Westside Messenger - May 21st, 2023

Messenger 

Westside 

May 21 - June 10, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XLIX, No. 23 

4220 W. Broad St. 

(Across from Westland Mall) 

614 272-6485 open 7 days a week 

Featuring 

our 

famous 

STEAK 

COMBO!! 

Summer 

safety rally 

By Dedra Cordle 

Staff Writer 

Sixth grade student Mikey Hoffman 

says that this school year has proven to 

be one of the most challenging yet and he 

cannot wait until the bell rings for the 

final time on June 1. 

“I am so ready for the break,” he said. 

“I need it to be here now.” 

He said he does not have much 

planned for the months away from school 

— biking adventures, perhaps, playing 

video games, taking a dip in the local 

pool — but he maintains that he will try 

to find ways to keep his brain engaged — 

for the most part, that is. 

That announcement has caused a bit 

of concern from his sister, 16-year-old 

Shawna Hoffman. 

Shawna said that while she loves her 

brother, she knows that when the boredom 

starts to creep in strange things can 

happen. 

“He’s a good kid but when he has 

nothing to do…” she said with a laugh. 

For instance, she recalled the time 

last summer when she tried to make 

them a healthy lunch and allowed him to 

provide assistance. When she was not 

looking, he decided that the food looked 

like it was sticking to the pan and added 

oil to the mix. Shortly thereafter, flames 

started to leap into the air. 

Their mother, Mary, has always 

stressed that her children be prepared 

for any situation so fortunately Shawna 

knew to put a lid over the flame and take 

the pan off the heat before the fire could 

spread across the kitchen. She said from 

that day on, they have all made it a point 

to be up-to-date on the latest advice from 

safety professionals. 

See SUMMER SAFETY page 6 

Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle 

Hundreds of families across the region came out to Westgate Elementary earlier this 

month to attend a fun and educational event called the ‘Ready for Summer Rally.’ 

Created through a partnership with the American Red Cross Resilient Community 

Project and Columbus City Schools, the festivities included all of the common sights 

one might see at a celebratory gathering geared toward the youth, but it also featured 

more than 40 local health organizations who provided safety information and 

basic life-saving training for individuals of all ages in preparation of some of the 

potential dangers they might face throughout the summer break. Pictured here at the 

event is Jahmeir Hightower who was learning how to apply a tourniquet under the 

tutelage of Dr. Linda Yazvac, a retired internal medicine specialist. Yazvac was at the 

event on behalf of the Franklin County and Columbus Medical Reserve Corps to give 

the attendees a crash course on how to ‘stop the bleed’ by using the ABC method 

(Alert 911, find the Bleeding injury, apply Compression). 

Forecast holds 

steady in SWCS 

By Dedra Cordle 

Staff Writer 

The South-Western City School board of 

education was presented with an update of 

the five-year financial forecast at its regular 

meeting on May 8. It was summarized 

by Treasurer Hugh Garside as showing little 

to modest change from the financial 

projections that were made at the end of 

last year. 

“I would say that we are on target to 

where we thought we would be,” he said. 

“Maybe a bit better financially than was 

previously predicted.” 

He explained that when putting together 

the forecast, which is a hypothetical representation 

of a district’s financial future 

based on historical trends and known 

Inside 

See SWCS page 3 

Pets of the Week .................. 5 

The Reel Deal ........................ 12 

Community Cleanup 

Waste Warriors work to clean up the 

litter around the Hilltop Page 2 

STEM Center 

Girl Scouts of Ohio Heartland break 

ground on new facility Page 4 

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PAGE 2 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - May 21, 2023 

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Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle 

Waste Warriors 

On May 6, more than a hundred volunteers 

throughout the region came to the 

westside to participate in the 21st annual 

South Central Hilltop Cleanup. 

Founded and organized by Lisa Boggs, 

the “waste warriors” spent close to two 

hours walking up and down Sullivant 

Avenue and its connector streets and 

alleyways picking up trash to try to 

beautify the blighted areas. The longtime 

westside resident said she was 

thankful that there continues to be so 

much participation in this event and 

encouraged them to never become discouraged 

in their efforts to make a difference 

in this community and in the 

world. “We need people like you to continue 

in this quest to make cleaner and 

safer communities,” said Boggs during 

the opening remarks of the cleanup 

event. 

