Stamatikos; Newark’s SciDome receives High Impact Program Award

Located in Newark at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, the SciDome hosts immersive experiences “from astronomy to zoology,” according to OSU Newark Associate Professor of astronomy and physics and Chief Science Officer at The Works, Mike Stamatikos, PhD. SciDome is a partnership between OSU Newark and The Works.

Stamatikos’s goal has been to generate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics in order to inspire central Ohio’s next generation of STEM professionals, while encouraging scientific literacy in the community at large. According to OSU Newark’s press release, SciDome is helping to support the following efforts: 

“Increasing scientific literacy in local under-served rural communities and underrepresented Appalachian populations; providing access to informal science education for all ages; encouraging STEM success for students and educators; and contributing to citizen science by utilizing local landmarks such as the Newark Earthworks and the John Glenn Astronomy Park for potential scientific discoveries.”

This $1000 award is part of Ohio State’s Outreach and Engagement Awards, recognizing “outstanding achievement by faculty, staff and/or student-led programs/initiatives focused on community-university partnerships and impact.”

Alexandria: Columbus Flyers invest in Lobdell Reserve Disc Golf Course

In response to feedback from athletes, the Columbus Flyers Disc Golf Club supported Lobdell Disc Golf Course by installing nineteen new Innova Discatcher baskets. These baskets meet Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) standards, and Lobdell Reserve continues to boast one of Ohio’s premier disc golf venues.

The Flyers are a Columbus-area nonprofit organization, focused on promoting the sport of disc golf throughout central Ohio by designing, installing, and maintaining regional courses. Lobdell hosts the Flyers for two large tournaments each year. 

Lobdell Reserve disc golf course is located at 5474 Battee Rd, Alexandria.

Ohio Native returns home; U.S. Navy Chorus to perform in Newark

On April 22, Newark will host the Sea Chanters, the official chorus and one of five key subgroups in the U.S. Navy Band. The Sea Chanters sing for presidents, congress, and military as well as foreign officials. The free concert at the Midland Theatre in Newark begins at 7 P.M.

Since 1925, the U.S. Navy Band has embarked on an annual tour from their base at the Washington Navy Yard in D.C.. This year, as part of the Sea Chanters’ tour, St. Clairsville native Robert Kurth is happy to return home to Ohio. Now bearing “Musician 1st” rank, Kurth graduated from Heidelberg University in Tiffin in 2003, and joined the Sea Chanters in 2014. He holds a masters in choral conducting from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Licking Park District names Jack Long “Volunteer of the Year”

The Licking County Park District has selected Jack Long as its annual “Volunteer of the Year” award recipient for 2021. Below is a statement from the organization:

“Jack Long began volunteering in 2018 when he completed the Ohio Certified Naturalist Certification. Always going above and beyond, Jack participated in advanced training for his archery instructor certification and manages our archery trailer during events. Jack is a patient and fun instructor, enthusiastic about helping kids develop proper techniques. Jack volunteers for every paddle sport opportunity and has engaged and inspired people of all ages to learn more about kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Jack contributed his considerable carpentry skills to building a desk and shelves for our office, and helped put a new roof on our Taft Reserve restroom. He regularly volunteers for citizen science, special events, programs, conservation stewardship, and trail maintenance projects.”

Senator Hottinger receives Andrew Carnegie Award

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Library Council (OLC) presented the Andrew Carnegie Award to State Senator Jay Hottinger (R–Newark) on Wednesday. The award honors “government officials who have exhibited outstanding support of public libraries and their efforts to assure quality public library services to all Ohioans,” per the OLC’s board of directors.