Westside Messenger - April 23rd, 2023

Messenger 

Westside 

April 23 - May 6, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XLIX, No. 21 

4220 W. Broad St. 

(Across from Westland Mall) 

614 272-6485 open 7 days a week 

Featuring 

our 

famous 

STEAK 

COMBO!! 

Jamming at 

the Jamboree 

Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle 

Art enthusiasts and music lovers 

throughout the central Ohio region 

came out to the westside on April 15 to 

experience good art and great tunes at 

the Hilltop Spring Jamboree. Presented 

by Music Columbus in partnership with 

the Hilltop Arts Collective and We 

Amplify Voices, the festive event featured 

half-a-dozen musical acts, an 

instrument “petting zoo” where individuals 

could learn a new instrument courtesy 

of Music Loves Ohio and Music Go 

Round, and create-your-own art opportunities 

for beginners and experts alike. 

Pictured here during a set for The Real is 

lead vocalist Ariadne Francis. In addition 

to The Real, the Hilltop Spring 

Jamboree also featured performances 

from blucone, Dom Deshawn, Parker 

Louis, and Use Your Ears. 

See more jamboree photos on page 3. 

OneField for 

all abilities 

By Dedra Cordle 

Staff Writer 

Dorothy Meadows did not want to let 

cerebral palsy get in the way of her dream 

of becoming a star soccer player, but sometimes 

she could not help but wonder 

whether the outdoor setting was going to 

keep her from reaching her potential. 

When Dorothy began playing the sport 

as a child, the athletic fields where the 

game was played did not look as it does 

today for individuals with special needs. 

“Back then, it was just dirt,” said her 

mother, Pamela Carter. “If we were lucky, 

it had boundary lines drawn on it.” 

Although her child knew that her 

wheelchair was bound to get dirty — so 

much so that the duo from Blacklick would 

See ONEFIELD page 4 

Inside 

Isla McQuade, a future chalk artist from 

the westside, puts a personal touch on 

the artwork that was near her station. 

Jeremiah Wilmer, 9, tests his skills on the guitar. 

Pets of the Week .................. 10 

The Reel Deal ........................ 11 

City News 

City of Columbus appoints a new 

director of public service Page 6 

Celebrating 150 Years 

Columbus Metropolitan Library 

celebrates a milestone Page 16 

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 

Serving Superior Health Care to the 55+ Community 

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PAGE 2 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - April 23, 2023 

Free lunch at Hilltop Methodist 

The United Hilltop Methodist Church will host a free community 

lunch every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located 

at 99 S. Highland Ave. 

In Education 

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South-Western City School District Board of Education president Anthony Caldwell (left) and vice-president 

Lee Schreiner (right) have been recognized with the Ohio School Boards Association’s STAR Training Award. 

“Stars’ in the school district 

South-Western City School District Board of 

Education president Anthony Caldwell and vice-president 

Lee Schreiner have been named recipients of the 

Ohio School Boards Association’s (OSBA) STAR 

Training Award. 

The OSBA STAR Award program consists of four 

individual awards in the categories of: service, training, 

aptitude and recognition. The program is a pointsbased 

program where the OSBA recognizes board 

members who exceed certain thresholds based on the 

amount of time served on behalf of the schools and 

communities they represent. 

Caldwell and Schreiner received individual STAR 

Training Awards based on 200 or more points accrued 

in service through engagement in professional development 

events and activities offered by the OSBA and 

associate organizations such as the Consortium of 

State School Boards Associations. 

Annually, the OSBA Training Award is presented 

to a very select group of school board members. Of the 

more than 3,400 board members in Ohio, Caldwell and 

Schreiner are two of 29 who will receive the honor in 

2023. Both were recognized at the central Ohio regional 

conference last month. 

COSI named as finalist for nation’s highest honor 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services 

announced that the Center of Science and Industry 

(COSI) is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National 

Medal for Museum and Library Service. 

COSI is one of only three institutions in Ohio to be 

selected as a finalist for this award. 

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor 

given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant 

impact in their communities. For more than 

25 years, the award has honored institutions that 

demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. 

“COSI is honored to be recognized among such a 

notable and distinguished selection of IMLS National 

Medal Finalists,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president 

and CEO of COSI. “At COSI we know that science is 

everywhere and for everyone; and with our ONE 

TEAM philosophy we strive to design inclusive, engaging 

and inspiring STEAM-based experiences for local 

and global communities. Standing beside our colleague 

culturals and libraries, as innovative impactful institutions, 

is an exciting validation of our efforts. I congratulate 

all 29 other finalists and celebrate their 

respective contributions. Indeed, it takes a village!” 

“So many museums and libraries across the country 

are committed to providing programs that are vital to 

the health and growth of engaged communities. We are 

very proud to announce the 30 finalists for this year’s 

IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby 

Kemper. “These institutions represent the best of what 

museums and libraries do for their communities.” 

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging 

COSI’s community members to share stories, memories, 

pictures, and videos on social media using the 

hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and 

engage with IMLS on Twitter, Facebook and 

Instagram. For information visit the IMLS website. 

National Medal winners will be announced in May. 

Representatives from winning institutions will be honored 

for their extraordinary contributions during an 

in-person National Medals Ceremony this summer. 

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about 

the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.


JAMBOREE 

Continued from page 1 

April Wu adds a flower to the public mural. 

South Central 

Hilltop Spring Cleanup 

The 21st annual South Central Hilltop 

Block Watch Spring Cleanup will be held 

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6. Participants 

will meet at the neighborhood park behind 

Burroughs Elementary School, 551 S. 

Mother’s Day 

Buffet 

around the westside 

Yum’s the word at our delicious 

Mother’s Day Buffet! 

Sunday, May 14th 

NOON - 4pm 

April 23, 2023 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 3 

$28.95 per person plus tax 

Family Table (seats up to 6) $159 plus tax 

Appetizers • 3 Blend Salad • Ribs • Chicken • Pork Brisket 

Variety of Side Selections • Beautiful Desserts & Beverages 

(Cash Bar Available) 

CALL JP’s Boltonfield 

614-878-7422 

www.JPSBBQ.com 

Richardson Ave., to spread out and pick up 

litter in the area. Keep Columbus 

Beautiful will provide the cleanup tools, 

but volunteers are welcome to bring their 

own trash picker and favorite pair of 

gloves. For more information on the spring 

cleanup, look up the South Central Hilltop 

Block Watch on Facebook. 

