Uniquely Gahanna | Spring 2023

Cover: Glenda Neely, The Knitting/Crocheting Ministry of St. Matthew's Church

Every Stitch Part of a Heartfelt Donation

Inside Gahanna

From the Mayor

With nearly 36,000 residents, the City of Gahanna is one of the largest suburbs in Central Ohio. Yet despite our size, one of the characteristics we love most about our city is our small town “vibe” – a community where it is easy to connect and be involved, and a community that consistently steps up to support one another.

Connecting in and with our community – whether it is through volunteering, supporting projects, creating opportunities to come together or stay informed, or lifting up others in need – is the common thread that binds together the stories that are featured in this edition of Uniquely Gahanna.

A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

Whether it’s the story of a Gahanna resident whose passion for crafting inherited from her mother grew into a volunteer ministry that now supports close to a dozen non-profit organizations, or the story of how the Gahanna community has embraced a local business owner who is battling cancer, you’ll be inspired by the heart of our community.

Over the next several months, projects will begin to take shape that will create new and unique opportunities for our residents to connect with one another. Learn about projects that are now underway in our Department of Parks & Recreation to add new amenities to our parks and expand programs for our residents to enjoy.

As we move into spring and summer, our community is thriving and growing. Our parks will become meeting places for friends and families, our camps and outdoor activities will present opportunities for fun and learning, and beloved community events will create treasured memories for our residents that will last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

-L aurie Jadwin LAURIE JADWIN • MAYOR

Side Notes

On March 23, Mayor Laurie Jadwin delivered the 2023 State of the City Address at 825 Tech Center Drive – the future home of City Hall, Gahanna Division of Police and Gahanna Senior Center. During her address, the Mayor discussed highlights from 2022 and the work being done to frame the future for Gahanna for 2023 and beyond. If you were unable to attend the event, you can watch a recording of it by scanning the QR code to the left.

Want to know more about what is happening in the City? There are multiple ways to stay informed! Scan the QR code to the left and sign up to receive monthly e-newsletters, meeting notifications, and agendas for upcoming Council, board and commission meetings. Follow the prompts to receive updates on your preferred topics directly in your inbox.

Events Calendar

Saturday, April 22

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

Join in these special events to help make a positive impact on the city we love!

SHRED & E-RECYCLE EVENT

Gahanna City Hall, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Did you know that only 100-200 pounds of paper is equivalent to one tree? Shredding your sensitive documents doesn’t only help you – it also helps our environment! Safely shred important family or household documents and drop off your old cell phones, tablets and more to be resold. Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) also will be on hand to collect non-expired canned goods, non-perishable food, toiletries, and monetary donations.

LITTER CLEANUP

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join Make Gahanna Yours for a community-wide spring cleanup day, as we work together to keep Gahanna beautiful. For more information and to sign up, visit MakeGahannaYours.com.

Monday, April 24Friday, April 28

FREE TREE GIVEAWAY

Gahanna City Hall, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stop by City Hall to pick up a FREE tree seedling and add to the beauty of our city! Seedlings will be available while supplies last and will come with proper planting instructions.

Saturday, April 29

WALK IN OUR BOOTS 5K

Veterans Memorial Park, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Support our local veterans, active duty service members and their families in the first-ever Walk in Our Boots 5K, presented by the Gahanna American Legion Post #797. More information can be found at GahannaVets.org.

Saturday, May 6

HERB DAY

Creekside Plaza, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Celebrate spring with the return of the annual Herb Day Celebration. Presented by the Ohio Herb Center, the day features a plant sale, vendors, live entertainment and more. Visit OhioHerbCenter.org for more information on this free event.

Sunday, May 7 –

Saturday, May 13

6TH ANNUAL HERB'N RESTAURANT WEEK

Visit Gahanna honors the City’s designation as the Herb Capital of Ohio with the return of its annual Herb’n Restaurant Week. Enjoy herbalinfused dishes created exclusively for this event by chefs at Gahanna’s unique signature restaurants.

Saturday, May 13

HERB N' ARTS FAIR

Veterans Memorial Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mark your calendar for the Herb N’ Arts Fair, presented by members of the GLHS Community Art class. This free event includes performances, art creation stations, physical activities and more. For more information, visit GLHSCommunityArt.com.

Wednesday, June 7

Every Wednesday, June - Sept.

GAHANNA FARMERS MARKET

Gahanna Sanctuary and the lot at Town and High Streets, 4-7 p.m.

The Spring/Summer Gahanna Farmers Market, presented by Make Gahanna Yours, returns with fresh produce, flowers, locally-sourced products and more! For vendor listings and market information, see MakeGahannaYours.com. NOTE: The market will not be open on Wednesday, June 14.

Wednesday, June 7

Every Wednesday, June - Sept.

