Uniquely Gahanna | Winter 2022-2023

Cover: Gahanna native Alex Crognale and the VOYCENOW Foundation

Gahanna

How one Gahanna native turned soccer pro is leading the way for change

Inside Gahanna

From the Mayor

The beginning of 2023 invites us to reflect on the milestones we reached in the past year, just as we eagerly look forward to the promise of what the new year will bring. This edition of Uniquely Gahanna celebrates some of the achievements reached by our residents and by our city in 2022 – many of which will help to shape the future of Gahanna for years to come.

Throughout the fall, we came together as a community to cheer on the Gahanna Lincoln Lions football team, as they won their first outright OCC-Ohio Championship in decades. Read the story of how, despite the challenge of playing most of their season on “away” turf, the Lions stood strong as they marched to the state semifinals – amassing a slew of school records along the way.

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

Beyond the athletic fields, several of Gahanna’s young adults also overcame obstacles in their individual quests to earn the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest achievement for members of the Scouts BSA. Learn about three teens who accomplished that goal in a story that is certain to be inspiring for both children and adults.

In our “Meet the City” section, get to know two of the senior leaders of the City’s administrative team – both of whom have been honored and recognized for the high level of dedication and quality of work that they deliver to you, our residents, every day in service to Gahanna.

As a city, we took significant steps forward in reimagining the future of Gahanna. Hear the latest news on the City’s facilities project, in which we are renovating an existing office building that will meet the future needs of three city facilities for decades to come. Discover the collaborative efforts that are underway to grow the Creekside District and strengthen the heart of our downtown so that it remains vibrant for the generations of today and tomorrow.

We ended 2022 with strong momentum throughout our city in 2022, and we look forward to working with you as we build on that momentum in 2023 and frame the future for Gahanna together.

-L aurie Jadwin LAURIE JADWIN • MAYOR

Calendar

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

Every third Wednesday of the month through April

WINTER MARKET

Gahanna Sanctuary, 4-7 p.m.

Presented by Make Gahanna Yours

Mark your calendar for the Winter Markets! Shop for locally-sourced products, including food, baked goods, crafts and more! For more information visit MakeGahannaYours.com

Thursday, March 23

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

825 Tech Center Drive, 5:30-8 p.m.

Make plans to attend the 2023 State of the City Address as we review highlights of the past year and what's ahead for the future of the City. Also, take a peek inside the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, City Hall and Senior Center.

Sunday, February 12

CREEKSIDE CHARITY CHOCOLATE WALK

Creekside District, 2-5 p.m.

Presented by Visit Gahanna

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by sampling cocktails and chocolate throughout the Creekside District. The event benefits local non-profit Give to Gahanna and their 14 partner non-profit groups. For more information, go to VisitGahanna.com

Saturday, April 22

EARTH DAY

Whether you clean up litter, plant a tree, participate in a shredding or recycling event, or take part in another activity, here's your chance to help take care of our local environment. Events will be shared on the City’s social media pages and at Gahanna.gov.

Sunday, March 4

CML GAHANNA BRANCH GRAND OPENING

310 Granville Street, 9 a.m.

Join members of the community as the Columbus Metropolitan Library opens its NEW Gahanna Branch with a dedication ceremony and grand opening celebration! Those in attendance will be able to explore the new branch on their own or as part of a staff-guided tour.

Side Notes

In September, residents and community leaders gathered at Friendship Park to celebrate the dedication of a historical marker that commemorates the Big Walnut Country Club, one of the first Black country clubs in the Nation. The marker, which is the first to be placed within the City, is the result of a decade-long collaborative effort of many individuals and organizations within the community. Scan the QR code below to watch the dedication ceremony and to learn more about the Big Walnut Country Club.

Did you know that next year (2024) will mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of Gahanna? Such a momentous milestone deserves special recognition, and we need your help! If you have information to share about Gahanna’s history or are interested in helping with the celebration, please scan the QR code for more information on how you can get involved.

