Speed read, meet Santa at Oakland

YOUNGSTOWN — The Oakland Center for the Arts will sponsor a speed read and milk and cookies with Santa event at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Those interested can collect pledges in advance and then be invited to the Oakland stage to read as many words as they can in 15 seconds. Every $2.50 pledged buys a new book for a child; $25 will buy 10 books.

Santa Claus will be on the premises to hear last-minute requests. The first 500 children will receive a new book. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (330) 448-6973. The center is at 220 W. Boardman St.