Whats happening on the Westside

Free Spanish/English classes

Free Spanish/English classes will be offered to anyone interested at the Free Store, 3030 Sullivant Ave., on Wednesdays, through May 28 from 7-8 p.m. Child care will be provided.

Paper recycling at Parkview

Parkview United Methodist Church, 344  S. Algonquin Ave., is providing the community with recycling bins for paper products. Bring newspapers, magazines, junk mail, etc., to the green and yellow bins in the church parking lot. No cardboard or phone books will be accepted.

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.   

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.

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 Auxiliary 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 their dead, and to assist their widows and orphans. Call Will Davis at 309-0171 for further information.

Free jewelry repair

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.

Golden Age Center

The Salvation 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. Fee for expenses is $9 per month.

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.

Briggs class of 1978 reunion

The Briggs High School class of 1978 is in the process of contacting all alumni for the 30 year reunion. If you are an alumni, or know someone who is, contact the reunion committee at briggs1978@sbcglobal.net or call Ray France at 878-7554, Penny (Wilson) Nott at 875-4681, or Joe Bechemer at 425-4439. Call to pre-order to a commemorative t-shirt.

Columbus hydrant flushing    

Beginning April 29, The Columbus Division of Fire will begin their annual three-month program to flush the city’s 24,000 fire hydrants, said Fire Chief Ned Pettus, Jr.

This year, hydrant flushing will be conducted in two phases. The Westside will be included in phase two, which will take place June 11 through July 22.

Hydrant flushings will be performed seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water could become cloudy or rusty during the flushing process, particularly in older neighborhoods. This condition is not a health hazard, and should clear up within 24-hours. However, residents in flushing areas should check their water before doing laundry because discolored water could stain laundered clothing.

Residents can call the Columbus Division of Fire’s Hydrant Hot Line at 645-4055 to obtain daily updates listing specific Columbus neighborhoods to be flushed. The hot line will be updated at 9 a.m. each day throughout the three-month hydrant maintenance program.

The city’s hydrants are flushed annually to test their performance and correct any problems that might interfere with their operation.

Free financial education

The Salvation Army West Mount Corp and STE Credit Union are sponsoring a free six-week financial education class. The class will be held weekly on Thursdays through May 22 between the hours of 3-4:30 p.m at the Salvation Army West Mount Corp, 2300 W. Mound St. The class is open to all adults and teenagers who want to succeed by learning about money management skills and positive financial behaviors. Planning, budgeting, investing, good debt vs. bad debt, checking accounts, insurance, and career planning are all topics that will be addressed.

To register for this workshop, call Keri Moser at 614-728-5931.

FHHS class of 1966

Franklin Heights High School, Class of 1966, will be holding a 60th birthday party reunion on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 12-6 p.m. at Heimat Haus, 4555 Jackson Pike (Route 104). Contact Becky (Sweazy) Malone for details and to RSVP by calling (614)801-9059 or e-mail bmalone@columbus.rr.com.

CHS class of 1948

The Central High School class of 1948 will hold its 60th class reunion on July 13 at COSI from noon to 4 p.m. For more information contact John Allen at 875-4359, Bill Rector at 889-5608, Ardie Schirtzinger at 272-0295, Florance (Voss) McCarty at 876-2181 or Susan (Jones) Metzger at 901-2678.

Westland Area Commission

The next meeting of the Westland Area Commission will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Doctors’ Hospital, 5100 W. Broad St. Area residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak with commission members about concerns they have in the community.

FHHS debuts piece

On May 19 at 7:30 p.m., the Franklin Heights High School symphonic band will debut a piece of music written by James Swearingen. “Nightflight,” was commissioned by the Franklin Heights band boosters in honor of Tiffany Loukinas, a former band member who died tragically in an automobile accident in 2006.    

 “Nightflight” will be played during the FHHS graduation concert in the high school auditorium. In addition to the symphonic band, the concert band, string orchestra, and jazz ensembles will be performing. The public is welcome to attend this event. Admission is $3 at the door.

CCS kindergarten roundup

If you have a child who will be five years-old on or before September 30 and you live inside the Columbus City Schools district, now is the time to enroll for full-day kindergarten for the upcoming 2008-09 school year.

