Groveport Messenger - December 20th, 2020

Messenger
Groveport
December 2, 2020-January 9, 2021 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XXXVIII, No. 14
Hometown Realtor
Marylee Bendig
580 Main St., Groveport, OH 43125
(614) 218-1097
marylee@maryleebendig.com
A name you KNOW,
the name you TRUST
Superintendent and
treasurer get pay raises
Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a group of happy
elves lighted the city’s Christmas tree, as well as many more lights strung
throughout Heritage Park, on Dec. 3. The event was not open to the public due to
the ongoing pandemic, but video of it can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.
Lighting the night
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic
has made this a year of emotional shadows.
When coupled with the darkness of
December - with its early sunsets as the
sun completes its journey south prior to
the winter solstice - it is clear we need
some hope and light.
Recently this cloak of dimness of the
soul and sight was relieved by the illumination
of the joyously colorful lights of
the city of Groveport’s Christmas tree
and other trees in Heritage Park along
Wirt Road.
On Dec. 3, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus,
Mayor Lance Westcamp, and a host of
elves lighted the trees in a brief event
that was not open to the public due to
the pandemic. However, the ceremony
can be seen now on the city’s Facebook
page.
In previous years the holiday event,
known as “A Heritage Holiday,” attracted
large crowds of children and adults to
Heritage Park eager to see Santa arrive
on a Madison Township fire truck. In
those past times, Santa happily moved
through a mob of kids making an effort
to acknowledge each of them before
meeting up with the mayor to light the
trees. The Jolly Old Elf would then take
his seat in the log house to hear each
child’s Christmas wishes.
But this year in Heritage Park,
because of the pandemic, there was no
crowd of happy-faced children, no choir
or musicians performing Christmas carols,
no ice sculptor creating his icy art,
and no hayrides around Palm Pond.
Those are things we remember happily
from past Christmas seasons and they
are the things we as a community look
forward to returning to in the coming
years after this dreadful pandemic
wanes.
So this year the tree lighting celebration
(which was also streamed live on
Facebook) was simpler and quieter than
in the past. But it is important to
remember that, in spite of the pandemic,
the ceremonial event was safely held,
See LIGHTING, page 2
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
The Groveport Madison Board of
Education approved salary increases for
the district’s superintendent and treasurer.
Groveport Madison Communications
Director Jeff Warner said the step was
taken to adjust the superintendent’s and
treasurer’s pay to meet the district’s
adjusted administrative salary schedule.
The action came after a private company
conducted a salary study comparing
Groveport Madison’s administrative
salaries with those at schools of similar
size and demographics.
“It brings the salaries into alignment
with other similar school districts,” said
Warner. “Our administrators were at the
bottom countywide according to the salary
study. Our superintendent was the lowest
paid superintendent in the county.”
Superintendent Garilee Ogden’s current
Photo courtesy of Groveport Police
Sgt. Josh Short
Car fire
A car caught fire in the Groveport
Kroger parking lot on the morning of
Dec. 16. According to Groveport
Police Sgt. Josh Short, firefighters
from Madison Township Fire Station
181 arrived on the scene and put out
the fire. Short said no one was injured
and this was a property damage only
incident. Short said the fire is
believed to have been the result of
electrical issues in the vehicle.
City income tax revenue
The city of Groveport’s 2020 income tax
revenue as of Nov. 30 is $14.5 million,
which is 13.1 percent lower than the same
time in 2019. Income tax revenues comprise
the largest portion of the city’s total
revenues year-to-date, or 50.6 percent of
all revenues, according to Groveport
Finance Director Jason Carr. He added,
through November, operational receipts
for the recreation department and golf
course are down $969,310 and $89,109
respectively. The city will consider increasing
general fund transfers to these departments
as they are unable to generate sufficient
receipts consistent with prior years.
salary was $148,881. Under the contract,
her new annual base salary is effective as
follows - as of Aug. 1, 2021: $160,000; as of
Aug. 1, 2022: $164,000; as of Aug. 1, 2023:
$168,000.
Treasurer Felicia Drummey’s current
salary was $130,000. Under the contract,
her new annual base salary is effective as
follows - Aug. 1, 2020: $130,000; as of Jan.
1, 2021: $134,000; as of Aug. 1, 2021:
$138,000; as of Aug. 1, 2022: $141,450.
“School district superintendents and
treasurers have big jobs and work long
hours,” said Warner. “Nationwide there is
a shortage of qualified candidates for
superintendent and treasurer jobs. There’s
not a natural career conduit for people to
flow into a school treasurer position.
There’s also been a lot retirements nationally
among superintendents and treasurers,
which contributes to the shortage of
available qualified people.”
Sain Insurance Agency Inc.
Lisa Sain, Agent
Groveport, OH 43125
www.lisasain.com
Bus: 614-830-0450
Being there
is why I’m here.
Total average savings of
$
761
when you combine home and auto.
Call my office for a quote 24/7.
*average annual household savings based on national 2015 survey of new
policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.
State Farm Murual Automotive Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company,
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company,
State Farm General Insurance, Bloomington, IL
P097136.1

PAGE 2 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
LIGHTING
Messenger’s upcoming
publication schedule
The Messenger will alter its print publication schedule for the
holiday season. The print publication and delivery date for the
remainder of 2020 is Dec. 20. After that, print publication and
delivery will resume every other week following the holidays on
Jan. 10. Thank you for reading the Messenger!
Continued from page 1
which proves the pandemic cannot tamp down the Christmas
spirit of the people of Groveport. Santa and Mrs. Claus, along
with a few elves, visited the city to bring hope, joy, colorful lights,
and the promise of a brighter future for everyone. Mrs. Claus even
graced the night by singing a Christmas carol.
The colorful lights in Heritage Park are indeed something to
see. Take a drive by the park some night this holiday season and
drink in the beauty and color that is exhibited there. Gaze upon
the richness of the color of the lights as they glow in the night.
Think about how each light represents each of us one and all and
how, when joined together, we make a place beautiful. Take some
time while looking at the lights in the park to reflect on the past,
present, and future of us all. Pause to remember the meaning of
the season.
Merry Christmas everyone.
God Bless Everyone
& Stay Safe at Home
Malek &
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Malek
WORK INJURIES
WORKERS’
COMPENSATION
SAFETY VIOLATIONS
WRONGFUL DEATH
PERSONAL INJURY
SLIP & FALL INJURY
DOG BITE INJURY
Douglas, Ed, Jim
and Kip Malek
Ben Churchhill
“Hablamos Español”
FREE Initial Consultation
www.maleklawfirm.com
614-444-7440
1227 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206
www.columbusmessenger.com
Band hopes to travel to Disney World this spring
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
The Groveport Madison High School Marching
Band is hoping the ongoing pandemic will not disrupt
its plans to perform at DisneyWorld in Florida this
spring.
“We are all very aware of the current COVID conditions
in Ohio and across the nation and the potential
that this trip may have to be cancelled as a result,”
said Jonah Angulo-Hurtig, director of bands at
Groveport Madison High School. “Without question,
our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and
chaperones. We will continue to work closely with the
high school’s and district’s administration as we carefully
consider all options.”
The trip is scheduled to take place from April 6-11,
2021 during the district’s spring break.
“Our current plan is to travel to Animal Kingdom,
The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios,”
said Angulo-Hurtig. “An alternative schedule would
substitute Universal Studios in the event that any of
the other venues are not available. “
He said the cost for each student is slightly more
than $1,000.
“This includes travel coach rental (required for outof-state
travel), lodging, dedicated overnight security,
our tour director, meals, clinics, performances, and
entrance fees to the venues,” said Angulo-Hurtig.
Fundraising
Several fundraising opportunities for students and
their families are being pursued to help defray as
much of the trip costs as possible.Some fundraising
activities are for individuals, while others are for the
entire group. The deadline for collecting all funds for
the trip is in February of 2021.
“We have until 90 days before the trip to make a
final determination on the trip in order to secure
refunds up to 95 percent of the total cost of the trip,”
Angulo-Hurtig. “We also have encouraged families to
take out travel insurance in the event of a last-minute
change in plans, which allows for close to full reimbursement.”
Fundraising projects include pairing with Fan
Cloth to sell Groveport Madison merchandise.
“We also were supported as a program by our local
Raising Cane’s location during the football season to
promote our program,” Angulo-Hurtig. “These two
fundraisers are just the beginning of our fundraising
opportunities to provide our families with financial
support for the trip.”
