Discover Grove City July/August 2024

Dynamic Don DISCOVER

Claire Heverly

What’s Happening?

July 3, 17, Aug. 7, 21

Heritage Cycles Slow Roll

6 p.m.

Register online, helmets are required.

Park Street Intermediate School 3205 Park St. www.heritagecycles.net

July 4

Firecracker 5K

7:30-11 a.m.

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

July 4

Independence Day Fireworks

9:45-10:30 p.m.

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

July 5, 19; Aug. 2, 16

Red Cross Blood Drive

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Evans Center

4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org

July 6

Heart of Grove City & C-Town Cruisers Car Show

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Town Center Park

3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

July 8, 15, 22

Storytime in the Park

10:30-11 a.m.

Town Center Park

3359 Park St. www.swpl.org

July 10, Aug. 14

Paws on the Plaza 6-8 p.m.

Grove City Town Center

3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Do you have an event you would like to submit?

Send details and photos to rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

July 13

Heart of Grove City Tacos and Tequila

1-10 p.m.

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

July 15

2024 Chamber Open

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hickory Hills Golf Club 3344 Georgesville-Wrightsville Rd. www.gcchamber.org

July 19

Goat Yoga (18+)

10-11 a.m., registration required

Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.swpl.org

July 23

Bring the Farm to You 2:30 p.m.

Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.swpl.org

July 26

Meet the Artists – David Lane and Cody Wood – “Game Time” 5-7 p.m.

Visit Grove City 3995 Broadway www.visitgrovecity.com

July 26

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

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

July 27-28

Grove City High School Alumni

Softball Tournament www.grovecityalumni tournament.com

July 27, Aug. 24

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Open House 2-4 p.m.

Century Village 4185 Orders Rd. www.swfchs.org

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

Independence Day Fireworks

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon

Grove City Town Center Park Street and Broadway www.gccamber.org

Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop

Fridays, 4-9 p.m.

July 5, 12, 26

Aug. 2, 16, 23

Town Center www.heartofgrovecity.org

Summer Outdoor Concert Series

Fridays, 7-8:30 p.m.

July 5 Central Ohio Brass Band

July 19 50 Steps Up

Aug. 2 The Rezes-Hall Band

Aug. 16 The Usual Suspects

Aug. 23 These Guys Live

Town Center Park

3359 Park St.

www.GroveCityOhio.gov

Movies in the Park

Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

July 3 Field of Dreams

July 17 The Little Mermaid (2023)

July 24 The Grinch (2018)

July 31 Trolls

Aug. 7 Migration

Town Center Park

3359 Park St.

Aug. 2-3

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Festival

5-11 p.m.

3730 Broadway www.ourladygc.org

Aug. 6

National Night Out

6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 7

National Purple Heart Day Ceremony

10 a.m.

Henceroth Park 2075 Mallow Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 7-13

Flags for Heroes

Henceroth Park 2075 Mallow Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 10

Heart of Grove City Bourbon & Spirits Festival

1-10 p.m.

Town Center Park

3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

Aug. 17

Back to School Bash

9 a.m.-noon

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

Aug. 21

National Senior Citizens Day & Senior Resource Expo

9 a.m.-noon

Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Aug. 21

SWCSD First Day of School Grades 4-12 www.swcsd.us

Aug. 21-23

SWCSD First Day of School Grades K-3 www.swcsd.us

Aug. 21: Last names A-G

Aug. 22: Last names H-O

Aug. 23: Last names P-Z

Aug. 30

Labor Day Concert & Drone Show

7-9 p.m.

The Park at Beulah www.grovecityohio.gov

Mayor’s Message

National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7

The Purple Heart, established in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, holds a revered place in the hearts of Americans as a symbol of courage and selflessness displayed by the brave men and women wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.

National Purple Heart Day, observed August 7th each year, gives us an opportunity to honor Purple Heart recipients, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and liberty. It’s a time for us to reflect on the tremendous courage they all exhibited in the face of adversity, often at great personal cost.

Grove City’s Purple Heart Memorial Walk in Henceroth Park, 2275 Mallow Lane, serves as a poignant tribute to our community’s heroes who received this honor. The heart-shaped pathway is lined with trees planted in memory of each local military hero whose life was lost in battle or as a result of injuries sustained in service. Flanked by other military memorial monuments, the Walk is a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance, while serving as a reminder of their sacrifices.

As we have each year since the Walk’s opening in 2017, we will host our National Purple Heart Day Ceremony at the entrance of the Walk, Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. This is one of the events I most look forward to each year as it gives me and our community an opportunity to recognize our heroes and share their stories.

The ceremony marks the kick-off of our annual Flags for Heroes, a moving display of multiple full-size American flags, one for each individual honored along the walk. The flags are displayed 24 hours a day through the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 13, and lighted at night for quiet evening strolls of reflection and contemplation.

Our community holds a profound respect for our military heroes and their families. Here, their sacrifices are not only remembered, but cherished.

Please join me at the Purple Heart Ceremony. Then take the family to visit Grove City’s Flags for Heroes, military memorial monuments and museum displays, where the legacy of our military heroes and their families is not just a footnote in history, but personifies the

strength, courage and resiliency of our community.

Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor

Purple Heart Memorial Walk: Henceroth Park, 2275 Mallow Lane

• Purple Heart Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m.,

• Flags for Heroes: Displayed day and night. Wednesday, Aug. 7 through the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 13.

For a complete list of Grove City memorial sites, visit bit.ly/gcMemorials.

Grove City’s Purple Heart Memorial Walk in Henceroth Park

Photo courtesy of City of Grove City

Richard L. “Ike” Stage

Cary’s Joke Jam

Grove City musician and veteran keeps the party rocking

In 1958, Don Cary’s mother forced him to join the middle school marching band.

Now at 78 years old, Cary – a Grove City resident for more than five decades – plays his saxophone to a live audience almost weekly. He performed 106 shows during 2023 alone!

“Sometimes mom knows best, right?” Cary says.

The prelude

Cary’s roots in Grove City run deep. In the ‘50s his parents bought several acres from the Gantz sisters and built a house on Dyer Road. When his family later moved to the south side of Columbus, Cary knew he wanted to return to Grove City and raise a family of his own.

While attending South High School in Columbus, 16-year-old Cary met 14-year-old Jack Fox, who became a lifelong friend and stage partner. Fox put an ad selling his go-kart in the newspaper, and when Cary stopped by to see it, he noticed Fox’s guitar and asked him if he’d like to join his band. The two have been playing together ever since.

“Jack ends up being the best guitar player in Columbus, because of that, he actually played with George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass and The Rhondels,” Cary says. “Dave Thomas of Wendy’s gave him $90,000 to go to Nashville and record an album. (It) hit the charts, but it didn’t hit it real big. We always say we’re glad it didn’t because if it hit big we’d be drug addicts or dead by now.”

After graduation, Cary enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War.

“I went to about 16 different countries,” he says. “I went to England, France, Germany, Turkey,

Photos by Ray LaVoie

Greece, Greenland, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines, Vietnam and probably a couple of others too. I got to travel and see a little bit of everything, but not a whole lot of anything.”

Last year he visited Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight trip, reminiscing and paying his respect through music.

“I played Taps at the Vietnam wall, and then when we got to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the amphitheater out front, I played the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ on harmonica,” he says.

Becoming 3C

When he returned home after his service, he took a job at Fritsche Homes as a salesperson, eventually becoming vice president before retiring in 2018.

While working at Fritsche Homes, Cary met Terry Christian. The coworkers connected as musicians and began playing live shows and performing classic cover songs. Cary played saxophone and Christian played keys inside the company’s model homes and other spots around town.

One night when playing at Plank’s On Broadway, Cary and Christian came up with the band name 3C Highway. The name references Ohio’s three major cities connected by State Route 3, which passes through Grove City.

“It starts in Cincinnati, we’re stuck in Columbus, but we’re trying to make it to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland,” Cary says.

While playing in a newly built con do, the two met drummer Mike Vanden Ecker, who later joined the band.

“[Vanden Ecker] said, ‘Hey, I play drums. Do you mind if I play?’ I said, ‘Yeah, you play drums, I’d rather play just sax,’” Cary says. “So he started playing with us and one time we were leaving a gig and I asked him where he used to play. Well, he came from California and he ac tually played with the Beach Boys when he was 14 years old before they got big.”

While he’s an accomplished musician, Cary doesn’t take himself too seriously, always cracking jokes between songs. He loves to interact and engage with the audience.

“What’s nice about the saxophone is you can go out into the audience and play,” Cary says. “I’ll go out into the audience, down the aisles, around the tables and play so they can hear right there because it sounds so much better.”

3C Highway now consists of Cary on saxophone, Christian on keys, Fred Snider on bass and Vanden Ecker on drums.

More than music

Cary still performs with Fox under the name Fox and Cary Combo.

The bands Cary is a member of of ten play for charity events, weddings, parties and dances. They play benefits for organizations such as Lifecare Alli ance, as well as free shows at local el ementary schools.

Based on what is requested, they play pretty much any style of music includ ing covers of love songs, dance, country, New Orleans, classic rock and more.

One memory Cary has from a volunteer show at Riverside Methodist Hospital encapsulates the joy he can bring by doing what he loves.

