Community events for the eastside

Sports Spectacular kicks off
Aug. 27 with golf, tennis

The 20th annual Sports Spectacular will kick off with a day of golf and tennis on Aug. 27, at the New Albany Country Club, with the second half of the split-format event taking place on Oct. 22 for an evening of recognition and celebration honoring Dr. Fred Davidorf, Allan Byer and David Kass.

The Sports Spectacular, co-chaired this year by Jon Meyer and Eric Wasserstrom, is one of the city’s premiere fundraisers for JCC programs.

"Sports Spectacular 2007 provides a fantastic opportunity for people or organizations to give back to the community," said Meyer. "Monies raised during Sports Spectacular directly benefit all programs the JCC offers. In fact, the JCC serves more than 120,000 people each year, including populations at risk, for their health, cultural enrichment and education."

The day will begin with an 11 a.m. lunch, followed by a "shotgun start" golf tournament at 11:45 a.m. Tennis competitors will take to the court at 12:30 p.m., and a cocktail reception will follow both competitions.

On Oct. 22, the JCC will welcome Jeremy Schaap, host of ESPN’s "Outside the Lines" and author of "Cinderella Man: James J. Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History." He is a regular contributor to Nightline and ABC World News Tonight and has been published in Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, Time, Parade, and the New York Times. Schaap also is the author of "Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler’s Olympics."

Schaap will be the keynote speaker of a night that will be highlighted by the presentation of the Charles Solomon Award to Dr. Fred Davidorf and the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Allan Byer and David Kass.

The Charles Solomon Award has been given at each Sports Spectacular event to recognize an individual who personifies a lifetime commitment to JCC sports and fitness programs, for which Charles Solomon stood. Dr. Davidorf, professor emeritus of The Ohio State University’s Department of Ophthalmology and a leading expert in the field of eye cancer, has been a long-time supporter of the JCC and continues to participate in JCC sports leagues.

The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1979 to recognize Jewish individuals from Columbus who have excelled in the world of athletics.

As a principal partner/owner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, Allan Byer was a stand-out high school athlete in both baseball and basketball during his teenage years in Columbus. He also was centerfielder on All-Star teams that competed successfully in top Columbus amateur leagues, as well as being instrumental in organizing teams for Midwest tournaments. Byer also owns Byer California, one of the leading garment manufacturers in the U.S.

David Kass, who grew up in Bexley, is a three-time All American Men’s Tennis champion and is in the Big Ten Records Book as the Athlete of the Year for 1992. While at the University of Michigan, his record was 99-35, which tied him for fourth place in All Time Career Singles Wins at the school. He also was ranked fourth nationally during the 1992-93 season. He also competed on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour.

For information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact Sheila Cline at the JCC at (614) 559-6225 or e-mail her at scline@columbusjcc.org.

Basketball camp to offer
private attention

The JCC of Greater Columbus is offering a basketball camp designed for the coach who wants his or her team to receive the individual attention of a private camp, as well as one tailored to the team’s specific needs. Camps are offered on a flexible schedule designed to meet during a time that works for the team.

Pat Noles, former player at Otterbein College and currently the JCC basketball instructor, will be conducting the camp. He will work with the coach to make sure the instruction he is planning is exactly what the coach wants his or her players to be working on.

Camps are offered in a choice of two or three hours over three, four, or five-day sessions. The camp also is offered in an eight-week option by meeting once a week for 1.5 hours each day. Fees vary according to JCC members or non-members.

For information, or to register, contact Jeanna Brownlee at 559-6274 or e-mail her at jbrownlee@columbusjcc.org.

JCC Summer Art Tours,
lectures for seniors

The JCC’s New Horizons 60+ and Russian Acculturation programs are sponsoring a Summer Art Tour Series. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, the group will tour the home of Alfred Tibor and hear him talk about his famous artwork.

LifeCare Alliance provides kosher lunches to seniors at the JCC, which also offers Arthritis Foundation swim programs, health and fitness programs, and lectures and events.

The public is welcome to attend these events. For information about senior programs at the JCC, contact Debbie Vinocur at 559-6214, or e-mail her at dvinocur@columbusjcc.org.

Barkan Outdoor Sports Court

The JCC of Greater Columbus has opened the William A. Barkan Sports Court, a three-season outdoor court available to basketball, volleyball, and floor and in-line hockey aficionados.

Whether it is spring, summer or fall, players will enjoy the versatile outdoor surface, which includes:

•Adjustable collegiate basketball goals

•Adjustable volleyball netting

•An outdoor lighting system, and

•A security fence.

The 4,000-square-foot Sports Court, built on the back grounds of the JCC, will have a bright blue playing surface, marked with white lines for basketball, black lines for volleyball, and floor and in-line hockey goal areas in gray.

