Rec Sports Member Update - Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

1.    Get Ready for Welcome Week!

2.    Outdoor Adventure Center Closed Friday, September 16

3.    RPAC Locker Lottery

4.    Kayak Roll Clinic

5.    American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification/Training Course

6.    Registration for 2011-12 Season of the Ohio State Swim Club Now Open 

7.    Scuba Diving Training/Certification Course

8.    Jesse Owens West Tennis Center Autumn Quarter Draw

9.    Rappelling at Hocking Hills

10.  Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays

11.  Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

12.  Register for Community Programs by September 28

13.  BuckeyeThon Miracle Miles 5K

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

Get Ready for Welcome Week!
It's that time of year again: back to school. That means it's time for Welcome Week! Prepare yourself for a jam-packed week of activities presented by Ohio State Rec Sports, including everything from a running tour of campus, skills challenge, intramural sports tournaments, a Michael Jackson Moves dance class, and more. Learn more at http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/welcome-week-schedule

 

Outdoor Adventure Center Closed Friday, September 16
The Outdoor Adventure Center will be closed Friday, September 16, for staff training. We apologize for the inconvenience.

RPAC Locker Lottery

Reserve a locker at the RPAC by participating in the locker lottery!  The lottery opens Monday, September 26, at noon. Participants are able to indicate their preference of locker size and will be notified by email if they are selected for a locker. For information on the locker lottery, visit http://www.recsports.osu.edu/recreation-physical-activity-center-rpac/sport-shop-services

Kayak Roll Clinic
Learn one of the most challenging skills a whitewater paddler can achieve: rolling a kayak. It takes mental and physical strength, and perseverance. This Outdoor Adventure Center clinic costs $15 and will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, in the RPAC Aquatic Center Classroom Pool. Learn more at http://www.recsports.osu.edu/forms/outdoor-calendar/outdoor-calendar-details.aspx?ID=172

 

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/Certification Course
Learn how to handle aquatic emergencies and other incidents by taking the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/Certification Course.  Participants will receive certifications in lifeguard training, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator. The class will meet Sundays from 5 - 10 p.m., October 2 - November 20, with no class October 16.  The fee is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. The registration deadline is September 28. Learn more by visiting

http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/american-red-cross-lifeguard-training-certification-course1

 

Registration for 2011-12 Season of the Ohio State Swim Club Now Open

The Olympic year is quickly approaching! By joining the Ohio State Swim Club, you can say that you are part of America’s Swim Team. The Ohio State Swim Club (OSSC) is a year-round competitive USA Swimming age-group program hosted through the Buckeye Aquatic Academy, a program of the Department of Recreational Sports.  The program hosts a variety of training groups from the novice competitive swimmer through national team competitive swimmers ages six and up.  Swimmers are placed into training groups according to age and skill level. Informal practices and tryouts have already begun; formal practices begin September 20.  To find out more, visit www.swimclub.osu.edu, or email Coach Kyle Goodrich at goodrich.89@osu.edu to schedule a tryout to determine if the program is a good fit for you.

 

Scuba Diving Training/Certification Course

This course prepares candidates to become certified divers and fulfills the requirements for classroom and pool/confined water training. After successful completion of the scuba course, participants can complete the certification process with four open water training dives. The class will meet Mondays from 6 - 10 p.m. starting October 3. The cost is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. For more information, visit http://www.recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/student-adult-programs/instructional-classes

 

Jesse Owens West Tennis Center Autumn Quarter Draw

Get your tennis time for autumn quarter! The Jesse Owens West Tennis Center (JOWTC) autumn quarter draw will take place on Tuesday, September 20, at 6 p.m. at JOWTC. This event will facilitate the scheduling of weekly court times throughout autumn quarter for all interested members.  Contact Jason Percival at percival.8@osu.edu with any questions and visit http://recsports.osu.edu/facilities/jesse-owens-west-tennis-center-jowtc to read more and download a contract. 