In The Know

City Moving Forward in Reimagining a Facility for the Future

More than three months after Gahanna City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of 825 Tech Center Drive, the work to transform that facility into the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, Gahanna City Hall, and Gahanna Senior Center, is progressing.

"We have been working for a long time on trying to make Gahanna stronger," said Council President Stephen Renner. "This facility allows us to look years down the road in finding the solutions that meet what we need for our public servants to do their jobs, with enough space and with modern offices, to actually build the type of Gahanna that we want."

As part of the next phase of the project, the City has engaged Michael Schuster Associates, Inc. (MSA) to begin architectural and engineering work on the facility. During the first half of 2023, MSA will work to identify the optimal layout for the existing building and the location of the expansion spaces on and around the site. While that work is underway, the City will select a construction manager that will work in conjunction with the design team.

The City acquired the building for $8.75 million. Shortterm capital facility notes were issued and used for the building’s purchase, which was finalized in mid-November.

No new taxes will be needed for this project. Issue 12, which was passed overwhelmingly by voters in May 2019, was intended to provide funding for long-term capital improvement projects such as streets, playground equipment,

trails and city facilities. It is the funding mechanism for the project.

The estimated cost to renovate and expand the facility is $52.15 million. By contrast, if the City were to construct a new Police Headquarters and City Hall, the estimated cost would exceed $99 million.

“This facility not only provides an immediate solution for our deteriorating Police Headquarters, but it also addresses the long-term needs of City Hall and the Senior Center in the most cost-effective manner possible,” said Mayor Laurie Jadwin.

The facility at 825 Tech Center Drive is a 100,000-square-foot Class A office building. It will be renovated, and approximately 30,000 square feet of additional space will be constructed for police purposes and other city functions.

“We began outgrowing the current police facility in 1992, shortly after the building was renovated,” said Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence. “The Gahanna Division of Police provides best-in-class services. We are a modern, forward-thinking agency that lacks only in its facilities in becoming nationally accredited. Moving to 825 Tech Center Drive sets up the Division, its personnel, and the community for success for decades.”

The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Updates and information on the facilities project, including video presentations and links to Town Hall and Council discussions, can be found at Gahanna.gov/facilities.

↓ 825 Tech Center Dr., the future home of Gahanna City Hall, Gahanna Division of Police and Gahanna Senior Center

Meet The City

By Laurel Bocka

Joann Bury, the City of Gahanna’s Finance Director, has been with the City since 2012. She was initially hired as Deputy Director of Finance and was later appointed to her current role in 2016. Earlier this year, Joann was honored with the Ohio Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 2022 Excellence in Government Achievement Award for her work in managing and reporting the City’s finances. Voted upon by peers in government finance, this prestigious award recognizes those who have demonstrated a high degree of integrity, innovation, and exceptional governmental leadership.

The Ohio GFOA Excellence in Government Achievement Award is the second award that Joann received this year. In February, she was honored with the National Association of Government Accountants Excellence in Government Leadership Award. Her leadership has also resulted in the City receiving the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the ninth consecutive year, and the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the eighth year in row. Additionally, in 2021, the City was presented with the Auditor of the State Award with Distinction for excellence in financial reporting as a result of her work. →

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

Director of Finance JOANN BURY

↓ Approaching Gahanna from Granville Street

Joann’s favorite part of working for the City of Gahanna is the culture among the employees. She loves working with dedicated and supportive co-workers who do the best they can for residents and visitors. For her, the best part of her job is helping others. The Finance Department supports all City departments and educates stakeholders on governmental finances to provide a better understanding of how the City operates and uses valuable tax dollars. Joann loves seeing all the continued growth and improvements that make Gahanna a better place to work, live, and play.

JEFF SPENCE

Chief of Police

Thirty years ago, Chief Spence graduated from the Police Academy and began his law enforcement career with the City. After completing his field training and working all three patrol shifts for several years, Chief Spence moved into a communityoriented policing position, similar to that of today’s School Resource Officers. After serving in a few other positions, Chief Spence became the Investigative Services and Support Services Lieutenant – a position he held for 14 years before becoming Deputy Chief in 2016. In 2018, following Chief Dennis Murphy’s retirement, he was formally appointed the Division’s Chief of Police.