Lisa Boggs (left) was presented with a homemade plaque that 

recognized her family’s efforts toward making the Hilltop a 

cleaner and safer place to live. Pictured with Boggs is Emily 

Smith, who came up with the idea alongside Dean Smith, Carla 

and Scott Carr, and Reba Schlosser and Tyler Ryan. 

Hilltop resident Terry Schultz has been 

volunteering at the South Central Hilltop 

Cleanup event for 18 years. He said 

events like these are needed more frequently 

so the residents of the westside 

do not have to continue to see piles of 

trash like this found in the alley between 

two streets. 

Charlie Greer and Holly Belknap smile for the camera as they 

safely grab litter from Sullivant Avenue.


Westgate Home 

and Garden Tour 

The Westgate Neighbors Association 

will host the 11th annual Westgate Home 

and Garden Tour from 2 to 6 p.m. June 10. 

The tour will feature seven homes with 

unique homes and gardens. Pre-sale tickets 

are $17 for the general public and can 

be purchased online at westgateneighbors.org 

or at the Third Way Cafe, 3058 

West Broad St. Tickets can also be purchased 

the day of the event for $20. 

SWCS 

Continued from page 1 

facts, he does so in a conservative manner 

as a way to mitigate unwanted surprises. 

“We always try to be within a two percent 

margin of our revenues projected and 

within a two percent margin of our expenditures 

projected.” 

He said that if the actual numbers come 

in around that projected goal of the two 

percent range, it could mean a bottom-line 

difference between $10 and $11 million. He 

added that they are “right on the mark” 

within this updated forecast. 

“Our overall revenues and expenditures 

are within the two percent margin and I do 

expect that our cash balance is going to 

come in a little better than anticipated 

from the October forecast,” Garside said. 

The forecast predicts that the district’s 

overall cash balance will be roughly 4.5 

percent better than the previous forecast, 

which is an increase of $11 million. 

“That’s a good place for where we want 

to be,” he said. 

Garside attributed some of the projected 

increase of funds to a “better than expected” 

return on investment earnings. He said 

since the overall interest rate has 

increased roughly 3 percent over the last 

year, that has allowed the district to collect 

an additional $5.5 million in interest 

earned. 

“The market has gone up and having 

those funds in reserve has really helped us 

at this point,” he said. 

He added that the district will continue 

to see those positive cash balances 

throughout the five-year forecast. 

The updated projections show the district 

will see a modest increase in revenue 

in fiscal year 2023, which could begin to 

taper off in the following fiscal years. What 

could help increase those dollars, said 

Garside, is the passage of a new state 

budget and the Fair School Funding Plan 

(FSPS). 

According to Garside, the district 

receives roughly 60 percent of its revenue 

from the state of Ohio. He said the FSFP 

has provided the district with more funding 

— they received approximately $142 

million this fiscal year — and he anticipates 

the district could see a $12.7 million 

increase in funding and a $16.6 million 

increase in funding in the next two fiscal 

years, respectively, should the plan be fully 

funded. 

around the westside 

Memorial Day Services 

in Prairie Township 

Prairie Township will host two 

Memorial Day services on May 29. The 

first service will begin at 9:30 a.m. at 

Galloway Cemetery, 6333 Alkire Road. 

This service will be led by Amvets Post 

#1928. The second service will be conducted 

by Camp Chase Post #98 of the 

American Legion. It will be held at noon at 

Alton Cemetery. For more information, 

visit prairietownship.org. 

“That would really help us bridge that 

gap,” he said. “We are very hopeful that the 

state budget goes through with the 2022 

cost sets and we will be making a lot of 

calls so we can really push toward making 

sure this formula gets put into place.” 

The updated forecast, which was 

approved by the board, predicts the district’s 

revenue will be $292.7 million, $293 

million, $293.7 million, $295 million, and 

$296.8 million in fiscal years 2023 through 

2027. 

On the expenditure side, Garside said 

the forecast predicts it will continue to rise 

throughout the forecast. 

“Our operating expenditures will be up 

about 4 percent, or $11.7 million annually 

throughout the forecast.” 

