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Community Calendar
Basket Auction and Luncheon
First Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Child Center, 211 Garfield Ave. in London, will host a silent auction of themed basket and serve lunch at 11:30 a.m. April 20 while children from the center provide music accompanied by Valerie Cox. The menu will include sloppy joes, hot dogs, chips, carrots and dip, applesauce, drinks and ice cream sundaes. All proceeds will go toward the cost of new flooring for the church fellowship hall, kitchen, hallways and dining area. For more information, call 740-852-1215 or 852-3190.
Battelle Darby Creek Park
Battelle Darby Creek Metropark is located at 1775 Darby Creek Drive (off of Route 40, east of West Jefferson). For more information, go to www.metroparks.net.
• Preschoolers: Red Wigglers, April 25 at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Discover the slimy, slithering creatures that help the soil. Meet at Cedar Ridge Lodge.
• Birding at its Best, April 26 at 8 a.m. Ring in the spring with a chorus of birds on a two-mile hike in the Darby Valley. Meet at Indian Ridge Bulletin Board.
• Off-Trail Adventure, April 26 at 1 p.m. Wander off the beaten path as you follow the leader through woods and fields. Meet at the Indian Ridge Bulletin Board.
• Wildflower Wonders, April 27 at 1 p.m. Raise your spirits and intoxicate your senses with a spectacular show of trillium, Dutchman’s breeches and other spring wildflowers on a two-mile hike. Meet at the Naturalist Office.
CPR Classes
Studies show that effective CPR administered promptly improves survival from cardiac arrest. Seventy percent of all cardiac arrests and breathing emergencies happen in the home. The combination of heart attacks and accidents is the nation’s number one killer and takes a life every 34 seconds.
CPR skills are crucial during emergencies, including: heart attacks, electric shock, drowning, severe allergic reactions, choking, drug overdose and suffocation. According to the American Environmental Health and Safety, choking and drowning are the leading cause of death among children and over 16 million children to the emergency room every year.
CPR classes are offered at Madison County Hospital for the public and healthcare providers. Participants will learn how to perform rescue breathing and chest compressions on adults, children and infants. They will also learn to use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and how to help a choking victim.
CPR classes are being held in the Park Avenue Medical Building conference room in London.
Recertification classes: for individuals who have been trained in CPR/BLS (Basic Life Saving) within the last two years. Cost is $35 per person. Classes are set for: May 7, 8 to 11 a.m., and May 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Certification classes: for individuals who have never been trained in CPR/BLS or it has been more than two years since last training. Cost is $35 per person. Classes are set for 8 a.m. to noon on April 23 and May 14.
Heartsaver classes: teach basic CPR skills and is designed for individuals who are in non-clinical fields. This course does not meet criteria for those healthcare providers who must be BLS/HCP certified. Classes are set for 6 to 9 p.m. April 28 and May 29.
To participate in any of the CPR courses, individuals must pre-register to attend. Contact Missy Peak at Madison County Hospital at 740-845-7307 to register.
Dinner
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 746 invites the public to enjoy a meal between 4 and 7 p.m. April 30 at American Legion Post 105, 51 E. First St, London. The menu includes Reuben sandwiches and BLTs, each for $4, plus side dishes for 50 cents each, including baked beans, coleslaw and macaroni salad. Meals will be available to eat in, carry out or for delivery.
First Aid Classes
Madison County Hospital is offering first aid classes to the community. The three-hour class will use the American Heart Association guidelines. Classes cost $25 and include a workbook. The class is offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 21, May 19 and June 30. All classes are offered in the Park Avenue Medical Building Conference Room at 55 Park Ave. All participants must pre-register to attend the class. Call Missy Peak at 740-845-7307.
Flower Sale
West Jefferson United Methodist Church is holding its fifth annual flower sale. Orders must be placed by April 29. Call Ron or Connie Hanes at 614-879-6732. Flowers will be available for pick-up at the church, 36 S. Center St., between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 2 and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 3.