MIDWEEK AT THE CREEK(SIDE)

Creekside Plaza, 6-8 p.m.

This popular midweek music break hosted by Visit Gahanna returns on June 7, offering live music, refreshing CORA drinks and food from your favorite Creekside restaurants.

Friday, June 9, 23 Friday, July 7, 28

CREEKSIDE LIVE

Creekside Park and Plaza, 5-10 p.m. Presented by Toyota Direct Groove out on Friday evenings with friends and family while listening to local bands and performers. For a list of performers and times, visit Gahanna.gov.

These events are tentative and subject to change. Please confirm event details in advance.

Friday, June 16Sunday, June 18

CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL

Creekside District

The 24th annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, presented by Visit Gahanna, officially kicks off summer in Gahanna with world-class musicians, mouthwatering cuisine and more. For tickets and information, visit CreeksideBluesandJazz.com.

Saturday, June 24

OHIO BRASS ARTS FESTIVAL

Creekside Rotary Stage, 12-8 p.m.

Multiple groups and performers will fill the air with music for this annual event that was started in 2006 by the Central Ohio Brass Band.

Friday, June 30

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Friendship Park, 7-11 p.m.

Presented by Tina Wedebrook, RE/MAX Connection

Bring your family and friends to enjoy the first Cinema Under the Stars of the season. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs either, so you can comfortably enjoy Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) on the big screen. Yard games, crafts and more will also be on hand.

Monday, July 3

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Gahanna Municipal Golf Course, 5-11 p.m.

Presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union Join the City of Gahanna in celebrating Independence Day! Gates open at 5 p.m. Food vendors will be on hand, and the live music will begin at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will launch at 10 p.m.

Tuesday, July 4

JULY 4TH PARADE

More information on the parade, which is organized by the Gahanna Lions Club, will be posted to Gahanna.gov.

In The Know

Make Gahanna Yours: Volunteers Serve the City with Farmers Market, Litter Cleanups and More

By Dan Pearlman

Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, pet accessories and more, all grown or made in Ohio, will once again be available at the Gahanna Farmers Market this summer.

The Market, which concludes its winter season this month, will begin its spring and summer operations for its fifth year on June 7. Organizers promise the return of favorite vendors along with new ones that are sure to delight Gahanna residents.

“On average, we have about 25 vendors per summer market and that will fluctuate and grow as we can add more produce vendors as the growing season progresses,” said Cait Masarik, Market Manager.

Returning to this year’s summer market are fan favorites, including meat producer Twin Oak Farms and Quickie Dips, both of which have been staples since 2019, Cheesecake Connection Bakery, cheese vendor Ohio Farm Direct, Gahanna-based maple syrup retailer and small business Bird Brain Gardens, and more.

“I think a lot of great benefits come from the market –seeing new neighbors, seeing familiar faces while you’re out shopping, and helping to support local small businesses,” Masarik said. “We have several vendors who actually live in Gahanna or are from Gahanna like Chilljoy Frozen Eatery, a food truck that has shaved Hawaiian ice. The new owner and the previous owner were both Gahanna graduates."

The Gahanna Farmers Market is organized and operated by Make Gahanna Yours, a volunteer-based organization, which works to enhance the City with events that benefit the community. In addition to planning and hosting the Market, Make Gahanna Yours, in partnership with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, helps beautify the Creekside District with the 35 planters that visitors of all ages enjoy. The organization also hosts litter cleanups, including one scheduled for Earth Day, on April 22, from 9 a.m. until noon.

“We try to target every area that we can, given the number of volunteers that we have, to keep our city clean and attractive,” said Donna Simmons, Treasurer of Make Gahanna Yours. “I think it’s important to the community that we do events such as the Market, our litter cleanups and so forth that bring the community together.”

As for the spring and summer Farmers Market, it will be held every Wednesday from June through September, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Gahanna Sanctuary and in the adjacent parking lot at Town and High Streets. It will be open before Midweek at the Creek(side), so residents can pick up their items prior to enjoying food, music and more in the Creekside District. One exception will be June 14, when the Market will be closed during preparations for the annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival.

Both Masarik and Simmons hope to see new faces at this year’s market and for litter cleanups, not only shopping but also volunteering.

“I get to work with a group of volunteers that are passionate about Gahanna,” Simmons said. “We want to see it thrive and grow.”

For more information on the Farmers Market, litter cleanups and how to volunteer, please visit MakeGahannaYours.com. Information can also be found on the Make Gahanna Yours and Gahanna Farmers Market social media pages.

Meet The City

JULIE PREDIERI

By Laurel Bocka

Julie is the City’s Forestry Supervisor for the Department of Parks & Recreation and has worked with the City since 2018. As the City’s Forester, she spends most of her time with Gahanna’s trees, planting, pruning and maintaining publiclyowned trees, educating residents, and working with other departments on projects that impact trees and landscaping.

