Community calendar for June 24

Elyria High class reunion The Elyria High School Class of 1968 will have its 55th class reunion on Aug. 18-19. On Friday, there will be a golf outing, an Elyria High School football game and pre- and postgame social. On Saturday, there will be a pickleball game and reunion dinner and social at the Elyria Eagles Club. The registration deadline is July 12. Request registration information from Phil Stammitti at elyriahardware@yahoo.com or (440) 731-4268 or from John Carney at johncymca@aol.com or (440) 934-8660. Summer surprise bags reading program Registration is now open for the summer surprise bags reading program for all ages at the Ritter Public Library. Each patron will receive a bag of their own upon registration that is filled according to a monthly theme with books, prizes and surprises appropriate to their age group. Participants return the books after three weeks, but the extras are theirs to keep. The theme of the month for July is justice. Adults will enjoy mystery- and crime-themed bags and children will enjoy superhero-themed bags. Quantities are limited. To register, visit ritter.lib.oh.us. The library is at 5680 Liberty Ave., Vermilion. Registration for driftwood art event due June 30 Aspiring driftwood artists for the All Washed Up competition must submit their registration forms by June 30 to Main Street Vermilion to enter the July 8 event. Full details and submission forms are listed on the agency's website, mainstreetvermilion.org, but the unique competition requires that artwork must be made of driftwood or other items washed up on the shores of Lake Erie. Prizes include bragging rights. Today • This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Oberlin Chalk Walk. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., local and regional artists will create imaginative chalk drawings throughout downtown Oberlin. Volunteers will be on hand to provide free materials and visitors of all ages can add their own artwork to the sidewalk gallery. Oberlin Chalk Walk is a collaborative event organized by Allen Memorial Art Museum, Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA), Oberlin Business Partnership (OBP), Oberlin Heritage Center and Oberlin Public Library. Master artists for this year's event are Wendy Mahon, Héctor Castęllanos, and Dan Cherney. Local artists include Keith Joe Dick, Joseph Toothman, Karly West and Beth Wolosz. Artists contributing to the wall outside the Oberlin Public Library are Alex Borroni, Jan Dregalla, Terry Flores, Dana Juliano, and Cara Romano. The theme for the wall is "Save the Coral Reef." Additional sponsors for Chalk Walk include Ginko Gallery & Studios, Oberlin Cable Co-op, Oberlin Subway, Kendal at Oberlin, Kohl's Associates in Action, Oberlin College, the city of Oberlin and Friends of the Oberlin Public Library. To learn more about the artists, and to see pictures from previous years' events, visit facebook.com/oberlinchalkwalk. • At 10 a.m. the Avon Lake Public Library will host Yoga Buddies. Join kids' yoga instructor Kate Matos for some movement and poses to help you bend, stretch, bond and breathe with your little one. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a water bottle. Thisprogram is for ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Register at alpl.org/programs. • The annual North Coast Amateur Radio Club Field Day is June 24-25 at Fred's Tree Farm, 5631 Mack Drive, Valley City. The 24-hour event runs from 2 p.m. today to 2 p.m. Sunday. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio. The NCARC Field Day is a competitive event where amateur radio operators set up radio equipment in the field, to compete with other radio operators across the nation, scoring points for contact; an event to test the readiness and stamina of amateur radio emergency communications; and a chance to meet new friends and test the limits of your favorite hobby. One does not have to be a licensed operator to participate. Amateur radio operators will be there to demonstrate equipment and show how it is used. They will try to answer all questions. Anyone may become a licensed amateur radio operator. There are more than 750,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as North Coast Amateur Radio Club, it's easy for anybody to get involved in their local community. There is no age limit with amateur radio, so entire families are welcome. No charge for admission. The field day site will be in continuous operation so individuals may drop by at any time. Weather will not affect field day. For more information, call Fred Heyse at (440) 532-9904 or fredheyse@gmail.com. • The Amherst Public Library is introducing a program designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime program. It will be at 10:15 a.m. Children with varying learning styles and abilities are invited to come together in a supported environment to participate in stories, songs and activities where respect for differences is practiced and encouraged. The program will last 15-20 minutes, followed by social time. Content is designed for ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome. Parents and siblings are also welcome and encouraged to attend! Registration is required for each monthly session. Please register each child separately. Visit the online calendar at amherstpubliclibrary.org or call the library at (440) 988-4230 to register. Monday • The Avon Lake Public Library Teen Writing Group will be 1 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn how to write along with peers in a super-casual and no-pressure environment over the summer. There'll be chances to share your work, or work from writing prompts, or even miscellaneous writing brainstorming. The sessions will be on the second and