He said the contributing factors include 

a rise in salary expenses — salaries and 

benefits represent roughly 80 percent of 

total expenditures — which has been 

accounted for in the forecast as the district 

came to an agreement with its non-union 

and union groups last year. He added that 

what they need to “keep an eye on” is the 

rising cost of health insurance premiums 

which could negatively impact the district’s 

operating expenses. 

“We are working with our health insurance 

committee to keep those costs down 

but we are possibly looking at a pretty significant 

increase in health insurance premiums,” 

he said. 

According to the forecast’s projections, 

the district’s expenditures will be $298.8 

million, $301.5 million, $315 million, 

$328.8 million, and $342.7 million in fiscal 

years 2023 through 2027. 

Despite the forecast projections that 

show the expenditures will soon begin to 

surpass the revenues in the next fiscal 

year, Garside said the district remains in 

“strong financial standing” as they will 

continue to have that positive cash balance 

throughout the five-year forecast. 

“Having that positive cash balance is a 

very good thing for us,” he said, noting that 

the forecast predicts the district will have a 

positive cash balance of $256 million, $247 

million, $224 million, $190 million, and 

$144 million in fiscal years 2023 through 

2027. 

He added that he does not foresee the 

district requesting a new operating levy 

throughout the duration of the forecast. 

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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 



Local Girl Scouts took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEM 

Leadership Center. The campus in Galloway will teach young women skills in science, 

technology, engineering, and math. 

Girl Scouts break ground on 

STEM Center in Galloway 

An effort to build the STEM (science, 

technology, engineering, math) workforce 

of the future is one step closer to reality. 

Ohio business leaders and public officials 

joined Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland 

(GSOH) on May 9 for a groundbreaking 

ceremony marking the beginning of construction 

on the new STEM Leadership 

Center and Maker Space. This will be 

located at Camp Ken-Jockety, 1295 

Hubbard Road in Galloway. 

Powered by Girl Scouts, the “Dream 

Big” Initiative will help propel girls into 

STEM fields by allowing them to unleash 

their curiosity while cultivating next-generation 

innovators. 

“Women have remained underrepresented 

in STEM fields, but Girl Scouts are 

creating a paradigm shift,“ said Tammy 

Wharton, president and chief executive 

officer of GSOH. “Through this project, 

Camp Ken-Jockety is transforming into a 

STEM and In-Demand Jobs immersive 

campus. It will become a place of unlimited 

possibilities, where girls can learn indemand 

skills, participate in cutting-edge 

programs, and lay the foundation for a better 

economic future.” 

Construction is expected to take place 

over the next year. 

Launched in May 2022, the Dream Big 

project includes: 

•A new STEM Leadership Center with 

community space, science and technology 

labs. 

•A Maker Space to learn trade skills 

like welding, mechanics, and carpentry. 

•A new greenhouse for gardening programs 

including hydroponics. 

•Renovations to the Environmental 

Center to include the addition of a teaching 

kitchen for farm-to-table programming. 

•Outdoor learning spaces. 

The 220-acre campus will make a broad 

impact as a community resource for youth 

and community stakeholders across Ohio. 

It will be available to schools, other nonprofits, 

and community partners. 

Dream Big is the local commitment supporting 

the Girl Scouts of the USA’s bold 

goal of putting 2.5 million girls in the 

STEM pipeline by 2025. Today, women 

make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce 

yet are drastically underrepresented in 

many fields including STEM, in-demand 

jobs, and leadership roles. For example, 

just 18 percent of STEM leadership roles 

are held by women. Women represent 15 

percent of engineers and architects and 

only 12 percent of computer science 

degrees are earned by women. 

GSOH has teamed with community 

partners to make the $16 million Dream 

Big project a reality. More than $12 million 

(80 percent of the goal) has been raised to 

date. GSOH has secured funding from local 

companies, including major gifts from 

Battelle, American Electric Power 

Foundation and Nationwide Foundation. 

The project also received state capital support. 

For more information on Dream Big, 

visit gsoh.org/dreambig.

www.columbusmessenger.com May 21, 2023 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 5 

Pets of the week 

Bill is a goofy boy 

who is eager to 

please. He will 

saunter up to you, 

lean into your for 

pets, and once you 

start petting him, Bill 

will wiggle with joy. 