Music (Rick Barr) 

Reservations Required. 

Limited Seating. 

Tammy Cole and her 5-year-old Belgian Groenendael, Ari, try to learn how to play 

the piano on the giant piano mat on display at the instrument “petting zoo.” 

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ONEFIELD 

Continued from page 1 

joke that they would have to make a pass 

through the car wash afterward — Dorothy 

was willing to be coated with as much 

sand, silt, and clay as possible in order to 

play the game that she loved. 

Throughout the years, recreation fields 

started to adapt more to children and 

adults who need to use walkers and wheelchairs 

and other mobility tools to safely get 

around but even those had their own set of 

drawbacks. 

“The grass fields were many steps above 

the dirt fields that she played on when she 

was a child,” said Carter, “but she would 

always have to stay on the sidelines if the 

conditions on the ground were not right.” 

For instance, they had thought that a 

grass field had properly dried from a previous 

rain event but soon realized that was 

not the case when Dorothy’s wheelchair 

got stuck in the mud. While she may have 

wanted to push through these conditions 

in order to play, she soon became exasperated 

by the poor field conditions that kept 

her from the game. 

“Dorothy does not like to quit at anything 

but it was a challenge for her to want 

to stick with soccer when the outdoor fields 

that they play on kept putting obstacles in 

her way,” said Carter. 

Lisa George said that is a frustration 

she knows all too well. 

For the past decade, George has been 

the director of TOPSoccer Columbus, a 

community-based outreach program that 

teaches children and adults living with 

mental or physical disabilities how to play 

the game. She said she can see the mounting 

stress that crosses their faces when 

their walkers or wheelchairs get stuck in 

the mud or when they lose their balance 

because the ground has lost its level. 

“You can literally see all of these struggles 

impact their joy of playing soccer,” she 

said. “We want people to enjoy the sport, to 

feel safe while they are playing it, and not 

have to worry about whether their walkers 

are going to stick in the ground or whether 

the wheels on their wheelchairs are going 

to lock because the ground is making it 

impossible to move.” 

George said as someone who comes from 

a family who “eats, lives, and breathes soccer,” 

allowing these field conditions to sap 

about the happiness that is found through 

this sport for people of all abilities was just 

unacceptable. 

“Something had to be done about it,” 

she said. 

Although she did not know it at the 

time, officials in Prairie Township were 

sharing her thoughts. When discussions 

began to build up the land that would later 

become the Galloway Sports Complex, 

township leaders wanted to include an athletic 

field that was specifically designed for 

athletes with special needs in mind. 

“We started this project because we all 

believe that no one should be sidelined 

because of a disability,” said James Jewell, 

township administrator. 

In 2016, the township, local business 


Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle 

Athletes, coaches, and supporters of TOPSoccer Columbus, an outreach program that is designed to teach children and adults with 

special needs how to play the game, gathered at the Galloway Sports Complex on April 8 to celebrate the grand opening of a new 

athletic field that was created specifically with their abilities in mind. According to Prairie Township Administrator James Jewell, the 

artificial turf at the OneField is composed of ceramic coated sand which will allow individuals who use walkers and wheelchairs to 

have peace of mind knowing that their equipment will not get stuck in the grass while playing and it also has multiple layers of 

padding underneath to prevent concussions during the occasional fall while going after the ball. “Our hope is the artificial field will 

be a place where families and children with all abilities will connect to other families like them and provide a safe environment that 

eliminates the fear of being different,” he said. “Our expectation is that through the addition of the artificial turf field, central Ohio 

will become a more open, welcoming, accepting, and inclusive community.” 

partners and community advocates teamed 

up with George and TOPSoccer Columbus 

representatives to begin a massive outreach 

effort to seek state grants and 

fundraise to build a “one-of-a-kind” soccer 

complex on Galloway Road. 

Woody Woodward, the executive director 

of the Ohio Parks and Recreation 

Association, said although he was heartened 

by their mission to build a complex 

like the one they had in mind, he was a tad 

skeptical that it would actually be accomplished. 

“I thought that it sounded great but it 

might be a little ambitious,” he admitted. 

He said he stood corrected during an 

official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate 

the grand opening of the OneField at 

the Galloway Sports Complex on April 8. 

“It is amazing what can happen when 

people come together,” he said. 

According to Jewell, the artificial turf on 

the OneField is made out of ceramic coated 

sand so it will not stick to walkers and 

wheelchairs or other mobility devices that 

they players use. It was also made with 

additional layers of padding in order to 

reduce concussions should they lose their 

balance while pushing the ball down the 

pitch. 

The design of the field will also alleviate 

flooding concerns as there is a stormwater 

sewer underneath the field that will push 

excess water toward the wetland in the 

adjacent field — a measure that Carter says 

will keep her child and all others with 

wheelchairs on the field. 

“No more tires getting stuck in the 

mud,” she said. “We are so excited.” 

During the ceremony, Dorothy and her 

TOPSoccer Columbus teammates were 

able to learn the layout of the artificial turf 

— which can be used to hold multiple games 

simultaneously - before the season officially 

kicked-off on April 15. She worked on 

her dribbling skills and she glided across 

the smooth surface. 

She couldn’t help but give a wide grin as 

she came to the sideline. 

“It’s really nice,” she said. 

She encouraged others to learn the 

game so they too can reach their dreams of 

becoming a soccer star. 

Unlike the other athletic fields at the 

Galloway Sports Complex, permits are 

needed to access the OneField. Saturday 

mornings in the spring have been reserved 

for TOPSoccer Columbus but those wanting 

to use the field can inquire about availability 

by visiting Prairie Township’s website 

at prairietownship.org or by calling 

recreation director Michael Pollack at 614- 

982-2126. 

