Austin area news briefs

Holiday dinner Monday

Last-minute reservations are welcome as a Christmas Day tradition continues this year in Austin.

It’s the annual Masonic Christmas Dinner at the Austin Area School. There is no cost for the dinner, which is provided by Arcana Lodge 580 and supported by Potter County Human Services.

The event is open to singles, families with economic stresses, or anyone else who would like to enjoy a holiday meal and fellowship.

Serving starts at noon and continues until 4:00 p.m. Reservations can be made by phone at 647-8856. That same number may be used for anyone who needs to schedule transportation.

Casino trip planned

The Austin Communities That Care organization is sponsoring a bus excursion to Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, N.Y., on Sunday, Jan. 20. The bus will leave the Austin Area School parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and return at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 per person. A separate shuttle bus service will be available to take passengers from the casino to a nearby bingo hall, where early bird games are at 12:30 and main games start at 1:00. The bus trip is available to anyone 21 or older.

Reservations must be made by Jan. 15 by calling Kim at 647-8790.

Box tops for education

Austin Area School is encouraging parents and other community members to support the Box Tops for Education program.

The school will redeem box tops from the following products for equipment to enhance the reading curriculum: Kimberley- Clark, General Mills, Betty Crocker, Hefty, El Paso, Pillsbury and Zip-Lock.