The band is also using a fundraising platform called
“Fansraise”
at
https://app.fansraise.com/c/0382e41e18824378bdd738c
a0563940a/disney-here-we-come for anyone wishing to
help raise money for students who will be on the
Disney trip.
“All of the money we raise will be split evenly
between the students who will be going on the trip,”
Angulo-Hurtig. “If anything deters this trip, the donations
we receive will be used for future band trips
and/or to support the development of the band program.”
The Groveport Recreation Department will offer
lifeguard certification classes beginning in January.
Persons must be age 15 by the last day of class. The
normal classroom portion of the class will be held
online (eight hours). The in-water portion of the class
(20 hours) will be held at the Groveport Recreation
Center’s indoor pool, 7370 Groveport Road. Cost is $50
Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove
Members of the Groveport Madison High School
Marching Band are shown here during a past performance
in the city of Groveport.
About the trip
“We are thrilled to have been invited to perform in
a parade at the Magic Kingdom,” Angulo-Hurtig.
“With COVID-19, we are prepared for Disney to make
possible changes and adjustments to this portion of our
trip for general safety protocols.”
Band members will also attend an instrumental
workshop run by the musical staff at Disney.
“We are hoping that the students will have this
wonderful opportunity to receive critique and work
directly with professional musicians and educators,”
Angulo-Hurtig.
He said it has been four years since the band made
the trip to Disney.
“Typically, the Disney trip is made once every four
years so every band student has the opportunity to go
once during their time in band in high school,” Angulo-
Hurtig. “Outside of Disney, we typically will take a
trip every two years between Disney to provide other
musical and education opportunities for students, as
well as the opportunity to travel and see other parts of
the country.”
It’s about student growth
When asked why trips like this are important to the
musical, personal, and educational development of the
band members, Angulo-Hurtig said, “There are so
many benefits that are gained from trips of this
nature. The primary focus is to provide meaningful
musical experiences for students, where they can work
with and learn from professional educators and musicians
from across the nation through music clinics.
They have opportunities to see and interact with other
student musicians from across the country, and they
get to perform before thousands of guests - an experience
and memories that will last a lifetime. Lastly, but
no less important, is the benefit that comes from working
toward a common goal that results in not only an
exemplary public performance, but also a stronger
sense of community spirit, pride, and mutual respect.”
Lifeguarding classes at Groveport Recreation Center
for Groveport residents and $60 for all others. Free
skills training sessions are available to get persons
acclimated to the pre-requisites. For information call
Aquatics Manager Seth Bower at 614-836-1000 or
email sbower@groveport.org or visit www.groveportrec.com.
Register either in-person at the Groveport
Recreation Center or online at www.groveportrec.com.

www.columbusmessenger.com
Watching the trees
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport has consistently been named
a Tree City USA and city officials aim to
maintain that tradition by instituting a
program to protect its city-owned trees.
The city has a large number of old, tall
trees that enhance the beauty of its
streetscape. But older trees also can get
sick as they age and present a danger, such
as last May when a spring storm uprooted
a big tree along Front Street that crushed
a Groveport Police cruiser (the police officer
was unhurt). After that incident, city
officials and an arborist examined old trees
on Front Street, and other surrounding
streets, and targeted the weaker trees for
removal.
Now the city has plans to create an
annual tree inspection and maintenance
program to protect the town’s city-owned
historic trees, as well as younger ones, that
line its streets.
“When Brian Strayer was hired as public
services director, one of the first projects
we discussed was the creation of an annual
(tree program),” said Groveport City
Administrator B.J. King. “We agreed on
the importance of having a memorialized
program, especially with the issues we
dealt with this year related to trees on
Front Street.”
King said the goal of the program is to
conduct regularly scheduled inspections
and maintenance of city-owned trees to
mitigate any potential hazards.
“We will work to GPS locate city-owned
trees, which will also include data about
inspections and maintenance,” said King.
Groveport City Councilman Ed Dildine,
who is also council’s representative on the
city’s trees and decorations committee,
said, “I think it’s a great start to something
we have never done on a regular basis. It
will give us a starting point and we can
expand it from there. The large historical
trees are part of the scenic beautiful history
of Groveport and are a priority to make
sure we can maintain them, but we need to
make sure they are safe.”
Dildine said Main, Front, Elm,
Blacklick, and Church streets are the core
of old Groveport “and have the best examples
of the historical trees.”
King said the tree program will be funded
from the city’s street fund budget.
“The street fund is funded from income
tax collections,” said King. “Additionally,
the city has a tree fund in the budget. The
tree fund can only be used to replace street
trees located in subdivisions. In the street
fund there is $16,000 budgeted for this program
in 2021.”
When asked who the arborist will be
that the city will use, King said that is still
to be determined as he and the Public
Services Department are working on
options.
About the proposed tree program
A draft proposal of the tree inspection
and maintenance program was presented
to Groveport City Council for its review.
The plans goals are to: maintain the
health of all city owned trees; plant or
replant the largest suitable tree for the site
selected; and maintain a fully stocked
urban forest.
The plan’s strategies include: performing
routine health and hazard assessments
of all city-owned trees; removing or pruning
for safety all dead and hazardous trees
each year; quick response to requests for
service; planting a diverse population of
trees and replant removed trees each
planting season; plant species and placement
of trees with aesthetic properties
such as summer and fall color and shape;
ongoing routine inventory and evaluation
of all city-owned trees; routine hazard
assessment; conducting Arbor Day activities;
and coordinating with the city’s tree
and decorations committee.
According to the proposed plan, “Trees,
when healthy and vigorous, provide
tremendous value to the community.
Proactive maintenance reduces costs and
helps keep trees healthy. Large trees provide
more benefits than small trees and
should be prioritized when space allows.
This will provide the most benefit for the
community.”
around Groveport and Madison Township
Groveport Police statistics
November crime statistics, according to
the Groveport Police: 8 arrests, 13 accidents,
1 assault, 0 burglaries, 3 domestic
disputes, 1 domestic violence, 1 OVI and
alcohol, 1 thefts/robberies, 0 stolen/unauthorized
use, 0 missing persons, 0 weapon
related calls, 0 narcotic related offenses, 0
school related incidents, 11 parking, 0
threats, 0 vandalism, 44 traffic citations, 0
sex related crime, 0 suicide attempts/DOA.
Township Police statistics
November crime statistics from the
Madison Township Police: 136 traffic stops,
39 assist/mutual aid, 4 burglary, 25 domestic
complaints, 21 suspicious persons, 11
suspicious cars, 19 larceny/thefts, 8 threats
or harassment, 8 vandalism, 10 parking,
13 accidents with injuries, 1 fight, 7 shots
fired in area, and 9 property damage accidents.
Groveport history films
Two documentary films on the history of
Groveport, produced by the Groveport
Heritage Society and Midnet Media, are
now available for viewing online on
YouTube.
The films are: “Groveport: A Town and
Its People” and “The Story of John S. Rarey
and Cruiser.” The films were originally
made about 15 years ago.
Alley drainage
Groveport City Council is considering
legislation to contract for drainage
improvements in the city’s alleys.
“The Public Works Department is
inspecting various drainage pipes in alleys
located in the downtown area,” said
Groveport City Administrator B.J. King.
“In 2021, drainage improvements will
occur in Hickory Alley. Annually, there
will be money included in the budget to
continue the improvements of older storm
drainage systems in the alleys.”
December 20, 2020 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 3
AUTO HOME BUSINESS LIFE INSURANCE
Beplerinsurance.com
614.837.4379
staff@beplerinsurance.com
3246 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43232

PAGE 4 - SOUTHEAST MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
Letters policy
The GROVEPORT MESSENGER welcomes
letters to the editor. Letters cannot be
libelous. Letters that do not have a signature,
address, and telephone number, or are
signed with a pseudonym, will be rejected.
PLEASE BE BRIEF AND TO THE
POINT. The Messenger reserves the right
to edit or refuse publication of any letter for
any reason. Opinions expressed in the letters
are not necessarily the views of the
Messenger. Mail letters to: GROVEPORT
MESSENGER, 3500 Sullivant Avenue,
Columbus, OH 43204; or email
southeast@columbusmessenger.com.
Keep tabs on the latest news in
Groveport & Madison Township
Look for Groveport Messenger on
Become a fan!
southeast
Messenger
(Distribution: 20,634)
Rick Palsgrove ...................................Groveport Editor
southeast@columbusmessenger.com
Published every other Sunday by
The Columbus Messenger Co.
