Poland Community Briefs


Lions to host trunk sale

The Poland Lions Treasures of the Trunk sale will be a one-day sale from the trunk of your car at the Poland High School stadium parking lot on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost for venders is $15 per space after May 1, 2016. Bring your own table. Tables up to 8 feet work best in front of your trunk. No hot food vendors or raffles vendors may arrive after 7:30 a.m., and must be in assigned space by 8:30 a.m. No refunds will be given for any reason and the event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact Judy at 330-360-3641 or Lori at 330-506-9611. Proceeds to benefit the Poland Lions Scholarship fund.

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for June 20

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be June 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Canfield Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, located at 43 W Main St, in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left Of Center And Other Stories,” the two-hour sessions offer an opportunity for members to get group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ For more information, contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Niles Friendly Squares event

The Niles Friendly Squares will host its monthly square dance on June 11 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. For more information, contact Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for Independence Day on July 4.

Healthy eating seminar

Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND with the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman, will be hosting a free natural health seminar titled “How to Eat and Live Right for your Blood Type” on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Suzelis will discuss the scientific background behind the “Eat Right for Your Type” diet, as well as dietary and lifestyle guidelines for each of the blood types. Whether you’ve been following the diet for years or have just been introduced to the diet, this seminar will be beneficial for you. Suzelis will have an open question and answer session at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have. The seminar will take place at the center at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex). For more information or to reserve your seat, call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com. The event is free, but RSVP is required.

Kid’s First Theatre Initiative selects winners at vocal competition

Ethan Hess was the winner of the recent vocal completion, Mahoning Valley Singing Star, Jr. sponsored by the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative. Hess performed the song “Somebody to Love,” originally sung by rock star Freddy Mercury. Hess won a cash prize, vocal lessons with Rick Blackson and a recording session with Mainsail Music. Other winners were Ally Grande, Bailey Conley, Maddison Kutsch, Mia Bordonaro and Adrianna Quinlan, who were presented with framed plaques. Judges were local performers Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson. All contestants in the competition have been offered roles in the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative’s production of “The Wizard of OZ,” which will be performed in October and scholarships to the company’s four week theatre camp, “Camp Showbiz.” For further information about Kid’s First Theatre Initiative, call 330-406-0606.

Yoga class

Friends of PLYMC is sponsoring a yoga class every Wednesday in July in the Poland library meeting room from 5-6 p.m. Pay as you attend, The price is $10 per session. This event is for adults.

Get connected with digital media at your 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 this adults-only event on July 25 at 6 p.m.

Appy hour

What’s an app? What apps are right for you? Learn all about popular apps for smartphones and mobile devices. See a variety of apps that will help you connect to your library, find a good place to eat, keep you entertained in a long grocery line, find a great new recipe, or find great music to listen to on your walk. Registration recommended, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Poland. This event is for teens and adults at the Poland library July 28 at 6 p.m.

Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarship winners

The Poland Relay for Life and the Marshall family recently announced the winners of the Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarships. The Miss Photogenic Winner ($400 scholarship) is Morgan Bindas, 2016 Boardman High School graduate. The Overall Winner ($500 scholarship) is Alexis Caroline, 2016 Mineral Ridge High School graduate.

Color your world

Join the Poland library 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 on July 6 at 7 p.m.

Tie dye sock hop party

Make your very own tie dye socks and other tie dye creations. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. Participants in grades 5-12 are welcome to this event July 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Drama camp

Join the Poland library for the second annual drama camp. Learn about the many aspects of theater, including auditions, the casting process, stage directions and more. Children will present “Rap-punzel” for family and friends and refreshments will be served on the last day of camp, July 15. Camp runs from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., July 11-15. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for those in grades 4-9.

Trim a tree for July

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-seasons tree. Children of all ages are welcome during open hours.

Listen and Lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos. Legos will be provided. This event is for those who are ages 4-7 at the Poland library on July 14 at 1 p.m.

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 July 19 at 6 p.m.

Grab and go crafts

This Gold Medal Crafts event will allow you to create a craft and take it home with you July 5-9 at the library.

Beach party

Can’t make it to the beach this summer or want to go again? The Poland library will try to make you feel like you’re there with fun games, music, crafts and snacks. This event is for children of all ages on July 18 at 6 p.m.

A box full of myths

Join the library for a special performance by local high school students. The play will cover famous myths from Greek mythology. This event is for children of all ages, hosted by the Poland library on July 19 at 10 a.m.

Tales and talk for 2s and 3s

Join the library 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. This event is hosted by the Poland library on July 7 at 10:30 a.m.

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 Wednesdays in July at 10 a.m.