Dorothy Meadows, a multi-sport athlete 

from Blacklick, works on her dribbling 

skills on the in-field. Meadows, 26, has 

been playing sports since she was 5. She 

gave the new artificial turf her seal of 

approval. “It’s really nice,” she said.

www.columbusmessenger.com April 23, 2023 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 5 

Community Focus 

County uses grants to promote equity in healthcare 

The Franklin County Commissioners 

announced new grants totaling $1.6 million 

to community partner organizations for the 

purpose of promoting equity in healthcare 

for Franklin County residents. 

The nine grant recipients and their initiatives 

were chosen from among more 

than 50 applicants because of their focus on 

reducing disparities in health outcomes 

primarily for populations that have been 

historically underserved by high-quality 

healthcare and health services. 

“All of Franklin County’s residents 

deserve to have their basic healthcare 

needs met and to benefit from the large and 

modern healthcare infrastructure we have 

in place in Franklin County,” said Board of 

Commissioners president, John O’Grady. 

“Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case yet. 

Health outcomes like other life outcomes 

continue to depend on what zip code somebody 

lives in, their race or ethnicity, and 

how much money they have. These grants 

are an acknowledgement of those disparities 

and a first step toward reducing them.” 

The new grants are administered by the 

commissioners’ Community Partnership 

agency which has made similar grants 

since 2021, and which oversaw more than 

$10.5 million in total grant funding last 

year. Recipient organizations include the 

Children’s Hunger Alliance and the 

Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, both 

of which are expanding their nutritional 

support for at-risk youth, and the Cancer 

Support Community of Central Ohio and 

Physicians CareConnection, which are 

working to reduce barriers to care, including 

by providing education and other culturally 

appropriate services. In addition, 

Catholic Social Services will use the funding 

to provide preventative health measures 

aimed at central Ohio’s Hispanic population, 

Lutheran Social Services will use 

it to address health concerns for residents 

of the Faith Mission and CHOICES domestic 

violence shelters, and OhioHealth’s 

grant will go to maternal health and infant 

mortality efforts. 

“If there is anything that the recent pandemic 

has shown, it is that not everyone in 

our community is equally affected by issues 

of health and healthcare, and that there is 

a lot of work to be done to ensure that we’re 

succeeding together as a community in this 

area,” said commissioner Kevin Boyce. 

“Black and Brown residents are not only 

dealing with higher rates of some diseases 

and lower life expectancies, but also aren’t 

as likely to be able to get their kids in to see 

a doctor when they’re sick, let alone having 

access to things like prescriptions or mental 

or physical therapy.” 

Applicants for the new health equity 

grants were required to not only show that 

they are providing healthcare to residents 

in need, but that they are also focused on 

long-term improvements in health outcomes, 

and also on moving health equity 

forward within the organization and with 

its partners. The commissioners’ 2019 Rise 

Together Blueprint for Addressing Poverty 

in Franklin County identified disparate 

health outcomes as both a symptom and 

cause of poverty in our community. 

“A lot of our neighbors were just getting 

by even before the pandemic, and are only 

starting to get back on their feet now,” said 

commissioner Erica C. Crawley. “A large 

part of our mission as elected officials is to 

see to it that Franklin County families 

have the tools they need not just to survive, 

but to thrive, and working on issues of 

equity is at the top of our list as we do that. 

It is simply not acceptable that because of 

their race or the neighborhood they live in, 

people’s lives are cut short due to poorer 

health outcomes.” 

Franklin County Commissioners 2023 

Health Equity Grant Recipients 

•Cancer Support Community of Central 

Ohio: $150,000 to focus on reducing barriers 

to caner care, providing appropriate 

support, education, programs, and wraparound 

services for individuals impacted by 

cancer and who are disproportionately 

affected by health disparities 

•Catholic Social Services Inc.: $50,000 

to provide preventative health measures 

such as vaccines, mammograms, and 

behavioral health and education to Central 

Ohio’s Hispanic population 

•Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio: 

$150,000 to expand the heart healthy 

nutritional access program to all patients 

•Children’s Hunger Alliance: $150,000 

to provide healthy and nutritious meals to 

children at risk for food insecurity in 

Franklin County 

•FESTA: $8,000 to highlight the need 

for fitness to address physical and mental 

health among young people 

•Lutheran Social Services: $50,000 to 

provide diabetes and hypertension education 

to residents in the Faith Mission and 

CHOICES populations 

•OhioHealth Cooperation: $125,000 to 

provide comprehensive prenatal, postpartum, 

and women’s health care to women 

residing in Franklin County’s infant mortality 

hotspots 

•Physicians CareConnection: $500,000 

to provide high-touch care coordination 

that includes culturally and linguistically 

appropriate services 

•PrimaryOne Health: $500,000 to offer 

a broad range of services and programs to 

meet the health needs of women and their 

families 

For more information on the Franklin 

County Board of Commissioners, visit commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov. 

Helping to stock the Free Store 

The Hilltop Kiwanis group recently donated much needed baby hygiene products 

to the Free Store. Pictured here is Lt. Governor Ted Barrows, Kiwanian Pam Weaver, 

Executive Director of the Free Store Debra Stoner, Action Club President Amy 

Flanagan, and Kiwanis President Adam Miller. The Free Store is located at 61 

South Powell Ave. in Columbus. 

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Columbus appoints a new public safety director 

The Budget 

Process 

Continues 

As I outlined in my last communication with you, 

approving the fiscal year 2024-25 Ohio biennial 

budget by June 30 is the top priority of the 

General Assembly during the first portion of its 

2023-24 term. 

During my brief tenure on the five-member 

House Finance K12 Subcommittee, we have 

conducted hearings to obtain input from citizens 

and organizations that are stakeholders in our 

entire educational system. I also have held individual 

meetings with interested parties to gain as 

clear of an understanding as possible what our 

policy and spending priorities should be. Individually 

and collectively, our subcommittee has 

made recommendations to the full 33-member 

House Finance Committee. 

The Ohio Constitution requires that we fund our 

K12 schools in a thorough and efficient manner. 

To that end, the Legislature established the Fair 

School Funding Task Force, consisting mostly of 

K12 education professionals, to identify the 

precise costs involved in providing a fair and 

adequate education to all of our young people. 

The resulting Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) 

takes into account the variety of characteristics of 

Ohio’s 611 public school districts and their related 

enrollment size, property wealth, and student demographics, 

among others. To implement fully 

the FSFP will require six years, of which this 

budget represents years three and four. 