“We’re playing and a lady comes up with her husband in a wheelchair and starts dancing with him,” Cary says. “I mean, it doesn’t get better than that. You know?”

Having had a father who battled Alzheimer’s, Cary says music is great for memory care.

“When you go to those places and play music, they come alive, especially if you’re playing songs from their era,” he says.

Here’s one of Don Cary’s jokes: “You

know what they do in Ann Arbor when there’s a tornado? They go to the stadium because it’s unlikely there’ll be a touchdown there.”

He and his groups also host Ohio State Football tailgates. An avid Buckeye fan, Cary recorded and performed an original pep tune titled “Go Bucks, Bucks Go,” roughly 10 years ago. The song led him to receive TV interview requests and radio plays.

SUMMERS ARE FOR FESTIVALS IN COLUMBUS!

Playing through the postlude

Cary lives in Grove City with his wife Linda. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, some of whom remain in the area.

His triplet grandchildren performed at The Little Theatre off Broadway, which led to the three landing starring roles in the feature film “Cadia: The World Within.”

Playing music is still Cary’s passion and he doesn’t plan on giving up anytime soon. He says he hopes to die with his saxophone still hanging from his neck.

“It keeps you busy and young,” he says. “We play for free, we only charge to set up the equipment and tear it down and that’s good exercise at my age; loading equipment and unloading equipment is kind of like an exercise program.”

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.

by

Photo

Ray LaVoie

Maggie’s

Orthopedic Practice MOST TRUSTED

“I was really active in college, but began experiencing hip and back pain. Doctors said I had hip dysplasia – but offered no next step. I thought this was just how my life was going to be. After searching for solutions online, I found experts at Orthopedic ONE who could fix my problem. I got off crutches and never looked back. Orthopedic ONE absolutely changed my life.”

– Maggie James, Military wife, Bartlet’s mom and Orthopedic ONE patient

Step Back in Time at Century Village City News

Along Orders Road in Fryer Park, is a destination providing a delightful journey to the architectural and cultural heritage of our community in the 19th century. Century Village is filled with historic buildings showcasing life from a bygone era, maintained and shared by the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society (SWFCHS) and the City of Grove City. Among other period structures, the Village includes authentic log homes and barns, a general store, blacksmith shop and train depot. As the first building renovated, the one-room schoolhouse is the anchor of the Village and stands where it was originally built in the mid-1800s.

Orders Road School

In 1879, Allen and Mary Orders deeded a brick building and surrounding one acre of land to the Jackson Township Board of Education. The building became known as the Orders Road School, or school #10, where three generations of children ages five through 16 received their primary education, until the schoolhouse closed circa 1928. After closing, the building was used to store farm equipment until it was restored and dedicated in July 2002 as the first attraction in Century Village.

Kegg-Kientz Log House

This log dwelling was built on property purchased between 1860 and 1880 by William Kegg, a prosperous landowner in Franklin and Pickaway counties. In 1960, the land was sold to the Kientz Family, who donated the house to SWFCHS and the City of Grove City in 1997. The house was dismantled with the help of inmates from the Orient Correction Institution, placed in storage for six years, and rebuilt in a joint effort of the SWFCHS, the Boy Scouts and the City. The original location for this log cabin was Beatty (Kegg) Road. It was reconstructed in Century Village and dedicated in 2005.

Jones Log Barn

Originally constructed circa 1850, the original location of this log barn was on the property of Patty L. Jones on Rensch Road. Donated to Century Village, it was dismantled in 2005 with the help of inmates from the Pickaway Correctional Institution and reconstructed at Century Village in 2006 by SWFCHS volunteers in conjunction with the City of Grove City.

Haines-Black House

This log structure was once located on a 203-acre farm on Borror Road just south of Zuber Road and owned by the Black family, who purchased the land from the Haines family in 1935. Planned for destruction in 2009, the building was offered to the Jackson Township Fire Department for practice burning. However, after discovering under the dilapidated siding was a structure proven to be possibly more than 150 years old, it was offered to SWFCHS. Further research found

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

Orders Road School

Kegg-Kientz Log House

Jones Log Barn

the cabin was likely constructed prior to 1850. The home was reconstructed at Century Village between 2009 and 2012.

Augenstein-Spillman Blacksmith Shop

The blacksmith shop was constructed using original logs from a twostory log home built on Beatty Road in the 1850s and furnished with tools used in Earl F. Augenstein’s Blacksmith Shop on Orders Road. It was moved to Century Village and reconstructed between 2011 and 2013.

Visit Century Village 4185 Orders Road

• Village Open Houses:

Fourth Saturdays, 2-4 p.m.

July 27, Sept. 28

• Train Depot Tours:

First Wednesdays, noon-4 p.m.

July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2

• Schoolhouse Tours:

Third Wednesdays, noon-4 p.m.

July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16

• Schedule a Guided Tour: www.swfchs.org/tour-requests

$3-5 per person

SWFCHS also operates other historical sites, including the Grant-Sawyer Homestead, 4126 Haughn Road; the Gardens at Gantz, 2255 Gantz Road; and the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum, 3378 Park Street. For more information, visit the SWFCHS website: www.swfchs.org.

Train Depot

The Grove City railroad depot was built in 1884 by the Cincinnati Midland and Columbus Railroad Company. Passenger service ended in 1956; in 1972 freight service ceased and the railroad no longer stopped in Grove City. Renovation began after the depot was relocated in 2018 by the City from its original Front Street location in Town Center. The most recent building added to the Village, the depot was dedicated October 2021.

Train Depot

Haines-Black House

Augenstein-Spillman Blacksmith Shop

In Focus By Rachel Karas

Finding the Right Fit

Grove City’s living options and resources for older adults

Grove City has always been a comfortable landing place for new and established families to raise their kids. Those kids then grow up and move out, leaving once-full homes with a few more empty rooms. What happens next? That depends on the family.

Do you want to use those extra rooms for when kids and grandkids visit? Does the space feel too big and you need less? Do you need some assistance but want to remain independent?

Finding the right answer as you enter this new stage of life can be challenging and overwhelming, and it doesn’t have to be something you do alone. With countless housing options and resources – including everything from realtors to therapists who specialize in care for older adults – Grove City enables residents to stay in the welcoming community they’ve always loved.

Fix it up

For those looking to stay in their home, there are several ways to improve your space and update it with some universal design features.

Grove City native Tonya Kreml has been a licensed physical therapy assistant for more than 30 years, with 20 years focused on home healthcare for older adults.

Kreml offers home safety assessments through her business Transitioning Your Senior, LLC, which she founded in 2022. Through these assessments, Kreml helps families find the areas of

Resources Galore

Grove City has a multitude of resources for older adults beyond things related to housing.

The Evans Center provides a wide range of informative and entertaining activities, listed in The Source on page 31.

the home that need to be changed to accommodate the needs of their older family members.

One of the challenges with these renovations is making the right alterations without breaking the bank.

“Having the proper shower seat, grab bar, shower, toilet (and) stair rail design is all based on the individual. In your home, you make modifications based on your functional mobility,” Kreml says. “This is not a one-size-fitsall business.”

Renovations on any scale, from handyman touch-ups to full-service remodeling, are available from local businesses.

On the move

According to a 2021 AARP survey, more than 75 percent of adults 50 and older want to either stay in their homes or current community.

Nora Van Cleave and Kay Caton are certified senior real estate specialists with a real estate group in Grove City called Right Size Residential Group. The Grove City natives say the world of home buying has changed quite a bit over the years.

“You don’t even have to be in the same room to sign papers anymore, you can do it all electronically. You can search for a home online, you can buy a home online. It’s absolutely amazing,” Van Cleave says. “But from the flip side of that, there are also people that are out there looking to take advantage of that opportunity.”

With quick offer turn-around times and online money wiring, Van Cleave and Caton say there are a host of pitfalls people can run into when they enter the housing market for the first time in a few years.

Teri Ruslander is the elder services

Photos courtesy of

Nora Van Cleave and Kay Caton

Kay Caton with some clients after helping them find a new home.

coordinator at the Grove City Division of Police, where she helps older adults and their families. When it comes to moving and contracts, Ruslander recommends reviewing documents with an Elder Law Attorney to ensure there are no surprises.

Choices, choices, choices!

For those who want to stay local and find a new home, Grove City offers various housing options and living communities, from independent living to special care facilities.

To help sift through and find the right options, senior living referral businesses, such as Gracie Bloom, can be incredibly helpful. Senior Living Advisor Katie Broadright, who worked in senior living centers for roughly 12 years before moving into consulting, says there are many misconceptions about different housing styles.

“Most older adults think it looks like grandma’s nursing home where their parents may have been and senior living has changed so much since those days,” Broadright says. “Senior living now is more like an apartment with resources and services if they need it. So a lot of the conversation for me is how to encourage your parents to get into a community and take a look.”

Grove City has a multitude of options when it comes to living spaces for older adults. Options range from

independent, apartment-style living at places such as Sugar Maple Commons as well as places that offer everything from independent and assisted living to specialized care like StoryPoint and Carriage Court.

Not sure where to begin?

Every expert says that the easiest, yet most difficult thing is getting started thinking about the next steps.

