What's happening on the Westside

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.

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 assistance 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 274-0095, ext. 15.

Women’s conference
Cypress Women’s Ministries invites you to  a women’s conference with Sheila Walsh, a featured speaker with Women of Faith, on Feb. 14, at Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Road in Galloway. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Cypress Bookstore following all weekend worship services, at the church office (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or at the Georgesville Square LifeWay Christian Store.

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

Spaghetti dinner
The Central Crossing High School NJROTC unit will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner on Feb. 8 from 12 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the American Legion Paschall Post #164, 3363 McDowell Road in Grove City. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. The dinner includes salad, rolls, dessert and a beverage. Tickets will be available at the door.

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.

Hilltop Historical Society celebrates Black History Month
The Hilltop Historical Society will hold a general meeting on Feb. 2 at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Hague Ave., at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Annette Betty Jefferson who will speak on  black history on the Hilltop. Light refreshments will be served. This meeting is open to the public.

Aglow to meet
Aglow, a network of caring women, will meet Feb. 10, at The Potter’s House, 3220 Lowell Dr., at 9:45 a.m.
Breakfast will be served at a cost of $5 per person. The speaker will be Prophet Leon Forte speaking on God’s word for 2009.
 For reservations and more information, call 263-0607 or 889-1708 by Feb. 6 at noon.

CCHS music competition
The Central Crossing High School instrumental music department will host its 7th annual Indoor Winter Guard and Drumline Competition on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. The competition will host over 130 different performing units from across Ohio and adjacent states. The contest will be open to the public and will be held in the main gym at Central Crossing, 4500 Big Run South Road. For additional information, contact Keith Hallas at keith.hallas@swcs.us or log onto centralcrossing band.org.

First Saturday to discuss county commissioners
The work of county commissioners buried at Green Lawn is the topic of the First Saturday at Green Lawn program on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. in the Huntington Chapel at Green Lawn.
Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks, who serves as president of that three-member board, will speak about the commissioners, the history of that office and the work commissioners have performed over the years.
As many as 40 commissioners are interred at Green Lawn, according to a list developed by volunteers.
First Saturday at Green Lawn is an educational, historical and entertaining program offered to the public without charge. The monthly program focuses on the work of someone buried at Green Lawn.
Further information can be obtained by calling the Green Lawn office at 444-1123, the volunteer coordinator at 266-5218 or visiting www.greenlawncolumbus.org.

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.

Clime Road to close
The first phase of the widening and reconstruction project for Clime Road, from Harrisburg Pike to just east of Demorest Road, will require the roadway to be closed to through traffic on Feb. 2 for approximately 40 days, weather permitting.
The posted detour route for westbound motorists will follow Harrisburg Pike north to Briggs Road, west to Demorest Road and south to Clime Road. Eastbound traffic will follow the detour in the opposite direction.

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.

Galloway Presbyterian spaghetti dinner
Galloway Presbyterian Church, 6191 Hall Road, invites the public to a “Happy Valentine’s Day Spaghetti Dinner” on Feb. 14 from 5–8 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children and $4 for seniors. For more information, call the church at 878-5015.

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.

GHAC meeting location change
The Feb. 3 meeting of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission will be held in the community room at Hilltop Senior Village, 300 Overstreet Way, at 7 p.m.

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 slso 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 Jan. 29, 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.

Crossroads spaghetti dinner
Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Hague Ave., will host a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 7, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner music will be provided by Tom Riggs. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children. Call 274-4920 to make reservations.

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.

FH students published in anthology
Nearly 100 students in Laura Garber’s college prep English III and advanced placement English IV classes at Franklin Heights High School submitted poetry to Creative Communication in October, 2008. Seven of the poetry pieces were chosen for publication in the anthology, “A Celebration of Young Poets.” The students whose poetry was selected for publication are: seniors Brianna Allison, Samantha Brady, Matthew Claffey, Adel Hasan and Melissa McConnell; and juniors Peter Kpan and Victoria Parks.

Personal safety and self defense class
The Great Western Blockwatch and Civic Association will host a personal safety and self defense class on Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. at Hoge Memorial Church, 2930 W. Broad St.
Officer John Holloway of the Columbus Division of Police will lead the two-session class. The first session will consist of a PowerPoint presentation, including avoiding dangerous situations, and basic self defense. Audience participation is optional. After a short break the second session of the evening will provide more in-depth, hands-on instructions. Everyone is encouraged to stay for both sessions.
This class is free of charge. Everyone is welcome but participation is limited to ages 12 and up. Contact Jay McCallister at gwblockwatch@sbcglobal.net with questions.

Falcon becomes Crewzer
Sara Kakos, a senior at Franklin Heights High School, was recently chosen to be a member of the Columbus Crewzers Professional Dance Team.
She was one of 35 chosen from a field of approximately 60 contestants. Kakos is the only Falcon in the Crewzers. She is also a cheerleader at Franklin Heights and a member of the school’s dance team, high school band, and track team.
The Columbus Crewzers Professional Dance Team is the official dance and cheerleading team for the Columbus Crew.
 

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