My priority is to keep our state on track to meet 

this objective, which means both continuing the 

funding phase-in and updating the base numbers 

from those of 2018 to 2022, the most recent year 

for which we have complete data. The result will 

be an increase in the state’s share of overall school 

funding, which will lessen the reliance on local 

property taxes. 

The cost of this phase of implementation will be 

more than an additional $1 billion annually. Fortunately, 

revenues have exceeded projections 

during the last two years. So, it appears that the 

funds can be available should the Legislature prioritize 

them in this way. Because the surplus may 

be large enough, the Legislature also is considering 

enacting a state income tax cut to return a 

part of the collected funds to our taxpayers. 

I also have proposed amendments related to science 

and mathematics initiatives, gifted education, 

and advanced placement course testing. In 

addition, I am joining with a number of colleagues 

to request a comprehensive study to identify and 

quantify the extra costs of educating children that 

come from economically disadvantaged situations, 

which now amount to about 48% of our student 

population statewide. 

(Dave Dobos represents the 10th District in the Ohio 

House of Representatives, which consists of parts of 

West, Southwest, and South Columbus, Grove City, 

and Urbancrest. He reports regularly on his activities 

in this position and his campaign has paid for this 

communication with you.) 

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Mayor Andrew Ginther announced that 

Kate McSweeney-Pishotti has been 

appointed the Columbus Director of Public 

Safety. 

McSweeney-Pishotti succeeds Robert 

Clark, who was recently named Vice 

President of Public Safety at the 

Philadelphia Housing Authority. 

“Kate brings a wealth of experience 

gained over more than three decades of 

public service in criminal justice, neighborhood 

safety and public policy,” said 

Ginther. “The relationships she’s forged 

with community stakeholders and with 

Columbus police and fire, combined with 

her deep commitment to the residents of 

Columbus, will ensure her success.” 

McSweeney-Pishotti is the first woman 

to serve as safety director. Most recently, 

she served as deputy chief of staff for 

Ginther, acting as the liaison to the department 

of public safety and working closely 

with the divisions of fire, police and support 

services. McSweeney-Pishotti will 

oversee more than 3,700 uniformed and 

civilian employees and an annual budget 

exceeding $700 million. She will also work 

closely with the newly formed office of violence 

prevention to advance non-law 

enforcement-based strategies to continue 

to reduce violent crime in Columbus. 

“I am honored and humbled by this 

incredible opportunity to lead the department 

of public safety,” said McSweeney- 

Pishotti. “It is an immense responsibility, 

but one I am prepared to accept. I am eager 

to continue the great work we’ve started, to 

support the women and men who keep our 

city safe, and to continue to advance 

change and reform our residents expect.” 

As deputy chief of staff, McSweeney- 

Pishotti helped implement the city’s firstever 

Civilian Police Review Board and the 

establishment of the Office of the Inspector 

General. She championed the Rapid 

Response Emergency Addiction Crisis 

Team, linking residents who experienced 

an overdose with treatment. She also 

helped guide the development of the Right 

Response Unit, which imbeds social workers 

and clinicians with 911 dispatchers to 

provide a holistic emergency response. She 

was also integral to the creation of the 

Public Safety Wellness Center — one of the 

first of its kind in the nation. 

McSweeney-Pishotti previously served 

as deputy director for the department of 

public safety following 18 years of service 

to Columbus City Council in the legislative 

research office and as an aide. Prior to 

that, she worked as a probation officer and 

as a bailiff for the Franklin County Court 

of Common Pleas. She holds a master’s 

degree in criminal justice administration 

from Tiffin University and a bachelor’s 

degree from the University of Dayton. 

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Mayor Andrew Ginther announced that 

Kate McSweeney-Pishotti (above) has 

been appointed the Columbus Director of 

Public Safety. McSweeney-Pishotti succeeds 

Robert Clark, who was recently 

named Vice President of Public Safety at 

the Philadelphia Housing Authority. 

community events 

Health Fair in Prairie Twp. 

The Prairie Township Community 

Center will host a Health Fair from 10 

a.m. to 12 p.m. April 29 at 5955 West 

Broad St. The free event will feature 

numerous vendors and include free screenings 

from Ohio Health and exercise 

demonstrations. For additional information, 

visit prairietownship.org. 

Touch-a-Truck 

Prairie Township will host a touch-atruck 

event from 12 to 2 p.m. May 20 at the 

Galloway Road Sports Complex, 1503 

Galloway Road. This free event offers local 

children the opportunity to get an up-close 

look at some of the trucks they see on the 

roadways. For additional information, visit 

prairietownship.org. 

Community Fest 

Franklinton Prep High School, located 

at 40 Chicago Ave. in Columbus is hosting 

a Community Fest on May 25 from 9 a.m. 

to 12 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity 

to talk to vendors and collect material 

about resources in the community for 

healthy living. There will be give-aways, 

free food and complimentary face-painting. 

For more information, contact Jackie 

Jenkins, student success coordinator at 

614-653-7135.


April 23, 2023 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 7 

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Columbus author publishes children’s book to prevent bullying 

By Sarah Slayman 

Staff Writer 

Paula Neal is a Columbus based author focusing on teaching 

clinical strategies to prevent early childhood bullying through 

story. 

Her first book, “I’m Gonna Have A Good Day!” was released in 

June of 2019, with her sequel “Breath, Gabby, Breath!” to be 

released next month. 

Neal graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree 

in early childhood education, and has used her studies for 25 years 

through roles in preschool administration. 

At her workplaces, she noted that bullying began at preschool 

age. She began to watch how the treatment certain kids were 

receiving were deeply affecting them and deserved far more attention 

than a simple slap on the wrist. 

She began asking questions about what made the child say 

what they did and gave room for the other child to speak about 

how it made them feel. She watched the frequency of bullying 

begin to decrease as an effect. Her staff then received professional 

training by Dr. Becky Bailey, who focuses on conscious discipline 

to aid social and emotional development. This tactic essentially 

uses technique to help calm the child and bring them to a level 

space prior to instilling any sort of discipline. 