fourth Monday at 1 p.m. from June to August at the Avon Lake Public Library. No registration required. • Play catch with a Lake Erie Crushers player at 11 a.m. in the field across from the Main Library. Preregistration required. • The South Lorain branch library will host Games and Grub at noon Mondays June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; and Aug. 7. Join for an hour of board games and a free lunch for 18 and younger. • The North Ridgeville branch library will host Senior Reading Buddies Volunteering from 1-2 p.m. Mondays including today, July 10, 17 and 24. Seeking volunteers age 50 and older to participate in a 60-minute program combining shared reading, a craft and bingo. Each senior will be paired with one or two school-age students to assist them in practicing their reading skills. In partnership with the Senior Center and Parks and Recreation Department. Preregistration required. • The Vermilion Sit and Stitch Quilt Guild will meet at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Trinity Lutheran Church on Liberty Avenue. Member Mary Wheatley will walk through the making of a three-color patchwork purse, complete with pockets and zipper. There will also be a representative from Resource Mothers at this meeting to familiarize members with the kinds of sewing projects that can help that group. Bring show-and-tell items and the completed monthly mystery quilt blocks. For information on the quilt guild and its programs, contact Sandy Neiding at (440) 967-4190. • Books, Beats and Bubbles will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the South Lorain branch library. Get your bodies moving with a high-energy music and bubble experience for toddlers and preschoolers. Best for ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required. Tuesday • Drop-In for Around the World in Recipes from 2-4 p.m. at the North Ridgeville branch library. Learn about the different foods that are made and eaten around the world and in our own neighborhoods. Recipe cards will be provided to make an international dinner. Preregistration required. • Maker-In-Residence Workshop will be from 3-5 p.m. at the Little Library on the Lake. Experiment with color that reflects light and dark in pattern and design in a lantern centered on the 2023 FireFish Festival theme, "Fire In the Sky: Transcending Dark and Light." Led by Maker-in-Residence, FireFish artist and studio art professor Ryan Craycraft. Bring your project to display in the FireFish festival parade on Sept. 16. Preregistration required. • Cosplay Show and Tell Tuesdays will be from 6-7 p.m. today, July 25 and Aug. 29 at the Lorain Main Library. Bring in your latest cosplay, past creations or items that you are working on. Various techniques will also be demonstrated for constructing props and costumes. Dressing up is highly encouraged. Preregistration required. • The North Ridgeville library branch will host Adapted Story Time from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Children with varying learning styles and abilities enjoy a program with stories, songs, games and a social time. While content is geared for ages 3-7, all ages are welcome. Parents and siblings are welcome to attend. Preregistration required. • There will be focused tech classes for adults from 6:30-7:30 p.m. starting at the Domonkas library branch. Dive deeper into everyday technology and resources. On the schedule: June 27, Gmail; July 17, Copy, Print and Delete; Aug. 24, Save Our Stuff (photos, music, etc.) Preregistration required. • The Avon Lake Public Library will host an evening family story time at 7 p.m. Join the ALPL Children's staff for stories, songs, movement activities, and crafts. This program is for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, with a participating adult. No registration is required, but numbered tickets are available, beginning 15 minutes before each scheduled time. Tickets are picked up on a first-come, first-served basis each week. For more information, visit alpl.org/programs. • The Avon Lake Public Library will host Smartphone Maps Tech Program at 7 p.m. Learn about Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze. At some point everyone is going to use their smartphone to navigate around town. Get ahead before getting lost by learning how to use the top map apps on your smartphone device. Will also be highlighting Apple and Google car play. Register at alpl.org/programs. • Lorain County Public Health offers free, confidential HIV testing and connections to resources such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms and other sexual health services such as vaccines and testing for sexually transmitted infections. People who receive a positive HIV test result can quickly start HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) to stay healthy. LCPH is offering free, confidential HIV testing at the following events that are free and open to all: ● Saturday, June 24, noon to 4 p.m., Lorain County Pride at Tappan Square, 67 N. Main St., Oberlin ● Tuesday, June 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., National HIV Testing Day at Lorain County Public Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria Other ways to test for and prevent HIV: ● Schedule your free HIV test online at LorainCountyHealth.com/hiv or call 440-322-6367. ● Order an at-home test by mail at together.takemehome.org. ● Order condoms by mail at ohiv.org/free-condoms. • The Lorain Millennials+ will be cleaning up the Hot Waters boat launch and fishing pier, 1104 W. 1st St., Lorain, for the group's June Quick Pick from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Help keep the harbor clean and wildlife safe by cleaning up litter. Supplies, including gloves, trash bags, and litter