 

Rappelling at Hocking Hills
Register by Tuesday, September 27, to participate in the Outdoor Adventure Center rappelling trip to Hocking Hills on Sunday, October 2. Towering over 60 feet of vertical rock, find yourself among the most stunning views that Hocking Hills State Park has to offer. The adventure costs $35 and is open to beginner and experienced rappellers. Learn more at http://www.recsports.osu.edu/forms/outdoor-calendar/outdoor-calendar-details.aspx?ID=173

 

Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays
Enjoy a football game in Ohio Stadium while your children, currently enrolled in kindergarten to 12 years old, are left in the caring hands of the Community Programs staff at the RPAC. Drop your kids off at the RPAC Welcome Center (next to the stadium) up to 60 minutes prior to kickoff and pick them up within 30 minutes of the game clock expiring. Cost is $25 per child for members. Register by 5 p.m. the Wednesday of each home game.

 

Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

The Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) and Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) will alter their operating hours on home football game days. The home football hours for these buildings are:
Noon Kick-Off:  5 – 10 p.m.

3:30 p.m. Kick-Off: 8 a.m. – noon
8 p.m. Kick-Off:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Register for Community Programs by September 28
The deadline to register for Community Programs’ fall offerings is Wednesday, September 28. Offerings include Let’s Play Sports for children, active adults, private swim lessons, and more.  Learn more about all the programs at http://recsports.osu.edu/community-programs

 

BuckeyeThon Miracle Miles 5K
Join us for BuckeyeThon's Miracle Miles 5K on Sunday, September 25, at 5 p.m. at Fred Beekman Park! The 5K run/walk raises money for the hematology/oncology unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital with the ultimate goal of ending childhood cancer. Nationwide Children's Hospital is Columbus, Ohio's Children's Miracle Network Hospital that will treat any child regardless of a family's ability to pay. Register online at http://go.osu.edu/miraclemiles

The cost is $15 for Ohio State students and $20 for non-students. For more information, visit http://buckeyethon.osu.edu

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu,688-3693

ARC/JORC - Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

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{SPAM} Media Release - Mayor, Council President, Support Recommendations to Protect Arena District Jobs

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE   For Immediate Release:  September 15, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Mayor, Council President, Support Recommendations to Protect Arena District Jobs

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Council President Andrew J. Ginther today declared their support for recommendations announced yesterday by attorney John C. Rosenberger, City Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian and Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Executive Director William C. Jennison that will protect and create thousands of jobs in the Arena District for decades to come. Rosenberger was engaged in December, 2009 by Auditor Dorrian and the FCCFA to lead efforts to explore options to assure the future vitality and productivity of the Arena District as an economic development engine for Central Ohio.

 

“I thank John Rosenberger, Hugh Dorrian and Bill Jennison for their two years of hard work and for identifying a solution that will protect jobs and secure our future,” Mayor Coleman said. “This is a public-private partnership that will protect more than 10,000 jobs at a time when economic opportunity is at a premium. The Arena District is one of the reasons Columbus is the best city for jobs in the Midwest, and we must ensure that it continues to succeed. This is the right thing to do.”

 

The recommendation calls for the private sector investments led by Nationwide; Ohio casino revenues from the City of Columbus and Franklin County; and a $10 million investment from the State of Ohio. This revenue would allow the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority to acquire Nationwide Arena and ensure that the Columbus Blue Jackets remain in Columbus. The city and county casino revenue contribution would begin at 25 percent of state casino revenues in 2013 and would be capped at 32 percent.

 

“This proposal will allow the Arena District to continue to be a powerful economic development and job creation engine in Columbus, and that is why I support it,” said City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “The success of the Arena District has an impact beyond the Downtown; revenue from the area helps to fund critical safety services like police and fire that protect our neighborhoods everywhere in Columbus.”

 

An economic impact study conducted by the John Glenn Institute at OSU identified 7,000 jobs in the Arena District in 2006. Since then, the Arena District has added 1,230 jobs, and expansions are underway now that will draw another 2,200 jobs over the next three years. The John Glenn study also determined that the Arena District and Nationwide Arena generate $29.6 million annually in state and local income tax revenues.

 

Click here to view the entire report from the Finance Subcommittee.  City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee, encourages the public to comment on the proposal.  Please email the Columbus City Council at columbuscitycouncil@columbus.gov or call 645-7380 during regular business hours. 