Chief Spence is honored to lead such a talented group of law enforcement professionals. It is clear to him that the work of the Gahanna Division of Police has a positive impact on the lives of residents. He is extremely grateful for the community’s support, and his daily goal is to demonstrate professional, transparent, and modern policing principles in all of the services delivered to the community. The best part of the job for Chief Spence is seeing the positive impact his team has on the community, watching the employees grow, and seeing many transformational projects come to life.

Gahanna holds a special place in Chief Spence’s heart. He believes Gahanna is uniquely positioned to benefit from new development projects across the City and the Region. He could not be more excited for the City and its potential for the future. He is appreciative of the talented group of professionals that he has been blessed to work with over the years, especially those who protect residents and visitors every day. ♦

Development News

Reimagining Gahanna’s Creekside District: Gahanna CIC Purchases Property in Creekside District to Promote Redevelopment

By Dan Pearlman

In July 2021, the City engaged the architectural firm MA Design to develop an overall master plan for the City’s Creekside neighborhood – not only informing current needs of the area, but also aiding in future redevelopment projects to promote vibrancy within the City’s downtown. The plan identified key parcels for acquisition that ultimately would serve to catalyze future mixed-use development.

Taking the first step in bringing the MA Design strategy from paper to reality, the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), a separate 501(c)(4) non-profit organization tasked with supporting the City’s economic development-related efforts, entered into an agreement to acquire several parcels from Gahanna-based Homestead Development Company and MJM Investments along the Mill Street corridor. Additionally, under a separate agreement, the CIC moved to control property currently owned by locally based Schneider Properties with a plan to close by mid-2023.

“The work of MA Design has provided the CIC with a roadmap of not only what could work best, but what strategic properties are needed to bring this vision to reality,” said Betty Collins, President of the CIC. “We appreciate the local

partnerships these agreements bring forward, and we look forward to bringing this vision to reality.”

The initial strategy calls for the development of three key areas focusing on new multi-family housing, destination retail to complement the existing Creekside mixed-use property, and a boutique hotel to maximize visitor engagement to the area as well as the City’s proximity to John Glenn International Airport.

“The Creekside District is the heart of our downtown and the heart of Gahanna,” said Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Ensuring the vibrancy of the Creekside area is critical to our city’s future success - both for the quality of life of our residents and the economic success of our small businesses. These agreements are the next critical step in reimagining the downtown area that our residents and businesses both need and deserve.”

As part of the development of the initial strategy, the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Economic Development Department held a town hall discussion in June 2022, to share information with and gather input from the community. (The town hall discussion can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page, @CityofGahanna.) As the project continues to move forward, more opportunities for public discussion and engagement will take place throughout 2023, and updates will be shared on the City’s website and social media pages.

To learn more, visit: GahannaCIC.com

↑ Conceptual rendering shared at town hall meeting in June 2022

↑ Conceptual rendering shared at town hall meeting in June 2022

The Dolphin Lounge looks back on a half-century of Gahanna entertainment

By Laurel Bocka

When Nancy Ebright helped to open the Dolphin Lounge in 1972, she could not have guessed the impact that her business would make on the music scene in Gahanna and around Central Ohio. Now, 50 years later and after her passing, her daughter, Lori Ebright, owns the bar and continues her legacy.

The Dolphin Lounge is a Gahanna landmark. It has always been known for great music, its 70s décor, a sunken bar, open mic nights, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ebright works hard to make sure that every visitor to the bar is introduced to the regulars so they can feel right at home.

↑ Live band on-stage at The Dolphin Lounge

“The City of Gahanna is centrally located, so the Dolphin Lounge draws people traveling into town and from all over Central Ohio,” she said.

In 2019, the Dolphin Lounge was named one of the 50 Best Dive Bars in America by Big Seven Travel. Thousands of musicians, bands, vocalists, and comedians have been hosted and supported by the venue through its nightly music, karaoke, and comedy events each week. Included on the long list of musicians who have played at the Dolphin Lounge is Eric Clapton, who made his way to an Open Stage night in the 90s.