Hanging baskets of geraniums or super-tunias are $15.25 each. Hanging baskets of million bells are $16.25. For individual four-inch pots, the choices are: zonal geraniums, $3.25; wave petunias, $2.50; or seed geraniums, $2 (or buy 15 in a flat for $30). Flats of impatiens or petunias are $12.25. New items are: knockout roses in one-gallon containers, $10; crazy daisies in one-gallon containers, $8; and accent plants and filler plants in 4.5-inch pots, $3.25.
Gamers Group
Mount Sterling Gamers is a new group with a mission to expand the interest in historical gaming, with a focus on historical miniature gaming in particular. The group meets on the last Thursday of each month at Mount Sterling Public Library. For details, call the library at 740-869-2430 or go online to: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/mountsterlinggamers/.
Gospel Singing
Catawba Freewill Baptist Church, 58 S. Persimmon St., invites the public to a gospel sing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26. The groups who perform are “For His Glory” and “One Accord.” The church will furnish chicken for the lunch break. Participants are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert. Catawba is located five miles north of Route 40 on Route 54.
Joint Recreation District Meeting
The Central Madison Joint Recreation District meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Emergency Management Agency office, 271 Elm St., London. For more information, contact Eric Imerman at 740-845-1321 or ebimerman@gmail.com.
Kindergarten Screenings
• Registration for St. Patrick School’s all-day, every-day kindergarten will be held May 1 at St. Patrick School. Call 740-852-0161 to register a child. To enroll in kindergarten, the child must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1.
Information needed for registration includes: immunization records, birth certificate, names of family doctor and dentist and phone numbers, parent day and evening phone numbers, parent email address, emergency phone contact if parent cannot be reached and, student social security card. If separated or divorced, a copy of custody papers must be presented.
As part of the enrollment process, prospective kindergarten students will be screened for vision, hearing, speech and communications, health and medical problems and developmental disorders. The school will provide screening for all the aforementioned areas except for health and medical problems. Physical forms are available from the school and are to be filled out by parents and a family physician or the health department. This physical must occur prior to Aug. 22.
All registration is done on an appointment basis. Call 740-852-0161 to set an appointment.
• Jefferson Local Schools will hold kindergarten registration and screening May 15-16 at Norwood Elementary, 899 Norwood Drive in West Jefferson.
All of the district’s kindergarteners attend Norwood. If you are a resident of West Jefferson and your child will be 5 years old by Aug. 1, call the Norwood office after April 14 for an appointment, 614-879-7642, ext. 4301.
On the day of registration, you will need your child’s birth certificate, social security card, immunization record, proof of residency (i.e. utility bill, copy of mortgage), and custody papers including original journal entry if separated or divorced. A physical is needed before school starts.
Your child will not be permitted to enter kindergarten if all paperwork is not received.
Live Music
The MustardSeed Café, 18 W. Main St. in West Jefferson, hosts live music acts. All shows start at 7 p.m.
• April 23—Chase Potter and Spenser Selbert, popular piano and violin duo
• April 24—Bluegrass gospel open jam
• April 25—Bluegrass bands all night
• April 26—Heavy rock show with “Damascus Road” and “Sabbath 7.”
London Library
The London Public Library offers the following programs. For more information, stop by 20 E. First St., call 740-852-9543 or go online to www.london.lib.oh.us.
• Spring Story Time. Parents and caregivers may sign up their children (ages birth to 5 years) for the winter/spring session of Story Time. Get a complete schedule at the library.
• Knitting Club. The next session is at 7 p.m. April 15.
• Book Clubs. The Non-Fiction Book Club will discuss "The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt at 7 p.m. April 22. The Fiction Book Club will discuss “The Birth of Venus” by Sarah Dunant at 7 p.m. May 13.
• Author Series: Lee Martin. At 7 p.m. May 8, Lee Martin, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his novel “The Bright Forever,” will visit the library. His newest book, “The River of Heaven,” was released on April 15.
• RC Airplanes. Learn about remote control airplanes at 6:30 p.m. April 23, plus have a chance to win a complete RC airplane set.
• Parachute Games. School-age youth are invited to play a variety of games with a giant parachute at the library at 2 p.m. April 29.
• How to Pay for College. Discover how financial planning and the Upromise program can help you afford a college education during a presentation by NYLife Securities representative, Mike Quilter, at 6:30 p.m. April 30.
