Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 2pm-7pm: Quilt Guild, All Ages.

Saturdays, September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2021 from 11am-2pm: Anime Club, Ages 13+

Monday, September 6, 2020 All Day: Library is closed in observance of Labor Day.

Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 4pm-5pm: Lego Club, Ages 5 – 12

Monday, September 13, 2021 from 3:30pm–4:30pm: Explorer’s Club, Ages 6 (Kindergarten)–5th Grade

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 10am–11am, 2pm–3pm, and 5:30pm-6:30pm: Online Resources Class, All Ages

Wednesdays, September 15, 22, and 29, 2021 from 11am–11:45am: Story Time, Ages 2–5

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 6:30pm-8pm: Homegoing Community Conversation Session 3 (Zoom), Ages 15+. Registration required.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: Fall Wine Bottle Décor, Ages 18+

Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:30pm-3:30pm: Generation Next: A Gift of Relaxation, Ages 11 – 18

Monday, September 27, 2021 from 4pm-5pm: Generation What’s Next, Ages 11 – 18

Monday, September 27, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: Book Chatter, Ages 18+

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 5:30pm-6:30pm: Slogan Trivia, All Ages

Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 4:30pm-5:30pm: Simple Watercolor Illuminated Lettering with Lisa, All Ages

For more information, visit Mechanicsburg Public Library's website here or call (937)834-2004.

“Perhaps the most common comment from students was how small everything seemed from the air. I know it gave them an appreciation for just how big the world is and that’s essential to developing an appreciation for the town they live in,” Weller said.

Aviation is woven into the history of Ohio and Champaign County. The youth center plans to offer more plane ride and aviation opportunities this fall as part of its program lineup.

Levi LaForge, one of the students at UYC who participated in the rides, said, “Being honest, it (the UYC) is one of the best places for youth to have opportunities. The free plane rides especially are one of the many examples of why I love coming here.”

About Urbana Youth Center

UYC believes that the future of our children impacts our community’s opportunities and success for decades to come. With open hearts and open minds, this community can rally our resources to not only lift kids up but set them on a trajectory for accomplishing amazing things. The youth center serves students in grades six through twelve who attend Urbana City Schools or live in the district.

The Champaign County Preservation Alliance has two events scheduled during the month of October for people of all ages!

“We are working with Funds2orgs.com. The company cleans and forwards the shoes to impoverished countries in need of footwear from infants to senior citizens,” said organizer Kathy Durham.

The cross country team receives funds for the collection from Funds2orgs.com. Pick up for the shoes is available along with drop boxes at the Champaign County Library in Urbana and the Mechanicsburg Public Library, Mechanicsburg School, Goshen Lanes and the Mechanicsburg Municipal Building.

The effort’s end date is Sept. 1. To participate, log on to Funds2orgs.com or https://www.site.mcburg.org/o/athletics/page/crosscountry.

For more information or to have donated shoes picked up from your front porch, contact Elizabeth Porter at 937-244-3018 or Kathy Durham at 937-207-8442.

Known as “Magicman” for his ability to score at the most opportune time, Taylor battled from behind to win the medal.

“There was no way I wasn’t going to find a way,” Taylor said. “It’s the gold medal, man. I was going to rip my arms off if I had to.”

Taylor expected a tough match from the man nicknamed “The Greatest.” Yazdani, the No. 1 seed, won the 74-kilogram class at the 2016 Olympics.

“I like to win 10-0, but getting it done in the last seconds feels pretty good, too,” Taylor said.

He took advantage of Yazdani’s decision to be cautious.

“I think he only tried three times to score,” Taylor said. “I always say that if you want to be the best in the world, you need to take people down twice. You need to get two takedowns. Tonight was a good example of that. I needed two takedowns.”

A watch party was held at Graham Middle School and was shown during the telecast on The Olympic Channel.

As the Assistant Director, Judy Richardson oversees the volunteer corps at the youth center and manages the student check-in and check-out process. She works with the other staff members to deliver the programming lineup for UYC and assists the Executive Director with grants, fundraising and the management of the center.

Before joining UYC, Richardson worked at Honda Research & Development for 20 years as a Specialist in the Engineering Dept. overseeing various processes of vehicles such as annual inventory, sales, disposals and tracking. Richardson retired in October of 2020.

“After five months of retirement, I felt there was more to life than just taking it easy,” Richardson explained. “One day I walked into the Urbana Youth Center to volunteer and my whole life woke up with a purpose.”

Already, students have received homework and study assistance, been fed dinner and healthy snacks through the UYC’s nutrition program and had access to fun and safe hangout spaces. In addition, the youth center offers a hygiene program, career readiness program and mentoring opportunities.

Developing, implementing, and monitoring UYC programs based on success, interest and availability are responsibilities of the new Director of Programs, Natalie Frueh.

Frueh studied elementary education and special education at Indiana Wesleyan University before transferring to The Ohio State University to study animal sciences. After graduating from OSU in 2014, she started her role as program director for Marmon Valley Ministries Horse Camp. She was responsible for hiring and training staff, managing programs, planning events and designing marketing materials.

“I have a real passion for serving young people and developing programs that are fun and beneficial for students,” Frueh explained. “My role at the youth center lets me live this passion in an impactful way.”

Frueh isn’t the only person involved in developing programs at the youth center. She has two official program advisors with more than 65 years of combined experience in education. Lance Jackson and Teresa Hill were both teachers in the Urbana City School district for decades and keenly understand the challenges local students face.

“Both Lance and Teresa are former teachers of mine. I know the students at the youth center are incredibly fortunate to have the experience of two of Urbana’s very best educators working on crafting programs for them. Their expertise is a major asset to the youth center and this community,” Weller explained.

