Poland Community Briefs

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Pirates in the library

Sail into the Poland library on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for stories, crafts and more pirate fun. Refreshments will be served. This event is for children of all ages.

Call for entries to short fiction contest

Teens and adults who are current residents of Mahoning, Trumbull, Mercer and Lawrence counties are eligible to enter a writing contest sponsored by Lit Youngstown and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The contest is part of a suite of activities sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program. All activities will be related to “Into the Beautiful North” by Luis Alberto Urrea. According to the organizers, the fiction contest was inspired by a similar contest on National Public Radio in 2012, called 3-Minute Fiction. Urrea served as a judge and read an excerpt by local writer Nin Andrews on the air. The winners of the Short Short Fiction teen contest and the open contest will be invited to read on Oct. 5, as part of Lit Youngstown’s Fall Literary Festival. The contest winners will be followed by Festival Keynote Reader George Ella Lyon. The readings will take place in the second floor lounge at the Hilton DoubleTree. Stories will be judged anonymously by Big Read planning committee members, and must be entered by Aug. 31. Winners will be announced in September. To enter, visit https://lityoungstown.org/2019/07/21/short-short-fiction-contest/.

Square dancers celebrate ninth anniversary

The Niles Friendly Squares will celebrate their ninth anniversary at their monthly square dance on Sept. 14 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center. Dress is casual and there is a $6 per person donation at the door. Gene Hammond and Neil Harner will be the callers.

Gotta Move story time

Children ages 2-5 who are accompanied by a caregiver can join the Poland library on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. 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.

Microsoft Excel class 1

Learn the basics of using Microsoft Excel for creating simple and useful spreadsheets at the Poland library on Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. This beginner’s class will cover setting up a spreadsheet and entering data. Some basic computer skills are required. Class will soon be followed by Microsoft Excel class 2. Register online via the library events calendar or call 330-744-8636. This event is for adults.

Blood drive

There will be a blood drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sept. 24 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Poland library. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.

The magic of tidying up

Learn about the life-changing magic of tidying up and how you can put it into action in your own life at this event at the Poland library on Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. Chris Beers, founder of Home Joy, will inspire and empower audience members to organize their homes and lives once and for all in this engaging presentation. He will describe the preeminent home organizing process known as the “KonMari Method.” Created by Marie Kondo, organizational consultant superstar and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” this profound method of home organizing has changed the lives of millions. Now it is your turn. This event is for adults.

Bonding with babies, books and sign

Learn how to use American Sign Language (ASL) with your child through rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize at this event at the Poland library on Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Learn easy corresponding signs to learn and share with your little ones.

Playtime at your library

Read a story on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Poland library and have fun with developmentally appropriate games and activities that you can do with your child to help them get ready for kindergarten. Activities will vary at each program. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is for ages 2-6.

Read to Roxie

Relax and read to Roxie, a registered therapy dog with GO TEAM Therapy Dogs, on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Poland library. 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.

Sign language camp

Attention all students entering first through eighth grades who want to learn a new language or be able to communicate with people who are deaf, this camp, which will take place on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Poland library, is for you. Join them for two evenings of fun, games, activities and crafts while learning sign language and about Deaf culture. A snack and drink will be provided. Registration required by calling 330-744-8636 and asking for the Poland library.

Trim a tree

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

DIY wine cork keychains

Learn to make a useful and attractive keychain with a wine cork, beads and charms at this event at the Poland library on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. Materials will be provided. Space is limited; registration is recommended. This event is for adults and teens.

Appy hour

Learn all about popular apps for smartphones and mobile devices at the Poland library on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. 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 Poland. This event is for adults and teens.

More than a book club

Gather together at the Poland library on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. to discuss the stories and information you are currently reading and researching. Whether you listen to audiobooks, read novels, read the newspaper or research online, share your sources and learn about others. This event is for adults.

Holiday closing

All libraries in the PLYMC system will be closed Labor Day weekend on Sept. 1 and 2.

Friendly Squares to dance at Canfield Fair

The Niles Friendly Squares will be performing square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Aug. 29 from 7-8 p.m. on the stage located in front of the International Building. A new year of weekly square dance lessons will begin Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. The Tuesday evening sessions will run through April 14, 2020. There is a nominal fee of $6 per person per lesson. To sign up for lessons, contact Gene or Frankie Hammond at 330-506-3370.

Mahoning Valley ABWA to host founders day event

The Mahoning Valley Network Council of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) is hosting a founders day event on Sept. 22. This women’s organization was founded 70 years ago to help women be empowered in the workplace. Jane Turzillo, author of “Wicked Women of Northeastern Ohio” will be the day’s speaker. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the meal will be served at 1 p.m. The menu includes roast pork, stuffed chicken breasts, stuffed shells, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad and cherries in the snow for dessert. Tickets are $22 per person. Contact Shirley Pappagallo at 330-270-9779 for tickets as reservations are due by Sept. 15. All women of the area are invited to attend.

Friends of PLYMC yoga class

The Friends of PLYMC yoga class will take place every Wednesday in September at 5 p.m. at the Poland library. Pay as you attend at $10 per session. Class meets every Wednesday. This event is for adults.

