Whats happening on the Westside

Columbus Literacy Council

The Columbus Literacy Council is holding information sessions about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on Aug. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. and Sept. 22, from 9:30-11 a.m. The sessions will be held at the Columbus Literacy Council Office, 195 N. Grant Ave. Register at www.columbusliteracy.org or call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013.

Free Finance Workshops

“Make the Most of Your Paycheck” kicks off a series of free personal finance workshops beginning July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. This workshop will focus on creating a spending plan, identifying financial goals and learning savings strategies. It is aimed at helping people learn basic money management skills and gain information on important financial issues. Spomsored by the Central Ohio Chapter of Credit Unions and taught by Consumer Credit Counseling Service staff, this series of monthly workshops will be presented July through November on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m.

The dates and topics of seminars are as follows:

•Sept. 25, Understanding Credit Reports and Scores

•Oct. 23, Smart Ways to Manage Credit and Debt

•November 27, Financial Planning 101

 12 Step Recovery program

Friends Worship Center, 3030 Clime Rd., will host “12 Step Recovery: Celebrate Recovery” for all addictions including co-dependency every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Come early, stay late for fellowship. For more information, call 279-1892 or 395-6309.

 DivorceCare seminar

DivorceCare recovery seminar and support group will meet at Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Rd., in Galloway each Sunday at 6 p.m. beginning on Sept. 16 and continuing through Nov. 18. There will also be one session held the morning of Sept. 29, with childcare provided.

DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) will be offered at the same time on Sundays and  children, ages 5 through 12 are welcome to attend if you are in the DivorceCare class.  There is also other children’s programming offered for infants through 12th grade.  To register or to receive more information, please call Debbie Brisentine at the church office, 878-8192 ext. 238.  You can also check out the DivorceCare Web site,   www.divorcecare.org  for information on both DivorceCare and DC4K.

PTSC exercise programs

The Prairie Township Senior Center hosts excercise programs free of costs throughout the week. The schedule is as follows:

Mondays – 10 a.m., Low Impact Aerobics

Tuesdays – 9:30 a.m., Gentle Stretchers

Wednesdays – 10 a.m., Conditioning Exercise

Fridays – 10 a.m., Gentle Stretchers

These programs are provided through a grant from Mt. Carmel hospital. For additional information, call 878-5110.

Awana youth program

Immanuel Baptist Church’s Awana youth program begins Sept. 18 and runs through April on Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. This program is for children in kindergarten through eight grade. Joining is free, but a handbook for the year costs around $6.

Awana is a Christian ministry that teaches Bible verse memorization to children in central Ohio and in churches around the world. Special events are sprinkled throughout the Awana year, like holiday celebrations, Bible quizzing, a miniature regatta boat race, games competitions, and a small scale Grand Prix car race. All activities are carefully supervised by Immanuel’s church members. Immanuel Baptist Church is located at 3417 Palmetto St. at Derrer Road near Westgate Park. If you would like more information about the church or the Awana program,  call 274-2687.

Women’s Dinner

Shaunti Feldhahn, best-selling author of “For Women Only,” will be the featured speaker at the Cypress Wesleyan Church Women’s Dinner on Oct. 16. Call the church at 878-8192 or visit the Web site for more info at www.cypressonline.net.

Committee members needed

The Greater Hilltop Area Commission seeks community members to serve on various committees for the 2007-2008 commission term. Committee members do not have to be members of the full commission. Interested persons can learn about the commission and get more information online at www.TheGHAC.com.

Awana Clubs

Awana Clubs for boys and girls, from three-years-old to sixth grade. These clubs meet on Wednesdays, from 6:45-8:30 p.m., at Briggs Road Baptist Church, 3231 Briggs Road. Call 272-7430 for more information.

BYF day trip

Join the BYF (Best Years Fellowship 55-plus Adult Ministries) Group at Cypress Wesleyan Church for a day trip to the Creation Museum and the Newport Aquarium on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Cost is $50 per person. Call the church at 878-8192 or visit the Web site for more info at www.cypressonline.net.