Stevens Puppets present ‘Aladdin’

From the pages of “The Arabian Nights” comes the timeless story of “Aladdin.” This Chinese folktale comes alive with the help of Martin Stevens’ hand-crafted marionettes. A true rags-to-riches story follows Aladdin from the streets to the royal palace and beyond. Infused with music, mystery and magic. This event is for children of all ages and will be hosted by the Poland library on July 26 at 10 a.m.

“Recycle Every Day”

Join Peg Flynn and Kim Lewis as they present Nancy Elizabeth Wallace’s “Recycle Every Day” during the Summer Reading Program. After reading the story, program participants will create bouquets using recovered materials. At the conclusion of the program, children will receive an environmental action activity book and information to share with their parents. This program is recommended for children in grades Pre-K through 3 and will be hosted by the Poland library on July 21 at 2 p.m.

Across the finish line

Come and cheer on Pete the Cat. Join the library for stories, games and fun for children of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your camera and have your picture taken with the cool and groovy Pete the Cat. The Poland library will host this event on July 23 at 10 a.m.

Olympic dreams

Learn what it takes to be an Olympic hopeful as Sports Illustrated for Kids 2015 Sports Kid of the Year Finalist Natalie Hershberger shares her experience and demonstrates her talent. Hershberger’s books will be available for purchase at the event. Join the Poland library on July 14 at 6 p.m. for this event.

Quilters’ garage sale to be June 11

Stop by the Quilters’ Garage Sale and pick up some fabric and crafting supplies. The sale will take place one day only – June 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 3735 Barber Drive in Canfield. From a slightly used serger sewing machine to quilting notions and crafting supplies and lots of fabric, this is a great opportunity for quilters and crafters. Proceeds from this sale help TQGIBT – That Quilt Group I Belong To – promote quilting in the Valley. Members stitch charity quilts and other projects that are donated to hospitalized children and veterans. There is also a Carnival glass punch bowl complete with 12 cups. Barber Drive is just off Fairway drive near Tippecanoe Road in Canfield Township. TQGIBT meets at Fair Park in Canfield on the third Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions. TQGIBT is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley. For information on membership, contact president Helen Lewis at HMLrutgers@icloud.com or by calling 330-286-3966.

Contra dance returns to the area

The Western Reserve Contra Dance will be hosted from 7-9:30 p.m. on June 11 at the Dublin Grange Hall, located at 6571 Fairground Blvd. in Canfield. The “contra” is a New England social dance, with ever-changing partners and live traditional music by the band “One String Short.” A caller will teach each dance and guide the dancers. Dress is casual, beginners and all ages are welcome, partners are not required and new friends will be made. Admission is $8 and light refreshments will be served. The Grange Hall is just off 224, behind the CVS pharmacy. See www.westernreservecontradance.com for more information.

Surgeons to address ostomy group

Dr. Gregory S. Huang, a trauma surgeon at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Ricchuiti, a urologist with NEO Urology, will be the featured speakers during the next meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group. Sponsored by Mercy Health – Youngstown, the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6-7 p.m. June 14 in the Azalea Room of St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. in Boardman. Meetings of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group take place the second Tuesday of each month with meeting places alternating between Humility House and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Meetings are open to the public, refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440

American Business Women’s Association meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of The American Business Women’s Association will host its June 14 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the evening includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, broccoli salad, fruit salad, coffee or iced tea and brownie sundae for dessert. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are due to Jackie Fischio at 330-788-6634 or 330-559-4808 or to Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2507 or 330-565-6913 by June 6. The public is welcome. The guest speaker for the evening will be Gianna Cioffi who will provide details on the Lake-to-River Food Cooperative Online Market.

Annual Strawberry Festival to be June 24

Poland Presbyterian Church is proud to be part of Celebrate Poland. Join them at the annual Strawberry Festival on June 24 from 5-8:30 p.m. on the church front lawn of 2 Poland Manor, rain or shine. Available for purchase will be strawberry shortcake, ice cream, various homemade cakes, hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches served with chips and pickles, and beverages. Also, there will be free face painting provided by the PPC Preschool, live jazz, a 50/50 drawing and summer basket raffle. All proceeds benefit the PPC’s youth programs, and various events and activities sponsored by the Parish Life Committee.

“Pups in the Park”

West Side Cats will be hosting a “Pups In The Park” day on June 18 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The organization will photograph your dog for a $10 donation. You will then receive a 5x7 framed photo after it is professionally processed and printed and framed. This event will be hosted in Mill Creek Park near the Suspension Bridge. West Side Cats will also be selling raffle tickets for the Father’s Day TV and other items for sale. All the proceeds will benefit the cats at West Side Cats.

Treasures of the Trunk sale

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. 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.

