The Reynoldsburg Division of Police (7240 East Main Street) will host a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. April 21. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or Cheryl Kristy at (614) 322.6932 to schedule an appointment.
April showers at the historical society
The Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society will sponsor an "April Showers" for the Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at the Heritage House museum, 1485 Jackson St., across from Hannah Ashton Middle School.
Bring canned goods or donations and also enjoy a free tour of the museum during the regular monthly open house.
For more information, call (614) 263-5620 or visit www.rths.info.
National leader in financial accountability to speak
National teacher and leader in financial accountability, David Ramsey, will have a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. April 23 at Church of the Redeemer United Methodist, 235 McNaughten Road.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Join families across the nation with this interactive message of hope. For more information, call (614) 861-7160.
Mixed martial arts training camp at JCC
Matt Hood, a mixed martial artist and personal trainer at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus, will conduct a 10-week intense conditioning program based on various martial arts techniques and fitness conditioning. The "MMA Training Camp" will begin April 21, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the JCC's Diamond Family Fitness Center, 1125 College Ave., Bexley.
"If your workouts have become boring with few results, then you should try this program," Hood said. "The MMA Training Camp will push you to your limits and get you in the best shape of your life, while teaching you a variety of training styles."
The cost for the 10-week program is $150. To register, contact the JCC's Fitness Desk at (614) 231-2731.
Pickerington plans Arbor Day celebration
Pickerington is gearing up for this year's Arbor Day celebration.
The last Friday of April is designated National Arbor Day and the city will celebrate its 16th year as a Tree City USA with a special celebration at 7 p.m. April 24 in the Sycamore Park Arboretum.
As part of the celebration, Boy Scout Troup 1147 will perform the flag ceremony. A Crimson King Norway Maple tree was selected for planting. This year's tree will be dedicated to former employee from the City of Pickerington Service Department Diana Fuller.
For more information, contact Edward Drobina at (614) 833-2292. The public is encouraged to attend.
Pickerington holding women's health fair
Pickerington's first Women's Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 at Pickerington Central High School.
The day will be dedicated to women's health, focusing on mind, body and spirit through empowering women.
The day will be informational with yoga, dance and self-defense demonstrations and popular speakers.
Admission is free.
Violet Twp Women's League to host fun night
The Violet Township Women's League will host a fun night at its April 28 meeting.
The night will include playing Bunco, eating pizza and donating/buying books. The charitable donation for this month are items for the Kinship Closet.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 7725 Refugee Road North. All ladies in the area are invited to attend.
For more information, contact Linda Fersch at (614) 837-9749 or http://vtwl.tripod.com.
Military Wives to meet
The Columbus Area Military Wives Club will meet for lunch May 13 at Kensington Place, Lutheran Village, 1001 Parkview Blvd., Bexley.
A social time will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at noon. Entertainment will follow.
For reservations, call (614) 231-0915 or (614) 527-9529 before May 8. New or prospective members are welcome.
Violinist, pianist to perform at Bexley Library
Everyone is invited to a performance by violinist Leonid Polonsky and pianist Nina Polonsky to take place in the auditorium of the Bexley Public Library at 3 p.m. April 26.
Leonid Polonsky is associate concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Nina Polonsky is a well-known piano teacher in the central Ohio area.
There will be no admission charge. Auditorium doors will open at 2:30 p.m., when tea will be served.
Power of Prayer Ministries sponsoring clean-up
Join Power of Prayer Community Development in a community clean-up day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25.
Meet at 2155 Curtis St., Columbus at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments and coffee. The target area will be Stambaugh to Elwood avenues.
Tools, trash bags and gloves will be provided. For more information, call (614) 449-2342.
Fishers Gardens to host upcoming events
Fishers Gardens, located on S.R. 256 between Main Street and Livingston Avenue in Olde Reynoldsburg, will host several upcoming events for the public:
* Vegetable Gardening: 6:30 p.m. April 23 or 9:30 a.m. April 25; Learning the basics of vegetable gardening. Cost is $15. Call Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation at (614) 322-6806 to sign up.
* Garden Club: 7 p.m. May 11, topic is "Planting in Unusual Containers"; Learn how to take unusual items and make them into beautiful container gardens (hands on). Fee is non-perishable food item fo rthe Reynoldsburg Helping Hands food pantry.
Levy estimates on auditor's Web site
Franklin County voters will decide several tax levies in the upcoming May 5 primary election.
County Auditor Joe Testa has announced that monthly-estimated costs for the proposed tax levies and bond issue are again available on the auditor's Web site at franklincountyauditor.com.
To access the information, select the "property search" link of the auditor's home page. Search by name, address or parcel number. Once the property data appears, select the "Levy Info" tab for information on the ballot issues.
Levy cost estimates are based on current property values and proposed millage.
Franklin County property owenrs without access to the Internet can call the auditor's Real Estate Hotline at (614) 462-HOME (4663) for a breakdown of estimated levy costs for their homes and businesses.
