Introducing the 2017 Passport Challenges

The Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau presents the 2017 Passport Challenges! Beginning May 1^st, Gallia County residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore Gallia and win prizes with this fun and free experience! This summer program has participants visit 10 locations. At each location, they must either take a selfie as proof or the location will stamp their special passport.

The Challenges offered this year are the City Passport Challenge and the County Passport Challenge. In the City Passport Challenge, all locations will be in downtown Gallipolis, whereas the County Passport Challenge has locations throughout Gallia County. According to Assistant Director Kaitlynn Halley, “This is our second year doing the Passport Challenge and one huge change is the addition of local businesses. Last year the Challenge was primarily made up of Gallia County attractions though, after receiving a lot of enthusiasm from several local businesses we decided to reach out to them, the response has been fantastic.” There is no age limit for the Challenges making it the perfect summer activity for families and friends.

Another change to the Passport Challenge, are the prizes for completing the Challenges. Like the 2016 Passport Challenge, all who complete the Challenge will receive a drawstring bag, while supplies last, with additional prizes inside. Our drawstring bags were sponsored by Colony Club, French City Academy, and Boardroom 46. Many of these smaller prizes are donated by local businesses such as Ohio Valley Bank, Holzer Health Systems and more. This year participants who complete the challenge will be entered into a monthly drawing for big prizes*, such as Silver Screen Vll gift cards, Colony Club gift certificates, Gallipolis Roller Bounce certificates and more! On May 31st we will be drawing for a Season Family City Pool Pass!

The 2017 Passport Challenge will be open from May 1^st to September 5^th. The Challenge Passports can be downloaded at www.visitgallia.com or picked up at the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 441 Second Avenue, Gallipolis beginning May 1st! For questions, you can contact the GCCVB at 1-800-765-6482 or info@visitgallia.com.

*Big prizes are subject to change!

Gallia County Events April 7th-16th

If you have an event coming up that is open to the public, let us know! Fill out an event form, message us on Facebook or give us a call (740-446-6882).

Events in Gallia County for April 7th-16th

Color Me Happy: Adults Coloring Class
2^nd Saturday every month February-October
10:00am-12:00pm

Bossard Memorial Library
7 Spruce Street
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-446-7323

Enjoy conversation, soothing music, and light refreshments. Coloring sheets and pencils/pens will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own supplies if you would like. This event is free and open to adults ages 18 and up.

French City Writers’ Guild
1^st Tuesday and Thursday every month March-May
6:00pm-7:30pm

Bossard Memorial Library
7 Spruce Street
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-446-7323
Are you interested in creative writing?  Do you want to be able to share your ideas and written works?  If so, you are cordially invited to join the French City Writers’ Guild at Bossard Memorial Library. The Writers’ Guild is an open forum writing group that enables you to share your works and meet others who share your passion for writing. Our goal is to provide a comfortable place for people to discuss their written works and receive constructive feedback from the members of the Guild. Creative writing exercises will be conducted at select meetings as well. Two different meetings will be held each month, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The Tuesday sessions will be for all ages and friendly for a younger audience. Thursday evening sessions will be held for those 18 years of age and older, as works containing more mature content may be shared. Meetings will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. on their respective nights. Light refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in joining the Guild, please correspond to Randall Fulks at RFulks@bossardlibrary.org or (740) 446-7323 ext. 233 to register for the session(s) you would like to attend.     We hope to see you there!

River Valley High School Spring Musical-Beauty and the Beast
April 7^th and 8^th
7:00pm
$10 Adults $5 Students

University of Rio Grande Berry and Fine Performing Arts Center
218 N. College Avenue
Rio Grande, OH 45674

Be Our Guest at this year's RVHS Spring Musical!! Tickets are now on sale! For more information please call 740-446-2926

Gallipolis Junior Woman’s Club Spring Fundraiser
Movie with the Easter Bunny
April 8
9:00am

Silver Screen VII
1284 Jackson Pike
Gallipolis, OH 45631

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $8 a person, gaining entry into one of the 2 showings of “Boss Baby”, 9:00am or 10:00am. Your entry includes a popcorn and small drink and a picture with the Easter Bunny.