He loves to be petted, 

and loves treats 

too. Bill is housebroken, loyal, and cuddly. 

Joining a family would be an absolute dream 

come true for this pooch. Adopt him from the 

Franklin County Dog Shelter. 

FYI: franklincountydogs.com 

Tyson is an affectionate, 

friendly guy who 

enjoys car rides, 

playing with toys, and 

snacking on meatflavored 

dog treats. 

Before potentially 

being adopted, Tyson 

would love to meet 

any dogs you may 

have. Just to make sure that the canine crew 

all gets along. If you are interested in meeting 

this sweet boy, contact the Franklin County 

shelter. 

FYI: franklincountydogs.com 

These furry friends are available 

for adoption at local 

rescues and shelters 

Toby is an extremely 

sweet cat who had 

dental surgery and is 

feeling much better. 

This tabby has been 

with Colony Cats for 

two years of his 3- 

year-old life. What he 

lacks in teeth, he 

makes up for a million times over with affection. 

He is quite timid with new environments, 

but warms up instantly to new people. Toby’s 

hobbies include finding soft places to nap, 

taking long baths, and literally falling over and 

doing somersaults to get pets. He would do 

best in a quiet home. 

FYI: colonycats.org 

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 

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SUMMER SAFETY 

Continued from page 1 


How Should We 

Be Able to 

Amend Our Ohio 

Constitution? 

This past week the Ohio General Assembly placed 

a measure on the ballot that, if approved by 

voters, will require a 60% majority to ratify future 

Ohio constitutional amendments. By a margin of 

of 62-37 in the House and 26-7 in the Senate, the 

General Assembly approved SJR 2 (Senate Joint 

Resolution 2) that will ask voters to decide the 

issue at a special election on August 8. 

SJR 2 further will require that petitions for future 

citizen-initiated constitutional amendments be 

signed by at least 5% of the electors in each Ohio 

county, rather than the current requirement of 

half of all counties. The proposal also eliminates 

the ten-day cure period to gather additional 

signatures for such a petition. 

SJR 2 only applies to constitutional amendments 

and does not affect in any way people’s rights to 

an initiative petition for a new law or a citizen referendum 

of an existing law. (For example, many 

of us remember the successful referendum of SB5 

in 2012 that repealed a law that placed restrictions 

on public employee collective bargaining 

rights.) The process and vote margins on these direct 

democracy provisions will remain unchanged. 

Both sides of this issue have articulated pronounced 

and compelling arguments. Those who 

favor the vote want any changes in the Ohio Constitution 

to be a genuine movement as opposed 

to a political whim. Constitutional changes should 

have overwhelming support; simple laws can require 

a majority vote only, making them easier to 

alter when appropriate. Supporters also point out 

that this will minimize the ability for outside special 

interests to seek to change the Ohio Constitution 

for their own benefit. Ohio will remain one 

of only 18 states that allow citizen-led efforts to 

amend the state constitution. Finally, it preserves 

the ability for all of Ohio’s communities to determine 

what issues make it to the ballot. 

Those against the measure feel that the threshold 

of 60% voter approval to change the Ohio Constitution 

is too high, the 88-county requirement for 

petition signatures will make it too difficult for 

proposals to get to the ballot, and that holding a 

special election devoted solely to a single issue 

may not bring a representative population of voters 

to the polls that day. 

I encourage all voters to study the issue, decide 

for themselves the most appropriate direction, 

and vote with their best judgment on August 8. 

(Dave Dobos represents the 10th District in the 

Ohio House of Representatives, which consists of 

parts of West, Southwest, and South Columbus, 

Grove City, Urbancrest, and most of Franklin 

Township. He reports regularly on his activities in 

this position and his campaign has paid for this 

communication with you.) 

Paid Advertisement 

Their continued quest to prepare for the 

unexpected is what brought the northside 

residents to the westside earlier this month 

for what was billed as a fun and educational 

event for all ages on summer safety 

preparation. 

Held at Westgate Alternative 

Elementary School, the ‘Ready for Summer 

Rally’ was equal parts a celebratory gathering 

for students ready for vacation and 

an educational smorgasbord for individuals 

who wanted to learn from public health 

officials on what actions they should take if 

emergencies arise this summer — or 

throughout the year. 

