Community calendar for Eastside Messenger

Messenger photos by John Matuszak Bexley kids put Big Bad Wolf on trial Makayla Valentine, center, as the Big Bad Wolf, doesn't seem to be worried about the wrath of the Three Little Pigs, from left, Suzannah Stone, Adam Hirsch and Addison Torrence. But a jury will decide whether the wolf is guilty when Bexley Elementary students perform "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf" February 7 through 10, in the Cassingham Theatre, 326 South Cassingham Road.  The trial jury is composed of other famous nursery rhyme characters, from Jack and Jill to Mary, Mary Quite Contrary to Jack Sprat's Wife, each of whom can share a little bit of the blame.  The play is being performed by two casts:  "The Jets" will appear on Thursday, February 7, at 7 pm and Saturday, February 9 at 2 pm.  "The Sharks" perform on Friday, February 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 10 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $2 for students and $5 for adults.

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.

Bishop Hartley High School open house
Bishop Hartley High School, 1285 Zettler Road in Columbus invites eighth graders and their parents to attend its winter open house Feb. 13 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  Participants can tour the school and visit with the principal, academic department chairs, guidance counselors, and the athletic director.  
If you are interested in attending or would like more information, contact Kathy Acklin at 237-5421, ext. 227.  

Tea & "Amazing American Women" at Eastview United Methodist
Eastview United Methodist Church, 1045 Ross Road, will hold a Valentine Tea, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.  All ladies are invited to share a cup of tea and a bit of friendship and enjoy a program of music by Kim Brown and a presentation "Amazing American Women."

There is not charge for the tea, but RSVPs are required.  For reservations, call the church office, 235-7895, by Feb. 4.

Mathias Ridenour DAR to learn about WWII aircraft
The Mathias Ridenour Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will have their next luncheon meeting Feb. 9, 20 11 a.m.  at Day's Inn, 2100 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg.  

A program titled "The Willow Run Express," about WWII aircraft B2's, called the Liberator,  will be presented by Dick Hoerle.  

A business meeting will immediately follow the program.  If you are interested in attending, or for more information, contact Sue Gilmore at 864-9609.

Widow/Widowers Club meets
The Widow or Widowers Club will meet at Feb. 9 at 1 p.m., at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center, 1520 Davidson Drive.  A potluck meal is planned. For information, call Nancy at 759-9291.

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 2, 9, 16 and 23 10am - 2pm; Wednesday, February 20, 27 from 6pm - 8pm, 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.

Reynoldsburg Parent to Parent workshop on adolescence
The Reynoldsburg school district will offer a free Parent to Parent workshop on facing the issues of adolescence, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 7-9 p.m., at Reynoldsburg High School, 6699 E. Livingston Ave., room 401.

The workshop covers such issues as trust, consequences, alcohol and other drug use, safety, personal values and the Internet. To register call 501-4000.

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. 8 and 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.   
 
BRAVO celebrates Bexley Education Foundation's 25th with art, food, auction & raffle
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."

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 $1,000 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.

Ohio Village will become the setting for two candlelight dinner concerts to celebrate Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day

Ohio Village Singers to celebrate Valentine's,
St. Patrick's Day
Ohio Village will become the setting for two candlelight dinner concerts to celebrate Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day. Guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience in this 19th-century setting while they are being entertained with charming ditties and ballads from the past by the renowned Ohio Village Singers, the longest performing vocal ensemble of period music in the country.

Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner for two at "Valentines by Candlelight" February 14 and 15. Guests will be greeted at the American House Hotel by costumed interpreters, romantic melodies performed on the violin and hammer dulcimer and a cup of "Sweetheart Punch." After an elegant meal, the Ohio Village Singers will present an entertaining concert of period love ballads and comic songs interspersed with romantic verse, poetry and readings. Each guest will receive a handmade valentine created for the occasion.

At "From the Pubs of Ireland," March 14 and 15, 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.

For "The Woman Behind the Man: The President's First Lady," on Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, Feb. 28, Betty Meneer of Columbus plays Mrs. Oscar E. Bland, wife of Judge Bland.

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. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, 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 announces 2007-08 season
Capital University's Schumacher Gallery has announced its schedule of exhibits for the 2007-08 season.

"Beyond Boundaries," featuring self-taught artists who use unconventional subjects, techniques and materials, will be presented Jan. 11-Feb. 15. The exhibit  is co-sponsored by Art Access.