2017 Miss Gallipolis In Bloom Pageant
April 8
10:00am-12:00pm
$35 Entry Fee

Bossard Memorial Library
7 Spruce Street
Gallipolis, OH  45631

Please see that attached form. Deadline to apply is 4:00 pm, Friday, March 31, 2017.
If you are unable to print the attached application, stop into the City Building located at 333 Third Avenue and see Kim Canaday in the Tax Department or call 740-208-6414.

Attire required is Sunday Dress or Party only. No heavy makeup or pageant formal wear. Open to girls 4th Grade through 6th Grade residing in Gallipolis and Gallia County.

$35 Entry Fee Required. Checks made payable to Gallipolis In Bloom must accompany your application. No admission fee to attend the pageant

Hunter Education Class
April 8 from 12:00pm-6:00pm
April 9 from 1:00pm-6:00pm
FREE to the public

Gallia County Gun Club
300 Buck Ridge Road
Bidwell, OH 45614

Both days are mandatory to complete the certification. Youth under 10 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult. Open to all ages. For more information, contact Eric Clary at 740-208-1498

Easter Down on the Farm
April 8
1:00pm-3:00pm

Bob Evans Farm
10854 State Route 588
Rio Grande, OH 45674
800-994-3276

Come down on the farm and hunt Easter Eggs and visit the Easter Bunny! For more information, call 800-994-3276

Introduction to Watercolor Painting
April 8
2:00pm-4:00pm
$35 Basic $45 Deluxe

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio
300 Second Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-853-2364

Introduction to Watercolor Painting Class: Taught by Courtney Richie
No previous experience necessary
Small refreshments will be provided during the 3 hour class. Basic option available until class time first come first served.
Price Options:
Basic $35 - includes use of my paint and brushes and take home the double sided printed page painted during the class.
Deluxe $45 - take home a Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint kit and the double sided printed page painted during class.
Instruction will include:
-Brief overview of watercolor papers, brushes, pigments, and other equipment used.
-Demonstration of various watercolor techniques.
-Step by step, one-on-one walk through of each technique.
-Opportunity to be creative or to "follow the leader" as suits each individual.
-More advanced techniques presented depending on available time and student progress during the class.
-Each page used in class has the same image on each side, providing the opportunity to practice or use different color schemes.

River Valley High School Spring Musical-Beauty and the Beast
April 7^th and 8^th
7:00pm
$10 Adults $5 Students

University of Rio Grande Berry and Fine Performing Arts Center
218 N. College Avenue
Rio Grande, OH 45674

Be Our Guest at this year's RVHS Spring Musical!! Tickets are now on sale! For more information please call 740-446-2926

Hunter Education Class
April 8 from 12:00pm-6:00pm
April 9 from 1:00pm-6:00pm
FREE to the public

Gallia County Gun Club
300 Buck Ridge Road
Bidwell, OH 45614

Both days are mandatory to complete the certification. Youth under 10 yrs old must be accompanied by an adult. Open to all ages. For more information, contact Eric Clary at 740-208-1498

American Red Cross Blood Drive
April 12
10:00am – 3:30pm

University of Rio Grande
218 N. College Avenue
Rio Grande, OH 45674

Semi-Annual Blood Drive. For more information please contact Marlene Childers at 740-245-7389 or email childers@rio.edu

Transcendental Meditation for Beginners
April 13th
6:30pm-7:00pm
Ages: 15 & up
Price: $10
Deadline to sign up: Wednesday, April 11^th

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio
300 Second Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-853-2364

This class will teach participants the basics of transcendental meditation and a 15 minute guided meditation that they can do at home. Transcendental meditation is a great way to relax, focus, and help relieve stress and anxiety.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or soft blanket to sit on. We will incorporate a few very basic yoga poses that are suitable for anyone regardless of skill level or age.
You must pay ahead of time to reserve your spots for this class. You can come to The Artisan Shoppe & Studio one of the days that we are open to pay to reserve your spot or we can send an invoice to be paid through your email

French 500 Flea Market
April 14-16
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Gallia County Fairgrounds
189 Jackson Pike
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-446-4120

This is the first flea market of the year!! Admission and parking are FREE!  Local crafters, vendors and concessions will be there. Something for everyone!