In 2020, Julie led the development of a Level One Arboretum at Creekside Park, a national certification. As one of only 29 Level One Arboretum’s in the State, the Arboretum is home to 40 different labeled species of trees. Julie’s favorite part of working for the City is spending time on and around the Big Walnut Creek and seeing the beautiful wildlife there. She takes great pride in living and working in Gahanna. ♦

Meet some of the members of the City’s team and learn more about the people who serve you every day.

Forestry Supervisor

Robert is the City’s newest Project Administrator in the Department of Engineering, having joined the City in January 2023. He is originally from Mason, Ohio, and earned his degrees from the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University. After living in Arizona, Robert is excited to be back in Ohio to be closer to family and friends. As a Project Administrator, he focuses on private development, reviewing private development applications, facilitating meetings with key stakeholders, and representing the City as the main point of contact for private development projects. Robert loves to enjoy all that Gahanna has to offer, from the parks to the fine dining. ♦

ROBERT SETTLES

Shawn joined the City team as the Director of Public Service in January 2023. He came to Gahanna after serving residents across the State for 32 years with the Ohio Department of Transportation, where he held multiple leadership roles. The knowledge and experience he gained from more than three decades of work with ODOT have well-equipped him to oversee the City’s streets and roadways. Shawn has a great passion for public service, and he is excited to see his team’s dedication to improving the lives of everyone who lives in, works in and visits Gahanna. ♦

SHAWN ANVERSE

Director of Public Service

TOM KOMLANC

Director of Engineering

After beginning his engineering career as an intern with the City in 1996, Tom returned to Gahanna as the Director of Engineering in late 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of engineering experience with him. Tom is excited to return to his roots and utilize his skills as a licensed Professional Engineer to improve the City and help move it forward. Tom’s favorite part of working for Gahanna is that every day is different. Solving challenges on behalf of the community brings Tom the most satisfaction in his career. ♦

Numbers to Know

If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us directly:

City Hall (Front Desk): (614) 342-4000

Code Enforcement: (614) 342-4022

Engineering: (614) 342-4050

Mayor's Court: (614) 342-4080

Mayor's Office: (614) 342-4045

Parks & Recreation: (614) 342-4250

Police (non-emergency): (614) 342-4240

Public Service (general): (614) 342-4005

Trash, Recycling, and Water Bills: (614) 342-4440

Streets, Streetlights, and Potholes: (614) 342-4425

Senior Center: (614) 342-4265

Project Administrator

Development News

Open to All: Gahanna’s Library Serves as One of the City’s Newest Welcoming Destinations

By Dan Pearlman

“Ithink the new library is great.”

Those are the words of Donny Murray, a Gahanna father of two young boys who were among the 4,335 visitors to stop by the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s new Gahanna Branch on the day it opened.

“We spent most of our time in the kids’ area, which is most important to us with the two young ones, but all of the hands-on activities they had were awesome,” Murray said.

The new branch opened to the public on March 4, the day that also marked CML’s 150th birthday. It is a 35,300-square-foot, two-story facility that is nearly double the size of the old branch which sat in the same location. The branch is comprised of many exciting features, including a teen area, school help center, children’s area with new activities, three large meeting rooms, nine study rooms, triple the number of tables and seats as the previous facility, a section dedicated to sharing Gahanna’s history, and a drive-thru book drop to make returning items more convenient for patrons.

“This amazing new library is the community’s library,” said Nate Oliver, Gahanna Branch Manager. “This is a public institution – a public library. It belongs to all of us, so

I just hope that everybody here in the community can find what they need from our library services, experience the great things that we have to offer, and make this something valuable to each and every person.”

Preliminary discussions about the new library began in 2018. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the project was put on hold, with uncertainty as to whether it would ever move forward. After months of evaluation, the CML Board of Trustees announced that the project would continue and work resumed on plans for the new branch. Construction on the library began in June 2021, based on designs led by NBBJ architect and Gahanna resident, Michael Suriano.

“I am terribly biased, but I think we’ve really nailed this project,” said Patrick Losinski, CML’s Chief Executive Officer. “I think it’s just a great success story.”

↑ Exterior of Columbus Metropolitan Library's new Gahanna Branch

↓ Ribbon cutting ceremony

Losinski has expressed gratitude for all parties involved in this project, including Gahanna residents Don and Lisal Gorman, whose generous donation helped make the facility a reality and whose names are seen at the building’s entryway.

“It’s not often that you have a chance to have a dream, realize it and then leave a lifelong legacy at the same time,” Don said. “It’s incredible.”

The Gormans are hoping that their donation will inspire others to give to CML, while they also hope generations to come enjoy the new branch. When they learned more than 4,300 people visited the branch on its opening day, they simultaneously exclaimed, “Wow!”

