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Contact List:

Chair:
Karen Holt
Vice Chair:
Susan Walters
Treasurer:
Katherine Klepinger
Secretary:
Michelle (Shelli) Giess
Central Ohio Contact:
Karen Holt
Yvonne Wirtz
Cincinnati SW Ohio Contact:
Dorrie DeGutis
Holly Yeatts
Cleveland - NE Ohio Contact:
Vickie Adamus
Felicia Demchuk
Dayton Contact:
Kathy Klepinger
Susan Walters
SE Ohio / Marietta Contact:
Mary Jane Lawson
NW Ohio / Toledo:
Vacant Vacant
All other areas:
Karen Holt

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Columbus Events
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Events for Central Ohio - Columbus and surrounding areas.
Contacts are Karen Holt and Yvonne Wirtz

Planned Events

Pysanky egg decorating

I do not have final details yet on our Pysanky egg decorating event for central ohio, but it is in the works.

Two Ideas to consider:
1) I am planning on having a series of activities for each child to complete (like 'centers') during the event. After they do each activity, they get a 'stamp" in a 'passport'. So there will be a stamp for pysanky, one for egg dying, etc. I am hoping to get some families to create an activity to share. It could be
- coloring pages
- a display about a region/country/tradition
- a school project
- reading a story
- telling a fairytale
- a craft

I will make the passports, and i have many rubber stamps, if you don't have one.

2) I would love to have the Men make blini and pancakes for lunch so that the kids can try blini wiht many different toppings. Also probably scambled eggs and sausage for the picky eaters.

I know the date will be critical, but wondered if we'd have some guys would would volunteer to cook while mom's are hleping with egg decorating?



See events being planned at Upcoming Events


Past Events: 2009

Central Ohio Grandfather Frost Party
Grandfather Frost Party
Saturday Jan 10th 10:00-1:30
Heritage Christian Church
7411 Maxtown Rd
Westerville, OH 43082

----------------------------------------------------------
Volunteers needed
9:00 - Setup - Helpers needed rsvp karen.holt @ yahoo.com
1:30 - Teardown - Helpers needed rsvp karen.holt @ yahoo.com

----------------------------------------------------------
Schedule of Events
10:15 ice breaker games for the kids, please jump in to help when needed
Craft table will be opened shortly thereafter - craft helpers needed! - contact Leslie Church at lchurch @ att.net

Leslie just wanted to let you know about some of the activities we have planned for the Columbus Grandfather Frost party this Saturday.

Around 10:15 we'll be having some ice breaker games for the kids involving parachutes, balls, and some other fun things. For free play we'll have hula hoops and beach balls. (Should we have a prize for the adults who attempt the hula hoop?)

The craft table will have fun coloring pages and winter related stickers. (I have good Russian and general EE coloring pages, but would love to have ones related to other specific countries. Any ideas?) After the ice breaker games we'll open up the "glue" crafts where the kids can put together a mitten or a hanging snowman. They are individually wrapped so you can take one home if the kids don't want to put it together on Saturday. We'll keep the "glue" crafts table open about an hour. I'd appreciate a couple volunteers for 15 minutes at a time so we don't leave the table unattended with all the glue.

11:45 Potluck Lunch (see below - bring a dish to pass)

~12:45 Grandfather Frost and (I think) the Snowmaiden arrive with goodie bags for the kids.

----------------------------------------------------------
Fundraising
There will be a raffle for several adoption related item
1) Russian Barbie Doll (Mattel Dolls of the World)
2) Size 5/6 Girls Russian Sarafan and blouse (traditional outfit)
3) Adoption and cultural related books
4) More donations accepted!

Each person can buy raffle tickets and put them in a box for the item of their choice (each item will have a box)

----------------------------------------------------------
Cost
$6 per family for FRUA Members
$12 per family for others Cash or check payable to FRUA-Ohio
Donations above and beyond are most welcome!
----------------------------------------------------------

RSVP to Karen.holt @ yahoo.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Location:
Heritage Christian Church Gym
7413 Maxtown Road,
Westerville, OH 43082

The party is in the 2nd floor gym, Room 230. - From the reception desk turn right and walk through the lobby to the children's reception desk. You can either take the elevator, just left of the Children's reception desk, or the stairs to the right. The gym, Room 230, fills the back of the 2nd floor children's wing, you can take either corridor to the end to get there.

