Local briefs

Red Cross plans blood drive

The Red Cross will host a blood drive at Burton American Legion Post 459, in the upper level meeting room, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.

It will take place 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24.

There have been numerous emergency situations around the country and several calls for blood this year, according to a news release. Donors will receive an Amazon gift card with a valid email address.

Purple Heart Homes to hold meeting

Purple Heart Homes will host a chapter meeting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in the second-floor community room of the South Euclid Municipal Complex, 1349 South Green Road.

Those interested are invited to join the group as it develops a vision for a local Purple Heart Homes Chapter dedicated to helping veterans with needed repairs and renovations to their homes, according to a news release.

For information, call Paul R. Tuggey at 216-9522884.

Library to host aging expert

As a professor of law and bioethics at Case Western Reserve University, Sharona Hoffman already knew more about the challenges of growing older than the typical person.

But her professional knowledge became personal when her parents passed away. Hoffman used her personal experiences and professional expertise to write “Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve Your Tomorrow.”

She will discuss her book during a free talk at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. She’ll also offer vital advice on aging preparedness — how to make sure that getting old doesn’t take a person by surprise.

Her talk is free and open to the public. However, people are asked to register beforehand by calling the library at 440255-8811, ext. 241.

Painesville plans picnic for seniors

A Senior Appreciation Picnic will be hosted by the City of Painesville Recreation Division, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 24 at Kiwanis Recreation Park’s Riverview Pavilion.

The event for Painesville senior citizens will include free food and organized games.

RSVP by Aug. 23 to Painesville Recreation at 440-392-5912.

United Way to kick off campaign

United Way of Lake County will kick off its 2016 Community Giving Campaign at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 1 at Classic Park in Eastlake.

Wayne Dawson, co-anchor of Fox 8 News in the Morning and 11-time Emmy Award winner, will emcee the outdoor kickoff celebration. The event is free and open to the public with advance reservations needed by Aug. 26 at uwlc. org, by calling 440-6391082 or emailing gsikula@ uwlc.org.

Announcement of the 2016 fundraising goal will be made at the kickoff. Guests also can enjoy a complimentary ballpark lunch, music provided by the North High School marching band, an agency fair, and an introduction of this year’s campaign cabinet members.

The United Way funds 64 programs for 41 nonprofit partner agencies. Their goal is to create building blocks for a better life and a better community in the areas of basic needs, education, income and health.

Agenda

The Agenda lists public meetings and closed executive sessions in the area today, unless otherwise noted. Cuyahoga County Public Library trustees: 5 p.m., working session; 6, meeting; 2111 Snow Road, Parma.

Eastlake City Council: 7 p.m., Council-as-a-Whole Committee; followed by council meeting; city hall. Fairport Harbor Village

Council: 5, village hall. Fairport Harbor Waterfront Advisory Board: 5:30 p.m., village hall. Geauga County Library

Board: 4 p.m., Newbury Library, 14775 Auburn Road. Hambden Township trustees: 6:30 p.m., 13887 GAR Highway. Highland Heights City

Council: 8 p.m., city hall. Madison School Board: 6:30 p.m., board office. Mentor-on-the-Lake City Council: 7 p.m., city hall. Munson Township trustees: 6:30 p.m., town hall. Munson Zoning Commission: 7 p.m., town hall. Richmond Heights City Council: 7:30 p.m., Committee of the Whole; 8:15, council; city hall. Riverside School Board: 7

p.m., high school. Russell Township Park

Board: 1:50 p.m., budget hearing, Geauga County Auditor’s Office, 231 Main St., Chardon. South Euclid-Lyndhurst

School Board: 6:30 p.m., administration building. Wickliffe School Board:

7:30 p.m., professional development center.