The Sports Court is made possible through the support of the Barkan Family and the William A. Barkan Memorial Fund.

Columbus BBYO fundraisers

The Columbus BBYO Adult Committee is conducting two on-going fundraising projects in support of Columbus BBYO teens and programming – Donor Tribute Cards and Kroger gift cards. Both are available through the JCC/BBYO Office or the BBYO Adult Board.

BBYO, which serves teens on local, regional, national and international levels, builds Jewish identity and leadership skills, fosters education, and promotes tikkun olam (repairing the world) as well as social, civic, athletic and academic achievement. The Adult Board provides hands-on, monetary, and programming support and raises money for scholarships and subsidies that assist youth in attending conventions, camps, trips abroad and local events.

Donor greeting cards, representing contributions to the Columbus BBYO, are either ‘in memory of,’ or ‘in honor of’ individuals. After purchasing, one may send them to people as desired on the appropriate occasions. They are wrapped in packets of ten, five of each kind and sell for $54 (triple chai) or may be purchased individually for $6 each.

BBYO has also partnered with Kroger and the Kroger Cares program. After a designated amount has been spent at Kroger collectively by all those using assigned Kroger gift Cards, Kroger sends a percentage to the organization. These cards initially worth $5 are available for purchase at $5 and may then be reloaded.

To obtain either of these cards, contact Amy Dicker, at the JCC, 231-2731, or Linda Schottenstein, 235-2522. Tribute cards are also available at the JCC front desk.

Gallery Players’ season to open with "Fiddler" sing-along

Gallery Players has announced its 59th season, beginning this fall, and will kick off the season with a "Fiddler on the Roof" Sing-a-Long on Sunday, Aug. 5, where the audience will be encouraged to sing along with the movie as its being shown in the Roth-Resler Theater at the JCC.

Cantor Jack Chomsky of Congregation Tifereth Israel, who played the role of Tevye in the Players’ winter 2006 production of Fiddler, will be serving as host for the event.

The live productions being staged at the JCC of Greater Columbus for the 2007-2008 Gallery Players season are:

•"Jerry’s Girls," Oct. 13-28, with auditions Aug. 19-21.

•"Mazel and Schlamazel," Dec. 7-16, with auditions Oct. 21-23

•"South Pacific," Feb. 23-March 9, with auditions Dec. 16-19

•"Brooklyn Boy," May 17-June 1, with auditions March 16-18.

"Jerry’s Girls" is a musical revue based on the songs of composer Jerry Herman in productions including "Hello, Dolly!," "Mame," "Mack and Mabel" and "La Cage Aux Folles."

"Mazel and Shlamazel" is a classic musical tale of good versus evil as Mazel, the spirit of good luck, and his entourage of Lucky Charms face off against Shlamazel, the spirit of bad luck, and his henchmen, the Jinxes.

"South Pacific" is a musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II based on two short stories by James A. Michener from his book "Tales of the South Pacific." It is generally considered to be one of the greatest musicals of all time, and a number of its songs, such as "Bali Ha’i," "Younger than Springtime," and "Some Enchanted Evening," have become worldwide standards.

"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.

Season subscriptions present a savings of 30 percent off of the single ticket price for all four shows. Season tickets are $30 per JCC member, $45 per non-member, $25 per JCC Senior member, and $40 per senior non-member. (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.)

Admission for the "Fiddler Sing-a-Long" is a couvert of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Season tickets also will be available for sale at the Sing-a-Long at an additional 20 percent discount.

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.

"Babies and Bubbles" water play

The JCC is offering a "Babies and Bubbles" class each Friday, from June 22 through July 27, to help parents introduce their babies to the water through playful exploration. Classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to noon, for parents and their babies between the ages of three months and a year.

Instructor Connie Walker will introduce basic water skills, along with fun and play with bubbles, bobs, kicks, and floats.

The cost is $60 for JCC members and $70 for non-members.

For information, contact Jody Decker at the JCC at (614) 559-6207.

Kinderclub offers afternoon
day care option

The JCC is offering a stimulating afternoon care option for children attending morning kindergarten at local elementary schools.

The program, called "Kinderclub," attracts young students from the Maryland, Montrose and Cassingham elementary schools in Bexley; Columbus Jewish Day School, Columbus Torah Academy, and St. Catharine School in Columbus, for afternoons of fun and enrichment.

A family style kosher lunch starts the Kinderclub afternoon, followed by swimming twice a week in the JCC’s pool, arts and crafts, stories, drama, games, holiday celebrations and field trips.

Flexible Kinderclub options are available from noon to 3 p.m., noon to 6 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m., as well as bus transportation from the Bexley elementary schools, CJDS and St. Catherine’s, to the JCC.

