Poland Community Briefs

Class of ‘54 donates towards scholarships, buys new flags

They may have graduated more than 60 years ago, but the Bulldog Class of 1954 has not forgotten their alma mater. In fact as many as 30 former classmates, most of them in their 80s, meet twice per month for dinner and breakfast to keep in touch with each other. They host an annual garage sale solely to raise money for scholarships for graduating Poland seniors. That garage sale has gone on for 20 years now. This year they recently wrote a check to supply new flags to fly outside every Poland School building. The scholarship this year will be $2,500.

Help feed families with Harvest for Hunger

Through April 16, customers can help provide food to those in need by tearing off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon at the cash register at any Giant Eagle location in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The donation will be added to their grocery bill. Non-perishable food items may also be placed in designated bins at the front of the stores. Harvest for Hunger is one of the largest annual, community-wide food and funds drives in the nation, and takes place in 21 counties in northeast Ohio during March and April. The campaign is a collaborative effort of four food banks, including Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. All funds raised and food collected in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties will remain in these communities to feed local friends and neighbors. The 2016 Harvest for Hunger sponsors are: Giant Eagle, 21 WFMJ and WBCB, The Vindicator, Cumulus Radio Stations Y-103, K105 and HOT 101, and UFCW Local 880. For more information on how you can get involved in Harvest for Hunger, visit www.harvestforhunger.org.

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 Tuesdays, April 5 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.

Boardman Park baby sitting class

Boardman Park is sponsoring a baby sitting class on April 16 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center. Students ages 11-15 will learn babysitting basic skills, first aid, rescue breathing and more. The fee for the class is $40 for Boardman Township Residents and $45 for Non-Residents. Students need to provide their own lunch. Classes are limited. RSVP by April 14 by calling Karen at 330-965-0482, by emailing Karen@boardmanpark.com or calling the Park office at 330-726-8105.

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.

Friends of the Poland Library to meet

The Friends of the Poland Library will meet on April 5 at the Poland library. Coffee Hour will be at 9:30 a.m. with the program and business meeting to follow at 10 a.m. Traci Manning of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society will be the speaker. Her topic will be the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. Hostesses will be Mary Foldvary, Betty Kunzer, Louise Martinko and Bertha Eszenyi. Donations of books, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s are accepted at each meeting for the Poland Friends of the Library book cart. The meeting is open to the public. New members are welcome and membership dues are $10 per year

Holy Week activities at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 2985 Center Road, will be observing Easter Sunday with worship at 10 a.m. Rev. Julianne D. Smith is pastor. All are welcome.

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.”

Yoga classes at the library

Friends of PLYMC is sponsoring a Yoga Class every Wednesday 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.

Skywarn organization offers severe weather training

Mahoning County Skywarn, a volunteer organization of weather spotters, will be hosting a training session on how to recognize approaching storms and tornadoes. This will be an interesting and informative presentation. Michelle Sowers, Ohio EMA in Cleveland, will conduct the training on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Austintown Fitch High School Auditorium, located at 4560 Falcon Drive. Training is free and open to the public. Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m.

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.

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.

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.

Friends of the Poland Library meeting and program

“Women’s Suffrage Movement - The Pivotal Right” will be presented by Traci Manning of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. The program will include a spring luncheon. This event is for adults at the Poland library on April 5 at 10 a.m.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

Proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. Taking blood donations to help our community. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Poland library on April 7 at 12:30 p.m.

“Outlander, the Gathering”

Join the Poland library to celebrate the Season 2 premiere of the “Outlander” television series, based on the bestselling books by Diana Gabaldon. There will be games, trivia, prizes, crafts, snacks and more. Registration is required. Call 330-744-8636 and ask for the Poland library to register. This event is for adults on April 12 at 6:30 p.m.

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 and ask for the Poland branch to register for a class hosted on April 4 at 6 p.m. This event is open to adults.

“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 is recommended, and can be made by calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Poland library. This event is for teens and adults hosted at the Poland library on April 18 at 6 p.m.

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.

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. This event will be hosted by the Poland library on April 13 at 7 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.

Earth Day extravaganza

Join the Poland library for an Earth Day party. Make cool crafts out of recycled materials, have snacks and more. This event is for grades 4-12 on April 14 at 6 p.m.

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.

Shakespeare Day

Stop by and celebrate the birthday of William Shakespeare while learning about the famous bard. There will be interactive displays and hands-on activities, as well as fun for all ages during Poland library hours on April 23.

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.