Most notably, the Dolphin Lounge is home to the longest running continuous blues jam in the world. Founded by Gahanna native Ric Boals in 1984, some of the highest profile blues players from around the world have participated in the 38-year jam session. Each Monday, blues musicians from a variety of bands and backgrounds gather and combine their musical talents. The Dolphin Lounge is also a longtime supporter of the Columbus Blues Alliance, hosting fundraisers and music events to support the players and fans of the local and international blues communities.

The Dolphin Lounge is always finding new ways to give back to the community through fundraisers and bar crawls. Ebright, known as the “Queen of Fundraisers,” has a passion and drive to help her customers get through the hard times in life with love, respect, and financial support. With her dedication and vision, the Dolphin Lounge has hosted over 75 fundraisers.

“We have a rich history of bringing people together for great times and great causes with awesome music week after week,” she said.

Ebright is excited to continue her mother’s vision for the Dolphin Lounge. She is thankful for all of the customers who have made the last 50 years possible, and she is eagerly looking forward to another 50 years of jam sessions and community in Gahanna!

“The City of Gahanna is centrally located, so the Dolphin Lounge draws people traveling into town and from all over Central Ohio.”

↑ Lori Bright, owner of The Dolphin Lounge

↑ Nancy Ebright, original owner

EAGLESRISING

Meet three of Gahanna’s newest Eagle Scouts

By Jack McLaughlin and Dan Pearlman

“Have courage and advocate for yourself.” That is just some of the advice Mikayla Barbe-Cox, an Eagle Scout through the Scouts BSA, has for others who wish to achieve the program’s highest rank.

Barbe-Cox, Delaney Ray and Anne Wilson were among the ten young adults to reach the rank of Eagle Scout last year in Gahanna. Barbe-Cox and Ray both saw the activities their brothers participated in with the Boy Scouts and wanted to participate in those as well.

↓ Anne Wilson (second from left) and family

“You get to learn skills like how to build a fire and obviously tie different knots,” said Ray. “At one of my favorite campouts, we saw this beautiful waterfall, and I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to see that had I not done Boy Scouts.”

This journey for the three young women began in February 2019 when the Boy Scouts of America organization renamed their flagship program, Boy Scouts, to Scouts BSA and began allowing girls to join. Over the next couple of years, the girls progressed through the ranks.

“For me, Boy Scouts always just had the things I liked more – a lot of camping and outdoor survival,” Wilson said. “I think all of us wanted to become Eagle Scouts even before we knew we had the opportunity.”

And with the opportunity, the three ultimately achieved their goals.

In order to become an Eagle Scout, scouts must plan and complete a service-based project that shows leadership, while logging details of their progress along the way. Ray’s project focused on improving the storage and retention of music for the Gahanna Lincoln High School Solo and Ensemble Bands as she scanned and saved music to USB drives to ensure it is protected and always available. Barbe-Cox helped a local church repair and reorganize storage spaces that had been built in the 1960s. Wilson created jackets for Ohio greyhounds that are retired from racing.

“We got a greyhound in 2016, so he was the inspiration for that,” Wilson said. “Their coats are thin, so sometimes the Ohio weather can be a lot for them.”

All three Eagle Scouts hope to see other children and teens, no matter their gender, follow in their footsteps and reach the rank they worked so hard to achieve. On that note, Ray wants to simply be thought of for what she accomplished, not the fact that she was among the first females in Gahanna to reach her rank.

“I really don’t like the title of being one of the first female Eagle Scouts,” Ray said. “I just want to be seen as an Eagle Scout, none of this first female stuff because it feels really limiting. With today’s society, if people hear ‘first female’ for me, they will think less of that because there’s still unfortunately people out there who see women as something weak, and I don’t want to give them that mindset or judgement. I just want them to see me as an Eagle Scout, and I accomplished it.”

Barbe-Cox understands where Ray is coming from and that sentiment.