• Movie Night Out. Adults can enjoy “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” (PG) oat 6 p.m. May 21 at the library. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.
Military Ball
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 746 will host their 11th annual military ball on May 3 at VFW Post 7005, 1 Veterans Way, West Jefferson. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. The band, “Pure Bull,” will perform. The cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple. For more information, contact Gary Groves at 740-852-9196 or Dave Cunningham at 852-0331.
MOPS Meeting
London Church of The Nazarene sponsors a MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) group which will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 7 at the church, 224 Elm St. in London. MOPS is for every mother of preschoolers, and children are welcome as there will be childcare available. Mothers can enjoy fellowship, encouragement, and inspiration. For more information, call the church at 740-852-3498 or sned e-mail to mops@londonnazarene.com.
Mt. Sterling Community Center
The Mount Sterling Community Center is located at 164 E. Main St. Call 740-869-2453.
Monday, April 21: Sterling Socialites, 10 a.m. to noon; open gym for youths, 4-5:30 p.m.; open gym for adults, 5:30-7 p.m.; GED/ABLE, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22: Open gym for adults, 5-7 p.m.; food/clothing pantry, 4-7 p.m.; TOPS, 6-6:45 p.m.; men’s Bible study/basketball, 7-9 p.m.; Alcoholics Anonymous, 8-9 p.m.
Wednesday, April 23: Adult sewing, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; adult counseling, noon-6:30 p.m.; open gym for youths, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; boys AAU basketball practice, 6:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, April 24: Food/clothing pantry, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; food demonstration, 11 a.m.-noon; girls AAU basketball, 5-7 p.m.; GED/ABLE, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, April 25: Girls AAU basketball, 5-7 p.m.; Friday Night Live, 8:30-11 p.m.
Saturday, April 26: Sewing, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 27: Sterling Grace church services, 6-8 p.m.; Alcoholics Anonymous, 7-8 p.m.; Depression/Bi-polar Support Group, 8 p.m.
Mulch Sale
Boy Scout Troop 102, London, is holding its annual mulch sale. Black Platinum mulch is $3.50 per 2.25 cubic-foot bag; Premium A cypress is $4.25 per 2 cubic-foot bag. Free delivery to your driveway is available in the London area. Proceeds will be used to help the scouts go to summer camp and purchase equipment. Contact Jerry or Judy Grigsby at 740-852-6501 to place an order.
MSYAA Raffle
The Mount Sterling Youth Athletic Association (MSYAA) will hold a spring raffle fundraiser on May 3. Organizers are looking for monetary donations or prizes. To help, contact: Deanna Stevens, 740-869-3336; Michael Browning, 614-877-0690; Becky Martin, 740-869-3053; or Jodi Garrison, 614-877-0110.
MSYAA is a non-profit organization. The league consists of children ranging in age from 5 to 15, playing t-ball, softball, baseball, soccer and basketball. The organization is part of the Fair Pic league. The teams have won multiple first-place championships. MSYAA’s goal is to add to and update equipment for the children’s safety.
Paint the Town Purple
On May 1, volunteers with the Madison County Relay for Life will take to the streets to paint the town purple by painting purple ribbons at major intersections in and around the communities of Madison County. Residents can request that ribbons be painted in their driveways; the planning committee just asks for a donation to the American Cancer Society in return. Additionally, the public is asked to wear purple on that day. For more information or to set up a driveway ribbon painting, call Jessica Gross at 740-604-0005.
Parks & Trails Auction
The Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails will hold its sixth annual public auction on May 3 at the Madison County Senior Center, 280 W. High St., London. Doors will open at 8 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be available.
The day will include a silent auction from 9 a.m. to noon, a live auction that begins at 10 a.m., lunch at 11 a.m., a 50-50 raffle, and a bicycle raffle drawing at 2 p.m. Tim Beathard & Associates will provide the auction services.
Donations of new or gently used items may be made by contacting Wayne Roberts at 740-852-0077, Alan Knowles at 740-852-5145, Mike Michael at 614-578-1040, or Gene Pass at 740-852-9597.