For information and to register, contact Barbara Topolosky at (614) 559-6290.

Gallery Players has
Web site

The Gallery Players of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus are launching an all new Web site at www.jccgalleryplayers.org. This new site will allow theatregoers to purchase tickets online, learn about upcoming productions, sign up for the Gallery Players mailing list, learn about Gallery Players history, get audition information, and learn about volunteer opportunities.

Future plans for the site include enhanced theatre rental information, interactive volunteer sign-up, and an expanded archive of past shows.

Gallery Players, the longest running community theatre in the Midwest, presents a season lineup highlighting the Jewish experience and work by Jewish playwrights. Gallery Players does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender when casting, and aims to present productions that are of interest to the Jewish and general communities.

Church events

Area churches have planned the following events:

•Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 211 N. Merkle Road, Bexley, is having Vacation Bible School, August 6-10 from 9:30 – 11-45 for children Kindergarten-3rd. grade. Pre registration will be held on Saturday, July 7 in the morning from 10 a.m.- noon at the church. Come and enjoy games and free food while you register.

•Christ United Methodist Church, 1480 Zettler Road, will have vacation Bible school June 24 through June 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner is provided. Come and experience a ride in a real hot air balloon. Call 231-4568 to register.

•Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave., holds a men’s fellowship and Bible study every Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

For information contact Ron Pinkowski at 235-3451.

•Vineyard Community Church, 15187 Palmer Road, Reynoldsburg, offers services Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Call 1-740-927-7729 for information or visit the web site www.vineyard05.com.

•Vineyard Church of Reynoldsburg, 1416 Jackson Street, has services on Saturday at 6 p. m. and on Sunday at 8:45 a. m. For information visit the Web site at www.vineyardreynoldsburg.org or call 1-740-927-6740.

•Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, 1636 Graham Road, is offering the following support groups:

•Community Prayer Meeting every Wednesday from 7 -8:30 p.m. Call Pastor Maxine Smith-Pierce at 866-5864 for more information.

•Horizons Unlimited Divorce Support meets the first and third Sunday of each month from 7 – 8 p.m. There are no fees, registration is not required and childcare will be provided.

•Alzheimer’s Support- Does someone in your family have Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder? Perhaps you could use some helpful hints on caregiving and/or learn coping skills for issues that arise in caring for a loved one. Group meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For information, contact Sandra Reece (491-8236) or Joyce Thomas (882-3966).

•Healing Service at 6 p.m. every last Sunday of each month. Come, if you are tired and weak. Come if your body or spirit is broken.

•Food & Fellowship serves a dinner to the community beginning at 5 p.m. every Wednesday evening. The cost of the meal is $4 per adult and $3 per child.

•Grief Support Group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. meets every Tuesday at 7 pm at the church. There are no fees, registration is not required and childcare will be provided.

Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical
Society open house

The Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society will hold an open house on July 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at their museum located at 1485 Jackson Street (one block south of Main Street). Visit our new displays, bring a friend and discover your history. For information, call 864-9124 or visit the web site www.rths.info.

Vineyard Community Church
youth fishing day

Vineyard Community Church, 15187 Palmer Road, Reynoldsburg, will host youth fishing day July 22 from 3-5 p.m. The event is free and any youth from kindergarten through high school can participate.

Fishing poles and bait will be provided, and a cook-out will be held from 4-5 p.m. Call 740-927-7729 to register.

Whitehall dentist to take pies

in face for cancer society

Whitehall dentist Dr. Joseph Wildi will be taking whipped cream pies in the face from anyone who wishes to make a $10 donation to the American Cancer Association July 14 at 2 p.m. The event will be in the back parking lot of his office at 5150 E. Main Street.

Magician Jim Kleefeld to perform
at Bexley Library

All children and their caregivers are invited to a performance by magician Jim Kleefeld in the auditorium of Bexley Public Library July 18 at 3 p.m. Jim Kleefeld has performed at the library annually for the last several years and his programs always are a "hit" with area children. There will be no admission charge.

Greater Columbus Swim Team
try-outs

The Greater Columbus Swim team of Ohio will hold try-outs August 6, 7, 13 and 14, from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the Gahanna Swim Club, 148 Parkland Drive, for those interested in any one of the team’s locations in the fall. The team’s three main training locations are the Columbus Academy in Gahanna, the St. Charles Preparatory School in Bexley and the Jewish Community Center in Bexley.

The coaching staff will be present to provide participating athletes with stroke instruction during these talent screening dates and athletes may come to any or all of these dates for this free instructional opportunity.

Contact head coach Steve Nye at 478-5445 or stevenye@sbcglobal.net for information. You can also visit the team web site at www.gcsto.com.