Whether you are talking with a spouse, parent or child, these discussions may be difficult at first, but will also offer closure and hope.

Making sure all important decision-makers are a part of the conversation along the way is key to ensuring the right choice is made.

“The goal is for everyone to have a full life and to still be as independent as possible, and sometimes the way they maintain that independence is by having a little bit of help,” Katie Broadright says.

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Local real estate agents Kay Caton and Nora Van Cleave say there are resource fairs for older adults and their families, like those held quarterly at the Evans Center.

Shutterbugs

Our annual look at Grove City through the

lenses of its residents

Nick Tschertan

Barbara Brotherton

Angela Ciocca

Lee Gilbaugh

Jane Dimel

Cathie Hilton

Lauren Morrow

Kelly Shiflet

Candi Kleinschmidt

Veteran Centenarian

Longtime resident celebrates 100 years

By Rachel Karas

When Robert “Bob” Hammel was drafted by the Army Special Services in 1943 to be a part of bomb disposal, he was told most of his squad would never make it home. With an 80 percent casualty rate in this line of service, Hammel is one of the lucky few who lived to tell the tale.

After returning, Hammel went on to have a successful career, living a prosperous life with his loving wife and family by his side.

Joining the centenarian club this past November, Hammel and his family celebrated with the countless Grove City residents he impacted, including Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage.

The early years

Before spending most of his life in Ohio, Hammel was born in West Virginia on Nov. 30, 1923.

His daughter, Jan Hammel, says he spent his childhood running around the mountainsides playing and having fun.

Shortly after his 10th birthday, his mother passed away, leaving Hammel and his younger sister to care for one

another while their father worked during the day. A few years later in 1936, Hammel moved to Columbus after his father found a job in the area.

Little did he know that around the time he turned 15 years old, he would meet a lovely lady named Della Marie.

“Now, we weren’t sweethearts, we were just friends at that time,” Hammel says. “We went through junior high school together, but I moved on to high school because I was older than her.”

As graduation drew near, the couple knew they would have to act quickly given the likelihood that Hammel would be drafted. Over the summer of 1942, the two got married. A few short

Bob Hammel in 1942

Bob Hammel (second from the right) celebrated his 100th birthday this past November.

Bob Hammel (middle) sits with his great granddaughters and great, great grandchildren.

Photos courtesy of the Hammel family

Birthday to Remember

Bob Hammel celebrated his 100th birthday at Fryer Park this past November with about 100 family members, friends and special guests, including the American Legion 523 Honor Guard and Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage.

months passed before Hammel was drafted into the Army.

Although he had his duties to fulfill, his wife was able to join him since he was in the special services and they lived together in a house off-base. Hammel took classes at a technical school in Aberdeen, Maryland to learn how to handle and diffuse bombs.

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance with Bob Hammel.

Hammel and his wife, Della Marie, alongside their children and grandchildren in 1983.

Military to electricity

Hammel was stationed at Fort Jay on Governors Island, New York, where he stayed throughout his time in the Army.

At the time he was drafted, bombdiffusing teams were in high demand and required a skilled hand. During his service, Hammel defused hundreds of

bombs, including a German bomb that was roughly six feet long with two fuses. Despite low survival rates in his field, Hammel beat the odds and served in the Army for three years before being discharged in 1946.

By the end of his Army career, Hammel had earned the title of a Technical Sergeant, which is now equal to a Sergeant First Class, and his company was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Returning to civilian life, Hammel had an aptitude for all things math and science so he got an apprenticeship and began working in the electrical and power industry. This eventually led to a nearly 30-year career working for various companies including Kool-Aid, David Davies Electrical Company and White-Westinghouse Appliances.

Hammel has always been a learn-onthe-job type, proven by the fact that he worked his way up through the ranks at White-Westinghouse. After a few years on the job, he was promoted to maintenance supervisor before being put in charge of an entire plant, all without ever finishing high school.

For Hammel’s 100th birthday, his family showcased things from his time in the Army as well as gift favors of chocolate, his favorite snack.

One of the biggest challenges he faced during his career came when the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed. The act meant things would have to change at the coal-fired plant Hammel led because a violation of sulfur emissions would now result in large fines.

Hammel faced the problem head-on by setting up a lab to test the coal they used and researching where to find clean coal. By the end of his career, his family says, he ran the first clean emissions plant in Columbus.

Hammel medically retired due to extreme stress around the time he reached 60 years old, and was happy to spend more time with his wife and kids.

Love through the end

Although his career was over, Hammel stayed busy bowling and golfing before taking part-time work doing equipment repairs. He also loved working in the yard and was known throughout the neighborhood for how beautiful his family’s property looked.

As time progressed and Della’s mobility and health began to decline, Hammel cared for her for several years before the two moved into an assisted living space in 2015. While there, he continued to care for her the best he could, even after she moved to Meadow Grove Transitional Care Center a few years later.

“He was there every day, sitting in his chair right by her bed, seven days a week, still taking care of her,” Gary Hammel, their son, says. “He was by her side through her dying day.”

On Feb. 14, 2019, Della died in her sleep and Hammel says he will never forget the time they spent together.

“I lived with her for 80 years and I would take her for another 80,” Hammel says.

Hammel still finds joy in his everyday activities, from driving to the grocery store to enjoying a bite of chocolate, as well as trips to West Virginia and Lake Erie with family.

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Student Spotlight

By Rachel Karas

Tackling Tough Topics

Grove City organization helps fight youth substance abuse

Addiction can affect anyone at any time, whether they are facing difficult challenges or seem to have the perfect life.

The best way to make a difference is to open up impactful conversations, according to Marie Schiff, the local optometrist who co-founded Start Talking Grove City.

“Just because someone is in the throes of an addiction doesn’t mean they’re a bad person,” Schiff says. “We’re hoping to have more conversations, so that if we can reduce the stigma, people feel more comfortable and confident to say, ‘Hey, I have a problem. Where can I go for help?’”

Since the program’s inception in 2019, Schiff and several of the group’s members have helped organize events to pass out educational materials. With plans to expand, the group hopes to get more people involved and increase awareness in the schools.

Filling a need

The Grove City program is modeled after a statewide program, called Start Talking!, which was started by former governor John Kasich in 2014.

Schiff helped create the local chapter of this program to increase drug

prevention programming in the community.

As kids go on to middle and high school, they may face peer pressure or personal struggles that could lead them to harmful substances.

“They’re (students) studying for

their finals, and so they’re saying, ‘I’m struggling with focusing on this test,’ and one of their friends may have some ADD meds and says ‘Hey, I take this and it helps me do better on my test,’” Schiff says. “So, it may not just be like a party drug. It may be something where the kid is really trying to do better in school or in sports.”

Even with the best intentions, Schiff says substance misuse can sometimes be a slippery slope to addiction.

“Someone has to stand up and say, ‘Let’s break this cycle,’ but they need the tools and the support to help them get to that point to say, ‘Here’s how you stop doing that,’ or ‘Here’s another option that you can do instead of using drugs or alcohol to cope with pressures at work or at school,’” Schiff says.

Support at school

Start Talking offers both individual and group resources – including confidential help through website resources

(L to R) Kert Lanam, Marie Schiff, Jill Dimel, Tani Mann and Julie Hartig at a medicine take back event at Jackson Township Fire Dept in 2021. There they distributed ADAMH medicine disposal bags, own stress balls and informational flyers.

(L to R) Logan Kitko, Jane Dimel, Leah Dimel, Alissa Schiff, Jodi Kitko and Marie Schiff walking in the Arts in the Alley Parade in 2019.

Not just students

Although the group is expanding its student support, President Marie Schiff wants the community to know Start Talking Grove City is for people of all ages.

The group offers resources on its website, www.starttalkinggc.org, and hosts meetings on the second Thursday of every month at Amazing Grace Christian Church at 7 p.m.

and group sessions through the district’s diversion program.

Near the start of every school year, Start Talking hands out informative packets, drug disposal bags and stress balls.

The group hopes to increase student support in smaller ways – such as posters and social media messaging –and through a peer-to-peer program led by students.

Outside of looking for a staff member who could be an ambassador and

lead the program, Schiff says they are also on the search for students who would pick up the torch and participate in the program.

“We just need people to take initiative to do that,” Schiff says. “People who want to be leaders and who have taken initiative in other aspects.”

Whether a student or community member knows someone who is facing addiction or they themselves are, Schiff and her team want to remind people that it’s never too late to ask for help.

“There’s always someone with some judgmental attitude about it, (but) everybody has a right for a second chance, a third chance,” Schiff says. “To us, there is no number of times, there’s no limit.”

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Kert Lanam and Marie Schiff presenting information to parents at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

STGC Community event held at Amazing Grace Christian Church. For the event, speakers were brought in from Ohio Addiction Recovery, Franklin County Sheriff Dept, Grove City Division of Police, Jackson Township Fire/ EMS Dept, Ohio Dept. of Health and Franklin County Judicial System.

Photos courtesy of Start Talking Grove City

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By Tyler Kirkendall

Lookout for Lanternflies

Ensure your yard’s protection from invasive species

Trees tend to be a stable presence in our lives, so it’s easy to forget they need care and attention each season to ensure proper growth. Jacob Burns, an arborist for the West Columbus Davey Tree office, says the spotted lanternfly – a pesky invasive species new to central Ohio – should be on your radar this season.

