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.
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. Questions, call 875-7231.
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, 4616 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.
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.
MOPS at Cypress Wesleyan
Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton Darby Creek Road in Galloway, will host Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) on Monday evenings 6:30 – 8 p.m. and Tuesday mornings 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. For more info or to register for MOPS, go to the Web site: www.cypressonline.net/what we do/women/mops or call the church 614-878-8192.
Awana Clubs
Awana Clubs for boys and girls, from three-years-old to sixth grade, will be held Wednesdays, from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. at Briggs Road Baptist Church, 3231 Briggs Road. Call 272-7430 for more information.
American Legion Post 799
American Legion Post 799 holds their monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Prairie Township Fire Station, 123 Inah Ave. The Post is actively focusing on fund raising activities, family activities for the younger generation, setting up a Sons of the Legion auxiliary and increasing the ladies auxiliary.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend. There will be a drawing for a door prize.
The American legion is dedicated to suporting veterans and our country and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call Commander Ben Aycock at 614-878-0069.
Westland Senior Citizens
The Westland Senior Citizens will meet Dec. 11 at Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. Special guests will be the Westland Choir, directed by Jeff Rone. Lunch will be at noon with euchre to follow. For more information, call 870-6476.
Briggs class of 1979
The Briggs High School class of ‘79 is looking for classmates for its 30th reunion. Even if you attended the last reunion, call to verify your address with Kim Burke Collins at 274-8359 or Cindy Hale Seeley at 875-5167.
Kid’s Club at Parkview
The Kid’s Club at Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 S. Algonquin Ave., is for all young people between ages 5 and 11. Those in attendance will play games, have snacks, learn Bible stories, and do crafts. The club meets 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. There will be a snack, but no dinner. There is no cost.
Let GriefShare help you through the holidays
No matter how long it has been since your loved one died, grief can make the holidays a painful time. Griefshare will host a seminar that will help you survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. This program will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 6-8 p.m., by Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Road, in the district ministry center (brick building just north of the church).
The seminar is free; however, there is a $5 charge for the workbook, which includes devotionals for the holiday season. RSVP by calling Debbie Brisentine at 878-8192, ext. 238, any weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations will be accepted through Dec. 1.
DivorceCare helps with the holidays
DivorceCare will hold a seminar to discover how to enjoy the holidays again on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Cypress Wesleyan Church, 377 Alton-Darby Creek Road. The event is free; however, there is a $5 charge for the workbook, which includes devotionals for the holiday season. RSVP by calling Debbie Brisentine at 878-8192, ext. 238, any weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 1.
Advent Organ Recital
St. Mary Magdalene Advent Organ Recital will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m., at 473 South Roys Ave. Music Director Jason Mace will play works by Bach, Vierne, Franck, Mendelssohn, Wagner, and Lindusky on the sixteen rank Estey/Peebles-Herzog Organ. The recital is free and open to the public.
Civil rights leader comes to OHS
At the beginning of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in 1955, Robert S. Graetz was the white pastor of a black congregation in Montgomery, Ala. He was one of the few white community leaders who openly supported the historic bus boycott sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.
On Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., Graetz will speak at the Ohio Historical Center about his experiences with event moderator and Ohio House of Representatives Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty. The event, “Conversation with Civil Rights Leader Robert S. Graetz,” is free and open to the public.
A native of Charleston, W. Va., Graetz graduated from Capital University in Columbus before attending what is now Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1955. From 1955 until 1958, Graetz was the clergyman for Trinity Lutheran Church in Montgomery. During this time, he became a close friend of Rosa Parks and a key figure in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. For his support of the boycott, Graetz and his family were ostracized by other whites and suffered several episodes of harassment, including tire slashings, arrest and bombings.
Graetz, who joined Martin Luther King, Jr. during some of his meetings, has continued to spread the message of equality and civil rights throughout his life. He spent much of his career as a pastor in Lutheran churches serving mostly African-American congregations in California, Alabama, Washington, D.C., and Ohio. Now retired, he resides near MacArthur, Ohio, with Jean Ellis Graetz, his wife of 57 years. Both remain active in civil rights causes.
