Pickerington June/July 2023

Photo by Tyler Kirkendall

pickerington community calendar

june/july 2023

June 1-Sept. 28

Pickerington Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., 89 N. Center St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Stock up on local produce from the garden this summer with freshly grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisan crafts from local farmers.

June 2, July 7

Summer Concert Series

6:30-8 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, 481 Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Bring a blanket and enjoy a night of free live music from local performers such as Turn to Stone, an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band and the Kenny Chesneyinspired Lee Gantt Band.

June 2, July 7

Friday Night Flicks

Dusk, Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, 481 Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Bring chairs and snacks for family movie night under the stars. Enjoy two family favorite films including Minions: The Rise of Gru and Top Gun: Maverick. Arrive early to check out the summer concert series.

June 3

Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

9-11 a.m., Hidden Acres Legacy Farm, 7140 Reynoldsburg-Baltimore Rd. NW www.hiddenacreslegacyfarm.com

Connect to your inner zen with this two-hour yoga class with goats! Enjoy a restorative yoga practice while connecting with your inner child in a serene, natural setting.

June 3-Oct. 29

Rock Mill Days

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Pl. NW, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Visitors are invited to tour the restored 1824 gristmill. On the last Sunday of each month, we will mill corn the way it was done 200 years ago!

June 8, July 13

June 4

Historical Museum Open House

2-4 p.m. Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org

Enjoy a walking tour in Olde Pickerington Village guided by a Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society volunteer. Each tour will consist of approximately 10 guests and begin at the museum and end at Combustion Brewery.

June 8, July 13

Pickerington Village Shop Hop

4-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, 13 W. Columbus St. and locations around the village

www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Support local businesses and enjoy Pickerington’s beautiful scenery with this shopping adventure showcasing local boutiques. With countless vendors, you’ll be sure to find a steal.

June 10-11

Frontier Militia Muster

Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Smeck Park, 7395 Basil Rd, Baltimore www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Learn about the daily lives of militiamen in 1777. This event features weapons, basic drills and open-fire cooking demonstrations.

June 18

Father’s Day

June 18

Breakfast & Birding

8 a.m., Mambourg Park, 5531 CincinnatiZanesville Rd. NE (US-22), Lancaster

www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Stop by on Father’s Day for doughnuts and coffee while birdwatching from the nature center’s observation area.

June 19

Juneteenth

June 25

Summer Sip and Shop

1-5 p.m., Outerbelt Brewing, 3560 Dolson Ct., Carroll

www.outerbeltbrewing.com

Head over to Outerbelt Brewing for a market of more than 30 local food, clothing, boutique, baker and designer artisans. Grab a drink and something to eat and browse the afternoon away.

June 25

Sparky Hartfield at Combustion Brewing

7-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St.

www.combustionbrewing.com

Primarily a reggae artist, Sparky Hartfield has toured the Columbus scene since 1996. Hartfield brings a setlist that skirts across all genres and will provide a night of entertainment and fun perfect for summer night out.

All events are subject to change. Visit websites for additional information.

Photo by Joyce Cleary

Pickerington Village Shop Hop

June 28

Brian Kerr at Cardo’s 6:30-9:30 p.m., Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern, 7897 Refugee Rd. www.cardospizzaandtavern.com

Grab a slice of pizza and enjoy a night of live acoustic music.

July 3, 4

July 4th Celebration

Olde Pickerington Village

www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Relax in your backyard as fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m. on Saturday, then join the community the next morning for a parade celebrating Independence Day at 10 a.m.

July 8

Ultimate Water Fight

1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Bring the kids for a squirt gun Saturday at the library. Pack some clothes for the splash zone! No reservations required.

July 9

Historical Museum Open House

2-4 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org

Sunday is Heritage Day at our Historical Museum, where we will feature spinning and beekeeping demonstrations along with exhibits of local heritage arts including handmade quilts, artwork, handmade tools and more.

July 11

Science of Sharks

1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Waves on Wheels is bringing Coral Cat Sharks to Pickerington Library. See the sharks play and learn more about these underwater predators.

July 13

Curious About Coyotes?

6 p.m., Mambourg Park, 5531 CincinnatiZanesville Rd. NE (US-22), Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Reservations are required for this event detailing how to handle conflicts that arise between coyotes, pets and people.

July 13-15

Picktown Palooza

300 Opportunity Way

www.pickeringtonvillage.com

A three-day extravaganza, enjoy street vendors, food trucks, rides, live music, and a car and truck show. Buy admission passes ahead of time for convenient access to the whole festival.

July 14-23

Pickerington Community Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast Wigwam Event Center, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org For a fairytale evening, head over to the Wigwam Event Center for this beloved classic presented by local performers.

July 15

Freedom 5K

8:30 a.m., Victory Park, Lockville Rd. www.runsignup.com

Head to the starting line in Victory Park and follow the path around Sycamore Creek Park for this 5K sponsored by OrthoNeuro.

July 22

Festival Fair Day

9:30 a.m., Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 159 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Learn about the parks and create a fun craft to take home with you.

July 29

Youth Fishing Derby

9:30-11 a.m., Sycamore Creek Park Pond, 481 Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Youths ages 14 and younger are invited to spend a morning fishing with their families to compete for prizes such as most fish and biggest fish caught. Bring your own supplies and be sure to register by July 27.

THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON

Home of State Champions

Pickerington is the Home of State Champions! The City recently dedicated a new sign at the main entrance at SR 256 and SR 204. Pickerington’s high school athletic teams, as well as the Pickerington Special Olympics teams, have won 23 state titles as of 2023. Many of the coaches that led those title teams were present at the April 3rd dedication ceremony.

“We’re proud of the successes of our student-athletes and coaches and wanted to do something special to recognize their accomplishments in a more permanent way,” Mayor Lee Gray said. “We are Pickerington proud and look forward to adding to this sign for many years to come.”

July 4th

Planning is underway for Pickerington’s annual Independence Day Celebration.

This year’s fireworks display will take place Monday, July 3 at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from Pickerington High School Central. There will be no organized activities and residents are encouraged to watch the show from home.

The parade will take place Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m. Any groups or individuals interested in participating should

contact the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department at 614-833-2211 or by visiting www.pickerington.net. Registration is free. The parade lines up at Pickerington High School Central between 8:30-9:30 a.m. The route is approximately two miles long and moves from PHSC, then north on Lockville Road, west on Columbus Street through Olde Pickerington Village, south on Hill Road and it ends at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School.

A Friend Remembered

The City of Pickerington lost a beloved friend and co-worker after Bob Middendorf’s sudden passing on March 18th. Bob worked in our service department and was often seen in our parks, setting up for an event, hanging Christmas lights or even watering flowers. Bob was a great team player and took a lot of pride in working for his hometown.

Bob’s loss is being felt throughout our community. He was a graduate of Pickerington High School and served his alma mater as a coach in football, baseball and wrestling. He was a Tiger through and through and impacted hundreds of young lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife Kelli, their sons Keaton and Kasey and all that knew and loved him.

Thank You for Your Service

Celebrating a Milestone

It’s bittersweet as we don’t like seeing them go, but greater things are ahead for three of the City’s longestserving employees. Happy Retirement to Detective Tim Planck, who has served the police department in a number of roles during his 30 years of service, Officer Rick Hoagland is retiring with 26 years of service and Service Foreman Dwayne Mohler is clocking out after 28 years of hard work and dedication to the City of Pickerington. All three will be greatly missed and we thank them for a job well done!

The City of Pickerington is celebrating 30 years as a Tree City USA! To mark the occasion, seven new trees (representing the city’s seven Pickerington Parks Board members) were recently planted in the Arboretum at Sycamore Creek Park.

