When was the last time you actually gave a thought about taking a shower or dipping your toes into a steamy warm tub?  If you are like the vast majority of peeps reading this, it probably doesn't cross your mind unless you're counting the hours until you take the plunge.

But there are a whole host of folks out there who don't have access to a warm tub, warm house or a warm blanket.  In a community partnership withFaith Mission, Friends of the Homeless and the Engagement Center at Maryhaven, Capital Crossroads SID has launched a toiletry drive that runs through November 19.

"The downtown shelters anticipate record numbers of homeless this year and winter is right around the corner," said Lisa Defendiefer, Downtown Safety Coordinator for Capital Crossroads SID.  "Providing toiletries will go a long way to help the shelters meet at least some of the basic needs of every client they serve."

So, gather up your new, unopened toiletries (sample sizes are the grooviest) as well as other personal hygiene items like soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, shaving cream, disposable razors, combs, socks, underwear or feminine hygiene products and drop them off at the SID office at 23 N. Fourth Street.

If that isn't convenient, we've got drop boxes located at the Capitol Square office building, Seneca Apartments, Tiano and Associates, Bricker & Ecler, One Columbus, State Auto, Ohio Education Association, Catholic Foundation, Ruggery Building, Midland Building, LeVeque Tower, Department of Insurance and Chamber of Commerce.  Whew, that's a lot of places helping out, so you won't have to walk far.

Click here for more information on this worthy cause.

Cleve will be back next week with more thought-provoking prose. 

 The Market Maven runs through her end-of-Market-must-hit checklist.

Don't Miss! State of the MFA at the OSU Urban Arts Space Location: OSU Urban Arts Space, The Lazarus Building Hours: October 26 - December 16; Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission: No cost Phone: 614.292.8861 uas.osu.edu Columbus Jazz Orchestra: New Orleans on Parade Location: Southern Theatre Hours: October 27 - 31; Wednesday - Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission: 41.00 - 49.00 Phone: 614.469.0939 jazzartsgroup.org The Haunted Ship Location: Santa Maria Hours: October 28 - 30; Thursday - Saturday, 7 - 10 p.m. Admission: Adults, 5.00; Youth 4 - 12, 2.50; Seniors, 4.50 Phone: 614.645.8760 santamaria.org BalletMet Open Rehearsal Location: BalletMet Performance Space Hours: October 29, 5 - 6 p.m. Admission: No cost Phone: 614.586.8661 ballemet.org More Events For a complete listing of events, please visitExperience Columbus.

This week the summer Pearl Market comes to an end.  It's time to bid farewell fresh summer produce, soft serve ice cream and strolling through the alley with a warm breeze on your face.  But it's not really goodbye.

Starting next week, you can join us for the indoor Winter Pearl Market!  You'll still be able to find fresh produce (seasonal, of course), live entertainment and a wide range of vendors in the Marketplace.  You can find a variety of goods from Sweet Thing Gourmet, IKC Designs, The Olive Orchard, Luxbohme and others, both new and old favorites.  Stop in and experience the most unique shopping in town.  There may not be summer breezes blowing through, but we promise it will toasty warm all winter long.

You can find the Winter Pearl Market at 33 N. Third Street, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through February 25, 2011.  Credit cards and the Ohio Direction Card will still be accepted.  The Winter Market is in its second year of a two-year grant from the USDA Farmers' Market Promotion Program.

Winter Pearl Market
Location:  33 N. Third Street
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., November 2 - February 25
Admission: No cost
Phone:  614.645.5061
downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket

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