“You have to have strategies for children and get to the root of 

what’s bothering them,” said Neal, adding that, though prepping 

for kindergarten is priority, the social and emotional development 

of these children is more critical. 

Neal responded to this newfound issue by authoring her first 

book, “I’m Gonna Have A Good Day”. The story follows a young 

girl named Gabby who relentlessly aims to have a good day, but 

rather falls into spells of rage and disrespect, and experiences no 

technique other than time out. Her disappointment in her inability 

to change and have a good day continues. This book has no real 

conclusion, but is rather used as a prompt for conversations about 

her behavior with kids, and leads to her sequel. 

Neal’s second book, “Breath Gabby Breath,” tells of Bailey’s 

training by showing the effectiveness of conscious discipline, particularly 

breathwork. It shows the gradient of Gabby’s ability to 

self regulate with help, and her peer’s ability to show their former 

bully compassion, offer friendship, and support her newfound 

calming technique. The sequel’s conclusion also communicates 

that, considering Gabby’s struggle to implement these strategies, 

though she didn't necessarily have a good day, it was a much better 

day, and that was more than enough. 

Neal believes that, to eliminate the repercussions that kids 

experience in middle or high school, we need to respond now at the 

birth of these destructive habits. 

Neal’s background ranges from low-income neighborhoods to 

elite private schools, showing that it is an issue unrelated to any 

socioeconomic status and all children can benefit from guidance in 

social and emotional development. 

It’s hard to acknowledge that toddlers are capable of bullying, 

but it’s even harder to help them recover from all the damage done 

later in life by allowing that behavior at such a formative age. 

Children are initially more aware of these dynamics than one 

would think, and are capable of developing compassion and strategies 

to remedy the issue. 

A young student demonstrated this at one of Neal’s local readings 

by responding to “I’m Gonna Have A Good Day” by saying, “I 

would become her friend and ask her what was going on.” 

Kids are absorbent and willing, but just need to be equipped 

with the tools. 

Neal’s books are available through her website, 

Paulajohnsonneal.com, as well as most all Columbus Metropolitan 

Libraries. She is available for readings at local schools. 

Messenger photo by Sarah Slayman 

Paula Neal is a Columbus based author 

focusing on teaching clinical strategies 

to prevent early childhood bullying 

through story. 

 

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WESTSIDE MESSENGER - April 23, 2023 PAGE 9 

New cars have been costly for quite 

some time, but those costs have spiked considerably 

since the onset of the COVID-19 

pandemic. That unprecedented rise has led 

many motorists to wonder how they can get 

more mileage out of their existing vehicles. 

According to data from Kelley Blue Book 

and Cox Automotive, the average cost of a 

new car in September 2021 was just over 

$45,000. That marked a $3,000 increase 

from June 2021 and a $5,000 increase from 

the end of 2020. 

Drivers who can’t afford to keep up with 

the rising cost of new vehicles can take 

these steps to keep their existing cars running 

smoothly for years to come. 

• Take care of the timing belt. Engines 

may get all the glory, but they cannot run 

smoothly without a fully functional timing 

belt. Engines need various components to 

do their job, and those components must do 

so at the right time for the engine to run 

smoothly. Fully functional timing belts 

help to synchronize movements, but belts 

must be replaced every so often. Owner’s 

manuals may note when to replace the timing 

belt, but they generally must be 

How to get the most out of an older vehicle 

replaced every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. 

That’s infrequent, but drivers can ask their 

mechanics to keep an eye on their timing 

belts. One issue many drivers encountered 

in the early months of the pandemic when 

people were driving less frequently was 

timing belts that were failing long before 

they reached the projected mile markers. 

That’s because infrequent driving can hasten 

the demise of the timing belt. This is 

something for aging drivers who no longer 

drive a lot to keep in mind. 

• Take care of the brakes and associated 

components. The experts at Popular 

Mechanics urge drivers of older vehicles to 

replace their brake fluid every two years. 

Popular Mechanics also advises drivers 

whose cars are more than seven years old 

to replace the rubber brake lines when 

major brake work is required. 

• Pay attention to oil levels. The older 

engines get, the more oil they’re going to 

burn. So drivers of older vehicles should 

check their oil levels more often than they 

would if their vehicles were brand new. 

This also is a great way to discover leaks 

before they lead to potentially significant 

issues. 

• Don’t skip maintenance appointments. 

Even if you’re still driving less due 

to the pandemic, it’s best not to skip recommended 

maintenance intervals. That’s true 

for drivers of all cars, but especially those 

whose vehicles are aging. Routine tune-ups 

and oil changes, which may need to become 

more frequent the older the vehicle gets, 

can keep cars running smoothly and protect 

the engine over the long haul. 

The rising cost of new cars is compelling 

millions of drivers to keep their cars longer 

than they might have anticipated. Some 

simple maintenance measures can help 

those cars run strong for years to come. 

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the medical field, the trades, and law enforcement. 

The Adult Workforce Information Night will 

be held at Eastland Career Center and Fairfield 

Career Center at 6:30 p.m. on April 27. Those 

attending the event will have the opportunity to 

learn about the programs Eastland-Fairfield offers 

to adult students, tour the campus and training 

facilities, meet instructors and staff, and ask any 

questions. Interested individuals are encouraged 

to visit the campus where your program or programs 

of interest are located. 

Programs offered at Eastland Career Center in 

Groveport include: Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, 

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high-quality service and customer satisfaction. 

From batteries to engine changes and anything in 

between, Dave Hix and his staff put the customer 

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There is no cost to attend Information Night. 

Registration is encouraged, but not required. To 

register or for more information, please visit 

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Any person that enrolls in a program at 

Information Night will have their $75 registration 

fee waived. 

Individuals that reside in any of the 16 school 

districts served by Eastland-Fairfield will receive 

a $250 tuition discount towards tuition upon 

enrollment into a program. 

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Adam Miller 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE 

News from the 

Statehouse 

Late last month, I had the honor of joining 

State Representative Jean Schmidt for a 

signing ceremony with Governor DeWine 

for House Bill 178, otherwise known as 

Makenna’s Law. We were joined by the 

family of the bill’s namesake in the Governor’s 

Ceremonial Office to celebrate making 

child protection in Ohio stronger, 

something that is a priority for Rep. 

