Pickerington April/May 2021

T h e O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e o f t h e C i t y o f P i c k e r i n g t o n a n d V i o l e t To w n s h i p

APRIL/MAY 2021

Team Player Megan Wharton

INSIDE School resources Dreams on Horseback Baseball and softball leagues

Banker, gamer, lead singer.

- EJ Gurile, Personal Banking Lancaster, OH

We’re more than our job titles and you’re more than an

account number. The personal attention we provide comes from a promise to serve you with respect and compassion.

By being responsive to your questions, and taking time to understand your needs and goals, we give you more than just a place to bank. That’s the more you can expect from Park National Bank.

Find EJ or a Park National banker near you at parknationalbank.com

pickerington magazine

volume 13, number 4 april/may 2021

4 Calendar 6 News and Information from

1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman

Creative Director

Brandon Klein Sarah Robinson

Editors

Mallory Arnold Rocco Falleti

Associate Editors

Amanda DePerro

Contributing Editor

Sanaya Attari Sylvia Heffley Madeline Malynn Nora McKeowen Alex Moreno Sarah Grace Smith Helen Widman

Editorial Assistants

Bram Fulk

Contributing Writer

Tracy Douds Carrie Thimmes Jamie Armistead Circulation

President/CEO

the City of Pickerington

8 News and Information from

Violet Township

12

faces

Beachy Keen

Pickerington Central grad leads U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team

Easing in focus School Stress

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18

Where to go when your child’s schoolwork is too much to handle

18 Family Effort 21

Advertising Sales

The Bell-Wallace family’s commitment to Dreams on Horseback organization

artist spotlight

An Eye for Nature

Area photographer’s images tell a story Accounting Manager

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614-572-1240

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com

Former Pickerington student wins award for Macbeth portrayal

21

Play sports spotlight Ball

25

Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com

Baseball and softball leagues are a home run in Pickerington

Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

27 on

Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com

the table

Easy as 1, 2, 3 … and 4

Four-ingredient recipes to make in a pinch

Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

28 Top Homes Sold in Pickerington

Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.com The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email srobinson@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The appearance of advertising in Pickerington Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Pickerington.

Pickerington Magazine is published in February, April, June, August, October and December.

Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Pickerington Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2021.

student spotlight

Something Awarded This Way Comes

29 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 30 bookmarks

23

Recommended reads from Pickerington Public Library

On the cover: Wharton photo by Bram Fulk

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

pickerington community calendar april/may 2021 April 2 Pitabilities Food Truck 4-9 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St., Ste. 101 www.combustionbrewing.com

Pitabilities Food Truck will make a pit stop at Combustion Brewery & Taproom.

April 7 Aspiring Entrepreneur’s Financial Workshop 12:15-1:15 p.m., virtual www.pickeringtonchamber.com

This free Zoom event will feature Traci Bakenhaster for a presentation on how to improve personal finances.

April 8 First Drafts Book Club: The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman 7-8 p.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

A virtual book club for adults.

April 10 Four-Square Painting: Grab & Go All day, Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

April 3 Sensory Stories 10-10:30 a.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

A virtual early literacy class designed for children with special needs.

April 5 Facebook LIVE Book Chat: Spring Break!

6-6:30 p.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

The first Monday of every month, new books are featured at this live event for adult readers.

A virtual book club geared toward teens that is available to register for online.

April 17

Money Work for You

April 10 Goat Yoga 9-10 a.m., 7278 Reynoldsburg Baltimore Rd. NW www.eventbrite.com

Participants enjoy the company of baby goats while being led in a yoga class with certified yoga instructors.

April 12 Arbor Day Celebration 6 p.m., Willow Pond Park, 299 Pruden Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

6:30-7 p.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

This virtual event, hosted by librarian Laura, welcomes all beginner and expert yarn crafters.

Due to health concerns, events are subject to change. Visit websites for additional information.

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6-7 p.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

An all-day event where teens and tweens can learn new art techniques. Financial Fitness: Making Your

The City of Pickerington will receive the April 6, 13, 20, 27 Tree City USA award and plant a tree in Music Trivia Tuesday at Cardo’s honor of Arbor Day at Willow Pond Park.

Pizza and Tavern 7 p.m., Cardo’s Pizza and Tavern, April 13 7897 Refugee Rd. Stitching ‘N the Stacks: Yarn www.cardospizzaandtavern.com Join fellow music lovers with some music Craft Group trivia and pizza at Cardo’s Pizza and Tavern.

April 14 Overbooked Book Club: Woven in the Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

2-3 p.m., Pickerington Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Cara Hill from Kemba Financial Credit Union teaches adults how to improve their financial fitness.

April 27 PACC/Citywide Training & Development – Diversity Series 8:30-9:30 a.m., Virtual www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Every fourth Tuesday of the month join the Pickerington Area Chamber and the City of Columbus Citywide Training and Development Center for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Education Series with a different speaker and topic monthly.

April 30-May 1 Spring at the Round Barn 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster www.thevintagemademarket.com

Live music, food trucks and a collection of goods from modern makers and purveyors of authentic vintage finds, Spring at the Round Barn is back.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Fresh Eats Pickerington Farmers’ Market

Springtime brings fresh fruits, veggies and other goods. Check out the farmers’ markets in and around Pickerington:

April 7-Sept. 1 Fairfield Farmers Market 4-7 p.m., Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield www.fairfieldoh.gov/market

The first and third Wednesday through April, and weekly on Wednesdays from May through September.

May 1-Oct. 2 Lancaster Farmers Market Pickerington Local Schools: April 14: No school, professional development May 18: Last day for seniors May 21: Last day for students K-11

8:30 a.m.-noon, W. Chestnut St. between Broad St. and Columbus St., Lancaster www.lancasterohfarmersmarket.org

Rain or shine, the Lancaster Farmers Market will be held Saturdays through Oct. 2.

May 29-Sept. 25 Canal Winchester Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.-noon, Canal Winchester Historical Complex, 100 N. High St., Canal Winchester www.thecwfm.com

The last Saturday in May kicks of the summer farmers’ market in Canal Winchester. It will be held every Saturday through Sept. 25.

