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.
Youth Basketball Free Throw contest Jan. 10
All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2009 Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Jan. 10 at St. Pius X School Gymnasium, 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and competition is at 7:30 p.m. All contestants are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. For entry forms or additional information contact Mike Bauman at (614) 286-9592.
Knights of Columbus to host all-you-can eat dinner
The Knights of Columbus Council 5253 of St Pius X Catholic Church, 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, is sponsoring an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner Jan. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Dinner will include two kinds of pasta, meatballs, salad, bread sticks and hot or cold beverages. Price is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children and $5 for take out. For dessert, there will be a bake sale. Proceeds will benefit the Tuition Assistance Program.
JCC to host Olympic fencing course at JCC
Starting Jan. 14, shouts of "En Guarde" will be heard in the halls of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus, as Olympic Fencing Instruction for Beginners opens its six-week session for both JCC members and non-members. The class is being offered for those ages 6 through adult, for an introductory fee of $90 per person. Equipment for beginners will be supplied.
"If you would like to try a unique sport that is not gender or age-specific, and where efforts lead to results in learning strategy, physical, mental, and psychological life skills and self-control, then fencing is for you," said Beth McCullough, JCC Fitness Program director. "Fencing also is a great sport for those who are simply tired of their workout routine, and are looking for something fun and stress relieving to integrate into their fitness regimens."
The fencing classes will be taught in the modern Russian style by Anatoly Verulsky, under the direction of Fencing Master Julia Richey of the Royal Arts Fencing Academy in New Albany.
"Fencers tend to be people who have good heads on their shoulders, because it is in my opinion a 60 percent to 80 percent mental game," said Richey, who also is a 13-year member of the Russian fencing team. "Fencing is sometimes referred to as physical chess, because it is a game of strategy and control. Fencing doesn’t give advantage to men or women, tall or short, thin or heavy people, although it burns a lot of energy so it is a great way to stay in shape."
Classes will be offered each Wednesday through Feb. 18 in three age groups. Children in first through third grades will attend class from 4 to 4:50 p.m., while those in fourth through eigth grades will meet from 5 to 5:50 p.m. Those in ninth grade through adults will meet from 6 to 6:50 p.m.
Richey added that the classes will help children gain confidence and coordination, as well as strategic thinking and timing. "Fencing teaches how to be cool under fire and how to read people," she said. "One of the greatest skills is the ability to relax and calmly wait for just the right moment when someone is running at you with a sword! And, it also is fun when you figure someone out and win them for the touch."
Advance enrollment is required, with a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 students per class. Drop-in enrollment is not being accepted. "This is a very successful program offered in Central Ohio, with many participants moving on to competition-level fencing, so we encourage those interested to sign up early," said McCullough.
For more information, contact McCullough at (614) 559-6207 or bmccullough@columbusjcc.org, or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.
Causes of terrorism class
"Economic, Political, & Religious Causes of Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan" will be the topic discussed by Dr. Alam M. Payind from 3 to 5 p.m.Jan. 11 at Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave. Dr. Payind, who was born and raised in Afghanistan, is the Director of Middle East Studies Center at OSU. The event is free and open to the public.
Reynoldsburg Civic Club to meet Jan. 6
The Reynoldsburg Civic Club will meet at noon Jan. 6 at Parkside at Wesley Ridge, 2225 St. Rt. 256, Reynoldsburg. India and Carl will present a program on Preparing for Black History Month and Donna Marcum will provide Devotions. Karen Howald will serve as Hostess assisted by Co-hostesses Alice Travis, Sonja Herd and Helen Kitzmiller.
Gordon named to all-conference squad
Davi Gordon, a graduate of Pickerington North High School, recently earned honorable mention on the All-Centennial Conference women’s volleyball team. She plays for Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., and was one of only two freshmen named to an all-conference squad.
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.
Bexley Library to hold book sale Jan. 8-10
Bexley Public Library’s winter book sale will be held Jan. 8-10. All unsold items will be free on Jan. 11. Sale hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 8 for Friends of the Library members only, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 9 and 10. The Jan. 11 free day will be from 1 to 5 p.m.
Donations of books and other items in saleable condition are still being accepted for the upcoming sale. Donations can be left on the library’s loading dock or dropped off at the Circulation Desk. Receipts are available at the Circulation Desk.
The library is located at 2411 E. Main St.