Including official advisors and volunteer advisors, the entire program team brings more than a century of combined education and program experience to the table. According to the youth center team, this will be key to deploying an array of new offerings this fall.

“We won’t give too much away right now, but I can tell you that Natalie and our programs team have big plans for this fall to nearly double our existing lineup of programs. You are not going to want to miss everything that’s planned at the Urbana Youth Center this coming school year,” Weller said.

Weller went on to explain the importance of the new team members.

“As I have said before, building bright futures for our youth is no small task. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead a team that is absolutely committed to serving the youth of this community and securing the future of the next generation.”

About Urbana Youth Center

UYC believes that the future of our children impacts our community’s opportunities and success for decades to come. With open hearts and open minds, this community can rally our resources to not only lift kids up but set them on a trajectory for accomplishing amazing things. The youth center serves students in grades six through 12 who attend Urbana City Schools or live in the district.

The GrandWorks Foundation is a local not-for-profit organization leading several efforts to reach, restore, and revive the community. The projects include the historic Gloria Theatre in downtown Urbana, The Big Questions (a podcast exploring some of life’s most pressing topics), and the Urbana Youth Center.

The Leadership Champaign County program offers participants in-depth, “behind the scenes” looks at local government, education, and healthcare, among other exclusive opportunities. Participants tour farms, factories, and other local facilities while learning from business owners and community leaders about a wide range of topics. Hands-on activities throughout the program sessions encourage group collaboration and leadership development.

The program meets the third Thursday of every month from September - May. Each full-day session features a different topic; topics include Agriculture, History and Heritage, Education, Economic Development, Government, Healthcare, and Quality of Life.

Applications are available on the Chamber’s website at https://www.champaignohio.com/leadership-champaign-county and will be accepted through September 6. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Chamber with any questions by emailing info@champaignohio.com or calling 937-653-5764.

Saturdays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2021 from 11 am-2 pm: Anime Club Ages 13 +. Do you enjoy the art and storytelling of Japanese manga and anime? Are you looking for a group to fan girl/boy about your favorites? Looking for new series to enjoy? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then Anime Club at the Library is the group for you! Anime Club meets every Saturday from 11:00AM- 2:00PM. Hope to see you there!

Monday, August 9, 2021 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Explorer’s Club Ages 6 (Kindergarten) – 5th Grade. Explorer’s Club meets on the second Monday of every month from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Each month we will explore a different topic. In August, we will explore Dinosaurs!

Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Lego Club Ages 5 – 12. Imagine it. Build it. Legos and K'nex will be provided. Donations of new Legos or money to purchase additional Legos are welcome. We also collect used Legos in good condition. If you have Legos looking for a new home, please consider donating them to the library.

Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 6 pm-7pm: Quilt Guild. All Ages. Come exchange ideas and tricks to quilting!

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 1 pm-2pm: Posture Screenings. All Ages. Sertell Chiropractic will be at the Mechanicsburg Public Library Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 1 - 2 PM for posture screenings!

Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm: Art with Lisa. All Ages. Come create an art piece with Lisa Ware!

Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10 am-11 am: Paint Pouring with Lynn. Ages 11+. Come learn the turkey pour technique! Registration required!

Monday, August 23, 2021 from 4 pm-5 pm: Generation What’s Next Ages 11 – 18. Design the future of programming at the library. Let your voice be heard!

Monday, August 23, 2021 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm: Book Chatter Ages 18 +. Come talk about books and what you are reading or your favorite book!

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm: Mason Jar Lid Coasters. Ages 18+.

Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm: Generation Next: DIY Locker Decor Ages 11 – 18. Come create magnets for your locker for the school year!

Hotspots Mechanicsburg Public Library is pleased to announce their new Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot lending program which will help make information more accessible to community members. The Mobile Hotspot lending collection provides patrons greater access to the Internet away from the library and furthers the Library's mission to support the informational, educational, economical, cultural, and recreational development of Mechanicsburg. Hotspots may be checked out for two weeks (14 days) by patrons age 18 and older. To request a Hotspot, please call or stop by the library.

Hoopla Digital Hoopla Digital is a new service now available that includes instant access to over 500,000 eBooks, audiobooks, comics, streaming video (movies & television shows), and streaming music. Mechanicsburg patrons can borrow 10 items per month. Download the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire or visit the Hoopla website to make an account with your library card and get started! If you don't have a library card, you can get a digital card online. Hoopla is also compatible with Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku. Please call or stop by the library if you have questions about Hoopla.

Beanstack! Register Now! Download the Beanstack Tracker app or visit www.mechanicsburgohlibrary.beanstack.com. Complete your goal!

Curbside Click & Collect Service! A new service is available through the SEO Libraries app. Curbside Click & Collect is an easy way to pick up items on hold via curbside service. Look for the Click & Collect button on the Holds section of your app. You can begin the process for eligible items and let them know when you arrive at the library all through the app - no phone call required! Visit their website https://www.mechanicsburg.lib.oh.us/ or call 937-834-2004 for more information!

At-Home COVID-19 Tests! The Mechanicsburg Public Library is excited to provide free COVID-19 at-home tests through curbside pickup. To use a test kit, you must have access to the internet and either a smart phone/tablet with a camera or a computer/laptop with a webcam. Anyone can access a free test during operational hours. Patrons may request more than one test (limit of five tests per family). Thanks to support from the Ohio Department of Health and its partnership with Abbott and eMed to bring rapid, reliable testing into the home. Visit their website https://www.mechanicsburg.lib.oh.us/ or call 937-834-2004 for more information!

Wireless Printing! Mechanicsburg Public Library is pleased to announce that they have installed Princh, a wireless documents! Visit their website https://www.mechanicsburg.lib.oh.us/ or call 937-834-2004 for more information!