By registering early your child will have the opportunity to visit their new school and meet the principal before school starts. Parents will also receive valuable information about how to further prepare their child for kindergarten and what to expect. For additional questions, or to determine your child’s assigned school, contact the FACTline at 221-FACT from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

West Broad kindergarten roundup

West Broad Elementary will host parents of incoming kindergartners for the 2008-2009 school year on May 21 from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Register for kindergarten and see a typical kindergarten experience, and meet the staff. Those unable to attend should register between April 23 and May 30. Each parent will receive helpful information for kindergarten success and each student will receive a gift. To register, parents will need to provide the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, social security number and address verification.

Free clothing and lunch

New Hope Church, 3060 W. Broad St., will provide free women’s, men’s and children’s clothing clothing May 24, 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.

CLC Information Session

The Columbus Literacy Council is holding an Information Session about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on Friday, June 20, from 1-2:30 p.m. the session will take place at the CLC office, 195 North Grant Ave. Register at www.columbusliteracycouncil.org or call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013.

WCCWC Luncheon

The West Columbus Christian Women’s Club Luncheon is to be held Tuesday, May 27, from 12-1:45 p.m. at the Heritage Golf Club House, 3525 Heritage Club Dr., in Hilliard. Cost is $14, inclusive. Guest speaker is Lynn Hodge, vocalist is Lavonne Bardell and special feature is “Fabric Post Card.” Call Betty at 851-0611 or Audra at 777-5578 to make or cancel reservations. For more information, call Mary Green at 876-6155.

CLC Information Session

The Columbus Literacy Council is holding an Information Session about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities on Thursday, May 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. the session will take place at the CLC office, 195 North Grant Ave. Register at www.columbusliteracycouncil.org or call Norma Wetzel at 221-5013.

Bowling for charity

Saxton Real Estate is sponsoring a Bowling for Relay for Life event, for all proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event will be held at Western Lanes, 500 Georgesville Road, on June 7, from 6-8:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults and $9 for each child, and includes, pizza, soda and a maximum of three games of bowling. Shoe rental is free. To register or for more information, call Kim Sothard at 883-1401, or Jerry Hunt at 883-1421. Lanes are limited.

PT Memorial Day services

The Prairie Township Trustees invite the public to attend the annual Memorial Day services at the township cemeteries on Monday, May 26.

A service will be held at Galloway Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., conducted by the Grove City Memorial Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 8198. They will place flags on veterans’ graves.

A service will also be held at Alton Cemetery at 11:30 a.m., conducted by the Camp Chase Post 98 of the American Legion, VFW Post 6065 and AMVETS Post 1928. They will also place flags on the veterans’ graves.

Blood drive and care wash

Abundant Life Tabernacle, 35 Derrer Road, is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A free car wash will also be going on from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. To make a blood donation appointment or if you have any questions, e-mail ttatman@abundantlifetabernacle.net or call 614-279-5433.  Walk ins are also welcome.

Camp Chase Blockwatch to meet

Camp Chase Blockwatch is hosting their annual spring meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Columbus Division of Police Canine Unit will be there with their a dog, as will Police Liaison Officer Ken Ramos, Code Enforcement Officer Danielle Weber, Community Crime Patrol and others.  Light refreshments will be served.  Crime does not respect boundaries, therefore, all area residents are welcome to the meeting, including those outside of the Camp Chase Blockwatch area. For more information, contact Lisa Grazier at 274-4382 or lmgrazier@yahoo.com.

MOPS to meet

Mothers of preschoolers are invited to join together from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the May 21 MOPS meeting, sponsored by Life In Christ Fellowship, for a couple hours of adult discussion and fun. Each mom is asked to bring her favorite appetizer or snack – enough for 3 or 4 bites for 12 other moms.  

Pam will lead another discussion to complete this year’s  “The Home Factor” theme and will also give a peak at her personal faith. Kathy will keep attendees busy with a new craft, and plans for a June play date/picnic will be finalized.

Children ages 0-5 will love the MOPPETS program or being cared for in the nursery.