Easter Egg Hunt
April 15
Activities at 10:00 am Hunt at 11:00 am

Gallipolis City Park
300 Block of Second Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631

Bring the little ones and enjoy the activities! Divided up by age groups. Activities for the kids and a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny

Cross Stained Glass Class
April 15th
11:00am-3:00pm
Spots: 6
Price: $60
Ages: 12+

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio
300 Second Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-853-2364

Taught by Tracy French
Please pay to reserve your spots ahead of time. You can come in the shoppe one of the days we are open to pay or we can email you an invoice that will show you how to pay online. Spots will not be reserved until they are paid for.

Uncork & Create with Barbara Delligatti
April 15
1:00pm-4:00pm
$35
Ages: 10+

French Art Colony
530 First Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-446-3834

Barbara Delligatti will be hosting another uncork and create event at the French Art Colony. Come join us April 15th from 1-4 pm and paint “Coming Home” Class is open to anyone ages 10 & up. The cost is $35 and includes all supplies and refreshments. (Wine is available for purchase at an additional cost.) Barbara is an award winning, professional watercolor artist and a fabulous instructor. She will walk you through the steps so, even if you have never painted before you will leave with a beautiful piece. Spots are limited and reservations are required. Please call the French Art Colony at 446-3834 to register

A Night of Rolling Laughs
April 15
7:00pm-11:00pm
$8 pre-sale; $10 at the door

Colony Club
518 Second Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631
740-208-5526

A night of comedy to promote and raise funds for The Silver Bridge Bruisers Roller Derby Team! Join Headliner Jay Snyder and Lori Graves with Special Guest Carla Goldbusch! Carlin Hagerty hosts. Adult Content.

Event Planning Tips

I love attending, organizing, or assisting with events. I would go as far to call myself an event junkie, I am so obsessed. In my position, I do my best to support organizations by attending their events and even lend a hand. But more importantly I host events with the GCCVB. Events are what really interested me in the hospitality field and lead to me earning my degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism and minor in Business. From my experience and education, I like to think that I have a few tricks up my sleeve. So, check out my event planning tips and comment below to share yours! If your planning a public event send the details to the GCCVB at info@visitgallia.com. We can help you promote it (for free) on our social media, calendar and app!

1. Lists!

Every event should start with a solid to-do list. Always share your lists with your co-hosts to ensure not to forget anything. I have lists for my volunteers, shopping, orders, event timeline, and more!



2. Details Matter but Don't Forget the Big Picture.

The devil is in the details. If you're not careful, you can get too carried away with the small things and the event as a whole can suffer. The key is to find a balance or a great team that can keep you on track!



3. Communicate!

Your team can only know what to do if you can clearly communicate your ideas to them. You need to keep that line of communication open so that they can share their ideas too. There may not be an "I" in team but there is one in "Communicate"! Make it your responsibility to communicate to your team.



4. Take a Break!

If your event is taking up a lot of your time and it is the first thing you think of when you wake-up and last thing when you fall asleep. STOP. Stepping away from a project for an 15-minutes, an hour, or a day can be a positive thing. I always find it helpful to leave a project and come back with a fresh mind, especially when I am feeling stuck.



5. Enjoy it!

Events are meant to be fun! Whether it is a wedding or fundraiser, don't lose sight of why you are doing it! Be sure to remind yourself to take hold of the experience, don't let the experience take hold of you!