“This is an invasive species; that means there are no natural predators for it and it goes crazy on everything,” Burns says. “The closest county it’s been to us has been Fairfield County, so it is getting closer, especially to the Grove City area.”

Lanternflies lay eggs in April and May, and their nymphs – which are black with white spots – emerge in late spring. As they mature, they turn red and don black spots. Because of typical pest maturation cycles, the USDA officially declared August Tree Check Month. They won’t bite or sting humans; they are only a physical threat to plants around your home.

“They go after certain species,” Burns says. “One of them is a non-native species, which is the tree of heaven or the ailanthus tree. But it also attacks your roses, your vines, your fruit trees if you have any. Sometimes fruit trees can be your crab apples or your flowering cherry trees.”

If one of your trees is infested with lanternflies, you will see the warning signs. Weeping wounds, or gashes dripping sap, will begin appearing on the bark. Some homeowners have noticed leaves starting to sag, which can also be a common symptom of heat stress in late July and early August.

Sap from weeping wounds attracts wasps and flies looking to feed. If you see any brown, cotton-like egg clusters on your trees, lanternflies have unfortunately chosen your yard as a breeding ground.

“You can scrape (egg clusters) off and then you can double-bag it in freezer bags and throw them away, or you can also place the eggs in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them too,” Burns says.

Soil injections are available that will kill the flies once they feed on the tree.

“That’s the best way to do it – the only thing you can do is treat them preventatively,” Burns says. “It is a devastating insect, (but) it’s nothing like the emerald ash borer or the Asian longhorn beetle, it’s very treatable and they’re more specific on the plants they’re after.”

Burns says treatment is not very expensive, so it’s best to get on it right away if you are noticing signs or find lanternflies.

“They’re totally different from what anything around here looks like,” he says. “The damage is not real quick, it takes a little bit of time. So once you spot it, then you have time to treat it.”

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

Spotted Lanternfly Adult

Spotted Lanternfly Early Nymph

Photos courtesy of Davey Tree

Be vigilant!

Arborist Jacob Burns says being proactive is the key to ensuring your trees’ well-being.

“The mulch is one thing, but keep them fertilized. We have a fertilizer program, we fertilize them in the spring and the fall,” Burns says. “Just keep them healthy so they can handle the stress – it’s just like us taking vitamins, the healthier we are the more we fight off colds and infections. Same thing with trees and plants.”

A simple eye test is often sufficient to know if something is wrong.

“Check for insects and just look at the overall appearance of the tree. (When you) start looking at it, it might (have) off-colored leaves. It might be yellowing, deficient of iron and manganese,” Burns says.

Since domestic trees aren’t receiving nutrients from decomposed natural debris as they would living in a forest, they need supplementary resources to stave off threats.

“When it starts getting hot and dry out, like in July and August, don’t be afraid to go out there and get ‘em watered a little bit more than (the normal) sprinkler system,” Burns says. “The sprinkler system, even though you might have it on for 15, 20 minutes every three or four days, your grass soaks that up faster than any plant will get it. Maybe turn it on once in a while for a little bit longer and that will help trees deal with the heat stress and the lack of water.”

Spotted Lanternfly feeding damage

Photo courtesy

what’s your style?

Karen Evans (614) 206-4222

KarenEvans@howardhanna.com

Welcome to 5215 Lambert Road. Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and nature. This custom-built home is nestled on a 5 acre lot. The multiple decks provide ample space for entertaining, including a full walk-out lower level. Peacefully located on private acreage yet conveniently located to shopping and dining.

THE EVANS GROUP, HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Candice Evans (614) 747-5211

CandiceEvans@howardhanna.com Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Grove City. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Discover Grove City Magazine home

Welcome to 2854 Columbus Street. A true one-of-a-kind, fully renovated farmhouse. Offering four spacious bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. A custom all-weather deck that overlooks the fiberglass in-ground pool. This home sits on a rare, oversized lot w/dual driveways. Conveniently located to Grove City’s Town Center.

THE EVANS GROUP, HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Top

homes sold in Grove City

In April 2024, Grove City home prices were up 1.6 percent compared to last year, selling for a median price of $383,000. On average, homes in Grove City sold after 43 days on the market compared to 42 days last year. There were 57 homes sold in April this year, which is up from last year’s 54. (Date from Redfin)

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

6014 Willow Aster Gln.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$784,990 Sold 4/3/24

6105 Honey Farm Wy.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$690,000 Sold 5/2/24

3700 Beulah Park Dr.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$682,400

Sold 4/22/24

4881 Hoover Rd.

3 beds, 2 baths

$640,000

Sold 5/8/24

5497 Scotch Woods Dr.

4 beds, 3 baths

$599,400

Sold 5/14/24

5461 Brighton Wy.

5 beds, 3 baths

$594,097

Sold 4/22/24

5887 Birch Bark Cr. 3 beds, 2.5 baths

$538,000

Sold 5/9/24

1714 Tuscarora Dr. 3 beds, 2.5 baths

$530,000

Sold 5/3/24

3857 Mystic Wy. 5 beds, 3 baths

$529,900

Sold 4/1/24

4500 Orangeberry Dr. 5 beds, 3.5 baths

$522,000

Sold 5/7/24

6060 Honey Farm Wy. 4 beds, 2.5 baths

$519,990

Sold 4/30/24

4704 Heatherblend Ct. 4 beds, 2.5 baths

$515,000

Sold 4/15/24

Our Summer Reading Challenge theme this year is Adventure Begins at Your Library, and it couldn’t be more true. Reading is always an adventure, whether to open up new knowledge or simply allow us to escape for a while. Start a new adventure with these staff picks. Give us a call or visit swpl.org to reserve a title. Join our free Summer Reading Challenge for kids and adults, happening through July 28, to track your reading and earn cool prizes and raffle entries.

First Lie Wins (thriller) by

Ashley Elston

Just for the Summer (fiction) by Abby

Jimenez

as it unravels the truth in a story ultimately about love, care, and community.

Get ready for a complex thriller that takes you into the world of grifting. The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she gets a name and location from her boss, Evie must learn everything she can about the location, its people, and then her mark. But when someone with her real identity comes into town, Evie knows this job will be different from all the others.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (teen fiction) by

Jenny Han

For as long as she can remember, Belly has shared her summers with family and family friends, including brothers Conrad and Jeremiah – the sons of her mother’s best friend – at Cousins Beach. But this summer, Belly has to choose between two brothers who love her, and she will have to break one of their hearts.

After reaching out on Reddit for advice on how to break his dating curse, Justin finds a woman with the same problem. They hatch a plan to break the curse, but things don’t go to plan when they start developing real feelings for each other.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (fiction) by James

McBride

In 1972, workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, unexpectedly unearthed a skeleton while digging the foundations for a new development. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were longstanding secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, a rundown neighborhood filled with the stories, ambitions, and sorrows of its residents, mostly Jews, African Americans, and immigrants. The story takes us back to the 1920s and 1930s

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder: A Killer Romantic Comedy by Gracie

Ruth Mitchell

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder is an enjoyable murder mystery and romance all wrapped up as one. Juniper has big career plans as a writer… if only she can stop killing off her main characters. When she falls over a real-life dead body, Juniper is thrust into the middle of a real-life murder mystery.

The Seed Keeper (fiction) by Diane Wilson

The Seed Keeper is a poignant novel that follows four Dakhóta women as they struggle to preserve their way of life and the sacrifices they need to make to protect their loved ones.

Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share by Valerie Bertinelli

Filled with beautiful photography, this cookbook will make you fall in love with food. A warmly written narrative adds a personal touch to a collection of recipes that will please everyone.

Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy: Simple Sweet Desserts for Everyone by Danielle Kartes

Recipes for all skill levels that will please anyone with a sweet tooth. With the author’s dumpand-stir cake method, baking has never been better. We personally recommend the Nutella banana cake or chocolate cake with peanut butter fluff.

NEW SUMMER LIBRARY HOURS

from JUNE 1 to AUGUST 31, 2024:

Mon–Thu: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri–Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays

Visit www.swpl.org or call 614-8756716 for library services.

Follow the library on social media

The GUIDE PARKS AND RECREATION GUIDE

JULY-AUG. 2024

Online and office registration begins Monday, June 24

Welcome to the Source!

The Source highlights Parks and Rec. programs, activities and amenities. See page 11 for a list of classes. For additional details, access the registration system at bit.ly/gcpReg or a pdf class outline online.

The registration system and website allow people to find information and register online where they can sort classes by age, type of program and day of the week.

Online viewing allows users to personalize options to fit their families’ schedules and interests while accessing fresher, more accurate information.

Visit bit.ly/gcpReg or go to GroveCityOhio.gov and follow prompts from the Parks & Rec. page.

Questions? Staff are available to help! For preschool, youth and adult programs, call or visit the Kingston Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For programs and activities for ages 55+, call or visit the Evans Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Walk-in registration and payment are available at both locations. Payment cannot be made by phone.