June 3-Sept. 2 Pickerington Farmers’ Market 4-7 p.m., 89 N. Center St., 80 W. Church St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Open on Thursdays starting June 3.

May 22: Graduation day

May 7 Alter Ego at Finnegan’s Wake 5 p.m., Finnegan’s Wake, 841 Hill Rd. N. www.stayhappening.com

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to srobinson@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Finnegan’s Wake restaurant will host live rock and roll music from Alter Ego.

May 15 Art on the Canal Art Stroll

May 8 Touch-A-Truck

Noon-6 p.m., historic downtown Canal Winchester www.destinationcw.org

10 a.m.-noon, Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

This free, kid-friendly event features a variety of trucks, construction equipment, emergency response vehicles and more.

May 14 1 Bad Mother at Finnegan’s Wake 8 p.m., Finnegan’s Wake, 841 Hill Rd. N. www.stayhappening.com

1 Bad Mother is going to rock at Finnegan’s Wake.

The annual Art on the Canal includes music, dancing and live performances along with original artwork from central Ohio artists.

May 21 Live music with Jason Allwood 6:30-9:30 p.m., Cardo’s Pizza and Tavern, 7897 Refugee Rd. www.cardospizzaandtavern.com

Enjoy some pizza as Jason Allwood plays acoustic tunes.

For the most recent information on events and hours, visit www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

N E W S & I N F OR M AT I O N F R O M T H E C I T Y O F P I C K E R I NGT ON

Congrats: Welcome Aboard and Job Well Done

Nathan Vaughn

Photos courtesy of the City of Pickerington

Congratulations to Pickerington’s newest police officer, Nathan Vaughn.

He was sworn in at a recent City Council meeting by Mayor Lee Gray.

Ofc. Vaughn previously served with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.

Development Services Specialist Phyllicia Faieta recently earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Franklin University. Phyllicia has worked for Pickerington for five years and also calls the City home. She’s a valuable member of the team and her commitment to furthering her education will benefit us for years to come. Way to go, Phyllicia!

Phyllicia Faieta

City Curfew Reminder As the weather warms up, the Pickerington Police Department wants to remind you that the City has a juvenile curfew law which prohibits or restricts children under the age of 18 from being out after certain hours.

• If you are under 14, you must be inside by 10 p.m.

• If you are under 16, you must be inside by 11 p.m.

• If you are under 18, you must be inside by midnight.

The Pickerington Codified Ordinance states: 648.11 MINOR’S CURFEW. (a)Responsibility of Minors.

Minors under 14: No minor under the age of fourteen years shall engage in any employment or be upon or in any street, park or public place in the Municipality between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day, unless accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody and/or control of such minor.

Minors under 16: No minor under the age of sixteen years shall loiter or be upon or in any street, park or public place in the Municipality between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day, unless accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody and/or control of such minor.

Minors under 18: No minor under the age of eighteen years shall loiter or be upon or in any street, park or public place between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m., unless 6

accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody and/or control of such minor.

Responsibility of Parents: No parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody and/or control of a minor under the age of eighteen years shall knowingly permit such minor to violate any of the provisions of subsection (a) hereof.

Exceptions: A minor may travel, traverse or be upon or in any street, park or public place, while directly en route to or from any public or parochial school functions or service club dances.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Travel Checklist

Looking to travel again in 2021?

The City of Pickerington is a licensed agency and can process passports, but by appointment only. The City does not accept walk-ins. Appointments can be made by calling 614-837-3974.

Applicants will need a completed application, proof of citizenship and photocopy, proof of identity and photocopy, a recent color photograph which must meet passport requirements and a check or money for fees. Credit cards are not an accepted form of payment.

For questions regarding the necessary documents, please call the City.

And for a further look at what’s required, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/ travel/en/passports.html.

citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.

(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)

Building Services ..................... 833-2221 City Clerk/Council..................... 837-3974 City Manager........................... 837-3974 Development Services.............. 833-2204 Engineering Services ............... 833-2221 Finance Services...................... 837-3974 Human Resources.................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division.................. 837-4116 Mayor’s Office (Lee A. Gray)............................ 837-3974 Mayor’s Court.......................... 837-3974 Parks and Recreation............... 833-2211 Police Services......................... 575-6911 Service Department Streets.................................... 833-2292 Utility Billing............................. 833-2289 Utility Maintenance................... 833-2292 Water Plant.............................. 833-2290 Waste Water Plant.................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.................. 837-6470 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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News and Information From

Violet Township Be Prepared!

TORNADO WATCH AND WARNING… DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE? WATCH: A Tornado Watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of tornado development in your area.

WARNING: A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar.

Where Should I Take Shelter?

In a home: A basement provides the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture if possible. In homes without basements, take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Keep away from windows.

In a mobile home: The home should be evacuated, and shelter taken in a pre-arranged shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer and lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Protect your head by placing your arms over it. Do not take shelter under the home.

Driving a vehicle: Get out of the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby ditch or ravine. Do not get under the vehicle. Lie flat and put your arms over your head.

At school or at work: Follow advanced plans to move into interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor. Avoid areas with glass and wide, free span roofs (schools, factories and office buildings should designate someone to look out for severe weather and initiate an alarm).

In open country: Lie in a gully, ditch or low spot in the ground and hold on to something on the ground if possible. Do not seek shelter in damaged buildings.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

What is Alert-Fairfield County? Alert-Fairfield County is an emergency notification system used by city and county public safety organizations throughout the United States to issue government related messages to residents and businesses. The system has the capacity to send thousands of messages via landline, cell phone, TTY, e-mail, text and fax, all within minutes. Only authorized officials are allowed access to the system.

upon the emergency situation and the allowable warning time.

Tornado Warnings will be sent automatically when the NWS creates a tornado warning – these notifications will be sent to addresses only in the tornado warning area and that have opted-in to this service.