Plain City Library
The Plain City Public Library offers a wide variety of free programs for all age groups. For more information or to register for any program, call 614-873-4912 or send e-mail to agreen@plaincitylib.org.
• Swing Dance Lessons. To prepare for the Plain City Big Band Dance on May 2, the Friends of the Plain City Public Library is sponsoring free swing dance lessons at the library, April 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. As space is limited, registration is required. Couples and singles may register.
• Popcorn Matinee. Enjoy a family-friendly movie and a bag of popcorn at 1:30 p.m. April 24, Jonathan Alder School District’s early release day. Tickets are free and may be picked up at the circulation desk beginning April 17. Registration is required.
Playtime in Plain City
Busy Bee Playtime is held every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at Sharon Mennonite Church in Plain City. Playtime is held in the church’s fellowship hall, where there is room for children ages 0-5 to play while the adults watch over them and visit with each other. Each playtime ends with a short circle time to sing songs.
All children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or caregiver. The program is free. Participants can come late or leave early because Busy Bee is an “open gym” format. The program runs through the end of May.
The church gym is located at 7675 Amity Pike in Plain City. For more information, call the church at 614-873-8290 or e-mail busybees@sharonmennonite.org.
Poetry Recitation
Monroe Elementary and Plain City Elementary students will recite poetry at 7 p.m. April 23 at Jonathan Alder High School. The public is invited to attend this 30th annual event, known as the Declamation Performance. Participating students first were judged at the classroom level based on use of gestures, facial expressions and difficulty of memorized piece. Refreshments will be served after the performance.
Pregnancy Resources’ Walk For Life
Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resources, located at 42 W. First St. in London, will hold its primary fundraiser, The Walk For Life, on May 3 at Cowling Park. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The walk starts at 9.
Elizabeth’s Hope is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that aids individuals who are involved in planned and unplanned pregnancy and other related issues. All services are free and confidential. The center offers free self-administered pregnancy tests, peer counseling, abstinence education, and a MOMs (Making Outstanding Mothers) program, an earn-as-you-learn opportunity.
The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information about services or the Walk For Life, call 740-852-9150.
Recycle computer equipment for London Music
The London Music Boosters have partnered with Ohio Computer Recycling to offer a service to the community as well as a fundraiser for the London City Schools music department.
Throughout the month of April, and possibly longer, Ohio Computer Recycling will park a trailer behind London High School to collect recyclable computer components and electronics, including: computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, fax machines, copiers, cell phones, scanners, cables and wires, VCRs, DVD players, CD and DVD media, floppy disks, phone equipment, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, PDAs, video game systems and games.
For more information about the recycling drive, call London High School at 740-852-5705 or Ohio Computer Recycling at 614-856-3204.
Red Cross Classes and Blood Drives
The American Red Cross of Madison County offers the following. For details, call 740-845-9939.
• April 23-24 at 4 p.m.—Babysitter training at Devonshire Senior Apartments, London. $30.
• May 1 from noon to 6 p.m.—Blood drive at Wal-Mart, London
• May 5-6 at 5 p.m.—Sport safety with CPR at Devonshire Apartments, London. $50.
• May 14-15 at 4 p.m.—Babysitter training at Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library, West Jefferson. $30.
• May 21-22 at 4 p.m.—Babysitter training at Pleasant Valley Fire Station, Plain City, $30.
• May 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Blood drive at Trinity Episcopal Church, London
May 28-29 at 4 p.m.—Babysitter training at Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library, West Jefferson. $30.
Relay For Life Fundraiser
Every Tuesday in April, Flyers Pizza and Subs in West Jefferson will donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to the Madison County Relay For Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society. Dine in, takeout and delivery orders will all be counted. Call 614-879-7777.
Relay For Life Meetings
To better prepare Relay for Life teams, the 2008 Madison County Relay for Life organizing committee has released the schedule for the team captain meetings. They will take place at the high school from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 12 and June 9.
Organizers will provide team captains with information to help teams reach their goals and understand the logistics of the event. Anyone interested in forming a team for this year’s Relay is encouraged to attend the meetings. For details, contact Gina Newsome at gina.newsome@london.k12.oh.us.