“It’s a safe place to have fun, to learn, to get together with your community, and to grow,” said Lisal. “It’s good to see.”

The City’s Department of Parks & Recreation is working with CML to build the Link to Literacy – a trail that will connect the library to the Creekside District. Murray is among the many residents excited for that trail to open to the public.

“It’ll definitely make it easier to get to the library,” he said. “It’s also just another experience -- to be able to take the kids over to the park and have a good time outside. It’s all about making connections in the community.”

For more information, go to columbuslibrary.org or visit the new library at 310 Granville St., Gahanna, OH 43230.

↓ Inside the children's area

↑ Reading inside the new library

Market Popcorn & Windy City Eats

Rocking, Popping and Having Fun in Gahanna

By Laurel Bocka

In 2005, Pam Tylka, a single mother of four, decided to open a popcorn store with the hope it would be a sustainable way to provide for her family. Pam’s Market Popcorn & Windy City Eats, affectionately known as Pam’s Popcorn, has been “rocking, popping, and having fun” ever since.

After operating for nearly 12 years at the North Market in Columbus, Tylka decided to search for a new home for her business. Eight months into her search, she was ready to give up on her business when she saw a “for rent” sign in a storefront in the city she has called home for 20 years— Gahanna. Much to the joy of her devoted customers, Pam’s Popcorn was reborn at 955 East Johnstown Road.

↑ Pam Tylka, owner of Pam's Popcorn

Although popcorn is the name of her game, Pam’s Popcorn also offers a menu full of delicious food options for residents to enjoy. With genuine Chicago-style hot dogs and an Italian beef sandwich that was named one of Columbus’ top 25 sandwiches by Columbus Monthly, Pam’s Popcorn is an ideal location for a lunch. Tylka also embraces Gahanna’s Herb Capital of Ohio title with her popular herbed chicken salad and herbed creamy chicken soup, which she serves throughout the week.

Tylka was born and raised in Chicago, and her deep Chicago roots influence much of the food she makes, including “The Windy City,” her best-selling popcorn mix that is a combination of caramel and cheese popcorn. Many customers tell her that her food tastes as good or even better than what they find in popular Chicago delis.

“All of my food is made with love,” Tylka said. “I’m sure that’s why people say that.”

Many of Tylka’s customers turn into regulars as they get to know her and her product. Because of her location next to The UPS Store, she serves at least one new customer a day who is intrigued by her seasonal decorations and greeted by Charlie the stuffed bear, who sits outside when she is open.

“My customers support me,” Tylka said. “I have great support in this community.”

Two years ago, Tylka was diagnosed with stage three melanoma in her scalp that then moved to her lymph nodes. Her store was closed for about three and a half weeks and upon her return, her customers were there and ready to support her business like never before. She is extremely grateful that the community stood by her during this time and is understanding of her current flexible schedule as she continues treatment. She is still on her cancer treatment journey as she hopes for a clear scan in the coming months.

Tylka has many ideas for the future of her business, and she is excited to see what the future holds for her in Gahanna.

“This is where I want to be,” she said. “It’s a great community.”

To learn more, visit pamspopcorn.com

“This is where I want to be. It's a great community.”

↑ Some of the popcorn available for customers

↑ Charlie at the entrance

Operation LHS Paperclip

Their goal: Collect 6 million paperclips – one for every Jewish person killed in the Holocaust.

A Project with a Community Impact

By Dan Pearlman

Jen Candor is a U.S. history and World War II teacher at Gahanna Lincoln High School who is leading the project called Operation LHS Paperclip.

In 2014, Candor’s students began collecting paperclips that will eventually be part of a sculpture designed by local artist Steve Bush. The plan is for the sculpture to be displayed in a prominent location at GLHS so students and community members can watch as the number of paperclips collected increases. The objective is for the community to remember those who died in the Holocaust and to think about the social issues that continue in the world today.

↑

Photo by Quinn Smith

“The Holocaust was about injustice, intolerance and discrimination, and it’s those words that my students could relate to,” Candor said. “Yes, we are a suburban community, but we are not immune to those issues.”

The idea to collect paperclips originated at a school in Tennessee. During World War II, many Norwegians wore them on their lapels as a silent protest against Nazi occupation.

Through Operation LHS Paperclip, students reach out to friends, family members, celebrities, and local leaders, inviting them to send a letter recounting an unjust, intolerant, or discriminatory situation they experienced along with a paperclip.

Candor, also a Gahanna resident, never imagined the impact that this project would have on both her students and her personally.

“My students choose who they would like to write to, and the replies that are sent are heartfelt stories of rejection, or overcoming horrible, tragic events,” she explained.

One of the many students participating in the project is Aliah Osman. She reached out not only to her family members for the project but influential leaders as well.