When will it be activated? Activation of the Alert Fairfield Emergency Notification System will be dependent

How can I sign up to receive notifications? If you have a landline phone, we update these semi-regularly, but the best way is to just sign up. You can sign up as many phone numbers as you like. If you use a cell phone or VOIP, these are not automatically included.

Tornado Facts and Myths

How do I get the notifications on an ALEXA device? In order to enable the alerts from your Alexa device, please go to https://www.hyper-reach.com/alexa/.

Myth

Areas near rivers, lakes, mountains and big cities are safe from tornadoes

Fact

No place is safe from tornadoes

Myth

The low pressure with a tornado causes building to “explode” as the tornado passes over

Fact

Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause the most structural damage

Myth

Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage

Fact

Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place

Myth

Tornadoes are always visible from a great distance

Fact

Tornadoes can be hidden in heavy rainfall or nearby low hanging clouds

How does the Alert-Fairfield County service work? Authorized officials record a voice message, type an e-mail or text message and deliver the messages quickly to individuals in the notification system.

What types of messages will be sent using the Alert-Fairfield County service? The primary use of the system will be to disseminate messages pertaining to the health, safety or welfare of a community that is being affected by a perceived, emerging or imminent emergency event.

For additional information, see the Registration page to sign up and for more FAQs at https://www.fairfieldema.com/ alerts/.

Get a Weather Alert Radio Our local tornado sirens are designed to alert you when you are outside to an emergency situation. But what about when you are inside your snug, airtight house, if technology fails or if a siren fails to sound? Chief Mike Little urges all citizens to have at least one Weather Alert radio inside their homes and businesses so you can be immediately alerted to a weather emergency. These type of radios are available for purchase at our Refugee Road location, or at most major electronics retailers. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us Violet Township Fire Stations Phone 614-837-4123 Fire Chief: Michael Little #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 9

Tires, Batteries and Paint, OH MY! Proper Disposal of Common Household Goods

By Carrie Brown, Fairfield SWCD Do you have worn out tires, used motor oil, archaic electronics or dead batteries that have done their duty and are ready for retirement? If so, choosing a proper disposal method is crucial. Most of these items do not belong in the household trash, but other disposal options are available for Pickerington and Violet Township residents.

Restrictions and fees may apply for quantities accepted.

Contact locations for details. Please note that none of the items listed below are eligible for drop-off at a recycling trailer, and if accepted, must be brought to the main LancasterFairfield Community Action Recycling Center located at 1761 E. Main St. in Lancaster.

• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Unbroken CFL bulbs are accepted at the Community Action Recycling Center, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards.

• Paint: It is best to properly store and use leftover paint.

If disposal of water-based/latex paints is necessary, remove the lids of partially filled cans and set in a wellventilated area away from children and pets. Add kitty litter or sawdust to speed the drying process. After paint is dried, it can be put out with the household trash.

Oil-based paints should be treated as hazardous waste (see below).

• Batteries (Alkaline & Rechargeable): Battery Giant (1412 Ety Rd. NW in Lancaster), Batteries Plus Bulbs (5960 Scarborough Blvd. in Columbus), and the Community Action Recycling Center accept batteries (fees may apply). Retriev Technologies, Inc. with locations in Baltimore and Lancaster, has a consumer battery recycling program called The Big Green Box. Call (877) 461-2345 or visit www.biggreenbox.com for details.

Lowe’s and Best Buy accept rechargeable batteries only.

Multiple branches of the Fairfield County District Library have drop boxes for alkaline batteries.

• Electronics: Best Buy takes most electronics; daily accepted amounts are limited. Visit its website for details. T.D.R. LLC Recycling accepts computers and most electronic equipment at no charge. A small fee of $1/diagonal inch is charged for TVs and a $3 fee is charged for monitors without a computer. Drop off location is 200 Mink St. SW in Pataskala or call (614) 578-4853 for more information.

• Drugs: A drop box for prescription drugs is available at the Pickerington Police Department located at 1311 Refugee Rd. Needles and liquids are not permitted for disposal.

• Tires: Limited quantities are accepted for a small fee at many auto care centers including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tuffy Tire & Auto Center, Goodyear Tire & Service and Walmart.

• Motor Oil: Small amounts of oil from DIY projects are accepted at the Community Action Recycling Center and Firestone Complete Auto Care.

• Hazardous Waste: Environmental Enterprises, Inc. located at 1249 Essex Ave. in Columbus, accepts pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, antifreeze and other chemicals.

Drop off fees range $50-$100. Call (614) 294-1300 or visit www.eeienv.com for more details.

For more information on disposal options, check out Fairfield County’s Recycling Guide, a recycling directory produced by Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Recycling & Litter Prevention Program. Visit www.fairfieldrecycles.org and click on Recycle Listing. *Due to COVID-19 restrictions, drug collection & electronics recycling events held by Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District, in cooperation with Violet Township, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and Lancaster-Fairfield County Recycling & Litter Prevention, have been temporarily suspended.

Stay tuned for announcements on future collection events.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

WE WANT

YOU...

t s e B s u ‘B 10 years of winners!

of the

2021

ALL NEW IN 2021

Best of the ‘Bus includes a Luxury Living Section! With categories ranging from best remodeler, roofer, HVAC company to best credit union, financial advisor, and more!

Make your voice heard!

Nominate Columbus’ best arts, entertainment, food and events for CityScene Magazine’s annual Best of the ‘Bus!

Voting is open through April 15!

See the winners in the July CityScene

cityscenecolumbus.com

faces

By Bram Fulk

Beachy Keen O

n a cool, gusty autumn morning, with the skyline of downtown Columbus in the distance, a worldclass athlete trains. Her bare feet plunge in and out of the chilly sand of an outdoor volleyball court as her leg muscles first warm then burn with high knee lifts, sprints, maneuverability drills and dribbling exercises.

All alone and far from the environment in which she typically excels, Pickerington High School Central graduate and captain of the U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team Megan Wharton relies on

her own drive and determination to put herself through the paces.

As the only member of the team not based in California, she runs her own solo training sessions.

“It’s tough knowing that it’s just me out here,” says Wharton.