Pictured L-R: Councilman Kevin Kemper, Parks Board members Steve Malone, Crystal Shepherd, Benjamin White and Travis VanNess, Mayor Lee Gray, Councilman Nick Derksen (and sons) and ODNR’s Alistair Reynolds

Picktown Pickup

In celebration of Earth Day, City employees, community volunteers and students from Pickerington High School Central and Pickerington High School North canvassed the community and collected more than 2,000 lbs. of trash. It is the third year of the ‘Picktown Pickup’ initiative and the City sincerely appreciates the hard work of our staff and volunteers.

Detective Tim Planck Officer Rick Hoagland

Service Foreman Dwayne Mohler

It’s Time to Start “Cutting Calleries”

By Molly Gilleland, Urban/Resource Technician works Fairfield County Soil & Water

A pest is taking over Violet Township and you might not even realize it. You may have seen them each year as they emerge from their winter slumber; like popcorn heated in the microwave, the white, prominent flowers of this invader seem to burst forth in almost instantaneous fashion well before any of its kin. Though by summer, they become just another inconspicuous feature on the landscape. Planted meticulously along subdivision streets, filling in the natural areas around I-70 and US-33, or overwhelming abandoned fields and unmanaged park land, thousands of this unwelcome nuisance are possibly growing and multiplying right in your own neighborhood. If you haven’t already heard, it’s time to be aware of the callery pear.

Callery pear is a small tree, pyramidal in shape, with a mature height of 30 – 40ft and spread of 20 – 30ft. It has alternate branch structure and leaves that are simple, 1.5 – 3 inches long, ovate, shiny, and have slightly serrated wavy leaf margins. White flowers occur in early spring before, or as leaves emerge. Fruits are small (0.5” in diameter), round, and turn from green to brown, maturing in early fall. In wild areas, young trees often form dense thickets and have small spines.

Callery pear is native to southeast Asia and was first introduced in the U.S. in the early 1900s with hopes that its resistance to bacterial fire blight might be bred into commercial pears. Later, interest shifted to its use as rootstock for commercial pears. In the 1950s, Callery pear caught the eye of horticulture and was first planted as an ornamental near Washington, DC. It quickly became popular for its abundant spring flowers and rapid growth. Popular cultivars

included Bradford, Cleveland Select, and Aristocrat. However, as these pears matured it became apparent that they had poor branching structure and they poorly withstood windstorms, ice storms, and heavy wet snow. New cultivars with better branching habit were planted. Originally, the trees were genetic clones – self-sterile and unable to pollinate themselves. However, as more and more cultivars were planted, the increase in genetic diversity allowed for cross-pollination and fruit production.

By the early 2000s, land managers began to notice Callery pears popping up in a variety of wild areas, especially in open areas like roadsides and abandoned agricultural fields. This popular ornamental had become invasive. Callery pear outcompetes native vegetation with its fast growth, early reproduction (as early as 3 years of age), profuse fruit production spread by birds, and because it has been introduced outside of its native range, it has very few ecological checks and balances to limit its growth. Callery pear is on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s invasive plant list and can no longer be legally sold, grown, or planted as of January 2023 as the nursery industry has begun to phase it out.

To control this undesirable invasive, pull out young trees by hand when the soil is moist, use a foliar herbicide treatment on small trees during the growing season, and cut down or girdle large trees in combination with an herbicide treatment to the cut-surface. It is very important to follow the directions on the herbicide label to protect the environment, apply safely, and obtain effective results.

How to Reach Us

From the Fire Department

An Ounce of Prevention...

The sound of lawn mowers and power tools signify that spring has arrived and summer is on the way. Green grass and fresh blooms create a sense of hope and life adding to the excitement and anticipation of prom, graduation, vacations and social gatherings. The days grow longer and warmer, and we spend a great amount of time outside tasked with accomplishing this season’s outdoor projects. It is also a time of injury and accidents. The Violet Township Fire Department records an increase in incidents during the warm weather months. The increase is typically comprised of heat related emergencies, falls, back injuries, lacerations and fires related to lawn mowers, grills and open burning.

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A few simple precautions can help make your spring and summer more enjoyable and safe.

Perfect Lemonade

Prep time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)

1 cup water (for the simple syrup)

1 cup lemon juice

3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)

METHOD

• Stretch - A few moments spent stretching can go a long way in preventing pain and strains.

• Survey the area where you will be working - Remove or mark debris and trip hazards - Call before you dig to have underground utilities identified. Call 811 or use E-dig at http://newtin. oups.org/newtinweb/oups_edig.

- Take notice of overhead power lines prior to raising or working from ladders

• Wear the right equipment.

- Safety glasses

- Hearing protection

- Proper footwear

- Gloves

• Ensure equipment and power tools are in proper working order.

- Safe guards and safety features should be intact and functioning properly

• Use and store hazardous and combustible materials properly

- Fuels

- Lubricants

- Pesticides/Herbicides

- Fertilizers

• Check gas and propane grills prior to use.

- Look for debris and critter nests in the interior

- Check unions, fittings, and knobs for leaks

• Keep functioning and hot grills away from any structure.

• Call the fire department prior to having open burns or bonfires.

- Find out if there are any restrictions

- Alert us to your intentions so a fun event is not alerted as an actual fire by a passerby

• Wear sunscreen, eat properly, and stay hydrated.

• Do not over do it!

1. Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.

2. While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

3. Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength. Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it.

Serve with ice, sliced lemons

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Earthly Education

Shannon Cook loves reading books with her two young children – especially those with holiday or seasonal themes. But when she found a lack of Earth Day offerings, she took matters into her own hands.

“We’ve always had a real love for Earth Day because my husband works in green energy and does hydropower,” Cook says. “(And) I was looking for a book that had a bit of a spiritual element to it.”

Being a passionate writer herself, she began asking fellow writers for recommendations, but it seems nothing existed that fit. So, Cook decided to write one.

This March, Cook made her authorial debut with I Made the Earth. Its colorful illustrations and rhyming storyline help teach young readers about the importance of taking care of the Earth.

Chapter 1: Her story begins

Cook grew up in Pickerington and only left for the four years she attended college at the University of Dayton. There, she earned a degree in secondary education with a concentration in

English, theater and speech before returning to Pickerington to become an English teacher and theater director at Pickerington Central High School.

As a Central alum, Cook began working alongside the very people who had imbued her love of education. She taught there for 10 years, but after having kids, it became difficult to balance being a teacher, theater director and mom.

“By the time I had my third baby, it was impossible to do both,” Cook says. “(My job) was teaching class, it was afternoons for rehearsals. It was weekends building scenery. … So I resigned from that job and then I started writing kind of in earnest within about a year of staying home.”

Chapter 2: Putting pen to paper

Cook’s first book was a historical fiction novel for ages 8 to 12. Cook took inspiration from her grandmother’s diary, who grew up in Indiana during the Great Depression. The story shares the comingof-age of three young girls in the 1930s.

Hesitant to publish, Cook put her energy into developing her writing skills and

faces By Rachel Karas

Shannon Cook

Photos courtesy of Shannon Cook

Pickerington native writes family-friendly first book about Earth Day

attended writing conferences where other writers provided feedback.

In fall 2021 at one of these critiquing sessions, Cook met best-selling author and award-winning journalist Michelle Medlock Adams, who reviewed a draft of her Earth Day book.

“When I got to meet her in person, she had so many wonderful things to say about it,” Cook says. “So I asked her at the end of the meeting, ‘OK, tell it to me straight. Am I gonna write this book or are you gonna write this book? I’m perfectly happy with either.’ And she said, ‘You’re gonna write it and I’m going to endorse it.’”

Before she knew it, Cook had a literary agent who was helping her negotiate the terms of a contract with End Game Press, Adams’ publisher, and I Made the Earth was published.