“This was meant to represent victims of the Holocaust, and it still does, but it now also represents others who have faced injustices in general,” Osman said. “I want to do my part to further the awareness and show the human side of the project. It makes it more real when you hear the stories of people who respond to our letters.”

As of mid-March, the students had collected 2,020,181 paperclips. Both Candor and her students are optimistic that they will reach their goal and will be able to continue to share what they learn with the community.

Monetary donations for the sculpture, paperclips and/or letters can be sent to GLHS, 140 Hamilton Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. Donors are asked to direct contributions to the attention of Operation LHS Paperclip.

“My students choose who they would like to write to, and the replies that are sent are heartfelt...”

↑ A miniature replica of the sculpture designed by Steve Bush, Photo by Quinn Smith

↑ Jen Candor and Aliah Osman, Photo by Quinn Smith

Lincoln Live

The Trophy Count is Growing for Gahanna’s Future Journalists

By Dan Pearlman

Not many people can say they have won an Emmy Award. Even fewer people can say they have won multiple awards, but late last year, a group of students at Gahanna Lincoln High School won three National Student Production Awards, also referred to as Student Emmys.

“Professionally, it was the best day of my 23-year teaching career,” said Mark Lowrie, the teacher who advises GLHS’s Lincoln Live.

↓ Students during the Lincoln Live broadcast

The Lincoln Live team was nominated by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for five Student Emmys, ultimately winning the coveted awards for Best Newscast, Best Sports Program for Lincoln Sports Zone, and Best Video Essay for a story by a student on a candlelight vigil that was held for former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins. The students also brought home seven regional Student Production Awards - more than any other school in Ohio. In addition to those honors, Lincoln Live was one of only four broadcasts nationwide to win the National Scholastic Press Association’s Broadcast Pacemaker Award.

“I was so overjoyed and beyond proud of everyone who was a part of the shows,” said Jillian Sanders, Executive Producer of Lincoln Live. “To know that our hard work and dedication paid off was just incredible.”

WGLH-TV was created by Tom Gregory in 1987. The broadcast was called WGLH-TV until 2019 when Gregory renamed it Lincoln Live. He added live, multi-camera, highly technical elements to the show and wanted “Live” to be included in the title to encompass those additions. The show is broadcast live almost every day.

Planning for each show begins weeks in advance. Students submit new ideas and topics on a shared content calendar. They discuss the content for each show during daily meetings, and they outline the following day’s show and write scripts so they are ready to shoot every morning. Students also rotate their responsibilities so they can learn every aspect of putting a show together. This allows them to learn the importance of both the on-camera and behind-the-scenes jobs.

“We are able to give a voice to people who may not believe they have one,” said Sanders, who is thankful for the freedom that students have to cover the topics and stories that interest them.

One of the many positive impacts of Lincoln Live is that it sparks an interest in students to pursue a career in journalism. Several GLHS graduates are currently working in the field, including NBC4’s Cierra Johnson, 10TV’s Yolanda Harris and Adam King, and Fox News Channel’s David Spunt. It is likely that Gahanna residents will see more familiar faces in the future.

“Lincoln Live has brought me into a field I never thought I would be in and sparked a passion I will have for the rest of my life,” said Social Media Producer Mia Sammons.

Both Sammons and Sanders will pursue careers in journalism after they graduate this year.

“Lincoln Live has brought me into a field I never thought I would be in and sparked a passion I will have for the rest of my life.”

↑ Lincoln Sports Zone

↑ Behind the scenes of Lincoln Live

ATightKnitcommunity

Every Stitch Part of a Heartfelt Donation

By Dan Pearlman

Glenda Neely was driving home from work when she saw him.

The man was in the area of Morse Road and I-71 wearing a hat – not just any hat – but one that her mother had knitted before her death in 1995. That was when Neely, a Gahanna resident, knew her mother’s work should continue.

↑ Glenda Neely, head of The Knitting /Crocheting Ministry of St. Matthew's Church

Neely’s mother was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy in 1990. Shortly thereafter, she and her sister arranged for their mother to receive knitting lessons, which led to her making scarves and hats that she donated to Worthington United Methodist Church.

After seeing that man on the northside of Columbus, Neely was moved to continue her mother’s work by crocheting scarves and donating them to St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Parish for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Since then, The Knitting/Crocheting Ministry of St. Matthew’s Church has grown exponentially.

“It warms my heart to do what I can to help people in need,” Neely said.

Over the years, volunteers have donated yarn, knitting and crocheting materials, and money that has been used to buy needed materials. Now, more than 120 crafters across eight states put their passion into every stitch, making hats, scarves and other items that are ultimately donated to organizations and distributed throughout central Ohio.

“This network of crafters is so important and rare to see,” said Denise Maksimoski, Neely’s ‘right hand’ in the group. “When someone needs prayer or someone to talk to, this community of volunteers and knitters is ready to help and jump in.”