Over the years, she is thankful to have found herself with an extensive support group of friends in central Ohio who have played beach soccer and are glad to get together and help her get some fitness on the sand.

Photos by Bram Fulk

Pickerington Central grad leads U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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never played soccer before; so many different elements, so many different things to figure out and challenges. But I instantly kind of fell in love. You grow up with this competitive spirit and, all of a sudden, you’re handed a sport that you’ve played for 26 years and it’s, ‘Wait, I’m not good at it anymore,’ so it becomes kind of addicting to try and rebuild your skills but in a different environment.”

After switching from sod to sand, Wharton quickly realized much of what she had learned from a lifetime on the pitch no longer applied.

“With beach soccer, a lot of it is played in the air solely because the sand is so unpredictable,” she says.

“The ball could be a perfect pass to you on the ground. It hits a sand mound, it’s going left or it’s going right or it’s going to pop up right in your face. You have no idea what’s going to happen.”

Another major adjustment came in the form of fitness.

“Physically it is a grind. That physical grind of running through sand, playing soccer on sand – the intensity is probably double of what you’re going to experience on grass or turf,” she says. “When you’re in sand you’re using so many different muscles compared to what you would be using on turf. With sand it’s more of resistance training so you’re building strength in your legs, you’re building that speed because when you’re sprinting in sand, you feel like you’re going 100 miles an hour but you’ve only moved three feet.”

Wharton embraced the challenges and excelled. Playing for beach soccer teams on both coasts, she quickly made a name for herself in the sport. Then, when rumblings started in 2019 that U.S. Soccer, riding high off that year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup victory by the Women’s National Team, were looking to form a women’s beach soccer national team, Wharton found herself in the running.

“The call and the email came that they were building a U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team and it was a surreal moment; you get an email with the U.S. Soccer crest on it and you’re like, ‘This isn’t spam, is it? Are they trying to sell me something?’” she says, laughing. “But you see your name on a roster and my first-grade dreams of becoming a pro soccer player are coming true, just maybe not on grass.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos by Bram Fulk

“I wanted to play at the highest level possible while still being able to go to school for what, academically, I wanted to.”

“That has been extremely helpful, but that’s just not always the case,” she says. “It is just kind of like that extra ounce of motivation that you have to find the sand, get out to it and just crank out that workout.”

Soccer has been a major part of Wharton’s life for almost all of it.

“I started playing when I lived in West Virginia with my mom and dad,” she says.

“I was about 3 years old. They actually had to sign a waiver because I was too young to play. From then, soccer was the sport for me. Anything else, I just wasn’t really interested in it.”

A few years later, Wharton moved with her family to Pickerington and played in the club leagues. A graduate of PHSC, Wharton was a four-year varsity starter and a captain her senior year.

“I loved my time there,” she says. “It was great playing with high school friends; more of a social sport that you just kind of got to enjoy.”

From her performance in club with Blast FC out of Westerville, Wharton was recruited by Ohio Dominican which, at the time, was in the process of moving up from NAIA to NCAA Division II for athletics. For Wharton, it was an exciting prospect.

“I wanted to play at the highest level possible while still being able to go to school for what, academically, I wanted to,” Wharton says.

The fit was perfect, and Wharton spent the next four years playing as a Panther while earning her degree. After graduating, she went through a transition that many high-level collegiate athletes go through. Something that played a central role in her life for what seemed like forever was gone.

So, Wharton had to ask herself: How do I maintain my relationship with soccer as an adult? The answer was participating in co-ed indoor games just to stay active and involved.

Then, about four years ago, a friend asked Wharton if she wanted to play in a beach soccer tournament in Virginia. Eager for the prospect of something new, she was enthusiastic to try out what she expected to be a fairly easy transition.

“Little did I know it was completely different,” she says, laughing. “It was extremely hard and it made me feel like I’d

All joking aside, Wharton says she could not be more thrilled to be not only a founding member of the team, but their first captain as well.

“First and foremost, it is a huge honor,” she says.

Once the team was formed, it took off on a whirlwind of a start. Within weeks, the women were off to El Salvador for an ANOC World Beach Games Qualifier.

“The whole aspect of meeting your teammates that you’re going to be competing with for the next week and a half 45 minutes before your first training session is one of those, like, all right, there’s not time for egos, there’s not time for drama, there’s no time for any of this; we have a bigger purpose,” Wharton says. “We’re the foundation of this inaugural beach soccer team for women. We need to set a great example. We need to build this strong foundation based on great character and great leadership and great teammates.”

After only 45 minutes of training together, the team hit the sand for their first game and unfortunately fell to traditional U.S. rivals and eventual tournament winners: Mexico. But the team bounced back with wins against the Bahamas and hosts El Salvador, eventually placing second in the tournament.

Team was primed to hit the world stage in a big way and take 2020 by storm.

Unfortunately, everyone can surmise how the next 12 months of their story played out.

With all events and all official practices canceled for the foreseeable future, Wharton isn’t sure when the team will pick up again. But whenever it does, she knows the team will be ready thanks to weekly virtual training sessions as well as every member of the team’s commitment to putting in the work and staying at peak performance.

And, as she works out alone in that chilly sand near downtown, Wharton knows that there may still be even colder days ahead, but she doesn’t let it phase her one bit. As her relationship with soccer has evolved over the years, she’s embraced that evolution and continually reinvented her place in the game.

For Wharton, the privilege of leading her team into 2021 will be no different.

“Honestly, the best way to describe it is – all caps – EXCITED,” she says. “We are more than ready for our next step.”

Before the end of the year, the women went on to compete in the World Beach Games in Qatar after another team was forced to drop out. They finished that tournament with a one and two record, ending the year with a win over Paraguay. Bram Fulk is a contributing writer.

With two tourneys under its belt, Feedback welcome at feedback@ the U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National cityscenemediagroup.com.

DEFINE , REFINE AND REALIZE HOME 7 40.8 0 0.705 0

NJWCONSTRUCTION.COM

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in focus

By Sarah Robinson

Easing School Stress

Where to go when your child’s schoolwork is too much to handle

E

ven before the COVID-19 pandemic, school is different for students today than 10 or 20 years ago. You may have even found yourself thinking, “Since when did they change math?” when helping your kid with their algebra homework.