Columbus resident Emily Martin said 

she was not expecting to learn so much 

from the vendors who set up booths at this 

location. 

“It is a little bit overwhelming by how 

many resources are here,” she said, “but I 

picked up a lot of great tips and I feel more 

confident that I can keep my kids and the 

children in the neighborhood safer this 

summer.” 

Event organizers said they could not 

have been more grateful for the turnout by 

the local organizations who signed up to 

participate in Ready for Summer Rally and 

for the community who came out in droves 

to attend. 

“We are so proud of our growing partnership 

with the American Red Cross,” 

said Lee Cole, executive director of family 

engagement and partnership with 

Columbus City Schools, referring to the 

event which is a collaboration between the 

district and the organizations Resilient 

Community Project. “Together, we have 

brought vital resources directly to the community, 

fulfilling our collective visions to 

empower and educate the residents.” 

More than 40 vendors ranging from 

social services, wellness and academics, 

and city safety departments were on hand 

at the rally. Included among the dozens in 

attendance was the city of Columbus’ 

Division of Fire who brought their Life 

Safety House. 

Firefighters Felecia Jackson said the 

Life Safety House is one of the best tools 

the department uses to teach children 

about the dangers of fire, smoke inhalation, 

and of the proper use of machinery in the 

kitchen. 

She said that it is not uncommon for the 

department to respond to more calls related 

to microwave and stove-top fires in the 

summer months. 

“Kids are at home more (in the summer) 

and when they get hungry they usually pop 

something in the microwave,” said 

Jackson. “Sometimes things can go wrong 

if you do not understand the temperature 

setting and we want them to know what to 

do in the event a fire catches in the 

microwave. 

Through the Life Safety House demonstration, 

they learn that the best way to 

smother a microwave fire is to keep the 

door closed and unplug the unit. The same 

goes for the stove-top fire that happened at 

the Hoffman house last year, except you 

remove the pan from the heat source. 

Incidentally, Shawna encouraged her 

brother to experience the smoke-house portion 

of the Life Safety House. 

Children were not the only individuals 

who received advice from the firefighters; 

Jackson reminded the adults who love to 

grill that they have to keep a “watchful 

eye” on the equipment. 

“I know it can be hard to maintain that 

focus because there is so much going on 

and you’re moving in and out of the house 

to get stuff for those burgers and steaks but 

you have to pay attention,” she said. 

“Grilling sparks more than 10,000 home 

fires each year and it can happen in an 

instant.” 

She recommended that grillers keep 

their equipment outdoors and away from 

decks, houses, trees and anything else that 

could catch fire. 

Jackson also said the department can 

come out to homes in the Columbus area 

and install fire alarms or carbon monoxide 

detectors free of charge. For inquiries, call 

614-645-7377. 

The Hilltop YMCA was also in attendance 

to offer safety advice for those eager 

to get in the water. Gabriele Hover, the 

aquatics experience director, said she has 

been told by many children that they are 

counting down the days until they can use 

the pool during the hot summer months. 

“Our kids are always telling me how 

excited they are for vacations, pool parties 

and afternoons in the sun with their families,” 

said Hover. 

She is quick to point out, however, of the 

importance of remaining vigilant around 

any body of water and to keep practicing 

the lessons they learn on how to be smart 

and safe, especially in a backyard pool. 

“About 88 percent of drownings occur 

under adult supervision and 60 percent 

happen within 10 feet of the wall.” 

Hover said the Hilltop YMCA will be 

one of three branches to host free safety 

swim lessons in June through a partnership 

with Columbus Public Health. 

Registration began on May 15 and the location 

can train up to 100 children aged 3 to 

17 how to swim using the Safety Around 

Water curriculum created by Youth Service 

America. 

For the adults who have a backyard 

pool, Hover recommended that they have 

Coast Guard approved flotation devices on 

hand and they always keep an eye on the 

aquatics activity. 

“Many drownings take place when 

adults are right there because they were 

distracted by a conversation, or were on 

their phone, or assumed that flotation 

devices were enough,” she said. “Always 

keeping an active eye on your kids, or better 

yet already being in the water actively 

playing with them, goes a long way.” 