The network is made up of crafters from schools, retirement communities, other churches and individuals looking to contribute on their own – a tight-knit community that has made and donated 234,563 items to organizations throughout Ohio since Neely’s mother passed away.

“When someone needs prayer or someone to talk to, this community...is ready to help and jump in.”

“We can never have too many items,” said Neely. “People ask me, ‘Don’t you have enough? Don’t you have too many?’ I just tell them that there’s never too many.”

The power of The Knitting/Crocheting Ministry of St. Matthew’s Church is certainly showing no signs of slowing. Neely receives donations, for example, every six weeks from a woman in Colorado who learned about the ministry online. A group of crafters at St. Pius X Church in Reynoldsburg meets twice a month to contribute. In addition, Neely teaches 8th graders at St. Matthew’s School how to knit and crochet. Many of them go on to continue crafting and donating their finished items.

“I love hearing the stories of the items we donate and seeing a great group of people come together to help others,” Neely said.

Yarn, fabric and monetary donations can be dropped off at Saint Matthew the Apostle Church at 807 Havens Corners Road. According to Neely, no donation of yarn or fleece is too small, as the ministry uses as much as possible and donates any leftover materials to be used as stuffing for dog beds and quilts. All financial donations are used to buy yarn. For more information on the ministry and how to get involved, please visit KnittingCrochetingMinistry.jimdofree.com

↑ Spinning a new yarn ball

Trailblazing in Gahanna's Parks

Gahanna residents team up with Gahanna Parks & Rec to plan the City’s first-ever Mountain Bike Trail

Acollaborative partnership between a group of Gahanna residents and the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation is bringing an exciting and unique new feature to Gahanna’s Academy Park in 2023.

For nearly six years, local mountain biking enthusiasts Kevin McGinn, Chris Irvin and Hugh Ralston have worked with the Department of Parks & Recreation to bring a permanent mountain bike trail to the City.

↓ Map of the proposed mountain bike trail

According to McGinn, the group’s passion for the project truly took shape when they connected with Stephania Bernard-Ferrell, the City’s Director of Parks and Recreation.

“Honestly, it started with: ‘There’s a trail back there, can we just give it a name and tell people it’s for mountain bikes?’” McGinn explained. “That’s all we were looking for, but Stephania saw a little different picture. She put a budget behind it and did things the right way. She helped make it official.”

Bernard-Ferrell notes that the trail has involved important efforts from both parties.

“Chris, Kevin and Hugh came to us first,” she said. “It really was their idea, and it wouldn’t be here without them.”

When the group first approached her with their idea, Bernard-Ferrell was excited to explore possibilities for the trail. She quickly identified the need to evaluate the topography and environmental conditions of the site to ensure that the space would be safe for the trail development and for future users.

Over several years, Bernard-Ferrell and her team worked together with the local residents to visit other mountain bike trails in the region, research the site, and gather input from other organizations on how the trail could be developed. Funding for the project at that time also was a challenge.

In 2020, the City obtained a grant from MORPC to provide an environmental assessment of the area. Thanks to Issue 12 dollars, capital funding for the project was approved by Gahanna City Council in 2022.

The completed track will be between 2-3 miles in length and will feature a variety of elements like humps, hills, banked turns and more. Work is slated to begin this spring and is expected to be completed later this year.

According to Irvin, when ground breaks and the project is officially underway, it will serve as an important milestone for the trio of Gahanna mountain bikers.

“The day they start turning dirt, we’re going to be super thrilled that this is real, that it’s actually happening,” he said.

McGinn agreed and noted the future benefits of the project. “Doing this thing the right way means the trail probably outlives us, and that our kids and even their kids can enjoy it.”

“Doing this thing the right way means the trail probably outlives us, and that our kids and even their kids can enjoy it.”

The Price (Road) Is Right

The old proverb, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” best describes the current renovation work underway on a long-vacated home along Price Road on the City’s southwest side.

Known by many as the “Price Road House,” the City of Gahanna purchased the property adjacent to the Big Walnut Creek nearly 15 years ago. Since its acquisition, the Price Road House has seen little use aside from limited equipment storage by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.

However, over the past few years, members of the Department began to consider options to transform the property into space for recreational activities. With its location next to nearly 50 acres of greenspace owned

by the City, surrounded by woods and fields, and with direct access to the Big Walnut Trail, Department team members recognized that the property presented a unique opportunity to serve the community.

The abandoned home is finding new life as the new “Gahanna Exploration Center,” which will serve as a space for multi-generational recreational programming, including outdoor education programs, STEM activities, cultural arts programs, day camps and school field trips, as well as provide space for small group rentals for gatherings and meetings.

“Our Department is challenged with providing indoor programming due to the lack of available space within the community,” said Bernard-Ferrell. “The Exploration Center provides us with an opportunity to expand year-round programming and to bring the outdoors into the program space.”