Schmidt and myself. 

What made this event so special was not 

just that we were making water parks and 

splash pads safer, but how we accomplished 

this. Representative Schmidt is a 

conservative Republican, and I am a 

Democrat. If you believe some people on 

social media and cable news, you would 

think we cannot, or will not agree, on anything. 

Fortunately, the talking heads are 

wrong. 

Makenna’s law was introduced on March 

4th, 2021. The signing ceremony with the 

Governor was nearly two years later. The 

bill went through the House Committee, 

the House floor, the Senate Committee, 

the Senate floor, all before it finally reached 

the Governor’s desk. Two years of hard 

work resulted in a bill that will make Ohio 

safer for kids. The bill passed both chambers 

of the General Assembly with overwhelming 

bipartisan support. 

The cynics of the legislature and the skeptics 

of the political process often win the 

day. We do not hear enough about bipartisan 

efforts, like HB 178, that make our 

state a better place. We can - and do - work 

together, and when we do, Ohio wins. 

We have a lot of work ahead of us on issues 

like healthcare, capital punishment, school 

funding, and inclusiveness. While I will not 

always agree with my colleagues, I will 

work with those willing to look not for 

what divides us, but what unites us. Thousands 

of Ohio’s children will be protected 

at water parks because two state legislators 

decided to focus on what they agreed 

on rather than what divided them. 

Paid Advertisement 

Pet Corner 

Pets of the week 

Walter is a senior 

sweetheart looking 

for his forever family. 

Well mannered and 

endlessly affectionate, 

Walter is 10 

years old and would 

love nothing more 

than to cuddle up 

next to you on the 

couch. Walter is housebroken, good with 

other dogs, and he treasures chowing down 

on a delicious treat, too. He is one easy-going 

boy, and becoming the newest member of 

your family would be his absolute dream 

come true. Adopt Walter from the Franklin 

County Dog Shelter. 

FYI: franklincountydogs.com 

Boo is a sweet 2- 

year-old boy. He was 

found as a stray and 

a kind lady decided 

he needed a better 

life than the streets. 

He would love to find 

a forever family. He 

enjoys treats and just 

hanging out. You can meet Boo at the Colony 

Cats cage-free adoption center. 

FYI: colonycats.org 

WESTGATE UNITED 

METHODIST CHURCH 

61 S. Powell Ave., Columbus,OH 43204 

Come - Let’s Worship Together! 

Pastor Nancy Day-Achauer 

Worship Service 9:00 a.m. 

Sunday School 10:00 a.m. 

westgateumc@sbcglobal.net 

614-274-4271 

Please visit the 

Westside Church 

of your choice. 

List your Worship 

Services here. 

For info. call 614-272-5422 

Be a Part of Our Local Worship Guide 

Our upcoming Worship Guide is geared toward celebrating faith and helping readers connect with 

religious resources in our community. Make sure these readers know how you can help with a presence in 

this very special section distributed to more than 25,000 households in the Westside area. 

Contact us today to secure your spot in our Worship Guide. 

614.272.5422 • kathy@columbusmessenger.com 



These furry friends are available 

for adoption at local 

rescues and shelters 

Emma is 2 years old. 

Her kittens have all 

been adopted and 

she is looking for her 

turn for a furever 

home. She is not 

happy in her foster 

home because some 

of the other cats 

chase her. She needs 

a home with fewer cats and with someone 

who will work with her to gain her trust. Emma 

is a sweet girl and just needs time to adjust. 

Adopt her from Friends for Life Animal Haven 

FYI: fflah.org 

Cristina is a playful, 

adventurous girl who 

loves to fetch. If 

you’ve got a ball and 

chuck it, she will 

chase after it with 

pure joy. She is a 

goofy gal who loves 

to cuddle. Cristina is 

okay with other dogs 

but should be introduced 

before adoption. She does not do well 

with cats. Adopt her from the Franklin County 

Dog Shelter. 

FYI: franklincountydogs.com 


Nominate a veteran 

for Hall of Fame 

The deadline for submitting nominations 

for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is 

fast approaching and the organization 

would like to hear from those who know 

former service members who are excelling 

and making a difference in society. 

The Hall of Fame recognizes those who 

served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue 

to contribute to their communities, 

state, and nation through exceptional acts 

of volunteerism, advocacy, professional 

distinction, public service, or philanthropy. 

Each year, the Ohio Veterans Hall of 

Fame inducts up to 20 veterans based on 

recommendations from an executive committee 

of veterans from throughout the 

state and approval from the governor of 

Ohio. 

The deadline to submit nomination 

forms for consideration for the 2023 class 

of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is June 

1. 

To be considered, the veteran must 

meet the following criteria: 

• Be a past or current Ohio resident 

• Have received an honorable discharge 

• Be of good moral character 

This Hall of Fame sets the standard for 

recognizing Ohio’s veterans for accomplishments 

beyond their military service. 

In addition, it is a fitting way to say “thank 

you for your service to our nation and 

thank you for your continued service to our 

communities.” 

Guidelines, a sample nomination, and 

more information are available at 

dvs.ohio.gov/hall-of-fame. 

around the westside 

Free legal advice 

at Westland Library 

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will 

offer free legal advice the first Monday of 

each month at the Westland Area Library, 

4740 West Broad St. Representatives will 

be on hand from 4 to 6 p.m. to discuss noncriminal 

legal matters like health benefits, 

medicare, and landlord issues. Fore more 

information, call the library at 614-878- 

1301. 

Star Wars and 

Superhero Celebration 

The Columbia Heights United 

Methodist Church is hosting a Star Wars 

and Superhero Celebration from 6 to 8 

p.m. on May 6 at 775 Galloway Road in 

Galloway. The event will feature free 

games, crafts, snacks and photos with 

Millennium Falcon cockpit and Superhero 

backgrounds. Come dressed in your 

favorite superhero or Star Wars costume. 

Donations will be accepted. To RSVP or for 

more information, contact Duane McVay 

at 614-400-5669.