PARKS & RECREATION OFFICES

Kingston Center 614-277-3050

3226 Kingston Ave.

General information and preschool, youth and adult class registration

Evans Center ................. 614-277-1060

4330 Dudley Ave. 55+ information and class registration; contact information for senior services

Gantz Farmhouse

2255 Home Road

614-277-3058

Herb garden and Gardens at Gantz Farm Volunteer information

Weather Hot Line

614-277-3060

Status updates on events, sports and programs (e.g., rain outs)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Grove City Parks and Recreation @GroveCityParks

City of Grove City @GroveCityOhio

KEY CITY OFFICES

City Hall 614-277-3000

4035 Broadway

Service ......................... 614-277-1100

3262 Ventura Blvd.

Public Safety/Police ..... 614-277-1710

2255 Home Road

Parks and Recreation Inclement Weather Policy

Classes and programs may be canceled due to adverse conditions (road and playing surface conditions, lack of utilities, etc.).

• For updates, call 614-277-3060, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or check Parks & Rec. Facebook and Instagram accounts.

• Later updates due to incoming weather/condition changes are made to the phone line

• Participation is always at the discretion of a minor participant’s parent/ guardian or the adult participant.

Outdoor Sports/Activities

• Cancellations for evening activities are determined based on field conditions by 4 p.m. by Parks and Rec. personnel.

• Contests may be canceled later if incoming weather affects conditions. Call 614-277-3060 for updates.

• Do not use dirt or grass infields of closed fields as it may cause damage requiring repair and cause further cancellations.

Indoor Sports/Activities

• Weekday classes and programs are canceled when the South-Western City School District closes due to inclement weather.

• If conditions change, evening classes may be canceled at the discretion of Parks and Recreation personnel by 4 p.m.

• Weekend cancellations are made by 7 a.m., Saturday and 11 a.m., Sunday.

The Big Splash

The Big Splash Family Aquatics Center is a City-owned water park serving the residents of Grove City and Jackson Township.

The water park, open to season pass holders and their guests, features a large zero-depth entrance, climbing walls and two large body slides.

Season Pass Purchase online: bit.ly/gcpReg.

• Residents: $50

• Non-residents: $100 Operating Hours May-July

• 11 a.m.-8 p.m. August-September

• 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Swim Lessons

2024 Operating Dates Sat., 5/25-Mon., 9/1 Closed when SWCSD is in session:

• 8/21-8/23

• 8/26-8/30

Offered in partnership with SwimSafe Pool Management, swim lessons are available at The Big Splash for both season pass holders and the public. Register children based on skill level at BigSplashLessons.Coursestorm.com

• Level 0: Frogs & Tadpoles

Child age 3 or younger accompanied by a parent is introduced to the water. 10:20 a.m.

• Mon.-Thu., 7/8-7/18

• Level 1: Flounder

Grow comfortable under the water, becoming able to submerge head and blow bubbles independently. 9:10 a.m., 9: 45 a.m. or 10:20 a.m.

• Mon.-Thu., 7/8-7/18

• Level 2: Jellyfish

Learn to float on front and back independently.

9:10 a.m., 9: 45 a.m. or 10:20 a.m.

• Mon.-Thu., 7/8-7/18

• Level 3: Octopus

Learn to propel self through water with proper arm and leg movements. 9:10 a.m. or 9: 45 a.m.

• Mon.-Thu., 7/8-7/18

Splash Pad

Fryer Park, Discovery Drive Info: bit.ly/GCsplash

The Grove City Splash Pad is a cooperative effort of the City of Grove City and the Grove City YMCA.

The Splash Pad, free and available to the public, is open when the outdoor pool at the YMCA is.

Dates and hours are subject to change, including for weather conditions.

Please follow posted guidelines at the facility.

2024 Operating Dates Sat., 5/25-Sun., 9/1

Closed (national holidays):

• Thu., 7/4

• Mon., 9/2

Team Sports

Grove City offers various team sports for ages 5 through adult. Register online or in the Kingston Center during the assigned month. Spaces are limited; registration may close before the end of the month. Youth and adaptive program players register by individual and are assigned to a team. Adults register by team.

Fall Adult Softball ($300 per team)

Recreational and competitive adult softball leagues play an eight-game regular season at Fryer Park. Leagues play weekday evenings or Sunday afternoons and are subject to change based on interest.

Fall Adult Cornhole ($50 per team)

Monday: Women’s Tuesday: Men’s Rec. Thursday: Men’s Rec. Friday: Men’s Comp. Sunday: Co-rec.

Due to popular demand, Grove City has expanded cornhole offerings! Leagues are now available on Tuesdays for recreational teams and Thursdays for competitive duos. Teams play a six-week season at Grove City Brewing Company. Register by two-person team at bit.ly/gcpReg during July.

Fall Adult Buddy Ball ($35 per player)

Registration for the fall adult league for Buddy Ball begins Mon., 7/15. Sign up through Grove City Parks & Rec. at bit.ly/gcpReg to join a team. Coaches and “buddies” are also needed. Games are played Tuesday evenings on the Mirolo Dream Field at Mount Carmel Stadium in Windsor Park.

Preschool Team Sports

Grove City Parks & Rec. partners with Bally Sports to offer beginner team sports experiences for ages 3-4 in T-ball, soccer and basketball. Visit bit.ly/BallySportsGC for more information and to register.

Program Age Groups

■ Preschool (1-4)

■ Youth (5-17)

■ Adaptive

■ Adult (18+)

■ 55+/Senior

Don’t miss your chance to participate!

Team sports involve scheduling fields and officials, and ordering uniforms for youth leagues, so registration happens well ahead of the season.

Youth Sports Registration

• Little League (Ages: 5-17): February

• Fall Baseball (Ages: 5-17): June

• Volleyball (Grades: 3-12): August

• Basketball (Grades: K-12): October

Adult Sports Registration

• Spring/Summer Softball: March

• Spring Cornhole: March

• Summer Cornhole: May

• Fall Cornhole: July

• Fall Softball: July

• Volleyball: December

Adaptive Sports Registration

• Spring Buddy Ball (Ages: 4+, 16+): February-March

• Fall Adult Buddy Ball (Ages: 16+): Mid-July-August

Fitness & Dance

Physical activity is important for health for all ages no matter their skill level. Whether you are into self-guided activities like utilizing bike paths or enjoy group classes, Grove City Parks & Rec. has something for you!

Gymnastics & Parkour

The balance, core strength and coordination developed in Gymnastics and Parkour provide a great foundation for future athletic endeavors.

Grove City offers options for increasing age and competency levels for preschool and elementary-aged students.

Martial Arts & Yoga

Developing a mind-body connection while performing controlled actions has been used to promote mental and physical health simultaneously for ages. Try a class that relies on these ancient practices.

• Karate is offered at various skill levels for ages 4-7 and 8 through adult.

• Yoga options include general adult classes and others focusing on challenges and benefits for seniors.

• Tai Chi is another great method for seniors to stay limber and focused.

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 6/24 ⎘

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for July and August.

Youth Tennis Lessons

Develop fitness, hand-eye coordination and flexibility that offers future competitive and leisure opportunities. Grove City Parks & Rec. offers lessons for youth in a variety of ages and skill levels. Bring a tennis racket and water bottle.

• Peewee Lessons Ages: 4-7 Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10; 8-8:45 a.m. Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10; 4-4 :45 a.m.

Tue.-Thu., 7/23-7/25; 6-7 p.m.

• Beginner Lessons Ages: 8-15 Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10; 4 :45-5:45 p.m.

• Intermediate Lessons A ges: 10-17 Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10; 5 :45-6:45 p.m.

• Mini-camp Ages: 8-15

Tue.-Thu., 7/23-7/25, 4-6 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 7/29-8/1, 8 :30-10:30 a.m.

• Tennis Serving Clinic Ages: 8-15 Mon.-Thu., 7/29- 8/1, 10 :30-11:30 a.m.

Preschool & Childcare

Children need spaces where they can feel free, safe and active while interacting with others. Grove City offers preschool programs that provide the foundations of group learning with a nature-based philosophy. Options vary from parent/adultchild activities to child-only classes.

P.A.R.K. serves elementary school students by providing activities that keep them engaged, but without the structure of school. Each day includes arts and crafts as well as large-muscle play.

Preschool

Preschool programs foster physical, mental and cultural development for children as young as 2. Participants are exposed to a variety of experiences as they grow, learn and develop personalities, discover interests. They build self-confidence, language skills and self-control while having fun.

RecSchool

Ages 3-5 develop academic, social, creative, physical and emotional skills in a child-centered and supportive group setting. Registration opens in February for the following school year (September-May). For info, visit bit.ly/GCRecSchool or call 614-277-3050.

P.A.R.K.

PlayTots

Ages 2-3 with an adult explore a classroom setting filled with play-based learning opportunities including planned activities and circle time with reading and movement for an hour on Friday mornings, September-May.

This childcare program offers a safe place for children in grades K-4 to stay physically, mentally and socially active before and after school when the SouthWestern City School District is in session. The summer program offers full-day childcare with activities and field trips including weekly trips to The Big Splash.

After-school P.A.R.K. operates Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., at Buckeye Woods, J.C. Sommer, Highland Park, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementary schools.

We’re Hiring!

Looking for a fun part-time job with no evening or weekend hours?

Visit GroveCityOhio.gov for details.

