Discover Grove City July/August 2023

GroveCity

Our annual look at Grove City through the lenses of its residents

Greyhound Point Guard Goes Global Alumni Softball

Beulah Racetrack Centennial

Now Open in Grove City!

Your NEW neighborhood Wright-Patt Credit Union Member Center is now open, featuring:

• Convenient drive-thru services

• Dialogue stations for side by side extraordinary personal service

• Complimentary coin machine for members

Stop by to open an account, meet with one of our friendly Financial Coaches and see how we can help you through your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey to live the life you want to live.

If you live or work in Grove City, we look forward to seeing you soon!

We’ll Get There. Together.

What’s Happening?

July 1

2023 Heart of Grove City & C-Town Cruisers Car Show

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Center Park

3378 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

July 4

Firecracker 5K

7:30-11 a.m.

Pinnacle Golf Club 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr. www.runsignup.com

July 4

Grove City Independence Day Fireworks

9:45-10:30 p.m.

Murfin Memorial Fields 4570 Haughn Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

July 7, 21; Aug. 4, 18

Red Cross Blood Drive Noon-6 p.m.

The Kingston Center

3226 Kingston Ave. www.redcrossblood.org

July 7, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 18

Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop

4-9 p.m. Grove City Town Center 3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

July 8

Meet the Author – Kat Wexler Which Way to the Beach

10 a.m.-noon

Visit Grove City

3995 Broadway, Ste. 100 www.visitgrovecityoh.com

August 4

Purple Heart Ceremony

July 10 2023 Chamber Open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hickory Hills Golf Club

3344 Georgesville-Wrightsville Rd. www.gcchamber.org

July 12, Aug. 9

Paws on the Plaza

6-8 p.m.

Grove City Town Center 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

July 15

Tacos and Tequila

1-10 p.m.

Grove City Town Center 3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

July 22, Aug. 26

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Open House

2-4 p.m.

Century Village 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohhistory.org

July 28

GCHS Alumni Time Capsule Drop

4-8 p.m.

Visit Grove City 3995 Broadway, Ste. 100 www.visitgrovecityoh.com

GCACC Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon

Grove City’s Historic Town Center

3444 Park St.

www.gcchamber.org

Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

Every other Friday, 7-8:30 p.m.

Town Center Park

3359 Park St.

www.grovecityohio.gov

July 7 – Whiskey Would

July 21 – 50 Steps Up

Aug. 4 – Lee Gantt Band

Aug. 18 – The Conspiracy Band

Grove City Community Outdoor Movie Nights

Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

The Naz 4770 Hoover Rd.

www.grovecityohio.gov

July 5 – Coco

July 12 – Ghostbusters (original)

July 19 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

July 26 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

July 28

Homecoming Celebration featuring The Menus 6-10 p.m.

Grove City Town Center

3359 Park St.

www.grovecityohio.gov

July 29-30

Grove City High School

Alumni Softball Tournament

www.grovecityalumnitournament.com

Aug. 3-8

Flags for Heroes

Henceroth Park

2075 Mallow Ln.

www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 4-5

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Festival

5-11 p.m.

3730 Broadway

www.ourladygc.org

Photo courtesy of the City of Grove City

Aug. 4

Purple Heart Ceremony

10 a.m.

Henceroth Park

2075 Mallow Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 11-12

Inaugural Mayor’s Cup Pickleball Tournament

The Park at Beulah 3811 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 12

Bourbon & Spirits Festival

1-10 p.m. Grove City Town Center 3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

August 18

Back to School Party

4-8 p.m.

Visit Grove City 3995 Broadway, Ste.100 www.visitgrovecityoh.com

Aug. 21

SWCSD First Day of School

Grades 4-12 www.swcsd.us

Aug. 21-23

SWCSD First Day of School

Grades K-3

Aug. 21: Last names A-G

Aug. 22: Last names H-O

Aug. 23: Last names P-Z

Aug. 21

National Senior Citizens Day & Senior Resource Expo

9 a.m.-noon Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Do you have an event you would like to submit?

Send details and photos to tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Mayor’s Message

A Labor Day of History

We’re looking forward to an eventful Labor Day weekend, filled with activities for all to enjoy. The weekend shares the 100-year celebration of the Beulah Park racetrack and our treasured library.

For more than 140 years, Americans have observed Labor Day as an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of labor workers, born from a desire to recognize the people who contribute to our country’s strength, prosperity and well-being.

It’s fitting then, that we kick off Grove City’s weekend activities with a dedication of an area in our community that was once the epicenter of commerce – Mill Street.

Friday, Sept. 1, the community is invited to the dedication ceremony of the new Mill Street historical marker. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. at the marker’s location, an open area along Columbus Street just northwest of the Grove City Library. Following the marker unveiling, attendees will enjoy a parade of Model T Ford vehicles from the library through the Beulah Park community, commemorating the vehicles that ferried people to both locations.

The vehicles will be in town for the club’s annual meeting and the Heart of Grove City Model T Car Show and Food Truck event. All are invited to enjoy a variety of food truck favorites and take in the spectacular display of cars in Town Center.

Adding to the weekend excitement, the Grove City Library and Beulah Park Living are marking anniversaries of their own.

Celebrating 100 years, the library is planning multiple fun, family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt, historical displays and walking tours of Town Center and more. The Welcome Center and Museum, 3378 Park St., will display items highlighting a timeline of the library’s history.

Beulah Park Living is honoring the history of the land for which their community is named. In 1923, Ohio’s first thoroughbred racetrack, Beulah Park, opened in Grove City and brought visitors for many years as its most popular attraction. The last live

race in Beulah Park was May 3, 2014. The land was largely unused until ground was broken five years later for the new community.

The weekend concludes with a patriotic concert in the Park at Beulah followed by fireworks Sunday, Sept. 3. Many fun activities are planned for Labor Day weekend. Information will be shared on the City’s website and social media channels as details are confirmed.

Mayor Richard L. “Ike” stage, standing with the 1912 Model T Ford on display at the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum.

Photo courtesy of City of Grove City

Faces By Claire Miller

Hoops Across the Pond

Grove City alum to play basketball in Europe

Gina Conti is making her hoop dreams come true.

“Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to play professionally,” she says.

The Grove City native begins playing professional basketball in Europe in August after completing her five-year collegiate career – four years at Wake Forest University and a season with UCLA.

Conti is creative, driven and a certified leader. At Wake Forest, she earned a bachelor’s in communications and minored in entrepreneurship. She earned her master’s in education focusing on teaching, coaching and leadership at UCLA while using her final year of eligibility.

“So not to be a teacher. It’s more just like leadership and leadership styles,” Conti says. “It let me learn about the best, most successful coaches and how they ran their programs.”

Conti isn’t yet sure about pursuing a coaching career, however. She wants to keep her options open, as she has many passions and she’s unwilling to rule any of them out before she retires from the court.

Greyhound connections

Conti was young when she began playing basketball. She often played with her dad, Tony, on their backyard court.

In her earliest years in the sport, she remembers being coached by Jane Taylor, the wife of Joel Taylor, who currently coaches Grove City High School girls basketball.

The 5-foot-11 point guard attended Grove City High School where she was a three-sport athlete, playing four years of volleyball and spending two years on the track team in addition to basketball.

Athleticism runs in the family, as her dad and two older sisters were college athletes too. Both sisters played collegiate

volleyball; Ellen at Division I Tennessee Tech University and Anna at Division II Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

“Then me being the baby, I kind of got to reap the benefits of having them pave the way and create those connections and experiences to then allow me to thrive,” she says.

Growing up and playing sports in Grove City provided her with a supportive environment, Conti says.

“I knew I loved basketball and that I wanted to play in college,” Conti says. “So since that was my dream, I was able to, through Grove City connections, find different people that can help.”

Conti scored over 1,000 points during her career with the Greyhounds. As a junior, she averaged 17.9 points and 9.1 rebounds and was named OCC-Ohio Player of the Year and first-team all-state and all-district. She earned first team all-state and all-league honors as a senior, averaging 15.3 points.

She played Amateur Athletic Union basketball for more than five years with the Capital City Comets.

Photos courtesy of Gina Conti

Conti with her nephew wearing his first Jordans.

Around the world

Once she rose to the next level at Wake Forest, she says she still heard from Grove City connections as people reached out over email or through handwritten notes to tell her they were rooting for her and watching her play.

At Wake Forest, she played in every game of her fourseason career with the Demon Deacons, starting in all of them during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She finished her time at Wake Forest third in career assists in program history with 485.

After committing to transfer to UCLA to pursue a more competitive program, she injured her foot in practice. Conti sat out a year and then competed during the 2022-23 season, which included a Sweet Sixteen appearance for the Bruins.

Conti started in 35 consecutive games and averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the season.

“I get very competitive. But I also feel like being a point guard you need to have a pulse of where the team’s at. Say it’s a really competitive game, it’s really physical,” Conti says. “People can react in different ways, but I feel like my role that I took on was to bring everyone back to neutral.”

She learned skills from the mental training coach at UCLA, learning how to bring everyone back to their best headspace to perform for the next play.

During this summer, Conti plans to procure her Italian citizenship, which will support her career in Europe. Italian league teams are allowed two Americans and two Europeans, while the rest of the players must be Italian nationals. Being a dual citizen makes her more of an asset, allowing teams to technically have three Americans on their roster.

She expects to sign with a team and playing somewhere in Europe by the middle of August.

Her agency is based in Milan and Conti has family in Italy who she will stay with during her time there.