3500 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43204-1887
(614) 272-5422
The Columbus Messenger Co. reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel
any advertisement or editorial copy at any time. The company is not
responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication.
Errors in advertising copy must be called to the attention of the company
after first insertion and prior to a second insertion of the same advertising
copy.
column
www.columbusmessenger.com
Some holiday reading to consider
The holidays bring us Christmas movies, television specials,
stage plays, and concerts in which to joyfully embrace the season.
But there is another medium where we can enjoy the stuff of
Christmas: books.
Two of the best for Christmas reading are 19th century classics:
“A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens (published in 1843); and
“The Sketch Book,” by Washington Irving (published in 1820).
Everyone is familiar with Dickens’ tale of the miser Ebenezer
Scrooge who undergoes a spiritual transformation of redemption.
The story is so timeless that it has been produced and parodied in
many forms. Most people are probably familiar with the story
through the many films and stage plays based on the book. The
worst of these are musicals with hokey songs that take away from
the narrative. The best of which are the serious films that try to
adhere closely to Dickens’ work.
But to get the true resonance of the story one can read Dickens’
written words as they appear on the pages of the original book. It’s
a delightful and transforming experience.
I recommend obtaining a copy of the book that includes the
original illustrations, especially one with the drawing of Marley’s
Ghost visit to Scrooge.
Dickens’ wrote in an accessible, direct style with a flair for dialogue
and a talent for description. Here is an example of Dickens
deftly blending humor and horror:
Scrooge is alone in his dark, cold house eating his miserable
gruel, when the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, makes a
spooky and frighteningly grand appearance before him.
There’s a give and take conversation between the two as the
scared, yet doubting, Scrooge tries to figure out the apparition
before him and why it is there.
Marley’s Ghost loses patience with this and in his ghostly
annoyed way asks Scrooge, “Why do you doubt your senses?”
Scrooge falls back on intellectual reasoning telling Marley’s
Ghost, “Because a little thing affects them. A slight disorder of the
stomach makes them cheats. You may be an undigested bit of beef,
a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment
of an underdone potato.”
In spite of being terrified, Scrooge summons
up enough meanness, courage, and
wit to say to Marley’s Ghost, “There’s more
of gravy than of grave about you...”
Not only is Scrooge’s joke funny, but the
timing is impeccable as it comes at a tense
moment when the reader is least expecting
humor. The joke is unleashed just as the
ghost is riding high on its initial shock value
of appearing in the room. Dickens uses
humor as an equalizer.
It’s a good joke, too. It has the fun word
play of “gravy” and
“grave,” plus it is
insulting to Marley’s
Ghost. Insult humor
when used against what appears to be a
more powerful entity is a wonderfully subversive
thing. Scrooge’s joke seeks to put
Marley’s Ghost in his cosmic place.
However, the joke infuriates Marley’s
Ghost because, even though he’s other worldly,
there’s still enough human essence in him
to dislike being the butt of a joke.
Wrote Dickens, “...the spirit raised a
frightful cry and shook his chain with such
dismal and appalling noise...” The apparition
then terrorizingly bellows in response, “Man
of the worldly mind do you believe in me or
not?’
Editor’s Notebook
Rick
Palsgrove
It’s a fearsome outburst that reasserts ghostly control of the situation
and cows Scrooge, which is the beginning of the old miser’s
journey along a path of redemption.
Pick up a copy of the book and let Dickens’ words transport you
through time, space, and dimension.
Washington Irving’s, “The Sketch Book,” is a collection of short
stories - most notably, “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of
Sleepy Hollow.” However the book also includes four Christmas
stories: “Christmas,” “Christmas Eve,” “Christmas Day,” and “The
Christmas Dinner.”
With these stories one can travel back in time with the written
word and experience some timeless Christmas traditions, some of
which we still embrace today because Irving set up the basis for
them.
The stories exude warmth as they extoll upon the decorations,
feasting, the customs, games, spirit, and communal nature of the
season.
Irving also gets a bit nostalgic, just like we do today, noting
that some treasured traditions of Christmas in the early 19th century
that he loved had already begun to fade and were being
replaced by ones he considered more “modern.”
Reading his tales of the ancient holiday places one at a country
squire’s overflowing feast table of meats, breads, pies, and more as
well as imagining oneself happily twirling around an old time
dance floor.
Making merry this time of year is a long tradition and reading
Irving’s stories enables us to realize we are not that much different
from our ancestors when it comes to having fun, enjoying each
other’s company, and embracing our spiritual sides.
Rick Palsgrove is managing editor of the Messenger Newspapers.
Historic Ohio and Erie Canal trail
The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail, Inc., and its partner
communities recently announced the development
of the new Ohio and Erie Canal Southern Descent
Heritage Trail from Buckeye Lake to Portsmouth.
The 114 mile driving trail begins at the southern
edge of Buckeye Lake in Fairfield County. It includes
Bibler lock 8 in Baltimore; locks 11, 12, and 13 in
Lockville; lock 22 in Groveport; locks 26, 27, 29, and 30
in and near Lockbourne; and remnants of the
Columbus Feeder just west of Lockbourne in Franklin
County.
In Pickaway County the trail passes lock 31 in
Millport and includes Canal Park in Circleville. In
Scioto County the trail continues south through
Rushtown at lock 48 and lock 50 in West Portsmouth
and ends at lock 55, west of downtown Portsmouth at
the Ohio River.
All of these canal locks, with the exception of lock
55, are listed in the National Register of Historic
Places. Work to list lock 55 is underway.
Once the trail has been established, residents and
visitors will be able to learn the story of this important
transportation route as they follow the driving trail.
Creation of the trail, which will be launched next fall,
is being funded by the Canal Society of Ohio and Ohio
Humanities.
For information about the Ohio and Erie Canal
Southern Descent Heritage Trail, contact project director
Cathy Nelson at cathyd.nelson@gmail.com.
(Lock 22 in Groveport is located in Groveport Park and
can also be accessed on the walking path from the city’s
Blacklick Park.)

www.columbusmessenger.com
December 20, 2020 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 5
Madison Township police sergeant is honored
By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Madison Township lauded one of its own
for the second time this year with a commendation
for police Sgt. Victor Boyd who
helped save the life of a resident in need.
During the Dec. 8 Madison Township
trustees’ meeting, Fire Chief Derek
Robinson thanked Boyd for his assistance
with a cardiac arrest patient on Nov. 30.
Trustee Chairman John Pritchard
called Boyd’s quick response “awesome”
and said no words are sufficient to describe
the Madison Township Police officer’s
actions.
“Sgt. Boyd was first on the scene, and
with the help of a bystander, removed the
victim from their car and began CPR,” said
Robinson. “Battalion 181 was next to arrive
and Sgt. Boyd assisted them by helping
place the victim on a patient carrying
device and attaching an automatic chest
compression device (LUCAS Device). These
actions made treatment from the soon
arriving Columbus Medic 4 crew more efficient
and rapid. Sgt. Boyd’s actions are
greatly appreciated, and his quick administration
of CPR provided much need circulation
for the patient until EMS arrived.”
In a Dec. 3 Letter of Commendation by
Madison Township Police Chief Gary York
to Boyd, the chief said the residents of the
township are fortunate to have local law
enforcement respond to EMS calls to initiate
care and assist fire department personnel
in the treatment of the public in need.
“When every second counts, it truly can
make a difference of life and death,” wrote
York. “Your actions represent the core values
of the Madison Township Police
Department to serve with honor, respect,
integrity and professionalism.”
Earlier on May 27, a female driver
passed out behind the wheel and Boyd,
along with Officer Keith Mallory, began
performing CPR on the victim. After several
minutes of chest compressions, a pulse
was detected as medics arrived on the
scene.
The victim was transported to Grant
Medical Center and survived. York commended
both officers for their quick
response.
Other township news
•The trustees approved a $61,570
agreement with Rossman Enterprises for
the installation of an exhaust system for
Fire Station 181, a similar agreement with
the same company for $56,947 for Fire
Station 182, and an agreement with Finley
Fire for $215,409 for self-contained breathing
apparatus.
•Part-time receptionist Mary Hayes
resigned effective Dec. 1.
“At this time, we are not pursuing
replacing this position,” said Madison
Township Administrator Susan Brobst.
•Firefighters Allen Young and Rashid
Taylor will serve as fire department representatives
to the 2021 Volunteer
Firefighters Dependent Fund Board.