“There’s nothing that sets us apart besides that we weren’t allowed in,” she said. “I think it’s important for younger generations of girls and scouts as a whole to see that anyone can do this – anyone can achieve this. It’s also important not to put us on a pedestal just because of our gender. We just did what we aspired to do.”

↑ Mikayla Barbe-Cox

↑ Delaney Ray

GLHS football breaks records in 2022 season to remember

By Jack McLaughlin and Dan Pearlman

In the 96 years of Gahanna Lincoln High School football, no season was like the one that concluded in November after the Lions advanced to the Division I state semifinal game.

The Lions were the outright OCC-Ohio champions for the first time since 1998. They were regional champions for the first time since 1982, and by the numbers, it was a historic season. The team outscored conference opponents 224-53. The Lions scored more points than in any other season with 472, and the 15 games they played were the team’s most for one season. Of those 15, the Lions won 13.

“We’ve had a few 11-win seasons in the past, but 13 is the most Gahanna football has ever had,” said Lions head coach Bruce Ward.

The 2022 season was unique in that the Lions played all but two of their scheduled home games outside of Gahanna, while construction began on the school’s new football stadium. That did not slow down the team that the coaching staff saw something special in before the season’s first snap.

“We knew we could be special at our team camp at Tiffin University,” Ward said. “We talked as a staff at that time, and you could tell the players really held each other accountable. They pushed one another. Those are the things you look for in a good team.”

A pivotal moment in the season came when the Lions topped the Pickerington Central Tigers, a team they had not beaten since 2001. The Lions then beat Pickerington Central a second time in the playoffs by scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half. Those two wins were the third and fourth against the Tigers in program history.

We talked as a staff at that time, and you could tell the players really held each other accountable. They pushed one another.

Those are the things you look for in a good team.

↑ TPhoto courtesy of Aimee Amer

The historic season culminated with an appearance in the Division I semifinal game against St. Edward which the Lions lost 31-7.

“Our ultimate pleasure was beating Pick Central twice,” Ward said. “It was a tremendous and historic season for our kids.”

The historic season was a success both on and off the field. The average GPA of the team is 3.23. In total, 46 players have a GPA above 3.0 and 16 have straight A’s.

“Our vision is to build young men through football,” Ward said. “We push our athletes to reach their highest potential both on the field and off it. That’s going to take the kids further than 13-2.”

While the season is over, the community’s support is not lost on Ward who said the support from residents was a tremendous motivation from the opening kickoff through the final snap.

“That’s one of the beautiful things about football,” Ward said. “It brings the whole town together, especially in a place like Gahanna where there’s only one team. It’s everyone, all the way up to the City Council and the Mayor too.”

How

By Dan Pearlman

Gahanna native Alex Crognale is a defender on the soccer field and a professional athlete advocating for equality with a former teammate who now plays thousands of miles from Ohio.

The former Gahanna Lincoln Lion and Columbus Crew player now plays for the Birmingham (Alabama) Legion in the United Soccer League. While honing his soccer skills at the University of Maryland, he met Zack Steffen, the former Crew and current Manchester City goalkeeper.

one Gahanna native turned soccer pro is leading the way for change

← Gahanna native Alex Crognale runs a soccer drill

“He was a goalie and I was a center back, so there was already a natural relationship on the field because we played so close to each other,” Crognale explained. “We just became really close.”

Their bond continued to grow when both athletes donned the black and gold and took the field at what is now known as Historic Crew Stadium.

After that, while Crognale was in Birmingham and Steffen was overseas, they both watched as events unfolded after the death of George Floyd.

“That event really motivated us to step out and do something,” Crognale said.

That call to action ultimately led to the two starting the VOYCENOW Foundation.

“It really just started as a community on Instagram of professional athletes and public figures speaking out against the racial injustice that was going on in the United States,” said Crognale. “Over the course of a few months, it really picked up traction and that was really a surprise for us, so we started thinking – we have this momentum. Where can we channel this? We thought it would only be right to turn this into a 501 (c) (3).”

With that thought, the two formed the VOYCENOW Foundation. As its website states, the Foundation is “a nonprofit that unites athletes from across the world to use their platforms to advocate for Equality for All.”

