What's happening on the Westside (updated Feb. 11)
Be sure to read the Westside Messenger to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood! To submit events and announcements to this section, e-mail information to westside@columbusmessenger.com.
Paper recycling at Parkview
Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 S. Algonquin Ave., is providing the community with recycling bins for paper products. Bring newspapers, magazines, junk mail, etc., to the green and yellow bins in the church parking lot. No cardboard or phone books will be accepted. Questions, call 875-7231.
Exercise for seniors
Seniors are invited to exercise on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 55 Pasadena Ave. Men and women aged 50 to 90 and up have exercised at the facility since 2001. The instructor leads each session with warm-ups, play balls, resistance bands, hand weights, some low-impact aerobics and balance activities. Each participant can adapt the routine to his/her comfort level. The cost is $35 for each eight-week session. Call the instructor, Lori Vazquez, at 989-4595 with questions.
VFW Post 6065
VFW Post 6065 will hold their meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings last about one hour and are held at the Prairie Township Senior Center, 4616 West Broad St. Those interested in getting involved or volunteering time should attend a meeting. The Ladies Auxiliary meets at 6:30 p.m. The motivations of the VFW are patriotic, historical, and educational. They strive to perpetuate the memory and history of their dead, and to assist their widows and orphans. Call Will Davis at 309-0171 for further information.
Golden Age Center
The Salvation Army Golden Age Center, 2300 W. Mound St., invites anyone aged 60 or over to attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for lunch, crafts, movies, BINGO, games, health and fitness, and fun. Call Ellen Marvin, senior director, at 274-7600, ext. 108, one day in advance to reserve lunch for $1.25 per day. Fee for expenses is $9 per month.
MOPS at Cypress Wesleyan
Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton Darby Creek Road in Galloway, will host Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) on Monday evenings 6:30 - 8 p.m. and Tuesday mornings 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. For more info or to register for MOPS, go to the Web site: www.cypressonline.net/what we do/women/mops or call the church 614-878-8192.
Awana Clubs
Awana Clubs for boys and girls, from three-years-old to sixth grade, will be held Wednesdays, from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. at Briggs Road Baptist Church, 3231 Briggs Road. Call 272-7430 for more information.
American Legion Post 799
American Legion Post 799 holds their monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Prairie Township Fire Station, 123 Inah Ave. The Post is actively focusing on fund raising activities, family activities for the younger generation, setting up a Sons of the Legion auxiliary and increasing the ladies auxiliary.
The American legion is dedicated to supporting veterans and our country and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call Commander Ben Aycock at 614-878-0069.
Free meals offered
The Church of the Lamb of God, 2216 Sullivant Ave., offers free meals on the fourth Saturday of each month.
CLC information sessions
The Columbus Literacy Council is holding an information session about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on Feb. 21 from 9:30-11 a.m. The session will be held at the CLC office, 195 N. Grant Ave. Register at www.columbusliteracy.org or call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013 ext. 215.
PTSC exercise programs
The Prairie Township Senior Center hosts the following exercise programs that are free and open to the public:
•Mondays - 10:30 a.m., aerobics; 2 p.m., line dance
•Tuesdays - 9:30 a.m., gentle stretchers
•Wednesdays - 10:30 a.m., body conditioning
•Fridays - 10 a.m., gentle stretchers
FHHS class of 1989
Franklin Heights High School class of 1989 is searching for members for the 20th reunion, to be held May 2, at 6 p.m. at Frog Bear & Wild Boar. The cost is $35 per person. Contact Nancy Rawlins Juarez at nancyrawlins@hotmail.com or 614-805-0004.
Friends Worship Center hosts senior group
Senior citizens are invited to a seniors group at Friends Worship Center, 3030 Clime Road, on the second Tuesday of each month from 12-2:30 p.m. The event will feature a light lunch, games and fellowship. There is no cost, but registration is required. Contact Martha at 875-8297, Juanita at 279-2382 or Debbie at 274-6505.
Lincoln Village to establish neighborhood watch
Corporal Zackery Scott of the Franklin County Sheriff’s office will partner with the Lincoln Village Residence Association in establishing a neighborhood watch. The first meeting will be held at the Prairie Township Hall, located at 23 Maple Dr., on Feb. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Gantz volunteers offer scholarship
The Gardens at Gantz volunteers will offer a scholarship of up to $1,000 to a student interested in studying landscaping, horticulture, sustainable living or conservation at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be residents of the South-Western City School District. The application deadline is March 31. Contact 871-6323 for additional details and applications.
Free tax services
The Glenwood Free Taxes Ministry is offering free tax services to anyone making $42,000 or less during 2008. Volunteers are trained and IRS certified. Hours are Mondays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 13. Allow an hour for tax preparation. Appointments can be made by calling 274-8469 or by visiting the church at 2833 Valleyview Dr.