Ed Dildine and Pritchard will serve as
township board representatives and resident
Jerry Lupfer was elected by the fire
department and trustees to serve as a fund
board representative.
•Police officers Keith Mallory and Jason
Huston will serve as police department
representatives to the 2021 Volunteer
Peace Officer’s Dependent Fund Board.
Dildine and Michele Reynolds will serve as
township board representatives and resident
Warren Motts was elected by the
police department and trustees to serve as
a fund board representative.
DELIVERY PROBLEMS
WITH YOUR BAG?
Your carrier works for The Bag,
NOT the Columbus Messenger Co.
The Bag’s phone number is: 1-888-837-4342
We take our paper to The Bag Office,
just like Kroger, Meijer, Aldi, Walmart, Menards, etc.
Photos from the 1964
Madisonian
Playground
changes
Our Pictorial Past by Rick Palsgrove
Playground equipment
has changed a
lot over the years.
This photo from
Groveport Madison
High School’s 1964
Madisonian yearbook
shows the senior
and junior class
officers posing on
and monkey bars at
Groveport
Elementary. Monkey
bars like this one are
rarely seen on modern
playgrounds
because they are
deemed dangerous.
This piece of equipment
has long been
removed from the
Groveport
Elementary playground.
The monkey
bars in this photo
were popular
because they were
unique. The apparatus
was curved and
rounded like an
abstract rocket ship,
or so little kids growing up in the heyday of America’s space program thought.
Kids often played tag on these monkey bars or raced up and down them. If your
feet touched the ground in these games you were “out.” Pictured here on the monkey
bars are, from left to right, 1964 Groveport Madison High School junior class
officers John Jordan, Brian White, Sue Boring and Jim Schwarz.

PAGE 6 - SOUTHEAST MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
www.columbusmessenger.com
1% CASH BACK
CONSOLIDATION LOAN
Payoff high interest balances with a low fixed rate and
put more money in your wallet for the New Year!
Fixed rates as low as 5.99%
6.49% APR* For up to 48 months
Enjoy One Payment Convenience PLUS Receive $10 for every $1,000 of balance
transferred from another lender.
Visit Us At -
100 Main Street, GROVEPORT
1660 Georgesville Square, GROVE CITY
2164 Hilliard Rome Road, HILLIARD
7610 E. Main Street, REYNOLDSBURG
614-836-0100 www.firstcu.com
Open to everyone in Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware, Madison, Morrow, Licking, Pickaway and Union Counties
All loans on approved credit. Offer does not apply to loans already financed by First Service. Current rates,
terms and offers are subject to change or withdrawal. Rates may vary according to credit qualifications. $99
loan processing fee reduced to $74 with a FirstChoice Checking Account. No other discounts apply. Other rates
and terms may be available. *Payment example based on a credit score of 720 or higher with all other credit
qualifications met: $10,099 consolidation loan at 5.99% rate with a 48-month repayment term and $99
processing fee, would have a 6.49% APR and a monthly payment of $237.70 with total payments of
$11,409.34. Federally Insured by NCUA. $5.00 Share Savings Account required for membership; $25 to open
FirstChoice Checking Account.
Spend
$150-$250
GET
$
25 off
Spend
$251-$500
GET
$
50 off
Spend
$501 and Up
GET
$
100 off
2752 London Groveport Rd., Grove City, OH 43123
Phone: 614-317-7755 • www.precisionjewlersllc.com
Holiday hours Monday - Friday 10-7 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5
Frozen Lobster Tails, King Crab Legs, Snow Crab Clusters, Orange Roughy,
Lake Smelts, Fresh Chopped Clams, Squid Tubes and Tentacles, Caviar,
Salted Baklava, Fresh Cod, Fresh, Eel, Octopus, Fresh Lump Crabmeat
(Non-Pasterized), Florida Stone Crab Claws, Snow Crab Cocktail Claws,
Live Lobsters via Special Order Only!
We Carry Domestic and Imported Wines
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
SMALL BUSINESSES
Now taking Christmas orders
We Accept All Major Credit Cards
EBT Cards (SNAP)

www.columbusmessenger.com
December 20, 2020 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 7
Frank’s Fish and Seafood Market, and its instore
restaurant, are known for their award winning
gumbo and for the freshest fish platters in the
area featuring cod, catfish, perch, and walleye and
the best fish tacos in town on “Taco Tuesday.”
The market and restaurant have safe pick-up
during these days of COVID-19. Also check out
the every day specials in the restaurant!
Frank’s Fish and Seafood Market, located at
5249 Trabue Road, Columbus, features frozen
lobster tails, King Crab legs, Snow Crab clusters,
Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove
Holiday greeters
For a visual treat take a drive to the
Groveport Municipal Golf Course, 1005
Richardson Road, to see the 130 colorful
holiday inflatables lining the driveway to
the clubhouse. City of Groveport
Communications Coordinator Jessica
Reeves said Paul and Shelly Clark, of
The Paddock Pub, provided the inflatables
and set them up. “There was no cost
to the city to obtain the inflatables or to
set them up,” said Reeves. “Paul and
Shelly Clark wanted to spread some
Christmas cheer by sharing their inflatable
collection with the community.”
PAID ADVERTISING
The best seafood in town
orange roughy, lake smelts, fresh chopped clams,
squid tubes and tentacles, caviar, salted baklava,
fresh cod, fresh eel, octopus, fresh lump crabmeat
(non-pasteurized), Florida stone crab claws, and
snow crab cocktail claws. Live lobsters are available
as special orders only. The market also carries
domestic and imported wines!
Frank’s Fish Market is now taking Christmas
orders and accepts all major credit cards and EBT
(SNAP) cards. Give them a call at 614-878-3474.
Happy
py
Holidays!
SCHOOLS
On behalf of the Board of Educatio cation, Administrati tration ion, Student
dents, and Staff:
f
Best wishes
for a Happy Holiday Season.
May your holidays be
filled with happiness, piness good health, an
nd the comfort of family.
~ The Groveport Madison School Dist
trict
t

Pandemic means adapting new ways of teaching and learning
PAGE 8 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
In the face of adversity, people often
adapt and rise to the challenge, as
Groveport Madison Schools teachers,
administrators, staff, students, and the
community are finding creative ways to
ensure kids get a solid education during
the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Because of the recent increase in
COVID-19 cases, the district returned to a
100 percent remote virtual online learning
model in November. School officials anticipate
the district will remain in a 100 percent
online mode until it has been determined
it is safe to a return to in-person
classes, hopefully sometime in 2021.
“When we moved back to the 100 percent
remote learning model on Nov. 16, we
indicated we would closely monitor health
conditions throughout the holidays and
make a determination in mid-January
whether it was safe to resume our blended
learning model,” said Groveport Madison
Superintendent Garilee Ogden. “Virtual
online remote instruction is not the most
ideal teaching set up, but we do know right
now it is the safest way to teach.”
Challenges and creativity
Ogden said one challenge for students in
the 100 percent remote learning model is
the limited opportunities for social interactions.
“Our teachers have worked hard to find
creative solutions to address this concern,
but it’s difficult to replicate face-to-face
interactions in a virtual world,” said Ogden,
who added that a challenge for teachers is
providing one-to-one or small group instruction
while also providing whole-group
instruction. “Students don’t always log-in
at designated times for their small group
session, which makes it difficult.”
Ogden said student attendance and
engagement online is high and she is
impressed with the creativity of the teachers.
“Many new teaching tools have been
implemented this year, such as the daily
use of Google Classroom daily, Pear Deck,
Screencastify, and many others,” said
Ogden. “Our hope is that we continue to
use these tools to engage students regardless
of which learning models we’re in at a
given time. We’ve been making many more
home visits and personal communication
with families, which we plan to continue.”
She said the district monitors when students
are not logging in. If there are three
days of no contact, house visits are made to
check on students.
“We want to be sure the kids are okay,”
said Ogden.
Ogden said the teaching and learning
aspects of remote learning are going well,
but the district also makes sure students’
social and physical needs are being met.
She gave the example of an Asbury
Elementary teacher who, noting the kids
are not getting their normal recess time,
created a scavenger hunt that kids can do
at home as a form of having recess.
“The teacher has the kids go through
their homes to find every day items, like an
umbrella or a crayon,” said Ogden. “Kids
need to have time for fun like this and this
is something that can be done safely at
home. Plus it gives parents a break.”
She noted that students needing things
like speech and occupational therapy are
still receiving this help online.