Women’s Bible Studies

Women’s Bible Studies at Cypress Wesleyan Church for fall include “A Women’s Heart – God’s Dwelling Place” and Daniel: Lives of Intregrity; Words of Prophesy.” Both works are by Beth Moore. Classes offered on Thursday mornings and evenings, and Sunday evenings, beginning Sept. 13. Call the church at 878-8192 or visit the Web site for more info at www.cypressonline.net.

GriefShare at local church

GriefShare recovery support group will be hosted by Cypress Wesleyan Church in Galloway each Sunday at 6 p.m. beginning Sept. 16 and continuing through Dec. 9.  The class will meet in the District Center, 457 Alton-Darby Creek Road (the brick building north of the church, close to the railroad tracks). Children’s programs are being offered at the same time for infants through 12th grade at no cost. To register or to receive more information, call Debbie Brisentine at the church office, 878-8192 ext. 238, or visit the GriefShare Web site, www.griefshare.org.

Thanks to Officer Russell

Hilltop Neighborhood Action Group is sponsoring a recognition celebration for Officer Norm Russell. He has left his long-held post as Liaison Officer for 19th Precinct.  Let him know just how much his commitment and dedication were appriciated. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, corner of West Broad Street and Hague Avenue (enter through rear door).

If you or your group would like to give recognition or make a presentation to Officer Russell, contact Annette Jefferson at 276-3160.

Capitol City Academy

Capitol City Academ has been open for the past 4 years in downtown Columbus, and has recently relocated to the Westside. The new location is at 35 Midland Ave., (across from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on Broad Street). Any student between the ages of 16-21 who has not graduated high school, can call or stop by to learn about their program. The goal of Capital City Academy is to help students earn their high school diplomas. For additional information, contact 276-9268.

West High Alumni Golf

The West High School Alumni Association will host a golf outing on Oct. 5 at the Phoenix Golf Links in Grove City. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start begins at 10 a.m.

The cost for the event is $50 per person, which includes golf, cart, meal and door prizes. The money raised will go towards athletics at West High School.

For complete information, go to the West High Alumni Web site at www.westhighalumni.com.

 BR Homecoming festivities

The Annual Bishop Ready Homecoming Spirit Breakfast will be held on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 a.m. at the high school on Salisbury Road at Mound St. in Columbus. Cost to attend is $15 per person and includes a full breakfast.

The Spirit Breakfast kicks off Homecoming activities at the Catholic co-ed high school and proceeds benefit the school’s athletic programs. This is an occasion to meet and greet the coaches and the school’s new athletic director, Ralph C. Locke III, members of the school’s football team, and participate in a pep rally for the homecoming game.

Homecoming activities continue with the game against Jonathan Alder at Westland High School on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation for the breakfast, call Michelle Kelly at 276-7827. Deadline for breakfast reservations is Monday, Sept. 24.

DSC All Members reception

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is hosting a All Members Reception, Friday, Sept. 21, from 1-3 p.m.  This event is free and no reservation is needed.  Entertainment will be provided by Joe Santry, baseball historian. Refreshments will be provided by Franklin Woods.

DSC volunteer recognition

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is holding a Volunteer Recognition Party, Thursday, Sept. 27, l pm

Staff will be honoring Dodge Volunteers.  Reservation: Check at the hostess desk if you have volunteered this year and sign up.

Dodge Chorus

Dodge Chorus will be held on Sept. 28, at the Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., at 11:30 a.m.  Enjoy lunch and  Richard Rodgers songs from South Pacific.   Reservations will be taken at the hostess desk.

Senior Fest at Dodge

Senior Fest will be held at Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., Thursday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and includes food, games, entertainment, health checks, dancing and transportation if needed.  To make a reservation, sign up at the hostess desk and recieve tickets. Best costume of the 20s awarded, as well.

Free healthy living courses

The Franklin County Commissioners will host a series of free lunch hour courses geared towards helping residents and county workers enjoy healthier lives.  The courses will be held each Wednesday through the end of the year and are open to the public. Those who attend the courses will receive lessons on healthy activities such as golf, ballroom dancing, cooking, exercise and more.

Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the Franklin County Courthouse, 373 S. High Street. For the schedule of classes, visit www.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/Commissioners.

Flu and pneumonia shots

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., will be giving flu and pneumonia shots, on Friday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., or Tuesday Oct. 23, 3-6 p.m. Bring Medicare or personal health insurance card, or pay $28 for the flu shot.  First come, first served.

DSC Halloween lunch

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is hosting a Halloween luncheon,  Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $6 per person. Reservation deadline is Oct. 19.  Wear a disguise, try to win a prize in the balloon and cookie decorating contests.  

Longaberger trip

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is taking a Longaberger Basket Company trip, Thursday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. Cost is $8 per person. Sign up at hostess desk.

DSC square dancing

The Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is hosting Wednesday Night Square Dance, every Wednesday in October from 6-8 p.m.  Cost is $2 per  person. No reservation required.

Diabetes and You

Diabetes and You, will be held at the Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., on  Thursday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. This program is free of charge, no reservation required. Presenters are Sharon Ritchie and Shannon Yang, from the Columbus Public Health Department. Blood Pressures will also be taken.

Glenwood UMC festival

Glenwood United Methodist Church, at the corner of Valleyview Road at Hague Ave., will hold its annual Fall Harvest Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. The festival will feature crafts, flea market booths, a theme basket auction, lunch food, bake sale, Bloodmobile and other activities and entertainment. For information call 777-9902.

Deeper Life Bible Study

Abundant Life Tabernacle, 35 Derrer Road, is hosting a Deeper Life Bible Study.  This is a 12 week course that will cover from Genisis to Revelations, starting Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m.  This is a free course that is set in a very relaxed atmosphere. If you have any questions or would like to register please e-mail admin@abundantlifetabernacle.net or call 279-5433.

Life University classes

Life University classes, Bible studies and support groups at Cypress Wesleyan Church begin on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. Class topics include “Parenting 101,” “Square One” for new believers, and “The Christian and Money.” Support groups are DivorceCare, DivorceCare for Kids, and GriefShare. Bible studies are also offered. Children programing is offered as well as Storm student ministries for middle and high school students. Visit the Web site at www.cypressonline.net  or call the church at 878-8192 ext. 227 to get registered.

New MOPS group

A MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group sponsored by Life In Christ Fellowship will begin meeting monthly, starting Sept. 19, in the New Life Nazarene Church located at 2020 State Route 142 NE, West Jefferson. Moms will enjoy a light breakfast and two hours of adult conversation, discussions, crafts, and fun. Their preschool children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program with stories, crafts, fun and snacks. This year’s theme is “The Home Factor.” Meeting times are 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month September through May (no meeting in December). Interested moms should contact Pam at 614-853-2532 or Lois at 614-878-3535 for more information and to receive a registration form. MOPS is an international organization designed to meet the distinct needs of preschool moms who share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be!

Living with Epilepsy

The Living with Epilepsy symposium, presented by Riverside Methodist Hospital and the Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio, will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3545 Olentangy River Road. Cost will be $10 per person, and includes lunch and the seminar; $40 per person, for professional credit.

Contact Nancy Brantner at 261-1100 or e-mail nbrantner@epilepsy-ohio.org for more information.

Charity Chicken Dinner

Knights of Columbus Council 12939 will have a Charity Chicken Dinner on Sept. 22 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Margaret Church, 1600 N. Hague Ave. The dinner includes BBQ and oven-roasted chicken, potatoes, green beans or corn, roll and dessert. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children, open to the public. For information, call 507-2074.

Columbus Literacy Council

The Columbus Literacy Council is holding an Information Session about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m. The session will take place at the Columbus Literacy Council office, 195 N. Grant Ave. To register, call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013.

WCWC luncheon

The West Columbus Women’s Club Luncheon will be held Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 12-1:45 p.m. at the Heritage Gold Club House, 3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard. The theme will be “The Key to Stretching.” Cost for the event is $14. Babysitting is free. Reservations and cancellations are required for the luncheon and the nursery.

