News from the Eastside

Financial assistance
Catholic Social Services' Senior Program has applications for the Home Energy Assistance program, Percentage of Income payment plan and AT&T Life Line. These programs one-time financial assisstance or ongoing financial assistance to low-income seniors and low-income disabled individuals. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving this assistance, call Kim Conley at (614) 274-0095, ext. 15.

Reynoldsburg PD to host blood drive Feb. 10
Due to the success of the program over the last few years, the Reynoldsburg Division of Police will host another blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the police station, 7240 E. Main. St., in the multipurpose room.
Those who would like to donate blood may contact Cheryl Kristy at (614) 322-6932 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVELIFE. Walk-ins are welcome.
If you donated blood on or before Dec. 16, 2008, you may be eligible to donate again.

Nomination deadline extended for senior award
The deadline for nominations for the 34th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is extended to Feb. 10.
Nominees are evaluated for their special contributions to the community after reaching the age of 60.  Their inspiring stories will positively influence others by setting an example for leading lives not defined by age. 
The 2009 Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. May 20 in Columbus. Inductees will receive personal recognition on stage from county commissioners and local dignitaries, followed by a reception with family and friends. 
For more information, visit www.coaaa.org or call the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, (614) 645-7250 or 1-800-589-7277.

Arbor Day Foundation offers free trees
Ten free flowering trees will be given to residents of Ohio who become members of the Arbor Day Foundation in January.
The free trees are part of the nonprofit foundation's Trees for America campaign.
Those who join the foundation in January will receive two white flowering dogwoods, two flowering crabapples, two Washington hawthorns, two American redbuds and two goldenraintrees.
"These compact trees were selected for planting in large or small spaces," said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "They will give your home in Ohio the beauty of lovely pink, white and yellow flowers - and also provide winter berries and nesting sites for songbirds."
The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting between Feb. 1 and May 31 with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Members also receive a subscription to the foundation's bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.
To become a member of the foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Flowering Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Jan. 31. Ohio residents also can join online at arborday.org.

Knights of Columbus holding Fish Fry dinners
The Knights of Columbus Council 5253 and St. Pius X's Annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinners will be held Feb. 27, March 13 and March 27. The dinners will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. in the School Cafeteria, 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg.
Dinner will include adult portions of fried or baked Icelandic white cod, coleslaw, applesauce, fries, hush puppies, macaroni and cheese and hot or cold beverages. Price is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children.  Desserts will be available at the K of C Women's Club/Youth Group Bake Sale. All proceeds benefit St. Pius X Parish.

JCC preschools set registration dates
The three preschools of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus will open registration at the end of January for the 2009-2010 school year. The JCC preschools are located at 1125 College Ave., Columbus; 1985 Swansford Drive, Dublin, and 79 N. High St., New Albany.
Current JCC Preschool families are invited to register on Jan. 26 and 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the site of their choice.
Registration for current JCC members wishing to enroll their children in the JCC preschools may do so on Jan. 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those families not currently enrolled, nor current JCC members, may register their children at the JCC preschool of their choice on Jan. 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parents or guardians and the preschool-age child are invited to visit one of the JCC's preschool sites, meet with the director, and observe a class. A completed registration form, with a registration fee of $300, should be returned to the preschool in which they wish to enroll ($200 of which will be applied to the tuition). The $300 deposit is nonrefundable. Other enrollment forms required by the State of Ohio will be sent to families prior to the beginning of school.
Prior to enrollment, the family must become a JCC member. Membership benefits include use of all of the JCC's facilities including indoor/outdoor swimming pools, the Diamond Family Fitness Center, racquetball courts, tennis courts and participation in many programs and sports leagues for all ages. Discounts on various public program events are another benefit of membership.
For more information on the JCC's Early Childhood Services, or to download Membership Information for Preschool Registration and/or Early Childhood Registration Forms, visit the JCC Web site at www.columbusjcc.org, or call (614) 231-2731.

RHS '84 class to reunite
Reynoldsburg High School 1984 graduates will have a class reunion July 25, 2009. Contact Christine Reel-Wilson at (614) 886-9747 or fortyniner@netwalk.com for more information.

'Come East' for Chamber dinner Feb. 7
"Come East" has been announced as the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce 2008 Annual Dinner theme and the planning is well under way. 
Come join the chamber Feb. 7 at Hickory Lakes Party House in Pickerington. A silent auction and social hour will begin the night at 5:30, accompanied by a Sushi Bar sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Simplicitea's Tea Bar sponsored by Laura's Loft. 
This will be followed by the annual awards program and dinner catered by Blue Moon at 7 p.m. Invitations created and donated by Aubrennen's Invitations & Fine Stationery, will soon be sent out.
This is a night you won't want to miss thanks to our event sponsors Janna Coe Designs and South Central Power, and silver sponsors Jobs and Family Services, HFM Publications, Wal-Mart, Fifth Third Bank, Laura's Loft and Aubrennen's Invitations & Fine Stationary.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and silent auction donations are still being accepted as well. To inquire about sponsorships or the silent auction contact Melissa Neely at the Chamber office (614) 837-1958 or by e-mail at eventscoordinator@pickeringtonchamber.com.

Linden McKinley Class of 1959 to reunite
Linden McKinley High School Class of 59 will hold its 50-year class reunion Sept. 18-20 at North Pointe Conference Center, 9243 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center. Contact Jean Taylor Gruenbaum (614) 475-1131,  jgruenbaum@att.net  or Kelley Arthur (614) 890-3491, kellin777@aol.com.

Career center offers help
Need help getting a job?  New Directions Career Center (NDCC), a non-profit, United Way agency, offers men and women assistance with professional transitions.  Services include but are not limited to professional assessment, career development, networking, job search techniques, interviewing skills, financial literacy, individual counseling and placement services.
November classes are filling up fast.  Don't miss out on an opportunity to get the expertise necessary in today's competitive job market. NDCC assists individuals regardless of their ability to pay.  Bring in this newspaper announcement and attend a class for $5. Scholarship programs are also available. 
For more information, or to register for one of three November classes - New Directions, Advanced Career Techniques, and Creating Career Options - call (219) 849-0028, ext. 100.

Short term radon kits
The city of Bexley, in conjunction with the Franklin County Board of Health, has free, short term radon testing kits available for residents to check radon levels in their homes.
Radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, but it could be a problem in a home. Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. According to to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and leading cause among non-smokers.
To pick up a free radon testing kit, visit the Bexley Muncipal Building, 2242 E. Main St., Monday through Friday during normal business hours. For information call the Franklin County Board of Health at (614) 462-3859 or visit www.franklincountyohio.gov/health.

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