Family is a major part of her life. The whole family joins a FaceTime call once a week. She returned to Ohio in June to celebrate her mother’s retirement from teaching at Grove City High School.

She’s now an aunt, as both of her sisters have young children. She recently gifted her nephew his first pair of Jordans, which she hopes he’ll one day hang on his rear-view mirror.

Being across the Atlantic Ocean from her family will be the toughest part of being in Europe, she says.

On and off the court

As part of her fieldwork for her master’s degree, Conti began mentoring and training a 13-year-old girl, with whom she continues to work.

“I like mentoring, like giving back to people who love basketball that want to just talk about their life,” she says. “Seeing her grow as a basketball player is cool, especially at that age because you’re starting to learn and really get into like, ‘OK, you’re about to be in high school in two years.’”

With that experience, Conti says she could see herself later in life becoming a coach, but not quite yet.

“I have so many random passions that I want to exploit all those (first),” she says.

Conti enjoys traveling, fashion design and making art. Entrepreneurship is an avenue Conti says she could see herself pursuing in the future.

But before then, Conti is going to show off what she can do on the court. She entered the WNBA draft in March but wasn’t chosen for one of the mere 37 spots available each year. Even though she knew she would have options in Europe, it was important to put to her name in the ring and give herself the opportunity. She says she’ll pursue a trial option after a season in Europe.

“We’ll see what happens, but if I continue to play and work hard, I’m hoping that that’s just what’s next,” she says.

Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Conti played four years at Wake Forest.

Conti with her parents, Tony and Linda.

Then & Now

The Evans Center Origin

Many Grove City seniors enjoy a variety of happenings yearround at the Evans Center in Windsor Park, a fixture of the community for over 40 years. The Center serves as a homebase for exercise and yoga, card and board games, arts and crafts, performing arts, and a variety of enrichment activities that support social, mental, physical and financial health. For example, the “Showstoppers” acting group has performed for the community for more than 30 years.

In 1978, the City received funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) to rehabilitate and expand the Gantz farmhouse to accommodate a new senior center. However, the site was unpopular with local seniors due to its distance from Town Center and limited physical accessibility.

As a result, three alternate locations for the senior center were considered: Sonora Drive off Hoover Road, next to a senior housing development under construction; Hoover Road, where the skate park is located today; and Park

Council Corner

My father, with a sly smile across his face, would often tilt his head slightly and in a very quiet and matter-of-fact manner say to me and my brothers, “Your mom cares more about where the dogs are than where I am.”

Although there might have been a sliver – and I do mean a sliver – of truth to that, the loss of my father was devastating for Mom. She was heartbroken. We all were. Unfortunately, our two senior schnauzers passed away soon after. All at

Street at the current site of the Grove City Safety Complex.

So how did the Evans Center come to be located where it is today?

The City appropriated the northern section of Windsor Park that included access to utilities and a parking lot for the project. The community park, already home to youth baseball, a playground, and other recreational endeavors including the annual community fair, was a popular site with the seniors. Ground was broken for the center in 1981 with funds coming from a federal Housing and Community Development grant administered by MORPC, the City of Grove City and Jackson Township.

The Evans Center celebrated its grand opening Sept. 15, 1982, and the building was named for a staunch supporter of the community, Police Chief E.L. “Lightning” Evans, who died unexpectedly that year.

In 1994, the center was enlarged when an auditorium with a stage, restrooms, and greeting and gaming areas were added on the west side. In 2004, ground was broken on a second expansion that added the fitness and craft rooms, offices and storage space. In 2021, the center underwent a significant renovation that included opening the lobby area for easier movement through the building.

For more information about the Evans Center, call 614-277-1060 or stop in 4330 Dudley Ave.

Happy Jet, Happy Mom

once, heaven gained three angels and our suffering was palpable.

Cue my brother Art, who found “Jet” – a black six-year-old schnauzer with fearless written all over her and “oh so cute.” It was love at first sight and Mom and Jet have been inseparable since.

Over the last eight years, Mom has been through knee replacement, heart and kidney issues, and isolation due to COVID. However, through the surgeries, the hospital and rehab stays, Mom was determined Jet would be well taken care of. That is – Jet was fed on time; slept well (with one of us), and exercised consistently. It was “all Jet, all the time,” then when Mom was well, she came back to her home and routine with Jet.

You can imagine this vignette on an uneventful day… Mom making the bed and gently chatting with Jet about their day.

What will they do next? You can see the love connection. My Mom plus Jet makes an ordinary day – extraordinary. Current studies show that people with canine companions are more likely to practice heart-healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, and Mom is no exception. She moves to keep up with Jet and lifts her carefully into her own chair. Canine ownership comes with exercise and often rewarded kindly with pup kisses, snuggling, and a dose of heart-healthy laughter.

So, please wait to ask Mom anything if a Hallmark movie is on and Jet is in her lap. She’s relaxing with Jet, the “cherry on top of it all.”

The best therapy I can suggest for us all, especially seniors, is the unconditional love of a pet. Companionship, exercise, and relief from stress and depression is the gift in return.

Ted Berry

Council President, Ward 1

Grove City Council members: Randy Holt, Ward 2; Christine Houk, Ward 3; Ted Berry, Council President, Ward 1; Mark Sigrist, At-Large; and Roby Schottke, Ward 4.

Photo courtesy of Ted Berry

The Evans Center today (left) and the original 1980 architectural rendering (above).

Photo courtesy of City of Grove City

City News Grove City Businesses Fill Diverse Needs

Grove City is filled with incredible businesses, business owners and employees – a growing network of commerce providing tremendous support for the community.

Air Quality Solutions (AQS) and Converse Electric are two of the many Grove City businesses actively seeking to employ veterans and going to great lengths to support them. Both companies have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as Platinum and Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients for their commitment to recruiting, employing and retaining American veterans.

The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program recognizing employers for their commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring they have a long-term career and growth plan using the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

AQS and Converse Electric are two of only four businesses in central Ohio – and 22 in Ohio – to earn the award in 2022. This is the fourth consecutive year AQS received the Platinum Medallion Award and the third consecutive year Converse Electric earned the Gold Medallion Award.

Grove City is home to several businesses owned by, employing and serving individuals with special needs. The

Awesome Company (TAC), located on Southwest Boulevard, is a screen printing and design studio employing adults with autism. Founded by proud autism mom Jacquie Mahan, TAC is dedicated to inclusion in the workforce. TAC employees are an integral part of the process from start to finish as they help bring customers’ apparel and print ideas to life.

Celebrating 60 years of service to individuals with developmental disabilities, ARC Industries opened their Grove City location on Marlane Drive this spring. ARC supports individuals as they interact in the community where they live and work, helping develop independence, self-advocacy and skills important to employment and citizenship.

Like ARC Industries, All R Friends, located on Buckeye Place, provides job training for adults with developmental disabilities in addition to day support services. Opening their Grove City location in 2021, they quickly became an integral part of our community.

For more information about employment, empowerment, opportunities and a complete list of available services for veterans and individuals with disabilities, visit the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities website at ood. ohio.gov or the Ohio Department of Veterans Services at dvs.ohio.gov.

AQS, operated by Grove City residents Larry and Mary Titus, donated land for the Honor Gardens of the M.A.S.H. Military Food Pantry, growing fresh produce for veterans in need. The Grove City Rotary Club and community volunteers constructed garden plot boxes and give their time for planting and maintaining the gardens. For more information or to volunteer in the Honor Garden, contact Penny Kilcourse-Comer at penny@mashpantry.org or 614-800-4240.

Veterans employed by Converse Electric

Matt Blair

Photo courtesy of Converse Electric

Photo courtesy of TAC Facebook Page

Photo courtesy of M.A.S.H.

Gr ve City S hutterbug s

Robert Buty

Debbie Lockhart

Cathie Hilton

Tamra O’Malley

Barbara K. Edington

Mindy Villines

Justice Hire

Cathie Hilton

Barbara K. Edington

Tamra O’Malley

5 Stars for 5 Years

Dear Readers, I can hardly believe that five years have flown by since we embarked on this incredible journey together. It feels like just yesterday when we first set out to capture the essence of our community within the pages of Discover Grove City Magazine

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Your stories, your achievements and your dreams have breathed life into these pages, making them a true reflection of the Grove City community.

This magazine is a testament to the power of community.

I invite you to continue contributing your voices, ideas and aspirations, ensuring that our magazine remains a true reflection of who we are and where we are headed, exploring new perspectives and celebrating the richness of Grove City.

Five years is an incredible milestone for any publication. Your support fuels our passion and ignites our desire to create a magazine that uniquely connects our community. Here’s to the past five years, and to the many more that lie ahead! Read on,

3044 Southwest Blvd

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• Group Fitness

• Personal Training

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Kathy Gill President/CEO CityScene Media Group

www.heartofgrovecity.org

2023 Events

Tacos and Tequila

July 15

Bourbon Tasting

August 12

Pub Crawls TBD

Creator’s Studio

Garden Bar Café

Grove City Nutrition

Blu-Willy’s Local Cantina

Zamarelli’s Pizza Palace

Transcend Coffee + Roastery

Annual All Ohio Model T Ford Jamboree

Labor day weekend

September 1, 2, 3, 4

Coffee & Chocolate Festival

October TBD

Grandstand Pizza Shop

Plank’s on Broadway

Kegg 1912

Tammy’s Pizza

Plum Run Winery

Grove City Brewing Company

Town Center Pub

Mistletoe Market

December 1 & 2

Christmas Parade

December 1

The Chandler

Sommer House Gallery & Co.