Reunion
The Central High School class of 1948 will hold its 60th class reunion on July 13 at COSI from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, contact John Allen at 614-875-4359, Bill Rector at 614-889-5608, Ardie Schirtzinger at 614-272-0295, Florance (Voss) McCarty at 614-876-2181 or Susan (Jones) Metzger at 614-901-2678.
Senior Volunteer Luncheon
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will host a luncheon sponsored by The Madison House to thank senior volunteers for their contributions to many community agencies on April 24 at The Clubhouse at the Madison Senior Living Community. Members of RSVP will enjoy lunch, a short program, and door prizes to recognize their efforts in serving at food pantries, schools, the Red Cross, hospice organizations and many other sites in Madison County.
RSVP provides volunteer opportunities throughout the county to seniors age 55 and older, and supports them with volunteer insurance and optional mileage reimbursement. Those who are interested in finding out about volunteer service or who already volunteer and want to join RSVP should contact Shana Smith, RSVP coordinator, at 614-456-6493 or mail inquiries to RSVP, P.O. Box 82, London, Ohio 43140.
Spaghetti Dinner
The West Jefferson Lions Club will serve an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. May 16 at Zion Lutheran Church, 221 S. Center St., West Jefferson. The price is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Summer Hoops in London
The London Parks and Recreation Summer Hoops program will start on the following dates. The cost is $30 per player. Spots will fill up fast. For details, call Darren Long at 740-852-7641.
• Summer Hoops I—June 9-13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for any girl or boy entering K-2 next school year.
• Summer Hoops II—June 16-20 from 8:30 a.m. to noon1 for any girl entering third through eighth grade next school year.
• Summer Hoops III—June 23-27 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for any girl or boy entering K-2 next school year.
• Summer Hoops IV—July 7-11 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for any boy entering third through eighth grade next school year.
Swim Team Sign-ups
The London Lightning Swim Club is open to boys and girls ages 7-14 (must pass Level 3 swim pre-test prior to participating in competitions) will hold registration from 10 a.m. to noon April 26 at City Council Chambers, 6 E. Second St.
The summer swim team will practice up to twice a week and compete up to twice a week in June and July. The club recently joined the Suburban East Swim League and will travel to league competitions each Wednesday evening to Reynoldsburg, New Albany, Bexley, Gahanna and Columbus. The cost to register is $30 (excluding uniform costs). The team will begin practices the first week of June.
For more information, contact the London Department of Parks and Recreation at 740-852-4462.
Weight Loss Support Groups
“Let’s Talk, New Beginnings” are weight loss support groups sponsored by the Madison County Diabetes Association. The groups are open to all adults free of charge. You do not have to be diabetic to attend.
The meetings are held on: Mondays at 6 p.m. at Arbors West in West Jefferson; Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at Madison County Senior Center, London; and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at Plain City Public Library.
For further information, contact Nena at 614-879-9470 or 740-845-7232 or go to the Web site at madisoncountydiabetesassociation.com.
West Jefferson Library
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library in West Jefferson can be reached at 614-879-8448.
• WWWorkshops. Every Thursday through May 29, the library will host computer classes for beginners at 10 a.m. Each topic will be completed in one 90-minute session. The three offerings are Computer Basics, Exploring the Internet, and Understanding E-Mail. Pick up the schedule and register for classes at the library.
• Storytimes. Spring Storytime will be held through May 14. Toddler Time for children ages 18 months to 3 years old will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Rhyme Time for children ages 3 to 5 is set for 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. Baby Time for little ones ages birth to 18 months will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays.
• “Catch The Reading Bug” Bookmark Contest. The Library Summer Reading Program theme is “Catch The Reading Bug.” Children are invited to design bookmarks for the library to distribute during the program. The categories are: kindergarten and younger, grades 1 through 3, and grades 4 and 5. Entry forms may be picked up at the library Information desk starting April 15. Design your bookmark and turn it in to the information desk by May 15. The winners will be announced on May 19.
Women’s Walking Group
A women’s walking/running group meets every Saturday at 9 a.m. at the bike trail entrance behind the Madison County Senior Center in London. The only rules are as follows: 1. girls only; 2. sessions start promptly at 9; and 3. what is shared on the path, stays on the path.
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