“We are still giving them the support
they need,” said Ogden.
Another example of teacher creativity,
according to Ogden, is the Mail Time video
the high school social studies department
puts together to start the day.
“It’s done like a news show that the kids
can watch where the teachers review the
state standards the kids need to know,”
said Ogden. “Afterwards the students then
log in with their specific teacher.”
She said students in laboratory classes
use live online demonstrations and simulations.
“We also purchased additional software
for our related art teams that assist in
music performance and physical education,”
said Ogden.
She said schools hold morning video
meetings where kids get information and
announcements.
“We’re want to make it like a normal
school day,” said Ogden. “The amount of
creativity and thinking outside the box is
amazing. If you told me eight months ago
we would have to go to 100 percent remote
learning I would’ve questioned it. Now I am
amazed by the collaboration and idea sharing.
It’s gone beyond what was expected a
public school would look like online.”
Cruisers with Chromebooks
Ogden said a big plus for the district
was the support taxpayers provided with
the passage of the operating levy in 2014,
which enabled the Groveport Madison
Board of Education to purchase
Chromebook computers for every student.
“Without that we could not have made
such a smooth transition to remote online
learning,” said Ogden. “Other schools had
to wait a long while to get the computers
they needed. We had them already.”
Each student from kindergarten
through 12th grade has their own
Chromebook computer to use for classes.
“We launched our Cruisers with
Chromebooks program in 2017, with middle
and high school students taking their
computers home nightly and over winter
and spring breaks,” said Ogden.
Another plus was a grant obtained by
the district’s technology department to provide
hot spot Wi-Fi capability where needed
for students to allow them online access.
Parents more involved
Ogden said a benefit from the remote
online learning is that parent engagement
has increased from the normal levels found
in the traditional learning model.
www.columbusmessenger.com
“Before the pandemic parents might
have to come to school to talk with teachers
and that was not always possible,” said
Ogden. “Now parents and teachers talk
online at convenient times and work to
support the children. Attendance at parent/teacher
conferences has increased
online. Our relationships with parents are
better than ever. It’s a partnership to be
commended.”
She noted one instance where six district
staff members were able to meet
online with a parent to help a student.
“It was an intimate, quick meeting
where a plan was swiftly put in place to
help the student,” said Ogden.
Students’ ability to adapt
Ogden said remote online learning is not
ideal for all students and that limited faceto-face
interactions with classmates may
have an impact on students’ social awareness
and skills.
“Some kids need to be in school. But we
have to wait until it is safe to do so. We
have worked hard over the past two years
on developing students’ (and adults’)
awareness of themselves and others,” said
Ogden. “We will monitor this area very
closely when we are able to return to inperson
classes.”
When asked if she can see a day in the
future when remote learning will be the
standard form of instruction rather than
using brick and mortar buildings, Ogden
said, “We do see there are students who are
doing exceptionally well and may prefer a
remote learning model for a large percentage
or all of their courses. Anything is possible.
However, we have also seen the negative
impact of 100 percent remote on our
students’ social-emotional learning and
mental health.”
Students’ abilities to adapt to the online
learning model varies.
“It’s not so much about a particular age
group, it’s more about if a student has a
safe, designated learning environment and
an organized routine,” said Ogden.
“Students who are adapting sign in to synchronous
teaching sessions, complete work
independently, and take advantage of
teacher office hours.”
It’s about community and flexibility
Ogden said the community, city of
Groveport, and Madison Township have
provided support and ideas to the district.
“Everyone is working together. For
example, the city of Groveport gave us
masks,” said Ogden. “Madison Township
gave the district $10,000 to purchase
COVID supplies. It definitely is taking a
village.”
Once the pandemic fades away and
school returns to a traditional model,
Ogden said some of the successful ideas
used during the remote learning model
could be incorporated into teaching in the
future.
“It’s about adapting and being flexible,”
said Ogden. “Thomas Edison once said,
‘When you have exhausted all possibilities,
remember this, you haven’t.’”

www.columbusmessenger.com
December 20, 2020 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 9
Too much glitz and glamour in “e Prom”
Celebrities, whether they hail from the
entertainment industry, the music industry,
or the sporting world, are often criticized
for speaking out for a cause.
Much of this criticism is directed by socalled
fans who are unhappy their fave has
an opposing view or an alternative life
experience, but some of it comes from the
non-celebrities within the cause who are
skeptical that their support is only being
done for positive press.
Netflix’s “The Prom” tries to examine
the latter phenomenon in a cheekier and
less serious way, but while doing so it
becomes unaware that directorial choices
to focus on the star-studded aspect of the
story nudges the film into that category
despite its best intentions.
This decision, however unconsciously
made, gives off a faint whiff of self-importance
in an otherwise sweet story about
self-discovery and genuine activism.
The film, which is adapted from a Tonynominated
Broadway musical, begins in a
small town in Indiana at a Parent-Teacher
Association meeting.
Its chair, Mrs. Greene, (Kerry
Washington) has called an emergency
meeting at the school, complete with the
local press, to discuss one student’s desire
to bring her long-term girlfriend to the
upcoming prom. Scandalized by this idea,
which she considers to be an abomination,
she encourages the association to cancel
One of the most cherished Christmas
television specials is, “A Charlie Brown
Christmas.”
It first aired in 1965 and was groundbreaking
for its time - with its mix of profound
Christian philosophy expressed by
Linus’ speech about the first Christmas
contrasted with the secular commercial
trappings that inch into the observance of
the holiday.
I am joyfully thrust back decades in
time whenever I see this show.
Three years before Charlie Brown aired,
Mr. Magoo celebrated the holidays in 1962
with his own vision-challenged version of,
“A Christmas Carol.”
While he does not draw the same devotion
or notoriety as Charlie, Mr. Magoo is
worth the hunt to watch his version of
Ebenezer Scrooge during December.
Speaking of Scrooge–and I will argue
this until Rudolph’s red nose no longer
blazes a path through the night–there is
only one glorious cinematic version of
Charles Dickens’ masterpiece - the 1951
black and white film version starring
Alistair Sim.
It is as if Dickens wrote the timeless tale
with Sim in mind, framed against the gray
While “The Prom” is not a perfect
film by any stretch of the
imagination – it could have used
some fine tuning of the dialogue
and been trimmed by 20 minutes,
at least...
the festivities in order to be “fair to all students.”
When they do so, outrage is felt
throughout the LGBTQ community, their
allies, and the student body.
The latter’s displeasure and anger, however,
is directed at out lesbian Emma (newcomer
Jo Ellen Pellman) who only wants to
have a nice evening with her girlfriend and
classmates.
While this is happening in the Midwest,
outrage is also brewing in New York City,
but this comes from a slew of Broadway
actors who are mystified that critics had
negative things to say about their latest
play “Eleanor! The Eleanor Roosevelt
Musical.” Frustrated by the response
which called them unlikeable squirming
worms, former big-name stars Dee Dee
Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman
(James Corden) set off to find something to
“make their brand more appealing.”
Despite a few alcoholic beverages to get
the ideas flowing (and the sadness at a
manageable level), they come up with no
bleakness of London of
the 1840s. Sim is the
consummate Scrooge,
full of iconic smugness
in his devoted pursuit
of penny pinching and
financial gain.
Sim blurs the line
between actor and role
as he becomes the quintessential
curmudgeon,
using his height to lurk
over the less fortunate
with a craggy
face that runs the
gamut from hardened
miser to compassionate
uncle.
Scrooge’s redemption at the hands of a
trio of spirits showcases Sim’s dynamic acting
chops in a role made for the actor and a
holiday gift I unwrap year after year. If you
only have time to watch one holiday classic,
make it this version of “A Christmas
Carol.”
ideas on how to make themselves more
marketable or likeable, the former deemed
more important than the latter. While
drowning in their sorrows, they learn from
fellow struggling actors (but with less
name and face recognition) Angie
Dickinson (Nicole Kidman) and Trent
Oliver (Andrew Rannells) about the goings
on in that small Indiana town.
Being a gay man, Barry can empathize
with Emma’s plight and being considered
one of the great “gay positive icons,” Dee
Dee can too, in her own way.
Knowing they can make a difference
from their celebrity, the pair, alongside
Angie and Trent, set off for small-town
Indiana to “change the minds of those bigoted
monsters” and snag some positive
press in the process.
Though the story is largely centered
around Emma and the challenges she and
her closeted girlfriend, Alyssa Greene,
(Ariana DeBose) face, the film’s primary
focus is on the more well-known cast of
characters played by actors Streep,
Kidman, Corden and, to a lesser degree,
Rannells.
