Lull between holidays, spring to pick up soon

First Posted: March 08, 2013 - 10:02 pm Last Updated: March 08, 2013 - 10:03 pm

There are definite signs of spring right around the corner. The hummingbirds are on their way back from Mexico and the sandhill cranes are blazing a trail in the skies heading north.

Columbus is coming to life with a plethora of activities. Even with so many friends traveling and wintering in the sunshine states, Columbus has been busy.

What a joy to drive or stroll through the downtown with many new stores popping up with something new to see every day.

One of the shops that caught our eye had a window filled with colorful floral totes and across the street many shops; a ladies shop with glorious spring things to fling on; a butcher shop with loads of specialties and not far down the street a wonderful kind of old-fashion bookstore to browse.

C.A.R.E fundraiser

C.A.R.E’s sixth annual SPAY-ghetti dinner was conducted at Tre Bicchieri Italian restaurant, where money is raised so that spay and neutering is more affordable, thus limiting the number of unwanted pets in our community — a wonderful and well-worthwhile endeavor.

A great group of volunteers, busy from 11 a.m. until closing at 7 p.m., not only baked delicious desserts but waited tables, washed dishes and entertained the crowd.

The celebrity wait staff included Mayor Kristen Brown, Police Chief Jason Maddix and former judge Chris Monroe.

The many desserts were made by chefs Jim Gregory and Dan Orr with glorious music played on bagpipes by Kevin Konetzka, animal control manager and a friend.

Ladies Only Heart Healthy Lunch and Learn was conducted at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center to a sell-out crowd.

We were treated to a delicious, complimentary lunch, great gifts and door prizes, all provided by Columbus Regional Health along with booths containing additional health information.

The program started with Nicole Pence, Nancy’s granddaughter and Emmy-nominated journalist from WTHR Channel 13 as master of ceremonies. Nicole related her health history and journey toward a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise which includes an occasional tango dance.

A cooking demonstration was given by Columbus Regional Health chef James Toole, assisted by Patti Wade, the hospital food and nutrition services manager, on how to construct a healthy salad. They gave many tips on how to cut calories such as using lemon or orange juice instead of all vinegar, using less dressing and many more healthy choices in cooking and preparing foods.

Guest speakers were Dr. Melinda Hunnicutt, cardiologist, and Dr. Samantha Lucas, cardiologist/electyrophysiologist, both answering frequently asked questions about women’s health, including a healthy heart lifestyle.

Singing Hooseirs

The Indiana University Singing Hoosiers brought the house down March 2 at the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s “Phil!tastic” fundraiser with a variety of songs and dances that had our hearts thumping down memory lane with the music of Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmichael.

A delicious dinner was served by Bistro 310 followed by a silent and live auction, Phil’s famous Wine Bin Raffle and the Dash for Dessert auction, which brought a luscious chocolate cake to our table.

After the entertainment and bidding the dance floor was taken over by those who love to dance and were joined by the Singing Hoosiers who invited some of the ladies to join them “to trip the light fantastic.” The evening was brought to us with such aplomb by Margaret Powers, executive director of the Philharmonic, master of ceremonies Pete King, mistress of ceremony Sharon Sung and committee chairwoman Christy Langston — well done!

Check the Bartholomew County Public Library at barth.lib.in.us for quite a unique variety of programs for March, including cooking, crimes, insurance, health care, music and painting.

Nancy Fritsch and Barbara Fortner can be reached at nancypencefritsch@att.net.

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