* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

All you can eat PANCAKE BREAKFAST by Savannah Lions Club at Savannah Town Hall Saturday, February 4, 2012 From 6:30 am to 11:00 am Door Prizes by Hawkins Market Price Per Donation Proceeds to: Savannah Volunteer Fire Co.For more information call:  Kevin Reidy, Treasurer 419.289.9374 H 419.368.8506 W

American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- Sacred Heart Church and School- Shelby 5754 St Rt 61 South 9am-3pm.

Ashland County Red Cross- 2/4/2012 Perrysville Fire Department 181 E Third St Perrysville 10am-2pm. "Visit www.redcrossblood.org anytime to find a blood drive near you!"

Spirit Ohio Sports Academy is having a Garage Sale Fundraiser at 1346 E Fourth St. (next to Michelle’s) Clothing, furniture, household items, toys and so much more! All proceeds go toward sending the Spirit Ohio Allstars cheer teams to US Nationals in Indy. 9am-6pm.

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University will be hosting a Saturday Visit event for prospective students on Feb. 4.
This casual visit day is designed as a good "first look" at Ashland University for those who have never visited the university before or for those who would like a second look. Check-in for the day will begin at 9:30 a.m., with an admission presentation in the Dwight Schar College of Education to follow at 10 a.m. A student led tour of the campus will follow the presentation, and the event will conclude in the afternoon with lunch in Ashland University’s award-winning dining hall. Those interested in attending the Saturday Visit event can sign up at: http://event.ashland.edu. For more information regarding the event, contact Megan Sherar, assistant director of admissions, at 419-289-5973 or msherar@ashland.edu.

The annual Hillsdale Education Association’s Chili supper is scheduled for Friday, February 3, 2012 at Hillsdale High School from 4:30 to 7:00 pm.  Adults are $5.00 and children under 12 are $3.00. The price includes a sandwich, bowl of soup, choice of salad, beverage, and dessert choice.  The Falcon    s will be playing  Smithville. (In the case of bad weather, the chili supper will be Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the same time with Hillsdale playing Rittman) The HEA chili supper is an annual fund raiser which provides 2 scholarships  which will be given to qualified seniors entering a service or the field of education.

Nature Safari Saturday, February 4, 1PM  Lowe-Volk  Park The Crawford Park District welcomes guest presenter, Jim Lyle, of Lima, who will present a photographic wildlife journey on Saturday, February 4th at 1PM.  The program will be held at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center, Crestline.  Mr. Lyle has traveled world-wide and enjoys backpacking with his camera by his side.  He has recently photographed grizzly bears, polar bears, tigers, crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and bald eagles.  One of Jim’s passions is photographing the Black Leopard.  He has traveled to Africa more than 15 times which is an indication of the love and respect that he has for this animal and its habitat.   Some of his local subjects include butterflies, rutting deer and saw-whet owls.  Jim Lyle as the talent and  ability to capture the earth’s fauna in digital perfection.  For more information on this program or other upcoming events by the Crawford Park District, please contact our office at 419-683-9000, or visit our website at www.crawfordparkdistrict.org

Gorman Nature Center “Scatology! Who did that?” a walk to search for scats and other signs “remaining” from animals. 1pm.

The Malabar Farm Volunteer Meeting is Cancelled for Saturday 1-21-12.  It is rescheduled for February 4, 2012 at 10:00AM in the Visitor Center Conference Room.  Call for more information: 419-892-2784

Six-Man Grudge Match Highlights Next ASWA Show MANSFIELD — A special six-man challenge match is the main event for the next American States Wrestling Alliance show, Saturday Night Slam, on Feb. 4. Current ASWA champion “The Living Nightmare” Jimmie Lee teams up with former rivals Thunder Morgan and “Bad Boy” Barry Hardy to take on Ed Deadly’s stable of Vladik Vornoff, Kid Collins and “Rockin’ Roller” Izzy Lambert in a grudge match. “Beautiful” Benjamin Bartholomew defends his Universal Title against Kenny “The Hurricane” Hendrix, while Bo Dacious tangles with GQ Status. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for the show at the Eastbrook Center, 720 Fifth Ave. Pre-sale tickets are available at Show Place Rent To Own on Ashland Road, Domino’s Pizza on North Trimble Road and Bud’s Pitt Stop on West Fourth Street. Other matches include JJ Deville against Random Pain and Johnny Paradise taking on Assassin #2. Also a special ladies match will pit Sassy Stephie against “Hardcore” Heather Owens. For more information call 419-775-5617 or visit the ASWA Web site at www.aswaprowrestling.com. The card is subject to change.

