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In The Community

Pinwheels to tell public

about abuse of youths

On April 8, the front yard of the Aurora Police Station will be the site of dozens of pinwheels, which represent victims of child abuse or neglect.

Portage County will join 74 other counties in Ohio in April in "planting" colorful pinwheels in front of courthouses, schools, churches, playgrounds, parks and other facilities.

In 2006, there were 1,132 victims of child abuse and neglect in Portage County, according to children's service agencies.

The Children's Advocacy Center at Robinson Memorial Hospital will coordinate six Pinwheels for Prevention plantings around the county to make the public aware of child abuse.

Other sites where pinwheels will be placed are Rausch Intermediate School and Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, Streetsboro Town Center and Kent Lanes and Roosevelt High School in Kent.

Signups are scheduled

for library's storytimes

Parents and caregivers can sign up children for spring storytimes, which begin March 30 at the Aurora Library.

Three storytime programs will be offered on Tuesdays -- tiny tot read and play for infants to 2-year-olds at 10:30 a.m., toddler read and play for 2- and 3-year-olds at 11:30 and fun with picture books for 3- to 5-year-olds at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday programs include toddler storytime for 2 1/2- to 3 1/2-year-olds at 10:10 a.m. and preschoolers for 3 1/2- to 5-year-olds at 11:30 a.m.

Two sign language programs will take place on Mondays. American sign language instructor Debbie Stylinski will teach baby signs for infants to 24 months at 2 p.m., followed by preschool signs for 3- to 5-year-olds at 2:45.

Storytimes are free, but registration is required.

Parents and caregivers can stop at the library of call 330-562-6502 to sign up their children.

Showing a library card

at hand very important

Portage County District Library officials remind patrons they must have a library card whether visiting the library in person, calling a branch or accessing their record online.

Library transactions requiring a card include checking out materials, placing holds, renewals, verifying due dates and paying fines.

"There are several reasons we require the card," said Library Director Cecelia Swanson. 'We're concerned about identify theft, privacy and confidentiality for our customers.

"We're also interested in efficiency and accuracy. There's a financial responsibility involved when items are checked out from the library, and the best way to avoid mistaken charges is to make the process as accurate as possible."

Written permission must be given to allow someone else to check out library materials, pay fines or get other information from a patron's record. Forms granting permission are available at any branch.

The form must be on file for spouses, siblings, grandparents or anyone who might routinely be granted permission to use the card.

Deadline for art nears

Deadline to enter the 2008 Reminderville juried art competition and show is March 28 at 4 p.m.

The show is open to all regional artists from high school students to seniors, beginners to professionals.

The show will run April 5 to May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Entry forms and additional details can be found at www.reminderville.com and forms are available at the Municipal Center. Call 330-562-4040 for more information.

Library goes wireless

Portage County District Library branches are now providing wireless access. For information about library programs, visit www.portagelibrary.org.

Library to host spa day

Moms and their teenage daughters are reminded that the Aurora Library will host a Spa Afternoon at the Library on March 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to make and then try skin treatments from natural ingredients such as oatmeal, honey and cornmeal. Recipes will be provided and light refreshments will be served.

Registration is required by calling the library at 330-562-6502 or stopping by.

Moebius Center plans

rain gardens program

A program called "Rain Gardens" is planned for April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Moebius Nature.

It will feature information about how rain gardens let water slowly filter into the ground rather than fill the storm sewers. The program is recommended age ages 10 and older.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is possible by phoning 330-for programs 562-2592 or by visiting www.moebiusnaturecenter.org.