JCC events
The Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center, at 1125 College Ave., has provided the following announcements:
Florence Melton Adult Mini-School accepting registrations
The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, a project of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and sponsored by the JCC of Greater Columbus, is now accepting registration for the 2007-2008 school year.
The Melton Adult Mini-School is an international network of community-based schools offering adults the opportunity to acquire Jewish literacy in an open, trans-denominational, and intellectually stimulating learning environment. Over the course of two years, students and instructors discuss topics based on four themes:
•Rhythms of Jewish Living – Central ideas and texts which infuse rituals daily, weekly, and annually, as well as life cycle observances.
•Purposes of Jewish Living – Essential Jewish theological concepts and ideas as they unfold in the Bible, the Talmud and other sacred texts.
•Ethics of Jewish Living – Ethical issues such as justice, life and death, sexuality and community, with case studies from Talmudic, rabbinic and contemporary literature.
•Dramas of Jewish Living Throughout the Ages – Dramatic developments, experiences and issues from different periods in Jewish history, as reflected in historical texts.
Classes for the 2007-2008 school year are offered once weekly at either the JCC of Greater Columbus on Sundays, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., or Tuesdays, from 7 to 9 p.m., or at the Columbus Jewish Day School in New Albany, on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. Classes start the week of Sept. 16. Classes also are available for graduates of the Melton Mini-School.
"Prior to signing up for the classes, we will be having two programs we call ‘A Taste of Melton,’ which is geared toward any prospective student who would like to investigate what the Melton Mini-School is all about," said Melanie Butter, Melton Mini-School program director at the JCC. "It’s a way for people to ‘test drive’ the Melton classes."
The first such "sample" will be held, free of charge, on Thursday, Aug. 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the JCC. Dr. Matt Goldish, director of the Melton Center for Jewish Studies at The Ohio State University, will be teaching the class.
The second program – Melton Movie Mania – will be held Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Ross/Resler Theater at the JCC. "This is a one-time session, which includes the screening of ‘A Stranger Among Us,’ and Dr. Goldish will be leading the discussion," said Butter. "The movie class began last fall and had a very positive response. We will be offering an eight-week course beginning in September."
The cost for the Melton Movie Mania event on Aug. 14 is $15 per person, and there are no pre-requisites or obligations associated with participation in the summer movie session.
Reservations are required for both programs, as well as the regular Melton Mini-School courses, and may be made by contacting Butter at mbutter@columbusjcc.org, or calling 559-6233.
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.
Gallery Players’ season to open with "Fiddler" sing-along Aug. 5
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, at 2 p.m., 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.
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.
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.
Unity in the Community Festival at Livingston Court
The first Unity in the Community Festival is scheduled August 18 at the Livingston Court parking lot at the corner of East Livingston Avenue and Courtright Road from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The purpose of the festival is to promote community unity and collaboration through information sharing and the promotion of services and events. Bringing the event together is a partnership with United Way of Central Ohio, The Columbus Foundation and seven churches and organizations from Columbus’ east side.
The festival will feature musical groups and choirs, arts and crafts, mimes, Red Cross Bloodmobile, health screenings by Mt. Carmel East, a three-on-three basketball tournament, free food, games and grocery giveaway.
Event sponsors include Barnett Road Baptist Church, Christ Community Church, Christ Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Barnett Recreation Center, Neighborhood Pride Center East and the Berwyn East Civic Association.
For information, contact Geraldine Rickman at 863-4257 or 570-430, or email ron1ger1@aol.com.
Briarcliff Civic Association annual picnic
The Briarcliff Civic Association will hold its 15th annual picnic and meet your neighbor get-together, July 29 from 4-8 p.m. at Kennedy Park.
The association will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, ice, buns, condiments and paper products. Contact Mary Shea, at 861-4452, for information.
Eastside Neighborhood Pride event Aug. 8
The City of Columbus will host a Neighborhood "Mini Pride" event Aug. 8 at the Barnett Recreation Center, 1184 Barnett Road.
From 9-11 a.m., an animal clinic will be held, with low-cost rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, animal safety information and dog licenses for purchase.
A bicycle safety festival will be held from 2-5 p.m., with the Metro Parks Rangers and the Community Crime Patrol teaching safe riding skills; Franklin County Animal Control with tips on how to be safe around animals; a climbing wall; Children’s Hospital’s Think First Program; and the Fire Safe House.