As I have not seen the Broadway play in
full — I did catch their showcase at the
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that,
ironically, drew heavy criticism when it
featured a scene with the two female leads
kissing — I do not know if that is the case in
that medium as well but the film version
Likewise, Irving Berlin’s homage to the
holidays– “White Christmas” –is another
gift I give myself.
The ending alone - where all the stage
trappings are pulled away to showcase the
snow falling outside as the four lead actors
waltz around in the most amazing holiday
costumes ever - is another cinematic
Christmas card.
“White Christmas” whirls around the
screen in glorious color, song, and dance
under the stewardship of Bing Crosby, Danny
Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen.
Yes, it is a classic boy meets girl, boy
loses girl and everyone is happy in the end
story, but it is oh so much more. It is also
poignant, a tale of doing something nice for
someone who gave so much, full of hope.
Will it or won’t it snow? It is also filled with
songs that have stood the test of time.
The Reel Deal
feels slightly less
disingenuous with its
focus on them. Yes,
they are the funniest
parts of the musical
and, yes, to its credit,
it does show their
characters trying to
grow as fully realized
Dedra
Cordle
narcissistic adults,
but the film could
have done a better job
at balancing the two topically important
stories.
While “The Prom” is not a perfect film
by any stretch of the imagination — it could
have used some fine tuning of the dialogue
and been trimmed by 20 minutes, at least —
it is a brightly enjoyable look at two
teenage girls finding their inner strength
through their love for each other, a mess of
adults trying to improve their behaviors to
better themselves and the world, and a possible
future where the lights on Broadway
can shine once again.
Grade: C+
Dedra Cordle is a Messenger staff writer
and columnist.
Let’s talk about Christmas television specials and films
Places
entertainment
Linda
Dillman
“White Christmas” whirls
around the screen in glorious
color, song, and dance under the
stewardship of Bing Crosby,
Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
and Vera Ellen.
What more could you ask for?
Unless it happens to be Rankin and
Bass’ stop-motion 1964 animation classic
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” another
case of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy
finds friends and a snow monster and gets
girl. Or, if you rather, Santa makes a big
mistake. Rudolph saved Santa’s reputation,
the Island of Misfit Toys, and
Christmas.
My list of holiday cinematic happiness is
not complete without mentioning my modern
favorites – “A Christmas Story,”
“Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas,”
“Christmas Vacation,” “Elf,” “Jingle All the
Way,” and “The Polar Express” (the ending
makes me cry every single time).
So, drag along a millennial or two, grab
a cup of hot cocoa (topped with marshmallows,
of course) and join me in the pursuit
of the classics - holiday style.
Linda Dillman is a Messenger staff writer.

PAGE 10 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
www.columbusmessenger.com
CLASSIFIED ADS
Deadlines: Groveport and West editions, Wednesdays at 5 p.m., • South/Canal Winchester, Grove City, Madison editions, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
All editions by phone, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. • Service Directory, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
xEmployment
xChristmas Greeting
FREE TRAINING TO BECOME A
REGISTERED PHARMACY TECH
WHILE YOU WORK!
Kroger Pharmacy Warehouse
in the Rickenbacker area is
Direct Hiring all shift.
First (M-F), Second (S-Th.) and Third (Sat.-W)
Shifts available.
Starting pay for first shift is $12.50 per hour.
Starting pay for second and third shift is $14.00.
Must be 18 years of age, have a high school
disploma or GED, pass a mandatory drug and
FBI/BCI background screening.
These are entry level positions, packing, sorting, RF
scanning, shipping in a fast paced environment.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds with or without
accommodation. Please apply at:
jobs.kroger.com
Search using Zip Code 43217
Call 614-333-5011 for more details.
WANTED
SW CITY SCHOOLS
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
The South-Western City School
District is currently hiring drivers
for the 2020-2021 school year
$16.55/HR
Available positions are for substitute drivers
that can develop into “Regular” positions with
benefits. Interested individuals should submit
an application on our website at swcsd.us.
Follow the employment link. Applicants should
have an excellent driving record and must
submit to drug, alcohol, and background
screening. A high school diploma or equivalent
is required.
EOE
Employment
BE YOUR OWN BOSS!
INDEPENDENT
CONTRACTORS
WANTED
If you have a reliable
car and would like to
earn extra money,
then why not deliver?
• Deliver 1 or 2 days a week
• Flexible delivery hours
• Work close to home - often
in or near your neighborhood
CONTACT US
1-888-837-4342
www.thebag.com
• Deliver 7 days a week
• Delivery before dawn
• Work close to home - often
in or near your neighborhood
CONTACT US
614-461-8585
www.dispatch.com/delivery
May the coming season renew
your belief in the magic
of this special season.
We do believe in the goodness
of people like you.
Merry Christmas and
many thanks for your
faith in us this past year.
THE
COLUMBUS
MESSENGER
NEWSPAPERS
Christmas Greeting
xMisc. for Sale
Misc. for Sale
INFORMATION
IQ TESTED
THE CHURCH
OF SCIENTOLOGY
CENTRAL OHIO
TEST CENTER
Offers for a limited time,
free intelligence and
personality tests.
Your IQ, personality
and aptitude determine
your future. Know them.
No obligations.
1266 Dublin Road,
Columbus
ASSOCIATION ADS
READER
ADVISORY
The National Trade Association
we belong to has
purchased the following
classifieds. Determining
the value of their service
or product is advised by
this publication. In order
to avoid misunderstandings,
some advertisers do
not offer “employment”
but rather supply the
readers with manuals, directories
and other materials
designed to help
their clients establish mail
order selling and other
ASSOCIATION ADS
businesses at home. Under
NO circumstance
should you send any
money in advance or give
the client your checking,
license ID or credit card
numbers. Also beware of
ads that claim to guarantee
loans regardless of
credit and note that if a
credit repair company
does business only over
the phone it’s illegal to request
any money before
delivering its service. All
funds are based in US
dollars. Toll Free numbers
may or may not
reach Canada. Please
check with the Better
Business Bureau 614-
486-6336 or the Ohio Attorney
General’s Consumer
Protection Section
614-466-4986 for more
information on the company
you are seeking to
do business with.
VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60
pills for $99. 100 pills for
$150 FREE shipping.
Money back guaranteed!
1-844-596-4376
GENERIC VIAGRA and
CIALIS! 100 Pills $99.00
FREE Shipping! 100%
guaranteed. 24/7 CALL
NOW! 888-889-5515
ASSOCIATION ADS
NEED IRS RELIEF
$10K-$125K+ Get Fresh
Start or Forgiveness.
Call 1-844-431-4716
Monday through Friday
7am-5pm PST
Hearing Aids at Sensible
Prices - Starting at $69.99
New Hearing Technology
Available to Everyone!
WiderSound® Hearing
Aids bring you technologically
advanced hearing
aids. No prescription required!
Visit
http://bit.ly/WiderSound4U
and get yours today!
CARS/TRUCKS WANT-
ED!!! All Makes/Models
2002-2019! Any Condition.
Running or Not. Top $$$
Paid! Free Towing! We’re
Nationwide! Call Now: 1-
888-985-1806
IMPORTANT
NOTICE
The following states: CA,
CT, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY,
LA, MD, ME, MI, MN,
NE, NC, NH, OH, OK,
SC, SD, TX, VT and WA
requires seller of certain
business opportunities to
register with each state
before selling. Call to
verify lawful registration
before you buy.
ASSOCIATION ADS
SELL YOUR ANTIQUE
OR CLASSIC CAR.
Advertise with us. You
choose where you want
to advertise. 800-450-
6631 visit macnetonline.
com for details.
HughesNet Satellite Internet
- 35mbps starting
at $49.99/mo! Get More
Data, FREE Off-Peak
Data. FAST download
speeds. WiFi built in!
FREE Standard Installation
for lease customers!
Limited Time. Call 1-855-
973-9254
Want Faster & Affordable
Internet? Get internet
service today with
Earthlink. Best internet &
WiFi Plans. Call us Today
to Get Started. Ask
about our specials! 866-
396-0515
Elminate gutter cleaning
forever! LeafFilter, the
most advanced debrisblocking
gutter protection.
Schedule a FREE
LeafFilter estimate today.
15% off Entire Purchase.