Before School operates Monday-Friday, 6-8 a.m., at the Kingston Center with transportation provided to the above elementary schools.

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 6/24

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for July and August.

Be Creative!

Grove City is full of creativity! Much like physical activity improves health, making things with your hands and performing, especially in a group, offers personal benefits beyond the final product.

Blacksmithing

Learn safety and basic skills on a on a traditional forge.

• Blacksmithing 101: Introduction

Sat., 7/27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 8/24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Youth Art & Crafts

Follow age-appropriate instruction to create art in a variety of media.

• Big Art Ages: 6-9

Thu., 7/11-7/25; 5-5:45 p.m. Thu., 8/8-8/29; 5-5:45 p.m.

• Amazing Artists Ages: 8-12 Thu., 7/11-7/25; 6-6:45 p.m. Thu., 8/8-8/29; 6-6:45 p.m.

• Ahoy Captain Ages: 5-10

Wed., 7/10, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

• Christmas in July Ages: 5-10

Thu., 7/25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Sea Turtles Ages: 5-10

Wed., 8/7, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

• Slimetopia: Slime Chefs on Deck Ages: 7-12

Mon.-Thu., 8/12 to 8/15, 9 a.m.-Noon

• Acting Class with Showcase Ages: 7-16

Thu., 7/11 to 8/15, 6-6:50 p.m.

Painted Canvas: Art Instruction

Youth Music Lessons Music leads to improved cognitive function, creativity, confidence and mental health in children.

• Ukulele Lessons Ages: 6+ Mon., Tue, Wed., 7/29-7/31; 11-11:50 a.m.

Bucket Drumming

• Can You Drum That Song? Ages: 8-13 Wed., 7/17; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Theme: TV shows & movies

• Illuminated Rhythms Ages: 8-13 Thu., 7/18; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Theme: disco

• Swiftie Drummers Unite Ages: 8-13 Sat., 7/20; 2-3 p.m. Theme: Taylor Swift hits

• Tuning into the Rhythm Ages: 8-13 Wed., 7/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Theme: percussion-heavy rock

Herb Classes

Combining creativity with nature is just one way the Gardens at Gantz Farm staff and volunteers share their knowledge. Join an upcoming class to create beautiful, useful items or learn a new approach to gardening.

• Kids Jar-cuterie Ages: 6-9 Thu., 8/1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Salsa Ages: 6-9 Tue., 8/20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Hummingbird Feeder & Swing Ages: 6-9

Mon., 7/5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Bug Hotel Ages: 6-9 Mon., 7/22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Victorian Gardens and Crafts Tue., 8/6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Garden Focaccia Tue., 7/23, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Tea 101 Thu., 7/18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Quick Sauces from Fresh Herbs Thu., 7/25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Youth Cooking

Learn an important life skill with a focus on safety.

• Cooking Camp I Ages: 6-7 Mon. -Wed., 7/15 to 7/17, 10-11:30 a.m.

Follow step-by-step instructions to create a themed acrylic painting using brushes and palette knives. Supplies included.

• Colorful Canvas Ages: 10-14

Tue., 7/23, 6:30-8 p.m. Tue., 8/27, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Floral Painting Ages: 16/up Tue., 8/20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Landscape Painting Ages: 16/up Tue., 7/16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Cooking Camp II Ages: 6-7 Mon. -Wed., 7/29 to 7/31, 10-11:30 a.m.

Evans Center

The Evans Center offers older residents of Grove City a variety of opportunities to stay active physically, mentally and socially. Offerings include parties, trips to restaurants and cultural sites, and classes that teach skills for navigating the challenges that come with aging.

Senior Citizens Day Resource Fair

Wed., 8/21; 9 a.m.-noon

World Senior Citizen’s Day, celebrated each Aug. 21, increases awareness of challenges older adults face as well as their many accomplishments. In honor of this special day, the Evans Center is hosting a free senior resource fair.

Interact with vendors from a variety of organizations with products and services for seniors.

Register to enjoy door prizes and lunch.

On-site Fun

• Patriotic Party$

Wed., 7/3, 1-3 p.m.

Celebrate freedom with American pride, food and entertainment.

• Pizza Palooza Game Night$ Fri., 8/9, 1-3 p.m.

Enjoy pizza while rotating tables to play a variety of games with different people.

Off-site Day Trips ¤ $

Travel by minibus to off-site tours, shopping or entertainment followed by a meal (on your own).

• Ohio State House Tour Thu., 7/11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tour the extravagant building, hear fascinating stories, and observe ornate features.

• Jack Nicklaus Museum Fri., 7/19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Take an immersive journey into the brilliant career of the golf legend.

• Buckeye Lake Day Trip

T hu., 8/30, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore the history of Buckeye Lake: visit its history museum and dine at Buckeye Lake Winery.

Lunch & Learn

• Estate Planning Fri., 7/12; 11 a.m.-Noon

Ensure your wishes and goals are followed at end of life.

• Hearing Health Fri., 8/16; 11 a.m.-Noon

Dining Trips ¤ $

Lunch Bunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Houlihan’s: Tue., 7/2

• The Morgan House: Wed., 7/25

• The Olympic Diner: Thu., 8/1

• Matt the Miller’s: Tue., 8/13

Supper Club: 4-8 p.m.

• Carfagna’s: Mon., 7/8

• Ann & Tony’s: Thu., 8/15

• Bonefish Grill: Mon., 8/19

Entertainment

• Musical Happy Hour ¤ $ Tue., 8/27, 1:30-4 p.m.

Experience a fun afternoon of music and happy hour with appetizers at Grove City Senior Living.

• Movie Fun: Yesterday (2019; PG-13) Fri., 7/26, 1-3 p.m.

A struggling musician wakes up in an alternate reality as the only person who heard of The Beatles.

Learn to preserve hearing and the risks of untreated hearing loss. ⎘

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for July and August.

Evans Center Annual Membership

Make a great value even better: be a part of something special with an annual membership to The Evans Center! The $15 annual (covers January-December) fee pays for itself in a few weeks with just access to the Fitness Room.

Benefits include:

• First access to register for 55+ classes with the ability to sign up the Friday before it opens to the general public.

• Full access to the Fitness Room (a $120 per year value!).

• Discounted fee for select classes.

• Invitation to a members-only gala.

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

Support Groups

Unfortunately, dealing with health problems whether experiencing it oneself or being a caretaker for a loved one is often a part of getting older as is dealing with grief.

Meeting with others who are facing similar challenges can help individuals navigate difficulties.

The Evans Center hosts several support groups that meet monthly and are open to all adults.

• Parkinson’s Caregiver Support 1st Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

• Alzheimer’s Support 3rd Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

• Life After Loss 2nd Wednesday at 10 a.m.

COTA//Plus: Free Rides!

Grove City residents aged 55 and older and those with disabilities can now enjoy fee-free transportation using COTA//Plus!

The popular program, which grew in ridership by 38% in 2023, has expanded from offering trips for $2 to fare-free for eligible riders. Each rider can be accompanied by an aide also riding for free.

Registered riders take advantage of the point-to-point mobility service by using a phone app to request a pickup at a service-area location for transport within the area. Riders can also call to set an appointment.

COTA//Plus operates weekdays, 5 :30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Contact

614-308-4400

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Park Updates and Development

The City of Grove City strives to add to, improve and maintain parks and recreation facilities throughout the city. This includes expansion of the system of multi-use paths linking recreational, residential and commercial areas of Grove City.

Current Projects

Evans Center D

• Kitchen Renovation: installation of new kitchen flooring, cabinets and counter tops; painting of walls; and placement of a new entrance sign

Gantz Park )

• Reconstruction of tennis courts including new foundation and groundwork

Grant-Sawyer Homestead I

• Historical restoration of the carriage house

Recently Completed

The Park at Beulah 2

• Finish Line Shelter (2,500-square-foot open-air shelter)

• Paddock Shelter (2,500-square-foot open-air shelter with plumbed restrooms)

→Rental dates to be announced

Windsor Park =

• Irrigation improvements to Field #6

• Buddy Ball complex sidewalk extension

See page 13 for a map of park and facility locations.

Upcoming Projects

The Big Splash "

• Improvement to pool shell and filtration system

• Painting of features and slide tower

• Install new sunshades

• Update bathrooms

• Update mechanical and pump house

Gantz Park )

• Preschool programming building (bid approved)

Windsor Park =

• Lighted paved parking lot

• Replacement of baseball scoreboards and dugouts

• Install batting cage

• Install basketball courts

Fryer Park (

• Paved extension connecting diamonds to main path.

• Installation of turf on West Pod Fields #1 & #4 .

• Grading and drainage improvements in all outfields

• New dugouts for all fields

• Shade structures for bleachers

• New maintenance building for Community Gardens

• Park sign replacement

• Update to Century Village Garden

• Structural correction to Bob Evans Barn

PRESCHOOL

RecSchool

Ages: 3-5

September-May

PlayTots I

Ages: 2-3 with an Adult

Fri., 9/8-5/17; 9 :15-10:15 a.m.

YOUTH

Fun Friday

Grades: Completed K-4

Fri., 7/12, 9 a.m.-Noon

Fri., 7/19, 9 a.m.-Noon

Parent’s Night Out!

