Amani Bayo

6 days ago | dispatch.com | Amani Bayo

The Hous Foundation helps families pay for activities like gymnastics, music lessons and sports, aiming to improve kids' well-being and academic performance. The Hous Foundation's Great Ladybug Hunt encourages kids to find painted rocks throughout June. The Great Ladybug Hunt honors Annie Niewenhous and her children and supports the foundation's mission of providing access to nonschool activities. Grab your magnifying glass because it's time for a ladybug hunt.

6 days ago | dispatch.com | Amani Bayo

"Reporter" sounds nothing like "doctor," "lawyer" or "business owner," no matter what language you say it in. So, I've gotten used to the confused, blank stares when I tell people in my community that I'm a reporter. It only takes a few seconds for those quiet stares to become unbearably loud. In a last-ditch effort, I instead say, "Je suis écrivaine," ("I'm a writer" in French) to earn a slow wide-smiled nod of approval.

1 week ago | dispatch.com | Amani Bayo

Celebrating 65 years of top-tier comedy, a Second City showcase is bringing yet another year of laughter to Columbus audiences. In a jumble of songs, sketches and improv, the world's most influential name in comedy will perform at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., on Sept. 4, presented by CAPA.

1 week ago | dispatch.com | Amani Bayo

Avinav Prem Anand, 14, is competing in his fourth consecutive Scripps National Spelling Bee. He is considered a top contender in the 97th annual competition. As the Scripps National Spelling Bee advances into quarterfinals and semifinals, you may want to keep an eye out for speller No. 167. That's Avinav Prem Anand, a 14-year-old student from Orange Middle School who advanced to the quarterfinals May 28, as he's in his fourth consecutive year participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

1 week ago | dispatch.com | Amani Bayo

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department hosts free Cap City Festivals at various community centers throughout the summer. Festivals offer carnival-themed activities, including zip-lining, laser tag and pool parties. Festivals run from 4-8 p.m. and feature food, activities and entertainment. Columbus has a full list of festivals coming up this summer. Whether it be food, music, culture, art — you name it, it's happening. But don't fret if you can't make it to all of them.