Chapter 3: Support and hope

Once it was printed, Cook took her book everywhere. From private Christian schools to radio shows and podcasts, she told people not only about the book but why it was important.

Shannon Cook isn’t the only writer in her family, as she has inspired her 15-year-old daughter, Anna, to write her own book. After attending a writer’s conference with her mom, Anna also signed with End Game Press. Her book Brynn and Amir and the Magic Map is coming out later this year.

Cook with readers at an author visit

Building coordination and confidence

At Kiddie Academy,® moving and grouping colorful blocks and shapes is more than a fun way to pass the time. It’s a way to nurture and reinforce large and small muscle development, coordination, balance and problem-solving skills. It all fits together perfectly.

“I love to talk about my heart behind the book,” she says. “This idea of partnering with people and caring for the earth and conservation, and just not having our head in the sand anymore about what’s happening with the environment.”

As she has jumped into the publishing world, Cook’s family and community are a major part of what helped make this journey so successful, she says.

“Pickerington is just such a supportive community,” Cook says. “I was amazed when I had my launch party just how many people from town came. And it was people I have known for a long time and living in this community has always been really wonderful.”

With I Made the Earth out in the world, Cook has turned her attention back to the first book she wrote – now titled The Girls of Hope series – with the desire of publishing it soon.

Although she has plans for many more titles, including another children’s book about Valentine’s Day. Cook says she will never forget her first book and hopes her readers won’t either.

“Kids really are the hope,” she says. “If we can help them to understand when they’re young that they’re responsible for things and that they have the power to make real change, I feel like that’s a whole generation of people that can make a really big difference.”

By Aaron Gilliam

Get Outside with Pickerington Parks

Alternative recreation sports are coming to a park near you

Summer is here, and there’s no better time to stretch your legs and take a trip to your local park. The Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department is devoted to listening to community feedback to optimize its offerings, so this summer it is ready to satisfy residents’ fitness needs.

The city maintains five parks across the area, offering over 150 acres of park land for residents and visitors to enjoy. Residents have seen the department blos-

som over the years with expanded parklands and alternative sports options.

The parks department is bringing more parks to the city with an eye on conservation. In celebration of Arbor Day, several trees were planted in the blossoming arboretum at Sycamore Creek Park. The parks department has ensured the continued connection between its visitors and the wonders of nature.

“You don’t want to build a park that takes away from what a park really is;

connecting with the outdoors and nature,” says Recreation Coordinator John Dennis. “When we plan to add new things or just update stuff, we are always looking to keep people connected. How to add, but also preserve the great idea of being outdoors.”

Fulfilling the growing needs of the community is a key role of the parks department. It seeks to keep close contact

Photo by Joyce Cleary

Disc golf at Simsbury Park

with residents to stay on top of growing trends.

Disc golf through the woods

Simsbury Park is home to a disc golf course that has quickly become a favorite for disc golfers across the Columbus area. The course provides an opportunity for a relaxing day of disc golf in a natural setting. Simsbury Park intertwines the beauty of the park itself with the challenging course.

The course’s holes and tees line the lower wooded area of the park. The course is as scenic as it is challenging and engaging. Disc golfers from across the state flock to the course for its unique and balanced course structure.

A local competitive disc golf club, the Columbus Flyers, frequents the course. The course hosts tournaments with the Flyers during the summer months, so if you’re lucky you’ll get a peek at the pros when you stop by Simsbury Park this summer.

Courting the new sport in town

Tennis courts have always been a staple in community parks across America. While the tennis courts are always popular, another sport has stepped into the limelight and seen a rise in national popularity: pickleball.

Pickleball combines tennis and ping pong for an engaging and entertaining alternative sport. Even athletes like LeBron James have taken up a pickleball paddle. Professional and amateur leagues are popping up across the nation.

The parks department knew pickleball courts would be an asset to the community, so it acted. Pickerington parks now offer two full-time pickleball courts alongside the Taylor Tennis Courts at Sycamore Park.

The parks department is also hosting its first Pickerington Pickleball Doubles league at the courts.

Eight teams compete in seven regular season matches with a single elimination tournament between the top four teams deciding a champion. Applications closed May 8, but keep an eye on the city website to join the league next year.

Climbing into fitness

Climbing has quickly grown to be a popular and unique alternative fitness

People from all over come to Pickerington for disc golf.

Photos by Joyce Cleary Adobe Stocxk

option. It is an engaging full-body workout that tests your problem-solving skills and endurance. Sycamore Creek Park is home to climbing walls for those looking to get in a fun and challenging workout.

These walls are also used for the Pickerington parks’ annual Youth Adventure Challenge, which takes place on Aug. 19. Sycamore Creek Park will transform into a large obstacle course on the day of the event.

“We have a giant obstacle course throughout the largest section of Sycamore Park,” Dennis says. “It’s something fun and engaging for the kids to do.”

Contestants can run through the course and receive a medal for their efforts. Dennis says the adventure challenge is less of a competition and more of an opportunity to get kids outside and try something new, so parents are encouraged to assist their young ones through the obstacles.

Want to cool down after working up a sweat in the parks? The department has plenty to offer. The Pickerington Summer Concert Series kicks off June 2 at the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, followed immediately by the Friday Night Flicks movie series.

The parks department hopes to bring the community together through its natural space, whether that’s to stay in shape or connect with neighbors.

“We’re trying to engage more with the community and see what all they like and go from there,” Dennis says.

Aaron Gilliam is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Registration for all adult sports leagues and parks activities can be found on the Pickerington parks department website, www.ci.pickerington. oh.us/departments/parks-recreation.

More information from the department can also be found in the Parks and Recreation guide at the back of this magazine!

Photo by Joyce Cleary

Photo courtesy of Pickerington Parks and Recreation

Photo courtesy of Pickerington Parks and Recreation

Pickerington’s Youth Adventure Challenge is on Aug. 19.

Engagement Expert

Jackson brings varied experience to his role at PLSD

Photo by Tyler Kirkendall

By Tyler Kirkendall

In just over 20 years, Michael P. Jackson has worked in a juvenile detention center, a school for students with emotional disturbances and the NBA, all while earning four separate degrees including a Ph.D. His intelligence complements his compassion, which makes him a perfect fit for his role as director of diversity and engagement at Pickerington Local School District.

“In my core, I genuinely love people and I want, in particular, my students to have an exceptional academic experience,” Jackson says. “That’s why I wanted to be an educator, you know; I wanted to be a motivator and a mentor, a role model for kids.”

Before Pickerington

Jackson proudly earned his undergraduate degree in 1998 from Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, where he studied physical education.

From there, he became a teacher at Alum Crest Special High School in Columbus City Schools. While working in Columbus, he earned his second degree in 2000 – a master’s from The Ohio State University School of Teaching and Learning.

“I was thinking I was going to coach track and all these other things, not realizing that the school I was going to be at didn’t have any athletics,” he says. “It was a special high school, and so I didn’t understand what that meant as a young teacher. So I got there and the football field was overgrown with weeds, had rocks in it, gravel, and there was no teams.”

Though there were no school athletic teams, Jackson knew his students had been playing sports their whole lives. They had not, how-

(Left to right) Jackson, Regina Mastrengelo, Dr. Chris Briggs, Scott Duncan and Elizabeth Curtis

Jackson with Allen Iverson at his jersey retirement in Philadelphia.

Photos courtesy of Michael P. Jackson

ever, learned how to take care of themselves physically.

“So I wanted to give them something that was really going to change their lives. I wanted to help them understand kinesiology, right? Understanding anaerobic and aerobic activity. And that’s before you even touch the basketball,” he says.

He would never hand out As, but hoped that all his students would earn As.