Since 2020, the VOYCENOW Foundation has raised a little more than $200,000, with upward of 90% of those funds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and various chapters across the country.

“Since we started VOYCENOW, we’ve found more areas in which we can be heard,” said Steffen. “Getting kids to be a part of this movement has been a huge driver and eye opener for us. It’s made us realize that we can have a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.”

The VOYCENOW Foundation is focused on three pillars – mentoring children in education, sports, and health and wellness.

↓ Crognale (left) and Zack Steffen

↓ Crognale mentoring children through VOYCENOW

“We’ve sent probably close to ten athletes, including ourselves, to various clubs across the country to spend an hour talking about our journey as professional athletes or Zack’s journey as a Black professional athlete growing up in the United States,” said Crognale. “We talk about our experience and the adversity that we’ve faced, just to show these kids an inspiration and something to strive for, and that has been a huge success.”

Crognale said the goal is to continue mentoring children and to set up clinics for kids who want to play soccer, but do not have the time, money or resources to do so.

“I think the opportunities in this country should not be based on the color of your skin and we realize that’s kind of the system that’s in place,” said Crognale. “We want to provide an avenue for the children who don’t have the resources, whether it be in Gahanna, Chicago, New York or another part of the country. We want to be able to provide those resources when they’re simply not born with them or they don’t have those opportunities.”

VOYCENOW is backed by more than 150 athlete ambassadors across 20 leagues in 13 countries.

Summer Jobs in the Gahanna Sun

Gahanna Parks & Recreation is combing the water for new hires

By Dan Pearlman

“It’s the best job ever.”

Those are the words of Noelle Dennison, a Gahanna native who began working as a lifeguard at Gahanna Swimming Pool nearly seven years ago. It was that job she held for several summers that ultimately opened the door for the next step in her career.

“As a kid, I loved the social aspect of it,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I was working because I was working with all of my closest friends. I love the personal development that it’s provided me with too.”

↑ Ben Towler and campers

Dennison is the new Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Gahanna. As she begins her new role, she encourages other young adults and teenagers to get their feet wet in the world of aquatics.

Even though it’s still cold outside, the Department of Parks and Recreation is now hiring seasonal employees, including lifeguards, swim instructors, pool managers, and guest services and concession workers. Hiring is also open for seasonal camp counselors, assistant counselors and camp managers. The positions are perfect for anyone interested in working with children either over the summer or in the future.

“It is a seasonal job working at the pool, but it does give our staff the valuable career experience that they can translate into really any other role,” said Chris Simmons, the City’s Aquatics Supervisor.

The City is looking to hire a total of 50 to 60 lifeguards to work at Gahanna Swimming Pool and Hunters Ridge Pool. Those hired must be certified by the American Red Cross and 15 years old by the last day of their lifeguarding classes. The certification classes are provided by the City at no cost to the employees.

“We teach all of those classes in house,” Simmons said. “It is free for employees, so if they want to work for us as a lifeguard, they just need to apply. After they’re hired, we’ll put them through the class for free.”

The open positions at the City’s camps are equally as rewarding as those at the swimming pools.

“I do not know anyone who I’ve spoken to in my nearly 19 years of working in the camp industry who did not take something valuable away from their experience as a camp counselor,” said Sarah Mill, the City’s Recreation Supervisor.

Camp counselors will work with children between the ages of 4 and 13. While the staff is made up of counselors with different backgrounds and interests, Mill said many counselors typically are considering a career in education or working with children in some capacity.

“I think for them it is an opportunity to build some of the skills they would need, working not only with the campers, but also camp families and parents,” she said.

Ben Towler began working as a camp counselor in 2021. The Gahanna Lincoln graduate is a special education major at the University of Toledo, and he recently completed his first semester of student teaching. Working as a counselor helped him hone a number of skills, including his ability to form bonds with both parents and children.

“It is honestly probably the most fun I’ve ever had working,” said Towler. “I look forward to coming back every summer. You form great relationships with the campers as well as your coworkers. The higher ups and the bosses here in Gahanna are amazing. They’re very understanding, and they do a great job of working around your personal schedule as well.”