"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.
 
Capital University Theatre, Conservatory of Music programs
Capital University's Theatre Program, and Conservatory of Music will hold the following events during the 2007-2008 academic year:

Capital University Theatre
•"Twelfth Night," a comedy by William Shakespeare, Feb. 14-17.

•One-Act Play Festival, a series of student-directed plays, April 17-20.
Thursday and Friday performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday performances are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.

All performances are held in the Cabaret Theatre, located in the basement of the Harry C. Moores Campus Center. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for student and senior citizens. Admission is free for students with a current Capital I.D. For more information, call 236-7174.

Conservatory of Music
•Capital University/Bexley Community Orchestra concert, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•University Bands concert, Feb. 6, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•NOW MUSIC Festival, Conservatory of Music, Feb. 11-17.
•Community Music School Junior Winds concert, Feb. 24, 2 p.m. in Mees Hall; Women In Music recital, Feb. 24, 3 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•Women In Music recital, March 9, 3 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall; Ensemble-in-Residence, Carpe Diem concert, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•University Bands concert, March 16, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Brass Choir concert, March 18, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Trombone Studio recital, April 6, 7:30 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•Tuba Ensemble concert, April 8, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Early Music In Columbus, April 11, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Clarinet Choir concert, April 12, 7:30 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•Jazz and World Music Festival, Conservatory of Music, April 14-20.
•University Bands concert, April 20, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Chamber Winds concert, April 23, 8 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•Alumni Weekend Choral concert, April 25, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall
•Capital University/Bexley Community Orchestra concert, April 27, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Community Music School Junior Winds concert, May 4, 2 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Community Music School Youth Choir concert, May 18, 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall

All events are free except the Early Music programs and Women in Music performances. For information call 236-6411.


JCC events

The Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center, at 1125 College Ave., has provided the following announcements. Information is available at www.columbusjcc.org.

Jewish War Veterans to sponsor blood drive The Jewish War Veterans Post 122 recently sponsored a blood drive for the American Red Cross at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus. Pictured above, standing left to right, are: Stan Sucan, Dr. Al Tyroler, and Harry Topolosky. Seated are Post Commander Saul Laub and donor Rabbi Harold Berman of Tifereth Israel. The next blood drive at the JCC, 1125 College Ave., sponsored by Post 122, is scheduled for March 19. To book an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

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.

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.

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.

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 559-6276.

New Horizons 60+ activities
The New Horizons 60+ group for active senior adults is planning a variety of activities in the upcoming weeks:

•Having Lively Discussions. Every Monday at 11 a.m., the New Horizons group gathers to discuss current events, local issues, stories - and even share a joke or two. In addition, at least once a month the Yiddish speakers in the group gather for a meeting - conducted entirely in Yiddish. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 20 at Creekside. (Contact Ann Rubin at 614-231-5838 for more info.)

•Exercising and Dancing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there are a variety of exercise and gentle movement classes to help fight the wintertime blahs. Chair Fit is held both days at 11 a.m., to help seniors improve their flexibility, strength, and circulation - all while sitting in a chair. Or, if a little more energy fits your style, Forever Fit classes are held both days at 8 a.m., and incorporate stretching, strength training, and low-impact aerobics designed especially for seniors. (Both classes are taught by Gail Rosenblum.)

If your back aches and you just want to learn how to stretch it properly with the gentle movements of Yoga, each Tuesday, from 12 to 12:45 p.m., Beth McCullough teaches a Lunchtime Yoga for the Back class. But if you've "gotta dance," then the Line Dancing class, taught by Mary Bova-Ervin each Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m., is definitely something you should try. The fee per dancer is $4, and remember to wear comfortable dancing shoes or sneakers.

•Attending the theater. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the New Horizons group will be attending Catco's The Drawer Boy. The outing, which departs the JCC at 10:15 a.m. for Capitol Theater at the Riffe Center downtown, is $17 for JCC members and $19 for nonmembers, and includes breakfast at the JCC at 9:15 a.m., the show, and transportation.

In addition, the group will be attending BalletMet's LoveStruck: Ravel to Sinatra on Friday, Feb. 8. The outing, which departs the JCC at 9:45 a.m. for Capitol Theater at the Riffe Center downtown, is $17 for JCC members and $19 for nonmembers, and includes breakfast at the JCC at 9 a.m., the show, and transportation. RSVPs are a must for both performances.