----------------------------------------------------------
Directions From 71:
Take Rt 71
Polaris Parkway Exit
Head east [Right if you take 71N]
Take Polaris Parkway to large 4 way intersection at State St/Westerville Rd/Route 3
Keep going straight, it becomes Maxtown Road
After the lights at Home Depot and at Tussic/Spring St, the church will be on your left.
If you get to Sunbury Road you went too far.
Enter by the Heritage on the left side at the "Main" entrance.
Sign in and you will receive a security name tag from the reception desk. (They would like you to sign out when you leave.) You are welcome to leave your coats on a coat rack downstairs. If there is no one on- duty at the security desk, go directly to the party.

Directions from NE OH - Granville area
161 West to the Sunbury Rd Exit
Turn right onto Sunbury Rd, pass the dam
Turn left onto Maxtown Rd
(If you reach Big Walnut or a bridge you went too far) Heritage will be on your right side


Past Events: 2008

Columbus International Festival
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 West Broad Street
Saturday & Sunday, November 8-9
10AM-10PM Saturday, 11AM-6PM Sunday

*OSU's Slavic Folk Group Rusalka will be performing on the main stage Sunday from 1:30-2:00p.m.

From the Columbus International Festival:
"For fifty two (52) years, the Columbus International Festival has strived to bring together different cultures from across the world each November weekend. Formerly known as the United Nations Festival, the event is the Columbus Chapter's largest outreach event, and the largest event of its kind sponsored and implemented by a UNA-USA chapter in the country. Each year, approximately 175-200 booths representing nearly 75 cultures offer arts, crafts, entertainment and food. Two performance states offer continuous entertainment throughout the festival, and a children's area offers international arts, crafts and demonstrations for youths of all ages.

Admission prices: Adults $7.00, Students & Seniors $5.00, Children 6-12 $2.00, Children under 5 free.

For more information please visit www.unacol.org/international_festival.html

** Lake Hudson Swimming and Potluck Picnic **
Sunday August 3rd, 2008
RSVP if possible. Karen Holt
Meet at the shelterhouse FRUA has reserved. We will have signs posted.
1:00 to 5:00 Water fun at Lake Hudson
2:00 Waiting Families Meet & Greet - Waiting Families are welcome all day long, and will have a special chance to get-together at 2:00
2:30 Afternoon snack potluck

Like all our events, you do not need to be a FRUA member to attend.

The discounted rate to enter Lake Hudson is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 2-8, free for those under 2 (This is $1.00 off the standard rate). Drive in, tell them at the gate you are with FRUA. You will not have to pay there, but will need to pay me, so that I can pay for everyone at the end.

Whether your child is a tot or a teen, they will find good swimming at Lake Hudson:
Lake Hudson has sand beaches, 3 swimming areas (wading 0-3'; intermediate 0-5', and deep 0-17'), three-meter diving boards, barrel floats, water slide, sand volleyball, water volleyball, etc.
There is also fishing, bring your fishing gear and/or small engine fishing boat.
Plenty of room for Corn hole is someone has a game to bring.
Drive in, tell them at the gate you are with FRUA. You will not have to pay there, but will need to pay me, so that I can pay for everyone at the end.
Meet at the shelterhouse FRUA has reserved. We will have signs posted.

Pot Luck Snacks
Everyone bring a snack to share
FRUA will have papergoods, and a jug of water, Bring juice or pop if you want it. There is also a concession stand.

Approx travel time to Granville:
2:15 to 2:30 from Cleveland
2 from Norwalk, Medina, Akron, Cincinnati, Bowling Green
1:45 from Lima, Findlay
1.30 from St Clairsville, Dayton
1 hour from Mansfield, Bucyrus
:45 from Delaware, Hilliard, downtown Columbus, Zanesville
:30 from Westerville, Lancaster

Note, on the yahoo maps the road is listed as Hudson Lake Road - it is really Old River Rd.
Old River Rd, Granville, OH 43023
Directions



** Forever Home Adoption Celebration at COSI! **
Join us on Saturday, May 17 to raise awareness for adoption at our third annual Forever Home Adoption Celebration at COSI! Click here for more info: NCALP Forever Home

The third annual Forever Home Adoption Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th, from 1:30-4:00 p.m. at COSI Columbus. Bring your family and join the celebration! Forever Home is packed with fun activities to fill an entire afternoon. Guests will enjoy all-day admission to COSI, afternoon snacks and refreshments, live entertainment including a magician, interactive music, cool science experiments, raffle prizes, and information booths on adoption and adoption-related support services.

