Poland Community Briefs

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!

Motor On for RJM benefit

Former chef Robert Melone worked at various restaurants throughout the area for 17 years before a terrible motorcycle accident paralyzed him from the chest down in September 2012. He is in need of assistance in affording a handicapped converted van to help him have transportation to and from his doctor’s appointments and rehabilitation training in Cleveland. To further this cause, the second annual Motor On for RJM (Robert John Melone) Benefit Dinner will take place on May 22 at Boardman High School from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be aqcuired by contacting Roslyn Schmidt at 330-360-1904 or Scarsella’s Restaurant at 330-788-0806. The event will be catered by Scarsella’s and Mama Vickie Scarsella, and carry out will be available. Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and older, $8 for those 5-11 years-old and those 4-years and younger eat free. The event includes live entertainment, a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, bake sale and Gorantz Kidz Kandy Korner.

Host families needed

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 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.

Fundraiser for “The Veteran’s Program”

Methodist Community Center recently announced that on May 26 (all day) there will be a Fundraiser for “The Veterans Program” offered by Applebee’s Restaurant. Both in Boardman and Niles, Applebee’s will donate 10 percent of your food bill to the MCC Veterans Program. You must have a flyer to give to your server (these cannot be passed out at the Applebee’s Restaurants). These flyers can be obtained from the United Methodist Community Center at 330-743-5149.

Garden Adventure Day at Fellows Riverside

In conjunction with the Garden Adventure Days at Mill Creek MetroParks-Fellows Riverside Gardens come and learn about the many exciting services the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County can offer you and your family. There will be a craft for children to make. Join Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 4 at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for this event.

Summer Discovery begins June 1

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.

Ladies in Little Black Dresses for literacy

Join the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County for a Literary Society fundraising event at the Lake Club, located at 1140 Paulin Road in Poland at 6 p.m. on June 9. Tickets are $35 each and include heavy appetizers. There will be a cash bar. Guests are asked to wear their favorite little black dress and bring a copy of a book by their favorite author to swap with other attendees. Guests can also donate gently used and brand new children’s books. The following boutiques will be selling accessories: E. J. Hannah, Suzanne’s Tennis and Golf and Ivory & Birch. The event benefits the Literary Society Fund for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. A portion of proceeds from the participating boutiques will also benefit this fund. For more information, contact the Development Office at 330-740-6086. Make check made payable to Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and mail to the Library attention: Sue Merriman, Fiscal Officer, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503.

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.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive 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). Poland library’s event will be hosted June 3 from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and June 6 from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

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 at 6 p.m. on June 6.

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.

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 June 1 at 7 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.

Story Walk

Join the library on the Poland Village Town Hall lawn to walk, read, collect prizes and have fun celebrating the beginning of summer. This event is for preschoolers and children up to grade 3 who are accompanied by an adult. Drinks and a take-home treat will be served. This event will be hosted June 7 at 10 a.m.

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.

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 June 9 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 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 in June 24 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 at this event hosted by the Poland library on June 2 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 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.

PSHS bands finish season on high note

The concert band, symphonic band and Wind Ensemble will perform their Spring Concert on May 18 at 7 p.m. at Poland Seminary High School. This concert will also feature four senior soloists: Kristen Thompson on oboe, Charlie Dwyer on trombone, Kate Landry on flute and Brendan Gage on piano. The Wind Ensemble will also be performing at “Pops at the Park” at Eastwood Field in Niles. They will perform at 6:45 p.m., followed by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. The program for the Wind Ensemble includes music by legendary film music composer John Williams, including his 1996 Summer Olympic theme, “Summon the Heroes” and music from last year’s blockbuster, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Tickets are $20 at the gate, but can also be purchased from the Poland Band Parents for $15, with $5 going back to the band. Go to https://sites.google.com/a/polandschools.org/music/home for more details. Finally, the concert season wraps up with the PSHS concert choir and Jazz Ensemble presenting a salute to Broadway. Music from many of the most popular Broadway shows will be performed by the choir, jazz ensemble and a few soloists, as well. The audience will be treated to music from “Kiss Me Kate,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Funny Girl,” “The Sound of Music,” “Grease,” “Newsies,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “Wicked,” “Spamalot” and “Vanities.” This concert will be at 7 p.m. at Poland Seminary High School and will be free.

Relay for Life Scholarship finalists announced

The Poland Relay for Life recently announced the Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarship finalists: Morgan Bindas from Boardman and Alexis Caroline from Mineral Ridge. Bindas participates in several school activities and enjoys volunteering and tennis. Caroline is involved in dance and music, and her hobbies include crafts and reading. Both girls wrote exceptional essays on the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and will compete in the stage portion of the scholarship at the relay event. The scholarship presentation will take place at the Poland Relay for Life on May 21 at 4 p.m. at the Poland Seminary High School Stadium. This years’ relay event also includes the Kids’ Relay Party starting at 2:30 p.m. with free activities, clowns, ventriloquist and a “Celebrating More Birthdays” cake. At 5:30 p.m., the Survivor Ceremony begins with the crowning of the Survivor King and Queen. Immediately following, the complimentary Survivor Dinner will be served for all survivors and their care givers. The inspirational Luminaria ceremony takes place at 10 p.m. and games and contests will go on throughout the night.

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.