In Entertainment 

“Rye Lane” is sure to make you smile 

It would be unfair to say that all of the romantic 

comedies that have been released in the past few years 

have been bad, but it would also be inaccurate to say 

that a majority of those movies have that special quality 

that makes them become a staple in the rewatch 

rotation. In the case of the latest addition to this genre, 

“Rye Lane” has that special quality and I believe it will 

surely shoot up to the top of those pick-me-up comfort 

lists for those who have the chance to see it on Hulu. 

To be clear, there is nothing wildly out-of-the-ordinary 

about the plot in “Rye Lane” — after all, it still follows 

that well-worn path of opposites meetings, opposites 

attracting, and then opposites being pulled apart 

through complications of their own making — but the 

story of those two opposites unfolds in such a vibrant 

and joyous way that you cannot help but fall in love 

with the duo and the movie despite how little the 

action veers from the tried and true formula of its 

predecessors in the genre. 

At the center of this romantic comedy is Dom (David 

Jonsson), a semi-successful twenty-something who is 

still reeling from the sudden end of his 6-year relationship 

with his “dream woman.” Since the split — which 

involved a betrayal with his best friend since childhood 

— Dom has done little with his life other than go to 

work and gorge on sausage rolls from his favorite diner 

in South London but an art exhibit that showcases the 

importance of the mouth - “it’s the Stonehenge of the 

face,” says his exhibitor friend — finally gets him out of 

his parent’s house. 

As he is browsing the pictures of a stranger’s teeth, 

he checks his phone and sees that his ex-girlfriend Gia 

(Karene Peter) and his ex-best friend Eric (Benjamin 

Sarpong-Broni) have repainted the walls that he spent 

months “breaking his back” doing. The evidence of 

them moving on, essentially erasing his presence from 

the flat, sends him to the bathroom so he can have a 

private moment. 

His private moment — which involves him sobbing 

hysterically in the restroom — is interrupted by someone 

in the unisex stall next to his. Profoundly apologetic 

for the awkwardness, Yas (Vivian Oparah) asks 

him if he needs help with anything but Dom essentially 

tells her to move on. 

A bit later, Yas strikes up a conversation 

with the more collected Dom and the two 

have such an easy rapport that they decide 

to keep it going outside of the mouth-filled 

walls. This action takes the audience to the 

places in London we rarely get to see in the 

cinema, and director Raine Allen-Miller 

makes all of these charming and romantic 

nooks that are prevalent in South London 

secondary characters in the movie. These 

places are as colorful and vibrant as Dom 

and Yas, both opening up and sharing their 

tales of woe with their most recent relationships 

and bonding over their love for all of 

these spots throughout Peckham and 

Brixton. 

There are multiple factors that make 

Produce giveaway at YMCA 

The Hilltop YMCA hosts a fresh produce 

giveaway the third Wednesday of 

each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2879 

Valleyite Drive in Columbus. For more 

information, call the YMCA at 614-276- 

8224. 

these scenes so special. There 

are the conversations, which 

seems so real and modern — a 

true credit to writers Nathan 

Byron and Tom Melia; there are 

the locations that I mentioned, 

so expertly brought to life by 

Allen-Miller; and then there is 

the chemistry between the characters Dom and Yas 

and the actors who portray them. It has long been said 

that romantic comedies live or die by the chemistry 

between the main leads and these two have it in 

spades. It will truly put a smile on your face to see 

them taking those quick little glances at the other 

when they think they are not being observed. 

Although we are treated to so many cute moments 

between these opposites — Dom is quiet and sensitive 

and wears his heart on his sleeve while Yas is a bit 

more guarded in every facet of her life — any romantic 

comedy fan knows that there is the inevitable conflict 

that could keep them apart. Not so surprising given 

the tone in the rest of the movie, their conflict also 

feels real and is easily something any one of us could 

get caught up in as we try to make a positive impression 

on others. 

While there are some gripes to be had with the film, 

such as the underdevelopment of the secondary characters, 

“Rye Lane” is a wonderful and uplifting film 

that will pretty much make you laugh and smile 

throughout its scant 82 minute run-time. It is not as 

over the top or as fantastical as other romantic comedies, 

but it is real and magical all at the same time. 

Grade: A- 

The Reel Deal 

Dedra Cordle 

Dedra Cordle is a Messenger staff writer and columnist. 

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WESTSIDE MESSENGER - April 23, 2023 PAGE 11 



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Dollar General - Georgesville & Atlanta 

M & S Carry-Out - Georgesville & Atlanta 

United Dairy Farmers - Georgesville & Parwick by Freeway 

Thorton’s Gas Station - Georgesville & Norton Rd. 

Shell Gas Station - Georgesville & Norton Rd. 

Kroger - Georgesville Square 

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Walgreens - Clime & Demorest Rd. 

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Kroger - Eakin Rd. & Harrisburg Pike 

Speedway Gas Station - Eakin Rd. & Harrisburg Pike 

Heartland Bank - Great Western Shopping Center 

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CVS Pharmacy - Norton & Hall Rd. 

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ONLY $65.00 

West Alumni Association elects officers 

The West High School Alumni Association has elected its 2023 officers and board members. They include 

(front row) Mike Miller (asst. treasurer), Dan Martin (president), Georgia Martin Ward (secretary/golf outing 

chair), Diane Lowery Offenberger (treasurer); (back row) Vida Fulton Williams (past president/communications-social 

media chair), Sara McPeek Sampson (hall of fame chair), Greg Large (membership/nominating 

chair), Karen Nixon Stattmiller (scholarship chair), Eli Bowen (concessions chair), Joyce Johnson (hall of 

fame). Those not pictured include Stacy Neff Campbell (vice president), Rosalie Martin Williams (concessions), 

Dan Alspach (communications/social media), Joe Castorino (Florida reunion chair), Nancy Lloyd 

Laver (newsletter editor), Nikol Madison Owens (picnic chair), Althea Seagraves Williams (website chair), 

Dorance Nichols Hornsby (yearbooks chair), Rick Davis, Kaneeka Dalton Paul, and Wanda Estepp Ross. 

Veteran services offered through state 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department 

of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt 

Damschroder announced two new services for veterans 

and military spouses on OhioMeansJobs.com. 