 

 

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Meeting Highlights 9-12-11

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: September 12, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

HELPING POLICE SOLVE CRIMES WITH MORE EFFICIENT DNA TESTING: The Columbus Police crime lab will be processing DNA evidence more proficiently with Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills’ sponsorship of ordinance 1387-2010.  The legislation will authorize acceptance of a $272,315 grant through the Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program from the National Institute of Justice.  The funds will help the Division of Police crime lab process DNA samples more efficiently and reduce the wait time for DNA case analysis.  Funds will be used for DNA analysis supplies, overtime for analysts to work on established cases, and equipment and funds for training current and new DNA analysts in the latest technologies in this ever-evolving field.      

 

CRAIG CONTINUES BENEFITS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL:  The City of Columbus remains committed to supporting its employees who have been called to active military duty in defense of our nation.  Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1325-2011 to authorize the continuation of military leave with pay and benefits to City employees who have been or will be called to active military duty in connection with ongoing Homeland Security efforts.  The program was initiated by City Council after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

 

2012 TAX BUDGET:  Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring resolution 0234X-2011 to adopt the City’s 2012 Tax Budget and to authorize the City Auditor to file it with the Franklin, Fairfield and Delaware County Budget Commissions. These steps will allow Columbus to receive “local government funds,” which are monies collected by the State of Ohio and distributed via the counties.  The Tax Budget also establishes the 2012 property tax rate for Columbus residents.  The rate will remain the same and has not increased in over 56 years. 

 

CONTINUING SENIOR SERVICES:  The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging serves thousands of senior citizens with the help of several dozen partner agencies.   Ordinance 1316-2011, sponsored by Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, allows the Recreation and Parks Department to utilize $6,140,000 in federal and state grants from the Ohio Department of Aging to fund the continuation of services to older adults in the Columbus area.  This legislation authorizes thirty-one community services contracts for the provision of meals, adult day care, homemaker, personal care, transportation, home repair and legal services for the 2012 calendar year.
Click here for a complete list of agencies receiving funding.

 

IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN WEINLAND PARK:  The city of Columbus continues to promote active living for residents by improving mobility in area neighborhoods. Public Service & Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, is sponsoring ordinance 1255-2011, to authorize the expenditure of $135,000 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for the Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Weinland Park Community Mobility Plan.  The improvements would enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area and include Work will include detailed design of several features including sidewalks and ADA ramps throughout the Weinland Park area, in addition to the 4th Street and Summit Street corridors.  There are 46 bus stops and 8 transit routes within the limits of this project.   Pedestrian generators and destinations impacting the proposed project include High Street, Weinland Park Elementary School campus, Grant Avenue, Columbus Coated Fabrics redevelopment and the Ohio State University, and Godman Guild.

 

USING TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND TESTING: Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Administration Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1238-2011 to authorize the expenditure of $11,532.00 for the renewal of a contract with the Hatch Company for software maintenance and support for the Water Information Management System (WIMS). The WIMS enables the Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) and the Division of Power and Water (DOPW) to manage water quality sample information, incorporate input from plant operations data sources, track 79,000 tests on 16,000 different samples annually, and transfer approved results to end users automatically.  The WIMS system has replaced out dated information systems, allowing DOSD and DOPW to satisfy their regulatory reporting requirements more efficiently.   The contract agreement will provide software maintenance and support services through May 31, 2012.

 

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Media Alert - Public Meeting on Liquor Objection Process

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  September 9, 2011   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

Councilmember Mills to Hold Public Meeting on Liquor Objection Process

 

(COLUMBUS) –Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will conduct a public meeting to discuss the state's annual liquor permitting process and how the public can work with the city to object to the renewal of liquor permits held by problem establishments.

 

The public meeting will provide a forum to explain the liquor permit renewal objection process; make clear the city's role in permitting liquor establishments and the limitations on that role; what steps the city has taken to address problem liquor permit holders; different approaches to resolving community concerns with problem liquor establishments; the efficacy of the City’s efforts to hold liquor permit holders accountable; and what the community can do to assist the City in its attempt to ensure that businesses selling alcohol do so in a manner consistent with community standards.