'Swing into Summer' with chamber silent auction
The Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 6th annual silent auction, "Swing into Summer," from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 28 at Reynoldsburg Eagles on Brice Road.
The event will include a live auction, silent auction, music, food and many networking opportunities, all in a social relaxed environment.
A portion of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward Leadership Reynoldsburg, designed to develop leaders within the Reynoldsburg area.
The special guest auctioneer this year will be Reynoldsburg City Attorney Jed Hood.
For more information, call the chamber at (614) 866-4753.
Pickerington Lions Club to hold pizza challenge
The Pickerington Lions Club is searching for the best pizza in Pickerington.
In order to find it, the club is inviting all pizza shops in the Pickerington area to enter its 8th annual Pizza Challenge April 23 at the Pickerington Senior Center, beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to vote for their favorite pizza.
At this time, the following shops have agreed to participate: Kingy's, Catalfino's, Minuteman, New York Pizzeria, Hungry Howies, Classic Pizza, Taranto's and Massey's. Other shops are expected to enter.
"This could be our biggest Pizza Challenge yet," Club President Lilane Fox said. "It's always a lot of fun and it will help the club raise money needed for our sight-saving efforts. We really appreciate the community spirit of the participating shops."
The Challenge has two categories: a "Lions' Choice" and the "Judges' Choice." The first category will be made up of members of the public who will give First Place plaques for Best Overall Pizza, Best Sauce and Best Crust.
In the second category, a panel of local pizza experts will taste test each pizza and also award honors for the three areas mentioned above plus a fourth category of Best Specialty Pizza. The challenge will be a "blind" taste test, meaning that no one will know what pizzas they are judging.
The celebrity judges will include Councilman Mike Sabatino, Violet Township Trustee Gary Weltlich, and two local business owners Deb Jennings (owner of Deblin Designs) and Laura Gross (owner of Laura's Loft).
This event is open to the public. Cost is $4 per person at the door. Pizza shops interested in entering the challenge should call (614) 833-4728.
The Pickerington Lions Club is part of Lions International, the largest service organization in the world. Its main focus is to alleviate the plight of the blind and sight-impaired and to help find a cure for the many causes of blindness. The Pickerington Club has been chartered since 1946.
Volunteers needed for service activities
Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) is seeking volunteers to help clean up area parks on April 25 and plant more than 650 trees (bare root seedling) Sugar Maples, Box Elder, Hackberry, Sycamore, Black Willow around Academy Park and Wolfe Park on April 25.
The materials were provided thanks to Columbus Recreation Park and Department obtaining a Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) grant via the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Last year FACT planted more than 800 trees at parks along Alum Creek.
Volunteers are needed for:
* Environment and recycling clean-up, 9 a.m. April 25, Pumphouse Park, Bexley
For more information, call (614) 409-0511.
Pickerington Kidz Festival May 17
Pickeringtonkidz.com and the City of Pickerington Parks and Recreation will hold its 3rd annual Pickerington Kidz Festival from noon to 4 p.m. May 17 at Victory Park.
The event is now accepting vendors. Space is limited. Contact Lenni Male at (614) 204-8273 or Jennifer Stinson at (614) 296-3722. Those with programs with the Parks and Recreation Department should contact Don Ross at (614) 833-2211.
JCC to hold baby sale
The Early Childhood Parent Committee of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus will hold its annual "Baby What a Deal!" sale on Sunday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the JCC.
The event - designed especially for new mommies and kids - will have gently used items for kids, including clothing (size 7 and under), bedding, toys, maternity wear, books and furniture for sale.
Proceeds will support the children and teachers of the JCC College Avenue's Early Childhood Program. To donate items or volunteer for the event, contact Taryn Terwilliger at (614) 559-6295.
Livingston House Society offering scholarship
The Alexander W. Livingston House Society has announced that it will award a scholarship for 2009 to a Reynoldsburg High School (RHS) graduating senior who will be majoring in History or History Education at an accredited college or university.
In addition, applicants must currently be maintaining a minimum 3.0 accumulative grade point average. Further criteria and application guidelines are available at the RHS Guidance Office. Applications are due May 2.
Shepard block watch, association to meet
The Shepard Community Association will meet at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at Shepard/St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2260 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus. The Shepard Community Association Block Watch will meet at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Walk of Faith Christian Center Church, 2091 Dartmouth Ave., Columbus.
Whitehall-Yearling High School to hold 50-year reunion
Whitehall-Yearling High School's Class of 1959 will hold its 50-year reunion Aug. 8 at the 94th Aero Squadron, in Columbus. Graduates or classmates of the class of '59 who have not received any information about the reunion should contact Joyce (Westwood) Guth at (614) 866-2619 or Paul Wrobbel at (614) 876-4888; or e-mail Nancy McCabe at Whitehall59@yahoo.com to be placed on the class mailing list.
Spring Carnival April 25 at Rosehill Elementary
Rosehill Elementary School will host its Spring Carnival from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 25.
The elementary school is located at 760 Rosehill Road, Reynoldsburg.
