BASCOM - Dick Freeborn, co-manager of Meadowbrook Park, said Friends of Meadowbrook have been raising money for a pool renovation project. Built in 1930, the pool was refurbished in 1980. Now, more than 30 years later, more work needs to be done.
"We've got to renovate the bottom of our pool. ... We need to resurface the bottom and do some other things to satisfy the Justice Department on the handicapped accessibility," Freeborn said.
The group's next fundraiser is a performance Nov. 1 of "Woody: His Life, Times and Teaching" in Meadowbrook Ballroom. Written by Walt Adamkowsky, the one-man show about the legendary football coach, Woody Hayes, made its debut in the fall of 2011 in Columbus. In February 2012, it was presented at Lourdes College in Toledo.
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Actor Jeff Hall is shown as Woody Hayes, former football coach for Ohio State and subject of the one-man show, “Woody:?His Life, Times and Teaching.”
"Somebody had seen this and said it was pretty good. Then, we got the idea to check into it," Freeborn said. "Some of the people who
have seen it said it's like sitting in a session with Woody."
If he were living, Hayes would be about to celebrate his 100th birthday in 2013. The actor who portrays Coach Hayes is Jeff Hall.
Fact Box
If you go
Sponsored by Friends of Meadowbrook, "Woody: His Life, Times and Teachings" is coming to Meadowbrook Ballroom at 7 p.m. Nov. 1. A "pre-game pep rally" is to begin at 5 p.m. with a pep band, cheerleaders and Ohio State football personnel.
An auction of Ohio State football items autographed for this event is to be conducted. The Friends of Meadowbrook plan to have bratwurst and hot dogs for sale as well as soft drinks and beer.
Tickets are $25, with all proceeds going to the Crystal Pool renovation project at Meadowbrook Park.
For more information, call (419) 937-2242.
Originally from Wisconsin, Hall has lived in the Columbus area since 1978. He has appeared on television soap operas, in stage plays in New York, in films and in community theater productions.
"Woody" has elements of a motivational speech, a history lesson and an educational lecture. It is based on extensive research and numerous interviews with players and coaches who worked with Hayes.
The theme of the play is the coach's philosophy on how to be a responsible, active human being. It touches on the importance of education, hard work and paying forward, all presented against the backdrop of world history and Buckeye football.
As a former teacher and coach, Freeborn said he can appreciate the message of "Woody."
In a letter to promote the show, Freeborn wrote student athletes and their parents often are more focused on winning and earning scholarships than on the other benefits of athletic participation, such as fitness, teamwork and camaraderie.
"Here is a chance to hear what athletics and life is all about," Freeborn wrote. "Jeff, as Woody, imparts the values and lifelong attributes that kids can take from athletic participation into their adult lives, making them stronger and better citizens, who in turn make our communities more wholesome."
To learn more about the two-hour program, visit www.woodyhayesplay.com.