To inquire about swimming or cardiopulmonary 

resuscitation lessons, contact 

the Hilltop YMCA at 614-389-4565. 

The American Red Cross also offered 

Wes Goudy, a certified emergency medical 

technician, demonstrates how to 

pack and compress a bleeding wound. 

these summer safety preparedness tips: 

•For camping trips, pack a first aid kit 

to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts, and 

bruises and other injuries that could happen; 

always share your travel plans and 

locations with a family member or friend; 

use insect repellent with DEET; and bring 

extra water and snacks for your furry 

friends. 

•For heat exhaustion, know the exhibiting 

signs (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; 

heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, 

weakness and exhaustion) and move 

them to a cooler place, remove or loosen 

tight clothing and spray the person with 

water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to 

the skin. Call 911 if their condition changes 

for the worse. 

•Pets can also suffer from heat exhaustion 

and stroke. Their exhibiting signs are 

heavy panting, being unable to calm down, 

brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and 

being unable to stand up. If their temperature 

(administered rectally) is about 105 

degrees, use a cool water hose on their body 

until it reaches 103. Never be afraid to call 

a veterinarian as heat stroke can lead to 

severe organ dysfunction and damage. 

•The ARC also recommends that children 

and pets not be left alone in hot cars, 

even if the windows are rolled down or 

cracked. The temperature inside of a car 

can reach 120 degrees rapidly on a hot day. 

For more ARC recommendations, visit 

their website at redcross.org/summersafety 

where they have a number of safety apps 

available to download.


May 21, 2023 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 7 

ShotSpotter installed in Wedgewood 

The gunfire detection system, ShotSpotter, is now live 

in the Wedgewood neighborhood. 

As gunfire is detected by acoustic sensors, a notification 

is sent directly to neighborhood patrol officers which pinpoints 

the specific location in which the gunfire originated. 

According to the Brookings Institution, more than 80 

percent of gunfire incidents go unreported to 911. 

ShotSpotter helps fill that data gap by alerting police of 

virtually all gunfire in a city’s ShotSpotter coverage area 

within 60 seconds — enabling a fast, precise police 

response, ultimately helping police officers save lives and 

collect critical evidence for investigations. 

ShotSpotter allows officers to respond to gunfire before 

911 is called, and even without any 911 calls. This has 

enabled officers to locate victims and render aid more 

quickly, and ultimately helps police make more arrests to 

get violent offenders off the streets. 

In 2022, the Columbus Division of Police recovered 

shell casings in 1,054 separate ShotSpotter 

alerts. Officers made 45 arrests for weapons offenses, 

29 arrests for other offenses, and seized 45 

firearms based on those alerts. 

Summer reading with CML 

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will launch 

its Summer Reading Challenge on June 1 and conclude 

the program on July 31. 

CML will also hold its Kickoff Celebration at the 

Main Library on June 3. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers 

of all ages are invited for family fun, including 

a performance by the Shazzbots, plus games, activities, 

music and refreshments. 

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature 

program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy 

skills during the summer months. Loss of these 

skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places 

children at a distinct learning disadvantage once 

school begins again in the fall. 

Starting June 1, customers of all ages can sign up 

one of three ways: 

•Online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading 

•By downloading the free Beanstack app from the 

App Store or Google Play 

•Stopping by any of CML’s 23 locations 

Participants will need a CML library card in order 

to participate this year. Signing up is free and easy. 

Once signed up, customers will track their progress as 

they read for 15 minutes a day for 30 days to earn 

prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes. 

“The pandemic’s lingering impact on our young 

minds and their ability to learn cannot be overstated,” 

said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. 

“Helping them get back on track starts with books and 

reading. This is especially critical during the out-ofschool 

months.” 

To include the Wedgewood neighborhood, the existing 

Hilltop coverage area was expanded by .64 square miles. 

In total, 12.64 square miles of Columbus is now equipped 

with this technology in the Hilltop, Linden, South Side and 

Near East Side neighborhoods. 

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Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) is 

over for 2023, but maybe you still have 

 

- will I have to pay a penalty if I keep 

working after I turn 65, and want to keep my 

group plan? 

