Poland Community Briefs

Torch Club meeting in Kilcawley Center

The guest speaker will be James P. Tressel, President of Youngstown State University, for the June 20 Torch Club meeting. The dinner-discussion meeting will be hosted in Kilcawley Center, Bresnahan Rooms I and II on the campus of Youngstown State University. The public is invited to attend. The schedule has changed for this event. Social hour will be 5-5:30 p.m., the lecture will follow until 6 p.m., and the meal will be served from 6-7 p.m. The club business meeting will follow the dinner. Attending only the lecture is free of charge. Dinner for nonmembers is $20. Call 330-757-4148 for reservations. For club information, call 330-792-7351.

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 Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend.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.

Library closings

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.