THE RIVALRY SHOWCASES THE LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATES MANSFIELD, OHIO.  The Renaissance Performing Arts Association and Children’s Theatre Foundation present The Rivalry on Saturday, February 4 at 7pm in the Renaissance Theatre, the third event in the Richland Bank Family Series.  The Rivalry, Norman Corwin’s riveting depiction of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, uses dialogue from the original debate transcripts to bring to life the fierce competition between the future President and the incumbent Senator as they tackled the day’s most controversial issues – slavery and the American concept of freedom. 

* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- Lowe’s 940 N. Lexinton-Springmill 8am-2pm. And Clear Fork Alliance Church- Bellville 1008 St Rt 97  12pm-4pm.

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Department of Music at Ashland University presents a faculty recital with flutist Jane Berkner and pianist Kim Bakkum on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Norwalk First United Methodist Church is sponsoring a public auction on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 12:30PM. All auction items may be viewed and a lunch will be available at 11:30AM. Mr. Gail Pickworth, a well-known local auctioneer, will officiate. All proceeds will go to preserving our historically significant building. Location: 60 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio Questions:   419-668-1938

* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

Free Meal First United Methodist Prayer & Praise Network 6pm-8pm

Autism Support Meeting- 6:30pm-8:30pm at Early Childhood Centr, 255 Hedges, Mansfield, Speakers: Rich Eichinger and Adriene Randall, Topic: Project Lifesaver: Tracking Technology for children/adults who wander due to their disability. Project Search: Helps students with disabilities in gaining job & employment skills. For more information contact: Debbie 419-589-8762.

 American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- Chapter House 39 N. Park St  9am-3pm. & YMCA- Mansfield 750 Scholl Rd 1pm-7pm. &  St. Peter’s High School 104 West First St 8am-2pm. & Lexington Community 67 East Main St 9am-2pm.

Big Bands and All That Jazz- The Ashland University Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock at 7:30pm in the Ashland High School Little Theater. Free and Open to the public. Donations accepted at the door.

* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

Free Meal Main St United Methodist 6pm-8pm.

American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- St Paul Lutheran Church-Bellville 48 Church St 12pm-6pm.

Computer Class Tuesday, February 7,2 - 3:30 p.m. Get started with Facebook. Register for a computer class on how to use this popular social networking site by calling the Ashland Public Library at 419-289-8188, ext. 15.

ASHLAND, Ohio -- Ashland University’s 2011-2012 College of Arts and Sciences Symposium "Against Global Indifference: Awakening to Action" will continue on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium with a presentation on the efforts to fight sex trading titled “Remember Nhu.” The event, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Programming Committee. “Remember Nhu” exists to prevent the exploitation of children in the sex trade industry throughout the world by meeting children's physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs. UNICEF estimates that one million children enter the sex trade every year and that 30 million children have suffered from the sex trade over the past 30 years. “Remember Nhu” began as the attempt of one individual, Carl Ralston from Akron, to change these numbers. Today this Christian nonprofit organization that has established safe houses for children involved in the sex trade in Thailand, Cambodia, with plans to expand into India, the Philippines and South Africa. Ralston’s goal is to rescue the girls before they are sold into prostitution. After hearing about Nhu’s story of being sold to a brothel at age 12, Ralston and his wife took many trips to Cambodia to try to find her. Nhu now serves with the organization that shares her name, working to prevent other children from being trafficked. 
Founder Ralston’s presentation will also include presentations by his videographer and still photographer, who will show two seven-minute films and will share in the question-and-answer session. Those wanting to read more about the organization can check the website at http://remembernhu.org
The College of Arts and Sciences at Ashland University began the Symposium Against Indifference in 2003 as a series of events and lectures dedicated to overcoming apathy in the face of human concerns by raising awareness.  The symposium seeks to challenge people to see how individuals can make a difference.
Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2012, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.

* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

Free Meal First English Lutheran 12:30pm- 1pm

Free Meal Mt Calvary Baptist  4pm-5pm

American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- Chapter House 39 N Park St 12pm-6pm

Gorman Nature Center 9am & 10am Mom and Kids

Recipe Exchange Thursday, February 8,  6 - 8 p.m. We're cooking at the library! Mix up your favorite dish and come to the library to share tasty treats and recipes. This month's theme is "Superbowl Party." Call the Ashland Public Library at 419-289-8188, ext. 15 for more information.