- any 5 Star Medicare rated plans in my 

county, that I can enroll into throughout the 

 

- 

meet with a local representative, and review 

more than 2 or 3 plan options. 

Call Your Local Ohio Licensed 

Independent Medicare Agent 

Ralph Curcio 614-603-0852 

$0 fee or $0 Consultation cost 

Be confident in your plan selection 

Keep your doctors and find the lowest 

copays for your medications. 

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Locations: 

Hilltop Library - 511 S. Hague Ave. 

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Alex Carry-Out - Binns & Sullivant Ave. 

Dollar General - Kingsford & Sullivant 

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 

Turkey Hill - Georgesville & Clime Rd. 

United Dairy Farmers - Clime & Demorest Rd. 

Walgreens - Clime & Demorest Rd. 

Certified Gas Station - Briggs & Demorest Rd. 

Kroger - Eakin Rd. & Harrisburg Pike 

Speedway Gas Station - Eakin Rd. & Harrisburg Pike 

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BP Gas Station - Georgesville Rd. & Broad St. 

Westland Library - Lincoln Village Plaza 

Giant Eagle - Lincoln Village Plaza 

Thorton’s Gas Station - 4990 W. Broad St. 

Walgreens - Broad St. & Galloway Rd. 

Kroger - Broad St. & Galloway Rd. 

CVS Pharmacy - Norton & Hall Rd. 

Circle K Gas Station - Norton & Hall Rd. 

Dollar General - Norton & Hall Rd. 

Marathon Gas Station - Broad St. & Murray Hill Rd. 

Speedway Gas Station - Broad St. & Murray Hill Rd. 

Dollar Tree - Broad St. & Murray Hill Rd. 

Speedway Gas Station - Broad St. 7 Freeway 

Sheetz Gas Station - Westland Mall 

Speedway Gas Station - Broad St. & Wilson Rd. 

Kroger - Consumer Square Shopping Center 

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READ US ONLINE: www.columbusmessenger.com 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced 

$20.1 million in city funding for summer programming 

for Columbus youth. Programs receiving 

financial support are primarily focused on violence 

prevention, jobs training and employment opportunities, 

and academic enrichment, all of which are 

designed to provide safe, constructive venues for 

youth to learn, grow and develop during the summer 

months. 

“The pandemic is finally behind us, but its fallout 

continues to impact society — particularly our young 

people, who were disproportionately affected,” said 

Ginther. “We have a special obligation to continue 

making restorative investments in their health and 

well-being to ensure they have the skills, knowledge 

and experiences they need to succeed, both now and 

in the future.” 

Of the $20.1 million in funding, $8.9 million is 

being awarded to more than 90 community organizations 

that submitted funding requests as part of 

an open, competitive application process held in 

April. Funding proposals were then evaluated by an 

interdepartmental review committee comprised of 

representatives from both the administration and 

Columbus City Council. 

Ordinances authorizing the $8.9 million in city 

funding will be considered by Columbus City 


Council to vote on funds for youth programming 

Council at the May 22 meeting. 

These investments will join an additional $11.2 

million that has already been approved for a number 

of city-sponsored summer programs, including 

the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, 

ReRoute, summer internships and ongoing partnerships 

with several community organizations. 

“We are proud to invest in our community partners 

that are so vital to the success of our kids and 

teens,” said Council President Shannon Hardin. 

“This funding will give Columbus kids a wide range 

of opportunities to learn, grow, and work in their 

neighborhoods.” 

A list of organizations receiving funds, along 

with contact information, is available at 

columbus.gov/2023summerfunding. 

around the westside 

Blood drive 

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive 

on May 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 

OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, 5131 Beacon Hill 

Road. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-448- 

3543 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.


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ELVIS 

featuring 

Mike Albert 

and the Big E Band 

Saturday 

June 10, 2023 

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1630 Schrock Rd. 

Dinner/Show Tickets $ 58.00 

Tickets by Phone: 614-792-3135 

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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 

 

www.clippersbaseball.com 

Visa • Mastercard • Discover 

NO REFUNDS 

In Entertainment 


Jennifer Lopez portrays 

one tough ‘Mother’ 

After starring in a couple of moderately 

enjoyable, if largely forgettable, romantic 

comedies, Jennifer Lopez takes a sharp 

turn away from the cheese and the 

schmaltz to play an individual with a particular 

set of skills in the slick and slightly 

silly action thriller “The Mother.” 