Register by Wednesday, May 7, and NCALP will pay for your parking ($4 per car)! Click on the Forever Home below for more information or to register on line. Tickets are Adults (13 and up): $15, children (2 to 12): $5, and Children under age 2: free. Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested in attending and supporting the programs of The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy. Thank you!
Capital Law

** Kids clothing Exchange **
Saturday, May 31st, 2008 10pm - 2pm

Bring your outgrown gently used kids clothes and find some new ones. This is a free exchange event. It will be a great way for PAPs to find snowsuits and other items for new children, as well as a way for all of to share our hand-me-downs! Clothing remaining at the end will be donated to a local charity.

After looking at the clothes, stay to socialize!
We'll order pizza at lunch - bring beverages for you and the kids.

Dave & Yvonne Wirtz home
87 Juniper, Westerville
Directions

RSVP to Yvonne

Spring Event
We will be decorating eggs using both Pysanky and traditional Egg Dyeing methods. Pysanky and egg dyeing are traditional arts of many Eastern European nations.

Children (with their parent's assistance) of all ages and adults will be able to learn a traditional egg decorating method!

We will also be discussing Maslentisa "Pancake Week" which is the traditional period before lent in Russia, and Nauryz/Navruz which is a spring celebration in much of central Asia, including Kazakhstan.

Saturday April 12, 2008
11:00 to 2:00
Potluck Lunch

Location:
Prince of Peace Lutheran Chuch
5475 Brand Road
Dublin, Ohio 43017 (NW Columbus)
Driving Directions

Suggested donation $5 for FRUA families and $10 for non FRUA families (you may join FRUA-Ohio that day and get your Resource Directory, if you wish)

** Waiting families and those considering adoption are most welcome! ** One of the main benefits of attending events is to discuss everyday joys and challenges with other adoptive families.

RSVPs are required

Please include who will attend and ages of children. (We may have to limit the number of families to allow space for each child to participate, so RSVP today!)
Children less than 5 may be more suited to Egg dyeing and playing than pysanky.

There is indoor climbing play equipment in the basement which we can utilize with supervision. There will also be coloring and other activities for small children.



** Mom's Night Out **
Saturday March 29th, 2008 6 pm

TGI Fridays Polaris
1330 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240
Just WEST of 71 on Polaris Parkway

Single Moms, if you need childcare - ASK! We may be able to find a Dad to help watch the kids
Moms to be - this will be a terrific chance to talk to those who have been through the process!

RSVP to Karen


"Beat the Winter Doldrums" Playdate
Sunday February 17th 1:30 to 4:00 (come whenever, leave whenever)

McDonalds Playland
67 W Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062
740-927-2269

Pataskala is on SR 16/Broad St East of Columbus

Map and Driving Directions

This McDonalds Playland is a two story nice playland which is still quite interesting to my almost 7 year old. It also has a space with a climbing toy designated for the under 3 crowd.

Cost = Whatever you choose to eat

Bring socks for the kids to use in the play area.

**** Waiting parents and those considering adoption are most welcome!!!!****

Like all our events, you do not need to be a FRUA member to attend.

We have the Party Area reserved which will probably seat 16-20. There is seating for another 24+ in the play area, but that will be available to the public.

RSVP's encouraged but not required!


FRUA-Ohio Grandfather Frost Party

Saturday Jan 5th 10:00 - 2:00

Set up starts 9:00 and continues until we are ready
(tables/chairs need to be set up, tree needs to be decorated)

** 10:30 Meet and greet - kids crafts
** 11:30 Russian Music
** 12:00 Potluck Lunch
** 1:00 Grandfather Frost arrives
** Clean-up 2:00 - Tables and chairs taken down, general clean up.

Suggested minimum donation:
$5 per family ~~ for FRUA Members
$10 per family ~~ for others

Location:
Heritage Christian Church Gym
7413 Maxtown Road, Westerville, OH 43082


Past Events: 2007

We will watch "The Tigger Movie" suitable for parents and children.
The movie is Rated G and runs 77 minutes

"As it happens, the whole gang is busy preparing a suitably gloomy winter home for Eeyore. When everything they do seems to get undone by Tigger's exuberant bouncing, Rabbit suggests Tigger go outside and find other Tiggers to bounce with -- a notion Tigger finds ridiculous because after all, he's "the onliest one!" Or is he? And so begins Tigger's amazing journey to find his family.

The Tigger Movie is filled with the joy and wonder of what it means to be a family - and that families come in all shapes and sizes."

Disney information

Sunday August 19 at 4:00P

At the Wirtz home
Westerville, OH 43081

4-4:30 Welcome guests
4:30 Order pizza etc (not provided by host). We can provide paper products and lemonade.

5:30 Begin Tigger movie

Reservations limited to the first 15 people. If more people are interested we can look into reserving a room somewhere i.e library. So RSVP asap if you are planning to attend.