Ages: 5-10

Fri., 8/16, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Modern Dance

Ages: 6-10

Thu., 7/11-8/15, 6 :30-7:15 p.m.

Gymnastics

Ages: 5-6

Thu., 7/11-8/8, 6-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 7-8

Thu., 7/11-8/8, 6:30-7 p.m.

Parkour

Ages: 5-6

Tue., 7/9-8/6, 6:15-7 p.m.

Ages: 6

Mon., 7/8-8/5, 5 :45-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 7-8

Mon., 7/8-8/5, 6 :30-7:15 p.m.

Tue., 7/9-8/6, 7-7:45 p.m.

Karate Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 5-5 :30 p.m.

Wed., 7/10-8/14, 5-5 :30 p.m.

Karate Peewee Advanced Ages: 4-7

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 5 :30-6 p.m.

Wed., 7/10-8/14, 5 :30-6 p.m.

Karate Beginners

Ages: 8/up

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 6-7 p.m. Wed., 7/10-8/14, 6-7 p.m.

JULY-AUGUST CLASS INDEX

Gymnastics

Ages: 3

Thu., 7/11-8/8, 5-5:30 p.m.

Ages: 4 Thu., 7/11-8/8, 5:30-6 p.m.

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 7-8 p.m. Wed., 7/10-8/14, 7-8 p.m.

Peewee Tennis Lessons Ages: 4-7

Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10, 8-8:45 a.m. Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10, 4-4:45 p.m.

Tue.-Thu., 7/23-7/25, 6-7 p.m.

Beginner Tennis Lessons Ages: 8-15

Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10, 4 :45-5:45 p.m.

Intermediate Tennis Lessons Ages: 10-17

Mon.-Wed., 7/1-7/10, 5 :45-6:45 p.m.

Tennis Mini-camp Ages: 8-15

Tue.-Thu., 7/23-7/25, 4-6 p.m.

Mon.-Thu., 7/29-8/1, 8 :30-10:30 a.m.

Tennis Serving Clinic Ages: 8-15

Mon.-Thu., 7/29-8/1, 10 :30-11:30 a.m.

Ukulele Classes Ages: 6/up

Mon.-Wed., 7/29-7/31, 11-11:50 a.m.

Can You Drum That Song? Ages: 8-13

Wed., 7/17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Illuminated Rhythms Ages: 8-13

Thu., 7/18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Swiftie Drummers Unite Ages: 8-13

Sat., 7/20, 2-3 p.m.

Parkour

Ages: 4-5

Mon., 7/8-8/5, 5-5:45 p.m.

Modern Dance Ages: 3-5

Thu., 7/11-8/15, 6-6 :30 p.m.

Tuning into the Rhythm Ages: 8-13

Wed., 7/24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hummingbird

Feeder & Swing Ages: 6-9

Mon., 7/5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Ahoy Captain Ages: 5-10

Wed., 7/10, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Bug Hotel Ages: 6-9

Mon., 7/22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Christmas in July Ages: 5-10

Thu., 7/25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Sea Turtles Ages: 5-10

Wed., 8/7, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Slimetopia 3:

Slime Chefs on Deck Ages: 7-12

Mon.-Thu., 8/12-8/15, 9 a.m.-Noon

Acting Class with Showcase Ages: 7-16

Thu., 7/11-8/15, 6-6:50 p.m.

Big Art Ages: 6-9

Thu., 7/11-7/25, 5-5:45 p.m. Ages: 6-9

Thu., 8/8-8/29, 5-5:45 p.m.

Amazing Artists Ages: 8-12

Thu., 7/11-7/25, 6-6:45 p.m.

Ages: 8-12

Thu., 8/8-8/29, 6-6:45 p.m.

Colorful Canvas Ages: 10-14

Tue., 7/23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tue., 8/27, 6:30-8 p.m.

Cooking Camp I Ages: 6-7

Mon.-Wed., 7/15-7/17, 10-11:30 a.m.

Cooking Camp II

Ages: 6-7

Mon.-Wed., 7/29-7/31, 10-11:30 a.m.

ADULT

Yoga

Tue., 7/9-7/30, 6-7 p.m.

Tue., 8/6-8/27, 6-7 p.m.

Blacksmithing 101: Introduction

Sat., 7/27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sat., 8/24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Floral Painting Ages: 16/up

Tue., 8/20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Landscape Painting Ages: 16/up

Tue., 7/16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

55+

Patriotic Party

Wed., 7/3, 1-3 p.m. (Veterans free)

Pizza Palooza Game Night Fri., 8/9, 1-3 p.m.

National Senior Citizens Day Resource Fair ƒ

Wed., 8/21, 9 a.m.-Noon

Lunch & Learn: Estate Planning ƒ Fri., 7/12, 11 a.m.-Noon

Lunch & Learn:

Hearing Health & Untreated Hearing Loss Fri., 8/16, 11 a.m.-Noon

Movie Fun: Yesterday ƒ (2019; PG-13)

Fri., 7/26, 1-3 p.m.

Chair Volleyball ƒ

Mon., Wed., 7/1-7/31, 1-2 p.m.

No class: 7/3

Mon., Wed., 8/5-8/28, 1-2 p.m.

No class: 8/21

Crafts, Creativity & Conversations

Wed., 7/24, 10 a.m.-Noon Wed., 8/28, 10 a.m.-Noon

Tai Chi

Tue., 7/2-7/23, 10-11 a.m. Tue., 8/6-8/27, 10-11 a.m.

Kids Jar-cuterie Ages: 6-9

Thu., 8/1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Salsa Ages: 6-9

Tue., 8/20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Victorian Gardens & Crafts

Tue., 8/6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fresh Kitchen Herb Wreath Thu., 8/15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tea 101 Thu., 7/18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Garden Focaccia Tue., 7/23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Quick Sauces from Fresh Herbs Thu., 7/25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Senior Exercise

Mon., Wed., 7/1-7/31, 9-10 a.m.

No class: 7/3 Mon., Wed., 8/5-8/28, 9-10 a.m.

No class: 8/21

Senior Yoga Thu., 7/11-7/25, 11 a.m.-Noon Thu., 8/8-8/29, 11 a.m.-Noon

Tech for Seniors ƒ

Weekdays, 10-11 a.m. (by appointment)

Fitness Room Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Closed City holidays

Bingo

Thu., 7/11-7/25, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thu., 8/1-8/29, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Ohio State House Tour Thu., 7/11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Buckeye Lake Day Trip Fri., 8/30, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jack Nicklaus Museum Fri., 7/19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Musical Happy Hour Tue., 8/27, 1:30-4 p.m.

Molly Manners Ages: 3-9

Thu., 7/11-8/15, 5-5 :30 p.m.

Ages: 10-16

Thu., 7/11-8/15, 5 :30-6 p.m.

Karate Beginners Ages: 8/up

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 6-7 p.m.

Wed., 7/10-8/14, 6-7 p.m.

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up

Mon., 7/8-8/12, 7-8 p.m. Wed., 7/10-8/14, 7-8 p.m.

Ukulele Classes Ages: 6/up

Mon.-Wed., 7/29-7/31, 11-11:50 a.m.

Lunch Bunch: Houlihan’s Tue., 7/2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: The Morgan House Thu., 7/25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: The Olympic Diner Thu., 8/1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Matt the Miller’s Tavern Tue., 8/13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Supper Club: Carfagna’s Mon., 7/8, 4-8 p.m.

Supper Club: Ann & Tony’s Thu., 8/15, 4-8 p.m.

Supper Club: Bonefish Grill Mon., 8/19, 4-8 p.m.

ƒ = Free

Program Age Groups ■ Preschool (1-4) ■ Youth (5-17) ■ Adaptive

Adult (18+)

55+/Senior

Grove City Parks

Park

Southeast

" The Big Splash/Evans 2831 Southwest Blvd. # Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle

$ Breck Community 3005 Demorest Rd.

% Concord Lakes 3606 Lake Mead Dr. & Cread Lawless 3401 Kingston Ave. ' Creekside 2410 Holton Rd. ( Fryer 3899 Orders Rd. ) Gantz

2255 Home Rd. * Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane + Hennigans Grove 5804 Paul Talbott Circle , Holton Run 5301 Demorest Dr.

Hoover Crossing 2880 Wynridge Dr./ Murfin Trail

Hoover Park 4629 Haughn Rd. / Indian Trails 6190 Buckeye Pkwy.

Keller Farms 1904 Michelle Ct. 1 Meadowgrove 5601 Spring Hill Rd. 2 The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Lane 3 Pinnacle Area 2430 Holton Rd. 4 Pinnacle Links North 1243 Pinnacle Club Dr. 5 Pinnacle Links South 5014 Callum Way 6 Scioto Meadows 432 Scioto Meadows Blvd. 7 Sesquicentennial 3247 Park St. 8 Skate 3728 Hoover Road 9 Swearingen 2601 Columbus Street

Town Center Park 3359 Park Street ; Walden Bluff Walden Bluff Ct. < Westgrove 3580 Magnolia St. = Windsor 4330 Dudley Ave./ 4408 Broadway/ Dreamfield: 3400 Ventura Blvd.

B Century Village 4185 Orders Rd.