Salvation Army God & Country Concert
The Salvation Army will host their 24th annual God & Country Concert, honoring God and national patriotism, on Saturday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. The free concert will feature special guests, including the Salvation Army London Citadel Band and the Brass Band of Columbus. The concert will take place at Weigel Hall at The Ohio State University, 1866 College Road, just west of the Wexner Center for the Arts.
Free financial workshop
The Lincoln Village/West Broad Clean and Safe Community and Homeowners Education Project, partnering with Homes On The Hill, will present a free financial workshop to be held Feb. 21 at the Southwest Public Library, 4740 West Broad St., from 10 a.m. to noon.
Topics of discussion will be: how to receive a credit report, how to read it, what the scores mean, how scores impact your interest rates, and information on behavior to maintain good credit and more.
This workshop is appropriate for high school seniors, young adults and senior citizens. Make a reservation by calling 878-5705.
This “Credit Smart” program is made possible through a grant received from United Way of Central Ohio and the Columbus Foundation.
PACE hosts Summer Opportunities Fair
Parents for Academic Challenge and Enrichment (PACE) is a volunteer group of parents, family members and community leaders with children in Columbus City Schools who are identified as gifted and talented. They will sponsor their annual Summer Opportunities Fair at Franklin Park Conservatory. The fair will feature many learning and enrichment opportunities for all children. There will also be information to assist in planning for college admission. For more information, contact fair coordinator Kathy Jackson at 246-0377 or visit the Web site at ColumbusPACE.org.
Westland Senior Citizens
The Westland Senior Citizens will meet Feb. 12 at Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road. The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. The speaker will be Vivian Brown on her trip to Alaska. A potluck lunch will be served at noon. For more information, call 830-0134.
HUD home workshop
Homes on the Hill CDC has partnered with Lenco Realty and Appraisals to offer a free workshop about how to buy a HUD home. HUD homes are a great source of affordable housing, especially with the $100 down payment and $2,500 closing cost incentive program. Topics covered will include buyer eligibility, how to obtain financing, making an offer and the closing process. This class is free and open to the public. Homes on The Hill staff will also be available for questions and to schedule one-on-one appointments with a home ownership counselor.
Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Homes on the Hill offices in the Hilltop Lutheran Church, 12 S. Terrace Ave., unless otherwise noted. Class dates are Feb. 26, March 26, April 30 (location to be announced), May 21 and June 25. Registration is required. Call 275-4663 ext. 106 to register.
Fund-Raising Vendor Fair
South-Western City School District Council of PTAs is hosting its 7th annual Fund-Raising Vendor Fair. The event will take place in the commons area at Westland High School, 146 Galloway Road, on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fundraising vendors will be showcasing products and ideas available for fundraisers for spring and fall. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Diane Walker, chairperson, at 276-8828.
Free clothing and lunch
New Hope Church, 3060 W. Broad St., will provide free men’s, women’s and some children’s clothing on Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free lunch will be provided. All are welcome. This is a monthly event. Read the Westside Messenger for future dates.
MOPS to meet
Mothers Of Preschoolers is about celebrating being a mom, understanding our needs, meeting other mothers, and learning about God’s love.
A MOPS Group sponsored by Life in Christ Fellowship meets monthly at the New Life Nazarene Church located at 2020 State Route 142 NE, West Jefferson.
The theme this year is “Adventures In Mothering” and at the Feb. 18 meeting, guest speaker Connie Anderson will talk about working from the home.
While moms are enjoying their “adult” time, their preschool children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program with stories, crafts, fun and snacks.
Meeting Times are 9:30-11:30 on the third Wednesday of each month September through May (no December meeting). Interested moms should contact Pam at 614-853-2532 or Lois at 614-878-3535 for more information and to receive a registration form.
Comets host chili cook-off
The Central Crossing High School athletic boosters are sponsoring the second annual chili cook-off to be held during the boys’ basketball season final game Central Crossing versus Westland High Schools on Feb. 20 in the Central Crossing Cafeteria. All Central Crossing athletic teams are invited to present their best chili with awards being presented to the winners in the following categories: celebrity judges award, people’s choice award and best decorated table and servers.
This year’s celebrity judges are members of the South-Western City School board as well as district/building administrators. Judging will begin at 5:30 p.m.
By purchasing tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5), the community can sample a variety of chili and help select the people’s choice award winner.
Central Crossing High School is located at 4500 Big Run South Road in Grove City. For more information, visit centralcrossingcomets.org or contact Sally Creasap at screasap@capital.edu.
Free tax help
Free tax help is available to taxpayers of any age with low and middle incomes with special attention to those aged 60 and older.