Directions





Swimming at Lake Hudson, Granville, Ohio - July 15th , 2007
12:00 to 5:00 Water fun at Lake Hudson
1:15 Waiting Families Meet & Greet
1:30 Potluck

Waiting Families are welcome all day long, and will have a special chance to get–together at 1:15 before the lunch.

Details:
Like all our events, you do not need to be a FRUA member to attend.
The discounted rate to enter Lake Hudson is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 2-8, free for those under 2 (This is $1.00 off the standard rate)
RSVP by July 12th to get the discounted rate.

Lake Hudson
Old River Rd, Granville, OH 43023
740-587-0907

Whether your child is a tot or a teen, they will find good swimming at Lake Hudson:
Lake Hudson has sand beaches, 3 swimming areas (wading 0-3’; intermediate 0-5’, and deep 0-17’), three-meter diving boards, barrel floats, water slide, sand volleyball, water volleyball, etc.

There is also fishing, bring your fishing gear and/or small engine fishing boat.

Meet at the shelterhouse FRUA has reserved. We will have signs posted.

Pot Luck
A-H Bring a main dish (hot dogs already taken) or a dessert
I-S Bring fruit or a snack
T-Z Bring a vegetable or a salad

FRUA will have papergoods, jugs of water and lemonade. Bring juice or pop if you want it. There is also a concession stand.

Approx travel time to Granville:
2:15 to 2:30 from Cleveland
2 from Norwalk, Medina, Akron, Cincinnati, Bowling Green
1:45 from Lima, Findlay
1.30 from St Clairsville, Dayton
1 hour from Mansfield, Bucyrus
:45 from Delaware, Hilliard, downtown Columbus, Zanesville
:30 from Westerville, Lancaster

Note, on the yahoo maps the road is listed as Hudson Lake Road - it is really Old River Rd.
[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map & Driving Directions of Old River Rd
Granville, OH 43023




Sign at 661 & Old River Road



A few more photos of Lake Hudson here Look at July 2005


Central Ohio Grandfather Frost and Nutcracker party

January 6th, 2007

Schedule of events:

9:30 Waiting and Considering families meet and greet

10:00 Registration and mingling

10:30 to 12:00 "The Nutcracker" performance - this is an audience participation event. The director Ms Zoya Wilson, a native of St Petersburg Russia, will have children volunteer to perform the various roles in the play. Zoya is a professional theatre director with over 40 years experience. We are very excited to have her with us!

Concurrently there will be crafts and coloring for younger children who prefer that.

12:00 Potluck

1:00 Grandfather Frost and Snow Maiden arrive

2:00 wrap up

Main dishes, beverages, table service will be brought by designated people.

For the Potluck
Last Names A-H bring fruit/vegetable/potato/pasta side dishes
Last Names I-N bring appetizers
Last Names O-Z bring salads or a dessert

Location:
Epworth United Methodist Church
5100 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Map




FRUA families gather at the Harmonia Concert


Presented by Granville Recreation Commission

Stone-King Commons
338 West Broadway
Granville, OH 43023

FRUA families will gather at 5:30 pm

This concert is free to the public.

It is on the green at Denison University, Granville Oh. Bring your family, a picnic supper, lawn chairs, and/or a blanket. To find our group, look near the front for a Russian Flag (White, Blue, Red) and a small FRUA sign. My cell phone is 614-329-1907.

As always, we welcome all people with an interest in adopted children to join us. Pre-adoptive families are most welcome!!!

This concert goes on rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, it will be indoors at the adjacent Burke Hall or Swasey Chapel.

Harmonia presents the traditional folk music of eastern Europe, ranging from the Danube to the Carpathians. Its repertoire reflects the cultures of this region: Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Romanian, Croatian and Gypsy.

Performing on authentic folk instruments, and styled after turn of the century East-European Gypsy bands, their music is drawn from both the urban and rural traditions of Eastern-Europe. The ensemble's performances evoke the full range of human emotions; interspersing fiery, passionate virtuosity with soulful melancholy and nostalgic yearning.

They have been called "obscenely talented" by the Folklore society of Washington D.C. and "a musical gem" by National Public Radio.

The musicians come from varied East-European backgrounds; in Harmonia they have found a common musical language. Harmonia brings to the concert stage the vitality and excitement of ethnic weddings, celebrations, and smoky cafés that inspired composers such as Bartok, Brahms and Lizst. Whether performing in these traditional settings or in concert halls, Harmonia's members stay close to their roots.<


[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map of 338 W Broadway
Granville, OH 43023


[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Directions to 338 W Broadway
Granville, OH 43023

Past Events: 2006

Egg Decorating April 1st, 2006

We will be decorating eggs using both Pysanky and traditional Egg Dyeing methods. Pysanky and egg dyeing are traditional arts of many Eastern European nations.