 

Representatives from the office of Columbus City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr., and the Columbus Division of Police will present and provide background information on the liquor permitting/permit renewal process.

 

WHEN:
September 20, 2011
5:00 PM 

 

WHERE: 
City Hall
Columbus City Council Chambers
90 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

 

This informational session is open to the public and will be broadcast live on GTC-3. Interested civic leaders are encouraged to attend.

 

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Re: Reminder - Liquor Permit Renewal Objection Process

For More Information:

John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798

Web – Facebook – Twitter

Reminder

Liquor Permit Renewal Objection Process 

 

 

 

 

 

Rec Sports Member Update - September 2, 2011

Friday, September 2, 2011

1.    Labor Day Hours

2.    Adventure Recreation Center and Outdoor Adventure Center Closures

3.    American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification/Training Course

4.    Get Ready for Welcome Week!

5.    Jesse Owens West Tennis Center Autumn Quarter Draw

6.    Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays

7.    Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

8.    BuckeyeThon Miracle Miles 5K

9.    Let's Play Sports for Fall

10. Active Adults Programs for Fall

 

To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to recsportsmembers-unsubscribe@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu from the e-mail account to which you are subscribed for this listserv.

 

Labor Day Hours
Rec Sports facility hours, including RPAC Kids Zone, will change for Labor Day Weekend. Log onto www.recsports.osu.edu to view hours.

 

Adventure Recreation Center/Outdoor Adventure Center Closures
The Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) wood courts will be closed Tuesday, September 6 - Tuesday, September 13 for refinishing. The ARC and Outdoor Adventure Center will be closed on Wednesday, September 7, due to these renovations. We apologize for the inconvenience.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/Certification Course
Learn how to handle aquatic emergencies and other incidents by taking the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/Certification Course.  Participants will receive certifications in lifeguard training, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator. The class will meet on Sundays from 5 - 10 p.m., October 2 - November 20, with no class on October 16.  The fee is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. The registration deadline is September 28. Learn more by visiting

http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/american-red-cross-lifeguard-training-certification-course1

 

Get Ready for Welcome Week!
It's that time of year again: back to school. That means it's time for Welcome Week! Prepare yourself for a jam-packed week of activities presented by Ohio State Rec Sports, including everything from a running tour of campus, skills challenge, intramural sports tournaments, a Michael Jackson Moves dance class, and more. Learn more at http://recsports.osu.edu/articles/welcome-week-schedule

 

Jesse Owens West Tennis Center Autumn Quarter Draw

Get your tennis time for autumn quarter! The Jesse Owens West Tennis Center (JOWTC) autumn quarter draw will take place on Tuesday, September 20, at 6 p.m. at JOWTC. This event will facilitate the scheduling of weekly court times throughout autumn quarter for all interested members.  Contact Jason Percival at percival.8@osu.edu with any questions and visit http://recsports.osu.edu/facilities/jesse-owens-west-tennis-center-jowtc to read more and download a contract. 

 

Strong at Heart Workshop
Are you strong at heart? Women in central Ohio might not know their risks of heart disease—the No. 1 killer in America. "The Strong at Heart—What Every Woman Needs to Know" workshop will teach you how to lower your risk for heart disease, taste heart healthy recipes, and find out how to move your way to a healthier lifestyle. Presented by Martha Gulati, MD, Ohio State cardiologist, Laxmi Mehta, MD, Ohio State cardiologist, Nanette Wenger, MD, guest speaker, Emory University cardiologist, this event takes place on Wednesday, September 14, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Blackwell Inn on Ohio State's campus. It's free to attend, but registration is required by calling 800-293-5123.

 

Scarlet and Gray Football Saturdays
Enjoy a football game in Ohio Stadium while your children, currently enrolled in kindergarten to 12 years old, are left in the caring hands of the Community Programs staff at the RPAC. Just drop your kids off at the RPAC Welcome Center (next to the stadium) up to 60 minutes prior to kickoff and pick them up within 30 minutes of the game clock expiring. Cost is $25 per child for members. Register by 5 p.m. the Wednesday of each home game.