6. Always Follow-Up!

It is professional and courteous to follow-up with guests, volunteers and sponsors with a handwritten thank you card!

50 Fun Things To Do In Gallia County

1. Borrow a bike from the Bossard Memorial Library and go for a spin.

2. Take a class at the Artisan Shoppe and Studio

3. Spend the afternoon in the Gallipolis City Park, toss a Frisbee or view the memorials

4. Take the Downtown Gallipolis Walking Tour

5. If you're 21 and older, stop by the Merry Family Winery and Craft Brewery for a taste of Southeastern Ohio made wine.

6. Catch a movie or live performance and some tasty food at Colony Club.

7. View the exhibits at the French Art Colony or take a tour of the historic home.

8. Learn about the Welsh Heritage of Gallia County at the Madog Center for Welsh Studies.

9. Book a tour of the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre or attend a performance

10. Discover your roots at the Gallia County Genealogical Society, OGS Chapter.

11. Step back in time at the Adamsville Village in Rio Grande.

12. Challenge yourself at the Cliffside Golf Course.

13. Visit Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum

14. Tour the Our House Tavern Museum to learn about Gallia County life in 1819.

15. Roll and jump into some fun at the Gallipolis Roller Bounce

16. Get the best view in town at Mound Hill Cemetery that overlooks Gallipolis, the Ohio River and West Virginia

17. The John Gee Black Historical Center will educate you on the traditions, culture, crafts, music and art of African-Americans from Southeastern Ohio's past and present.

18. Catch the latest films at Silver Screen VII.

19. Do some fishing or just enjoy the breeze of the Ohio River at our public access dock.

20. Drive through the countryside with the Gallia County Quilt Barn Trail

21. Attend a sporting event at the University of Rio Grande

22. Visit the local shops of Downtown Gallipolis.

23. Have a chat with the Gallia County Historical Society

24. Take a trail ride at Rio Valley Stables

25. Attend a performance by the Riverby Theatre Guild

26. Create your own sweet treat at Sprinkle and Pop

27. Don't miss wing night at Courtside Bar and Grill

28. Test your knowledge at the French Art Colony's Monthly Trivia Nights

29. Peruse the Raised Around Rio Farmer and Artisan Market

30. Have fun at the playground and picnic area at the Rio Grande Reservoir

31. Play soccer, hit up the monkey bars or throw a birthday party in one of the shelter houses at Raccoon Creek Country Park.

32. Learn about the history of the Silver Bridge disaster at the silver bridge memorial plaque and get a unique view of the Ohio River