Cheer Center event

The Cheer Center Allstars will kick off their competition season with a cornhole tournament, open house and pep rally on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m., 1645 Gateway Circle in Grove City. All teams will perform their routines and a cookout will follow the performances. The proceeds from the cornhole tournament will benefit one of the dancers, Makaly Dean, who lost her mother, Mandy Dean, to cancer in June. The cost is $10 for adults, $20 per team and $5 for children 12 and under. The public is invited. For more information on the tournament or to register, call Pam Puckett at 539-5970.

Tea and musical

The Esther Circle of the Hilltop United Methodist Church, 99 South Highland Ave., is sponsoring its annual tea and musical on Sunday, Sept. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Tea and refreshments will be served immediately following the program. For more information, contact Emma Jones at 471-3892.

St. Cecilia Craft Show

The St. Cecilia PTO Fall Craft Show is Saturday,  Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Items will include handcrafted items, baked goods, lunch, raffle and free admission. This event will be held in the Parish Center located behind the church at 434 Norton Road. Interested vendors, call Kim Kowal at 851-9098.

POW/MIA ceremony

The POW/MIA ceremony will take place on Sept. 21, at the Lincoln Village plaza, 4660 W. Broad St. A short ceremony and flag raising will take place around 7:30 p.m. honoring and remembering our POW/MIA’s. All POW’s in the area are invited as special guests. All Veteran groups are welcome to be present and wear their colors. For more information contact Will Davis at 309-0171.

Life University classes

Register now for Life University classes offered at Cypress Wesleyan Church on Sundays from 6-7:30 p.m. Classes offered are: “Discovery Seminar,” a four-week information/membership class beginning Oct. 14; “Pause: Because Everybody is Tempted,” a four-week class based on Andy Stanley’s messages beginning Nov. 11, “The 7 Most Important Things You Can Ever Know,” with Pastor Ted Smith, beginning Oct. 14; “Parenting 101,” with Children’s Ministries Director Kathy George, beginning Oct. 28; “Becoming a Friend of the Faithful God – A Precept” (Kay Arthur) Study of Abraham, is offered on Monday nights beginning Oct. 1.  Children’s programming is available at no charge for Sunday evening classes, and our middle school and high school Storm worship rallies are from 6-8 p.m. Call the church at 878-8192 ext. 227 for more info or to get registered.

Evangelistic tent meetings

The New Life Christian Fellowship, 1475 Stimmel Road in Columbus, is sponsoring four evangelistic tent meetings. Meetings dates are: Sept. 21 at 7 p.m., Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 11 a.m and 6 p.m. Pastor A.K. Little will perform all four services. For more information, call 351-0333.

SWAC meeting

The September meeting of the Southwest Area Commission, will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the New Horizons United Methodist Church, 1665 Harrisburg Pike. The agenda will include discussion about development of the Area Plan by representatives from Franklin County, the City of Columbus, and Franklin Township.

Please check our website,www.columbusswac.org, for additional information about the commission. The commission welcomes the involvement of area residents.

The commission boundaries are the Scioto River on the east, I-270 on the south, the railroad tracks west of Harrisburg Pike on the west, Mound Street to Mt. Calvary to Greenlawn Avenue on the north. The commission can be contacted through our Web site, or by phone at 562-4728.

Briggs Open House

Briggs High School will be hosting its annual Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. There will be a vital Senior Parent meeting during the open house at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Senior parents will be made aware of their student’s status as seniors and will receive information about necessary credits, internship hours, and senior dues. All parents and community members are encouraged to attend the open house.

Friends and Family Fall Festival

The Friends and Family Fall Festival will be held at West Broad of the Nazarene’s new property, 7408 W. Broad St., on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. Worship will be held under the tent, accompanied by bluegrass music. Dinner on the grounds will follow, as well as games, crafts and other activities. For more information, call 878-6127.

Fall Revival