Valuable Volunteers

By Hillary Doyle

WHILE MANy oF US SpENt the summer outside by the pool, civic associations in Westerville were hard at work planning events and programs for the Westerville community.

The Westerville Area Resource Ministry is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and is continuing its “Thanks for Giving” program to thank everyone in Westerville for all they’ve done to help their organization progress to where it is today. W.A.R.M. is also planning its firstever benefit gala, set for Sept. 29.

The Westerville Area Civitan Club just wrapped up its annual Splash Party at the Highlands Park Aquatic Center for children with special needs. It is also planning for its spring events: the Katie Dunning Dance and the Easter Eggstravaganza, both of which benefit special needs children in Westerville.

Westerville Sertoma is trying to make a new name for Westerville – the “Chili Capital of Ohio” – with cook-offs on Sept. 1 and 2, the latter as part of the Cool Cars, Hot Stuff Festival. Sertoma hopes the events will bring in regular chili competitors as well as amateurs and local restaurants.

The Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise is also planning an exciting chili event: the 17th annual Wendy’s Chili Open, set for Feb. 2 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where guests can sample chili and other food from 30 local restaurants while raising money to support children’s charities.

The Westerville Kiwanis Club recently built a fence on Vancouver Boulevard to assist the Westerville Department of Parks and Recreation. The club pulled together 12 volunteers and was able to construct the fence in one day. It also recently held its 50th Academic Varsity event, an annual dinner that recognizes high-achieving students in Westerville schools.

The Westerville Lions Club is preparing for two great events this fall: the Ned Mosher Apple Butter Festival on Oct. 7 and the Westerville’s Got Talent competition on Nov. 10. Auditions for the latter begin in September.

City Councilwoman Diane Fosselman has high praise for these volunteers.

“They really contribute and set Westerville apart, and provide events that make Westerville special,” Fosselman says.

Hillary Doyle is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscene mediagroup.com.

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