There will be lots of games, photo opportunities with famous characters, bounce house and slide, a hot air balloon lift, the famous double cake walk, basket raffles, a dollar raffle that doesn't stop, a silent auction, food and more.
Education Appreciation Banquet to honor 'Friend'
Bexley City School District's 29th Annual Education Appreciation Banquet will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 20 at Harry C. Moores Campus Center.
The event is sponsored by the Bexley Board of Education and the Parent Teacher Organizations.
Nominations are now being accepted for the "Friend of Education" award. This award is sponsored by the Board of Education and given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to public education in the city of Bexley and who is not a current employee of the Bexley City School District.
Nomination forms may be obtained from the school offices and returned to Joan Fishel, Bexley Board of Education, 348 S. Cassingham Road, by April 27.
Help community during emergency through class
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will hold training sessions in April and May for those in the community who are interested in being prepared for emergencies.
In 95 percent of all emergencies, the victim or bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene.
CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire safety, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team building and terrorism awareness.
All classes will be held at the Pleasantville Fire Department, located at Coonpath Road and S.R. 188.
The next training dates will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 20, 22, 27 and 29 and May 6, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9. Attendance at each session is required for completion of the class. Class attire is casual. The course includes lecture and hands-on activities.
To register, call (740) 654-4357 or www.fairfieldema.com.
Eastmoor Class of '59 to hold 50th HS reunion
Eastmoor High School Class of 1959 will hold 50th reunion events Sept. 11-13. Call Denise Snider Kohn at (614) 939-4383 or e-mail dkohn@fastpc.com for more information.
Kindergarten registration in Bexley to begin
Parents of children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 and who live within the City of Bexley may enroll their children in the Bexley City School District's half-day kindertarten program.
Parents are advised that Ohio requires students successfully complete a kindergarten program prior to being admitted to first grade. Children may attend public or private kindergarten programs to meet this requirement.
Kindergarten registration for the 2009-2010 school year will be held April 7 for students with last name beginning with A through M and on April 8 for students with last name beginning with N through Z. Registration on both days will be from 9 to 11 a.m. or from 1 to 3 p.m.
Parents should bring the child's original birth certificate (to be copied) and proof of residency to their elementary school. It is helpful to bring the child's immunization records at this time. Bring custodial papers as well if this applies.
Locations for registration are:
Montrose Elementary School
(614) 237-4226
2555 E. Main St.
For residents living south of Main Street
Cassingham Elementary School
(614) 237-4266
250 S. Cassingham Road
For residents living between Main Street and Broad Street
Maryland Elementary School
(614) 237-3280
2754 Maryland Ave.
For residents living north of Broad Street
For more information about kindergarten registration, call Dr. Anne Hyland at (614) 231-7611.
Nominations sought for youth leadership award
Any middle and high school student involved in outstanding volunteer work is eligible to apply for the 2009 Inspirational Youth Award. Download an application at youthconnectionsinc.org. All nominations must be postmarked by May 22.
Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten registration for children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 and reside in Reynoldsburg will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 1 through June 30.
Registration will be hendled by the Central Registration Department at the Reynoldsburg City School District Central Office, 7244 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg.
Only the custodial parent or guardian awarded residential custody for school enrollment purposes may enroll the child. The child does not need to be present at the time of registration.
The following documentation is required:
* A completed enrollment packet (available at the Central Office or home school)
* Student's original birth certificate
* Immunization records
* Parent's driver's license or picture ID
* Custody order or decree from divorce or separation papers, and shared parenting plan, if applicable (regardless of when custody was granted)
* Proof of residency - For renting or leasing, a signed rental agreement listing all occupants including children and a piece of official mail such as a utility bill; for home ownership, a settlement statement or purchase contract or a property tax statement showing Reynoldsburg taxes being piad, and a piece of official mail such as a utility bill.
For more information, go to www.reyn.org, access the "enrollment" link and click on the "street guide" link.
Boy Scouts celebrating 100
The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.
The local Boy Scout Council, Simon Kenton Council, is looking to re-connect with Boy Scouts. From now through December 2010 Simon Kenton Council is holding a major alumni search across central and southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.
The Simon Kenton Council plans to present Scouting alumni with a special lapel pin to commemorate this historic time in Scouting's history.
For more information, go to www.BSAalumni.org.
Bridge has come to Bexley
The Bexley-Eastmoor area now has its own ongoing Bridge game. Players gather at the JCC at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday afternoon.
The game is open to all bridge players. If a partner is not available, players will be matched up with other players.
Duplicate Bridge rules apply and each game is scored separately, unlike scoring in Rubber Bridge.
Cost of the game is $1. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance notice is appreciated. Call Fran Kehr at (614) 251-0538. Lunch is available at the JCC for $1.50.
Vineyard Community Church holding free clinics
Vineyard Community Church, 15187 Palmer Road, Reynoldsburg, is opening five new free clinics from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month.
The clinics will be first come, first serve, and include computer consulting, chiropractor, vision care, legal clinic and tax preparation.
For more information, call (740) 927-7729 or go to www.vineyard05.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