Greater Columbus Swim Team results released
Greater Columbus Swim Team of Ohio (GCSTO) participated in the Rotelli’s Restaurant Kick Off B Meet, sponsored by GCSTO at The Columbus Academy Natatorium, Nov. 2. Individual results are as follows:
Bexley
Girls 9-10
Tyler Mansfield – (3rd) 50 yd. Free (33.87); (1st) 50 yd. Fly (38.04)
Boys 9-10
Andy Carper – (2nd) 100 yd. IM (1:28.70); (1st) 50 yd. Breast (43.86)
Girls 11-12
Rachel Politi – (3rd) 100 yd. IM (1:14.56); (2nd) 50 yd. Free (29.64); (2nd) 50 yd. Breast (39.90); (1st) 50 yd. Fly (31.20)
Pickerington
Girls 9-10
Kelsey Morgan – (3rd) 50 yd. Back (40.87); (2nd) 100 yd. IM (1:27.18); (1st) 50 yd. Breast (44.03)
Reynoldsburg
Girls 9-10
Stephy Aeling – (2nd) 100 yd. Free (1:24.98)
Girls 11-12
Lauren Bailey – (3rd) 200 yd. Free (2:50.50)
Marisa Glusich – (2nd) 200 yd. Free (2:47.32)
Boys 11-12
Michael Bungard – (1st) 100 yd IM (1:13.69); (1st) 50 yd. Free (28.50); (3rd) 50 yd. Breast; (1st) 100 yd. Free (1:02.87); (1st) 50 yd. Fly (37.18)
Devin Wooddell – (2nd) 50 yd. Fly (44.30); (2nd) 100 yd. Breast (1:44.13)
Boys 13-14
Edward Hueckel – (2nd) 100 yd. IM (1:18.40); (2nd) 50 yd. Free (30.60); (3rd) 100 yd. Free (1:11.46); (1st) 100 yd Fly (1:25.22)
Greater Columbus Swim Team of Ohio (GCSTO) participated in the Raising Cane’s 2008 November B Meet, sponsored by GCSTO at The Columbus Academy Natatorium, Nov. 16. Individual results are as follows:
Bexley
Girls 9-10
Tyler Mansfield – (2nd) 50 yd Free (33.27); (3rd) 50 yd. Fly (38.74)
Boys 9-10
Andy Carper – (1st) 50 yd. Breast (42.60)
Girls 11-12
Rachel Politi – (2nd) 200 yd. IM (1:12.26); (2nd) 100 yd. Back (1:13.74); (3rd) 100 yd. Free (1:06.27); (1st) 200 yd. Free (2:26.98)
Pickerington
Girls 11-12
Ashley Stewart – (1st) 50 yd. Breast (35.24)
Reynoldsburg
Boys 9-10
Patrick McCafferty – (3rd) 200 yd. IM (3:25.23)
Girls 11-12
Sidney Martin – (3rd) 100 yd. IM (1:16.85); (3rd) 50 yd. Free (30.83); (3rd) 50 yd. Breast (38.95); (3rd) 100 yd. Breast (1:24.60); (2nd) 200 yd. Free (2:31.08)
Morgan McCafferty – (3rd) 200 yd. IM (2:38.58); (2nd) 50 yd. Free (30.54); (1st) 50 yd. Fly (33.09); (1st) 50 yd. Back (33.33); (3rd) 100 yd. Fly (1:15.82)
Boys 11-12
Michael Bungard – (3rd) 200 yd. IM (2:47.75); (2nd) 100 yd. Back (1:17.34); (2nd) 100 yd. Free (1:03.63); (1st) 200 yd. Free (2:24.82)
Patrick Lawrence – (2nd) 50 yd. Fly (36.88)
Devin Wooddell – (3rd) 50 yd. Fly (41.42); (3rd) 50 yd. Back (40.33)
Boys 13-14
Edward Hueckel – (3rd) 200 yd. IM (2:50.16); (1st) 50 yd. Fly (35.42); (3rd) 200 yd. Free (2:43.74)
‘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.
Columbus business chapter looking for nominees
The Columbus Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators is now accepting nominations for its 2009 Distinguished Communicator Award.
The award is given annually by the IABC/Columbus Chapter to recognize outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, service to the communications field, and involvement in the community.
Nominees are selected based on the following criteria:
• Contributions to and leadership in the organizational communication profession in the greater Columbus area
• Career achievement
• Professional recognition for other activities, including business-related achievements and community involvement
• Nominees DO NOT have to be a member of IABC International or IABC/Columbus
Nominations may be made by members of IABC/Columbus and by the general public. Nomination forms are due Jan 15, 2009.
To download the nomination form and for more details, visit http://columbus.iabc.com or contact Awards and Recognition Vice President Rebecca Hudson at rebecca.hudson@pacer.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.
JCC winter cruise
The JCC Travel Group is planning a Caribbean cruise on board the Emerald Princess for 10 days beginning Feb. 8, 2009.
The cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and include ports of call at Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Thomas, and Princess Cay, Bahamas. Pricing starts at $970 for an inside cabin, $1,250 for an ocean view cabin, and $1,599 for a balcony cabin. Prices are per person, double occupancy, and include 10 nights on board the Emerald Princess, all cruise features on board the ship, and all meals and entertainment. For information, contact Tour Leader Peggy Kaplan at (614) 235-8813 or (614) 560-5652.
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.