History of African Americans in American History-  12pm   noon in Riedl Hall Auditorium Thom Collier, former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, presents a brief examination on the political elements affecting African Americans from slavery to citizenship. Event is sponsored by OSU-M/NC State College Republicans Organization.

* For daily Open Food Pantries please see Ongoing Activities.

Free Meal VOA Gazebo on the Square 5pm until gone

Free Meal 1^st United Methodist Church Shelby 6pm-7pm

American Red Cross Richland County Chapter 35356- SCMA Martial Arts & Fitnedd- Lexington 314 E Main St 1pm-7pm.

Classic Movie Night Thursday, February 9, 6 - 8 p.m. Enjoy classic Hollywood films. In this 1945 film starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young, a homely maid and a scarred GI meet at the cottage where she works and eventually agree to marry, more out of loneliness than love, at first.  Call the Ashland Public Library at 419-289-8188, ext. 15 for more information.

SWEDISH BAND “ARRIVAL” CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF ABBA MANSFIELD, OHIO.  The Renaissance Performing Arts Association presents ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, on Thursday, February 9th at 7:30pm at the Renaissance Theatre, the fourth event in the CenturyLink Concert Connection.  Tickets, $35 (pit seats), $24.50 and $18.50, may be purchased at the Renaissance Box Office, by calling 419-522-2726 and online all the time mansfieldtickets.com.   All regular ticketing fees apply.  The Renaissance $10 ticket offer applies to this show.  $10 tickets (seats in the back two rows of the balcony) may be purchased beginning two hours before the performance, in person at the Renaissance Box Office and cash is preferred. Hailed by critics and audiences alike as “the best ABBA show in the world” and “the closest you will ever get to seeing ABBA live!”, the Renaissance Theatre presents ARRIVAL: A Tribute to ABBA.  If you love such hits as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance, SOS, The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, Money Money, Money, Waterloo, Fernando, I Do I Do I Do, Thank You For The Music and Knowing Me Knowing You, you won’t want to miss this show stopping musical spectacular.  Direct from Gothenburg, Sweden and founded by Vicky Zetterberg in 1995, ARRIVAL has become the world’s most popular and best selling ABBA tribute band.  They have performed in more than 40 countries and have appeared on television and radio shows all over the world.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN: WINTER STORY TIMES AT AREA LIBRARIES

Winter Story Times begin at all locations of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library the week of January 9 through Friday, February 17. All Story Times are free, and registration is required at all locations.The Library provides Story Times to help children develop a love of reading. Parents or caregivers are required to participate with infants and toddlers. Preschool and Kindergarten story times are for 4- and 5-year-olds who are ready to participate in a group activity without a parent but parents must remain in the library building.

Following is a complete schedule for all Winter Story Times:

Bellville

   Family                       Wednesday                  10 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Butler                           

   Family                       Wednesday                   11 a.m.            

Crestview                                 

   Family                       Thursday                       11 a.m.

Lexington                                

   Family                       Tuesday                       10:30   a.m.                             

               Preschool      & K     Tuesday                       1 p.m.  (4 & 5 year-olds)                                Lucas               

   Family                                   Tuesday                       11 a.m. & 4 p.m.                                 

Madison                      

   Family                                   Tuesday                       10:30   a.m.

Ontario            

   Toddler                                 Tuesday                       11 a.m. (18 mo. - 3 years)

   Preschool & K                      Tuesday                       1 p.m.

               Baby                         Wednesday                  10:30 a.m.  (Babies, 6-18 mo.)

Plymouth                     

               Family                                   Tuesday                       11 a.m.            

Main Library

   Baby (Lap Sit)                       Wednesday                  10 a.m. (Babies, 6–12 mo.)

               Baby (Walkers)                     Thursday                      10 a.m. (Babies, 12–24 mo.)    

   Toddler                                 Tuesday                       10 & 11 a.m.    (2 & 3 year-olds)

               Toddler                                 Wednesday                  11 a.m. (2 & 3 year-olds)

   Preschool & K                      Thursday                      1 p.m.  (4 & 5 year-olds)

For more information, contact: Diane Tobias Children’s Services Coordinator

SENIOR SCREENINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2012        

Special health screenings for senior citizens to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels (three hour fast required for blood sugar), will be provided by Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department nurses at the following dates, locations and times:

Wednesday, February 1        Butler Adult Senior Center
        20 W. Henry St., Butler        8:30 – 10 a.m.