33. Visit the Ohio Tattoo Museum

34. Take on the Gallia Hike and Bike Trail

35.  Go antiquing

36. Play cards at Next Level Gaming

37. Have a blast at Haskins Park

39. Practice your skills at the Skate park

40. Take a dip in the City Pool

41. Visit Skyline Bowling Center of Gallipolis and knock down a few pins

42. Check out the Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary

43. See the monuments dedicated to the original French 500 settlers to Gallipolis at the Pine Street Cemetery.

44. In Autumn, take the self guided Fall Foliage Tour

45. Take the Heritage Tour of Gallia County to learn about the founders of Gallia.

46. From May to September take the GCCVB's Passport Challenge Tour

47. In the summer enjoy the work of Gallipolis in Bloom in downtown Gallipolis

48. Let Boardroom46 help you create a one-of-a-kind sign

49. Be sure to come back to the Gallipolis City Park in December and see the Gallipolis in Lights Christmas display.

50. Stop by the Gallia County CVB and learn about all the fun events and programs we offer residents and guests!

Gallia County Events March 11th-18th

Events in Gallia County for March 11th - 18th Compiled by Lori At VisitGallia 9th Annual Spring Open House Event at The Home Place Mercantile March 11-12 10:00am-4:00pm The Home Place Mercantile 842 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-4570 Seasonal Event featuring Spring & Easter Decor'. Also the areas best selection of Antiques & Vintage Collectibles. Special Event Markdowns, $100- Gift Certificate Drawling plus Refreshments OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AGAIN!!! Introduction to Watercolor Painting Class March 11 2:00pm-4:00pm Spots: 6 Ages: 12+ Basic $35 - Deluxe $45 The Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853-2364 Deadline to sign up for Deluxe option: March 6th Basic $35 - includes use of my paint and brushes and take home the double sided printed page painted during the class. Deluxe $45 - take home a Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint kit and the double sided printed page painted during class No previous experience necessary. Small refreshments will be provided during the 3 hour class. Basic option available until class time first come first served. Instruction will include: -Brief overview of watercolor papers, brushes, pigments, and other equipment used. -Demonstration of various watercolor techniques. -Step by step, one-on-one walk through of each technique. -Opportunity to be creative or to "follow the leader" as suits each individual. -More advanced techniques presented depending on available time and student progress during the class. -Each page used in class has the same image on each side, providing the opportunity to practice or use different color schemes. LIVE Music at Colony Club – Deep Creatures March 11 7:00pm – 10:00pm $3 cover charge Colony Club 418 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-208-5526 Kent Jolley and BJ Rocchi return to the Colony Club for the debut of Deep Creatures! BoardRoom 46 Grand Opening March 15 5:00pm-7:00pm BoardRoom 46 46 Court Street Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-794-1046 Please join us for the GRAND OPENING of BoardRoom46! Bring a guest and feel free to invite your friends and family! As a thank you, we will be giving away Door Prizes! You don't want to miss this, so come and see what all the buzz is about! Wilton Royal Icing Cake Decorating March 16, 23 5:00pm – 6:00pm $40 (price for all 4 classes) $60 if you need to buy the kit The Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853- Learn how to create professional looking flowers and designs made from royal icing. We will cover making roses and rose buds, pansies, violets, basket weave, and Cornelli lace. Also, we will work with brush embroidery. Piping royal icing appliques and decorative borders are also included in class. Perfect for Spring and Easter decorating! Classes are scheduled 5pm-6pm for four (4) Thursdays (March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd). Christian Music Night at Gallipolis Roller Bounce March 16, 23, 30 6:00pm-9:00pm Gallipolis Roller Bounce LLC 211 Upper River Road (Behind Buffalo Wild Wings) Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-508-6668 Every Thursday night in March, come to the Gallipolis Roller Bounce for Christian music, hot food, and fun for the whole family! Youth group discounts available. The Price is Right at Colony Club March 17 5:30pm-10:00pm Colony Club 418 Second Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 740-208-5526 The Price is Right is a fundraiser for the Downtown Revitalization Project. There will be 10 rounds of Contestant's Row, 2 rounds of Spinning the Wheel and one Showcase Showdown with a prize you DON'T want to miss! Get ready to "Come on down" and play for some incredible prizes ON STAGE! You will be playing games like PLINKO, Hole in One, Check Out and more! Come early for a bite to eat before the show starts. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 7:00pm. Did we mention you will be playing for amazing prizes? Take a second to read through the donor list below. Without these folks, we would have no Price is Right and no extra funds for the DRP. Holzer - Colony Club - Farmer's Bank - Foster Sales - Boardroom 46 - Saunders Insurance Agency - French City Academy - Noe & Saunders Attorneys at Law - Jamie Sloan - Mel Quillen - Coca-Cola - and more! For tickets click the link below! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-price-is-right-for-drp-tickets-32359988597?