Skylarks Toys & Comics

Grove Sheek Boutique

The Farm Table

The Look on Broadway

Beauty and the Barber on Broadway

Alumni Softball Anniversary

By Tyler Kirkendall

The Grove City High School Alumni Tournament began in 1983, and has since become one of the largest alumni gatherings in the world. Though the tournament centers on softball, the fun is not limited to alumni on the field.

“It’s a huge social event,” says Kim Weber, who first began participating alongside her twin sister, Kris Ford, after they graduated from Grove City High School in 1989.

Weber was on active duty in the Air Force for 20 years and always planned her trips home around Alumni Weekend. She no longer competes in the games, but wouldn’t dare miss out on the weekend.

“That sense of belonging and knowing that you’re going to be able to see these people and catch up,” she says. “You see family and friends, renew friendships because you may or may not have seen somebody for five or six years. … You catch up and it’s like you haven’t missed a day.”

Softball tradition as strong as ever 40 years later

2018 Alumni Team

Photos courtesy of Kim Weber

Every GCHS graduate is welcome to join the alumni tournament, and because the school is home to 2,000 freshman through senior students in an average year, there is no shortage of Greyhounds to fill the weekend’s rosters and seats. Weber says that softball is the perfect game for everyone to join since it is accessible to people of a wide range of athletic abilities.

Teams are organized by graduating class, and as time passes and players drop off the roster, they can merge with other teams to maintain a full team.

She says that some groups are more competitive than others, with some practicing throughout the year to be in top shape once the first pitch of the tournament is thrown.

“You have those classes that are very, very serious and (for example) the men’s class of ’88, they’re A-team,” she says. “They play to win. They play over at Fryer, but they’ve been together for a long time. A lot of them played baseball together; they all grew up together.

“There’s a rivalry between the class of ’88 and the class of ’83 because for a number of years, it was those two teams always in the final.”

For some, however, the best part comes after their game ends.

“It can be two-and-out and you’re done and, you know, you’re enjoying an adult beverage and watching fellow classmates and you can socialize,” Weber says.

She has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the Alumni Tournament given her close involvement over the years, and can quickly recount facts such as

“they finished second to the (women’s) class of ’07; ’07 has some really good ballplayers on it.”

She now proudly sits on the sidelines with her family while her children, nieces, nephews and cousins play ball.

Ty, Weber’s husband, was raised in Florida, but his parents are both from Grove City. The family jokes that he is “alumni by marriage” because he is always surrounded by family members who have participated for decades.

Her father coached Little League baseball while they were growing up, and now her grandson is playing Little League and dons a “future alumni” shirt when the tournament comes around.

“It’s a huge thing that people want to participate in,” Weber says. “They want to be able to say ‘I played in the Alumni. I graduated from this class and this year and … we placed first in our division.’ The bragging rights is the fact that you see everybody, all ages come

“I think that’s what the Alumni Tournament represents; that sense of community, that sense of belonging.” — Kim Weber

2021 Alumni Team

Kyle Metheny, class of 2017

out and watch, either supporting their kids or grandkids.”

Even if you don’t care to see a single pitch thrown, the Alumni Weekend is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy Grove City.

Weber says that the festivities have grown as the years have gone on, and the many offerings in the Grove City Town Center ensure that the fun never stops.

The Grove City High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony now takes place on Alumni Weekend, which adds to the sweetness of coming home to remember the glory days.

Thousands gather in Town Center to enjoy food trucks, restaurants and live music. The area serves as the perfect grounds to link up with friends and family, especially with

The Grove City Homecoming Celebration with a concert featuring The Menus begins Friday, July 28 at 6 p.m. to kick off Alumni Weekend. The Alumni Softball Tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30, at various parks around town.

the DORA enabling patrons to carry around open-container drinks from approved vendors.

“You have all these people, thousands of people down here and you kind of weave your way through the crowd and you stop and talk to classmates,” Weber says. “My husband

and I always get a chair now and plop down and listen to the music and people come to us! You listen to the music and our grandson gets out there and dances with the other kids.”

The weekend is also advantageous to local businesses that benefit from visitors, but they aren’t the only ones who take advantage of the spike in traffic.

“It’s a huge fundraiser for Lions Clubs, Sertomas, the younger athletic groups, GCKA and that kind of stuff,” Weber says.

She believes that the event captures the quintessential spirit of Grove City.

“With my military career – 20 years in the military – and Grove City is home,” she says. “I’ve lived in Hawaii, I’ve lived in Washington state. I’ve been to Italy, Korea, I played softball in Japan as I represented the base team in Hawaii. I’ve never run across another event or community that’s like Grove City.”

While the Alumni Tournament centers on softball, it’s certainly not all about softball. It runs much deeper than that, Weber says.

“It’s like that down-home feeling. It’s a community and at any given time, anybody off the street, if somebody needed something, or you needed help, there are people that you may not know are there willing to step up and lend a hand,” Weber says. “I think that’s what the Alumni Tournament represents; that sense of community, that sense of belonging.”

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Class of 1978-79

Hayden Cartt, class of 2017

AJ Peter, class of 2017

Aaron Chambers (diving), class of 2017

Off to the Races

Beulah Park celebrates 100-year anniversary

By Katie Giffin

Beulah Park has transformed over the past century and a half from a community park to a horse racing track and, finally, to a living development. Throughout its transformation, it has remained a centerpiece for family and community gatherings in Grove City.

Adam G. Grant purchased land west of Harrisburg Pike in 1889 for a residential development, named Grant’s Beulah Park Addition in honor of his daughter. He reserved part of that land as a public green space for his adjoining development. Beulah Park opened as a community park in 1895 and included a halfmile track for racing horses, goats and bikes.

In 1923, the track was extended to a full mile and converted into Ohio’s first thoroughbred-only racetrack and was established as a social hub for Grove City as thousands of viewers visited from across the county for fast-paced entertainment.

That same year, an advertisement for the horse races encouraged viewers to visit by promising “excellent motor roads” while hundreds of viewers flocked into town via interurban trains. Residents rented out their extra rooms and apartments to the jockeys, trainers and other temporary support staff. As the racetrack grew

in popularity, especially after Ohio legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse races in 1933, the town experienced a significant economic boom during the racing season.

On May 15, 1954, the racetrack recorded its highest attendance at 11,772 people. Racing events reached peak popularity from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Horse racing began to fade from popularity in the 1980s, as the public turned to other forms of entertainment.

“The state had passed a law to legalize casinos and the only way casinos could operate was to have an existing place of wager – which was a racetrack. So, the state law changed and really doomed thoroughbred racing,” Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage says.

The license for betting for racetracks was transferrable in the state, and the investment group that purchased Beulah Park, Penn National, announced the decision to move the license for the track to northeastern Ohio and close the thoroughbred racetrack in Grove City in January 2011. The last day of racing at Beulah Park was Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2014.

Beulah’s new phase

Developers soon saw the property’s potential to become an active centerpiece for Grove City living again.

“We were very much aware of the rich history when we transformed the site into a living community,” Pat Kelley, Beulah Park developer, says. “It was a very strong criterion for getting involved.”

In fall 2016, the site was purchased and, in 2019, the project broke ground with Epcon Communities. Beulah Park has been under construction for the past four years as the developers added apartments, houses, living facilities and more. The infrastructure was completed in fall 2022 for a fully operational living community.

The 32-acre Park at Beulah is surrounded by the 212-acre development that is being built on the former racetrack grounds. Developments on the land include The Strand, which features townhomes, The Paddock, which centers on build sites for families, The Grove, which features single-

CUT

RELAX

Locally owned Barbershop in Grove City offering a full range of services.

Shampoo with steamed towel and chair massage, mini-facials, trigger point therapy and more

Every haircut comes with a hot lather neck shave

blending color services, beard s haping a nd w axing.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Backiewicz

Photo courtesy of the City of Grove City

family homes and The Courtyards, which focuses on low-maintenance living options. The development also includes an older adult living community on the west side, complete with independent and assisted living in addition to several memory care units.

Developers are looking to add more homes and other facilities over the course of the next few years in various developments.

Prioritizing the community

Next on the list of priorities is adding The Shops at Beulah, shares Kelley.

“We’ll not only have a restaurant, we’ll have a bakery and some other food (offerings) in that center,” Kelley says.

They are also hoping to add a nail and hair salon, a convenience store, a home goods retailer, and a pet supply store. Key to the planning of the community, the city and developers worked together to extend Columbus Street, which now extends from Broadway, into Beulah Park. This street streamlines access to the Grove City Town Center, facilitating improved walkability and increased social connection, Kelley shares.

“Beulah Park always had a very rich history of being a place where people gathered and felt a strong connection to the space and those they were sharing the space with,” Sarah Backiewicz,

Photos courtesy of Sarah Backiewicz

Historical pictures from Beulah Park

Beulah Park director, says. “Beulah Park, by design, is planned to be a community gathering place.”

To encourage a community atmosphere, the developers built the living communities around the Park at Beulah, which features public green space, a pond, shelters and other community gathering places like a pickleball complex. The city is looking to add a public amphitheater in the future.

“(The park) adds vibrance to our Town Center,” Mayor Stage says. “It’s a point of prestige given the type of development it is. The public, in general, wants to return to having conveniences

PUBLIC ART IN

that you don’t have to get into your car and drive to. (The development) is driven by the general public and what they’re

looking for now in the way of housing and the ambiance of a community.”