Towler and Dennison hope to see some new faces and more young adults follow in their footsteps when the weather warms up and the pools and camps open.

More information, including the age requirements for the seasonal positions, can be found at Gahanna.gov/job-opportunities.

↓ Noelle Dennison at work

Parks & Rec Programming

Arts & Education

Youth Yoga & Craft Workshops

Presented by Blossoming Hearts Yoga

Art activities, yoga and games are all part of these fun workshops. The theme for February – Love!

Age: 5 - 10

Time: 10 – 11 a.m.

Date: Saturday, February 11

Fee: $25/$31

Location: Gahanna Senior Center (480 Rocky Fork Blvd.)

Age: 11 - 15

Time: 1:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Date: Saturday, February 11

Fee: $25/$31

Location: Gahanna Senior Center (480 Rocky Fork Blvd.)

AMERICAN RED CROSS COURSES

First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

This program will help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies.

Age: 13 by the last day of the course

Date: Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24

(Online and self-paced) Sunday, February 26 (In-person)

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fee: $100/$150

Location: Gahanna Senior Center (480 Rocky Fork Blvd.)

Lifeguarding Course

Participants who complete this course will receive a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, first aid and administering emergency oxygen.

Age: 15 by the last day of the course

Date: Monday, March 20 – Sunday, March 26 (Online and selfpaced) Tuesday, March 28 – Thursday, March 30 (In-person)

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fee: $175/$200

Location: Gahanna YMCA (555 YMCA Place)

Babysitting Basics

This online course is perfect for pre-teens and teenagers! Participants will learn life, safety and decision-making skills that parents want them to have.

Age: 11 +

Date: Available anytime. Access granted upon registration.

Fee: $45/$50

Cat and Dog First Aid

Through this online course, you will learn the basics of care for your furry friends! Topics include understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, preventative care for cats and dogs, and caring for them in the most critical emergency situations.

Age: 10 +

Date: Available anytime. Access granted upon registration.

Fee: $20/$25

Recreation & Sports

Amazing Tots

Amazing Tots is a developmental physical fitness program for children. Adult/parent participation is required.

Age: 1.5 - 2.5

Time: 5:30 – 6 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, March 1 – Wednesday, April 5

Fee: $86/$100

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse (220 Olde Ridenour Rd.)

Amazing Athletes

Amazing Athletes is a physical fitness program for children. Our fun, active classes encourage kids to explore and develop a variety of athletic skills through the introduction of 10 different sports. Coaches break down the fundamentals of each sport into simple steps based on each child’s age and ability. The goal is to create a fun environment that establishes lifetime connections to sports and physical activity. Adult/parent participation is required for all children under 3 years old.

Age: 2.5 – 4

Time: 6 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, March 1 – Wednesday, April 5

Fee: $86/$100

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse (220 Olde Ridenour Rd.)

Yoga Based Movement

Balance, stretch and strengthen your body in a slow meditative way that will link your breath and movement for an integrated mind, body and spirit practice. This session will be led by experienced and certified yoga teacher Kristi Bryan.

Age: 18+

Time: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, March 7 – Tuesday, April 11

Fee: $100/$117

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse (220 Olde Ridenour Rd.)

Chair Yoga

Join yoga teacher Kristi Bryan and explore flow through seated, standing, and mat sequences to increase circulation and improve strength and balance with the support of a chair.

Age: 18+

Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, March 8 – April 12

Fee: $100/$117

Location: Golf Course Clubhouse (220 Olde Ridenour Rd.)

Summer Activities

Aquatics

Pool memberships for the 2023 season are on sale NOW! If you buy yours before April 30, you will receive 10% off. Visit Gahanna.gov for more information.

Summer Camp Registration

Save the dates! Registration for the City’s summer camps will open for Gahanna residents on March 9. Nonresidents will be able to register beginning on March 13. Check back at Gahanna.gov or sign up to receive the Parks & Recreation monthly e-newsletter for updated summer camp offerings.