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing Hot Dames, Hot Lead March 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th 7:30pm Riverby Theatre Guide 59 Court Street Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-3834 The French Art Colony’s Riverby Theatre Guild production of “Hot Dames, Hot Lead” will take the stage this month, with performances on March 17th & 18th and March 24th & 25th in the RTG Studio on Court Street. Gangsters and gals and P.I’s abound in this creative radio drama!  Directed by Linda Sigismondi, this production is sure to provide lots of laughs. Bring back the charm of the golden days of radio with this good old-fashioned cops and robbers drama set in a radio studio and performed by actors gathered around microphones. Catfish King, private eye, is chasing down a crook and maybe chasing Lola, the secretary, too. Corrupt politicians and mafia gunslingers give him a run for his money as he tries to crack the case. Featuring live sound effects and musical commercials, this is sure to be a unique night of theatre. Limited seating is available and advance reservations are suggested call 740-446-3834 to reserve. Tickets are $10 ($8 for FAC members, when purchased in advance at the FAC.) The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. St. Patty’s Party at Gallipolis Roller Bounce March 17 7:30pm-12:00am Gallipolis Roller Bounce 211 Upper River Road (behind Buffalo Wild Wings) Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 740-508-6668 Come out to Gallipolis Roller Bounce for our St. Patty’s bash skate/dance and games until midnight. $10 entry until midnight or normal entrance fee until 10:30. Thanks please invite your friends Gallia County Recycling Day March 18 8:00am-12:00pm Gallia County Jr. Fairgrounds 189 Jackson Pike Gallipolis, OH 45631 Sponsored by Gallia SWCD 446-6173 This event is for Gallia County residents only, so please have your driver's license or utility bill ready to be presented at the entrance. The Gallia Soil & Water Conservation District will be collecting the following items: Fluorescent Light Tubes:  4’ - 8’ long, CFL’s (curly cubes), etc. (If you need boxes stop by Gallia SWCD and get a free box). Batteries: Lithium, Lithium Ion, Ni-Cad, Button Cell, Alkaline, Rechargeable batteries from drills, computers, & cell phones, (Gallia SWCD is a battery drop off site all year long M-F 8-4:30pm) Electronic items: TV’s, microwaves, computers, servers, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, faxes, copiers, scanners, battery backup systems, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, video game systems, DVD players, CD media, Floppy Disks, phone equipment. NO Appliances with Freon or hazardous material. The e-waste will be processed by Community Computer Alliance and will benefit individuals with Autism. If a vehicle has over 10 TV’s &/or 10 Monitors they will be charged a rate of $20 per TV & $10 per monitor. Please contact Gallia SWCD to make arrangements ahead of time.  Paper Shredding: This is first come first serve basis.  If you have a business and need this service please call Shred Devil they will come to your business 888-776-1450. This is being sponsored by Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, and Vinton-Solid Waste Management District. Gallia SWCD & its partners are an equal opportunity employer & provider Tire Collection will be held at the Gallia County Health Department, 499 Jackson Pike. 8:00am -12:00pm.  Call 441-2018 for more details. The Gallia County Landfill will be holding their free trash disposal day on March 18th from 7:30am to noon at 497 Roush Hollow Road, Bidwell. If you have questions please call the landfill at 388-9740. The Hay Wrap Plastic Collection location will be at L & L Scrap Metal, 128 Texas Road. Please make sure the hay wrap is properly cleaned, call Gallia SWCD for details. St. Patrick’s Day Cultural Festival and Parade March 18 12:00pm-7:00pm The Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853-2364 This will be the 3rd annual St. Patrick's Day Cultural Festival & Parade! This event serves as an annual fundraiser for the Gallia County Artisan Market non-profit/501(c)(3) entity. We started the Gallia County Artisan Market events in February 2014 due to the need for local artisans to be able to display and sell their work. We expanded to open up The Artisan Shoppe in December 2014 so we could have a shoppe version of our markets for those who couldn't attend. We decided to expand even more by opening up The Artisan Studio in October 2015. The St. Patrick Day Cultural Parade started in March 2015 and the Festival part was added in March 2016 since there were no parades or events in the area to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Our mission is to educate the public and to promote arts and culture in our community. We are getting bigger and better every year and we hope you all join us in supporting our mission. All businesses, all arts, and all cultures are welcome to be involved. Parade, park & sponsor forms are available to pick up/drop off at The Artisan Shoppe, the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce & the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau. We can also email them upon request. M.O.V.A.R.C. Hamfest March 18 8:00am – 2:00pm Admission: $5 Gallia County Senior Resource Center 1165 State Route 160 Gallipolis, OH 45631 The Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual Hamfest at the Gallia County Senior Citizens Center. Grand Prize is Yaesu FT2-DR analog/digital radio. Contact Lester Cardwell at 740-256-1312 for more information.   Gallia County Convention & Visitors Bureau 441 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 (740) 446-6882 (800) 765-6482 www.visitgallia.com "Like" us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @GalliaCountyCVB! Download our Free Mobile App VisitGallia Follow us on Instagram - visitgallia Follow us on Pinterest - Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Monday Rambling: How Can I Help?

