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Communitty calendar for Eastside Messenger
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Messenger photos by John Matuszak
BEF takes a bow at BRAVO!
Students in Alex Jordan's eighth-grade advanced art class at Bexley Middle School, including team leaders, front, Katlin Hiller, Katie Loversidge and Anna Fechtor, display some of the work that will be auctioned during the Bexley Education Foundation's BRAVO fundraiser Feb. 23 from 7:30-11 p.m., at Germain Cadillac and Germain Mercedes-Benz at Easton, 4200 Morse Crossing. The teams created the designs to be painted on the desks found in the basement of the Cassingham building, and other students have been decorating slate roof tiles and chairs and other historic artifacts to complement the theme for this year's BRAVO! event, "Reach for the Stars!" |
BRAVO celebrates Bexley Education Foundation's 25th
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Bexley Education Foundation will hold BRAVO!, a casual evening of fun, food and camaraderie featuring a silent auction, raffle and artwork created by Bexley students on Feb. 23, from 7:30-11 p.m., at Germain Cadillac and Germain Mercedes-Benz at Easton, 4200 Morse Crossing.
Now in its eighteenth year, BRAVO! supports the Bexley Education Foundation's mission of providing support for classroom and district-wide programs that encourage Bexley students to "reach for the stars," according to BRAVO! Co-chair Karen Shore Meyer.
BRAVO! offers an evening of casual conversation and tasty treats from some of Columbus's finest restaurants. A cash bar will also be available. There will also be a wide array of interesting offerings at a silent auction.
Students at Bexley Public Schools will be creating useful artworks to be auctioned at BRAVO!. The students are making the items from materials salvaged from Bexley school buildings during recent renovations.
The focus on historic artifacts from Bexley schools complements the theme for this year's BRAVO! event, "Reach for the Stars!" Guests at BRAVO! are invited to "honor 25 years of giving and turn our sights toward a brightly shining future."
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| Anand Saha, owner of Mozart's Bakeries in Bexley and Columbus, tempts BRAVO food co-chairs Amy Wagenbrenner and Beth Brinkman with some of the European-style pastries he will be serving at the fundraiser. This year, 23 local restaurants and caterers will particpate. Newcomers include include McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Smith & Wollensky, and Raising Cane's, which is owned by Bexley resident Roy Getz, and Jeni's Ice Cream. |
This year, 23 local restaurants and caterers will be serving up an array of foods, from appetizers all the way through to coffee and desserts. Newcomers to the list this year include include McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Smith & Wollensky, and Raising Cane's, which is owned by Bexley resident Roy Getz. Two new and/or soon-to-arrive Main Street eateries will be providing tasty desserts this year: Mozart's Bakery, and Jeni's Ice Cream.
This year's silent auction will offer over 150 items including weekend getaways, Buckeye and professional sports tickets, an American Girl doll, Muirfield Memorial Tournament tickets, jewelry and a tempting array of other goods and services.
The 2008 raffle prize will be a week in sunny Costa Rica in a two-bedroom penthouse condominium on the ocean, to be redeemed between March 1 and December 31, 2008, subject to availability. The prize will include $1000 cash to help defray travel expenses. Raffle tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100, and may be purchased in advance by calling 338-2093, or at BRAVO!. The drawing will be on February 23, but the winner need not be present at the time of the drawing.
Tickets for BRAVO! can be purchased in advance for $50 per person or at the door, subject to availability, for $60. Patron donations, which includes mentions in BRAVO! publicity, are $75 a person. A portion of the admission fee is tax deductible.
For information, contact the BEF office at 338-2093.
Whitehall Easter egg hunt
The Whitehall Community Celebration Association will be hosting the annual Easter egg hunt March 15 at John Bishop Park at 10 a.m. Volunteers are needed to stuff eggs March 3 at Whitehall Community Park. If you can help, please be at the park's activity building at 6:30 p.m. It will take about three hours to complete.
Drexel's "Red Carpet Bash" to benefit theater restoration
The Drexel Theatres will hold its 11th annual Red Carpet Bash at the Drexel East Theatre, 2254 E. Main St. on Feb. 24.
The Drexel will role out the red carpet for an evening of food, prizes and the entire Academy Awards broadcast live and hosted by comedian Jon Stewart on the theatre's biggest screen.
The evening will get under way starting at 6 p.m.with the Oscar pre-show, with the actual awards telecast starting at 8 p.m.