To help fund the project, the City applied for and was awarded a State Capital Grant of $100,000. Construction and renovation work on the house will take place through 2023, with plans to open the Center in 2024.

The City turns “this old house” into a “fixer upper” to provide residents with new meeting and programming space

↑ Renderings of the new indoor/outdoor programs hub

↓ Current Price Road House

New Playground News

Following full playground replacements at Headley Park and Woodside Green Park in the last two years, the Department of Parks & Recreation has its sights next set on Ambassador Commons Park – but not before residents will have the opportunity to share feedback on what features they would like to see there.

According to Bernard-Ferrell, her department is ready to create a plan to not simply refurbish, but to entirely replace the playground at Ambassador Commons Park, located on the City’s west side. Before any ground breaks on the project, though, Gahanna residents living in the general area of the park will have an opportunity to answer a survey that will help to guide the design and selection of the play elements for the new playground.

“Playgrounds are more than a fun way to pass the time,” Bernard-Ferrell said. “They provide fitness, improve coordination, and encourage emotional skills through exploration and creative play. It is important to the Department to keep playgrounds fresh and updated to continue to provide these benefits to the community.”

The playground design and construction for the west side park will be another investment of Issue 12 dollars into improvements to Gahanna’s many parks and facilities. The survey is expected to be sent to area residents this Spring. Design work and vendor selection are expected to be completed later this year.

Thanks to Issue 12, the City is set to replace its third playground in three years

↑ Welcome Sign at Ambassador Commons Park

Parks Programming

Outdoor Experiences

Kayaking 101

Learn the basics of paddling and get more comfortable on the water through this introduction to kayaking.

Age: 8+ (Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

Date: Friday, May 19

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Cost: $15/$20

Location: Hannah Park

Short Kayak Float

Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Big Walnut Creek waterway right here in Gahanna’s backyard!

Age: 8+ (Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

Date: Friday, July 14

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Cost: $15/$20

Location: Begins at Friendship Park and ends at Pizzurro Park.

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION

Join our Parks & Rec staff on an adventure into the outdoors!

Park Exploration:

Date: Friday, June 9

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Creekside

Date: Friday, July 14 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Location: Friendship Park

Creek Exploration:

Date: Monday, June 12 Time: 6 – 7 p.m.

Location: Creekside

Pollination Nation:

Date: Wednesday, June 28

Time: 6 – 7 p.m.

Location: Woodside Green Park

Recreation & Sports

Yoga Based Movement

Balance, stretch, and strengthen your body in a slow, meditative way that links breath and movement for an integrated mind, body and spirit practice. Kristi Bryan will instruct this course.

Age: 18+

Dates: Tuesdays, May 16 – June 20 (No class on May 30).

Time: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Cost: $100/$117

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse

Chair Yoga

Kristi Bryan will also instruct this course in which you will explore flow through seated, standing, and mat sequences to increase circulation and improve strength and balance with the support of a chair.

Age: 18+

Dates: Wednesdays, May 17 – June 21 (No class on May 31).

Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Cost: $100/$117

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse

Mini Soccer Stars

Bally Sports leads an age-appropriate program that utilizes fun games and activities to teach the fundamentals of soccer to new players.

Age: 3 – 9

Dates: Saturdays, June 3 – July 8

Time: 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Cost: $85/$100

Location: Lower McCorckle Park

Arts & Education

ACRYLIC PAINTING: ADULT

Paint Your Pet

Come paint your furry friend in this acrylic painting class for beginners!

Age: 18+

Dates: Wednesday, June 7

Tuesday, July 11

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $58/$71

Location: Senior Center

Saturday, September 2

Saturday, September 30

Painting in the Park: Painting 101

In this class, the instructor will share tips and techniques, so participants successfully complete their first painting.

Age: 18+

Dates: Wednesday, June 14

Wednesday, June 21

Wednesday, June 28

Tuesday, July 18

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Cost: $50/$62

Location: Friendship Park Gazebo

Tuesday, July 25

Wednesday, August 16

Wednesday, August 23

Tuesday, September 5

Painting in the Park: Simple Still Life

Participants will learn the process of sketching, underpainting, and layering details onto their still life painting with the help of an instructor.

Age: 18+

Dates: Tuesday, June 27

Wednesday, August 9

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Cost: $50/$62

Location: Friendship Park Gazebo

ACRYLIC PAINTING: YOUTH

These classes will use acrylic paint and different types of paint brushes to teach methods in blending paint. Participants will also learn about each brush’s unique purpose.

May Flowers – A special Mother’s Day painting

Dates: Mondays, May 1 – 22

Beaches in June

Dates: Mondays, June 5 – 26

Sunrise & Sunsets

Dates: Mondays, July 3 – 24

August Moons & Meteor Show

Dates: Mondays, August 7 – 28

Autumn Landscapes

Dates: Mondays, September 4 – 25

Age: 5-17

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Cost: $36/$45 (Price per class. Multiple classes available in each theme).

