dome in Girard from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Participants will receive instruction and practice in driving, chipping and putting. The cost is $25 per person. 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.

Angels for Animals hosts Reverse Raffle Dinner

Angels for Animals is hosting it 11th annual Reverse Raffle Dinner on March 5 at 6 p.m. at Andrews Hall in Canfield. The event will feature a gourmet dinner prepared by Dr. Mark McMurray, basket raffles and 50/50 silent auctions. Various prizes will be won through out the evening. The grand prize is the final drawing of an estimated $2,000. All proceeds will benefit Angels for Animals. For tickets, call Diane Less at 330 502-5352 or online at angelsforanimlas.org. The cost is $75 per ticket or $25 for the dinner ticket only.

Host an international student

Each year, AFS Intercultural Programs welcomes more than 2,300 international high school students to the United States. These are outstanding young people who were selected in their home countries to study in US high schools and are eager to experience what it’s like to live in America. Sharing daily life with a teenager from another country and culture is a rich and rewarding experience, and is a wonderful way for you and your family to bring more understanding into the world. Local AFS volunteers will support you and your hosted student throughout your experience to help you both receive the most from your time together. You provide a bed and meals for your student, but most importantly, you should be eager and excited to share your life and activities while providing the same kind of care, support and comfort as you would to your own child or family members. AFS welcomes all kinds of families. Host an AFS Exchange Student and build bridges of intercultural understanding. Most families have no idea how much they’ll gain until they say yes. Start the process at www.afsusa.org/host, or call 1-800-AFS-INFO or email hosting@afsusa.org for more information.

Evening with the Easter Bunny

Put a little spring in your step and hop on over to Boardman Park on March 8 or March 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and enjoy an evening with the Easter Bunny. Tickets will go on sale starting on Feb. 8 at the park office from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling the park office 330-726-8105, or pay online at www.boardmanpark.com. Tickets are $7 for Boardman residents and $9 for non-residents. Children ages 2 and under are free. The evening includes dinner, arts and crafts, and a family photo with the Easter Bunny. For more information about Boardman Park events visit the park website at www.boardmanpark.com.

Adult 22+ diploma program now within reach for valley residents

There’s new hope for valley residents ages 22 and up who want to earn their high school diploma. The Ohio Department of Education just approved two Mahoning County sites to host the state’s Adult 22+ Diploma program: the Mahoning County High School on Bryn Mawr Avenue, and the Unlimited Classroom located at the Southern Park Mall. Both sites will be hosting adult learning programs after school hours until 5 p.m. Adult 22+ is free to adults age 22 and older who live in Ohio and do not have a diploma or GED. For more information on 22+ or to apply to the local programs, contact Jennifer Merritt at J.Merritt@mahoningesc.org.

Short-term host family opportunites available

Mahoning, Columbiana, Portage and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young person from Japan into their home for one month this year, as part of an international exchange program being offered by the County OSU Extension, 4-H. Statewide, host families are needed for 100 Japanese participants (aged 12-18) and their adult chaperones, who will visit Ohio from July 23 through Aug. 18. Host families provide the exchangees with room and board and a chance to experience daily life in America. The young Japanese visitors belong to the Labo Foundation, an organization which promotes the study of English culture and language in Japan. All types of families are welcome to apply to become hosts, including urban, rural, single-parent, childless and non-4-H families. Those interested should contact Gretchen Kalinay at 330-799-8407 or Gary Reel at 330-533-7712 for an application form or visit http://www.ohio4h.org/youth/international.

St. Brandan Parish to offer fish dinners

There will be fish dinners at St. Brandan Parish Maxwell Hall, located at 144 N. Schenley Ave., Feb. 12, 19 and 26, and March 4, 11 and 18 from 4-7 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults $5 for children under 10-years. The menu will include beer batter, fried, Cajun or baked fish, coleslaw or applesauce, bread and butter, cake and coffee, and your choice of macaroni and cheese, haluski, parsley potatoes or french fries for a side. For takeout orders, call 330-799-3683. There will also be a luncheon special that is takeout only from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $6 for a sandwich and side or $10 for dinners.

MCCTC is now accepting applications for 2016-2017

Students interested in attending the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the 2016-2017 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 23 programs and has a limited number of seats per program. If you are interested in applying, visit the school website at www.mahoningctc.org.

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.

Historical Society to publish supplemental book

As part of Poland’s Sesquicentennial in 2016, the Poland Historical Society will publish a supplemental history book to the original Poland Historical Highlights which covered Poland’s History from 1866-1966. The new book will be available for sale at the June 2016 Celebrate Poland event. Proceeds will benefit the Historical Society. The Society is providing an opportunity for those who have memories of historical events in Poland from 1966-2016 to help record and preserve the history during this time period for future generations. Community organizations and businesses may also submit a history of their group or update existing histories. Articles should be limited to 500 words. You may also submit photographs, preferably a JPG file by email. You can mail your writings to the Poland Historical Society at P.O. Box 5052, Poland, OH 44514. However, they would prefer a digital Microsoft Word file for easy editing emailed to phs@polandtownship.com by March 1. Call 330-536-6877 for further information. The Poland Historical Society reserves the right to edit, publish or reject all writings submitted. It is not the intent to publish personal or family biographical sketches in this book. They will concentrate on documenting events that have occurred in Poland or influenced the lives of the community. They are also need volunteers to help with this project to write historical articles, edit articles and to solicit advertisers. Send an email to phs@polandtownship.com and indicate how you can help.

Local churches to offer Lenten luncheons

Beginning on Feb. 17, Poland area churches will again offer Lenten Luncheons each Wednesday during Lent, except Holy Week. All luncheons will take place at Holy Family Parish Center, located at 2729 Center Road in Poland. Participating congregations are Church of the Rock, Prince of Peace Lutheran, Holy Family, Poland Presbyterian, Poland United Methodist and Heritage Presbyterian. Each luncheon begins with a short devotional message at noon with the luncheon to follow. All are welcome to attend the devotions at no cost. The luncheon is available at a cost of $8 per ticket per week. Tickets can be purchased through participating congregations or by calling Holy Family at 330-757-1545. Tickets must be purchased by the Monday prior to each week’s luncheon. No extra meals will be available.

Trim a tree for February

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-season tree during regular hours throughout February. This event is for children of all ages.

Half-Price Sales

There will be a special book sale in honor of President’s Day at the Friends of PLYMC bookstore, located in the lower level of the Poland library, from From Feb. 15-29. All history, presidents, government and political books will be a half-price.

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.

How many kisses?

Guess how many Hershey’s kisses are in the jar at the Poland library during regular library hours throughout February. If your guess is the closest, you can take them all home. This event is for children in grades 1-6.