Faces

A Writer’s History

Jim Hale brings local history to life

Jim Hale has been a vital resource for Grove City since 1968.

“It’s an excellent place for family life and entertainment. Grove City has been my community of choice. Though not a native, I consider Grove City my hometown,” he says.

As the former executive director of Visit Grove City, then the Grove City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as former editor of the Grove City Record, Hale has certainly earned the right to call the city his hometown.

Hale was the brains behind Visit Grove City’s slogan, “Grove City: Where people visiting Columbus stay,” which encapsulates the community’s warmth and charm.

Born in Lebanon, Virginia, Hale’s service in the U.S. Air Force led him to Grove City. It was then that he unleashed his passion for covering history, and he became an editor of The Skyhawk newspaper and non-commissioned officer in charge of releasing

news stories and photographs of Ohio men and women serving in Vietnam.

The rest is history.

During his time here, Hale’s career, which spans a quarter of a century, has always revolved around historical writing. Aside from the Grove City Record, he was an editor for the Pike County News Watchman in Waverly and general manager of the Columbus Messenger.

He was highly involved in the creation of the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum, which opened in the historic Town Center in 2010 and houses an eclectic collection of historical artifacts and information about the city.

Hale was instrumental in the museum’s planning sessions and was responsible for creating the exhibits and greeting visitors.

As much as he has loved Grove City, it has loved him right back. Hale has been granted a lifelong member“Just become involved in something you enjoy that benefits the community. There are so many opportunities in Grove City to be of service. The reward is great when you expect nothing in return. I wouldn’t trade any part of my life here for anything. Grove City has been very good to me and my family.”

ship to the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society.

“My greatest reward has been my ability to continue writing – this time strictly history,” Hale says. “I enjoy the research and being a published author. I spend considerable time collecting historical stories, but my most rewarding effort has been responsibility for most of the text for the Society’s web page.”

In addition, Hale is now retired, but writes history-based stories remotely for The Lebanon News, one of the many weekly newspapers in Virginia that his family once owned.

Aside from history, family is another top priority for Hale. He and his wife of 43 years, Linda, have three successful adult daughters.

Linda was a teacher at SouthWestern City Schools while Hale worked behind the scenes on numerous levy campaigns and helped her create an outdoor science learning center at J.C. Sommer Elementary School.

“Being the husband of an educator also meant you had to help at times with other school projects,” Hale says. “While with the newspapers, I made sure the schools were always represented well in print.”

Hale finds history to be one area where he can best be of service to others. He says he believes it is through finding that selfless sweet spot that one’s true passions and full potential can be unveiled.

“Just become involved in something you enjoy that benefits the community,” he says. “There are so many opportunities in Grove City to be of service. The reward is great when you expect nothing in return. I wouldn’t

trade any part of my life here for anything. Grove City has been very good to me and my family.” Caitlyn Blair is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Connecting Community with Opportunity

When I was first assigned an article for the education issue of our community magazine, I knew instantly I would have a myriad of topics from which to choose. After 26 years as a resident, I do not believe I have had the chance to explore all of the opportunities to learn and grow found right here in Grove City. My bucket list includes taking a class on culinary herbs at the Gantz Farmhouse, trying my hand at fishing in the Scioto Grove Metro Park and learning how to play pickleball on the future courts at Windsor Park, just to name a few.

However, in light of what we have all been through over the past few months, it became clear to me that my article should take a different track. We are a community that lifts each other up. Neighbors look out for one another. People band together to find creative ways to meet challenges. The year 2020 brought us countless examples of that unwavering spirit which says, “We are all in this together!”

A shining example of our support for each other can be seen in three local nonprofits whose sole focus is connecting members of our community with opportunity – opportunity to learn something new, to be part of something larger than oneself, to take education to the next level or to acquire the skills and certifications needed to advance one’s career.

Funding for these 501(c)(3) charitable entities is predominantly obtained through annual fundraisers, and the pandemic has meant that each organization has had to make difficult decisions about postponing or canceling those events. The leaders of these organizations are adapting to a new environment and wondering what it will mean to their future capabilities. What I know in my heart is this: Grove City will rally for these organizations and make sure (in big and small ways) their respective missions will be carried out despite the circumstances.

Christine Houk

President, Council Member, Ward 3

Grove City Council members, (clockwise, starting top left): Roby Schottke, Ward 4; Christine Houk, Council President, Ward 3; Ted Berry, Ward 1; Aaron Schlabach, At-Large and Randy Holt, Ward 2.

Local nonprofit organizations connect city with educational opportunities

Grove City Chamber Foundation

gcchamberfoundation.org

The Grove City Chamber Foundation was established in 2012 by a group of board members committed to growing a scholarship program for post-secondary education, technical education, career training certification and continuing education.

Annual Fundraiser

Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30-10:30 p.m. (Subject to change.)

Aladdin Shrine Center, 1801 Gateway Cir., Grove City

Purchase tickets on the foundation website.

South-Western City Schools Educational Foundation

swcsef.org

The South-Western City Schools Educational Foundation, formed in 1986, provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the district as well as teacher grants for innovative educational programs.

Success Beyond the Classroom

Facebook.com/SBC4KIDS

Relying on donated generosity of the community, the foundation provides financial assistance for participation fees to qualified South-Western City School District students in middle and high school, seeking to improve their overall educational experience by participating in sports and/or marching band.