An ice cream social will be held from 5-6 p.m., with free Velvet ice cream.
The Neighborhood Safety Academy will be conducted from 6-9 p.m., with classes conducted by Columbus police and firefighters, and a Kids Academy for children 5 and older.
Reynoldsburg High Class of ’82 25-year reunion
The Reynoldsburg High School Class of 1982 25-year reunion will be held Oct. 12-14.
Class members will meet at the Reynoldsburg High football game Oct. 12, and following the game will gather at Donerick’s Pub House, 6935 E. Broad St.
On Oct. 13, a dinner dance will be held at Grand Host East, 8660 E. Broad St., from 7-11 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. Make checks payable to Amy Kendall, 497 Cumberland Drive, Columbus 43213, by Aug. 15.
A Sunday brunch will be held Oct. 14 at Tee Jaye’s restaurant, 2435 Brice Road, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Teens to stage "Arsenic and Old Lace"
"Arsenic and Old Lace," the classic comedy about two elderly ladies who dispatch lonely old men with poisoned wine, will be presented by local teenagers July 30 at 7: p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1125 College Ave.. Tickets are $5. For information, call Meir Hauser, at 619-0358.
Bexley to flush hydrants
The City of Bexley Water Department will be flushing fire hydrants and conducting fire flow testing starting July 23.
The crews will start at Maryland Avenue and Gould Road and work west. Check the web site www.bexley.org for daily updates and schedules.
Water may be discolored for a short time, but it is safe to drink. Residents should avoid doing laundry if water is rusty.
Poker run benefits Get Behind the Badge
The fifth annual Terry McDowell Poker Run to benefit Get Behind The Badge will be held August 4. Registration begins 1 a.m. at Rooster’s, 376 S. Hamilton Road in Whitehall. Cost is $15 per bike, and $5 per passenger. All bikes will be out by noon.
Stops along the route will include Pioneer Lounge, Looney’s Breeze Inn, Wilde Coyote, and the ride will end at Scooter’s in Buckeye Lake. There will be free food and discounted beer.
Officer Terry McDowell was killed in the line of duty on August 24, 2001. The non-profit organization assists families and officers and firefighters who have been injured in the line of duty, and families of those who have been killed.
For information, call Lance Short at 209-4872 or email at shovelshort@yahoo.com.
Bishop Hartley Alumni golf outing
The Bishop Hartley High School Alumni Association invites all alumni, friends and family to join in its 3rd annual golf outing, August 18 at 8:30 a.m. at Cumberland Trails Golf Club in Pataskala.
Proceeds benefit future students by providing for need- or merit-based financial aid. The individual entry fee of $85 per person covers all the day’s costs — golf, cart, range and lunch.
Registration is due by August 1. To register or for information, contact Tom Longstreth (Class of ’96) at 206-7841.
Bexley contracts with county Board of Health for mosquito control
The City of Bexley has contracted with the Franklin County Board of Health to provide expertise in environmental health, nursing, and emergency preparedness. Staff members are available on a 24-hour basis.
Among the services provided is a mosquito control program, which includes a recent treatment of catch basins with larvicide. Residents are asked to assist in the effort by emptying containers in their yards that hold water, which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To report mosquito habitats, to obtain answers on mosquito fogging or to report a complaint, call the mosquito hotline at 462-BITE (2483).
For a list of programs and services available, go to the web site www.franklincountyohio.gov/health.
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.
Rosemore Middle School orientation Aug. 8-9
Rosemore Middle School parents and students are invited to attend Lancer Days orientation. Grade six meets August 8 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Grades seven and eight will meet August 9 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Students and parents will meet in the cafeteria for the orientation, and should bring the information packets sent in July. Students will receive home room assignments, locks will be available for purchase, and school photos will be taken. Office staff and teachers will be present to answer questions. For information, call 417-5200.
Magazine seeks submissions on multi-racial experiences
"Through Our Eyes," a new literary magazine, is seeking poetry, short stories, and essays about multiracial/multiethnic people and their experiences. Submissions will be accepted until August 3.
Visit the web site at www.geocities.com/throughoureyes or call 340-8964 for more information. Submissions may be sent to: 2734 E. Main Street No. 212, Bexley, OH 43209-2534, or submitted via e-mail to throughoureyes@yahoo.com.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