10% Senior &
Military Discounts. Call
1-855-402-0373
ASSOCIATION ADS
DISH Network $59.99 For
190 Channels. Add High
Speed Internet for ONLY
$19.95/month. Call Today
for $100 Gift Card! Best
Value & Technology.
FREE installation. Call 1-
855-837-9146 (some restrictions
apply)
Call Empire Today® to
schedule a FREE inhome
estimate on Carpeting
& Flooring. Call
Today! 1-855-404-2366
Stay in your home longer
with an American Standard
Walk-In Bathtub. Receive
up to $1,500 off,
including a free toilet,
and a lifetime warranty
on the tub and installation!
Call us at 1-855-
481-3969 or visit www.
walkintubquote.com/national
Thinking about installing
a new shower? American
Standard makes it
easy. FREE design consultation.
Enjoy your
shower again! Call 1-
855-337-8855 today to
see how you can save
$1,000 on installation, or
visit www.newshowerdeal.com/cadnet

www.columbusmessenger.com
xPublic Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
SURPLUS AUCTION
By Resolution, Madison Township, Franklin County, Ohio will list surplus
items via online auctions through Govdeals.com.
During the online auctions the following will be offered from 8:00 pm.
January 3rd, 2021 through 8:00 p.m. January 17, 2021:
10 ft. Bonnell Snow Plow ($100.00 reserve)
Tailgate salt spreader
Complete auction details can be accessed on the Govdeals website at
Govdeals.com
All inquiries and questions must go through Govdeals.com
For complete description and step by step instructions on how to find
these items on the auction site please visit:
www.madisontownship.org, click on Administration and then Auctions.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
You are hereby notified that the City of
Groveport will be holding a Public
Hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at
6:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the
Groveport Municipal Building, 655
Blacklick Street, Groveport, Ohio for:
Ord. 2020-050 - AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE
FINAL PLAT FOR 5090 HENDRON ROAD, REDWOOD
USA, LLC, APPLICANT, PARCEL NUMBERS 185-002762
AND 185-002763.
All regular and special meetings of Council are open to
the public. The application for this zoning request is on
file in the office of the Clerk of Council for review.
Ruthanne Sargus Ross, CMC
Clerk of Council
ASSOCIATION ADS
AUTOMOTIVE
Get cash for your used
or junk car today. We
buy all cars, trucks &
SUVs. Free pick up. Call
888-368-1016
Need IRS Relief $10K -
$125K+ Get Fresh Start
or Forgiveness Call 1-
877-378-1182 Monday
through Friday 7AM-5PM
PST
[CARS/TRUCKS
WANTED!!!]
All Makes/Models 2002-
2019! Any Condition. Running
or Not. Competitive
Offer! Free Towing! We
are Nationwide! Call Now:
1-888-368-1016
NEED TO SELL YOUR
VACATION HOME OR
HUNTING CAMP?
Advertise it here and
neighboring publications.
We can help you. Contact
MACnet MEDIA @
800-450-6631 or visit our
site at MACnetOnline.
com
Public Notices
ASSOCIATION ADS
Wants to purchase minerals
and other oil and gas
interests. Send details to
P.O. Box 13557, Denver,
CO. 80201
PAY 0% Processing
Fees! Gain track and
make your business viable
by keeping up with
payment technology.
866-722-7434 Cash
Discounts.com
DIRECTV - Every live
football game, every
Sunday - anywhere - on
your favorite device. Restrictions
apply. Call IVS
1-855-781-1565
Cross Country Moving,
Long distance Moving
Company, out of state
move $799 Long Distance
Movers. Get Free
quote on your Long distance
move 1-844-452-
1706
DISH TV $59.99 FOR 190
Channels + $14.95 High
Speed Internet. Free Installation,
Smart HD DVR
Included, Free Voice Remote.
Some restrictions
apply. Call 1-855-270-
5098
***NOTICE OF MEETING***
MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 - 6:00 P.M.
GROVEPORT MUNICIPAL BUILDING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS—2ND FLOOR
#2020-09 — A request by Ben Punturi for a Final
Development Plan at 480–490 Main Street, Parcel
#185-000224 and #185-000200.
#2020-10 — A request by Ben Punturi for a Final
Plat at 480-490 Main Street, Parcel #185-000224
and #185-000200.
The public is invited to attend and participate.
ASSOCIATION ADS
The Generac PWRcell, a
solar plus battery storage
system. SAVE money,
reduce your reliance
on the grid, prepare for
power outages and power
your home. Full installation
services available.
$0 Down Financing Option.
Request a FREE,
no obligation quote today.
Call 1-866-586-
7248
GENERAC Standby
Generators. The weather
is increasingly unpredictable.
Be prepared for
power outages. FREE 7-
year extended warranty
($695 value!) Schedule
your FREE in-home assessment
today. Call 1--
855-447-6780 Special financing
available for
qualified customers.
INSURANCE
Medicare, Health & Life
Insurance 614-805-1084
WANT TO BUY
We Buy Cars & Trucks
$300-$3000.614-308-2626
ATTENTION
Townships,
Villages, illages,
Cities, Etc.
ADVERTISE
Your Public
or Legal
Notices with
us and reach
a lot more
citizens!
For Display Rates
Call
The
COLUMBUS
MESSENGER
614-272-5422
PLANNING AND
ZONING COMMISSION
WANT TO BUY
WANTS TO Purchase
minerals and other oil &
gas interests. Send details
to: P.O. Box 13557,
Denver, CO 80201
ANTIQUES
WANTED
Victrolas, Watches,
Clocks, Bookcases
Antiques, Furn.
Jeff 614-262-0676
or 614-783-2629
We Buy Junk Cars &
Trucks. Highest Prices
Paid. 614-395-8775
WE BUY HOUSES
FOR CASH
ANY CONDITION
CALL/TEXT 614-350-4511
VACATION RENTALS
Englewood, Florida
Palm Manor Resort
Within minutes of white
sand Gulf beaches,
world famous Tarpon
fishing, golf courses, restaurants/shopping,
Bush
Gardens. 2 BR 2 BA
condos with all ammenities,
weekly/monthly, visit
www.palmmanor.com
or call 1-800-848-8141
December 20, 2020 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 11
xClassified Services
APPLIANCE REPAIR
Washer, Dryer, Stove &
Refrig. Repair 875-7588
BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
Walker’s Basement
Waterproofing. LLC
614-359-4353
CARPET CLEANING
DIRT BUSTERS
HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
Any 5 areas $75.
614-805-1084
Specializing in Pet Odors
CLEANING
Looking for Mrs. Clean?
For excellent cleaning serv
at reas. rates w/great refs,
depend. 10% Sr Disc.
Free Est. Disinfectant
Fogging Now Avail.
Gwen 614-226-5229
CONCRETE
AJ’s Concrete,
Masonry
Good Work - Fair Prices
Block Foundations
Driveways • Sidewalks
Epoxy/Overlay Floors
Bonded-Ins. • Free Ests.
614-419-9932
EDDIE MOORE
CONSTRUCTION
Quality Concrete Work
Lt. Hauling & Room Add.,
Block Work & Excavation
Stamp Patios,
Bsmt. Wall Restoration
35 Yrs Exp - Lic & Ins.
Free Ests. 614-871-3834
Buckeye City
Concrete & Excavating
* Concrete * Foundations
* Waterlines * Drains
*Catch Basins
614-749-2167
buckeyecityconcreteand
excavating@yahoo.com
GUTTERS
Bates & Sons
GUTTER CLEANING
5 ★ Google Reviews
614-586-3417
Low Price-Great Service
5 & 6” Seamless gutters,
covers, siding, gutter clng.
Bill 614-306-4541
HEATING
HEATING
Complete System Clean & Check
$49.95
Free Carbon
Monoxide Testing
Gas-Oil-Electric Heat/Pumps
All Makes • All Models
43 yrs exp. • Sr. Discount
614-351-9025
1/17 A
1/17 A/M
1/17 A
HOME
IMPROVEMENTS
SINCE 1973
Phil Bolon Contr.
Windows & Siding
Decks, Kitchens, Baths
Room Additions,
Flooring, Roofing
Bsmt Waterproofing
Deal With Small Non-Pressure Co.
47 Yrs. Exp. - Refs. Avail.
Lic.-Bond-Ins.
Free Est. - Financing Avail.
