The Chronicle-Telegram started the outreach effort in 1958.

This year’s aim is to collect 8,000 toys for children in Lorain County.

The deadline for donations is Dec. 14, which allows the Salvation Army to sort and distribute the new toys.    Toys, clothes, food and cash donations may be dropped off 8am to 5pm weekdays start 11/19/18 in the lobby of The Chronicle-Telegram building located at 225 East Ave in Elyria.

A special donation day will be 9am to 2pm on Dec. 8, also in the lobby of The Chronicle

Once again, a Christmas Giving Tree has been set up in the Huron County Courthouse.  The first name of a child residing in Huron County and the child’s age, size and a short wish list are written on each tag.

Individuals can select a tag from the tree and buy a gift for that child.  The wrapped gifts must be delivered to the courthouse by December 10th to the Juvenile Court Services office.  We ask that tag takers limit the number of gifts purchased to 3.

The names appearing on the tags are of children involved in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and the Reach Our Youth (ROY) programs, under Huron County Juvenile Court.  CASA provides trained volunteers to advocate for children ages 6 to 18 in a one-on-one mentoring relationship.   ROY is an agency of the Norwalk and WIllard United Funds.

For further information call 419-663-2525

Items will be donated to Pediatric Office PEDS on Wheels.  167 E. Washington St. Sandusky, OH

For donations drop-off please email StephanieBurkHart61@Yahoo.com

Nov. 23rd thru Dec 23rd   

Noon – 5pm Sunday

8:30a -5:30pm Monday – Saturday    

Fresh-cut trees will be delivered Thanksgiving week to sell. Proceeds to be donated by the Vermilion Chamber to a local charity.

Scotch Pine         Fraser Fir         Fraser Fir Wreaths      Fraser Fir Crosses

All Sizes    from 5 – 9 feet

There will also be a NEW Sock Drive  (ALL sizes needed to assist the Vermilion Salvation Army) and a food drive for the Vermilion Salvation Army.

$1 off each for each non-perishable food item or new pair of socks ( up to $5.00 off)

For more information call 440-967-4477 or email vermilionchamber1@gmail.com

5:00 – 8:00pm on the following dates

Fri, Sat, Sun         December 7, 8, 9

Fri, Sat, Sun         December 14, 15, 16

Fri & Sat Only      December 21, 22

It’s that time again!  Support the United Fund and local restaurants at the same time.   A portion of the days sales will go towards the 2019  Community Campaign.

• December 5th – Peans, 4PM
• December 12th – Sidelines
• December 19th – Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ

Over 10 years ago, a Secret Santa program was started for Willard Middle School students who were not going to have a joyous or merry Christmas.  Through the years, the program has grown and now helps students in grades 6-12.  Last year alone, the program was able to help 76 students have a joyous Christmas by providing them with Christmas presents.  This year the Willard Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) is sponsoring the Secret Santa Program.

As the needs of children grow, the program needs help from people like you to make the Secret Santa Program touch as many lives as possible.   Any help is greatly appreciated!  The need is ever growing.

Monetary gifts can be sent to :   WAMA- Secret Santa Program
c/o  Kevin Garrett
514 Euclid St.
Willard, OH 44890

Make checks payable to: WAMA Secret Santa Program.

Thank you for helping the children of Willard!

Thursdays- Storytime 11:00am

Children ages 0-5 and their caretakers are welcome to come in for story time every week.  There will be stories and activities.

Mondays- Story Time 6-7pm
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and SMART Board activities.

Tuesdays-  Teen Trivia –   3pm – 4pm 
Teens ages 11-18  are welcome at Berlin for a battle of wits! Test your knowledge of book, film, music, and other pop culture related trivia.

Tuesdays-  Twist & Shout 10:30am- 11:00am
Swing by the library and groove at our interactive dance party for little ones and their caretakers.

Fridays-   Story Time 10:30am – 11:30am
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and SMARTboard activities.