This assistance is made available the National IRS AARP Tax Aide program. Volunteers are trained to assist in filing 1040 tax forms and basic schedules, state and local returns. Tax payers with complex tax returns are advised to seek paid assistance.
This special Tax-Aide assistance will be made available at the Prairie Township Senior Center, 4616 W. Broad St., on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.To schedule an appointment, call 878-5110.
Electronic filing is provided. Bring your current year tax forms, last year’s returns, W-2 and 1099 forms for all incomes, and official identification for yourself and all dependents and which displays your photo, such as a current driver’s license.
“Soup-er” Saturday
The Prairie Township Senior Center, 4616 W. Broad St., will host a “Soup-er” Saturday event, open to the public, on Feb. 21, from 1-3 p.m. Featured will be old fashioned soup beans, corn bread, dessert and beverage for $5. For more information, call 878-5110.
Free immunizations
The Franklin County Board of Health will offer child and adult immunizations at the Prairie Township Fire Department, 123 Inah Ave., on Feb. 18 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.m and 1-3 p.m.
Required immunizations are available for a $10 administration fee for children ages one month to 18 years of age. In addition, there is a $15 assessment fee that will be charged each visit. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay for childhood immunizations.
Adult immunizations are also available and vary in price according to the vaccine, although international travel vaccines are not available.
Be sure to bring your child’s shot record. A completed consent form is required if a parent of legal guardian is not present.
Gospel sing
The Hilltop Community Full Gospel Church, 179 N. Huron Ave., will host a gospel sing on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. The featured singer will be Roger Mackey Jr. For more information, call 279-3345.
Westland Senior Citizens
The Westland Senior Citizens will meet Feb. 26 at Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road. The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. The special guest will be Ray Hawkins, who plays the violin. A potluck lunch will be served at noon. For more information, call 830-0134.
Spaghetti dinner/auction
Westgate UMC, 61 S*. Powell Ave., will host a spaghetti dinner and silent auction on Feb. 28 from 4-7 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children aged 10 and under.
WABA sponsorsworkshop for job seekers
The Westland Area Business Association, in conjunction with New Directions Career Center, is sponsoring a free workshop for job seekers. The workshop, “Effective Interviewing and Salary Negotiation Strategies,” equips participants with the skills necessary to achieve successful outcomes in interviewing and negotiating situations. Participants will learn how to present information as well as how to overcome objections and answer sensitive questions.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Westland Area Library, 4740 West Broad St. The event is free to the public but registration is required. To register, contact NDCC at 849-0028, extension 100.
Briggs class of 1979
Briggs High School class of 1979 will hold its 30th reunion on Oct. 3. For more information, contact Kim Burke Collins at collink09@sbcglobal.net or Cindy Hale Seeley at 875-5167.
Wilshire Heights Blockwatch
Wilshire Heights Blockwatch will meet Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7-8 p.m. at Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 S. Algonquin Ave. Guest speaker is Vicky McElvey, a veteran dispatcher for the radio room, Columbus Division of Police. She will discuss how the radio room handles the hundreds of service calls it receives each day.
Game Night
Abundant Life Tabernacle, 35 Derrer Road, is hosting a Game Night on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 4-7 p.m. in the hospitality center. There will be games and activities for all ages and dessert will be served. If you have any questions, e-mail pastor@abundantlifetabernacle.net or call 614-279-5433.
Weekly Lenten fish fry
A weekly Lenten fish fry will be held at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, 4131 Clime Road, each Friday beginning Feb. 27 and running through April 3. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will include all you can eat fish (fried and baked), choice of side dishes, beverage and dessert. For further information call 272-5206.
West High class of 1969
The West High School class of 1969 will hold its 40th class reunion on Aug. 29 at JP’s Barbeque at Bolton Field. For more information, contact Robin (McMillen) Gray at 870-8905 or Bea (Dodson) Bailey at 871-0335.
Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship
The Columbus Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 21 for breakfast at the York Steakhouse, 4220 W. Broad St. For reservations, call Donald Schaffner at 875-0230.
“How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk”
Central Ohio Youth for Christ’s City Life Center, at 40 Chicago Ave., will host the free community workshop for adults, “How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk,” on Feb. 24, 7-9 p.m. RSVP to Susan Mossman at 848-4870 ext. 102 or smossman@coyfc.org.
Spaghetti dinner at Westgate UMC
Westgate United Methodist Church, 61 S. Powell Ave., is having a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 28 from 4-7 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 4-10 and children under 3 are free. Everyone is welcome.
Pork and sauerkraut dinner
St. John Lutheran Church, located on the corner of West Broad Street and Hague Avenue, will have thier annual pork and sauerkraut dinner on Feb. 20 from 5-7 p.m. The menu will include pork, sauerjraut, mashed potatoes and homemade desserts provided by the ladies of the congregation. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
