Around Town: Kids can make robots at library

Children can make robots and use them in competition during a free program offered at Costa Mesa’s Donald Dungan Library.

Two themed programs for children ages 8 to 14 will be presented by MATHmania Robotics: drag racers from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and demolition derby from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Sign-ups are required and can be made by phone or at the Donald Dungan Library, 1855 Park Ave., (949) 646-8845, or the Costa Mesa Technology Library, 2263 Fairview Road, (949) 515-3970.

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Cox offering college scholarships

Cox Communications is offering $110,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors in Orange County, San Diego County, Palos Verdes and Santa Barbara.

The Cox Scholars scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000. Recipients must be 2015 graduating high school seniors who live in Cox’s Southern California service area. The scholarships are funded through the Cox Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cox Communications.

Recipients will be chosen based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and focus on educational goals despite adversity.

Students must submit a completed online application by Feb. 4. Interviews will be held in April and the winners announced in May. For more information, visit https://www.cox-cares.org.

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Dogs welcome at scavenger hunt

The Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will present the Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Proceeds will benefit programs for cruelty intervention, public education, pet-assisted therapy, emergency veterinary care and animal spay and neuter assistance, the SPCA said.

The public is invited to take leashed dogs on the hunt for clues throughout the shopping center. Prizes will be awarded based on course completion times, and raffles will be held.

To register, visit https://www.orangecountyspca.org/events or call (714) 964-4445. The cost is $25 per person or dog team. One dog is allowed per person, though people can compete without a pet.

Registration the day of the event will start at 10 a.m. in front of the Kendra Scott store near Fashion Island’s koi pond.

— Rob Vardon