•Eating Kosher lunches.  Every Monday through Friday at noon, the JCC, through LifeCare Alliance, offers the only Kosher lunch in town for adults 60 and over for a nominal donation of $1.25 per meal. Register one day in advance, please.

And remember, you don't have to be a JCC member, nor do you have to be Jewish, to enjoy the camaraderie and the fun. For more information and to make reservations, contact Debbie Vinocur, JCC New Horizons program director, at (614) 559-6214 or dvinocur@columbusjcc.org, or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.

Tennis lessons for ages 3-5
The Jewish Community Center is offering a Mighty Mite Tennis program for children ages three to five years in a seven-week program beginning April 7. The classes will be taught by JCC Tennis Pro Pam Lippy in the JCC gymnasium at 1125 College Ave.
Children will learn basic tennis and motor skills that lead to playing on "short" courses with foam balls, small racquets and other junior-sized equipment. Children of all skill levels are welcome.

The fee is $80. Wilson Pee-Wee racquets are available for $20.

For information, contact Jeanna Brownlee, JCC Director of Sports and Wellness, at 559-6274 or jbrownlee@columbusjcc.org.

Gallery Players to perform  Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"
Gallery Players, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus' theatre group, will present Stephen Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum."

The show replaces the previously scheduled "South Pacific."

The musical is a comedy in which a crafty slave (Pseudolus) struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted courtesan (Philia) for his young master (Hero), in exchange for freedom.

Sondheim is receiving renewed attention due to a Broadway revival and a film version of "Sweeney Todd."

"Forum" has a script by Larry Gelbart, known for creating the television show "M*A*S*H" and the screenplay for "Tootsie."

The show schedule is Saturday, Feb. 23, March 1 and 8, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 24, March 2 and 9, at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 28 and March 6, at 7:30 p.m.

All season ticket holders' ticket purchases will be honored at the newly scheduled show.

The other show remaining in the schedule is "Brooklyn Boy," May 17-June 1, with auditions March 16-18.

"Brooklyn Boy," a drama written by Donald Margulies, is a story about what happens when the marginally successful writing career of middle-aged author Eric Weiss begins to take off with the publication of his novel.

Tickets for individual shows are $12 for JCC members, $18 for nonmembers, $10 for senior members, $16 for senior non-members, $8 for students, and $10 per ticket for groups of 10 or more.

Those interested in making contributions to support the theater may become a JCC Patron of the Arts. Patron levels are $100 (with the patron receiving two tickets to one show), $250 (four tickets to one show), $500 (two subscriptions) and $1,000 (four subscriptions).

For information on season subscriptions or becoming a JCC Patron of the Arts, visit the Gallery Players website at jccgalleryplayers.org, or call 559-6248.

Summer camp brochure to go online for early registration
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus' Summer Camp brochure is now available online, with registrations beginning Feb. 8.

Rachel Fox, JCC camping services director, stressed that fees are remaining the same as they were for the 2007 season.

JCC Summer Camps, accredited by the American Camping Association, offer camping options for ages 3 to 25. The variety of programs include an early childhood camp, traditional day camps and intensive specialty camps, such as Circus Camp, Theatre Camp, Art Camp and Sports Camp.

A special needs camp also is offered for children, youth and adults. Daily swimming lessons also are included for all campers (excluding Specialty Camps). In addition, a registered nurse or an American Red Cross certified first aid provider is at each of the three camp sites during all hours of camp operation.

The JCC offers flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of busy families, and transportation and extended childcare also are offered. A sibling discount also is available.

For information, contact Fox at 559-6253 or rfox@columbusjcc.org.

Kids can audition for "Willie Wonka"
The Children, Youth and Camping department of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus will hold auditions for this spring's presentation of "Willy Wonka" Auditions Feb. 4 and 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"Every child who auditions will be given a part," said Rachel Fox, director of the Children, Youth and Camping department. "This will be a great opportunity for kids who are interested in theater to learn more about acting."

Students in the 2nd through 12th grades are invited to audition for placement in the show.

Rehearsals will begin Feb. 13, and be held every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., and Monday and Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., through April 9.

Performances are scheduled for Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m.; and Sunday, April 13, at 1 and 5 p.m.

For information, visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org, or contact Rachel Fox at 559-6253 or rfox@columbusjcc.org.

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