Della Lambert

Grove City is hosting a community meeting regarding the revitalization of the Town Center. Grove City's town center revitalization project began in the 1980's. As new growth continues it is wise for the community to continue to revisit the concepts and ensure that the future growth and renovation is sustained.

The meeting will take place at Park street intermediate school, in rooms 177 and 178 on Tuesday, February 12 at 7:00pm. Park St intermediate is located at 3205 Park St. The market research and archetectural firms will be on hand, as well as city officials.

The presentation will include economic, zoning, and parking issues as well as other aspects of the plan. At the end of the presentation, there will be information related to how interested parties can provide their input to the project.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

I hope to see you there.

The Southwest Messenger reported that Grove City Parks and Recreation department has won a national honorable mention from National Alliance for Youth Sports. NAYS is a non-profit organization that awards quality children's sports programs who take the time to educate the children as well as adult participants in the sports programs. Any childrens' sports program can apply. In '07, 5 organizations received top honors, while Grove City Parks and Recreation was noted to be one of 10 honorable mentions. (I checked the NAYS site, but the '07 awards have not yet been posted. I will provide the Link here, so you may check out the honor once they are posted. http://www.nays.org/IntMain.cfm?Cat=11&Page=66 )

Grove City Parks and Rec department is now taking registrations for youth baseball. They are also looking for volunteer coaches and team sponsors. There is a background check completed for all adult volunteers. Children ages 5-16 are elegible to participate. The teams are co-ed. They are also looking for OHSAA certified officials. For more information go to http://www.grovecityohio.gov/cityDepartments/parksRec/teamSports.cfm .

Good luck to all of Grove City's youth teams this season.

Della Lambert

Just a few nights ago, the Grove City Chamber had a wonderful reception in the Career Academy Cafe. For those who didn't know it, they offer walk in dining opportunities Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Jazz Street Cafe. The head chef used to work at Brio, so you know the food is good. (Here is a link to the School and the Culinary arts program. http://www.swcs.us/buildings/SWCAWeb/%20At ) At the same time, Southwestern City Schools was having "Reflections" display and judging. I am a member of the Grove City Chamber, Realtor who needs to network, and the chairperson for my daughters' school, and my two girls had artwork on display. So of course I was there.

For those that don't know, National PTA hosts a program called Reflections where they ask school aged children to create art around a central theme. This year's theme was "I can make a difference by..." I was bursting with pride when I saw their two pieces of art as they were preparing them for the show. My oldest painted a home with two cars in the driveway and two people on the sidewalk. One asked the other, "Why aren't you taking your car?" The response was "If I walk more and drive less, I can save the world from global warming." (Never mind that my real estate vehicle is an SUV.) The other daughter painted a girl helping a boy who had fallen on the playground. The winners from the local judging will advance to state and then national judging. No news yet who will advance to the next round. Good luck to all of you.

I am proud of my girls for participating, as I am proud of all the other students who took the time to create art that wasn't a part of a school grade, but art with a message. You should have seen some of the talent we have in our school system. I am also proud of the fine work and quality food that the students in the culinary arts program produced for us. Delicate deserts, tasty appetizers and a wonderful punch. I even spoke to a young man who dreams of having his own coffee shop some day with his father. That will wait, right now he is looking forward to creating a beautiful wedding cake for a lucky couple. If you have an upcoming envent, the culinary arts department offers catering services as well.