In the film, which is now streaming on 

Netflix, we first meet the titular character 

— a former solider/quasi-assassin whose 

real name is never given to add to her mystique 

— when she is heavily pregnant and 

being held in a safe house by FBI agents 

quizzing her about two former lovers, 

Adrian Lovell and Hector Alvarez (played 

by Joseph Fiennes and Gael Garcia Bernal, 

respectively). 

Unlike most of the audience, the agents 

do not want to know her secrets to snagging 

such good looking men — I’m sure 

being portrayed by an actor who looks like 

Lopez is not a hindrance — but rather they 

want to know their whereabout before the 

two notorious arms dealers can complete a 

particularly deadly transaction. 

Before she can give up the goods, however, 

the safe house naturally becomes not 

such a safe place as Adrian and his henchmen 

have found her location and killed 

almost all of the men in charge of protecting 

her as she tries to make a deal. 

Because she is equipped with those particular 

set of skills that were mentioned in 

the opening paragraph, she manages to 

escape from certain death by using an 

improvised incendiary device all the while 

saving the life of the most attractive agent 

(Omari Hardwick) and giving birth to a 

healthy daughter with nary a hair out of 

place. 

Since the threat to her life still hangs 

over her, a government handler played by 

Edie Falco (a cameo appearance to collect a 

paycheck) implores the new mother to give 

up her child so she can have a life free of 

violence. The mother agrees that the only 

way she can truly protect this child is “to 

disappear from her life” but that agreement 

comes with a few stipulations. The 

first is that she is placed with good people 

who will give her the most “stable and boring 

life ever”; the second is that she be sent 

updated photos on her birthday; and the 

third is that she be informed immediately 

if the people she used to run with have 

somehow found her daughter. 

They do, of course, but more than a 

decade later where the mother has been 

living in the wilds of Alaska but more than 

ready for the day when they try to mess 

with her daughter. The abduction of Zoe 

(Lucy Paez) is what really gets the movie 

going action-wise as the mother chases her 

former flames around the globe in search of 

her missing child. With the assistance of 

the hot agent she saved earlier in the film, 

The Reel Deal 

Dedra Cordle 

she kicks butt and 

doesn’t take names 

since she kills them 

all before they can 

give it to her in 

order to safely bring 

her daughter home. 

Part of what 

makes this movie as slick and as entertaining 

as it is revolves around the action 

sequences, which are deftly shot by cinematographer 

Ben Seresin, and the fight 

choreography which utilizes Lopez’s dance 

background in a way that seems ferally 

balletic as she hunts for her missing kid. 

Kudos to the team for creating these 

sequences as they are as brutal as they are 

beautiful to watch. 

Where this film also excels is when it 

pivots to a more contemplative and sentimental 

mood in the second half when the 

mother and the daughter are getting to 

know each other but only in the way the 

mother knows how: by teaching her how to 

shoot long range weapons and fight in close 

quarters to protect herself from those after 

her. Sure, the mother’s version of bonding 

is a bit demented but it does work within 

the context of the film — and it also kinda 

sorta makes you wish your mother had 

some deadly assassin advice to give you 

while you were growing up…or is that just 

me? 

Although the script by Misha Green, 

Andrea Berloff and Peter Craig could have 

used some more fine-tuning and despite 

that fact that they story overall is a tad 

predictable, “The Mother” is a strangely 

engaging and entertaining movie that is 

equal parts thrilling, sentimental, and 

completely silly. It lives and dies on the 

strength of Lopez and she is more than 

capable of selling this role as a mother who 

will kill anyone who harms her daughter — 

flawless makeup and hair and all. Grade: 

C+ 

Dedra Cordle is a Messenger staff 

writer and columnist. 

westside 


(Distribution: 5,000) 

Andrea Cordle...................................Westside Editor 

westside@ columbusmessenger.com 

Published every other Sunday by the 

The Columbus Messenger Co. 

3500 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43204-1887 

(614) 272-5422

Westside Messenger - May 21st, 2023

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