Charter school fair at
Brookwood Presbyterian

A charter school enrollment and information fair will be held at Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave. on July 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Brookwood has invited all Franklin County charter schools, including the statewide virtual charter schools, to participate in the school fair.

A welcoming program will take place at 9:30 a.m., during which parents will receive a directory of participating charter schools as well as general information about things to consider in selecting a charter school. Following the brief program, parents will be encourage to circulate among the charter school stations and speak with school representatives.

Parents seeking an alternative charter school education for their children face many challenges in locating and selecting an appropriate charter school for their children. Brookwood’s school fair is designed to make information gathering easier.

Each charter school has its own curriculum and educational approach. Transportation issues also play a practical role in school selection. Parents can speak with representative of several schools, pick up enrollment documents and learn about transportation possibilities.

Breakfast with Christ the King’s
Knights of Columbus chapter

Breakfast with Christ the King’s Knights of Columbus Council 13705 will be held at TAT Ristorante di Famiglia, 1210 South James Road, Columbus, July 22, from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost for the all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast is $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12. Show your church bulletin for a $1 discount

Eastmoor High Class of ’67
reunion planned

The Eastmoor High School Class of 1987 is seeking classmates for the 20-year reunion to be held August 11, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center 4300 International Gateway. Those wanting to attend can register at www.eastmoor1987.classquest.com. Contact Kim Elder-Lewis at 946-5008 for information.

Meeting on children with language-
based disabilities

An information meeting for parents of children with language based learning disabilities will be hosted by Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave. on July 24 at 7 p.m.

Some students who are identified as learning disabled in school seem to have problems not really addressed by the standard learning disabled services of tutoring or resource room class.

These students often have additional social difficulties and/or behavioral problems. As a result, these students are frequently removed from class and assigned to alternative disciplinary educational sites or home instruction. Nothing really seems to change. In fact, the behavior may indeed become worse.

Dr. Richard Weber, who has served many years as special education director in several local districts, and Ellen Wristen, a lawyer who specializes in special education issues as they relate to schools, will speak. The goal of this program is to help parents become aware of and/or understand better expanded services such as social skill training that may be available to help their children in the coming school year.

The program is free. Reservations are requested in order that adequate materials will be available. Call the church office 235-3451 to make a reservation. Child care will not be available.

Whitehall Music & Movies
in the Park series

The Whitehall Recreation Department has planned the following events for its Music & Movies in the Park series:

•July 21 – Trombones Plus – Big Band – 6 p.m.

•July 28 – Just Us Band – Country – 6:00 p.m. Family movie following the show "Because of Winn Dixie."

•August 11 – Olde Cellar Band – Rock and Roll – 7 p.m. Final concert in the park featuring band with native Whitehall residents.

Bexley football camp,
fall league forming

The Bexley Lions Youth/Middle School Football Camp runs July 16-19 from 6- 8 p.m. at Carleton Smith Stadium. Registration is underway and open through July 16.

For students entering third through eighth grades, the camp costs $65 for the first family member and $50 for each additional member. Visit bexleylions.com, the Athletic Department website, for registration forms or contact Coach John Smith at 558-0841 for information.

Bexley’s Youth Football Organization is now forming teams of first through sixth graders for fall 2007. For more information, registration forms, or questions, contact Coach Mike Carter at 252-3639 or Brian Lee at 744-5445; 237-3806 or B_M_Investments@hotmail.com or blee23@columbus.rr.com). Registration closes on July 31 when practice begins.

Bexley Farmers’ Market

Bexley Farmers’ Market will be held Saturdays from 10 am. to 1 p.m. in front of City Hall, 2242 E. Main St., through October. A variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other items directly from farmers will be available.

A farmers’ festival will be held August 18.

Columbus-Whitehall Toastmasters

The Columbus-Whitehall Toastmasters will meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Whitehall Municipal Building, 360 S. Yearling Rd, 7:30 to 9 p.m. All visitors are welcome.

Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men and women learn leadership and the arts of speaking. For information, visit the web site www.whitehall-toastmasters.org.

Bexley immunization clinic
changes date

The Bexley child and adult immunization clinic, sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Health, will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 1-3 p.m. Clinics had been held on the first Thursday.

Required immunizations are available for a $10 administration fee to children up to 18. There is a $15 assessment fee for each visit. no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Parents should bring a child’s shot record.

The Franklin County Board of Health also has a walk-in clinic at 280 E. Broad St. on the fourth Friday of the month from 9-11 a.m.

Reynoldsburg Democratic Club

The Greater Reynoldsburg Democratic Club will hold their monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month at the Reynoldsburg Police Station, 7240 E. Main Street. The meeting time is 7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend and participate. Refreshments will be provided.