The audience will be part of the show and are invited to dress up in their 'Oscar Best' and walk the 'Red Carpet' where "paparazzi" and fashion commentators will greet them en route to their entrance to the theatre.
Party- goers will have a chance to mingle with other movie fans while they enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and desserts from some of Bexley's finest restaurants including Guiseppe's Retrovo, Bexley's Monk, The Rusty Bucket and Radio Café.
The theatre will feature two cash bars serving special Oscar themed drinks for the gala evening and unique Oscar decorations.
The bash will feature the annual Pick-the-Winner's- Contest with the person who correctly predicts the most awards winning a special Grand Prize including a year's worth of free movies to the Drexel Theatres. Attendees are invited to come dressed-up as their favorite nominated actor, actress or film to compete for hundreds of special movie prizes donated by all the major film studios.
A new contest this year will encourage movie fans to put on a brief scene from any nominated movie which will be held during the broadcast's commercial breaks. The night will also feature special 'Oscar trivia', door prizes, and everyone attending will receive a Red Carpet Goodie Bag.
Proceeds from the Drexel Red Carpet Bash will go towards the restoration of the historic Drexel Theatre. The Drexel Theatre, has been a Columbus landmark since 1937.
Tickets to the Drexel Red Carpet Bash are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are on sale at the Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Drexel Grandview Theatre, 1247 Grandview Ave., and the Drexel Gateway Theatre, 1550 N. High St. Tickets can also be ordered by phone by calling the Drexel office at 222-0947 ext. 6 or visiting www.drexel.net.
Columbus Bicentennial Commission holds citizens' summit
The Columbus 2012 Bicentennial Commission will be holding a citizens summit Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Eastmoor High School, 417 Weyant Ave. to gather information about neighborhood priorities that may be addressed through the city's vision process.
At the meeting, participants will discuss the qualities of a great neighborhood and rank and prioritize these qualities. Ideas will influence the Bicentennial Commission's recommendation to achieve the community's vision for the future.
Informational coffee on possible Whitehall Schools bond issue
The public is invited to attend an informational coffee on a possible Whitehall Schools bond issue, at Beechwood Elementary School hosted by the Beechwood PTA on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
Superintendent Judyth Dobbert-Meloy and a representative from the school board will offer information and answer questions about the possibility of new schools in the district through a bond levy and the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.
Pianist to perform Mussorgsky at Bexley Library
There will be a free piano performance by Merry Pruit on Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Auditorium of Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St. as part of the fourth in the library's 2007-2008 Tea at Three music series. The program will include Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." Auditorium doors will open at 2:30 p.m., when tea will be served.
Program on CSG founder at Green Lawn Cemetery
The history of the Columbus School for girls highlights the March 1 program for First Saturday at Green Lawn.
Betsy Argo, associate director of development for the girls school in Bexley, will speak at the 11 a.m. program. Included in her presentation will be a style show with CSG students modeling uniforms the girls have worn throughout the school's history.
Argo will also speak about Florence Whitridge, one of the founders of CSG, who is buried at Green Lawn. A visit to Whitridge's grave will follow the program.
First Saturday at Green Lawn takes a historical look at people interred at the cemetery who had an impact on life in central Ohio. It is offered the first Saturday of every month at 11 a.m. in the Huntington Chapel, 1000 Greenlawn Ave.
Information about Green Lawn is available on its web site at www.greenlawncolumbus.org or by calling 444-1123.
Bexley Schools sponsors Iraq history, policy seminars
Bexley Schools will present an Iraq Seminar Series Feb. 19, and March 19 from 7 until 9 p.m. in the Bexley High School Library at 326 South Cassingham Road in Bexley.
"The series offers an opportunity to discuss what the current war in Iraq means for our world and our future," said Jesse Vogel, Bexley High School sophomore who is producing the series, along with classmate Graham Horn. The program receives support from a classroom grant awarded last year by The Bexley Education Foundation.
The February program focuses on the historical and cultural background of Iraq and features talks led by two speakers. Dr. Marlee Meriwether, professor of history at Denison University who specializes in modern Middle Eastern and Islamic history, will speak and answer questions together with Dr. Alam Payind, director of the Middle East Studies Center at The Ohio State University.
The second session on March 19 will examine how the war in Iraq shapes current international policy. Speakers for this event are Dr. Andy Katz, professor of political science at Denison University and Dr. Sean Kay, who specializes in U.S. foreign and national security policy at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Vogel and Horn conceived of the seminar series because of their personal interest in the subject.
"The Middle East conflict will define our generation," commented Vogel. "The Bush Administration's policies with regard to the September 11 attacks, Afghanistan and Iraq will shape the future of U.S. foreign policy for our lifetimes."
An ongoing student discussion group will consider the topic further, meeting at lunchtime and after school with the guidance of Bexley High School librarian Mike Nolan.
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| Featured in the Bishop Hartley High School production of "42nd Street" are (from left to right) senior Chip Danver as juvenile lead Billy Lawlor; sophomore Bella Cockerell, who portrays the fabulous newcomer Peggy Sawyer; sophomore Zach Tallman, as play producer Julian Marsh; senior Martine Tyus, as the diva Dorothy Brock; and sophomore Caitlin McGillicuddy, who portrays author Maggie Jones. Bishop Hartley is located at 1285 Zettler Road in Columbus. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door. |
Bishop Hartley stages "42nd Street"
The Bishop Hartley High School Drama Department will present the Tony Award-winning musical "42nd Street" Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 at 7:30 pm.
Adapted from the 1933 movie, "42nd Street" is one of the great tap shows of all time and tells the story of a woman who steps out of the chorus line when the leading lady is injured and emerges a star.
The show includes such classic numbers as "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," "Lullaby of Broadway" and the title number.
Walnut Ridge HS vocalists to join
Harlem Gospel Choir in concert
CAPA welcomes the Harlem Gospel Choir to the Southern Theatre for two performances only on Feb. 21 and 22, at 8 p.m.
Additionally, CAPA has sponsored a special performance opportunity for Walnut Ridge High School, part of the Columbus City School system.
Members of the Harlem Gospel Choir will conduct a workshop on Feb. 21, to teach the school's mixed ensemble and mixed chorus the history of gospel music. The student choir will also be taught to sing harmony for one of the opening numbers, and will accompany the Harlem Gospel Choir on stage that night.
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The Harlem Gospel Choir will conduct a workshop on Feb. 21, to teach Walnut Ridge High School's mixed ensemble and mixed chorus the history of gospel music. The student choir will also be taught to sing harmony for one of the opening numbers, and will accompany the Harlem Gospel Choir on stage that night at the Southern Theatre.
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The Harlem Gospel Choir was founded by Allen Bailey in 1986 after he was inspired by a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem.
Today, the Choir travels the globe sharing the joy of faith through music, and has performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, as well as performed with such celebrated artists as Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Harry Belafonte, and Bono.
Tickets are $29.50 and $25 at the Ohio Theatre ticket office, 39 E. State St., any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, please call 431-3600 or 469-0939. The Southern Theatre Ticket Office will open two hours prior to each performance. Students between the ages of 13-19 may purchase $5 High Five tickets while available.
Bexley Women's Club offers high school, college students scholarships
Applications for the 2008 Bexley Women's Club high school and college scholarships are now being accepted. High school students who have a 2.5 GPA or above and are legal residents of the city of Bexley are eligible to apply. College scholarships have no residency requirement. The postmarked deadline is March 31, 2008. Applications can be obtained by contacting Georgiana Van Syckle, at 235-6975.
Eastmoor Academy to stage "The Wiz"
Eastmoor Academy High School will presents the musical "The Wiz", Feb. 28 -29, Saturday, and March 1 at 7:30 p.m., and March 2 at 3 p.m.
The show, a tradition at Eastmoor since 2000, will bring together former students and faculty with current students, as well as local elementary students appearing as Munchkins in this retelling of "The Wizard of Oz."
Prices for the shows are $5 for students and children and $7 for adults. Eastmoor Academy is located at 417 S. Weyant Ave. and ticket reservations can be placed by calling 365-6158.
Bexley High students to exhibit photographs in Short North
Bexley art students will present "Contact! Photograms by Bexley High School Students" at Edward Jones Investments at 850 North High Street in the Short North. The exhibition, hosted by Dave Weibel, runs through March 31.
High school art specialist Mabi Ponce de Leon served as curator for the exhibition, which features the work of photography students enrolled in Bexley High School's Photography and Printmaking classes.
Speaker to offer strategies for dealing with ADHD
The Parent Mentor program in Bexley City Schools will host Joyce Kubik, talking about "Day to Day Strategies to Deal with ADHD" Feb. 19, from 7-9 p.m. in the Cassingham Complex Community Room.
A grant awarded to Bexley has enabled Parent Mentor Sam McMillan to increase her position to 27 hours each week as well as reorganize and expand the department's resource library. The library -- named the Adam Stuart Linhart Memorial Parent Resource Library after the foundation which helped fund it -- offers resources for parents, staff, and students.
Kubik is the author of numerous articles about Attention Deficit Disorder, and has written four books that teach life-long learning skills.
For information or to obtain library resources contact McMillan at 237-4309, extension 3238. For information about Bexley's Special Education, contact Frances Bauer Morrow, director of Special Education at 231-7611, extension 4315.
Whitehall T-Ball League sign-ups
The Whitehall T-Ball League will hold its annual sign ups for the 2007 season on the following dates: Saturday, February 16 and 23, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Wednesday, February 20, 27 from 6-8 p.m., at Whitehall Community Park, 402 N. Hamilton Road.
Children must be 5 years old and no older than 8 years old by July 31, 2008, to be eligible to play, and proof of age is required at time of sign up.
First consideration will be given to Whitehall residents, returning players and siblings of returning players, and all others will be considered on a first come basis. For information or anyone interested in coaching, call 231-7744.
K of C fish fry dinners at St. Pius X
The Knights of Columbus, Father Andrew Hohman Council 5253, will be sponsoring the St. Pius X's annual fish fry dinners Fridays, Feb. 22, and March 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg.
Dinner will include adult portions of fried or baked Icelandic white cod, cole slaw, applesauce, fries, hush puppies, macaroni and cheese, dessert and hot or cold beverages.
The price is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children. All proceeds will benefit St. Pius X Parish. Reservations are not required.
Ohio Village Singers to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Ohio Village will become the setting "From the Pubs of Ireland," March 14 and 15, where guests will begin the St. Patrick's Day festivities with the strains of Irish instrumental music, a taste of "St. Paddy's Punch," a hearty Irish meal and costumed interpreters enlivening the "pub" experience. The Ohio Village Singers promise to please with their favorite Irish music, including beautiful melodies, humorous drinking songs and, a wee bit of Irish wit and wisdom. At the conclusion of the evening, guests will receive a special surprise memento.
Seats are limited. For reservations, call 800-686-1541 or 297-2266. Admission is $57, plus $4 for parking, and $47 for members of the Ohio Historical Society. Ohio Village is a recreated town of the 19th century and is located next to the Ohio Historical Center at I-71 and East 17th Avenue in Columbus. For more information, including upcoming events, call 297-2300 or 800-686-6124 or visit www.ohiohistory.org
Ohio Historical Society Echoes in Time Theatre
The Ohio Historical Center's Echoes in Time Theatre will be presenting "The Woman Behind the Man: The President's First Lady" in February and "Saints Preserve Us! The Irish in America" in March.
All shows take place twice each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Discovery Theatre, and are free with admission to the Ohio Historical Center.
For "The Woman Behind the Man: The President's First Lady," on Feb. 21, and Feb. 28, Betty Meneer of Columbus plays Mrs. Oscar E. Bland, wife of Judge Bland. As a dear friend of First Lady Florence Harding, Mrs. Bland will share her joys and concerns about President and Mrs. Harding.
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Sean O'Shaugnessy tells his story of leaving Ireland with his young bride in "Saints Preserve Us! The Irish In America," on March 5, 12, 19 and 26. Learn about their journey across the Atlantic and the reality of coming to America, the land of golden opportunity. Sean will be performed by Mike Follin of Chesterville, Ohio.
The Ohio Historical Center is located at I-71 and 17th Avenue. It is one of 59 historic museums and sites operated by the Ohio Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology and natural history.
Admission to the Ohio Historical Center is $7/adults, $3/students and free for OHS members and children 5 years of age and under. For information, visit www.ohiohistory.org or call 297-2300 or 800-686-6124. The Ohio Historical Center is located at I-71 and 17th Avenue.
Capital's Schumacher Gallery continues season
Capital University's Schumacher Gallery has announced its schedule of exhibits for the 2007-08 season.
"Art on a String," with Asian kites in a variety of imaginative shapes associated with festivals, holidays and special events, will take flight March 3-April 11. An opening reception will take place March 7 from 5-7 p.m.
Capital University's Student Art Exhibition will be held April 18-26, with a meet-the-artists reception April 18 from 5-7 p.m.
The Schumacher Gallery, which includes an extensive permanent collection of European, American, Asian, African and Inuit art, is located on the fourth floor of the Blackmore Library. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m., during the school year. Admission is free.
JCC events
The Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center, at 1125 College Ave., has provided the following announcements. Information is available at www.columbusjcc.org.
Parent-child basketball tournament & instructional clinic
On March 2, the JCC will hold a Parent-Child Basketball Tournament, a two-on-two tournament for children in grades 3 through 12. Each parent-child team will be matched up against other teams in their division and will end in a single elimination tournament.
All the games will be officiated and every team will be guaranteed three games.
Children in 7th through 12th grades will participate in the tournament with their parents beginning at 1 p.m.; children in 3rd through 6th grade will begin at 3 p.m. The cost is $30 for JCC members before the registration deadline of Friday, Feb. 22. ($40 after the deadline.)
Beginning March 5 and running each Wednesday through April 16, JCC Basketball Trainer Pat Noles will be conducting an Instructional Basketball Camp for children in the 1st through 4th grades. The camp will focus on the skills that are appropriate for each age division; the baskets will be lowered for the 1st and 2nd grade division.
Children in 1st and 2nd grades will play from 5 to 6 p.m., and 3rd and 4th grades from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Cost is $60 for JCC members and $90 for non-members before the registration deadline of Wednesday, Feb. 27. (Cost will raise $10 after the deadline.)
To register or for information, contact Jeanna Brownlee at 559-6274 or jbrownlee@columbusjcc.org, or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.
Spinning "Race Day" to benefit Mid-Ohio Food Bank
On Feb. 17, wheels will be spinning during the JCC of Greater Columbus's first "Race Day" event. During this two-hour ride on the indoor cycles, instructors will lead the participants in a number of different types of cycling.
Routines are designed to simulate terrain and situations encountered in actual bicycle rides, including hill climbs, sprints and interval training. Coasting downhill, obviously, is easiest to simulate, and most instructors will lead what is called an interval ride, this is where students will sprint, run, climb, and jump all in the same ride.
Two bikes still are open for Race Day, and anyone interested should sign up soon. Registration fee is $20 per racer, and the net proceeds will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Participants also are encouraged to bring two non-perishable, sealed, food items to be donated to the food bank.
Water, fruit, a nutrition bar and a goodie bag will be provided to each participant. To register, contact McCullough at (614) 559-6207. For more information, visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.
Tuskegee Airmen to visit JCC
The Tuskegee Airmen - an elite group of African-American aviators during World War II - will be giving a presentation at the JCC Feb. 21, at 11 a.m.
Nearly 1,000 fighter pilots trained as a segregated unit at an air base in Tuskegee, Ala. Not allowed to practice or fight with their white counterparts, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves in combat throughout Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, escorting bomber aircraft on missions and protecting them from the enemy.
Dozens died in the fighting; others were held as prisoners of war. Despite this, not a single bomber was lost while under their escort.
One of the featured guests at the JCC presentation, Major (Ret.) Herndon "Don" Cummings, was among a group of Tuskegee Airmen in 1945 who protested the "whites only" policy of the Officer's Club at Freeman Field, Ind. The two-day protest, which came to be known as the "Freeman Field Mutiny," is regarded by historians of the Civil Rights movement as an important step toward full integration of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Cummings now resides at Wexner Heritage Village in Bexley.
"The presentation by the Tuskegee Airmen, taking place during Black History Month, also reminds us that Jews were proud to walk beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965," said Debbie Vinocur, JCC New Horizons program director.
JCC, Sub-Aquatics offer scuba diving course
The JCC of Greater Columbus, in partnership with Sub-Aquatics of Reynoldsburg, is sponsoring a scuba diving course from Feb. 19 to March 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the JCC pool. All ages are welcome to participate in the six-week, Tuesday evening class.
For information, contact Phil Sobers, JCC Aquatics director, at 559-6241 or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.
Israeli musician to play at Jazz & Barbecue
Israeli native Gilad Hekselman and his trio of musicians will be the featured guests during an evening of Jazz and Barbecue on Sunday, Feb. 17, at the JCC of Greater Columbus, 1125 College Ave.
Along with the performance, a Kosher barbecue dinner will be served. Tickets are $18 per meal, and reservations must be made in advance. To make a reservation, contact JCC Catering Manager Tina Rice at 559-6276.
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