Luckily, there are a ton of resources in Pickerington for students who need some extra support, and even for adults who are looking to learn something new.

Pickerington Magazine has rounded up a few places to go if you and your child need some academic assistance ASAP.

Photo courtesy of the Pickerington Public Library

Pickerington Public Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org As Hermione Granger would say, “When in doubt, go to the library.”

“The library has books and online resources that break down concepts in ways students can understand,” says Colleen Bauman, community engagement manager for Pickerington Public Library, “from the common core methods for subtraction through step-by-step instructions for using the quadratic equation.”

The first stop for students looking for school help at PPL is the Homework Help Center. The center offers both virtual and in-person assistance, providing students

with support and introducing resources such as databases and reference materials to help them study independently.

This year, the library is also offering grab-and-go STEAM kits to engage kids in math and science with a variety of activities at home such as building a boat and viewing the constellations.

The number of students seeking help at the library has decreased this year due to the pandemic, says Bauman, but that doesn’t mean the library is taking a step back.

“Those who do seek our help have new and unexpected academic challenges: they are learning content through interactive videos and worksheets, they are completing assignments that require learning new computer skills and they are faced with being accountable for their own time management to get work done,” she says. “Our goal at the library is to help bridge the gap between how they are used to learning and how that has changed this year.”

In addition to student resources, adults can find resources for everything from book clubs and crafting classes to career guidance and navigating their taxes.

Library Resources

PPL has a plethora of resources to help students with any subject.

Resources below can be found on the Homework Help tab on the library’s website, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org.

Grades K-6 Studying, Review Guides and Research • FactMonster • Gale in Context: Elementary • World Book Kids • Crash Course Kids Reading and Vocabulary • Vocabulary.com • ABCYa • BookFlix • TumbleBooks Math • MathPlayground Grades 7-12 Studying and Review Guides • Study.com • Khan Academy • Crash Course Math • MathIsFun • MathHelp • MathBitsNotebook • StatTrek • Desmos Test Prep • LearningExpressLibrary Reading and Literature • SparkNotes • Shmoop • CrashCourse: Literature • YALSA Bookfinder Research and Writing • Purdue Owl Citation Guide • Writing Center at UNC • Point of View Reference Cente • Academic Search Premier • EbscoHost Middle Search Plus • Explora Secondary • WorldBook Student

Youth Services Library Assistant Brienne Hatfield with a winter book bundle.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Grace Fellowship

Staff at Grace Fellowship help students stay on top of their school work.

Staff specialize in helping students who are identified with autism spectrum disorder, as well as other learning challenges like dyslexia. From behavior counseling to speech and language therapy, social pragmatics training to occupational therapy, no student is left behind.

“Primarily, the students who are going to benefit the most are students who have difficulties with learning. There are a lot of different ways that learning is impacted,” says Donnie Sears, head of marketing and lead brain trainer in the NeurOptimal department. “It could be a physical health issue, a mental health issue, learning disability, that doesn’t really matter to us. Our goal is just to take students from where they’re at and get them into a better place.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, MINDscapes has seen an increase in students seeking extra help. With students switching between in-person, hybrid and remote learning, school might seem a lot more difficult than before.

“I think (the pandemic) didn’t necessarily create new problems for people,” says Sears, “but it definitely increased the difficulty of the problems that were already there.”

MINDscapes primarily addresses the needs of students from preschool through high school, but it’s not limited to just those age groups.

“It’s any time somebody is facing a challenge to learning,” says Sears. “If they face an obstacle, then we can help them. So, we do an unlimited capacity.”

Photo courtesy of MINDscapes Ohio

Grace Fellowship Remote Learning Center www.gracefellowship.cc/learningcenter With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at Grace Fellowship recognized a community need and stepped in to fill that role. With many schools switching between hybrid, remote and in-person learning, parents – especially working and single parents – are put in a tough spot trying to find a safe and nurturing place for their kids to do their schoolwork.

So, Grace Fellowship is providing in-person classroom space with volunteers and staff offering support and a structured learning environment to students.

“It felt like the right thing to do,” says Erica Shelton, director Sarah Robinson is an editor. Feedback welcome at srobinson@ of the remote learning center. “We wanted to have a place to have cityscenemediagroup.com. kids come and focus and do their work.”

The remote learning center has been in effect since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

“Back when the pandemic first started and the school year began in the hybrid model, we felt there was a big need to help families who felt stuck with what we do on days their kids were not in school,” says Shelton.

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade are welcome to come as long as parents fill out an application form. The learning center asks for $10 a day per family to help offset the costs of hired classroom attendants and cleaning, although the fee is not mandatory for families who can’t afford it.

Classroom attendants help students stay on task, make sure kids are logging on to scheduled class meetings and also provide students with extra activities to engage in once their work is done.

Some volunteers have come in to teach kids how to sew, or have provided baking activities. For Valentine’s Day, one volunteer helped kids make holiday snack mix to bring home to their families.

PPL coordinated with Grace Fellowship to bring in a rotation of age-appropriate books to fill the temporary classroom space and rotates the book selection on a monthly basis.

To make sure students, staff and volunteers are kept as safe and healthy as possible, Grace Fellowship is following all CDC guidelines for schools. Temperatures are taken every day, students are seated at least six feet apart, everyone wears a mask and rigorous cleaning and sanitization measures are being taken.

MINDscapes Ohio www.mindscapesohio.com For students of all ages and abilities, MINDscapes has someMINDscapes occupational therapist Dr. Kailey McDaniel (left) and speech thing to offer. pathologist Olivia Tennison (right) with a student.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

17

Family Effort

The Bell-Wallace family’s commitment to Dreams on Horseback organization

By Brandon Klein

N

early her whole life, Darlene Bell was afraid of horses. Now, she’s one of the top volunteers at Dreams on Horseback in Blacklick.