Honoring the history

Recognizing the pivotal role Beulah Park has played in Grove City over the last century, the city wanted to honor the history of the park. On Sept. 17, 2021, the park erected a $250,000 quartz and steel sculpture designed by Craig W. Murdick. It depicts six horses and their riders at the starting line. Murdick wanted to create a piece that encapsulates the excitement at the beginning of the race as the riders break free of the starting line, according to Backiewicz.

“When we dedicated (the sculpture), you could really sense from people within Grove City that have such a strong connection to the former racetrack that there was very much a sense of peace and pride that the racetrack wasn’t forgotten,” Backiewicz says.

There are other nods to the racetrack’s history scattered throughout the development as well. The Clubhouse development was designed as a tribute to the park’s racing days with details such as a custom-painted wall depicting a horse race and benches inside the building from the original grandstand. Other communities feature photos from the park’s past and are designed with an equestrian aesthetic. The original racetrack gatehouses are also still at the entrance at Southwest Boulevard.

“Almost all of the homes have some sort of connection to the history,” Backiewicz says. “I think people really enjoy living somewhere where they feel connected to the history.”

Maker’s Monument Mark Reigelman

Jazz Duets, Omar Shaheed

Portals for Nature, Miss Birdy

By Megan Brokamp

Funding the Future

Chamber Foundation supports students’ academic ambitions

Since 2013, the Grove City Chamber Foundation has granted scholarships quarterly to hardworking and exemplary students.

From students to business owners to growing professionals, these scholarships have aided 241 recipients with over $156,000. Although these awards are available for a range of ventures – including post-secondary education, technical schooling, career certification and various education credentials – a qualified group of Grove City’s newest high school graduates made up a large sum of those awarded this spring.

A ceremony at Fryer Park was held in the spring, in which 21 students were awarded scholarships.

These students were hand-selected according to academic and need-based considerations. After the candidates filled out an application, the chair of the benefits committee redacted personal information from the submissions, and the committee voted on the candidates they felt were most deserving of these awards.

Recipients come from both public and parochial schools around the South-Western City School District, and with the help of this scholarship, they will attend a range of universities. From nursing to finance to the fine arts, the options are endless for this bright bunch.

One recipient, Shae Grimm, plans to use the scholarship to assist her pursuit of a career in occupational therapy. Grimm will attend The Ohio State University, where she will major in health sciences with the goal of entering the pre-occupational therapy program.

Grimm’s passion for occupational therapy arose after watching her grandfather face a long recovery resulting from multiple strokes and major surgeries. After witnessing his battle, she hopes to use her career to ensure others can maintain their health and independence.

In her years at Grove City High School, Grimm kept a busy schedule, balancing academics with varsity athletics and volunteering. Grimm gives credit to the Grove City community for her development thus far.

“I’ve been shown the power of community service from a very young age,” Grimm says. “My community has always upheld me to my goals.”

Grimm is eager to expand on her education this fall, but she acknowledges that with these ambitions comes a financial burden. This scholarship helps relieve some of the financial stress that falls on her family, allowing Grimm to study her way to a dream future.

Another recipient, Zachary Iles, will use the scholarship to help advance his education at the University of Cincinnati, where

On Thursday, April 27, recipients were celebrated with a ceremony at Fryer Park recognizing their achievements. The following students were granted scholarships:

Robert Biehl

Michael Boling

Melva Bonilla

Ryan Boyce

Sienna Brunicardi

Justin Combs

Lauren Davis

Annan Downing

Madison Gillon

Shae Grimm

Zachary Iles

Christian Isaacs

Valeria Jimenez

Annitra Kang

McKenzie Kennedy

Jillian Paskvan

Connor Rose

Katelyn Souslin

Charles Spence

Mason Stewart

Natalie Tolliver

Photo courtesy of Greg Dawkins

he plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

Iles was heavily involved in his community throughout his high school years. When he wasn’t practicing for the Grove City High School marching band, he was leading his team to victory in the water as captain of the swim team. Iles also was involved in choir and was a member of the National Honor Society. He hopes to use the opportunities that this scholarship presents to expand on his passion for city involvement while pursuing professional desires.

“Obviously college is very expensive,” Iles says. “So any financial benefits that I can get (will) help keep me out of debt so that I can progress into the future and help give back to my community as soon as possible.”

Megan Brokamp is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Katie Giffin

Pool Days

Beulah Park couple builds two-person pool in their backyard

Kathy and Scott Blue, Circleville residents for over 30 years, made the move to Grove City in 2021 for something they’d always dreamed of: a backyard pool.

“I’ve always wanted a pool. When the kids were little, we had a community pool we would go to,” Blue says.

The Blue family had spent their long summers in Circleville visiting the community pool, but when their two kids moved out and the community pool closed, Kathy realized she wanted an outdoor retreat of her own to enjoy the elements and cool off.

“It was a really hot summer a few summers ago, and I just came in and said, ‘I want a pool,’” Blue says.

The pair fell in love with the walkable community in Grove City that was so close to their adult children, who live in Upper Arlington and Hilliard. In addition to being close to their kids and available to help babysit the grandkids, part of the Blues’ desire to move was to build a home that facilitates aging in place. Their two-story home in Circleville wouldn’t be able to accommodate their needs for much longer, so they decided to make the move before installing their pool. With a smaller lot and proximity to the community, their Grove City home allows the couple to remain active.

“We started looking around and we fell in love with the downtown of (Grove City),” Blue says. “(Beulah Park)

seems like it’s more of a community instead of just being in a subdivision.”

They settled on a plot directly across from the Park at Beulah overlooking the pond. Because they knew their main priority in the new home was installing a pool, the couple worked with the builder to create a design that used the space efficiently.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Blue

The Blues built their home close to the front of the property to allow for more backyard space. Additionally, they placed the bathroom, shower and beer fridge right off the entrance to the back door for ease of access during or after a swim. Windows line the back of the house, creating an open and airy interior overlooking a secluded aquatic haven. The couple ended up going with a smaller pool than they had originally planned because of zoning regulations, but living in Beulah Park made the compromise worth it.

“It’s just the two of us, so this is perfect,” Blue says.

The 10-by-20-foot pool is 4-feet6-inches deep all the way across with bench seating on one end. The Blues added an automatic pool cover for increased safety that closes in seconds for when the grandkids are visiting.

“If we wanted to just run in and get lunch, the (cover) closes. That’s my biggest concern when having little ones around,” Blue says.

The Blues surrounded the pool with burning bushes, Korean lilacs and arborvitae bushes that grow along the fence line for increased privacy and a secluded feel. An avid gardener, Blue plans to plant petunias, peonies and hydrangeas around the pool to turn the backyard into a floral paradise.

“We want people to come and have a fun time,” she says. “The grandkids can come and swim. Friends can come and we can hang out. It’s an extra place to entertain.”

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Columbus

Rare opportunity to own a home in the heart of Grove City a block from Broadway, just down the street from the new Beulah Park and sitting on the parade route. Situated on almost a quarter of an acre this home retains the charm of an almost 100 year home with the original hardwood floors, trim and exposed brick, but with many updates.

Top homes sold in Grove City

The price of Grove City homes was up 5.3% in April 2023 in comparison to last year, with the median price being $376K. On average, homes in Grove City sold after 42 days of being on the market compared to 37 last year. A total of 56 homes were sold in April this year down from 108 last year. (Data from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

B ookmarks

Recommendations from Southwest Public Libraries — Grove City Library

Need a good book for vacation or just enjoying a lazy summer day? Check out these staff picks, or stop by or give us a call for more. We’re happy to help you discover your next favorite read.

The Book of the Dun Cow (fantasy)

by Walter Wangerin Jr.

“Marooned!” a mournful dog wailed outside the coop of an irritable rooster. So begins an epic good vs. evil tale involving various chickens, roosters, mice and weasels who all fight against their adversary, Wyrm, an underground beast seeking to destroy them all. You will grow to love each wonderfully unique character in this quirky book.

Poster Girl (sci-fi)

by Veronica Roth

Sonya Kantor was the poster girl for the Delegation. But when the Delegation fell during a revolution, she was locked in the Aperture with the other important people from the disgraced government. After 10 years, Sonya is offered her freedom in exchange for helping to find a missing girl. Her investigation will lead her to uncover some unpleasant truths and open up new possibilities.

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen (fiction)

by Hendrik Groen

A charming and raw tale of life in a retirement home, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen is filled with contagiously humorous scenes and somber contemplations about life and death. Hendrik, the diarist, records his escapades with his best friend Evert in everything from poisoning a fish tank to founding the exclusive Old-but-Not-Dead-Club, of which membership is the envy of every elderly resident.

Happy Place (fiction)

by Emily Henry

Harriet and Wyn had been the perfect couple since they met in college, until they weren’t. They haven’t told their best friends that they’ve broken up, so what happens when they share a room on their yearly friends’ getaway trip? Once you finish this book, you will want to read it all over again.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown (fiction, romance)

by Talia Hibbert

Chloe is a chronically ill introvert determined to get a life. Chloe builds a to-do list and enlists the help of handyman Red Morgan to help her achieve her goals. This charming story is the perfect summertime read.

The House of Eve (fiction)

by Sadeqa Johnson

Set in the 1950s, this is a moving story about two strong young women. Ruby wants to become the first person in her family to attend college while Eleanor has ambitious plans while attending Howard University. The decisions they make will change the trajectory of their lives. A powerfully written story about young African American womanhood.

