Be sure to read the Westside Messenger to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood! To submit events and announcements to this section, e-mail information to westside@columbusmessenger.com.
Busy Bee Playtime
Busy Bee Playtime is held every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at Sharon Mennonite Church in Plain City. Busy Bee Playtime is held in the church’s fellowship hall, where there is room for children ages 0-5 to play and fellowship together. It is a chance for the children to play while the adults watch over them and also visit with each other. Near the end of the playtime, we have a short circle time to sing songs together.
All children need to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or caregiver. There is no cost. You are welcome to come late or leave early since this is an “open gym” format. The program runs through the end of May. The church is located at 7675 Amity Pike in Plain City. For more information, e-mail busybees@sharonmennonite.org or call the church at 614-873-8290.
Gantz scholarship
Gardens at Gantz volunteers are offering a scholarship of up to $1,000 to a student interested in studying landscaping, horticulture, sustainable living or conservation at an accredited college or university. They are also offering a $500 grant to an organization with a gardening related project.
Applicants must be residents of the South-Western City School District. The application deadline is March 31. Contact gantzedu@wideopenwest.com for additional details and applications.
Step Into Summer
More that 500 students and their families are expected to attend the Annual Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair on Monday, March 3, from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St.
This event will feature over 50 exhibitors from Central Ohio and around the state to share information on summer activities, ranging from traditional outdoor camps to academic interests. Students can enroll in programs featuring art, music, pre-college courses and sports. Organized by Parents for Academic Challenge and Enrichment (P.A.C.E.) and the Step Into College Program of Columbus Public Schools, the fair is also sponsored by Huntington Banks, with support from the Franklin Park Conservatory. The fair is free of charge and open to all families. Parents and students are encouraged to come and speak with the program representatives about the many summer opportunities.
Each family will receive a Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair booklet, listing the exhibitors and their programs. Parking at the Conservatory is free. All ages from preschool through high school will find a summer program that will spark their talents and interest.
For more information, contact the Opportunities Fair coordinator at 343-3704.
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 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.
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.
Exercise for seniors
Seniors are invited to exercise on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 55 Pasadena Ave. Men and women aged 50 to 90 and up have exercised at the facility since 2001. The instructor leads each session with warm-ups, play balls, resistance bands, hand weights, some low-impact aerobics and balance activities. Each participant can adapt the routine to his/her comfort level. The cost is $35 for each eight-week session. Call the instructor, Lori Vazquez, at 989-4595 with questions.
GriefShare seminar
GriefShare seminar and support group (for those grieving the loss of a loved one) will meet at Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Road, each Sunday at 6 p.m. through April 6. For more information or to register, call Debbie Brisentine at the church office, 878-8192, ext. 238. There is also children’s programming available each Sunday for infants through high school age – some require pre-registration so ask about that when you call. Log on to www.griefshare.org or www.cypressonline.net for more information.
DivorceCare seminar
DivorceCare recovery seminar and support group will meet at Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Road, each Sunday at 6 p.m. through April 6. For more information or to register, call Debbie Brisentine at the church office, 878-8192, ext. 238. There is also children’s programming available each Sunday for infants through high school age – some require pre-registration so ask about that when you call. You can also check out the DivorceCare Web site, www.divorcecare.org or the church Web site, www.cypressonline.net, for more information.
Free AARP help
Dodge Senior Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., is offering free AARP help through April 10 by appointment. Call Dodge at 645-3176 to schedule. Appointment times are 9, 10 and 11 a.m., as well as 12 noon. Bring your copy of last year’s tax forms and any other necessary information.
VFW Post 6065
VFW Post 6065 will hold their meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. Meetings last about one hour and are held at the Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 West Broad St. Those interested in getting involved or volunteering time should attend a meeting. The Ladies Auxilary meets at 6:30 p.m. The motivations of the VFW are patriotic, historical, and educational. They strive to perpetuate the memory and history of thier dead, and to assist their widows and orphans. Call Will Davis at 309-0171 for further information.
St. Paul Benefit Bank
The Benefit Bank at St. Paul Lutheran Church will have trained people available on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon to assist individuals through the initial paperwork to receive the following services:
•Food Stamps
•Healthy Start/Healthy Families
•Title 20 Child Care Subsidies
•Ohio Works First
•Medicare Savings program
•HELP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
•Voter Registration
The church is located at 55 Pasadena Ave., just west of Doctor’s Hospital. Call 878-4715 for more information.
Help available at NDCC
Are you in the midst of a life transition? New Directions Career Center (NDCC), a non-profit, United Way agency, offers individuals support to enter or re-enter the work force – regardless of their ability to pay. Their licensed counselors take a holistic, individualized approach to seminars and workshops focusing on career building techniques with the ultimate goal of achieving financial independence though fulfilling employment. Additionally, the four week, New Directions class is designed exclusively for women re-entering the workforce after a death, divorce, addiction, depression, etc. Placement services are available to program graduates.
For more information on programs, services, or scholarships contact Meredith Kitts at 849-0028.
WABA scholarship auction
The Westland Area Business Association (WABA) will be holding their 18th Annual Scholarship Auction on Saturday, March 8 at Charles Mentel Golf Course beginning at 5:30 pm. It will start off with appetizers then a dinner buffet with desserts, and a silent and live auction to follow. The theme this year is “A Night Out With The Stars.” This auction provides many scholarships for the SWCS students and funds for many other community events. For more information please contact Kathy Horn at 275-0777 or 561-8368.
St. Margaret fish fry
St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 1600 N. Hague Ave., will have their ninth annual “Best Fish Fry Dinner in Town!” on the six Fridays during Lent until March 14, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a dinner of fried ocean perch or baked cod; complete with french fries, baked potato, baked steak fries, cole slaw, applesauce, roll and butter, and home-made desserts. Help yourself to free seconds! The cost for dinner is: adults – $8; seniors – $7; children (10 and under) – $3.50. Free coffee is provided. Pop and beer are available for a nominal fee. Carry outs are available at the door. For info call the parish office at 279-1690.
K of C fish fries at St. Cecilia
The Knights of Columbus will sponsor their annual Lenten Fish Fries through Friday, March 14, in the school hall at St. Cecilia. The hours of operation will be 5-7:30 p.m. The dinners will have a choice of popcorn shrimp or all-you-can-eat baked or fried ocean perch. The dinners will also include: choice of french fries or baked potato, cole slaw or macaroni and cheese, green beans, bread, drink and dessert. The cost will be $4 for children under 12; $7 for seniors, $8 for adults, and $26 for a family (2 adults and up to 4 children). Eat-in or drive-through are available. Sandwiches also available.
K of C 2898 Fish Fry
Knights of Columbus Council 2898, and the Bishop Ready Athletic Association, announce their Lenten Fish Fries, Fridays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., through Lent, in the Bishop Ready High School cafeteria, 707 Salisbury Road.
Dinner is all-you-can eat fried and baked perch dinners, with your choice of two sides, a roll, drink and dessert.
Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $4 for children.
Paper tax preparation at PTSC
The Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 West Broad St., will be offering paper income tax preparation for senior citizens. This service is courtesy of AARP and Mr. Ed Haney, volunteer coordinator. There is no charge for this service, but you must call the center, at 878-5110, for an appointment. Bring the following: your 2006 tax return, your social security card, and all tax papers for 2007.
Free jewelry repair for seniors
Bill Higgins of the Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 West Broad St., will offer free jewelry repair to senior citizens on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, at the center, starting at 1 p.m. This service will continue as long as the service is needed. For more info, call the center at (614) 878-5110.
St. Stephens fish fry
St. Stephen the Martyr, 4131 Clime Road, will hold a fish fry every Friday through March 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Adults are $8, seniors are $7, and children 12 and under are $3.50. The menu includes baked/fried perch with a roll, dessert, a drink and two side dishes. Proceeds will be donated to charities.
Golden Age Center
The Slavation Army Golden Age Center, 2300 W. Mound St., invites anyone aged 60 or over to attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for lunch, crafts, movies, BINGO, games, health and fitness, and fun. Call Ellen Marvin, senior director, at 274-7600, ext. 108, one day in advance to reserve lunch for $1.25 per day. Trips are available for $9 per month.
CLC Information Sessions
The Columbus Literacy Council is holding Information Sessions about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on March 19 and April 2, from 6-7:30 p.m. The sessions will be held at the CLC office, 195 N. Grant Ave. Register at www.columbusliteracy.org or call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013.
Gang hotline
The Columbus Division of Police is conducting a six month pilot project using the phone number 645-GANG (4264).
Citizens in Columbus are encouraged to leave a detailed message about gang activity in their neighborhood. The Division is using this number specifically for information associated with gang activity. Other information not pertaining to gangs should be referred to 645-4545.
Creating Career Options
New Directions Career Center (NDCC), a non-profit, United Way agency, assists individuals whose employment has been negatively impacted by the current economy or other factors. Unemployed individuals or those seeking change are invited to attend “Creating Career Options.” The three day program provides participants with necessary tools to transition to a new, rewarding position. Experts guide them in assessing career interests as well as researching professional options. Attendees develop, with career counselor oversight, an effective, individualized career change plan. Graduates of the program are also eligible for job placement assistance.
“Creating Career Options” runs Monday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 5 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, contact Meredith Kitts at 849-0028, extension 100. NDCC offers services regardless of the individual’s ability to pay.
Hamloafs at PUMC
Hamloaf season is approaching at Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 S. Algonquin Ave. This year, the hamloaves will be made and baked at the church, so there is no limit to how many can be ordered. They will be available for pickup March 14 from 4-7 p.m., or March 17 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Orders need to be in March 9, by 10 p.m. Call 274-8431 or 875-0393.
French toast breakfast
Valleyview Church of Christ in Christian Union, 2450 Valleyview Dr., will be hosting a french toast and bacon breakfast from 8-11 a.m. on March 8. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.
Westgate senior luncheon
There will be a senior luncheon on Tuesday, March 11 at 12 noon at Westgate United methodist Church, 61 S. Powell Ave. The menu will be creamed turkey over biscuits. This event is open to the public, donations will be accepted.
Lincoln Village Clean and Safe Program
The Lincoln Village Neighborhood Clean and Safe Program will host a presentation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on Operation: Street Smart For a New A.G.E. (Adult Gang Education). This program will be presented by Deputy Charley Brown. The meeting will be held March 15 at 1 p.m. at the Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 West Broad Street. The presentation will include information on gang activity in our community, how to recognize it, and how we can help make our neighborhood safer.
The meeting is open to the public. Arrive at noon and share a free lunch with friends and neighbors prior to the meeting. RSVP by March 8 by calling 878-5110.
Midful Mothers craft bazaar
Mindful Mothers Club of London announced that the Spring Craft Bazaar will be Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Choctaw Lake Lodge, 2875 Oneida Drive, London. Area arts and crafts makers will display and sell their creations and merchandise.
Approximately 40 arts and crafts vendors will be displaying a variety of wares, including Easter crafts and unique spring decorations, folk art, handmade silk bags, baby quilts, OSU Buckeye crafts, and much more. The Easter Bunny will be visiting and available for pictures from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. for $3. A lunch/snack bar will be available, as well.
Mindful Mothers Club is a member of the Ohio Child Conservation League, a non-profit, non-sectarian, educational organization whose members are interested in conserving our greatest natural resource – our children! For more information, contact Chantal Weldon at 740-852-2082.
Easter Egg Hunt
St.Mark’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held March 15 from noon until 3 p.m. at 5200 Sullivant Ave. Activities will include face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny, lunch, a puppet show and an Easter egg hunt. Cost is $3 per child ages 12 and under and $2 for adults (lunch only). RSVP by calling 878-6520.
Aglow monthly meeting
Aglow, a network of caring women, will meet March 11, at The Potter’s House, 3220 Lowell Dr., in Columbus, at 9:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast will be served at a cost of $5.
The speaker will be Dr. Lyrica Joy Smith, President of Kingdom Institute International. Dr. Smith will speak on “The Tabernacle Within: A House not made with Hands.”
For reservations and more information, call 263-0607 or 889-1708 by noon Friday, March 7.
DAR meeting to discuss Chase
The next meeting of the Ann Simpson Davis Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will be held on March 8. It will be held at MCL Cafeteria, 60 Westerville Square, Westerville. Lunch will be served at noon, with the meeting to follow. The subject of the program will be Solomen Chase – Governor of Ohio, State Senator of Ohio, Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The speaker will be Monty Chase. Reservations can be made by calling Terri Sippel at 777-8934.
MRDD information fair
March is Mental Retardation and Developmental Disablilities Awareness month and the West Central Parent Group has organized an information fair with over 20 knowledgeable presenters offereing very valuable information that will benefit you, your child, or someone you know with disabilities.
This event will take place Monday, March 10, at West Central School, located at 1481 West Town St., from 6-8 p.m. A light chili dinner will be offered free of charge. For more information, contact Ronda Gilliam at 276-8231, or Kimberly Cope at 279-8442.
Free clothing and lunch
New Hope Church, 3060 W. Broad St., will provide free womens, mens and some childrens clothing, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free lunch will be provided. All are welcome. This is a monthly event. Read the Westside Messenger for future dates.
CCHS jazz band dinner
The Central Crossing High School Jazz Band will sponsor a chili dinner “and all the fixins” Wednesday, March 5, from 4:30 -8:30 p.m.
The dinner proceeds will go to the CCHS Jazz Band in support of their upcoming performance in New York City on March 15. Dinner will be held at the Capital Regiment Bingo Hall located at 1444 Demorest Road. The jazz band will perform during the event.
Tickets are $5 each. You may get tickets in advance or reserve your ticket for pickup at the door by contacting Robert McNutt (801-6556), Tammy Butler (352-3221) or Melissa Logan (877-0273).
FHHS jazz band dinner
The annual Franklin Heights High School jazz band’s jazz dinner and dance will be held April 18 from 6-11 p.m., at the Berwick Manor Restaurant.
Following the dinner, the jazz band will perform. Tickets are $25 per person for adults and $15 for children 11 and under. Contact Brenda Lenihan at 871-0645 or Cyd Ball at 278-7847 for more information or to by tickets. Tickets should be purchased in advance. All profits from this event will benefit the Franklin Heights High School band.
Discover Ready Night
Bishop Ready High School is hosting Discover Ready Night on Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at the high school, located on the corner of Mound Street and Salisbury Road. The event is for parents and guardians of elementary school students in grades five through eight.
This an opportunity to learn about the academic, sports, and co- and extra-curricular programs and financial aid/student scholarship programs that the school offers.
For more information, call Mr. Joe Lang, Director of Admissions at Bishop Ready, at 276-5263, ext. 201.
SWCS to fill SWPL seat
The South-Western City School District Board of Education is seeking applicants to fill the vacant Southwest Public Library trustee seat resulting from the resignation of Cressa Rieser.
Rieser’s unfinished term extends through Dec. 31, 2013. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside within the geographical boundaries of the South-Western City School District.
Applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent and resume to: SWPL Trustee, C/O South-Western Board of Education, 3805 Marlane Dr., Grove City, Ohio 43123. All information must be received by the Board of Education no later than March 7.
A Home of Your Own
Homes on the Hill CDC will hold the homebuyer education course, A Home of Your Own, geared toward first-time homebuyers, on Saturday mornings, March 8, and 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 12 S. Terrace Ave. (in the Hilltop Lutheran Church). The course is open to the public and free of charge. The workshop will cover topics ranging from financial literacy, credit and mortgage loans to how to choose a realtor, home inspections, and the closing process. Guest speakers will include area professionals in the fields of lending, real estate, and housing.
This workshop may be a requirement for some down payment assistance programs and first time homebuyer loan programs.
Registration is required. Call 275-4663 ext. 100 to register.
PTSC Lunch and Learns
Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 W. Broad St., is sponsoring Lunch and Learns sessions as follows:
•March 5, Sharon Davis of Today Homes will discuss “Affordable Homes for Sale”
•March 19, John Meyers of Sunset Cemetery will discuss “Services Offered”
•March 26, Monica Mayer of UCP Gracie Kindig will discuss “Volunteerism”
These sessions include lunch and will begin at 11 a.m. They are free and open to the public. For reservations and information, call 878-5110.
PTSC hosts seminars
The Prairie Township Senior Center, 4656 W. Broad Street, will be hosting the following seminars:
• March 3, at 1 p.m., Angie Edwards and Kate Adams of Big Run Urgent Care will discuss “Cancer Detection, Care and Treatment, Early Detection and Screening.”
•March 10, at 1 p.m., Maria McCoy of AARP will discuss “Back to Work”
•March 14, a representative from Edward Jones will be at the center from 1-3 p.m. to answer questions about investments. No appointment is needed.
•March 15, at 1 p.m., LVRA will sponsor a “Clean and Safe” program about graffiti at the center, presented by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
•April 4, Joyce Johnson of the Breathing Association will discuss “Better Breathing”
For more information, call 878-5110.
PTSC “Soup-er” Saturday
The Prairie Township Senior Center will be holding thier monthly “Soup-er” Saturday, open to the public, on Saturday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. Featured will be beef stew, salad and a beverge, for a $2.50 donation. For further information, call 878-5110.
“The Frog Princess”
The Greater Hilltop Community Theater will produce “The Frog Princess,” a children’s show, on March 14 and 15. Showtime is 7 p.m. and will take place at Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 S. Algonquin Ave. Admission is $5. Visit www.hilltopcommunitytheater.com for more