January 13 – February 17   The Persistence of Surrealism

February 24 – March 31  You are Standing on a Prehistoric Ocean

April 28 – May 26  Two or Three:  Diptych/Tritych

All programs at Sandusky Cultural Center are free and open to the public.    Please note that the final Sunday of each exhibit, patrons are permitted to claim work they have purchased; consequently, the exhibit is open for viewing but may not be complete.

For more information, to become a member or to give a supporting contribution you can call 419-625-1188.   Business hours are 1- 4pm Sunday through Friday. You can also visit the website at http://www.SanduskyCulturalCenter.org

Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:00pm  “Read To Putter” – Children spend 15 minutes reading a book or story to the library’s friend Putter and build their reading skills at the Herrick Memorial Library.  Putter is a registered therapy dog that absolutely adores listening to a good story. He does not mind if the child makes a reading mistake. Putter visits us on Wednesdays through the month of May.    Stop in or call the library at 440-647-2120 to save your reading spot.

Kicking off the next level of Pier Pressure.   The free workouts for the community each Saturday morning at 8am.  Start out at Schade-Mylander Plaza.

This is open to all ages, but please your furry friends at home.  Workouts will vary each week depending on fitness center and instructor assigned to each morning.  Participants must sign a waiver before joining the program.

For more information call Sandusky Recreation at 419-627-5833

Find the Clues         Solve the Puzzles      Escape the Room…..    IF You Can

Now open Tuesday – Friday 2 – 9pm            Saturday & Sunday  Noon – 9pm

Text the word reservation to 567-224-7464

Minimum group size 4 for $50, then $10 each extra person

Willard Enrichment Center is located at 315. E. Tiffin St. Willard, OH

TEAM SPONSORS NEEDED for the youth basketball program.  Many team sponsors are needed for all age divisions, Kindergarten thru High School.  Sponsorship cost is $125 per team.  If you are interested in sponsoring or have any questions, please contact Stacie at 419-663-6775 extension 1028

SPORTIES FOR SHORTIES SOCCER– Now taking registration!!  Lots of fun will be happening here as children ages 3-5 learn the basics of the sport soccer.  This five-week beginner program will also introduce some rules and coordination through different games and activities.  The program will be held Saturdays starting January 26^th.  Early registration cost is $18 Norwalk students/members and $23 Out of town students.

OPEN GYM-  Special Holiday Open gyms times will start Monday, Dec. 24 – Jan. 2^nd.  Specific days and times are scheduled for the different grade levels over break.  Please check out our website, http://www.NorwalkRec.com, call or stop by the front desk to learn of the available times. 

ELKS NATIONAL FREE THROW HOOP SHOOT CONTEST– Scheduled for Saturday Dec. 8th.   Come prove your talent!  The Norwalk Elks Lodge will again host this popular national basketball event.  Winners in each bracket, separate boys and girls, advance to the district competition.   Children ages 8-13 are welcome.
Registration will be at 1:00pm, and the contest will start at 1:30pm.   This event is FREE

FRIDAY FUN NIGHT – will start on Friday, October 5th from 6-8:00PM. Parents drop the children 4th
-6th  grade off for a night of fun activities and contests just for students and their friends. Activities vary but may include:

Roller Skating, Kickball, Dodgeball, Swimming, Minute-to-Win it, Karaoke & Dance music, and
discussions from our Impact topics (after school program). Cost is $5.00 per student per night or Pre-paid card  $25 for 6 visits.
Registration will start Sept. 17
*ALL STUDENTS MUST BRING IN A GRADE CARD THEIR FIRST TIME FOR PROOF OF AGE
*ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVEAN EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORM COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN
PRIOR TO ATTENDING

ADULT GROUP SWIMMING – ‘A Progression to Endurance’ is a program offering adults the opportunity to participate in swim team simulated practices with an emphasis on increasing endurance. This setting is for  those who have experience in swimming but just need a boost and motivation that a coach and fellow  swimmers can provide. Group class will be held on Tuesdays starting October 30 from 7-8:00 P.M. For more  information visit, http://www.norwalkrec.com

FAMILY FIRST NIGHT- NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY– That’s right, this annual event will be held for the entire family to celebrate in a fun, safe, tobacco and drug free environment at the Ernsthausen Community Center. The Norwalk Parks & Recreation Dept. are bringing you a family friendly event full of games, music, swimming, door prizes, watching the ball drop on big screen, and much more.  The event will be held from 8pm to Midnight.  So gather all your family and friends and join in the night of fun, December 31st.   VOLUNTEERS and DOOR PRIZES still needed.