Join

The Locked Door (psychological thriller)

by Freida McFadden

Nora, a successful surgeon, has spent her adulthood trying to do the right thing while hiding that her father was a notorious serial killer. But when one of her patients is murdered, she realizes someone wants her to take the fall. Everything will be fine as long as the police don’t look in her basement.

The Starless Sea (fiction)

by Erin Morgenstern

Zachary Ezra Rollins finds an unmarked book in his university library, and as he is reading stories about pirates and key collectors, he finds a story about himself. Join Zachary Ezra Rollins as he embarks on a journey to find out as much as he can about acolytes, bees and starless seas. The Starless Sea is full of fantastical elements, intriguing characters and a little heartache.

Grove City Library

3959 Broadway

Hours: Mon-Thu: 9a-8p, Fri: 9a-6p, Sat: 9a-5p, Sun: 1p-5p Visit www.swpl.org or call 614-875-6716 for library services.

Follow the library on social media

The GUIDE PARKS AND RECREATION OFFERINGS

AUG/SEPT 2023

Online and office registration begins Monday, July 17

The

Source activity guide details the classes and programs offered by Grove City Parks and Recreation Department and is published every two months. Register online at bit.ly/gcpReg or in person at the Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave., for programs for ages 55+, and the Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave., for programs for all other ages.

With the transition to the new registration software, all users must set up a new household. This process can now be done online.

For more information on classes, activities and events in Grove City, visit GroveCityOhio.gov, sign up for our electronic newsletter and follow social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram @GroveCityOhio and @GroveCityParks and Twitter @GroveCityOhio.

Directory

City Offices

Broadway

Grant-Sawyer Home

4126 Haughn Road

Grove City Gold Star Families

Memorial

Columbus St. at Broadway

Grove City Museum

3378 Park St.

Henceroth (Purple Heart Memorial Walk)

2075 Mallow Lane

Parks & Event Spaces Online

Hoover Off Haughn Road

Indian Trails

Off Buckeye Parkway

Keller Farms

Off White Road

Meadowgrove

Off Springhill Drive

Pinnacle Area

2430 Holton Road

Scioto Meadows

Off Scioto Meadows Blvd.

Skate Park

3728 Hoover Road

Town Center Gazebo

Grove City Road at Broadway

Town Center Promenade

Park St. to Grant Ave. (parking lot)

Walden Bluff

Walden Bluff Court

Westgrove Park

3580 Magnolia St.

Windsor (Evans Center)

4330 Dudley Ave.

4408 Broadway

Preschool

RecSchool

(Ages: 3-5)

Children learn through independent discovery, planned activities, meaningful play and social interactions during one, two or three day per week options. Experienced teachers plan art, literacy, music, math and science activities to create a well-rounded and thought-provoking educational experience. Contact Michele Demmy for more information: 614-871-6330.

Kingston Center

September-May

PlayTots

(Ages: 2-3 with Adult)

Toddlers and a parent or other caring adult share hands-on learning activities that promote confidence, creativity, exploration, language and social skills as children paint, build with blocks, draw, sing and dance. Everyone should dress for play. Contact Michele Demmy for more information: 614-871-6330.

Kingston Center

September-May • Friday morning options

KinderMusik

(Ages: 1-4 with Adult)

Music lifts the spirit and supports cognitive, social, physical and musical whole child development. Children, each with a caring adult, join Stephanie Dille of Groove City Kids Music for interactive musical experiences as they play instruments, sing and dance for learning.

Wks: 3 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$50 (NR: $55)

Begins: Sep. 7 • 9:30-10 a.m.

JumpBunch

(Ages: 1½-3)

Toddlers build coordination, balance, teamwork and motor skills during coach-let activities. Through encouragement and success, children gain confidence, sports-readiness skills and the foundations of fitness.

JumpBunch

(Ages: 18-24 Months)

Wks: 7 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center Gym

$86 (NR: $94)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 6-6:30 p.m.

JumpBunch

(Ages: 2-3)

Wks: 7 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center Gym

$86 (NR: $94)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 6:30-7 p.m.

Sporties for Shorties

(Ages: 3-5)

Young children develop kicking, running, throwing and team skills through exciting lead-up sports activities and group games. Focus sports may include baseball, soccer, football and others. Powered by JumpBunch.

Wks: 7 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center Gym

$86 (NR: $94)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 7-7:45 p.m.

Bally Sports: Mini Soccer Stars

(Ages: 3-6)

Beginning soccer players learn fundamentals through fun, ageappropriate activities led by Bally Sports coaches who focus on basics such as dribbling, passing, shooting and the concept of gameplay. Sportsmanship and physical activity are emphasized in weekly non-competitive games. For details and to register, visit Bally Sports at bit.ly/BallySoccerGC.

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Westgrove Park

$85 (NR: $85)

Begins: Sept. 13 (Ages 3-4): 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. (Ages 5-6): 6-7 p.m.

Bally Sports: Little Sluggers T-ball

(Ages: 3-4)

Bally Sports staff members introduce youngsters to baseball using ageappropriate activities to develop fundamentals in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Preschoolers focus on batting, base running, fielding, throwing and catching basics followed by modified games. Parent participation is welcome. Shirt and cap included. Player supplies own mitt. For details and to register, visit Bally Sports at bit.ly/BallySoccerGC.

Wks: 6 • Day: Fri.

Windsor Park

$85 (NR: $85)

Begins: Sept. 15 4-5 p.m., 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.

Youth

Youth Volleyball Registration

(Grades: 3-12)

Fall indoor volleyball leagues are available for youth players with a focus on fundamentals, fun and sportsmanship. Boys and girls compete together. Teams are determined by a blind draft conducted by the Parks & Rec. office. A tournament closes out the season in mid-December. Volunteer coaches are needed.

SWCSD Sites

$70 (NR: $75)

Register during August. • Teams practice/play weekday evenings

P.A.R.K. Before School

(Grades: K-4)

Before-school P.A.R.K. creates a safe, fun environment in the morning hours before school starts for students of Buckeye Woods, Highland Park, J.C. Sommer, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementaries. The monthly tuition fee includes breakfast and supervised recreational activities. This program meets every day the SWCSD is in session. Transportation to the child’s home school is provided by the SWCSD Transportation Department; J.C. Sommer elementary students walk to school with P.A.R.K. staff.

School Year • Days: Mon.-Fri. Kingston Center

$30 registration fee; monthly payments of $125

Begins: Aug. 21 • 6-8 a.m.

P.A.R.K. After School (Grades: K-4)

Programmed After-school Recreation for Kids provides a safe, secure, enriching and affordable environment after school with daily activities for children in kindergarten through grade four staffed by qualified childcare providers in the school gymnasiums and playgrounds every day SWCSD is

in session. The program is designed for, but not limited to, children of working parents. P.A.R.K. provides planned cooperative games, outrageous play, fitness, indoor and outdoor activities, free art, special interest and free-choice activities and much more.

School Year • Days: Mon.-Fri.

Buckeye Woods, Highland Park, J.C. Sommer, Monterey & Richard Ave. Elementaries

$30 registration fee; monthly payments of $215

Begins: Aug. 21 • 2:30-6 p.m.

Karate: Peewee Beginner (Ages: 4-7)

Learn basic movements, the martial arts philosophy and the importance of concentration and confidence.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center $45 (NR: $50)

Begins: July 31 • 5-5:30 p.m. No class: Sep. 4

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center $45 (NR: $50)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 5-5:30 p.m.

Karate: Peewee Advanced (Ages: 4-7)

Build on the basics of karate with movement drills, kata (form) and noncontact sparring with added emphasis on concentration, confidence and the martial arts philosophy.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center $45 (NR: $50)

Begins: July 31 • 5:30-6 p.m.

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center $45 (NR: $50)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 5:30-6 p.m.

Miss

Karate: Beginner (Ages: 8+)

Learn basic movements, the martial arts philosophy and the importance of concentration and confidence.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center $60 (NR: $65)

Begins: July 31 • 6-7 p.m. No class: Sep. 4

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center $60 (NR: $65)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 6-7 p.m.

Karate: Advanced (Ages: 8+)

Build on the basics of karate with movement drills, data (form) and noncontact sparring with added emphasis on concentration, confidence and the martial arts philosophy.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: July 31 • 7-8 p.m. No class: Sep. 4

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 7-8 p.m.

Acrylic Painting (Ages: 6-12)

Learn the basics of painting with acrylics on canvas using high quality materials found in an art studio. Take home a completed artwork each class. All supplies provided. Dress to get messy/wear a smock.

Wks: 5 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$80 (NR: $90)

Begins: Aug. 3 • 4:30-6 p.m.

LEGO Robot BattleBot Fun (Ages: 5-12)

Love Robot Wars? Love LEGOs? Learn all you need to know to put together a winning BattleBots, then build LEGO Robots to compete in a BattleBot championship to win prizes. No experience necessary. Snack provided. Instructor: Gail Vawter.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Kingston Center

$48 (NR: $53)

Sep. 23 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Button Flowers (Ages: 5-10)

Have a whole lot of fun turning boring, old buttons into beautiful flowers.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 2 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Sea Turtles (Ages: 5-10)

Come out of your shell! Join other fans of these fascinating animals to create seashell and sea-glass turtles and much more.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center $17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 3 • 6-7 p.m.

Lighthouse (Ages: 5-10)

Be a beacon of fun! Come light up the water and make lighthouse crafts.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 9 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Happy Bees (Ages: 5-10)

Do you buzz with excitement at the thought of these charming pollinators? Turn into a bee and make bee flower pots, wind chimes and more.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 10 • 6-7 p.m.

