Local briefs

WH, Concord join OhioCheckbook.com

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel announced this week the launch of online checkbooks for Concord Township and the city of Willoughby Hills on OhioCheckbook.com.

In December 2014, Mandel launched OhioCheckbook.com, which sets a new national standard for government transparency and for the first time in Ohio history puts all state spending information on the Internet. OhioCheckbook.com recently earned Ohio the No. 1 government transparency ranking in the country for the second year in a row.

Concord Township is the third township in Lake County to post their spending on OhioCheckbook.com and Willoughby Hills is the sixth city in the county to post their spending·

Library hosting children’s author

Mentor Public Library announced that young adult and children’s author and illustrator Jennifer L. Kelly will talk to would-be writers at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Wildwood Cultural Center — 7645 Little Mountain Road in Mentor — as part of National Novel Writing Month.

Kelly’s books have been both traditionally and selfpublished. She’ll share her knowledge about editing, formatting and otherwise preparing a book for publication, and she’ll also offer her thoughts on whether self-publishing or seeking a traditional publisher is better for your story.

Kelly’s talk is free to attend and open to all. However, the library asks that people register beforehand at www.mentorpl.org or by calling the library at 440255- 8811, ext. 216.

Funeral home plans remembrance event

The Behm Family Funeral Homes in Madison and Geneva will host the 18th annual community “Candlelight Service of Remembrance” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

“During this holiday season, we feel this is one of the many ways we can assist families while also providing a tribute to those we love,” said Julie Behm, coordinator of this year’s event.

Families are encouraged to bring ornaments in honor of loved ones to be placed on Behm’s outside Tree of Remembrance.

The program, to which the community is invited, will be at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St. in Madison. The candle lighting ceremony also will include a special message, live entertainment and refreshments.

Registration in advance is welcome but not needed for this event. Invite family and friends and plan to arrive between 6 and 6:30 p.m. to register for the program.

For more information, contact Trevor Behm at 440-428-4401.

Donations sought for warehouse sale

Hospice of the Western Reserve will host a warehouse sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1-2, at the Hospice of the Western Reserve headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland.

The sale will feature furniture, framed artwork and lamps, matching sets of fine china, glassware, antiques, collectibles, jewelry and one-of-a-kind items.

The proceeds benefit seriously ill patients and their families, veterans in need of specialized care, grief and trauma counseling in schools and other community-based programs provided by the nonprofit agency throughout northern Ohio, according to a news release.

Donations of furniture and household goods are still actively being sought. Furniture items will be previewed by volunteers prior to acceptance for donation; tax receipts will be provided. Arrangements can be made to pick up large furniture or fragile donations free of charge from some locations in northern Ohio.

Those interested in contributing items for the sale should contact the Warehouse Sale Team at 216255-9090.

Wildwood to host Santa’s workshop

The Wildwood Cultural Center, located at 7645 Little Mountain Road in Mentor, announced the dates for its “Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods.”

Children will build a toy with Santa’s elves, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and hear Santa read a story, according to a news release. Participants also can visit the train layout provided by the Ohio Toy Train Society.

This event is for ages 3 through 12 with a parent and will be held at the Cultural Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 8, 9, 13 and 20. Also, a workshop for special-needs children will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9.

Cost is $14 per child for Mentor residents or $17 per child for nonresidents. Registration in advance is required by calling the Cultural Center at 440974-5735.

Women’s Winterfest coming Dec. 7

United Way of Lake County’s Women’s Leadership Council announced it is hosting its sixth annual Women’s Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser on Dec. 7.

The event is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the American-Croatian Lodge at 34900 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.

The event sold out very early last year, so guests are encouraged to get their tickets soon, according to a news release. They are on sale now and can be purchased at www.uwlc.org/winterfest or by calling 440-639-1131.

Tickets will be available at $60 per person until sold out.

Guests will enjoy a large selection of food from approximately 20 of our community’s most popular restaurants, a cash bar, wine pull raffle, large Chinese auction, door prizes, goody bags, and complimentary mini-manicures and chair massages compliments of the Brown Aveda Institute, according to the release.

Proceeds from the event benefit Lake County women and girls in need. Last year, it raised $19,351, which is more than double the $9,082 raised two years ago in 2014.

Lupus support meeting in Willoughby

The Lupus Foundation of America’s Greater Ohio Chapter will be holding its monthly Willoughby Support Group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Willoughby Library, located at 30 Public Square.

This support group is an open, small-group environment which encourages discussion among lupus patients and their families, according to a news release. It is a place where those affected by lupus can share their experiences, ask questions, learn and seek help in a safe environment.

Most discussions at the support group focus on the “how-to’s” of living with a chronic illness.

For more information, contact the foundation toll-free at 888-NO-LUPUS or visit www.LupusGreaterOhio.org.