The 70-year-old Pickerington resident is just one piece of the Bell-Wallace family and their combined commitment to the nonprofit, which offers therapy programs for youth and adults in central Ohio through the power of horseback riding.

Members of the Bell-Wallace family have contributed by inspiring and launching new programs for children with autism spectrum disorder through the nonprofit, as well as Veterans and active-duty military members with physical and mental disabilities. Members of the family have served in various positions from being volunteer sidewalkers, who walk alongside the horse as a participant rides the horse, to board members for the organization.

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“We get out of it way more than we could possibly give,” Bell says. “We’re always together, but it’s just a place where my granddaughters grew up.”

Bell’s daughter, Carey Bell-Wallace, lives in Blacklick with her husband Kevin.

They have two daughters: Morgan, who is on the spectrum and is in a work program at Arc Industries, and Lindsay, a senior at Miami University in Ohio.

The Dreams on Horseback barn was a few miles away from where the BellWallace family lived. When Morgan and Lindsay were 5 and 4 years old respectively, the family often visited the barn to pet the horses, Carey says.

That led to riding lessons and the start of a more than 15-year partnership with the organization. They realized they could offer more than basic volunteer skills, and brought Carey’s accounting skills and Kevin’s sales and marketing expertise to the table. The

two would eventually serve on the organization’s board.

“It wasn’t about learning to ride horses,” Carey says. “It was about bringing horse experience to kids who didn’t have it already.”

The Bell-Wallace family helped out with the organization’s outreach efforts including connecting with children in underserved communities. They worked with executive director Jennifer Hansen to help craft a riding therapy program for children with autism spectrum disorder after seeing the positive influence the horses had on Morgan.

“They not only saw how powerful it was in the riding aspect,” Hansen says.

“Carey and Kevin could see the impact on people on the spectrum.”

The program developed around Morgan and grew along with her, Hansen adds, and helps children who have autism spectrum disorder to gain employability skills and other soft skills to build an independent life.

Morgan and Lindsay themselves would become volunteers as sidewalkers and eventually horse leaders, who manage the sidewalkers and the horses. They also volunteered at the barn for other programs such as its Special Olympics equestrian competitions.

“They love being at the barn because of this community of people,” Carey says. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Carey Bell-Wallace

The Bell-Wallace family: from left to right, Carey, Morgan, Lindsay and Kevin.

The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township

Morgan Wallace, left, volunteers walking alongside rider Maddie Howard.

at the barn, Hansen says. The training helped her learn how to control her emotions when she was around the horses and she soon became less afraid of them.

“They mirror your emotions,” Bell says. “If you’re tense, they’re tense.”

Saddle Up Similar to Carey and Kevin’s contributions, Bell helped Dreams on Horseback launch a riding program for Veterans and active-duty military members.

Bell’s grandson, Nathan Dickey, who she raised since he was in the eighth grade, served a tour of duty in Iraq and came

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When Morgan and Lindsay had to focus more attention on school, they brought their grandmother, Bell, into the fold to help them pick up more volunteer hours. Bell started her volunteer training in October 2015.

Carey says she thought the experience would help her mother in the healing process after Bell’s husband George passed away.

“It wasn’t until that I started at the barn that there was some meaning to my life again,” Bell says.

At first, her fear of horses prevented her from getting out of the car parked

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back a different person. Bell says he may have come home with post-traumatic stress disorder, but he refused to seek help. Instead, he began to self-medicate. In 2010, after a night at a bar, Nathan tragically fell into the Huron River and drowned.

His story inspired Bell to work with Dreams on Horseback leaders to craft a riding program to help former and current members of the military get reintegrated into society and learn to cope with their mental or physical wounds in a healthy way.

As Dreams on Horseback rolled out this program, they realized some military members might have physical disabilities including amputations, and some may use a wheelchair. When children have difficulty getting on a horse independently, volunteers simply lift them into the saddle – not something they can do for Veterans.

Hansen found a lift device that transfers the rider from their wheelchair to the horse’s saddle, but it cost about $10,000.

She was surprised when she received one half of the funds from Carey and the other half from Bell.

The donated lift device was dedicated to Bell’s late husband, who served 12 years in the military including two tours in the Vietnam War.

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Morgan Wallace and her horse Bailey.

Galloping Gratitude The Bell-Wallace family’s efforts haven’t gone unrecognized. Dreams on Horseback started issuing a volunteer of the year award six years ago. Morgan was the first recipient of the award and Darlene was the third.

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“Two out of six coming from that family,” Hansen says. “That’s pretty impressive.”

In 2019, Dreams on Horseback nominated the Bell-Wallace family for the first ever Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year award. Out of more than 1,000 applicants, the family was one of the five finalists.

Though not selected as the winner, Dreams on Horseback received $5,000 and the Bell-Wallace family shared its story on Good Morning America. The family also went to Walt Disney World Resort with the other finalist families.

“It showed my kids what something to us that feels like a part of our life, the impact it has on other people,” Carey says.

Similar to the rest of the world, Dreams on Horseback had to adjust because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bell says she hopes to return to volunteering once she’s vaccinated.

Although Carey and Kevin left the board last year, Hansen says their contributions will be felt at Dreams on Horseback for years to come.

“Carey and Kevin started a legacy of program inspiration and development and implementation through their abilities, passion and crafted a path that Dreams on Horseback has followed since,” she says.

“Without their vision and support … the programs would just be a shadow of what they are now.”

Brandon Klein is an editor. Feedback welcome at bklein@cityscenemediagroup. com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

artist spotlight

By Sanaya Attari

An Eye for Nature Area photographer’s images tell a story

A

Artwork courtesy of Sharon McConnell

n owl with purple feathers. A wolf with electric lines of neon lights running through its coat. A cat whose fur blends into the background of the image.

Sharon McConnell’s digital art prints make you look at nature through a different lens.

McConnell has appreciated nature’s little details, colors, textures and intricate patterns since she was young. The fine art and nature photographer believes that fine art and photography go hand in hand.

She believes that we can all find common ground through this art form.