Weekly square dance lessons to begin on Sept. 10

The Niles Friendly Squares, a local square dance group dedicated to keeping alive the uniquely American art form of square dancing, will begin a new year of weekly square dance lessons. The introductory session will be Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. Each session builds upon the previous session and will include learning steps along with plenty of review and practice each week to help attendees master the moves. The sessions are designed to cover all the steps in the Basic Square Dance Program. Gene Hammond will be the instructor. The Tuesday evening sessions will run through April 14, 2020. There is a fee of $6 per lesson. The Friendly Squares will also be performing square dance demonstrations at the Canfield Fair on Aug. 29 from 7-8 p.m. on the stage located in front of the International Building.

Hopewell Theatre hopes to raise funds with fun

Hopewell Theatre’s 2019–2020 season kickoff “Fun” Raiser, an evening of food, fun, and prizes, will take place on Aug. 25 from 6-9 p.m. at A La Cart Catering, 429 Lisbon Street in Canfield. Tickets cost $30 and include a full dinner buffet, dessert, cash wine bar, entertainment and silent auction prizes. Local favorites Glenn Stevens and Regina Reynolds will emcee a terrific entertainment lineup - Just Friends Community Chorus will perform favorite hits of the 1950s, Tom Gent and Maureen Gorman Stenglein will sing classic show tunes, and stand-up comedian Jenna Cintavey and improvisational comedy troupe The Dinner Theatre Rejects will bring the laughs. For tickets, visit http://hopewelltheatre.org or call 330-746-5455. Hopewell Theatre, founded in 1992 as the Victorian Players, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to producing quality theatrical performances in the Mahoning Valley. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with performances, events, auditions and other Hopewell news—www.facebook.com/HopewellTheatre.

Friends of PLYMC yoga class

Pay as you attend for this yoga class at the Poland library every Wednesday in August from 5-6 p.m. Class is $10 per session. Dress comfortably.

Mushroom guru - Walt Sturgeon

Mushroom guru and author Walt Sturgeon will present on the myriad colors, forms and habitats of our native macro fungi on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Poland library. Edible and toxic species will be shown. Folklore and examples of bioluminescent species, insectivorous fungi and hallucinogenic mushrooms will also be presented. Sturgeon is a member and trustee of the Ohio Mushroom Society, which has been affiliated with the North American Mycological Association since 1982. This event is for adults.

Bonding with babies and books

This event, which will take place every Wednesday in August at 10 a.m. at the Poland library, 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.

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings

If you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, Gamblers Anonymous may be able to help. Gamblers Anonymous meetings will take place on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman. Another G.A. meeting is offered on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Presbyterian Church, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (Cornersburg). There is no charge for the meetings, although collections are taken up at each meeting to provide for coffee, sugar and creamer, treats and free literature. The average contribution given by members at most meetings is $2. Meetings last about one-and-a-half hours and are both closed meetings, or, you must have suffered from a gambling addiction to attend.

Historical society to host day trip

The Poland Historical Society will host a day trip to Pittsburgh on Sept. 18. The itinerary begins when the bus leaves from the Poland Methodist Church, located at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Pittsburgh at 10 a.m. and includes a visit to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, lunch at the Schenley Park Caf , followed by a tour of the Frick Art and Historical Center and the Clayton Mansion. The bus will leave Pittsburgh at 5 p.m. for the return trip to Poland. The cost of this fundraiser bus trip is $115 and includes the bus, admissions and lunch. Registration for the trip is due by Aug. 12, but early registration is recommended. Registration forms are available through the Poland Historical Society or can be emailed. Make check payable to the Poland Historical Society and mail to P.O. Box 5052, Poland, OH 44514. Include name, address, phone number and email. Questions should be directed to Larry Bartos at 330-757-4223. Requests for registration forms may be emailed to phs@polandtownship.com.

Overeaters Anonymous to have local meetings

Overeaters Anonymous is offering meetings at several local locations and on a variety of days. On Saturdays at 10 a.m., there will be a meeting at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in the Church Hall, Room 2, located at 4453 Warren-Sharon Road in Vienna, Ohio. This location is handicapped accessible. On Sundays at 4:30 p.m., there will be a meeting at Shenango Presbyterian Church, located at 3144 Wilmington Road (Route 18) in New Castle, Pa. This location is handicapped accessible. On Mondays, a meeting will take place at 1 p.m. at the Girard Multigenerational Center, located at 443 Trumbull Avenue in Girard. This location is handicapped accessible. On Wednesdays, a meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at 1451 Churchill Hubbard Road in Youngstown. This location is handicapped accessible. On Thursdays, a meeting will take place at Valley Care - Northside Medical Center in the Medical Education Building, Auditorium A, located at 500 Gypsy Lane in Youngstown. This location is handicapped accessible. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, a meeting will take place at New Life Lutheran Church, located at 1181 Churchill-Hubbard Road in Youngstown. This location is also handicapped accessible. For more information on OA or meetings, go to www.oa.org or call one of the following Help Hotlines: Mahoning or Trumbull Counties - 330-747-2696; Columbiana County - 330-424-7767; Lawrence County - 724-674-3697.