Neighbors features adoptable pets

Check out the newest feature of Neighbors, the Adoptable Pets of the Week column! Each week, we will feature two adoptable pets from West Side Cats or Pawz 2 Adopt with pictures and information on page 2. Sponsorship for the column is available on a week-to-week basis for local businesses that love animals. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this column, call Kathy Smith at 330-747-1471, ext. 1214. All of the members of the Neighbors team love animals and we hope that we can help West Side Cats and Pawz 2 Adopt find forever homes for these adorable dogs and cats. More information on these organizations can be found on Facebook or by calling 330-792-4228 for West Side Cats and 330-779-1862 for Pawz 2 Adopt. Thank you for your continued support of this and all of our endeavors!

Host families needed for Northern Ireland teens

The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is a summer exchange program that brings together teen leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Founded in 1975, the program offers spiritual, social and service opportunities to help the students discover the common ground they share despite religious differences. Each year, Valley families play host to more than a dozen Northern Irish teens for this enriching experience. The group is searching for host families for two boys from Northern Ireland. Teens will arrive on June 27 and will depart on July 27. The host family should have a male teen between the ages of 14 and 17. This life-changing experience includes six service projects (Purple Cat, Potential Development, Mill Creek Children’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, Jubilee Gardens and Zion Lutheran Food Bank) as well as many fun events, such as a Scrappers Game, a road rally and a trip to Cedar Point to name a few. If you are interested in hosting a teen, contact Greg at 330-770-1440. For more information, visit ulsterprojectmv.com.

First Night Youngstown announces annual button design competition

First Night Youngstown is calling for local and regional artists to participate in the annual design competition of its New Year’s Eve events admission button. The winning artist will be promoted at all press events. The artist will also be a celebrity guest in the Downtown Christmas holiday parade and tree-lighting event. The button series is traditionally intended to celebrate downtown Youngstown’s unique historic buildings and architecture. Buttons may be designed using any medium and then digitally saved as a .jpeg. Artists should depict Youngstown in a manner that highlights New Year’s Eve, no champagne glasses or images of drinking alcohol; First Night events are family-friendly. The design must include the phrase “First Night Youngstown 2017.” Interested artists should call 330-744-9966 or email firstnightyoungstown@gamil.com. Submission deadline is Aug. 31. Each year, admission buttons provide entry to all First Night events on New Year’s Eve in downtown Youngstown, sold at $5 and $10 each. Proceeds from the sale help compensate performers.

Summer Discovery

Join the fun during Summer Discovery, the program for summer reading and fun, which runs from June 1 through Aug. 13 at the Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Learn about science from the experts at COSI and Mad Science. Watch “The Monsters of Baseball” come to life with the Madcap Puppets. Learn how astronauts prepare for flight from specialists at the Air and Space Museum, and enjoy many other great entertainers. For a complete list of library programs, visit your local library or LibraryVisit.org. There’s something for everyone during Summer Discovery.

Celebrate Poland at the Library

Local Authors, artists and Musicians will be selling their wares at the Poland library all day in conjunction with Celebrate Poland Event. This library event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. Join the Poland library, at 9 a.m. on June 25.

Yoga class

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

Chair yoga

This event is hosted by the Friends of PLYMC. Pay as you attend at $10 a class. Dress comfortably. Class will meet every Friday in June at 10 a.m. in the Poland library.

Stamped tote bag

Upgrade a plain canvas tote with craft paint and a fun stamping technique. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for teens and adults on June 16 at 6 p.m.

Exploring screen printing

Art Camp at the Poland library invites you to come learn the basics of screen printing. Build your own screens and print your own artwork on a t-shirt or a tote bag. Registration is required. Those who are ages 10–17 are welcome on July 1 at 10 a.m.

Trim a tree for June

Decorate an ornament for the Poland library’s all-seasons tree. This event is for children of all ages.

Mother Goose Olympics

Go for the “gold” with challenges based on your favorite nursery rhymes. There will be games, crafts, treats and more, all with a Mother Goose theme. This event is for children up to age 5 at the Poland library on June 14 at 6 p.m.

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 June 21 at 6 p.m.

Gussy up your bike

Use crepe paper and other materials to get your bike beautiful for the Celebrate Poland parade taking place later that evening. Program will be outside, weather permitting. Gather on the patio behind the library outside the meeting room. This event is for children of all ages at the Poland library on June 24 at 10 a.m.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be 20 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 is hosted by the Poland library Wednesdays in June at 10 a.m.

Magic show with Jeff Wawrzaszek

Don’t miss this gold medal magic show with Jeff Wawrzaszek, in which the audience participates in the magical fun. Each child will receive a free easy-to-do “Olympic-themed” collectible magic trick to take home with them. This event is for children of all ages at the Poland library on June 23 at 2 p,m.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will be hosted at the Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club on July 18. The cost is $110 per golfer. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18 hole four-person scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For further details, contact Donna Mowrey at 330-207-9630 or Ginny Johnston at 330-219-9092.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.