My day began with beeping. Snooze. More beeping. Am I the only person whose first twenty minutes each day is sitting in bed staring at the wall trying to determine reality or dreams? Mornings are weird, especially Monday Mornings.

All of a sudden I am driving down 35, whoa when did I get here and did I remember everything, including my pants? Everything is in order.

I arrive at the office. Computer on, tea made, shuffle through email and so forth. Now, what am I doing?

I think that we all have these Monday mornings. I sometimes consider myself a morning person, depending which co-worker you speak to you will get a different answer to that inquiry. But none the less, when we sit down to begin our week we ask ourselves, how will we use our time? Will it be a struggle to find our motivation? Do we scroll on social media? Read the paper? How will we represent Gallia County today?  What can I do?

Working at a CVB has its challenges and our main focus should be how to make a positive impact for our community. But I don't think that this is purely a CVB challenge but a challenge of any organization.  How will I make a difference in my community?

I think that small things can make a huge change in a community. One small idea can spring forth a whole world of possibilities. And I believe that is a big reason why as a whole, Gallia County, is one of the most special places. If you look at one of Gallia County's most notable historic figures, Bob Evans, he had a small idea and it became an empire. Or even our lights display Gallipolis in Lights, during the Christmas season, pulls our community together in an amazing way.

This brings up an important issue for me. We all have the same goal, to create a better community. Which means we should all be encouraging to the projects of others. I'm not saying you have to agree, but we should never discourage someone from trying to make something positive for our community.

I am vastly guilty of being jealous of someone else acting on an idea first. But, after some introspective I now applaud and support them because we all are working toward the same thing. I urge anyone who sees an organization doing something new to support them and ask "How can I help?". Let's make Gallia Great, spring is almost here and there are so many opportunities to make a difference.