This MOPS group meets in the New Life Church located at 2020 S.R. 142 NE, West Jefferson.  There is no charge. Call Pam 614-853-2532 or Lois 614-878-3535 for more information or directions.

SWAC meets

The Southwest Area Commission will meet May 21 at 7 p.m. at the New Horizons United Methodist Church, 1665 Harrisburg Pike. The agenda will include a zoning request to annex property that is in Jackson Township into the city of Columbus. For more information, log on to columbusswac.org or call 562-4728.

VFW cemetery service

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6065, will be placing flags on graves of Veterans at Sunset and Alton Darby Cemetery on Friday, May 23. We will start at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to help with the flag placing. Cpl. John R. McCord will hold a Memorial service in section 4 at 10 a.m. American Legion 532 will provide the firing squad, and Westland ROTC will assist with the ceremony. For more information call Will Davis at 309-0171

Westland Boosters to meet

The Westland Athletic Boosters will present its yearly PRIDE awards at the Boosters’ monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at Westland High School ERC. Also elections for next year’s executive board will take place. Any current member of the organization is eligible to vote in the election. Liaisons will meet at 6 p.m., executive board at 6:30 p.m and the PRIDE awards, voting and a general meeting will follow at 7 p.m. All current members and anyone interested in supporting or obtaining information about the boosters is welcome to attend. For more information, call Booster President Bob Barnhart at 870-9242.

Camp Chase services

On Sunday, June 1st, at 3 p.m., the Hilltop Historical Society will host the 113th observance of Camp Chase Memorial Services located at Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, 2900 Sullivant Ave. (between South Powell and Binns).

This year’s main speaker will be John Morgan, whose great-great uncle George Morgan died as a prisoner of war in 1863 and is remembered at marker 282. There will be honor guards from both the Sons of Confederate and Union Veterans to assist with the ceremony.

Central 77th reunion

The Central High School class of 1931 will hold its 77th class reunion on June 14 at Phillips Coney Island on West Broad Street. For additional information, contact Pauly Pence at 523-0772.

Green Lawn Memorial Day

Walking tours and family picnics have been added to the activities at Green Lawn Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend in addition to the traditional services honoring those who served their country.

All activities are free and open to the public at the area’s largest cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave., which is observing its 160th year of operation.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War start the weekend at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, with a program to honor their forefathers.

SUVCW members in period dress will hold their traditional memorial service at Circle M, which many Civil War veterans are interred, then march to Section 28 to continue the service at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy will be the featured speaker for the American Legion program at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, on Section 104, where hundreds of World War II veterans are buried.

New to the weekend observances this year is a family celebration that begins with a birdwalk at 8 a.m. Monday, May 26. Well-known birder Bernard Master of Worthington, will lead that tour, which begins at the Pond.

Green Lawn Volunteers will lead walking tours through some historical sections between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring their lunch and spread blankets on designated areas for a picnic.

The Green Lawn office will be open longer hours during the holiday with staff and volunteers assisting visitors in finding the graves of their loved ones. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

Green Lawn was established in August 1848 as a nonprofit association. It has grown from the original 83 acres to 360 today, with 80 acres still to be developed. As many as 150,000 people are buried at Green Lawn, the state’s second-largest cemetery.

It is also recognized as a premiere birding destination because of its close proximity to the Scioto River, its 3,000 trees, pond, prairie and butterfly garden.

Further information about the holiday activities can be found at www.greenlawncolumbus.org or by calling 614-444-1123.

GHAC deadline approaching

May 19 is the application deadline for those interested in joining the Greater Hilltop Area Commission’s Youth Commission.  May 23 is the deadline for GHAC applications. Applications for bothcan be found at either www.theghac.com or at the Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

PTSC open house

The Prairie Township Senior Center is moving to a new location, 4616 West Broad St., three doors east of thier current location. To celebrate the move, along with four years of serving the Prairie Township community, they will be holding an open house on Sunday, June 1, from 1-4 p.m. Visitors can grab a bite to eat and view new decor and a fresh look. The new location will not cause changes to any of the current programs offered by the center. For more information, call 878-5110.

Westland Senior Citizens