Location: Senior Center

Golf Course

Sips and Tips FORE! Ladies

Ladies, come out to learn about golf in an informal, fun, and social twist on the game. Please call the golf course at (614) 342-4270 or email Krista.Johnston@Gahanna.gov for more information and to sign up.

Age: 18+

Dates: Tuesday, June 6 – Rules, Etiquette, and Fundamentals

Tuesday, July 11 – Chipping and Putting

Tuesday, August 8 – Irons, Woods, and Drivers

Tuesday, September 5 – Putting it all Together

Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 per session

Location: Gahanna Municipal Golf Course

Love Birdies Night Out

Have date night at the golf course! This event will bring couples and friends together for an evening of fun on the course.

Age: 18+

Dates: Friday, May 19 - Fiesta

Friday, June 16 – Flag Day

Friday, July 14 – Christmas in July

Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 per couple

Parks

Aquatics

Hunters Ridge Pool & Gahanna Swimming Pool

Open daily from Sunday, May 28 – Wednesday, August 16 12 - 8 p.m.

*The Hunters Ridge Pool will also be open from 12 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 27. Back to school hours will begin on Sunday, August 20.

2023 Membership Rates

Pool memberships grant you unlimited access to both the Gahanna Swimming Pool and the Hunters Ridge Pool, discounted programs, and discounted or free admission to all pool special events! Visit Gahanna.gov for more information.

Splash Pad

Open daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., beginning in May (weather permitting). Check online for an anticipated opening date.

The Splash Pad is an amenity of the pool. It will be open and free to the public from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., before the Gahanna Swimming Pool opens each day during the season and on days that the pool is not open. It will be available, during pool operating hours, to members and those who purchase a day pass.

EVENTS

Food Truck Night

Stop by the pool and grab a bite to eat from the food truck that will be different every week!

Dates: Wednesdays, May 31 – Aug 16

Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Location: Gahanna Swimming Pool

Adult Swim

Hunters Ridge Pool will stay open late on select Fridays throughout the summer for adults!

Age: 18+

Dates: Friday, June 9

Friday, June 23

Friday, July 7

Time: 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $6/$9 (Free for pool members).

Location: Hunters Ridge Pool

Dollar Dog Night

A community favorite returns with $1 hot dogs at the Gahanna Swimming Pool!

Dates: Fridays, June 2 – September 1

Time: 4 – 8 p.m.

Location: Gahanna Swimming Pool

Pool membership or daily pass required for entry.

Sunday Funday

Join us for a day full of fun events and activities, including a rotating food truck, an inflatable obstacle course, arts & crafts, and more!

Dates: Sunday, June 4

Sunday, July 2

Sunday, August 6

Time: 12 – 8 p.m.

Pool membership or daily pass required for entry.

Dive-In Movies

Enjoy the movie, themed poolside games and activities, and food specials! Discounted admission begins at 4 p.m. for nonmembers.

Dates: Saturday, June 10 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13)

Saturday, July 14 – Jaws (PG)

Time: 7 p.m.; Movie starts at dark

Cost: Free for pool members; $5 per nonmember/$20 family max

Location: Hunters Ridge Pool

Luau Night

Break out your Hawaiian shirt for a Hawaiian luau! Live entertainment will include luau dancers, hula lessons, a limbo contest, live music, and more!

Date: Saturday, June 24

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Cost: Free for pool members; $6 for residents/$9 for nonresidents

Location: Hunters Ridge Pool

AMERICAN RED CROSS COURSES

CPR/AED Pro, First Aid, and Administering

Emergency Oxygen

This program will provide the necessary education to become certified for two years in CPR/AED of the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen for infants, children, and adults.

Age: 15 by the last day of the course

Dates: Saturday, May 6

Saturday, May 13

Sunday, May 21

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $125/$175

Location: Hunters Ridge Pool

Summer Camps

The Department of Parks & Recreation offers several summer day camp programs for a variety of ages and interests. For a complete list of summer day camp and youth offerings, visit Gahanna.gov.

Brand New 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartments in Gahanna

Brand New 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartments in Gahanna

AMENITIES AND SUITE

AMENITIES AND SUITE

FEATURES

FEATURES

24 Hour Fitness Center

24 Hour Fitness Center

Temperature Controlled Pool

Temperature Controlled Pool

Gahanna Schools

Gahanna Schools

Pets Welcome

Pets Welcome

Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless Steel Appliances

LIVEPREFERRED.COM

LIVEPREFERRED.COM

614. 827. 0472

614. 827. 0472

Granite Countertops

Granite Countertops

Pendant Lighting

Pendant Lighting