What is Basket Basics? 
This Board Lead project was designed to help those who “Fall through the cracks” It is a project to fill Baskets/Bags with personal & household items for individuals and families in need who would never ask.  We give baskets out all year including Christmas time

How are Families Identified?
Families are identified and referred to the program by our United Funded Board & Agencies, local businesses, area schools, Fisher Titus home care and others. Baskets are packed specifically for the needs of referred families.  They are then delivered by our Board Members and Volunteers.

Call or Bring in the following items any time of the year:

Bath-Hand Soap        Scrubby/Loofah         Shampoo     Conditioner      Deodorant       Lotion     Powder

Shaving Cream      Razors/blades       Hair Items     Toothpaste     Q-Tips      Baby Items     Laundry Soap

Cleaning Supplies     Paper Towels      Toilet Paper     Tissues     Dish Soap     Dish Towels     Oven Mitts

Sponges       Straws       Sugar-Free Gum       Greeting Cards      Tape      Gloves     Scarves      Socks

*10:15 am. Toddler Time, ages 2 ½ – 3 ½ with caregiver.

*11:00 am. Lapsit Storytime, ages 0-2 ½ with caregiver.

*1:30 pm. Preschool Storytime, ages 3 ½ and older.

*6:30 pm-8:00 pm. YarnWorks – Bring a project to knit or crochet; beginners welcome.

(419) 433-5009

Wrap up in your coziest blanket as you read Christmas in London by Anita Hughes. All are welcome, and books are available at the desk.

6:30-7:30pm  Adult Book Club:  Christmas in London 

Wrap up in your coziest blanket as you read Christmas in London by Anita Hughes. All are welcome, and books are available at the desk.

6:30 – 7:30pm   Holiday Music with Last Call Trio 

Let the sounds of the season move you at an evening of festive music from Last Call Trio. This light jazz trio, featuring Kathleen Sigsworth on bass, Dina Lukasko on flute, and Tiina Ruffing on keyboard, will have you tapping your feet and feeling merry and bright.

The afternoon book group will be holding its first ever cookbook book discussion.  The group is discussing the book ‘The Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays’ by Ree Drummond.  People interested in participating in the discussion can check out a copy of the book at the library.

Contact the library in person or call 440-647-2120 for more information about this special book discussion.

*4:30 pm. Craft Corner. Grades 3-7.

*6:00 pm. Christmas Memories: The History of Popular Christmas Toys- Adult lecture.

(419) 433-5009

5:00PM-6:30PM   All Aboard the Polar Express 

Wear your comfiest pajamas for a showing of the Polar Express. Popcorn and hot chocolate served, plus make a candy train craft! All ages.

6:00PM-7:00PM  DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters 

Need an ugly, festive sweater for this year’s holiday parties? Look no further! Bring your own plain sweater, and we will provide the materials to customize your own unique (and fabulously ugly) design.  Ages 13-18.

Stop in at Concord Care Center located at 620 W. Strub Rd.  Sandusky, OH for a chance to WIN their UGLY Sweater Contest.

For more information call: 419-626-5373

Supper will include Mashed Potatoes, salad, vegetable, dessert and beverage

Served at the Masonic Center 319 E. Main St Norwalk, OH

Cost:  $12

*10:00 am. Firelands Shutterbugs Photography Club for novice to expert, learn & share.

(419)433-5009

‘Tis the season to celebrate with good tidings, cheer, and music. Join us as we present the Moorhens for their annual performance at the library. The festive music of the holiday season will fill the library and your heart with joy. All are welcome to stop by – sing along or tap you feet to the sounds of the season!