“It could remind you of a place you’ve visited, a favorite encounter or fragrance,” she says. “Perhaps it stirs a memory of a loved one, or a special day or maybe it just makes you feel happy.”

She uses skillful editing and photo manipulation to add dreamy, nostalgic www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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the delicate pastels of watercolors,” McConnell says. “Sometimes I’ll try to bring out that softer side, but I love creating new things and bringing out God’s beauty in all the outsides.”

Sanaya Attari is an editorial assistant.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Artwork courtesy of Sharon McConnell

and painterly qualities to her photos. In fact, her works can be mistaken for traditional hand-painted pieces.

“I like learning new things,” says McConnell. “I mainly use Photoshop and like doing composite work most of all.”

She was scheduled to do an art show in Pickerington in March 2020, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. However, she’s received a positive response from the Pickerington community through social media outreach. Her artwork is currently on display at 5 Bean Coffee in Reynoldsburg and at Sticks & Stones Studio in Canal Winchester.

Before her photography career, McConnell worked in the corporate world for more than 30 years as the HR division manager for Kubota, a construction equipment company. She started doing photography full time about 10 years ago.

“I always loved photography but didn’t really have much time to devote to it. So, six years ago I retired early and since then have started to expand more on what I do and launched the website to start selling my art,” says McConnell. “It was quite a change for me. But I’ve always been very creative and I’m very happy to be out of the corporate world. I love my photography.”

Recognizing the beauty in every aspect of nature, McConnell enjoys using photo editing and composite work to bring out the finer details, textures and colors she sees around her. She creates her own backgrounds and draws inspiration from artists from the Renaissance era to present day.

“Being completely self-taught, I’m always open to trying new things with different lenses. I really like the warmth and textures of the old masters, but I also like www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

student spotlight

By Madeline Malynn

Something Awarded This Way Comes

Former Pickerington student wins award for Macbeth portrayal

A

wards season is around the corner and Pickerington’s own Ian Larson is not blending into the crowd.

The student actor at Miami University and 2020 graduate of Pickerington High School Central was recently awarded best actor from the Broadway Awards for his portrayal of Macbeth his senior year.

PHSC puts on big productions in the fall and spring with a variety of smaller productions throughout the year. The 20192020 school year production lineup included Macbeth, in which Larson played the titular role.

When preparing for an audition, Larson likes to study the production’s history. To prep for Macbeth, he watched old film versions of the play and familiarized himself with the role of Macbeth, the Scottish nobleman prophesied to become King of Scotland.

After landing the spot, Larson then tried to find common ground between himself and the character.

“Finding a connection, trying to relate to the character is a big part of embodying the role,” he says. “I wasn’t playing a part; I was playing a little bit of myself projected on (Macbeth).”

Larson was able to hold on to the head and sword, props for his role as Macbeth, and posed with them in his senior photos.

Photos courtesy of Ian Larson

His dedication and hard work in preparing for the role clearly paid off.

PHSC’s theater productions are a huge success and much of that has to do with the combined efforts of all involved. Larson commends the hard work of the directors, cast and crew for being able to continually put on successful shows.

“The teamwork between all the elements – the choir, the band and orchestra and cast – was what made our productions great,” he says. “The thing I really appreciated about Macbeth was the friendliness of the cast. Everybody got along, something that’s unique for a production. That helped the production so much, this tight-knit cast.”

Larson with fellow Macbeth actors Will Myers, left, who played MacDuff, and Eli Penix, center, who played Banquo, after their final performance together. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Brewing Success Larson’s dedication to the craft started early in high school and was cultivated during the next four years of acting.

“I grew up entirely in Pickerington. Freshman year was when I first got into theater,” he says. “I became obsessed with this sort of hobby.”

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wanted to do something big, but I needed to take these small steps on the way.”

As Larson became more involved in the school’s productions, he began to find inspiration from his peers.

“My inspiration for acting came from a classmate,” he says. “I was in a production my sophomore year and one of my classmates tried out for a lead role. He had no prior singing experience, but he was completely dedicated and got the role through pure hard work.”

At Miami University, Larson studies speech pathology and audiology. He’s a member of Miami’s glee club and looks forward to trying out for theater productions when auditions begin again.

Reflecting on his high school performances, Larson offers advice for anyone interested in theater.

The cast and stage crew of Macbeth pose with a handful of audience members after a show.

“My advice is there is always something to pick up on, something to learn His interest in music was piqued in acting bug. He tried out for every single from every production,” he says. “The remiddle school after taking a choir class. music production that followed. ally important thing is to be open-minded, Despite having no background in music or “I am very organized, and my fresh- look at your peers and be patient.” performance, choir gave Larson the push man year I created this goal that continued to try something new. all of high school,” says Larson. “Freshman Madeline Malynn is an editorial assistant.

It wasn’t until Larson’s first musical, A year, my goal was to get into one musical, Feedback welcome at feedback@ Christmas Carol, that he was bitten by the and by senior year try to get a lead. I knew I cityscenemediagroup.com.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

sports spotlight

By Sanaya Attari

Play Ball Baseball and softball leagues are a home run in Pickerington

B

aseball and softball are sports that never strike out in the hearts of Pickerington residents.

From the programs offered at Pickerington schools to the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department and more, there are opportunities for everyone to pick up a ball, glove and a bat and try their hand at America’s favorite pastime.

Photos courtesy of Pickerington High School North Softball

Young Sluggers The Pickerington Youth Athletic Association (PYAA) is host to a wide variety of youth sports, including softball and baseball leagues open to students pre-K through high school. Players are separated into groups based on their grade levels, with the youngest players starting off on tees and with coach pitch before moving up to the middle and high school levels.

The PYAA softball league is an instructional league, so no prior experience is necessary to join.

2020 PHSN grad Emma Dean runs to first.

“PYAA softball has created a unique learning experience for our young athletes to build foundational skills in softball while also developing friendships, leadership and confidence,” says Adrianne Ward, president of PYAA softball. “Many of our coaches used to be baseball or softball players who have a passion for the sport and are trying to pass that lifetime love of the game down to girls in the Pickerington community.”