The Ohio Historical Center is located on I-71 and 17th Avenue. For more information about the event, call 297-2300 or visit ohiohistory.org.
Benefit for family to be held
The Hamilton family of Grove City will hold a benefit on Dec. 6 at the Firefighter Union Hall, 379 West Broad St., from 6 to 11 p.m.
The family has been affected by a serious hereditary condition called Chiari Malformation. Brain Surgery is the only way to cure the condition. Alisa Hamilton was diagnosed and had surgery in 2003. The family recently found out that two of their three daughters have also been diagnosed with Chiari.
A minimum donation of $20 per person would be greatly appreciated.
For those who would like to donate items for the raffle and auction, contact Pam Manering, pammanering2@yahoo.com or 571-2572. All proceeds will go to help the Hamilton family.
Christmas assistance
The Salvation Army Christmas Cheer program is taking applications for Christmas assistance for food and toys. Applications will be taken on Dec. 1-4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dec. 5 from 10-11:30 a.m.; and Dec. 2 and 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Applications will be taken at four Columbus locations, including the West Mound Worship and Service Center at 2300 West Mound St. Call the location at 274-7600 ext. 103 for more information.
Documents required for registration include picture identification for head of househould (including a driver’s license, state ID card, employee identification card or human services ID card), and proof of dependents (birth certificates, current health card, shot record or Jobs and Family Services printout) with birthdates for all househould members.
Toys are only available to children aged 12 and under.
Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship
The December breakfast meeting of the Columbus Chapter of the Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship International will be Saturday, Dec. 20 at the York Steakhouse, 4220 West Broad St. at 8:30 a.m. The group will sing Christmas carols. Those in attandance can bring an instrument and join the “band” or give a solo performance. Attendees can also share a favorite poem, scripture, short story or experience. There will also be a short business meeting to select officers for the upcoming year. Call Donald Schaffner, 875-0230, to RSVP.
Lamb of God offers free meals
The Church of the Lamb of God, 2216 Sullivant Ave., offers free meals on the fourth Saturday of each month. They will also offer a free meal on Christmas Day.
WCCWC luncheon
The West Columbus Christian Women’s Club luncheon, themed “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Heritage Golf Club House, 3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard. Guest speaker is Sue Smedley, vocalist is Sandy Sherrill and special feature is Deb B’s Creations (bags and scarfs). Cost is $14 inclusive. Call Betty at 851-0611 or Audra at 777-5578 to make or cancel reservations.
Low cost immunizations
The Franklin County Board of Health will offer child and adult immunizations on Dec. 17 at the Prairie Township Fire Department, 123 Inah Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Required immunizations are available for a $10 administration fee to children ages one month to 18 years of age. In addition, there is a $15 assessment fee that will be charged each visit. No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay for childhood immunizations.
Adult immunizations are also available at the clinic and vary in price according to the vaccine; however international travel immunizations are not available.
Be sure to bring your child’s shot record with you to the clinic. A completed consent form is required if a parent or legal guardian is not present at the clinic.
For questions about the clinics, contact the FCBH at 462-3160 or visit www.franklincountyohio.gov/health.
A Home of Your Own
Homes on the Hill CDC, 12 S. Terrace Ave., will host a free homebuyer education workshop on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 .m. to 5 p.m. for those confused by the home buying process and curious to know if they can afford to buy a home.
A Home of Your Own, geared toward first-time homebuyers, 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.
Aglow to meet
Aglow: A Network of Caring Women, will meet Dec. 9, at The Potter’s House, 3220 Lowell Dr., 9:45 a.m. Breakfast will be served at a cost of $5. The speaker will be Lois Baker speaking on hearing God’s voice, gifts from God, God has gifts for you, signs, wonders, and miracles.
For reservations and more information, call by Dec. 5 at noon, (614) 263-0607 or (614) 889-1708.
Breakfast with Santa at West
The West High School PTA will host a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6, from 8-11 a.m. in the school cafeteria. The cost is $5, breakfast will be all-you-can-eat and Santa will be there to take pictures.