Learn and try your hand at several beautiful gift wrapping methods that will leave presents looking like works of art. Materials provided.

Join us for sweet treats and make an ornament craft to hang on your tree.  Ages 5-12.

*4:30 or 6:30 pm. Children’s Craft: Gifts in a Jiffy. Grades K-6.

*6:00 pm. Christmas Card Workshop. Registration and supply fee required.

(419) 433-5009

Join us for our annual Taste Buds Christmas feast! Bring a family favorite holiday dish to share with your fellow teen foodies. Ages 13-18.

3 -3:45PM   STEM Spectacular 

Join us for fun activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math. We will be making snow flake crystals and will have stem cart available.

6 -7:30PM  Tabletop Takeover! Board Game Night 

Board games have changed a lot since the days of Monopoly! Drop by the library to check out some new classics like Catan, Takenoko, or Elder Sign.

*10:00 am–1:00 pm. Susan G. Komen Breast Health Information.

*10:30 am- 12:00 pm. Storytime Playdate.

* 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. Euchre Night.

*6:30 pm-8:00 pm. YarnWorks – Bring a project to knit or crochet; beginners welcome.

*7:00 pm. Socrates Café, exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences, knowing that we learn when we question. Monthly topic online.

(419) 433-5009

*7:00 pm. The Book Exchange: Popular and Eclectic-The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey. (off-site).

(419) 433-5009

Christmas dinner at the American Legion 3615 Hayes Ave. Sandusky.

After dinner join the carpool to see local Christmas lights.

Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for students/senior citizens, and free for kids 5th grade and under.

Contact Kayliann Schwinn for tickets at craftyteacher246@gmail.com – tickets are going quickly, reserve yours today!

Join the show choir for an exciting night of Christmas joy through dancing and singing!

There are 22 members in show choir

Performance will go on at the Edison High School Auditorium.

Breakfast will include pancake, sausage and beverage

Cost $6   Carry Outs Available

Being served at 319 E. Main St. Norwalk, OH

*6:30 pm-8:00 pm. YarnWorks – Bring a project to knit or crochet; beginners welcome. (419) 433-5009

*1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. American Red Cross Blood Drive – (419)626-1641 for details.

(419) 433-5009

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood.™ The American Red Cross will be holding a BLOOD DRIVE at the Milan Public Library. Please stop by to donate blood anytime between 12:00PM – 5:00PM. For more information about donating blood, call 1-800-589-2286 FREE.

Supper includes Spaghetti, Salad, Dessert and Beverage

Cost is $10   Carry-Outs Available

Being served at 319 E. Main St. Norwalk, OH

Carpool will meet at 4pm at Sandusky YMCA and travel to Findlay.

Tickets $3 for Adults and $2 for Kids

Dinner at an area restaurant.

For details call Karson at 419-433-0085

The party will be at Karson’s home in Huron.   Bring a covered dish, dessert, pop and/or munchies to share.

For more details call Karson at 419-433-0085

Swimming      BINGO     Concession     Karaoke       Inflatables         Crafts

Nerf Gun Wars          Music & DJ       Door Prizes and More

Admission is $5 per person  (Ages 3 and Under- FREE)

For more information visit http://www.norwalkrec.com or call 419-663-6775

The topic will be Abundance in the New Year

The guest speakers will be Donna Bretz of Midnight Moon and Nora Knople of Haven Hypnosis and Wellness.  They will discuss how hypnosis can help you with abundance and how to make your New Year’s resolution last.

This event is FREE to the public.

Dinner will be served from 6 – 8pm        Dance from 8pm – 11:30pm

Dinner will be served at The Lodge of New Russia Twp 46300 Butternut Rd., Oberlin, OH

Admission:   $25 per person beer is provided

MUST BE 21 or OVER           NO KIDS ALLOWED

For tickets contact any Florence Twp Firefighter or call:
Sean at 440-396-6328   OR  Jessica at 440-897-1198