Let Your Light Shine (Ages: 5-10)

Come shine your light! Make firefly crafts that glow in the dark just like lightning bugs.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center $17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 16 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

First Day of School (Ages: 5-10)

Class is in! Make your own first-day poster, picture frame and more to celebrate the start of a new school year.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center $17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 17 • 6-7 p.m.

Dog Treat Cookie Jar

(Ages: 6-9)

Store your dog’s treats in a container made by you from terra cotta pots painted in your pup’s favorite color. Dress to get messy. Instructor: Gloria Hartung.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Gantz Farmhouse

$15 (NR: $20)

Aug. 22 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Travel to Space

(Ages: 5-10)

Have a blast! Take a trip to space and design your own rocket, planets and astronaut suit.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 23 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fairy House Night Light

(Ages: 6-9)

Construct a night light that will look like a fairy house. A LED tea candle provides the light. Instructor: Gloria Hartung.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Gantz Farmhouse

$10 (NR: $15)

Sep. 7 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunflowers

(Ages: 5-10)

Celebrate the last days of summer with crafts based on the bloom that best symbolizes the season: sunflowers!

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 24 • 6-7 p.m.

Labor Day Slime

(Ages: 5-10)

Put your hands to work making colorful slime to honor Labor Day!

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Aug. 30 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Goodbye, Summer; Hello, Fall (Ages: 5-10)

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall by creating a gnome with fall leaves. Make delicious, edible crafts like apple pie and harvest trail mix.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 6 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Trip to the Fair (Ages: 5-10)

Come right up and try your hand at making fair-food crafts that look like caramel apples and popcorn. Whip up some cotton candy slime too!

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 7 • 6-7 p.m.

Fall Fun with Apples (Ages: 5-10)

Pick this class if you love this crisp, tasty fruit. Stamp apples and make your own apple Mason jar.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 13 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Pickles (Ages: 6-9)

Make a jar of refrigerator dill and sweet pickles using fresh ingredients in a class that emphasizes safe knife-handling skills. Instructor: Gloria Hartung.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Gantz Farmhouse

$12 (NR: $17)

Sep. 19 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bonfire

(Ages: 5-10)

Fire up some fun! Build bonfire and s’more crafts and assemble some delicious trail mix.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 20 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Scarecrow

(Ages: 5-10)

Do not pick the short straw and miss the opportunity to make scarecrow Mason jars, a scarecrow applesauce treat and more!

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 27 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Corn Maze

(Ages: 5-10)

Have an a-maize-ing time making a miniature maze with corn and creating corn-on-the-cob crafts.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Kingston Center

$17 (NR: $19)

Sep. 28 • 6-7 p.m.

STEAMWarts Wizarding Camp

(Ages: 6-12)

Pack your wizarding gear and join us for a magical week of spellbinding adventure! You and your housemates take a full load of wizarding classes from transfiguration to flying broomsticks to charms and potions to magical beasts. The STEAMtastic camp culminates with an enchanted graduation ceremony. A must for every wizard fan!

Wks: 1 • Days: Mon.-Fri.

Kingston Center $158 (NR: $173)

Begins: July 31 • 9 a.m.-Noon

Youth Golf Lessons

(Ages: 8-17)

Learn all aspects of the game of golf including proper grip, stance and ball position, and how to correct swing errors that cause golfers to slice, top and hook the ball. Bring golf clubs; balls provided. Meet on the field west of The Big Splash.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Evans Park (beside Big Splash) $70 (NR: $77)

Begins: Aug. 29 • 6-6:45 p.m.

Karate: Beginner (Ages: 8+)

Learn basic movements, the martial arts philosophy and the importance of concentration and confidence.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: July 31 • 6-7 p.m.

No class: Sep. 4

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 6-7 p.m.

Karate: Advanced (Ages: 8+)

Build on the basics of karate with movement drills, data (form) and noncontact sparring with added emphasis on concentration, confidence and the martial arts philosophy.

Wks: 6 • Day: Mon.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: July 31 • 7-8 p.m.

No class: Sep. 4

Wks: 6 • Day: Wed.

Kingston Center

$60 (NR: $65)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 7-8 p.m.

Adult

Yoga

(Ages: 18+)

Learn to relax the body and calm the mind. Melt away tension and stress by combining Hatha yoga posture with breathing techniques and deep relaxation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a towel or mat and come with an empty stomach.

Instructor: Toni Weeks.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Auditorium $22 (NR: $24)

Begins: Aug. 1 • 6-7 p.m.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Auditorium

$22 (NR: $24)

Begins: Sep. 5 • 6-7 p.m.

Golf Lessons

(Ages: 18+)

Learn all aspects of the game including proper grip, stance and golf ball position, and how to correct swing errors that cause golfers to slice, top and hook the ball. Bring golf clubs; balls provided. Meet on the field west of The Big Splash.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Big Splash Evans Field

$70 (NR: $77)

Begins: Aug. 29 • 7-7:45 p.m.

Line Dance

(Ages: 16+)

Have fun learning dance routines aimed at getting you moving and grooving for social occasions or staying active. After this instructor-led class set to uplifting music, you will know all the moves. Meet other people who love dancing as much as you do!

Wks: 4 • Day: Thu.

Evans Center Auditorium

$22 (NR: $24)

Begins: Aug. 10 • 6-7:30 p.m.

No class: July 13

Wks: 4 • Day: Thu.

Evans Center Auditorium

$22 (NR: $24)

Begins: Sep. 7 • 6-7:30 p.m.

Square Dance: Basic (Ages: 16+)

Join the Grove City Western Squares and learn to square dance for fun, friendship, and fitness. Instructor and caller will teach you the basic calls as GCWS members help guide you. In this first set of lessons, learn all the basic moves. This set of lessons runs for 12 weeks with the first two free. Couples and singles welcome!

Wks: 12 • Day: Mon.

Evans Center Auditorium

$20 (NR: $25)

Begins: Sep. 11 • 7-9 p.m.

Roast Veggies & Herbs (Ages: 16+)

Combine a number of roasted veggie and herb selections using the wealth of the summer garden. Taste roasted tomato sauce, red-pepper dip, beets with walnuts and a vegetable medley, then return home with many recipes and a container of roasted sweet potato salad. Instructor: Mary Jane LaLonde.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Gantz Farmhouse

$25 (NR: $30)

Sep. 9 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Wax Brittle & Oil Burner Scents (Ages: 18+)

Customized soy wax added to a melt warmer is a great way to scent your home. Create a fragrance with essential oils to burn in your oil diffuser. Bring a rimmed baking sheet to class. Instructor: Gloria Hartung.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Gantz Farmhouse $22 (NR: $27)

Aug. 10 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

adult classes are open to teens. Check the Adult section or call 614-277-3050 for options.

Autumn Craft Bazaar

(Ages: 18+)

Reserve an eight-foot table and two chairs to sell or promote your products at our event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat., Oct. 21. Reservations open Sept. 1. Don’t wait: space is limited and assigned firstcome, first-served. Stop in the Evans Center for an application. $25 per table. Limit of two tables per reservation.

Evans Center Auditorium

$25 per table

Reservations open Sep. 1

Dessert Pizza

(Ages: 18+)

Learn to make pizzas to serve for dessert featuring fruits and sweets. Sample the easy-to-eat treats and take home recipes. Instructor: Arlene Crosser.

Wks: 1 • Day: Mon.

Gantz Farmhouse

$25 (NR: $30)

Sep. 18 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Explore the Beauty of Lavender

(Ages: 18+)

From crafts and food to health and beauty, lavender is a wonderful multiuse herb. Explore how to grow and use lavender in spice blends, beverages, soaps and lotions. Take home an herbs de Provence blend and a wonderful lavender hand lotion. Instructor: Mary Jane LaLonde.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Gantz Farmhouse

$25 (NR: $30)

Aug. 12 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Fresh Kitchen Herb Wreath

(Ages: 18+)

Harvest fresh herbs out of the Gantz Garden and use them to adorn a grapevine base to make a beautiful wreath for your kitchen. Once dry, these herbs are useful for fall and winter cooking, spicing up soups, stews and vegetable dishes. It will look great too! Instructor: Mary Jane LaLonde.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Gantz Farmhouse

$20 (NR: $25)

Aug. 24 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Fun & Funky Garden Pickles

(Ages: 18+)

Spicy beer pickles, chutney and jardiniére, there are more ways to pickle vegetables than you can imagine. Sample several varieties and make a jar of mixed vegetable pickles. Instructor: Mary Jane LaLonde.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Gantz Farmhouse

$15 (NR: $20)

Sep. 21 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Garden Under Glass

(Ages: 18+)

Use pressed flowers to create a beautiful serving plate that looks like a garden under glass. All materials provided. Finished plate is hand-washable only. Instructor: Gloria Hartung.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Gantz Farmhouse

$25 (NR: $30)

Sep. 26 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Grilling & Cooking Tools

(Ages: 18+)

Receive an overview of safety procedures, and learn a brief history of blacksmithing and the basics of working on gas and coal forges in a 19th-century blacksmith shop. View a blacksmith demonstration on making tools to use on a grill or campfire, then try your hand on the forge by creating items to take home. Instructor: Max Bauman.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Fryer Park Century Village

$60 (NR: $65)

Aug. 5 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

S & J Hooks

(Ages: 18+)

Receive an overview of safety procedures, and learn a brief history of blacksmithing and the basics of working on gas and coal forges in a 19th-century blacksmith shop. View the blacksmith as he creates S hooks (used for campfire or hearth cooking) and J hooks (used for hanging clothes on), then try your hand at forging your own hooks. Instructor: Max Bauman.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Fryer Park Century Village

$60 (NR: $65)

Aug. 19 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Campfire Equipment & Squirrel Roasters

(Ages: 18+)

Receive an overview of safety procedures, and learn a brief history of blacksmithing and the basics of working on gas and coal forges in a 19th-century blacksmith shop. View a demonstration from a blacksmith on forging campfire equipment and squirrel roasters for campfire cooking, then take the opportunity to create your own items on the forge. Instructor: Max Bauman.