Thursday, February 2        St. Paul Lutheran Church        
        48 Church Street, Bellville        4:30 – 6 p.m.

Monday, February 6        Friendly House
        380 N. Mulberry St., Mansfield        10 a.m. – Noon

Wednesday, February 8        YWC Senior Center
        167 E. Second Street, Mansfield        11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, February 13        Masonic Temple
        1250 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield        9:30 – 11 a.m.

Wednesday, February 15        Ontario United Methodist Church
        3540 Park Avenue West, Ontario        11 a.m. - Noon

Thursday, February 16        Peoples Community Senior Center
        597 Park Ave. East, Mansfield        1 – 2:30 p.m.

 

For additional information call Public Health Nursing at 419-774-4540.
**Clinics are partly funded by local tax dollars and a federal grant administered through the Ohio Department of Aging/District 5 Area Agency on Aging.  Donations are accepted. 
Contact: Nikki Franklin, Clerical Specialist, 419-774-4739 or 419-774-4700

NEIGHBORHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS FOR FEBRUARY 2012

Infants, children and adults can get the shots they need at our Neighborhood Immunization Clinics staffed by public health nurses from the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. Children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian and need an up-to-date shot record. Medicaid and Managed Care cards are accepted. No child is denied vaccines due to inability to pay (donations are accepted). Cost of most children’s vaccines are $10. Pricing for adult vaccine varies.

 Wednesday, February 1        Lucas Village Offices
        101 E. First Street, Lucas        9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

        Mifflin Township Fire Department
                                         2326 Park Avenue East, Mansfield        1:30 – 3 p.m.


Wednesday, February 15        Shiloh Village Hall
        13 W. Main Street, Shiloh                9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

        Plymouth Library Meeting Room
        29 W. Broadway, Plymouth        1:30 – 3 p.m.


Monday, February 27        Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department
        555 Lexington Ave., Mansfield         4 – 7 p.m.
For updated immunization scheduling information call our hotline at 419-774-8115.

 Contact: Denise Close, RN, 419-774-4540

COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2012

Free health assessments for all ages at locations close to home. Health assessments include blood pressure and hemoglobin screening, child development screening, medication counseling and nutrition education, and lead screening for children up to 6 years old. Blood sugar screening requires a three hour fast and cholesterol screening is available with a 12-hour fast ($10 charge).
 
Wednesday, February 1        Lucas Village Offices
         101 E. First Street, Lucas        9:30 – 11:30 a.m.


Thursday, February 2        Inside Walgreens Drug Store
        Grace St. & Ashland Rd., Mansfield        9:30 – 11:30 a.m.


Monday, February 6        Lexington Depot (Senior/Civic Center)
        67 E. Main St., Lexington        9 – 10 a.m.


Wednesday, February 15        Shiloh Village Hall
        13 W. Main Street, Shiloh                9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  

For more information, or to schedule vision and hearing screenings at a Community Health Screening location, call 419-774-4540.  Reed Richmond, Health Educator
Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department 419-774-4726

Pamer Chiropractic East is teaming up with Brass Hanger Cleaners to Keep Kids Warm this Holiday Season. We are wanting to do the same thing done in Boise, ID which you can see more at http://www.kizn.com/Article.asp?id=546529. Keep Kids Warm started in December of 1996 with a single phone call from a young girl that was trying to win money from KIZN so she could order some heating oil for her family. The morning show at the time (Mark Rivers and Rich Summers), had been giving away cash with a "Song Of The Day" contest the previous few weeks. The contest had come to an end but Kissin' listeners were still calling Mark & Rich, asking about the "song of day." When they explained on the air that the contest was over the studio phone rang, and there was Christian, a young girl who asked Mark & Rich this question, "If I can't win the money, can I win some heating oil for my family...our house is cold, and we just want to be warm for Christmas..." Mark and Rich were floored, and, as you might guess, so were the Kissin' listeners. That call generated an outpouring of calls and donations, and before that morning was over, an account had been set-up, and Keep Kids Warm was born. That year around $17,000 was raised, and the money not only helped Christian's family, but several others around the Treasure Valley as well. Last year, Keep Kids Warm raised over $50,000. To date, Keep Kids Warm has raised nearly $650,000 and helped over 1000 Treasure Valley families make it through some tough times and cold winter months. Today, the Kissin' staff carries on the tradition, and with your donations and contributions, will help more families around the Treasure Valley. For the Richland County area, you can drop of new or gently used coats, gloves, and blankets to Pamer Chiropractic East, 265 N. McElroy Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905 or any of the Brass Hanger locations (Ashland Rd., Lexington Ave., or Stumbo Rd.)Pamer Chiropractic East is also accepting cash donations to pay the gas/heating bills (directly) of needy families. We will be dispersing all donations through area churches and shelters.