He gave out quizzes and tests, and says one day a student was frustrated with his test. Jackson found out that the student couldn’t read.

“I was like, ‘well, he’s making As on all my tests. How’s that possible?’” Jackson says. “But I read all my tests (out loud) as well, … and if I read my test, my voice would cause a remembrance to the con-

tent as well. So this young man couldn’t read, but he was paying attention.”

This taught Jackson a valuable lesson.

“I’m delivering the content and they’re making the As,” he says, “not because it was easy, but because I was really giving it to them in a digestible form that would allow them to excel, regardless of their disability.”

He took on an additional role at Columbus City Schools leadership as an intern administrator before he received an opportunity he couldn’t pass up from his childhood best friend, Allen Iverson.

Iverson had already established himself as a generational icon in the NBA by 2005 when he began working with Jackson officially. Jackson was Iverson’s assistant business manager until 2007, which meant he was a liaison for Iverson’s business dealings, as well as an adviser for his personal brand.

It’s a part of his life that Jackson typically keeps to himself.

“I rarely share that unless it has relevance, but I share my proximity to him (with students) especially if I see greatness in them,” Jackson says. “Their reception of what I’m giving them is different because they know that I worked with, at the time, the top player in the world. And so it was a unique opportunity for me to offer mentorship to them in a manner that would really inform their steps.”

Jackson would return to education as the assistant principal of Scioto River High School in Delaware, Ohio. He moved to North Carolina in 2009 to become special assistant to the president at Saint Augustine’s University.

Jackson with the Black History Month Celebration stage crew at Central in 2023.

Jackson with the newly created PHSC Muslim Student Association.

Photos courtey of Michael P. Jackson

There, he worked his way up to becoming chair of the Department of Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, where he grew the program from nine students to 44 in just two years.

His experience working at the university informed many conversations he holds to this day. Jackson saw the skills and the information that many students were missing once they got to college, and now has a better understanding of guidance and advice that will help students find the best fit after graduation.

He has worked in Pickerington schools since 2016 and moved from assistant principal at Central to director of diversity and engagement in 2021.

The mission at Pickerington

Jackson moved to Pickerington in 2016 with some misconceptions.

“I was expecting what I felt was going to be my first suburban experience,” he says. “That suburban typically means a wealthy, non-diverse environment. But I didn’t see that at all. This is a very diverse environment, that is not only diverse but inclusive. And those are huge distinctions to make.”

Jackson knows that progress can take a while. He is a believer in the process and knows that every day, week and month makes a difference toward a better community.

“(School events) are illuminating the diversity in our district, sharing their stories, sharing their food, sharing their traditions, allowing those students to present,” Jackson says. “We’re doing the types

of things that make students feel like they can be their authentic selves every day in school. And, you know, we’re not perfect. I don’t think that we’re gonna be perfect, but we are always in motion.”

Jackson aims to celebrate the varied cultures of Pickerington with events, activities, groups and even by getting down to the pedagogy of the school.

“Our student population is comprised of students from 73 different countries. They speak 58 different languages,” he says. “So we are the epitome of what one would term a melting pot.”

He doesn’t want to shy away from topics that some educators may be afraid to touch on due to their sensitive nature. That starts with finding thoughtful, engaging teachers who want the best for their students.

“We can bring in all of our new employees and have an expectation that you are going to not only be working with diverse populations, but we will be celebrating them,” Jackson says. “Then we do our best to educate those that are currently here on how to incrementally, at your own comfortable pace, create a better environment because you love your kids. If you’re starting from a basis, a place of love, then what won’t you do?”

Tyler

Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Jackson giving a presentation about leadership at Pickerington North.

“If you’re starting from a basis, a place of love, then what won’t you do?”

By Isabelle Fisher

Bowling Brothers

Pickerington North brothers share championship

The Pickerington North bowling team was the decisive 2023 OCC champion this season, which was an exciting achievement for the entire community. For Jacob and Jackson Neubauer, however, the championship was a family affair. Senior captain Jacob led the Panthers to their sixth OCC title alongside his freshman brother, Jackson.

Setting two all-time school records and leading the Panthers to an 11-1 run and a division championship, Jacob led the Central Ohio High School Bowling Conference (COHSBC) with a 219.1 average during the regular season and was awarded first place out of 372 varsity bowlers.

Last year, Jacob was also named District 12 Super Athlete of the Week and a finalist for Bowler of the Year. Earlier in March, he won the national Storm Youth Championship, bowling an average of 219.5 over 15 games.

Jacob isn’t new to the stress and pressure that comes with being one of the Panthers’ top bowlers to come through the program.

“For me, it’s just a lot of deep breaths. … It’s more of a step back where you don’t look at the big picture and just focus on one ball at a time,” Jacob says. “If anything, the stress increases but I think the game is really about who can manage it the best.”

Jackson finished his freshman year with a solid 195 average and is the next Neubauer in line to keep the excellence rolling.

Thanks to their father, Brian, the two brothers both started bowling around age 8 and were exposed to competitive bowling at around 14. Since then, the two have been each other’s default competitors.

“We’re just competitive, so we’re always trying to beat each other so we’re always on top of our game,” Jackson says. “I feel like he makes me better because it’s better competition and it’s

someone that puts a little stress on me, which helps in those stressful situations.”

Jackson and Jacob recall one of their favorite memories of bowling together: when their team threw a perfect 300 during a banker-style game. In a banker game, there are five bowlers to each roster with each bowler responsible for two frames.

Jackson was responsible for frames three and eight while Jacob took five and 10. The coveted 300 can only be achieved by rolling 12 strikes in a row. Their parents joke about how, after Jacob bowled the final strike, the entire team tackled him at the end lane in celebration.

For the first time, Jacob and Jackson’s father joined the Panthers as a coach for the young men as they tacked on another OCC title.

“As they jived together, the team just got better,” Brian says. “It was fun being able to coach with the two of them on varsity but it was also fun watching the whole team build as the year went on.”

Photos courtesy of Erin Coleman

Jacob and Jackson started bowling at 8 years old.

The boys personally got help from Jeff Robinson, a former Ohio State University women’s bowling club coach, and they credit Robinson for completely changing their game since they met him at the start of their competitive careers.

They learned some life lessons that go beyond the lanes, as well.

“Bowling has taught me that life is a process,” Jackson says. “Meaning your approach and your mental game, everything is just a process no matter what you do.”

Jacob agrees.

“You’re going to go through the ups and downs but you gotta be patient,” Jacob says. “You have to understand it’s not permanent and the odds are, when you go down, you’ll probably come up even higher, and that’s just how it goes.”

Isabelle Fisher is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Rachel Karas

Cafe Connections

While working as a teacher, Crystal Alward began baking and creating wedding cakes on weekends. She ended up enjoying it so much that she decided to create her own bakery business but felt it wasn’t enough.

“We didn’t know that just doing cakes on the weekend for people was going to be sustainable,” Alward says. “So that’s where the coffee house came into play because we were just like, ‘What goes better with baked goods and pastries? Coffee.’”

And Porter’s Coffee House and Bakery was born.

Four years later, the business has expanded to include two brick-and-mortar locations in Pickerington – one on Church Street and another on Clint Drive – and a food truck that travels around the city and beyond.

Alward says they love serving people’s morning coffee on their way to work,

which the truck allows them to do even more. Although the schedule varies, Alward says the truck frequently stops at

schools so they can serve teachers on the way into their classrooms.

“We have gone to a lot of schools in Pickerington,” Alward says. “One year the teacher’s union actually partnered with us to go to a different building every day and they bought every teacher a coffee and a pastry.”

Porter’s serves a wide variety of coffees and teas, with most being offered in hot, cold and frozen varieties.

Several smoothie options – including tropical paradise and sunrise – are available for non-coffee and tea drinkers, and there are plenty of pastries and baked goods to pair with your drink whether you stop by for breakfast or lunch.

Here is a muffin recipe that you can make at home and enjoy with your drink. That is, if your drink isn’t gone before you get home.

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

on the table

Pickerington-based Porter’s Coffee House and Bakery serving its community

Porter’s Coffee Church Street location

Photos courtesy of Poerter’s Coffee House and Bakery

Porter’s team at Church Street location

RECIPE

Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1⁄2 tsp. salt

3 large bananas, mashed

3⁄4 cup white sugar

1 egg

1⁄3 cup butter, melted

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat muffin pans with nonstick spray or use paper liners. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

• Combine bananas and sugar in a large bowl, slowly adding the egg and melted butter. Fold in flour mixture and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans, filling 2⁄3 of the way full.

• Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10-15 minutes, regular muffins for 15-20 minutes, and large muffins for 25-30 minutes. Muffins should spring back when lightly tapped.

Porter’s Coffee Clint Drive location

Top homes sold in Pickerington

In March 2023, Pickerington home prices were unchanged 0.05% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $380K. On average, Pickerington homes sold after 35 days on the market, the same as last year. There were 42 homes sold in March this year, up a single home from 41 last year. (Data from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.

“The only reason we would give Sam 5 stars would be because we can’t give him more.”

bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Executive Manager-Community Engagement at the Pickerington Public Library

Amy Wu and Perfect Bao

by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlena Chua

Amy loves to make bao with her family, but even following their suggestions, she struggles to make the doughy treats. Then she has an idea and her grandmother makes it happen. Amy becomes a bao-making master and you can too with Amy’s family recipe found at the back of the book. Enjoy!

Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner

by Angela Dalton, illustrated by Jestenia Southerland

Family reunions are all about tradition and it’s no different in Ruby’s family. Each member of the family creates an eagerly anticipated and delicious dish. Poor Ruby doesn’t know what she can make to contribute until an impromptu nature walk inspires her. She ultimately finds the perfect job and, with a little help from Uncle G, she can add to the tradition of Reunion Day Dinner.

The Recipe-A-Day Kids Cookbook

by Food Network Magazine

Pop into the kitchen with your young chefs and celebrate a new holiday every day. Celebrate Dr. Seuss with green eggs and ham, Passover with matzo tarts and the signing of the Constitution with Philly cheesesteak pizzas.

Easy No-Churn Ice Cream

by Heather Templeton

Have fun making ice cream with these no-equipmentnecessary recipes. Sections are divided into Classics, Fruit and Tea, On the Decadent Side, On the Salty Side, Cookies and Cheesecakes, Carnival Inspired, and even includes Bars and Sandwiches. The book contains so many great options, there is something perfect to tempt anyone.

BOSH! Healthy Vegan

by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby

Learn about the power of plants with these recipes, which encouraged two former meateaters to adopt a plant-based way of eating that balances fun food with fit food. The book contains fantastic feasts that will appeal to vegans and non-vegans, such as BBQ portobello and potato salad and oven-roasted “salmon” tofu steaks. The

Unofficial TikTok Cookbook

by Valentina Mussi

Enjoy creating 75 of the most popular, post-worthy and fun recipes straight from TikTok for yourself and your friends. Whether you want to be the next social media sensation or just want to have the recipes in one play, this cookbook needs to find a place in your collection.

Library hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org

Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, visit pickeringtonlibrary.org or contact Communications@pickeringtonlibrary.org

COMMUNITY POOL

Season Passes on Sale starting April 1

Family members include one set of parents or legal guardians, and their immediate children (26 years of age and under) residing in the same household. If more than one family resides in the same household, each family must puchase separate Season Passes.

Grandparents, extended family members and others are not included in the Season Pass. Babysitter passes are available for Family of 2 or more. Babysitters must be at least 16 years old and be with child on the Season Pass. There is a limit of one babysitter pass per family, although you can list multiple babysitters if necessary.

Children 11 years old and under MUST be accompanied by an adult (18 years and above) at all times.

Pool Hours - Open Daily

12:00-8:00pm

First Day: Saturday, May 27

Last Day: Monday, September 4

Closed Days: August 15-18, 21-25, and August 28-September 1

*Pool Operations subject to change

**Pool closed on weekdays when Pickerington Locals Schools are in session

2023 Pool Season Pass Registration Forms available online at www.pickerington.net.

*as of May 27, 2023

Stay up to date on pool updates and weather closures. Text @pickpool to 81010 or download the remind APP

Want to join our Summer 2023 Team? Don't wait around and get certified now!

Pickerington Community Pool Benefits

Flexible Hours

Competitive Pay (starting at $13/hour)

Certification Reimbursement Uniforms Provided

Fun/Family Oriented Work Environment

Advancement Opportunities

Must be 16 years of age by May 27, 2023

Certification Requirements Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid

Questions? Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 614-833-2211

Registration Information

SWIM LESSONS

Three separate 2-week swim sessions will be held beginning June 5. All swim classes meet Monday-Friday for 30 minutes. The second Friday of a 2-week class will be used in case of inclement weather and a make-up class must be held. This is a progressive swim program. Child must prove competency from previous level they attended. The pool administration reserves the right to test the swimming ability of all individuals for proper class placement. Because of the structure of the program, all classes and schedules are subject to change and/ or cancellation by the swim lesson coordinator as required by demand or weather. All children must be 3 years old by May 27, and potty trained.

Registration Dates and Fees

Registration begins

2 Weeks

1 Week (Jelly Fish and Frog only)

Monday, May 1 Season pass holder $50 $35

Monday, May 8 City resident without a season pass $70 $50

Wednesday, May 10 Non-residents without a season pass $85 $60

Wednesday, May 10 Online registration begins

This is a progressive swim program. Child must prove competency from previous level they attended.

Pre-requisite: Child must be potty trained and willing to get into shallow water without a parent or any floatation device.

Introduction to Swim Lessons (Recommended 3-5 years) 1 week only*

*Jelly Fish - Level 1 Class Maximum 6 Skills to pass: 2 foot depth

•Blow bubbles

• Kick on marshmallow with assistance

•Submerge face under water

• Kick on steps with straight legs and pointed toes

• Submerge whole body under water

• Bobbing motion by putting eyes, chin, ears and nose under water each time

• Optional - go down slide with assistance

*Frog - Level 2 Class Maximum 6 Skills to pass: 2 foot depth

•Kick on mashmallow

•Front and back float with assistance

•Front crawl arms with assistance

•Optional - go down slide with assistance

Manatee - Level 3 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 2-5 foot depth

•10 bobs in chest deep water

•Front and back float

•Front and back crawl arms with assistance

•Front and back kick with assistance

•Front and back glide with assistance

•Retrieve object in chest deep water

•Jump in chest deep water and recover

•Go down slide with assistance

Penguin - Level 4 Class Maximum 8 Skills to pass: 2-5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl arms

•Front and back kick

•Front and back glide

•Jump in water over head and recover

•Float in water over head while wearing lifejacket

•Jump off diving board with assistance

Alligator - Level 5 Class Maximum 8 Skills to pass: 3-5 foot depth

•10 bobs in water over head

•Front and back crawl for 12.5 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Retrieve object in water over head

•Tread water for 30 seconds

•Kneeling and standing front dive with assistance

•Go down slide

•Jump off diving board

Flying Fish - Level 6 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl for 25 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 25 meters

•Breaststroke kick for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Sidestroke for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Tread water for 1 minute

•Standing front dive

Dolphin - Level 7 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl for 50 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 50 meters

•Breaststroke for 25 meters

•Sidestroke for 25 meters

•Tread water for 2 minutes

•Front dive off diving board

Private Swim Lessons

Private Swim Lessons can be arranged by turning in a Private Swim Lesson Request Form found on our website or available for pickup at the pool during operating hours.

Private swim lessons are 30 minutes in length and will be available starting Monday, June 5 and must be completed by July 28.

FEE: $25 per person, per 30 minute lesson

Mini Kickers Soccer Camp

Former collegiate soccer player and coach, Eric Mialky, will direct the camp which is designed to teach 3-5 year olds the basic fundamentals of soccer. Through exciting soccer related games and activities, campers will learn to love the game of soccer in a fun and positive environment. Each participant will receive a camp shirt.

MK-01

3-5 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:00-10:30am

Fee: $52 City Resident Discount Fee: $41

MK-02

3-5 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:00-10:30am

Fee: $52 City Resident Discount Fee: $41

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Little Sluggers T-Ball

Bally Sports Group’s Little Sluggers is a great introduction to the game of baseball for young children. Using age appropriate activities, players will be introduced to fundamentals of baseball in an atmosphere that is supportive, fun and prevents children from feeling pressured. Each week, the program will include an instructional portion that will introduce players to batting, base running, fielding, throwing and catching. A modified game will also be played each week. Parent participation is strongly encouraged to allow the program to run smoothly. The Little Sluggers T-Ball program will provide your child with a fun and positive t-ball experience, encouraging future participation. Each player receives a team shirt and hat. Glove is required. Optional: cleats and bat

LS-01

3-4 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 4:30-5:30pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

LS-02

3-4 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Softball Field 1 & 2 500 Hereford Drive

Mini Soccer Stars

Bally Sports Group leads an age appropriate program that utilizes fun games and activities to teach the fundamentals to beginning soccer players. Coaches focus on teaching the basics of dribbling, passing, scoring and the concept of game play. Proper sportsmanship is emphasized in a positive and encouraging atmosphere enabling children to enjoy learning soccer while also having fun being physically active. Each week will include both developmentally appropriate instruction as well as recreational, non-competitive game play. Each player receives a team shirt. Shin guards required. Optional: cleats and soccer ball (size 3)

MS-01

3-4 Year olds

Apr 6-May11 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm

Fee: $100 City Resident Discount Fee: $80

MS-02

5-6 Year olds

Apr 6-May 11 Th 6 Weeks 6:30-7:30pm

Fee: $100 City Resident Discount Fee: $80

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Lil Kik

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs. Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination. Students will learn at their own pace, and most importantly, will have fun, fun, fun! Social skills and coordination drills are wrapped together with our unique self-defense techniques.

LK-02

Feb

Fee:

Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83 LK-04

Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-inclass coaching, communication and curriculum. Each session focuses on basic soccer skills and incorporates those skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. All equipment is provided.

Fee:

Location: American Free Spirit Karate 5953 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43232

1 Tu 8 Weeks 5:30-6:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-04 2-3 Year olds

Jun 17-Aug 5 Sa 8 Weeks 3:00-3:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-05 4-5 Year olds

Apr 1-May 20 Sa 8 Weeks 3:30-4:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-06 4-5 Year olds

Apr 4-May 23 Tu 8 Weeks 6:00-6:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-07 4-5 Year olds

Jun 13-Aug 1 Tu 8 Weeks 6:00-6:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-08 4-5 Year olds

Jun 17-Aug 5 Sa 8 Weeks 3:30-4:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Pickerington Safety City

Special thanks to our partners in putting on this wonderful program for the community:

• Pickerington Police Department

• Violet Township Fire Department

• Petermann School Buses

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources

• South Central Power Company

The City of Pickerington is excited to bring back a popular program for incoming kindergarteners. Learn about various safety topics from police, fire and other local organizations to learn what it takes to be safe in your city! Children will learn about important safety information in a fun format covering topics from how to ride a school bus, playground safety, water safety, what to do in case of a fire and poison prevention. Of course, children will get to pedal around on a small-scale safety city to learn about traffic and pedestrian safety as well. The last day of the program will be a graduation ceremony. All participants will receive a t-shirt, bag and bike helmet with registration.

This program is limited to 60 children. Please register early to guarantee your spot in the program. Registration for this program is open now through April 27 for all households in the Pickerington Local School District. Registration is not available online during this early enrollment period. Online registration will open to everyone on April 28.

PSC-01 Entering Kindergarten (Fall 2023)

July 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00-11:00am

Fee: $38 Pickerington Local School District Fee: $30

Location: Victory Park, Terry O’Brien Shelter 75 Lockville Road

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Kidz Home Alone

Would your child know what to do if they have forgotten their house key? What if they are home alone and they are choking? Our Kidz Home Alone class will give you and your child peace of mind when home alone. As creators of this class, we thought of every home alone scenario possible, and provide solutions for all of those “what-if’s”. This course is designed to teach your child about being home alone safely. An information parent guide is included in the student manual and provides an avenue for discussion between parent and child. This engaging and interactive class is fun and includes guest speakers from the local Police and fire departments (when available). It is appropriate for boys and girls ages 9-12 years old. Students will learn reasons to call 911, answering the door and phone, why it’s necessary to have house rules, first aid, self-Heimlich maneuver, fire escape and severe weather planning.

KHA-01

4th-6th grade

May 30 & Jun 2 Tu & Fr 2 Days 12:00-2:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Pickerington Library, Sycamore Plaza 7861 Refugee Road

Better Babysitters

Would your child know what to do if the child they were babysitting were choking? Does your child babysit their younger siblings? Your child will learn the skills needed to be a Better Babysitter. This class includes guest speakers from the local police and fire departments (when available). All students will receive their own first aid kit to take home. This class is appropriate for boys and girls 10+ and is interactive and fun with role play and hands on instruciton. Students will learn: first aid and safety; infant and child CPR with mannequin instruction; Care of the choking child and infant; How to handle emergencies; creative problem solving; job professionalism and how to create a marketing flyer; hands on practice with diapering, bottle feeding, infant care and creative age appropriate activities.

BBS-01

5th-8th grade

Jun 5 & 7 Mo & We 2 Days 12:00-4:00pm

Fee: $138 City Resident Discount Fee: $110

Location: Pickerington Library, Sycamore Plaza 7861 Refugee Road

Kids Tennis Camp

Keep the kids moving while they learn the great game of tennis. Boys and girls will be taught the basic strokes of tennis in the Beginner’s class and we will improve their strokes and game in the Intermediate class. Must be able to rally in the Intermediate class. Fun games and prizes every day. Bring your own racquet.

KT-01 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

May 30-Jun 1 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KT-02 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

Jun 6-8 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KT-03 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

Jun 13-15 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-04 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

May 30-Jun 1 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-05 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

Jun 6-8 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-06 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

Jun 13-15 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

Location: Pickerington High School Central, Tennis Courts

300 Opportunity Way

Skyhawks Basketball

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progressional curriculum, we focus on the whole player - teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skill-based instruction and smallsided scrimmages.

SB-01 6-12 Year olds

Apr 3-24 Mo 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $74 City Resident Discount Fee: $59

SB-02

6-12 Year olds

May 8-29 Mo 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $74 City Resident Discount Fee: $59

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1

75 Lockville Road

Skyhawks Beginning Golf

Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age appropriate golf equipment is provided.

SBG-01

6-10 Year olds

Apr 5-26 We 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $82 City Resident Discount Fee: $65

SBG-02 6-10 Year olds

May 10-31 We 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $82 City Resident Discount Fee: $65

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Basketball Camp

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progressional curriculum, we focus on the whole player - teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skillbased instruction and small-sided scrimmages.

SBC-01 6-12 Year olds

Jun 5-9 Mo-Fr 5 Days 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1 75 Lockville Road

SBC-02

6-12 Year olds

Jul 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Drive

Skyhawks Phys Ed Camp

Skyhawks is proud to present an engaging, game-based physical education program. This class will offer children a wide variety of activities that involve locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative skills and fitness development exercises. Our goal is to build self-confidence, create body awareness and inspire each participant with a passion for an active lifestyle. Participants should bring a water bottle, two snacks and wear appropriate athletic attire and tennis shoes. Every child receives an award certificate and Skyhawks t-shirt.

SPE-01 6-12 Year olds

Jun 12-16 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1 75 Lockville Road

Skyhawks Multi Sport Camp

Multi-Sport programs are designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport, along with vital life lessons such as sportsmanship and teamwork.

SMC-01 8-12 Year olds

Jun 20-23 Tu-Fr 4 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $124 City Resident Discount Fee: $99

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Mini Hawk Camp

This multi-sport program was developed to give children a positive first step into athletics. Sports are taught in a safe, structured environment filled with encouragement and fun. Through exciting games and activities, campers explore balance, hand/eye coordination and skill development at their own pace.

SMH-01 5-8 Year olds

Jun 26-30 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 2 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp

This class teaches young athletes the essential skills to lead the crowd and support the home team! Each participant will learn cheers, proper hand/body movements and jumping techniques. There is no stunting, just a big focus on fun while each cheerleader learns important life skills such as teamwork and leadership. The program concludes with a final cheer performance.

SCL-01

6-12 Year olds

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 2

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Flag Football Camp

Experience the excitement of football with Skyhawks Flag Football Fueled by USA Football. Using a curriculum developed by the experts from USA Football, coaches will teach skills like passing, receiving, kicking and flag pulling. Participants will gain confidence and learn important life lessons in a fun, positive environment.

SFF-01

6-12 Year olds

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp

Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age appropriate golf equipment is provided.

SGC-01

5-8 Year olds

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

SGC-02

9-12 Year olds

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 days 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Cardinal Soccer Camp

The City of Pickerington’s longest running soccer camp is back for its 22nd year. Former collegiate soccer player and coach, Eric Mialky, will direct this popular camp, which is designed for all levels of players. Campers will work on footskills, passing, shooting and defending in a positive environment. Innovative games, drills and training will be accomplished in a fun manner. Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized. All participants will receive a camp shirt.

CSC-01

5-12 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:30am-12:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

CSC-02

5-12 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:30am-12:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Kids in Karate- Adults too!

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs.

Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination. The mental aspects builds self-confidence, self-control and mental-discipline. From kids to adults, it is great for the whole family. Everyone can benefit from this class.

KIK-02

6 years and up

Mar 2-Apr 20 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-03

6 years and up

Apr 27-Jun 15 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-04

6 years and up

Jun 22-Aug 10 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-05

6 years and up

Aug 17-Oct 5 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

Location: American Free Spirit Karate 5953 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43232

Summer Math Fun

Eric Mialky, certified math teacher, will instruct the class aimed at keeping math skills sharp over the summer. Individualized instruction and focus will be offered to increase math skills. Whether your child is seeking enrichment opportunities or a review of last year’s material, this math camp will benefit students of all abilities. Through a nurturing and positive environment, students will enjoy a wide range of math games which will make summer learning fun. Students will be grouped by ability and age. Each session will focus on new skills, games and content, so sign up for all 3 sessions.

SMF-01

7-12 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 1:30-2:45pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SMF-02

7-12 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 1:30-2:45pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SMF-03

7-12 Year olds

Jul 31-Aug 3 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:30-10:45am

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Drive

Speed and Agility

Pickerington Youth Speed and Agility is a program designed for the young athlete to improve speed, quickness, coordination and reaction time. The workouts in this class will focus on using speed ladders, mini-hurdles, jump ropes and more. All athletes will benefit from improved balance, flexibility and quicker feet in a positive and nurturing enviornment. This camp will provide a fun way for kids to exercise over the summer while also becoming more physically fit. Campers of all abilities and sports backgrounds are encouraged to register.

SA-01

7-14 Year olds

Jul 31-Aug 3 Mo-Th 4 Days 11:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Drive

Bally Sports Camp

Join Bally Sports Group this summer for an active and fun summer camp experience! Campers will be introduced to a different sport each week, where instruction will be delivered in a positive and encouraging way. Instruction will be tailored to each child’s skill level based on their experience in the sport. Camp will also feature traditional games and activities, including camp games, nature walks, trivia and more. Bally Sports will put an emphasis on a certain life virtue relating to sports each week. Bally Sports employs coaches with strong educational background, experience in a wide variety of sports and a passion for working with children. All day camps are staffed at an appropriate counselor to camper ratio. Join in on the fun this summer!

BSG-01 6-12 Year olds

Lacrosse and Volleyball

Jun 5-9 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-02 6-12 Year olds

Ninja Training Camp

Jun 12-16 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-03 6-12 Year olds

Shooting Stars Basketball

Jun 19-23 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-04 6-12 Year olds

Sticks and Flips- Hockey and Gymnastics

Jun 26-30 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-05 6-12 Year olds

Five Tool- Baseball and Softball

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-06 6-12 Year olds

Foot Skills Soccer

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-07 6-12 Year olds

First and Ten Football and Cheer

Jul 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-08 6-12 Year olds

Olympics

Jul 31-Aug 4 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Coach Pitch Baseball

Bally Sports Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coach-pitch baseball for beginning baseball players. The program utilizes instruction including batting, fielding, throwing and catching. The program will also include a modified, non-competitive game each week. Bally Sports staff will lead each team’s instruction, although parent participation is syrongly encouraged. Bally Sports strives to emphasize the importance of great sportsmanship by creating an encouraging atmosphere that helps players build self-esteem and encourage future participation. Each player receives a team shirt and hat. Glove is required. Optional: cleats and bat

CPB-01 5-7 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 6:30-7:45pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Softball Fields 1 & 2 500 Hereford Drive

Zumba Fitness

Zumba® is a Latin based dance fitness program. We “visit” cultures all around the world through the magic of dance. This is a judgement free zone, and no dance experience is needed. Bring water along with you, and be prepared to work, laugh and have fun; all while making those calories cry (sweat). Tammy is a licensed Zumba® instructor and current ZIN™ member. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ ZumbaWithTammyTyler.

ZF-02

18 years and up

Mar 27-Jun 12* Mo 11 Weeks 6:00-7:00pm

*No class May 29

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

ZF-03 18 years and up

Jun 19-Sep 11* Mo 11 Weeks 6:00-7:00pm

*No class Aug 14 & Sep 4

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

Location: Pickerington Senior Center 150 Hereford Drive

ADULT PROGRAMS

Community Gardens

Doubles Tennis League

ONLINE

Register for select Parks and Recreation activities 24/7 with online registration at www.pickerington.net or on your smart phone by scanning the code.

EMAIL

www.pickerington.net to recreation@pickerington.net

The Parks and Recreation Department has 71 garden plots that may be reserved for the growing season in addition to 6 raised beds. Garden plots are tilled around April 1 and are open through October. Families are able to register for up to two plots. Register now while plots are still available. Online registration opens February 22 or stop by City Hall to pick a garden plot out.

SOLD OUT

Registration begins:

• Returning Gardeners

• Returning Gardeners wanting a new plot

Feb 1-10

Feb 13-17 (register in person to pick new garden plot)

• New Gardeners and Online

Come one, come all! You don’t need a partner for this doubles league. You will be on the court with players at your level having a ball while getting a great workout and meeting some great people too.

DT-01

18 years and older

May 25-Jul 6 Th 7 Weeks 6:30-8:30pm

Fee: $102 City Resident Discount Fee: $81

Location: Pickerington Central High School 300 Opportunity Way

Pickleball League: Doubles

Location: Shawnee Crossing Park

Adult Softball Leagues

SOLD OUT

Come compete this upcoming season in the first ever Pickerington Pickleball Doubles League. The league will be self-officiated and self-scored with 8 teams max. Each team is guaranteed 7 games with the top 4 teams advancing to a season finale tournament. Teams can consist of 2 males or females or co-ed. Sign up one person per team; price is per team, not per person. Participants will need to bring their own equipment except a net.

Registration Starts: April 1 – Deadline: May 8

18 years and older

May 10 6pm-8pm

7 Weeks + 1 finale tournament

$60 per team

Location: Taylor Tennis Courts

281 Hilltop Dr Pickerington, OH

The Parks and Recreation Department offers Spring/Summer Softball Leagues. One Nation Slowpitch sanctioned leagues include an 8 game regular season and a tournament for the top 4 teams. Each league will have a minimum of five teams. Team applications are available online at www.pickerington.net.

League Fee: $350

Registration Deadline: March 31

Games Begin: May 1

Free Agents accepted for all Adult Sports Leagues!

The department maintains a free agent list for individuals who would like to join a team. If there are enough free agents, a new team will be formed. If not, free agent’s contact information will be distributed to team managers, however, placement on a team is not guaranteed. To be added as a free agent, call 614-833-2211 or sign-up online at www.pickerington.net.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

IN PERSON

Register in person from 8:00am-5:00pm MondayFriday at the Parks and Recreation Department located at City Hall, 100 Lockville Road across from Victory Park.

DROP BOX

Drop off your registration form and full payment after normal operating hours in the secure drop box located at City Hall and your registration will be processed the next business day.

BY MAIL

Send completed registration form and full payment to: City of Pickerington, 100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, OH 43147

Registration is complete with full payment. Accepted methods of payment include: Cash, Checks made payable to City of Pickerington, and VISA and MasterCard. City of Pickerington charges a $35 returned check fee.

2022 Men’s Church League Champions, Sycamore Creek Church

Friday Night Flicks

MOVIES START AT

DUSK

SYCAMORE CREEK PARK 500 HEREFORD DRIVE

JUNE 2

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU

JULY 7

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

AUGUST 4

PUSS AND BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

Touch-A-Truck

4TH OF JULY

INDEPENDENCE DAY celebration

FIREWORKS | 10PM |

JULY 3RD

Summer Concert Series

6:30-8:00PM | BRING A BLANKET

SYCAMORE CREEK PARK AMPHITHEATER

JUNE 2 | TURN TO STONE

JULY 7 | LEE GANTT BAND

AUGUST 4 |

Youth Adventure Challenge

Bring your kids to enjoy a variety of big trucks, construction equipment, emergency response vehicles and more! This year’s Touch-A-Truck may have a slightly different setup from prior years, but kids’ eyes will still light up when they see and hear their favorite trucks. Please check the website for additional information as the event approaches.

Saturday, May 6 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Location: Pickerington Community Pool

11330 Stonecreek Drive South

Youth Fishing Derby

Come out to the 17th Annual City of Pickerington Youth Fishing Derby. Enjoy a morning fishing on the pond with your friends and family. Prizes in all age groups for most fish and biggest fish caught. Bring your own fishing pole, secret bail and pail. Everything is free, although preregistration is required by Thursday, July 27.

Saturday, July 29, 9:30-11am

Fee: Free YFD-01 6 years and under YFD-02 7-8 years

YFD-03 9-10 years

YFD-04 11-14 years

* Age as of July 29, 2023

Sycamore Creek Park Pond 481 Hereford Dr

Do you think you are up to the challenge? Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department is excited to challenge youth in a variety of fitness obstacles. This is not a mud run. This untimed “race” will have obstacles of varying difficulty so many ages can participate and can skip obstacles if they don’t wish to complete without penalty. This approximately 3/4 mile course will end by climbing a warped wall! Pre-register by August 12.

YAC-01 Age: 3-12 years

Saturday, August 19

Heats Starting at 9:00am-12:00pm

*Heat times will be emailed week of August 14

Fee: $5

Sycamore Creek Park

300 Covered Bridge Lane

4

PARK MAP

Trails and Open Space Pickerington, Ohio

Park Rules

1. Park open from dawn to dusk.

2. Damaging or removing park property, natural features and wildlife is prohibited.

Pictures Wanted

3. No littering or dumping.

Park Rules

1. Park open from dawn to dusk.

2. Damaging or removing park property, natural features and wildlife is prohibited.

3. No littering or dumping.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior is prohibited.

5. Advertising or commercial enterprise requires permission from the City Manager.

6. No camping without a written permit from the City Manager.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

8. Hunting and trapping is prohibited.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior prohibited.

5. Advertising or commercial enterprise requires permission from the City Manager.

6. No camping without a written permit from the City Manager.

Send scenic or pictures out enjoying one of the parks or programs to pics@pickerington.net. Pictures may be posted on the City’s Facebook page or be used in future Program Guides.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

Park Watch

8. Hunting and trapping is prohibited.

9. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and owners must pick up after their pets.

Please be alert to safety hazards, vandalism and other crimes in our parks. Report crimes to Pickerington Police Department at 614-575-6911.

10. No swimming, wading, or boating.

11. Catch and release fishing only.

12. No motorized vehicles except

13. Alcoholic beverages are

Violation of any park rule may lead to ejection from the park or prosecution under the laws of the City of Pickerington.

9. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and owners must pick up after their pets.

10. No swimming, wading, or boating.

11. Catch and release fishing only.

12. No motorized vehicles except in designated areas.

13. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Violation of any park rule may lead to ejection from the park or prosecution under the laws of the City of Pickerington.

PARK / FACILITY RESERVATIONS

Facility Reservations

Facilities may be reserved throughout the year from April 1 - October 31. accepted after March 1 of each year. Restroom facilities are not available 31.Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Additional www.pickerington.net.

Reservations accepted beginning March 1! Reserve space for your family reunion, birthday party, or graduation party beginning March 1 for April 1-October 31, 2023.

Full payment is required when submitting reservation applications. Any person or organization holding an approved application shall receive and Recreation Department is given proper notice to cancel prior to two (2) scheduled date of use. A Refund Request Form must be submitted, and fee to cancel a reservation.

Facility Reservations

1. Facilities may be reserved throughout the year from April 1 - October 31. Reservations will be accepted after March 1 of each year. Restroom facilities are not available from November 1 - March. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Additional information available at www. pickerington.net.

4. In the event of rain or extreme weather conditions, as determined by the Department, reservations will be rescheduled if possible.

The group or organization using the facilities shall assure that:

a.All park rules are followed.

2. Full payment is required when submitting reservation applications.

3. Any person or organization holding an approved application shall receive a refund only if the Parks and Recreation Department is given proper notice to cancel prior to two (2) weeks from the scheduled date of use. A Refund Request Form must be submitted, and there is a $15 processing fee to cancel a reservation.

b.Damages made to the facilities or equipment during their time of use responsibility. acilities shall be left clean and neat.

Facility amenities for all park spaces available reservation can be accessed online at www.pickerington.net

4. In the event of rain or extreme weather conditions, as determined by the Parks and Recreation Department, reservations will be rescheduled if possible.

Facility Reservation Fees

5. The group or organization using the facilities shall assure that:

$60 Fee

a. All park rules are followed.

b. Damages made to the facilities or equipment during their time of use shall be their financial responsibility.

c. Facilities shall be left clean and neat.

$30 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee *Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved

Facility amenities for all park spaces available for reservation can be accessed online at www. pickerington.net

Facility

$80 Fee

$40 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee *Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved space.

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