Wks: 1 • Day: Sat.

Fryer Park Century Village

$60 (NR: $65)

Sep. 16 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

National Senior Citizens Day Open House

(Ages: 55+)

Aug. 21 is National Senior Citizen Day! Celebrate at the Evans Center with a senior resource fair. Meet vendors from a variety of organizations with products and services for seniors. Enjoy door prizes and lunch.

Wks: 1 • Day: Mon.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

$5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 21 • 9 a.m.-Noon

Senior Health Fair

(Ages: 55+)

Speak with representatives from various healthcare options including Medicare insurance providers and more. Live life with the vibrancy that comes with peace of mind by learning to bolster your quality of life. Register to receive a free lunch.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Sep. 22 • 9 a.m.-Noon

Talks with Tammy (Ages: 55+)

Meet with the Evans Center director monthly to ask questions about centerrelated activities or share suggestions.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Aug. 2 • Noon-12:30 p.m.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Sep. 6 • Noon-12:30 p.m.

Senior Club Meeting

(Ages: 55+)

Gather with members of the Grove City Senior Club for fellowship and to discuss topics of interest to older members of the community.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Aug. 2 • 12:30-1 p.m.

Columbus Shop Hop

(Ages: 55+)

Experience friends, fun and fashion at Grandview shops that offer discounted shopping with plentiful choices of gently used designer clothing, stylish furniture, decorative items, jewelry, handbags and more.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu. Departs the Evans Center $5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 24 • 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Eldorado Casino

(Ages: 55+)

Travel to the local casino to try your luck.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed. Departs the Evans Center $5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 9 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LaComedia: Grumpy Old Men

(Ages: 55+)

Based on the 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann Margaret, this hilarious stage adaptation captures two lovably crotchety characters vying for the affections of their beautiful new neighbor through twinkling humor and great songs.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu. Departs the Evans Center $54 (NR: $54)

Sep. 28 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Night at the Columbus Clippers (Ages: 55+)

Take me out to the ballgame! Bring your baseball glove and some change for dinner to see the Clippers take on the Scranton RailRiders on Dime-a-dog Night.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Departs the Evans Center $15 (NR: $15)

Sep. 5 • 5:15-9 p.m.

Roscoe Village Tour

(Ages: 55+)

Step back in time to a port on the Ohio & Erie Canal in the 1830s. Enjoy an exciting personal tour of Roscoe Village as costumed interpreters create a unique, immersive experience. Enjoy lunch at The Warehouse Restaurant and browse quaint shops.

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Departs the Evans Center

$20 (NR: $20)

Sep. 14 • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Dining Trips

(Ages: 55+)

Enjoy time away with others for conversations over a good meal at popular regional dining destinations! Hop on the Evans Center bus to enjoy door-to-door drop-off and pickup service.

Lunch Bunch: Der Dutchman (Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue. Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 8 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Supper Club: Outback Steakhouse

(Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 17 • 4-8 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Hickory House

(Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Aug. 25 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Olympic Diner (Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Thu.

Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Sep. 7 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Supper Club: Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant

(Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Sep. 12 • 4-8 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Fado Pub & Grill

(Ages: 55+)

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Departs the Evans Center

$5 (NR: $5)

Sep. 26 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

LifeCare Alliance Lunch Program

(Ages: 60+)

Seniors 60 and older can enjoy a nutritious lunch twice weekly at the Evans Center. There are no financial restrictions. Leave a message at 614277-1067 one week in advance to reserve a meal.

Twice weekly • Days: Tue., Thu. Evans Center Cafeteria $3 (suggested donation)

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Meet & Greet: Jackson Township Fire Department

(Ages: 55+)

Visit with Jackson Township Fire Department representatives and enjoy cookies and punch as they share the history of the department, tips for home safety for seniors, details on billing for emergency calls, what the CARES program is, and much more.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room Free

Aug. 29 • 1-2 p.m.

Miss the Activity Number?

Registration in the new software system no longer requires a number. Use the class name to sign up online at bit.ly/gcpReg or in person at Kingston or Evans Centers.

S.A.L.T.

(Ages: 55+)

Through Seniors and Law Enforcement

Together, the Grove City Division of Police serves as a resource and advocate for elderly citizens in our community. Seniors are often targeted for crimes, due to high levels of trust and other vulnerabilities. This program brings awareness and prevention tips to lessen the chance of being victimized, and offers seniors opportunities to ask questions and report neighborhood concerns.

Facilitator: Teri Ruslander.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Auditorium

Free

Aug. 8 • 1-2 p.m.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue. Evans Center Auditorium

Free

Sep. 12 • 1-2 p.m.

Movie Fun

(Ages: 55+)

Immerse yourself in the scent of fresh popcorn, darkness illuminated by the flicker of a film, and the emotion of the surrounding crowd reacting to the onscreen action.

Movie Fun: Somewhere in Time

(Ages: 55+)

(1980; PG) In 1972, a playwright becomes obsessed with the photo of a turn-of-the-century stage actress in Mackinac Island. After learning time travel may be possible through hypnosis, he travels back in time to meet the actress. They seem destined to be together but must overcome the efforts of her jealous manager to keep them apart.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Auditorium

Free

Sep. 1 • 1-3 p.m.

Pastries & Pre-need Arrangements

(Ages: 55+)

When life is busy, decisions like planning for your funeral services and burial/cremation often get postponed. However, families often express gratitude that their loved ones had arrangements already in place. Provide the gift of peace of mind: allow loved ones to grieve instead trying to guess your wishes.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Classroom

Free

Aug. 1 • 10-11 a.m.

Lunch & Learn: Informed Burial Arrangements

(Ages: 55+)

Explore the process of making informed burial arrangements: what is needed when and who is involved and what is their role in the process.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Sep. 15 • 11 a.m.-Noon

Birdwatching for Beginners

(Ages: 55+)

Enjoy watching birds at your backyard feeder or want to attract new birds? Birdwatching is a fun, easy way to enjoy nature. Learn to identify common birds, choose the best equipment, and select the proper seed to attract the birds you want see. Led by Carrie Keller, outreach naturalist for Senior Programs with Metro Parks, and Africa Thomas with Sugar Maple Commons. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to win a birdwatching prize.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

Free

Sep. 29 • 1-2 p.m.

Canvas & Cocoa

(Ages: 55+)

No matter your skill level, enjoy an afternoon of fun releasing your inner Picasso with step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful picture while enjoying hot cocoa. Instructor: Joan Tennerelli of Brookdale.

Wks:1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Classroom

$3 (NR: $3)

Aug. 18 • 1-3 p.m.

Crafts, Creativity & Conversations

(Ages: 55+)

Join us the fourth Wednesday of each month to create a new fun art project with step-by-step guidance.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Classroom

$7 (NR: $7)

Aug. 23 • 10 a.m.-Noon

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Classroom

$7 (NR: $7)

Sep. 27 • 10 a.m.-Noon

Pasta Palooza Spaghetti Showdown

(Ages: 55+)

Use your noodle while eating noodles! Bring an appetite and a competitive spirit for delicious pasta and friendly games. Players rotate tables, playing different games while meeting new people and having a blast.

Wks:1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Auditorium

$7 (NR: $7)

Sep. 13 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bead Artwork

(Ages: 55+)

Beads are versatile and make the perfect material for crafting projects. Create a variety of handcrafted items with beads that are perfect for sharing. Come prepared for crafting on another level by adding loads of fun and personality. Purchase kits separately.

Instructor: Linda Miller.

Wks: 4 • Day: Mon.

Evans Center Classroom Free

Begins: Aug. 7 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wks: 3 • Day: Mon.

Evans Center Classroom Free

Begins: Sep. 11 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Senior Yoga

(Ages: 55+)

Move through yoga poses designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement while enjoying restorative breathing exercises that promote stress reduction and mental clarity.

Wks: 4 • Day: Thu.

Evans Center Auditorium

$20 (NR: $20)

Begins: Aug. 3 • 11 a.m.-Noon

Wks: 4 • Day: Thu.

Evans Center Auditorium

$20 (NR: $20)

Begins: Sep. 7 • 11 a.m.-Noon

Senior Fitness Circuit

(Ages: 55+)

Have you always wanted to try out the exercise room but didn’t know where to start? We have a solution! Discover the ultimate circuit exercise program designed specifically for beginners. Our easy-to-follow and engaging workouts help kickstart your fitness journey, build strength, and improve your overall well-being.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Fitness Room Free

Aug. 4 • 10-11 a.m.

Wks: 1 • Day: Fri.

Evans Center Fitness Room

Free

Sep. 1 • 10-11 a.m.

Fitness Room

(Ages: 55+)

Whether starting a new health routine, getting back on track or continuing your commitment to good health, the Evans Center fitness room makes it easy to include physical activity as a regular part of your life. Exercise at your own pace using elliptical machines, treadmills, NuSteps, recumbent and upright bikes, hydraulic weight machines and free weights.