Wii WINTER BOWLING LEAGUE AT ONTARIO BRANCH

Adults are invited to join in a Winter Wii Bowling League, to improve their physical and mental agility without lifting a bowling ball, at the Ontario Branch of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library on Mondays, January 23 at 10 a.m.  No experience is needed to join in the fun, but registration is required. League play will continue throughout the winter on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. To sign up for the Winter Bowling League call Ontario Branch at 419.529.4912. For more information about Library programs, visit our website at www.mrcpl.org.For more information, contact:Ruth Wolf Ontario Branch Manager 419-529-4912

Welcome to the Willard Booster Clubs 2012 Car Raffle The Willard Booster Clubs is a collaboration of the Academic Boosters, Athletic Boosters and Music Boosters.  Together, we seek to encourage and support the academic, athletic and musical successes of all students in the Willard City Schools.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Sharpnack Chevy, the Willard Booster Clubs have a very unique opportunity.  Sharpnack Chevy has donated a brand new 2012 Chevy Cruze to be raffled off to benefit the booster clubs.  The Students of Willard City Schools appreciate your support of their programs through the purchase of a raffle ticket. Ticket prices: 1 ticket for $20.00, 3 tickets for $50.00, or 7 tickets for $100.00 please see website for all the info.  http://www.willardboosterclubs.com/

Free Your Refund With FREE OBB Tax Services Ashland – The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) in partnership with The Ashland Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center will have tax counselors available by appointment beginning January 23rd to assist in filing federal and state taxes.  This service is free to those whose household gross income (AGI) is not higher than $60,000. The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) is a web-based computer program to connect low and moderate-income Ohioans with access to work supports such as tax credits and public benefits.  The OBB is offered through a public-private partnership between the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and over 1000 faith-based, non-profit, governmental and private-sector partners.  Ohioans can also check potential eligibility for other work support benefits such as health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies, and food assistance. Schedule an appointment today to see what assistance your family qualifies for – you might just be surprised! Please call the Kroc Center at 419-281-8001 to schedule your tax appointment.  Counselors will return calls and set up appointments to fit your schedule.   In addition, there will be several tax counselors available during three Saturday Tax Clinics held at the Kroc Center on February 4, February 18 and March 3.  Saturday clinics will be open from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.  To better prepare for your appointment, the list of items you need to bring with you can be found on the Kroc Center’s website at http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_ashlandkroc.nsf.   Click on the ‘Social Services’ tab, followed by the Benefit Bank tab and the information needed for federal and state taxes are listed.  If you have any questions, please call 419-281-8001.

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month we offer Children's Story Time at 4:00pm.  A children's book relating to environmental awareness, social acceptance, coexistence, love for nature or other related topic will be read aloud every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month.  Story time takes an average of 25 to 40 minutes.  Best for children ages 3 & up.  Parents must accompany their  Web:http://www.GivingEarth.com

CACY (Community Action for Capable Youth) Parent To Parent Workshop 2012 schedule… Parent to Parent:  A Drug & Alcohol Prevention Workshop       A dynamic, video-based program   Empowers parents & caregivers to guide their children through the difficult adolescent years  Offers strategies to help their children resist social pressures to engage in unhealthy behaviors. PARENT TO PARENT Workshop Titles: The Toxic Culture   Put Yourself in the Way  Awareness is Your Best  Friend   Remember the Difference   Expect and Inspect   Never Cry Alone    Traps to Avoid

PARENT TO PARENT WORKSHOP DATES:

2 SESSIONS: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM OR 6:OO PM – 8:00 PM AT CACY

Cost:  $25.00 (2 sessions included)

February 15, 2012     - Session 1

April 18, 2012          - Session 2

June 20, 2012            - Session  1

August 15, 2012        - Session 2

All Classes are facilitated by CACY prevention educators.  Classes are held in the Richland County Longview Center.  Report to the CACY office  * 1495 W. Longview Ave. * Suite 104 *Mansfield, Oh.  Enter the Longview Center at door # 4 behind building.  Please notify us one week prior to the session date so we can plan on supplies and personnel.    QuestQuestions, call the CACY office at 419-774-5683 M-F from 8am-4pm.