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.

Register for spring soccer
The Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for the Adult Coed 30 and older Spring Soccer League. 
The league will play 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. games on Monday and Friday nights at Civic Park starting April 3. 
League fees are $255 per team. The deadline for returning the form and making payment for a team is 5 p.m. Feb. 13. Balance of entrance fee must be paid by 5 p.m. Feb. 27.
For more information, call (614) 322-6806.

Register for flag football
Kids ages 4-17 now may sign up for NFL flag football. The sport is open to everyone no matter what school district the student lives in.
There are two age groups: ages 4-13 (co-ed) and ages 14-17 (girls or boys). The program provides young players a five on five fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork and the fundamentals of football.
All practices and games will be held on the same day on either a Saturday or Sunday. All coaches will undergo background checks.
At the end of every season, children receive trophies and a certificate of excellence signed by Roger Goodell. The winner of the Super Bowl in each age division will receive a Super Bowl trophy.
Cost is $115 per player, which includes an official NFL jersey, flag belts, mouthpiece and trophy.
Season dates are April 4 or 5 through June 13 or 14.
Registration deadline is March 2. Matches will be played at Eastpointe Church, 745 N. Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg/Blacklick, as well as two other central Ohio locations.
To sign up, go to www.sports101.org or call (614) 348-1383.

Jump start your career search with skills class
Are you looking for a new job? Get the skills and the support you need at New Directions Career Center (NDCC), a non-profit, United Way agency. Two classes, facilitated by licensed career counselors, are being offered during the month of February.
The first is Advanced Career Techniques (ACT).  This class is designed especially for individuals who need to take their career search to the next level.  Get up-to-date information on effective resumes, job search strategies, and interviewing techniques. Find out how to negotiate salaries in the current economy. The three-day class will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9-11.
The second class is New Directions.  This class is designed especially for woman who are changing careers or re-entering the workforce. Participants learn about themselves as they refine their abilities to overcome barriers to professional success.  They also learn practical skills such as networking, interviewing, resume writing and much more.  The four-week program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday Feb. 17 through March 13.
NDCC assists individuals regardless of their ability to pay. Graduates of NDCC programs are eligible to enroll in Placement Services at no charge. For more information - or to register for a class - contact NDCC at (614) 849-0028, ext. 100. All classes are held in downtown Columbus at 199 E. Rich Street. 

Civic Club to meet
Reynoldsburg Civic Club will meet at noon Feb. 3 at Eastern Palace, 6078 E. Livingston Ave. Guest speaker will be Ann Fisher, and Helen Kitzmiller will provide Devotions. Linda Johnson will serve as hostess, assisted by Barb Bauer, Gloria Patterson, Barb Teague and Del Thompson.

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.

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.

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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