Veterans registered on the website are now prompted 

to complete a brief questionnaire asking if they 

would like to receive one-on-one help with their job 

searches. In addition, the resumes of military spouses 

are now designated with a red and blue “S” to make 

them stand out to military-friendly employers — much 

like veterans’ resumes that are flagged with a “V.” 

“We are proud that Ohio is home to the fifth-largest 

veteran population in the nation and we are always 

looking for ways to support our military members and 

their families,” said DeWine. “By offering individualized 

assistance to veterans and military spouses during 

their job search, we are creating another way to 

say ‘thank you’ to our servicemen and women and continuing 

our commitment to making Ohio the most military-friendly 

state in the country.” 

Veterans who indicate they would like one-on-one 

assistance with their job searches are contacted by an 

employment specialist at their local OhioMeansJobs 

Center. Ohio has the centers in every county. Veterans 

and their spouses can visit the centers for help writing 

their resumes, practicing interviewing, and applying 

for jobs in their area. They also can attend employment 

workshops, get career coaching, and get referrals to 

local training program service providers. All veterans 

in Ohio are given priority of service in referrals to job 

openings and other services. 

“Ohio’s 700,000-plus servicemen and women served 

our nation honorably, and their spouses have made 

sacrifices as well,” said Damschroder. “These are just 

two additional ways we can repay them, by helping 

connect them to meaningful civilian employment with 

employers who value and honor them.” 

At OhioMeansJobs.com, veterans can get help 

translating their military job experience into civilian 

experience, post their resumes, and find hiring events 

in their area. They also can view a military-friendly 

employer registry which lists employers 

who are looking to recruit and hire veterans. 

To date, more than 7,400 Ohio employers 

have designated themselves as military-friendly. 

This means they are interested 

in employing and supporting members 

of the military, veterans, and their spouses. 

For additional information, visit governor.ohio.gov. 

Wellness and foot care 

for senior citizens 

LifeCare Alliance provides a nurse at 

the Prairie Township Community Center 

weekly to provide free foot care and other 

wellness services. To schedule an appointment 

or for more information, contact the 

wellness office at 614-437-2878.

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PAGE 16 - GROVE CITY MESSENGER - April 23, 2023 


SUMMER BLAST! 

ELVIS 

featuring 

Mike Albert 

and the Big E Band 

Saturday 

June 10, 2023 

VILLA MILANO 

1630 Schrock Rd. By Linda Dillman 

Staff Writer 

Dinner/Show Tickets $ 58.00 

Tickets by Phone: 614-792-3135 

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 TH @ 12:05 PM 

 

 

CLIPPERS VS. LOUISVILLE BATS 

 

Tickets are $6 RESERVED and $5 BLEACHER SEATING 

LUNCH PROVIDED FOR FANS 60 AND OVER WITH TICKET PURCHASE 

 

Make checks/money orders payable to Columbus Clippers and mail to: 

 

 

Columbus Clippers Aenon: Spencer Harrison 

330 

Hunngton Park Lane, Columbus, OH 43215 

Orders 

can be emailed to sharrison@clippersbaseball.com 

For cket quesons, call (614) 4625250 

Ticket orders must be received by the Clippers before June 1st, 2023 

 

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Visa • Mastercard • Discover 

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Photo courtesy of the Columbus Metropolitan Library 

The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s 150th birthday celebration featured a birthday 

“cake” made of books. 

Serving the community for 150 years 

Little did the organizers of the first 

Columbus Public Library–housed in a single 

room in city hall in 1873–know their 

efforts would blossom into the multibranch, 

multi-programming Columbus 

Metropolitan Library (CML) system of 

today. 

In March, CML celebrated its 150th 

birthday from the Main Library to the 

Hilltop, Canal Winchester, and beyond. 

The architecturally rich Main Library, 

located at 96 S. Grant Avenue in 

Columbus, was built in 1907 through a 

$200,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie and 

expanded throughout the years, evolving 

into the modern complex of today with a 

newly renovated east plaza opened last 

year. 

In 1928, the Columbus City Council 

appropriated $30,000 for the library to 

build its first branches–Hilltop, Parsons, 

Linden, and Clintonville. 

“Our Hilltop branch just reopened in 

2021 after a major transformation,” said 

CML Library Media Specialist Ben 

Zenitsky. 

Today there are 22 branches, with the 

newest one in Gahanna, which opened on 

March 4. In 1950, bookmobile services 

started throughout the central Ohio area 

and the Martin Luther King branch was 

the first in the nation in 1968 to be named 

after the civil rights leader. 

Computers were first put into service in 

1977 and First Lady Barbara Bush helped 

dedicate a Main Library expansion in 

1991. The library system stopped charging 

fines for overdue books and materials in 

2017 to remove access barriers. 

The 150 year celebration did not begin 

and end last month. It continues throughout 

the year at the Main Library and all its 

branches, along with Partner Days with 

free or discounted admission to events, 

museums and musical events. 

The Sesquicentennial Passport program 

enables customers of all ages to pick up a 

booklet at any CML location and complete 

activities around the city to earn stamps 

and prizes. 

A new Columbus Book Festival takes 

place at the Main Library and Topiary 

Park July 15-16 and features national and 

local authors, vendors and programs. 

CML also offers a Culture Pass program 

where cardholders can check out passes for 

admission to Columbus Clippers Sunday 

games, Museum of Art, Ballet Met, 

Columbus Children’s Theatre, Symphony 

Masterworks performances, Franklin Park 

Conservatory, Ohio History Center and 

Ohio Village, and the National Veterans 

Memorial and Museum. 

The library provides K-12 students with 

free homework help through a live chat 

feature on its website, 

columbuslibrary.org. CML staff members 

are available to directly respond to students’ 

questions and refer them to many 

free resources. The digital service is available 

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. 

through 4 p.m. 

“From our humble beginnings in one 

room to the profound gift from Andrew 

Carnegie to build the main library, from 

civic support that formed our first branches 

to community support that builds 21st 

century libraries, we owe much of our present 

to the work of so many in our past,” 

said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “Today 

we stand on the shoulders of dedicated 

staff and community members who have 

come before us–trailblazers who have 

forged pathways for us to become the 

library we are today, and the library we 

aspire to be in the future.”

Westside Messenger - April 23rd, 2023

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