We recently returned from the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. It was the ninth cruise and our eighth; many of us return each year because we have been affected by cancer and want to see it eliminated.
Being an avid Buckeye fan doesn't hurt, either!
The Cruise raised more than $1.7 million this year. The proceeds over the years have funded many projects. For instance, we helped furnish the rehab exercise room at the Stefanie Spielman Center. We have also purchased a mass spectrometer and a high-powered microscope to be used in research.
The athletes participate in the event willingly and give their time throughout the year. They attend various fundraisers and put up with all our requests for pictures. One year, three athletes paid for a family to go on the cruise because their seriously ill child told them that she wanted to go.
Several athletes participate in the Second and Seven Foundation, which works to promote literacy with economically disadvantaged kids. Others visit classrooms to encourage children to work hard, listen and stay in school. Jack Mewhort (a Buckeye and presently an Indianapolis Colt) recently visited our daughter's classroom in Indianapolis. He spent time answering their questions and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Buckeye fans should be proud of the great things these athletes do for their community. Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the Buckeye Cruise. If you have ever thought of going, 2017 might be the year.
Speaking of community, SCOR has begun a drive to help Helping Hands, Reynoldsburg's local food pantry. We recently collected 200 bars of soap. We are currently collecting 200 tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes. We are excited about this drive and the fact we are giving back to our community.
Here's what's going on in April:
* Thursday, April 7: At 9 a.m. is the second Men's Golf Meeting. Also, at 11:15 a.m., Arley Owens with Keep Reynoldsburg Beautiful will discuss what we can do to keep our community looking its best.
* Friday, April 8: We will attend SRO's presentation of Sweeney Todd.
* Saturday, April 9: the community celebration of Tartan Day.
* Wednesday, April 13: We will attend Fiddler on the Roof at Otterbein Theater. At 2 p.m., Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo will discuss the Homestead exemption program. Call the office at 614-866-5890 to reserve your spot.
* Friday, April 15: At 9 a.m., attorney James Hardgrove will present a discussion of the surviving spouse's rights in an estate.
* Thursday, April 21 at 9 a.m.: Shoes-4-Diabetics will conduct a shoe clinic for diabetics on Medicare and private insurance. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
* Wednesday, April 27 at 8 a.m.: We will depart for Sculpted Neon: The Artistic Side of Cincinnati. Call the office if you are interested.
* Friday, April 29 at 10:45 a.m.: We will meet, look over the movie options and head off to the movies and lunch.
Go Bucks --- beat cancer!
Debbie Mullarkey is a Reynoldsburg resident, a retired teacher and a longtime member of the Senior Citizens of Reynoldsburg.