 

Football Saturday Hours for Adventure Recreation Center, Outdoor Adventure Center

The Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) and Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) will alter their operating hours on home football game days.  Please note due to summer hours, the ARC and OAC will be closed on Saturday, September 3. The home football hours for these buildings are:
Noon Kick-Off:  5 – 10 p.m.

3:30 p.m. Kick-Off: 8 a.m. – noon
8 p.m. Kick-Off:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

BuckeyeThon Miracle Miles 5K
Join us for BuckeyeThon's Miracle Miles 5K on Sunday, September 25, at 5 p.m. at Fred Beekman Park! The 5K run/walk raises money for the hematology/oncology unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital with the ultimate goal of ending childhood cancer. Nationwide Children's Hospital is Columbus, Ohio's Children's Miracle Network Hospital that will treat any child regardless of a family's ability to pay. Register online at http://go.osu.edu/miraclemiles

The cost is $15 for Ohio State students and $20 for non-students. For more information, visit http://buckeyethon.osu.edu

Let's Play Sports for Fall

Community Programs' Let's Play Sports program has been revamped for fall. The new structure allows children to advance from one level to another at their own pace, rather than being restricted by age. Some of the great offerings include Aikido, basketball, dance, golf, and more. Take a look at the programs by visiting

http://recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/youth-family-programs/lets-play-sports . Registration is available now at http://go.osu.edu/registerCP




Active Adults Programs for Fall
Ever want to learn how to ballroom dance, golf, play tennis, or learn about strength training? Now you can with Community Programs' Active Adults instructional classes this fall! Fees are $45 per person; classes include seven 45-minute sessions. Read about the programs at http://www.recsports.osu.edu/community-programs/student-adult-programs/instructional-classes  and register at http://go.osu.edu/registerCP

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Director – Don Stenta, stenta.1@osu.edu, 688-4738

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Bond, bond.217@osu.edu,688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Kurt Carmen, Carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Community Programs – Marci Hasty, hasty.11@osu.edu, 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes and Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop, and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Marketing - Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Shumaker, shumaker.98@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

Web Site – Katie Thomas, thomas.2407@osu.edu, 292-5287

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Media Advisory - Council Creates Veterans Affairs Committee

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release:  September 1, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

City Council Creates Veterans Affairs Committee

(Columbus)--In a continuing effort to better address the needs of Columbus veterans and their families, Columbus City Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig has worked with his colleagues to create a new standing committee that will focus solely on the needs of Columbus’ past and present servicemen and women. 

“Council works continuously to address the needs of our community, and this new committee will help raise awareness of the challenges veterans face and link veterans and their families with the services they need,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther.  “And, when it comes to understanding the needs of veterans and their families, no one on Council is more qualified to address these concerns than President Pro Tem Craig.”

Councilmember Craig, a Vietnam-era veteran who served in the United States Army, says the Veterans Affairs Committee will highlight the many programs and services that assist this growing population.  

“There are a myriad of services offered by multiple levels of government aimed at veterans and navigating these waters can sometimes be a daunting task,” said Craig.  “My mission for this new committee will be to continue to protect the rights and benefits of Columbus veterans while promoting programming that improves the lives of military personnel and their families.”

There are an estimated 100,000 veterans living in Columbus.  The new committee will evaluate the needs of Columbus veterans and assist existing service related agencies while working in concert with Rick Isbell, Columbus’ Veterans Affairs and Americans with Disabilities Coordinator. 

“Anything we can do as a city to help veterans attain the benefits and services they have earned is a step in the right direction,” said Isbell, an Air Force veteran of the Gulf War.   “Having a dedicated City Council office with the firsthand understanding of the challenges veterans face will only improve in the overall responsiveness of City Hall to the needs and concerns local veterans.”

Councilmember Craig says the new committee will also work with Columbus Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office to incorporate disable-veteran status into current city standards and collaborate with the Office of Homeless Advocacy to move homeless veterans from the streets to stable housing situations. 

“Veterans deserve the strongest voice possible fighting for our rights and it is good to know that City Council will do all they can to help us in our times of need,” said Bill Adams, a Columbus resident and Korean War veteran who also serves on the Columbus Veterans Advisory Board. 

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