LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio - This may be one of the few times being "late" is actually a good thing. From now through Dec. 30, the Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) will donate money collected for fines to the Hurricane Maria Relief Fund for Puerto Rico, if patrons paying fines choose this donation designation. Area branches in the library system include Avon and North Ridgeville. Please note, the Avon Lake Public Library is not included in the LPLS. The library system is collecting funds in coordination with Lorain El Centro relief efforts.
Payment will be accepted by cash, check, credit or debit card. Some restrictions apply. The library system will donate a dollar for every dollar paid in fines. Donated amounts above the overdue fine will go directly to the relief fund.
"We consider the library to be an integral part of the fabric of the community and are pleased to offer support in this small way," commented Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, LPLS director in a press release.
Diamond-Ortiz also noted the effort is not only to support Americans in need who have suffered devastating losses on the island, but in recognition of the area's large Hispanic population as well.
AVON
Healthcare providers CPR class: The city of Avon will be hosting a CPR class for healthcare providers (nurses, paramedics, etc.) from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Avon Fire Department. Cost is $25 (due at class). To register, call 440-934-1222 or email fdavon@fdavon.com.
Music Tag Day: Show your support for Avon High School's band and orchestra ensemble students as they participate in the annual Tag Day fundraiser. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon students will be going door-to-door throughout Avon neighborhoods requesting monetary donations to support the music programs in the Avon Local Schools for students in grades 5-12. Students will be wearing lanyards and band/orchestra spirit wear to identify themselves.
Tag Day is an annual event held by music programs around the country and it has been taking place in Avon for more than 40 years. If you happen to miss the students, or you did not receive a visit and still would like to donate, send donations via paypal.com. Once logged in, choose 'friends and family payment' then select ABOBtreasurer@gmail.com or mail a check payable to Avon Band and Orchestra Boosters (or ABOB), P.O. Box 169. Avon, OH 44011. Band and orchestra parents will also be at Avon High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. if you would like to drop off a donation.
Dinovember photo contest: Families are invited to send the Lorain Public Library System a picture of what dinosaurs do at your house overnight. The best entry featuring dinosaurs only (no humans in photo) will win a prize. Entries will be accepted from Nov. 1 through Dec. 1. Indicate how you would like your photo credited. Full last names will not be used. Email contest@lpls.info, post your photo to the library's Facebook page, or tweet your picture at the library (@LorainLibrary). All social media entries should include #LPLSDinovember. Submitting a picture constitutes consent for the Lorain Public Library System to use it at any of their locations, on their website and social media sites, and in publicity to promote the library.
Business expo: Connect with other business professionals at the annual Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Expo from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Tom's Country Place, 3442 Stoney Ridge Road. Admission is free and the event is presented by First Federal Lakewood.
AVON LAKE
UNICEF Halloween: Members of the Erieview Kids in the Community at Erieview Elementary School will be participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Oct. 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the community. UNICEF has been collecting money during Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF programs such as vaccinations, food, clean water, etc. for those in need. Children will be carrying UNICEF boxes and asking for donations while trick-or-treating.
Fall for Strings festival: Families are invited to attend a "Spooktacular night" of fun to support the Avon Lake Orchestra Boosters. The event is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in the Avon Lake High School Commons and will include performances from orchestra students in grades 5-12. There will be snacks for purchase, including apple cider, pizza, popcorn, and cookies. Activities include a costume contest (wear your costume), photo booth (sponsored by Ward Orthodontics), face painting and an interactive instrument demonstration sponsored by Rettig Music. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle.
Reverse raffle fundraiser: The annual benefit supporting Camp !magine is at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Drive, Avon. Tickets are $50 and include dinner, cash bar, and a chance to win $1,500. Silent auction items, Chinese raffles, live auction, jewelry and Party on the Patio raffles will also take place during the event. Tables of 10 may be purchased for $450. Purchase tickets online at campimagine.org.
Adapted story time: Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Avon Lake Public Library. The 20-minute story time is followed by an open play time for socialization and designed for children who may not be successful in a typical story time. Content is geared for children ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is required, call 440-933-8128.
Book sale: Friends of Avon Lake Public Library annual Used Book Sale is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Waugaman Gallery at the library. Best sellers, fiction, non-fiction, mystery, large print, science fiction, arts and crafts, cookbooks, business, religion, politics, young adult, and children' s books are available. Friends of the Avon Lake Public Library fund programming for all ages at the library.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Book sale: Open to the public, the North Ridgeville Library is hosting a book sale from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. A large assortment of books, movies and puzzles for all ages is available. The event is sponsored by The Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library.
Flu shots: It's that time of year. The Lorain County Health District will be offering flu shots from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at the North Ridgeville Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road. Medicare and all major health insurance plans will be accepted.
Stache Dash: Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Cleveland Stache Dash 5K/1M. The event, sponsored by the North Ridgeville Parks & Recreation Department, takes place Nov. 4. Post-race refreshments will be provided. To register, go to nridgeville.org.
Crafters needed: The North Ridgeville Office for Older Adults (Senior Center) is looking for local crafters to be a part of the annual Holiday Craft Show Dec. 2 and the citywide, Holiday on the Ridge. A six-foot table is $30. Electricity and wall space is available on a first reserved basis. For more information, call Shelly Sullinger at 440-353-0835.
College information night: Lake Ridge Academy is hosting a free College Information Night for the public from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Lake Ridge Academy Bettcher Convocation Center, 37501 Center Ridge Road. The event is designed for parents of pre-teen and older students and will provide insight on how students' academic and extracurricular choices in middle and high school play a role in future college acceptance, along planning financially for college. Speakers include college admission representatives from Case Western Reserve University and The College of Wooster, financial planning experts from HPM Partners, and Lake Ridge Academy's director of college counseling.
If you have news to share regarding an event, award or other interesting tidbit happening in Avon or Avon Lake, and North Ridgeville send me an email at jshortavon@aol.com. The column's online version is at Cleveland.com/Avon, which offers direct links for many of the news items listed.