Letters to the editor

My zip code is 43125. I have lived in the Groveport area, although not in town, for 30 happy years with my husband and daughter.

We own our home and our house taxes have contributed to the school district all these years. We have supported our schools and voted for better schools. Our daughter went to Groveport schools from K-12 grades and furthered her education to become a great teacher. We attended football games to watch our daughter march in the band and watch our friends’ play football. We didn’t miss a school concert, band competition, or any drama functions.

Can someone please tell me why I feel like an outsider in my own community? The events and memberships for the Groveport Recreation Center are higher for some residents in the Groveport area. Even small functions are $1 to $3 more for each person. Some communities offer free pool times for their seniors. What do you offer? A free walk one morning a week at specific times only.

Come on Groveport. Be the small town we have supported and loved for many years.

Sue Smith
Groveport (Madison Township)

                                                                                                  
Rec Center response

Groveport village residents and corporate residents (those working inside the village corporation limits and paying income tax  to the village) are afforded resident rates for memberships, day passes, and programs  because they pay taxes to the village of Groveport. Non-resident fees (charged to those living outside the village corporation limits) are established to ensure that non-residents are also contributing to the overall financing of athe Groveport Parks and Recreation Department. Please keep in mind that although your mailing address may be "Groveport," this does not always mean that you reside in the village of Groveport.

The village of Groveport subsidizes the operation of the Groveport Recreation Center, Groveport Aquatic Center, and the Parks and Recreation Department. The subsidy is from the general fund, which is primarily made up of resident and corporate resident tax dollars. Based on our research, the Groveport Recreation Center is one of the most affordable public recreation centers (for both residents and non-residents) in Ohio.

In regards to senior (age 55 and over) memberships, Groveport residents (also corporate residents) are charged $97/year (equates to approximately 27 cents a day) and non-residents are charged $167 (equates to approximately 46 cents a day). Furthermore, the village of Groveport provides a new, stae of the art senior center at no cost to seniors.

Kyle Lund, director
Groveport Parks and Recreation

The amazing talents of student actors

My wife and I just returned from an inspired production of "The Music Man" at Pickerington Central High School. We talked all the way home about the amazing amount of talent displayed by the young people. They sang and danced. They acted with such an impact that it brought tears to my eyes.

There were boys and girls of all ages in the production blending their talents to create something more than just a play. They made the scenes come to life and the audience was drawn into the action.

We have had similar experiences at presentations at Pickerington North High School. It is truly wonderful to realize that the talents displayed by these students will last a life time and our community will be enriched for years to come.

I want to thank all the young people of the Pickerington schools and the teachers who guide and inspire them.

Lynn Thursby
Pickerington

Bingo opposed at high school

I have read with dismay that the Groveport Madison Board of Education has approved the athletic boosters’ use of the high school cafeteria for their upcoming fundraising bingo. I was at the board’s April 9 meeting, but hadn’t seen the vote on the agenda or I’d have signed up to speak during the public’s allotted time. And, admittedly, the current security issues in the high school were of far more importance to me.

As the parent of a senior high school band member, I realize the vote doesn’t directly affect me or my child as she’ll be out of the building before bingo ever begins there. But, as a citizen of this district and a "parent alum" of the band, I’d like to know how you propose to have a gambling event in the high school on the marching band’s scheduled practice nights. Or, for that matter, when many other high school student events happen in and around that building.  

I am deeply disappointed in the district’s approval of the bingo fundraiser being held in any district school building.  We should always first and foremost be concerned about our students’ well-being as well as have the buildings open to their use without such concerns. I’m very tired of the athletics programs, especially football, seemingly have carte blanche to any and all facilities in our district. I sincerely hope you have a plan for our marching band’s practice times that does not impose on the efforts our band students put into being the best activity this district has to offer.  And I really wish you had worked with the athletic boosters to find a different public facility for their bingo nights.

Nancy Norris
Groveport

Shop, Hop and Drop a success

With the participation of downtown Canal Winchester  businesses and the public, the first "Shop Hop and Drop" in historic downtown Canal Winchester was considered a great success. We will be holding a Shop, Hop, and Drop every third Friday of each month through August and beyond.

With the support from the Southeast Messenger and downtown businesses, we hope to keep the downtown shopping area a vital part of Canal Winchester.

Thanks to all of the businesses and shoppers who participated in the first Shop, Hop,and Drop on April 18. The downtown streets were filled with folks enjoying the Hop and fabulous weather.

Shoppers stopped at all the listed businesses on our entry forms to enter to win a great prize package consisting of merchandise or services from the participating businesses. The prize package, consisting of  gift certificates from Shade on the Canal, Roman’s Pizza and Studio Fusion, Fitness Firm, and White Arbor Antiques; a 1/24th scale replica of a 1933 Willy’s Coupe from Bolenbaugh Hardware; a collectable tea cup from Victoria’s Attic; sapphire earrings from Shaw’s Jewelers; and Rabbit Creek Products from Ferne’s Attic; as well as a great Indians book bag from Team Gear, was won by Sharyn Evans.

A special thanks to Bob McDorman for bringing down their new Chevrolets for all of us to get a close look at and Baby’s College Fund for entertaining us at Stradley Park during the Hop.

We are looking forward to May’s Shop Hop and Drop which will occur in conjunction with "Artist and Music in the Park" on May 16.

We will also have the opportunity to hear the  Canal Winchester steel drum band perform. This should be a great evening of shopping and music for the entire community!

Thanks to all who made April’s Shop, Hop, and Drop a success!