ROSELAWN - The Salvation Army will be taking applications from families in Hamilton County requesting assistance through the Christmas Toy Shop program. From 2-7 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 28-29, interested individuals can fill out an application at the Toy Shop, 1748 Seymour Ave. Qualified parents will then be able to select toys for their children Dec. 14-16 so that no child goes without a gift on Christmas.

Applicants need to bring proof of income, residence and total number of people living in the household and photo identification. Information: (513) 762-8613.

Clermont to auction property items, surplus

MIAMI TWP. - This Clermont County township will be auctioning surplus equipment and property police have seized recently - cars, computers, yard equipment to baseball cards collections - on Saturday. .

A public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. at the Miami Township Civic Building, 5900 McPicken Drive. The auction begins at 10 a.m.

For more information, call (513) 248-3725 or visit www.miamitwp.org.

Fathers invited for breakfast and advice

MADEIRA - Horizon Community Church invites all fathers to a free breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Madeira Municipal Building, 7141 Madeira Ave.

Ron Rand, the author of several books and small-group curriculums on fathering, will speak about simple ways any dad can build relationships with his children. Rand also has been chaplain of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds.

No reservations are required. Information: (513) 272-5800.

Revised zoning code is ready for review

DEERFIELD TWP. - The zoning commission is reviewing what is expected to be the final draft of the updated zoning code Oct. 25.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Landen Station meeting room, 3292 Montgomery Road.

The zoning commission and consultant Poggemeyer Design Group have been working since last year. Deerfield Township adopted local zoning in 1997, based on Warren County's zoning resolution, though some amendments have been made since then.

Farm tour highlights conservation efforts

OXFORD TWP. - Much of the 2,500 acres of farmland protected by the Three Valley Conservation Trust can be seen Sunday on the trust's annual farm tour.

Six farms in northern Butler County - and three in neighboring Preble and Montgomery counties - will be open 1-5 p.m., said Larry Frimerman, trust director.

Tours begin at the historic Beck farm, 5920 Morning Sun Road (Ohio 732), Oxford Township, north of Oxford. There will be food, pumpkins, gourds and entertainment at the Beck farm. For information call (513) 524-2150 or visit www.3vct.org.

Contributors: Reid Forgrave, Janinne Thompson, Erica Solvig