Italian Fest scholarship available

Applications for the 2016 Youngstown State University Scholarship from The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest are now available by contacting Deborah Mottle at mottlesmurals@gmail.com or applications may be retrieved from http://www.youngstownitalianfest.org/. Applicants must attend Youngstown State University and be of Italian descent in order to be eligible. Deadline for applicants is June 7.

Nonfiction book sale

Shopping for Mother’s Day or just want some good books? The Friends of PLYMC Bookstore at the Poland library is having a half-price sale the entire month of May on all nonfiction, including collectable books.

Registration open for Celebrate Poland

Local authors, artists and musicians can participate in Celebrate Poland at the library. The event will be hosted at Poland library from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on June 25, but registrations are being taken beginning in May. Free spaces are available for sale of books, music and art. The event is sponsored by the Friends of PLYMC. To register, call the development office at 330-740-6086.

Yoga class

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

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive to proudly serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This event is for adults at the Poland library May 27 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed on May 29 and May 30.

GA to meet

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (Cornersburg). Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

Bonding with babies and books

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

Tales and talk for 2’s and 3’s

Join the Poland library on Thursdays in May at 10:30 a.m. for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (2-3 year-olds) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gotta move story time

This event is for children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Join the library for a variety of musical and movement activities that appeal to the “young and restless,” stimulate brain development and motivate language learning. Adults and children, get ready to act out stories and rhymes, sing and dance, talk and play. Go to the Poland library on May 23 at 6:30 p.m. for this event.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up at the Poland library on May 24 at 6 p.m.

Trim a tree for May

Decorate an ornament for the library’s all-seasons tree. Open to children of all ages throughout the month of May at the Poland library

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.

Treasures of the Trunk sale offers vendor spaces

The Poland Lions Treasures of the Trunk sale will take place on June 11 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Poland Seminary High School parking lot. Spaces are currently available to vendors wishing to participate in the event. The cost for registration is $10 per one parking space with payment postmarked before May 1 and $15 per space after May 1. No hot food, soft drink or raffle drawing vendors will be accepted. There is a limit of 100 spaces and they are available on a first come, first served basis. After your registration payment is received, you will be notified of your confirmed space. Vendors may arrive after 7:30 a.m. and must be in their assigned space by 8:30 a.m. No refunds will be given for any reason and the event will continue, rain or shine. Proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Poland Lions Scholarship fund. If there are any questions, call Judy at 330-360-3641 or Lori at 330-506-9611.

Mahoning Valley walk benefiting JDRF

Take steps to help the Junvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people’s lives. By joining a team or making a donation to JDRF, you’ll raise money to help fund critical research. The walk will be on May 21 at the Watts Center of Youngstown State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Register at http://www2.jdrf.org/mahoningvalleywalk. For more information, contact Timothy Styranec at 330-533-5306 or by email at tmstyranec@zoominternet.net.

Have your pet featured in a calendar

West Side Cats is having a pet photography contest. For each $1 you pay, you can submit one photo of your favorite pet. Each vote will be an additional $1 fee which can be paid through PayPal at: Westsidecats@yahoo.com or dropped off at the shelter, located at 2217 Mahoning Ave. The top 12 winners will have their pets photo featured on a month of the new calendar and receive a calendar of their own. There will also be a grand prize for the pet with the most votes. Calendars will be sold after the contest ends. The photography contest will end on May 30 (Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Facebook page “West Side Cats Photography Contest.”

Sprout Club meeting

Join the Sprout Club at Fellows Riverside Gardens this spring to learn about the amazing world of plants with topics that include: pizza plants, moss pets and herbs. Each class will include an activity and snack. Attend all three classes and receive a plant-related prize. Class will be from 1-2 p.m. on May 19. Registration has passed.

Advanced Master Gardener series

This series, led by Ellen Speicher, will focus on pruning, plant names and fall gardening. The event will be hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration has passed.

America’s Schoolmaster exhibit

The Early Days of William Holmes McGuffey will be on display in the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead, located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The exhibit will be open though January 2017.

East High class of 1966 reunion

The East High class of 1966 has begun making plans for their 50th reunion. They are looking for up-to-date addresses from all classmates who would like to attend. The event is planned for Sept. 2 from 6-10 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hall on the East Side. There will be a buffet dinner and music provided by a DJ. The cost to attend is $40 per person. For details and information or to provide a current address, call Janine Johnson (Ross) at 330-716-1543 or Marie Mamonis (Macchio) at 330-533-1633.

Poland Relay for life to by May 21 and 22

The 2016 Poland Relay for Life will take place May 21 and 22 from 2 p.m. until 10 a.m. at the Poland Seminary High School Stadium. This years’ events include the Kids’ Relay Party, starting at 2:30 p.m., with free activities, games, entertainment and a “Celebrating More Birthdays” cake. The second Miss Relay Pageant will begin at 4 p.m. for girls ages 0–18 years-old. New this year is a $500 scholarship for pageant contestants ages 16–18. The Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Poland Relay for Life event. At 6 p.m., the Survivor Ceremony begins with the crowning of the Survivor King and Queen. At 7 p.m., the complimentary Survivor Dinner will be served for all survivors and their care givers. The Luminaria ceremony takes place at 10 p.m., and games and contests will go on throughout the night. For more information about the 2016 Miss Relay Pageant and Scholarship, call 330-883-7541 after 5 p.m. or message the Poland Relay for Life Facebook page. The pageant entry deadline is March 1.