Briefs: Avenue of the Flags, plea for blood donors, MWCD's Capture the Canvas

Mansfield News Journal
·3 min read

Avenue of the Flags observance on Sunday

The annual Avenue of Flags Ceremony sponsored by the VFW Post 9943 Auxiliary will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Avenue West in Ontario.

More than 200 flags have been donated. Five new flags will be presented honoring the following: Joseph J. Bapka - U.S. Army; Richard L. Geog - U.S. Army; Gene A. Hartland - U.S. Navy; Robert G. Keller - U.S. Marines; and Raymond T. Shaum Jr. - U.S. Marines.

Blood and platelet donors needed now

The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.

The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar – especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches.

There are nine opportunities between now and June 14 to donated blood in Richland County. Blood drives are scheduled in Bellville, Butler and Mansfield.

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

Area residents invited to Capture the Canvas at Charles Mill Lake Park

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) invites you to hit the trails this summer for a chance to win fabulous prizes while having a great time outdoors with your family and friends.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is holding its Capture the Canvas contest between Memorial Day and Labor Day at five park locations, including Charles Mill Lake Park.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is holding its Capture the Canvas contest between Memorial Day and Labor Day at five park locations, including Charles Mill Lake Park.

The MWCD has partnered with five local schools — including Lucas High School — in a promotion that encourages residents to get outdoors and explore the trails at MWCD parks. With materials given by MWCD, students painted canvases that will be on display on MWCD trails throughout the district. Artwork done by students at Lucas will be at Charles Mill Lake Park.

Guests are encouraged to try and find all five canvases at each of the MWCD parks and can have a maximum of three entries. First prize is $1,000 cash sponsored by Encino Energy, second prize is a weekend stay at the deluxe log cabin at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and third prize is a one-day boat rental from a MWCD-operated marina.

The artwork will be on display and the contest will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To enter, visit one of the MWCD park locations and search for the canvas on the trail. Once found, take a “selfie” or have someone take your photograph. The photo must include yourself, along with the canvas in the background to prove you found the canvas.

Visit mwcd.org/capturethecanvas to enter your information, upload your photo, for contest rules and trail maps. You must be 18 years of age to participate.

Upcoming meeting:

● Richland County Board of Elections, 10 a.m., Friday, lower level classroom, Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Ave., Mansfield

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Avenue of the Flags ceremony, blood donors plea, Charles Mill contest