C Eagle Pavilion 3670 Discovery Dr.

D Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave.

E Gantz Farmhouse & Gardens 2255 Home Rd.

F George Edge Music Broadway at Park St.

G Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road

H Grove City Gold Star

Families Memorial 3964 Columbus St.

I Grove City Visitors Center & Museum

3378 Park St.

J Kingston Center 3226 Kingston Ave.

Grove City Parks and Rec. Outdoor Shelter 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 are available for May 1 through Sept. 30. All other shelters and gazebos are accessible on a first-come basis and are not available for reservation by the public. The Eagle Pavilion in Fryer Park has separate policies from open shelters including no walk-up usage.

For more information, call 614-277-3050 or visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

GANTZ PARK LARGE SHELTER

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)

GANTZ PARK SMALL SHELTER

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

WINDSOR PARK LARGE SHELTER

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 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)

• Indian Trails

• Keller Farms

• Meadowgrove

• The Park at Beulah

• Scioto Meadows

• Swearingen

• Westgrove

• Windsor

WINDSOR PARK BASEBALL FOR ALL/DREAM FIELD SHELTER

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 Shelter Reminders

• Reservations are available for May 1-Sept. 30

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

• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes (approximately Oct. 1-May 1) .

• Restrooms are open to all park users.

• 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.

• Be courteous! Leave shelters in same or better condition.

• Place all refuse in proper containers.

• Prohibited actions include smoking/vaping of tobacco or marijuana, alcohol use/impairment and pos session of weapons.

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

GANTZ PARK GAZEBO

Registration

bit.ly/gcpReg

24-7

Credit card only

Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear)

24-7

Check or money order

Payment Methods

• Due to security concerns, payments are not accepted by phone

• Online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card).

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 1-54

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave.

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

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 55+

• In person via credit card, cash, money order or check made payable to the Cit y of Grove City.

• Drop box (parking-lot side of the Kingston Center) by check or money order

Fees, Residency Rates & Fair Share Policy

Most activities list two fees with a lower rate for residents. Grove City Parks and Rec. 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.

• Verify your rate level at Property.FranklinCountyAuditor.com. 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. Proof of employment (e.g., current pay stub showing tax payment) must be confirmed annually.

Confirmation

• No further confirmation regarding registration is made unless there is a change to the time or location. Participants are responsible for being present at the time and location listed.

• View your household’s schedule: log in and select the account tab (top left) to view upcoming classes.

Cancellation by Participant

• Registered participants may cancel before the program starts or materials are ordered. Requests must be in writing (hard copy or email).

• For a full refund for team sports, a request must be made before uniforms are ordered. Decisions on refunds are at the discretion of department personnel.

• Refunds are by check mailed to 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.

The Source

• Every attempt is made to print accurate, complete information. 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-to-date information.

Photos and Videos

The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activities, participants, spectators and 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 taking photos and want to view them?

• Check EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio.

• Browse the Discover Grove City magazine.

• Visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

Equal Opportunity and Special Populations

Grove City Parks and Rec. is committed to serving the whole community regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin or religion

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.

Active Transportation Plan

The City of Grove City is drafting an Active Transportation Plan to promote safe, non-motorized transportation within the community.

Grove City received an Ohio Department of Transportation grant to help create an Active Transportation Plan. Walking, biking, riding scooters, and using other non-motorized mobility vehicles are all considered active transportation!

The plan will make it easier for the City to apply for funding to build sidewalks, paths and bike lanes, create new programs, and adopt policies to support active transportation.

Goals for the plan creation process are to:

• Identify ways to make our transportation network safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

• Formalize recent active transportation planning efforts.

• Engage the public and community stakeholders.

• Promote and encourage safe transportation.

Watch for upcoming public outreach opportunities and updates on the status of the Active Transportation Plan meeting dates at bit.ly/GroveCityATP.

Contact Grove City Development

4035 Broadway Grove City, OH 43123

614-277-3004

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Share your thoughts!

The City is seeking community input regarding the needs and wishes for non-motorized transportation in Grove City.

Complete an online survey at GroveCityOhio.gov and share information on your household’s transportation practices, ways those habits might change with infrastructure changes, and how safe you feel on streets, sidewalks and paths in the city.

The survey includes a map for you to mark the areas you would like more access to, places that should be more accessible for assistive devices, and locations that you feel pose a safety hazard.

Choose to fill out the survey anonymously or share your contact information. Due to the survey format, it is easier to complete it on a computer rather than a cell phone.

Public Service Department

Mosquito Prevention

Mosquitoes can ruin outdoor fun in the summer by causing itchy bites. They also spread diseases like West Nile Disease, encephalitis and heartworm. Grove City contracts with Franklin County Public Health for mosquito control, but residents’ actions make a greater impact by preventing the insects from reproducing. Mosquitoes reproduce in standing water in as few as five days. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs at a time in water as shallow as a quarter-inch. Mosquitoes spend their larval stage in the same water before transitioning to flying, biting adult insects, usually staying in the area.

Prevent or immediately drain/dump out any collected water in your yard, including areas such as old tires and tarps, outdoor furniture and toys, clogged drains and gutters, and flower-pot saucers.

Items where water is intentionally collected such as water barrels, fountains and bird baths can also be breeding areas. Place bacterial larvicides containing Bti (e.g., Mosquito Dunks) that kill larvae but are harmless to people, pets, fish and wildlife in the water. Screens placed on water barrels can prevent insect access.

Franklin County Public Health Mosquito Management

FCPH monitors mosquito population density and tests for disease mid-May through September, and takes action as needed. FCPH inspects hundreds of sites where mosquitoes are known to breed and applies larvicides to standing water to control mosquitoes at their most vulnerable stage. The department also uses traps for surveillance to count adult insects and test for disease When volume reaches a certain density or disease is present, FCPH targets adult mosquitoes by spraying an area by truck.

Citizens can register to receive notifications when spraying will be done in their area, request their address to added to a non-spray list (spray turned off approximately 150 feet from property) and report areas of stagnant water.

Contact Franklin County Public Health

280 East Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215

Garage and Yard Sales

Garage and yard sales are great ways to find deals and keep usable items from the landfill.

To hold a sale, you must have a permit. A permit is free and includes a posting on the city website to help people find it. Each address is limited to two sales per year

Promote a sale with up to three signs: one on your property and two at other locations. Signs must be three square feet or smaller, posted only within 24 hours of the sale, and not placed in the right of way including on sign posts or utility poles.

Local Waste Services

Upcoming Observed Holidays

Collection is delayed one day that week with Friday pickup on Saturday.

• Thu., 7/4 (Independence Day)

• Mon., 9/2 (Labor Day)

Contact

Grove City Public Service

3262 Ventura Blvd. Grove City, OH 43123

614-277-1100

Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grove City Division of Police

Celebrate Summer Safely!

The long, warm days of summer are great for enjoying time with friends at events such as the Grove City Homecoming Celebration and the Grove City High School Alumni Softball Tournament, July 26-28. It can be a fun time for all, but that fun can quickly be ruined by irresponsible drinking. The Grove City Division of Police reminds everyone to be responsible when choosing to partake in alcohol. Here are a few tips to help keep Grove City safe:

1. Plan ahead. Choose a designated driver who will not be drinking.

2. If someone you know has been drinking, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Help them arrange a sober ride.

3. If you plan on drinking, do not drive for any reason. Call an Uber, Lyft, rideshare or a sober friend.

4. Wear your seatbelt. Even if you are responsible, the unexpected can still happen. Protect yourself from an accident caused by impaired drivers, objects in the roadway, animals and mechanical failures.

5. If you see an impaired driver on the road, please call 911.

6. Even if not driving, do not drink so much you cannot make good decisions or safely arrive home.

Traveling This Summer?

Follow these tips to ensure a safe and fun vacation for all!

• Do not leave a child in a car unattended.

• Never leave valuables in your car and always lock the doors.

• Never drive drowsy. Always make sure you are well rested and feel comfortable driving. If your road trip is lengthy, consider switching with another driver.

• If no one is staying at your home, ensure all entryways including windows are locked and your lights are on a timer.

• Don’t let people know your home is unoccupied! Wait to post vacation photos to social media until are home, and have someone pick up your mail.

The Grove City Division of Police provides a home-check service to give residents increased peace of mind while out of town. Register and while you are gone, officers will check your home, as time permits, and notify you if something is disturbed. Complete the form online bit.ly/GCPDHouseCheck

Local Alumni at

the Grove City Division of Police

Did you know that the Grove City Division of Police employs many hometown residents?

A total of 15 employees grew up in Grove City and graduated from Grove City, Central Crossing and Grove City Christian high schools.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career with law enforcement, look to your hometown! Send an email to PoliceRecruitment @GroveCityOhio.gov or call 614-277-1809 to arrange a visit.

National Night Out

Tue., 8/6; 6-8 p.m. Town Center Park

Join the fun as Grove City Police host community groups to offer activities, interactions and giveaways.

Contact

Grove City Safety Complex 3360 Park St. Grove City, OH 43123

• Emergency: 911

• Non-emergency: 614-277-1710

• Public Records: 614-277-1714

• Fax: 614-277-1717

• Mayor’s Court: 614-277-1715