grabbers, will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. Every month through September, the Lorain Millennials+ will be at a new location in the city that is in need of a little TLC on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Locations will be announced on the group's Facebook and Instagram accounts, and all cleanups will be weather permitting. • The Avon Lake Democrats Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 100 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake. Guest speaker Sharon Sweda, chair of the Lorain County Democratic Party, will provide an update on current issues and opportunities to get involved. All are welcome to attend. • Teens Write Tuesday will be at 1 p.m. at the Lorain Public Library Main Library. Practice the craft of writing with assistance from staff, learn tips and meet with other teens who aspire to be writers. Preregistration required. • Join the Tokusatsu Club at the Amherst Public Library at 6 p.m. Recommended for ages 15 and older. Join in to learn about, watch and discuss Japanese Tokusatsu films and television shows such as Ultraman, Godzilla, Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and more. Tokusatsu Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Wednesday • The Avon Lake Public Library will host "Explorers — Jungle Games" at 1 p.m. Join for jungle games by building a mancala board as you learn how to play this ancient game. This program is for ages 8-11. Register at alpl.org/programs. • The Lorain Main Library will host "Senior Series: Stretching for Seniors" at 1 p.m. Learn some simple and easy stretches to keep you limber and healthy. Wear comfortable clothes. • The South Lorain Library branch will host Chess Club at 4 p.m. Wednesdays, including today, July 5, 12, 19, 26; and Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Open play sessions are for all levels, from beginner to expert. • The South Lorain Library branch will host Bilingual Storytime/Cuentos Bilingues at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, June 28; July 26; and Aug. 30. South Lorain Branch Los niños y sus familias están invitados a disfrutar de cuentos, canciones, rimas y actividades. Children and their families are invited to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and activities. Preregistration required. • The South Lorain Library branch will host "Summer Lunch for Kids: Lunchtime Art Break" at noon Wednesdays, June 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; and Aug. 2 and 9. Join for an hour of art and enjoy a healthy lunch. While supplies last. • Presenter Julie Koenig will host "An Evening with the Royals: British Royal Weddings" from 6-7:30 p.m. at the North Ridgeville Library branch. Preregistration required. Thursday • The Avon Lake Public Library will host Wild Gardener's Club at 11 a.m. Help take care of the library vegetable garden. Experts from the Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club will share advice. Extra produce can be taken home or will be shared with CRS. This program is aimed toward ages 5-12, with caregivers welcome to stay. No registration required, but numbered tickets are available beginning 15 minutes before each scheduled time and on afirst-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit alpl.org/programs. • Summer Lunch for Kids: Lunches and Legos at noon Thursdays, starting today at the South Lorain Library branch. Join on Thursdays this summer for a Lego challenge and a free lunch for 18 and younger. • The Lorain Main Library will host "All Together Now: Plátanos Go with Everything" at 1 p.m. After reading, some recipes from the book will be tried. Preregistration required. • The North Ridgeville Library branch will host Bad Art Night for Adults at 7:30 p.m. Drop in during the open art studio to create the most imaginative pieces you can come up with and see if anyone actually fashions "bad" art. Intended for ages 18 and older. Preregistration required. • Explore Ohio state parks from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Library branch. Learn the ins and outs of Ohio state parks and how you can utilize them to stay active all summer long. Camping, hiking, boating, fishing, birdwatching and playing disc golf are only a few of the many outdoor activities the parks offer. Preregistration required. Friday • The Avon Library branch will host Butterfly House Story Time at 10:15 a.m. at Miller Nature Preserve in Avon. Join library staff for a special story time at the Miller Nature Preserve then visit some fluttery friends in the Butterfly House. Register online at the Lorain County Metro Parks website. • Celebrate Pride Month from 1-4 p.m. at the North Ridgeville Library branch with a crafting session featuring jewelry, mixed media projects, buttons and more. • The South Lorain Library branch will host Maker-in-Residence Open Studio Hours at 1:30 p.m. Fridays, including today, July 7, 14, 21, 28; and Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25. Visit with local artist Cam Goodrich during her open studio hours. Cam is a multidisciplinary visual artist. She has been diagnosed as bipolar and explores emotions through art. • The North Ridgeville branch library will host Estate Planning 101 from 2-3 p.m. Learn about the differences between wills and trusts, avoiding probate, protecting your family even after your death and preserving the tax deferral benefits of retirement plans for your heirs. Preregistration required. Saturday, July 1 • Browser's Reading Buddies will be on Saturdays, July 1, 8; and Aug. 5; from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the North Ridgeville library branch. Children ages 5-10 sit and read to a therapy dog for a 15-minute session. Call the library at (440) 327-8326 to register.