Member BBB Of Cent. OH
O.C.I.E.B. ID #24273
614-419-3977
or 614-863-9912
KLAUSMAN HOME
IMPROVEMENT
Siding-Windows-
Doors-Roofing-Soffit-
Fascia-Gutters-Trim
Earn FREE Seamless
Gutters with Siding Over
1000 Sq. Ft.
FREE Shutters with
Soffit & Trim
EPA Certified
Member of BBB
Financing Available
Over 20 yrs exp. • Free Est.
Licensed-Bonded-Insured
Owner & Operator
James 614-419-7500
C&JHandyman
Services LLC
Minor Plumbing
& Electric
Install Hot Water Tanks,
Dishwashers & Disposals
Also Fencing &
Interior/Exterior Painting
Free Est. ~ 18 Yrs. Exp.
CDC/EPA Approved Guidelines
614-284-2100
HOME
MAINTENANCE
1-17
A/M
JOE’S HOME MAINT.
Home Repairs, Roofing,
Siding, Gutters, Soffits,
Misc. Int. Repairs
Int. Painting
Call Joe 614-778-1460
37 Years Exp.
11-29 A
1-3 A
HOME
MAINTENANCE
Professional Drywall
Finishing Services
“We Do It All”
From New Builds to Remodels
Call Now For Est.
614-202-9152
LAWN CARE
LET US MAINTAIN
YOUR LAWN & GARDEN
FOR YOU
Summer, Spring,
Winter or Fall
WE DO IT ALL!!!!
Lawn Cuts, Edging,
Trees & Shrubs, Garden,
Mulching, Hauling,
Garden Pond &
Home Maint.
Free Ests. Low Rates
$20 & Up
Kevin - 614-905-3117
MOVING
Aaron Allen
Moving
Local Moving since 1956
Bonded and Insured
614-299-6683
614-263-0649
Celebrating
over 60 yrs
in business
PAINTING
Painter Over 30 Yrs Exp.
Free Est. Reas Rates
Daniel 614-226-4221
A Job Well Done Again
A lic. General Contractor
Some Skilled Services
Incl: Painting • Stucco,
Repair•Carpentry•Exterior
Drainage & Home Maint.
Call Today! 614-235-1819
PLASTERING
DRYW
YWALL &
PLASTER
1/3
A&M
REPAIR
Textured Ceilings
614-551-6963
Residential/Commercial
BIA
Getting Your Home
Ready for the
Holidays?
Check Out The
Service Directory
and Find What
You Need
From A-Z.
Classified Services
1-3 A/M
1-17 A&M
PLUMBING
CHRIS’
PLUMBING
“Plumbing & Drain Professional
That You Can Count On”
24 Hrs., 7 Days/Week
No Overtime Charges
24 Yrs. Exp. in Plumbing &
Drain Cleaning Field
Call For A Free Phone Estimate
$100.00 For Any Small Drain
614-622-4482
30% OFF with AD
All About Drains & Plumb.
Will snake any sm drain
$125 + tax. 614-778-2584
ALL IN ONE
PLUMBING LLC
“One Call Does It All”
$25 OFF LABOR
1/3
With This Ad
A
614-801-1508
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
POWER WASHING
Bates & Sons
Soft Wash & Powerwash
5 ★ Google Reviews
614-586-3417
ROOFING
Robinson roofing & repairs
30 yrs. exp. Lifetime Cols.
resident. Lic./bonded/Ins.
Reas rates. Member of
BBB. Dennis Robinson
614-330-3087, 732-3100
SEWING MACHINE
REPAIR
REPAIR all makes 24 hr.
service. Clean, oil, adjust
in your home. $49.95 all
work gtd. 614-890-5296
TREE SERVICES
Brewer & Sons Tree Service
• Tree Removal
• Tree Trimming 1-3
A&M
• Stump Grinding
• Bucket Truck Services
Best Prices • Same Day Service
614-878-2568
INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION
1/3 A/M

PAGE 12 - SOUTHEAST MESSENGER - December 20, 2020
Libraries return to curbside
and walk-up services
The Columbus Metropolitan Library
system returned to curbside and walk-up
services only on Nov. 21.
The move was in response to the joint
health advisory issued by the city of
Columbus and Franklin County, advising
residents to leave home only to go to work
or school, or for essential needs.
As of Nov. 21, there is no public entry
into any of the libraries, however curbside
pickup and walk-up services are available.
The Marion-Franklin Branch will be
closed for all services, including returns.
The libraries will continue to follow
guidelines provided by local, county and
state health officials and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Digital library resources remain available
24/7 at columbuslibrary.org, including
eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies
and music, plus research and learning
tools.
The library system has many channels
for customers to connect with staff, including:
•Live Chat: CML’s live chat feature is a
convenient way to get help Monday
through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
•Phone Lines: CML staff are available
at 614-645-2275 to give customers the help
they need Monday through Thursday from
9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9
a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
•School Help: K-12 students, parents
and teachers can connect with staff members
for Online Homework Help.
•Reserve an Expert: Customers can
book an online, one-on-one appointment to
get the help they need.
Follow CML on social media (Facebook,
Twitter) and check columbuslibrary.org for
updates. Additional changes in operation
will be shared as this rapidly evolving public
health situation continues to unfold.
RITA non-filing notice
The city of Groveport contracts with the
Regional Income Tax Agency (R.I.T.A.) to
perform collection duties for the city’s
income tax.
During the week of Nov. 30, R.I.T.A. will
mail Non-Filing Income Tax Notices to residents
and businesses who may have been
required to file a city of Groveport income
tax return for calendar year 2019. Please
know that if you receive one of the notices
you should contact the R.I.T.A.
Compliance Department at (800) 860-7482,
the Groveport’s Finance Department at
www.columbusmessenger.com
(614) 836-5301 or Groveport’s Tax
Administrator at (614) 352-8725 to discuss
resolution of the issue.
Groveport Road studies
Groveport City Engineer Steve Farst
said two studies will be conducted along
the Groveport Road corridor. One is a safety
study between Greenpointe Drive and
the Kroger entrance to identify and design
intersection improvements at Greenpointe
Drive and at State Route 317. The other is
a planning study of the thoroughfare route
between Bixby Road and State Route 317.
Senior Transportation
•Groveport senior transportation provides
transportation for senior and disabled residents
of the city of Groveport. For information
call 836-7433.
Marcy Trinity
Lutheran Church
9980 Marcy Road
Ashville, OH 43103
(at the corner of St. Rt. 674 and Marcy Road.)
Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service - 7:00 p.m.
For more info visit: www.marcytrinitylutheranchurch.com
Groveport
Christmas Church Services
Hopewell United Methodist Church
4348 London Lancaster Rd.
Groveport
Pastor Wendy Hansen-Smith
Sunday Services Premier at 10:30 A.M.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Lessons,
Carols, Communion and Dreaming with God
Premiers at 6:00 P.M. December 24
Hopewell UMC Groveport YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNVIK EXLRygF7CzHtmcdLg
2020 has been a year of great disappointment, distraction
and depression. Yet there is a bright spot during all of this: JESUS.
He is the light that shines in midst of our dark days of
disappointment, distractions, and depression.
He is One who never leaves us nor forsake us.
He is the Savior who brings hope, joy, peace,
and love into any and every situation.
So this Christmas lets take time to center our hearts around
The Gift that is Jesus by joining us for our
Christmas Eve Celebration Service
December 24th at 6:00 p.m.
Join us at the church or watch the live stream from the comfort of your
home on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistgroveport
First Baptist wishes our community a very Merry Christmas!
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GROVEPORT
5521 Groveport Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
www.1fbcg.com
Vine Life
Assembly of God
434 Main St.
Groveport, OH 43125
In person Advent Service Dec. 20 at 10:45
Or you can view at
Facebook.com/VineLifeAG
St. Mary Catholic Church
5684 Groveport Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
614-497-1324
Christmas Mass Schedule
December 24th: 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Masses
December 25th: 9:00 a.m. Mass
Visit our website: https://groveportstmary.org/
Visit our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Groveport-Ohio-
172732466107961
5336 Gender Road, Canal Winchester
Christmas Eve services include
Virtual Worship beginning at 4:30 P.M.
On Demand at genderroadcc.com
Outdoor Service with Carols,
Communion & Candlelight
at 6:30 P.M.
www.genderroadcc.com
Groveport Presbyterian Church
275 College Street
Groveport, OH 43125
Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 pm
&
Worship Sunday Mornings at 10:30 am
Brice United
Methodist Church
3160 Brice Road, Brice, Ohio 43109
614-866-3025
Pastor Nick Shaw
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - 6:30 pm
Contact Church for further deatails.
Sunday Morning Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.