Listen and lego

Listen to a story and then have fun building with Legos. Legos will be provided. This event is for 4-7 year-olds at the Poland library on April 7 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 at 6 p.m. on April 19.

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.

Smart money tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the library for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Poland library at 10:30 a.m. on April 14.

Smart money fun time for 4’s and 5’s

Join the Poland library for developmentally appropriate stories and activities that will help your child learn about money. Each child will receive a piggy bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come out April 21 at 6 p.m.

Evening with Scott Mann

Presentation and book signing with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) D. Scott Mann (Special Forces), author of “Game Changers – Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists.” This event features a raffle and books for sale. Presented by the library’s Literary Society and sponsored by Clarence and Rose Marie Smith. For more information, contact the development office at 330-740-6086. This event is for adults at the Poland library on April 20 at 7 p.m.

Tales and Talk for 2’s and 3’s

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 will be hosted by the Poland library at 10:30 a.m. April 7, 21 and 28.

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.

West Side Cats in need of volunteers

West Side Cats, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave., is in need of volunteers for different duties throughout their shelter including cleaning, laundry and transporting cats to and from veterinary offices. The program is also in need of a volunteer grant writer well-versed in the entire grant-writing process. West Side Cats is an all volunteer 501 (3)(c) shelter. Call Marie at 330-519-5002 for details, or look online at www.WestSideCats.org or on their Facebook page.

Gathering Place event to be hosted by Lord of Life Church

On April 11, the Lord of Life Church, located at 550 N. Broad St., will host a Gathering Place event at 11 a.m. The program will include a speaker from the Canfield Police Department and lunch will be provided by the Woodlands. This event is a free community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens. Contact Bernadette Beler at 330-533-6045 for more information, or call the church at 330-533-3531.

Poland Schools seek levy renewal in March

Poland Schools are seeking a $3.6 million levy renewal on the Primary Election ballot on March 15. School administrators want to make sure voters are aware this is a “renewal” and will be used only for the operational expenses of the district. Poland School District Treasurer Donald Stanovcak said the renewal levy would generate nearly $1.4 million annually, and would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $126 per year.

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. Classes will be from 1-2 p.m. on April 21 and May 19. Register by March 15. The series costs $15 and individual classes are $7.

Spring into fun

Children, ages 6- and 7-years-old, are welcome to the Ford Nature Center March 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Spring into fun and look for signs of the season while discovering nature. Hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts and games are all part of the fun. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and pay March 26. The event will be $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Spring into nature

Children (8-12 year-olds) are welcome to the Ford Nature Center March 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to spring into nature and explore the new season. Go on a hike, look for signs of spring, make a craft, play games and much more. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Register and and pay by March 26. The event will be $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

Starry night event

Come to the MetroParks Farm on April 2 to view the beauty of the night sky through high powered telescopes with the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society. The time is to be determined. More details will be available in April’s calendar.

Easter brunch at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Contact the Ford Nature Center at 330-740-7116 to register for this March 27 event.

Ford hunt and hike: cardinals

This year is the MetroPark’s quasquicentennial (125th anniversary). Try to locate 25 hidden cardinals to commemorate this milestone, then go for a hike of your choice. This event will take place at the Ford Nature Center during March hours.

Yoga basics course offered at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Choose Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings for this relaxing eight week yoga course. The cost is $80. Sunday classes will be March 20 through May 8 at 9 a.m., Tuesday classes will be March 22 through May 10 at 6 p.m.

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.

Chair to Mat movement

Increase mobility and flexibility for those who find seated floor movement challenging. Accessible to anyone for health, fitness and relaxation. Movement is done seated in chairs and in standing positions. Feel free to drop-in Wednesdays in March at 9 a.m. Each class is $10.

T’ai chi step one in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens Wednesdays in March at 12 p.m. for this class. Warm-ups, breathing and movements will ease stress, improve health and increase vitality. Each class is $10.

Yoga in the gardens

Come to Fellows Riverside Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy yoga that will help you keep a healthy outlook. Bring a mat and a small blanket. Each class is $12.

Cha-cha dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Learn the steps to this fun and versatile Latin dance. This is a paired dance, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 29 and April 5 at 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

Rumba dance classes at Pioneer Pavilion

Come out and learn the Latin dance of love. This easy-to-follow dance is paired, but everyone learns together. No partner is necessary. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged. This class is led by dance expert Lynda McPhail on March 29 and April 5 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per class. Call the Ford Nature Center for details.

YWCA accepting entries for 34th Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! 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.

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 is March 17. The series costs $42 and individual classes are $16.

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.

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.

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.

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 in March.

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.

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 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.

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.