Children (with their parent's assistance) of all ages and adults will be able to learn a traditional egg decorating method!

We will also be discussing Maslentisa "Pancake Week" which is the traditional period before lent in Russia.

Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Chuch
5475 Brand Road
Dublin, Ohio 43017 (NW Columbus)
http://www.popluther.com/
Suggested donation $5 for FRUA families and $10 for non FRUA families

RSVPs are required
Please include who will attend and ages of children. (We may have to limit the number of families due to space, so RSVP today!)

Waiting families and those considering adoption are welcome!
One of the main benefits of attending events is to discuss everyday joys and challenges with other adoptive families.

Questions call Karen Holt 740-924-9355



Grandfather Frost Party
Central Ohio - January 14th, 2006

There will be a Central Ohio Grandfather Frost party on Saturday Jan 14th from 11 to 3:30 at Beech Maple Lodge, 6975 E. Livingston Ave. Reynoldsburg. This is located in Blacklick Woods Metro Park
It is a beautiful lodge in the woods, hopefully there will be snow on the ground.

Pre-adoptive families are encouraged to come at 10:00 to meet each other.

Lunch will be potluck. Meats, Beverages and Table Service will be provided.
Suggested donation is $10/family for non-FRUA members or $5/family for FRUA members.

Agenda

10:00 - Waiting Parents Meet and Greet

11:00 - Russian Story telling, Craft projects

12:00 - Potluck

1:00 - Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden arrive with goodies for good children ~ followed by songs, dance, and crafts by the OSU Slavic center

3:30 - cleanup!

RSVP
More details to follow

Please pass the news to anyone interested!

[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map of 6975 E Livingston Ave
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3015

[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Directions to 6975 E Livingston Ave
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3015




Past Events: 2005

FRUA Family Conference Oct 21, 22, 23


One Day, Two Fun-Filled Activities for the whole family!!!

Sunday July 10th, Granville, OH

1:00 to 4:30 Water fun at Lake Hudson
5:30 to 7:30 Russian music by Moscow Nights and Golden Gates

Waiting Families are welcome all day long, and will have a special chance to get –together at 5:15 before the concert.

See pictures at the bottom of the page

Details:
Like all our events, you do not need to be a FRUA member to attend.

You may attend one or both events! I need to have an RSVP for Lake Hudson by July 8th to get the discounted rate. No RSVP is needed for the concert, but I’d love to know if you are coming!

RSVP for one or both events

Lake Hudson
Old River Rd
Granville, OH 43023
740-587-0907

Lake Hudson does not have a website, but it does have sand beaches, 3 swimming areas (wading 0-3’; intermediate 0-5’, and deep 0-17’), three-meter diving boards, barrel floats, water slide, sand volleyball, water volleyball, etc.
The lake is spring fed and I believe is an old quarry.

There is also fishing, bring your fishing gear and/or small engine fishing boat.

FRUA has reserved a shelterhouse and will have drinks and mid afternoon snacks for everyone.

The entrance fee for our group is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids 2 to 8, free for younger kids. This is a discounted rate and you must RSVP to me to get this rate.

Lake Hudson opens at 11:00 for those who want a full day.

If it is really raining all day long, we will reschedule this. Just a few showers won’t stop it.

Supper – you can stop to eat at several places in Granville, stop into Granville Supermarket, or pack a picnic to eat at the outdoor concert.

Note, on the yahoo maps the road is listed as Hudson Lake Road - it is really Old River Rd.
[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map of Old River Rd
Granville, OH 43023

[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Directions to Old River Rd
Granville, OH 43023


Russian music by Moscow Nights and Golden Gates
Presented by Granville Recreation Commission
Stone-King Commons
338 West Broadway
Granville, OH 43023

This concert is free to the public.

It is on the green at Dennison University, Granville Oh. Bring a picnic supper, lawn chairs, or a blanket. To find our group, look for a Russian Flag (White, Blue, Red).

This concert goes on rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, it will be indoors at the adjacent Burke Hall or Swasey Chapel.

http://www.russianfolk.com/
http://ww.russianfolk.com/goldengates.html

[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Map of 338 W Broadway
Granville, OH 43023


[ Yahoo! Maps ]
Directions to 338 W Broadway
Granville, OH 43023


Lake Hudson


Lake Hudson


Sign at 661 & Old River Road


Moscow Nights and Golden Gates




Grandfather Frost party 1/8/2005

 
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