Lights on for Kiwanis
The Hilltop Kiwanis is asking all residents of the Hilltop to turn on their porch lights on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. At that time, one or more of at least 125 volunteer “Newsboys” should appear at their door requesting a contribution for a copy of the 2008 Hilltop Kiwanis Club Christmas Paper. To help the Kiwanis, come to the Crossroads United Methodist Church at 5 p.m., where you will have dinner and be given a route.
History of Powell family to be explored
The life of the William Powell family will be explored during the Dec. 6 presentation at First Saturday at Green Lawn.
Jim Hughes, a state representative recently elected a state senator and a member of the Powell family, will share information about the family and their role in Columbus history. William Powell owned land where Union Station used to be and his son opened a lumber company on the city’s east side.
The family’s graves are marked by a 75-foot obelisk, the tallest marker at Green Lawn.
The program begins at 11 a.m. in the Huntington Chapel at Green Lawn, 1000 Greenlawn Ave. It is free and open to the public. Pianist Mary Heger will provide holiday music before and after the program. Refreshments will be served.
Comets named semi finalists in national competition
The Central Crossing High School marching band traveled to the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Nov. 13-15 to compete in the Bands of America Grand National Championships. This was the third time in the seven year existence of the high school and band program that the band competed in the Grand Nationals and the third time for being named a national semi finalist.
Ninety two bands from all over the country compete in this three day event. Central Crossing performed their 2008 show “The Happiness Conspiracy” in preliminary performance and were named semi finalists that evening. The band then competed in the semi finals and finished 30th out of 92 bands.
Family Christmas Choir
Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road, will host a Family Christmas Choir on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. The chancel, youth and bell choirs will perform their holiday favorites.
The public is welcome to join this holiday celebration. Free will offering accepted. Questions? Call 614-878-4530.
CCHS band dine-in
The Central Crossing Marching Band will hold a dine-in on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5-9 p.m. at the Waffle House located at 3085 Broadway. A portion of your paid meal will directly benefit the Central Crossing Band program. Questions? Call Sondra Conley at 871-1317 or Cindy Wagoner at 539-0637.
Breakfast with Santa at Briggs
The Briggs Senior Class will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. until noon. This effort functions as a fundraiser for the senior class as well as a community service project to help those less fortunate.
The cost for this event is $4 per person. A hot breakfast of pancakes and sausage will be provided. This cost also includes a picture with Santa, cookie decorating, basketball playing with the Briggs basketball team, face painting, and a trip to Santa’s Toyland where the children may select one item from the toys, gloves, hats, and scarves available. Parents may make a trip to Santa’s Toyland to make addition purchases for $1 per item while children are busy with the other activities.
Christmas tree sale and food drive
The Westland High School marching band and color guard has begun its annual christmas tree sale. The tree lot is located at Kroger, 5800 W. Broad St., in Galloway and will continue until trees are sold. Sale hours are Monday-Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
They are also having a canned food drive now through Dec. 19 to help fellow band parents in need. They will have a shopping cart for collection in the band room and at the christmas tree lot where students and others can drop off their donated food items. Questions regarding the food drive can be directed to Greta Pfeiffer at 335-5443 or e-mail her at gpfeiffer63@yahoo.com.
Secret Santa Extravaganza
Westgate Alternative Elementary School is hosting a Secret Santa Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. There will be pictures with Santa, a silent auction, and shopping for children and adults. There are still a few vendor spots available. Call Andrea at (614)343-3704 for more information.
Senior Luncheon
There will be a senior luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at noon at Westgate United Methodist Church, 61 S. Powell Ave. Open to the public. Donations accepted.
“A Christmas Story”
Friends Worship center, 3030 Clime Road, will present “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The play was written and directed by Scott Gorslene. All are invited.
Christmas sale
Hoge Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2930 W. Broad St., is holding a Christmas sale on Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to benefit mission work. The sale will feature flea market items, toys, clothing, Christmas items, gift baskets and a variety of baked goods.
Free clothing and lunch
New Hope Church, 3060 W. Broad St., will provide free women’s, men’s and children’s clothing Dec 20, 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. and be given a route.