Gallia County Events March 1st-12th

Events in Gallia County for the beginning of March (March 1st-12th) Compiled by Lori At VisitGallia Christian Music Night at Gallipolis Roller Bounce March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:00pm-9:00pm Gallipolis Roller Bounce LLC 211 Upper River Road (Behind Buffalo Wild Wings) Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-508-6668 Every Thursday night in March, come to the Gallipolis Roller Bounce for Christian music, hot food, and fun for the whole family! Youth group discounts available. Wilton Royal Icing Cake Decorating March 2, 9, 16, 23 5:00pm – 6:00pm $40 (price for all 4 classes) $60 if you need to buy the kit The Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853- Learn how to create professional looking flowers and designs made from royal icing. We will cover making roses and rose buds, pansies, violets, basket weave, and Cornelli lace. Also, we will work with brush embroidery. Piping royal icing appliques and decorative borders are also included in class. Perfect for Spring and Easter decorating! Classes are scheduled 5pm-6pm for four (4) Thursdays (March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd). French Art Colony Vendor Fair March 4 11:00am – 3:00pm French Art Colony 530 First Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-3834 Stop the French Art Colony and see what these vendors have for sale. For more information, please contact the French Art Colony. Tiffany Method Stained Glass Class March 4 11:00am-1:00pm Price: $60 Ages: $12+ Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853-2364 It's time to try something new! This stained glass class covers coining colors, cutting straight edges (great cuts for beginners), copper foiling and soldering. Otherwise referred to as the Tiffany method, using the copper - foil technique will help you develop a light-weight glass frame with a beveled, etched center piece, adding color to any window. Youth Archery Clinic/Seminar March 4 12:00pm-4:00pm Elizabeth Chapel Church 55 Locust Street Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-4154 Sponsored by Thru the Bow Believers, Christian Bowhunters of America. Great opportunity for all school age kids, even if you are not an avid archer... from beginner to experience ... all will have fun and learn. Refreshments will be served. Instruction in the following will be covered: archery basics, archery equipment, hands on archery shooting, tree stand and archery safety and wildlife anatomy. Call Elizabeth Chapel Church for more information on this event. Guy Michaels Comedy Hypnosis March 4 8:00pm Admission: $5-$15 (see below) Colony Club 418 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-208-5526 If you are looking for an evening out where the ENTIRE FAMILY can relax and have a good time?? YOU HAVE FOUND IT! Comedy Hypnosis with Guy Michaels is a Las Vegas quality hypnosis stage show without the raunchy or suggestive activities that are often found in Las Vegas. Guy Michaels has worked tirelessly to bring you and your family or group a show that will make you laugh until you cry and also where you do not ever have to worry about what the kids may be exposed to. Call the Colony at 740-208-5526 for tickets and more info! $15 - General Seating (ages 12 – 60) $5 - General Seating (ages 4 - 11) $10 - Seniors $10 - Military Reserved tables available starting $80 for 4 people. Watercolor Painting with Barbara Delligatti March 5 1:00pm-4:00pm $35 French Art Colony 530 First Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-3834 Join us at The French Art Colony for our Uncork and Create Series instructed by award winning artist, Barbara Delligatti. Barbara will lead you through the steps as you create beautiful watercolor roses. Anyone age 10 & up can attend. The cost is $35 which includes all supplies. Refreshments will be served. Please call the French Art Colony to register. *Advance registration is required **(Wine available for purchase at an additional cost)** 9th Annual Spring Open House Event at The Home Place Mercantile March 11-12 10:00am-4:00pm The Home Place Mercantile 842 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-446-4570 Seasonal Event featuring Spring & Easter Decor'. Also the areas best selection of Antiques & Vintage Collectibles. Special Event Markdowns, $100- Gift Certificate Drawling plus Refreshments. The Time Changes this same weekend...Spring Forward...OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AGAIN!!! Introduction to Watercolor Painting Class March 11 2:00pm-4:00pm Spots: 6 students Ages: 12+ Basic $35 - Deluxe $45 The Artisan Shoppe & Studio 300 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-853-2364 Deadline to sign up for Deluxe option: March 6th Basic $35 - includes use of my paint and brushes and take home the double sided printed page painted during the class. Deluxe $45 - take home a Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint kit and the double sided printed page painted during class No previous experience necessary Small refreshments will be provided during the 3 hour class. Basic option available until class time first come first served. Instruction will include: -Brief overview of watercolor papers, brushes, pigments, and other equipment used. -Demonstration of various watercolor techniques. -Step by step, one-on-one walk through of each technique. -Opportunity to be creative or to "follow the leader" as suits each individual. -More advanced techniques presented depending on available time and student progress during the class. -Each page used in class has the same image on each side, providing the opportunity to practice or use different color schemes. LIVE Music at Colony Club – Deep Creatures March 11 7:00pm – 10:00pm $3 cover charge Colony Club 418 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 740-208-5526 Kent Jolley and BeeJ Rocchi return to the Colony Club for the debut of Deep Creatures   Gallia County Convention & Visitors Bureau 441 Second Avenue Gallipolis, OH 45631 (740) 446-6882 (800) 765-6482 Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Mobile App www.visitgallia.com     "Like" us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @GalliaCountyCVB! Download our Free Mobile App VisitGallia Follow us on Instagram - visitgallia Follow us on Pinterest - Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau