News You Can Use (Or Where To Find It)

O Some FYI’s from Parma City Schools….
   >>  Focus on the Future – The group met again at 6:30 pm on November 16th in the Parma Sr. H.S. Cafeteria. To get a more personal appreciation for the state of our buildings a tour of the District’s oldest school. Thoreau Park, was included as part of the agenda. The tour generated considerable discussion as did a review of current finances and the steps planned for subsequent meetings that will define our strategy for the future. Go here for meeting details: https://tinyurl.com/ycv4ffqx .The next meeting has been scheduled for January 10th. Go here for  www.parmacityschools.org/future for more information about this planning initiative.
    >>  Holiday Giving Tree –  We are looking for Community  Elves to “adopt“ a child for the Holidays. A community "Elf" will be assigned a specific child and be given a wish list for items to purchase for the child.  Call 440.887.4865 with questions.
    >>  Stuff a Bus – In partnership with the PCSD Transportation Department we will be hosting our Annual  Stuff A Bus Event on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00am -1:00pm.  We will have a bus parked at the Transportation Garage - 7600 Day Drive. Please join us and drop off an unwrapped toy, youth clothing, or monetary donation.

O   From the Parma Area Family Collab….
    >>  The Collab has a whole slew of holiday projects currently in the works for which they could use some help. If you’re interested in volunteering this holiday season, the Collab's the perfect place & now’s the perfect time to give the Collab a call at 440.887.4873.
    >>  A new Parenting Partners class will be starting up beginning January 9th & run through February 27, 2018. Classes are every Tuesday morning from 10:00 am to noon; childcare is provided & refreshments are served. Cost for the entire program is just $20. For information or to register, visit their web site or call 440.887.4873.
   >>  The Collab's next Mobile Food Pantry will be Thursday, December 14th. During the afternoon distribution UH/Parma Medical Center, Community Health Nurses will be offering FREE blood pressure screenings and a representative from the Parma Health Ministry will be available to help folks apply for prescription assistance.
   >>  Visit the Collab’s web site at http://familycollaborative.com/ for additional details on services offered and volunteer opportunities. While there, make your voice heard & click on links to either or both the PAFC Satisfaction or Neighborhood surveys.

O   From the Ohio Dept of Education....With the holidays upon us, please be aware that our children are watching and learning from our choices surrounding alcohol. Teach them, by way of action, that adults can make the choice to have an alcoholic drink, yet still behave safely and responsibly. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/ydht2tyc.

   >>  Go here: https://tinyurl.com/y8ymehva  for more information re teen substance abuse. Topics covered include….How do they get their drugs, some more about where they hide ‘em and tips on monitoring their activities for substance abuse.  It's good information, worth the visit.

O  From the Ohio Dept of Mental Health & Addiction Services….The Department has entered into a contract with the national Crisis Text Line to provide Ohioans with this state-specific keyword of "4hope" to access its free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices. Text the keyword "4hope" to 741741 and expect a reply from a trained Crisis Counselor within five minutes. The message is confidential, anonymous and secure. Data usage while texting Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill with the mobile service carrier. 
 
O  The Young Adult Resource Center offers assistance for those 14 – 24 through workshops, one-on-one coaching in soft skills & job readiness. Check out the attached flyer and/or visit: https://tinyurl.com/y9ru3c2k .

O  Parma Branch (Powers Blvd.) library programming….
    >> The Grinch: Holiday in Whoville – Dec. 21st at 2:00 p.m ; Ages 5 – 8. Celebrate with the Grinch, Max and all the Whos! Hear the classic Dr. Seuss book, make holiday crafts and enjoy some Whoville treats. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/GrinchParma
    >> Animation Experience – Dec 29th   drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 pm.; Grades 3 – 6.  Try your hand at stop-motion animation. Make films using LEGO bricks, Claymation and other methods. http://tinyurl.com/AnimationExperience.
     >> Brick Builders Club -- Last Tuesday of each month (12/26, 1/30, 2/27) at 4:00 p.m.;.Grades K – 3. Do you love LEGO®? Come build with us! We supply the bricks, you supply the imagination. Registration is required: http://tinyurl.com/BrickBuildersWinter.
     >> Art Experiences – Every Friday (9/29 – 12/15 and 2/2 – 5/11) at 4:00 p.m ; Grades K – 8. Engage your imaginative self with open-ended art explorations. Examine the works of art masters and explore various mediums, such as paint, pastels and clay. All materials included. Presented in partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art. No registration required, but space is limited.   http://tinyurl.com/ArtExperiencesParma.

O  Parma Hts Branch library programming….
   >>  Resolving Conflicts in Families: December 4, 2017, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time. Occasional conflict is part of family life. However ongoing conflict can be stressful and damaging to relationships. Richard Bondy M. ED. will share good strategies for managing conflict when it arises. Call 440.884.2313 for information and/or to register.