Wks: 4 • Days: Mon.-Fri.

Evans Center Fitness Room

$15 (NR: $15)

Begins: Aug. 1 • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wks: 5 • Days: Mon.-Fri.

Evans Center Fitness Room

$15 (NR: $15)

Begins: Sep. 1 • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Senior Exercise

(Ages: 55+)

Are you a physically active senior looking to increase strength, gain flexibility and range of motion, produce better mobility and improve balance? This fun, motivating and camaraderiebased program features 20 minutes of aerobic exercise followed by 20 minutes of progressive resistance strength training (weightlifting) sandwiched between a 10-minute warm-up and cool-down sessions. Bring an exercise mat and hand weights. Instructor: Kelly Downin.

Wks: 5 • Days: Mon., Wed.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

$15 (NR: $15)

Begins: Aug. 2 • 9-10 a.m.

Wks: 4 • Days: Mon., Wed.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

$15 (NR: $15)

Begins: Sep. 6 • 9-10 a.m.

Chair Exercise

(Ages: 55+)

This video-based program provides a group exercise experience for social interaction and motivation to get you moving! Seated fitness routines offer people with mobility, endurance and balance issues a way to lower blood pressure and increase stamina, muscle tone, flexibility and coordination, while

gaining a sense of well-being through low-impact workouts.

Wks: 4 • Day: Thur Evans Auditorium Free

Begins: Aug. 3 • 10-11 a.m.

Wks: 4 • Day: Thur Evans Auditorium Free

Begins: Sep. 7 • 10-11 a.m.

Tai Chi (Ages: 55+)

Yang-style Tai Chi creates a peaceful mental space and builds a calm balancing energy, as slow, mindful movements leave you feeling energized, positive and confindent, and more flexible physically and mentally.

Instructor: Dave Holloway.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

$18 (NR: $18)

Begins: Aug. 1 • 10-11 a.m.

Wks: 4 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room

$18 (NR: $18)

Begins: Sep. 5 • 10-11 a.m.

Loss Support

(Ages: 55+)

There is no normal way to experience grief. While you may be tempted to isolate yourself, it can be healthy to lean on others for support. Interacting with friends, family and support groups can help when you feel low or overwhelmed. Meet with others with similar experiences and join in discussions or just listen. Facilitator: Tami Washington.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Classroom Free

Aug. 9 • 10-11 a.m.

Wks: 1 • Day: Wed.

Evans Center Classroom Free

Sep. 13 • 10-11 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

(Ages: 55+)

The everyday challenges faced by those dealing with Alzheimer’s and related diseases can be overwhelming. If someone you care about suffers from a dementia disease, help them and yourself. Meet with other caregivers monthly to share experiences and receive support while achieving a sense of belonging by interacting with those facing similar challenges. Facilitator: Paula Tallafario.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room Free

Aug. 15 • 7-9 p.m.

Wks: 1 • Day: Tue.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room Free

Sep. 19 • 7-9 p.m.

Computer Lab

(Ages: 55+)

The Evans Center has desktop computers available for walk-up usage during Center hours.

Days: Mon.-Fri.

Evans Center Multipurpose Room Free 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Registration

bit.ly/gcpReg

24-7

Credit card only

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave.

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Ages 1-54

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave.

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check

Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear)

24-7

Ages 55+

Credit card, cash, money order, check

Payment Methods

Money order, check

Due to security concerns, payments are no longer accepted by phone. Registrants can pay online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card); in person via credit card, cash, money order or check made payable to the City of Grove City. Payment can be made by cash, check and money order via the drop box on the parking-lot side of the Kingston Center.

Fees, Residency Rates & Fair Share Policy

Most activities list two fees with a lower rate for residents. Grove City Parks and Recreation facilities and offerings are funded through property and income taxes; in recognition of this, residents receive a discount. A resident is someone whose home address lies within the corporation limits of Grove City or unincorporated Jackson Township. Please note: this does not include all of ZIP code 43123; the U.S. Postal Service uses ZIP codes to designate the office that delivers mail to an address. To verify your rate level, visit Property.FranklinCountyAuditor.com and search for your address. Eligible addresses feature a parcel ID that starts with 040 or 160.

The Fair Share Policy extends eligibility for lower rates to non-residents who pay income tax to the City of Grove City. To receive the rate, these non-residents must provide proof of employment such as a current pay stub showing tax payment. This process must be completed annually.

Confirmation

No further confirmation regarding registration is made unless there is a change to the time or location. It is the participant ’s responsibility to be present at the time and location listed. Patrons can view a household calendar by selecting their account at bit.ly/gcpReg

Cancellation by Participant

Registered participants may cancel from a program before the program starts or materials are ordered. Requests must be in writing (hard copy or email). To receive a full refund for team sports, a request must be made before uniforms are ordered. Decisions on full or partial refunds are at the discretion of department personnel. Refunds are by check mailed to the household or reversal of a credit card charge.

Class/Event Cancellation by Department

Activities are subject to change or cancellation based on participation, instructor availability, weather or building conditions, and public safety concerns. Staff will notify registered participants of changes to classes For day-of updates on events and team sports, call 614-277-3060, monitor social media and visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

Equal Opportunity and Special Populations

The Source

Every attempt is made to produce an accurate, complete activity guide. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the publication and the timeline for printing, the guide may include incorrect or incomplete information. We apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to visit the website and review online offerings for the most up-todate information.

Photos and Videos

The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activity, program and event participants and spectators as well as park visitors. Images may be used in social media, website, catalogs, brochures, magazines, ads or other print or electronic communications or promotions.

Looking for your photo?

Did you see someone at an event taking photos and want to know if there is a good one of your family? Check the City social media accounts: EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio, browse Discover Grove City magazine and visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

The Grove City Parks and Recreation Department is committed to serving the whole community. All persons regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin or religion are encouraged to participate. Our goal is to include individuals with special needs in existing programs based on need and ability. Individuals or groups serving special populations are welcome to contact the department to make proper arrangements.

The City of Grove City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to programs or activities. An ADA Coordinator is designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by public agencies. Call 614-277-3050 for information.

Grove City Parks and Recreation Shelter & Gazebo Rentals

Windsor and Gantz parks feature shelters large enough for gatherings available to the public year-round, dawn to dusk, and are open for walk-up usage if not already reserved. Reservations for April through December open each year the third Tuesday in January. All other shelters and gazebos are accessible on a first-come basis and are not reservable.

The Eagle Pavilion in Fryer Park has separate policies from open shelters including no walk-up usage. For information, call 614-277-3050 or visit GroveCityOhio.gov and select Facility & Shelter Rentals from the Parks and Recreation menu.

Size 1,800 square feet

Picnic Tables 12 (2 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Size 1,500 square feet

Picnic Tables 13 (2 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Size 1,500 square feet

Picnic Tables 8 (8 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Outdoor

• Refunds only granted 30 or more days before reservation date.

• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes mid-April through mid-October.

• Restrooms are open to all park users.

• A key is no longer required for electricity.

Size 850 square feet

Picnic Tables 6

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)

Parks with Walk-up Shelters

• Blodwen

• Cread Lawless

• Creekside

• Fryer

• Indian Trails

• Keller Farms

Size 500 square feet

Picnic Tables 0

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)

• Reservations have priority. Police will assist if walk-up occupants refuse to leave. Call the non-emergency police number at 614-277-1710.

• Shelters are cleaned early each morning. Be prepared in case conditions are affected by others' use, weather or animals.

• Swearingen

• Westgrove

• Meadowgrove

• Scioto Meadows

• Windsor

• Be courteous! Leave shelters in same or better condition than when you arrived.

• Place all refuse in proper containers.

• Tobacco products, alcohol use/ impairment and weapons are prohibited.

• All park laws apply; see Grove City Code Chapter 903.

GANTZ PARK LARGE SHELTER

Shelter Reminders

WINDSOR PARK LARGE SHELTER

GANTZ PARK SMALL SHELTER

GANTZ PARK GAZEBO

WINDSOR PARK BASEBALL FOR ALL/DREAM FIELD SHELTER

Preparing students to be Christian leaders who impact their world.

Congratulations Class of 2023

Grove City Christian School

Lexi Allen . Caroline Baumgardner . Lucas Beal . Aydan Beard . Graham Bentley .

Madison Bever . Chad Blunt . Sienna Brunicardi . Justin Caldwell .

Giovanna Castagnola . Daniel Claffey . Justin Combs . James Cuckler .

Devon Davis . Lauren Davis . Kolton DeVine . Annay Downing .

Appoline Duhautois . Lauren Foster . Carter Freeman . Kaden Garringer .

Quinn Garringer . Jacob Glovitch . Jaydin Hazlett . Angeline Huertas .

Carissa Hunt . Christian Jackson . Kavina Kaati . McKenzie Kennedy . Chloe Kent .

Zane Lewis . Laura Manrique-Jimenez . Lilly McClain . Luke McCoy . Katelyn Merrill .

Landon Milam . Derek Moore . Tristan Morgan . Alyssia Murphy . Casma Mussi .

Anthony Neuhard . Brian Ott . Madeline Petry . Nathanael Prindle . Jacob Rans .

Tyler Richmond . Sabina Rieser . Ashlyn Roberts . Roxy Rooker .

Elyssa Shuler . Cameron Stedtefeld . James Suhayda . Brady Tackett .

Christina Tamba . Braydan Taylor . Connor Thompson . Tatum West .

Emily White . Nicholas Williams . Shawn Williamson .

Class of 2023