While the typical softball season runs in the spring and into the summer, PYAA hosts softball clinics throughout the year and has a fall ball season.

PYAA also hosts the Junior Baseball League for youth baseball players. Like the softball league, players are separated out by grade levels from preK through high school.

Team names are picked from favorite MLB 2020 PHSN grad Roxi Herdman knocks one out of the park. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

teams such as the Reds, the Pirates and the Astros.

Home games are played at the PYAA Sports Complex and rotate through the eight fields on site.

High School Hitters When Pickerington High School North first opened in 2003, Molly Feesler moved there as a math teacher and softball coach, leading the softball program to the school’s first-ever final four state tournament appearance in any sport.

Now, the team is led by head varsity coach Sarah Looker. Looker is preparing for her 10th season as coach for PHSN but reflects back to the 2003 team success that started the school’s softball program off on a great foot.

“They were sectional champions, district champions and they were also regional champions who made it to the state final four the first year that Pickerington North opened,” she says.

The Pickerington High School Central softball team is led by head coach Stephanie Peterson, and despite the 2020 spring season ending abruptly due to COVID-19, all three 2020 graduating seniors on the team committed to play softball at their respective universities.

Both the PHSN and PHSC varsity and JV softball teams are in the middle of their 2021 seasons which began in March.

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PHSN baseball boasts 15 winning seasons out of its 16 total seasons, plus an OHSAA state championship win in 2016.

PHSC baseball is led by head coach Colin Wilson, a Pickerington High School alum. This will be Wilson’s third season as head coach.

In addition to the high school varsity and JV teams, both high schools offer junior high programs for seventh- and eighthgraders who want to try their hand at softball and baseball.

2020 PHSN grad Megan Ebbrecht at bat.

Adults at Bat For those over the age of 18, an adult softball league is offered by the city’s parks department.

The goal of offering the softball leagues is to provide a fun, competitive environment to let residents continue playing a sport they love. It’s also a great way to build community, as a majority of players are Pickerington residents.

The deadline to register for the spring/summer league was April 2. Games begin May 3 and the deadline to register for the fall league is July 9 with games beginning Aug. 1.

Players can register as a team, but the parks department also offers free agent registration for those looking to join a team.

If enough free agents register, a new team will be created. If there aren’t enough to field an entire team, their contact information is also emailed to team managers in hopes of being picked up.

Batter up!

weekendscene

In the world of high school baseball, both PHSN and PHSC Sanaya Attari is an editorial assistant. Feedback welcome at have impressive records. feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Tim Thomas has served as the head varsity baseball coach at PHSN since 2006. Since the program was established in 2004,

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c a r d s a n d more! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

sUM ub

on the table

By Mallory Arnold

Easy as 1, 2, 3 … and 4 Four-ingredient recipes to make in a pinch

D

inner doesn’t always have to be a complicated culinary experience. Pickerington mom Jessie Haden knows what it’s like to be in a pinch when it comes to whipping up meals.

She was gifted a cookbook titled The Four Ingredient Cookbook, coauthored by Emily Cale and Linda Coffee, and cracks it open on a daily basis.

“I started making these recipes back in 2004 as easy, fouringredient dishes,” Haden says.

“As I was busy with young children, only four ingredients helped ease stress at dinnertime.”

Plus, the recipes are so Poor Man’s Steak simple that Haden’s kids are all hands on deck in the kitchen.

“The kids help (with the like they don’t have time to make dinner poor man’s steak recipe) by crushing the after a long day. 54 percent of those resicrackers and adding the cream of mush- dents say they order carryout at least twice room while I make the patties,” Haden says. a week when they don’t feel like cooking.

“They’ll even help with the setup.”

These recipes are quick to make and Haden cooks the poor man’s steak twice require food items typically found in your a month and sometimes she’ll switch it up refrigerator or pantry. It’s as easy as one, by adding buns, lettuce and tomato to make two, three … oh, and four. sandwiches.

A survey conducted among 133 Picker- Mallory Arnold is an editor. ington residents revealed that 42 percent feel Feedback welcome at marnold@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Carrot Raisin Celery Salad

RECIPES

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Butters

Poor Man’s Steak

Ingredients 3 lbs. ground beef 1 cup cracker crumbs 1 cup water 1 can cream of mushroom soup Directions Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs and water, and season to taste.

Form into patties and brown in skillet.

Remove browned beef and put in oven. Spread soup on top and bake, covered, at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.

Get creative with your cracker crumbs! Try garlic-flavored for an extra kick. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Chicken Rice

Ingredients 2 cups cooked chicken, cut up 1 box Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice Mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup Half can of milk measured using the soup can (about 2⁄3 cup) Directions Mix all ingredients and pour in greased two-quart dish.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Try substituting mushroom soup with chicken noodle or bone broth!

Carrot Raisin Celery Salad

Ingredients 6 cups grated carrots 1 cup raisins 2 cups sliced celery 1 ⁄3 cup fat-free mayonnaise Directions Mix above ingredients and chill for at least one hour.

Try substituting raisins with dried cranberries!

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12020 Sheldrake Ct. $340,000 Remarkable two-story home in the Mallard Pond Subdivision! Formal dining room with tray ceiling, separate living room, big great room, remodeled kitchen with large island, new cabinetry & built ins, 1st floor laundry, vaulted master bedroom, full master bath, walk in closet, large bedrooms, new carpeting throughout, newer hvac in the last 5 years! Backyard deck, partial brick façade.

273 Evergreen Ct. $350,000 Exceptional two-story home in Pickerington! Great Room with Fireplace, Vaulted Dining Room, Large Kitchen with Breakfast Bar, Front Flex Room, Second Story Loft. Backyard with privacy fencing, custom paver patio with sitting walls, pergola, firepit and storage shed. 2nd floor laundry, owner’s bedroom with walk in closet, remodeled owners’ bath, finished basement with huge rec room, bedroom and full bath!

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10107 Granden St. $340,100 Gorgeous two-story home in the Summerfield Subdivision.

Beautiful kitchen with granite counters, white cabinetry, stainless appliances, pantry, big eating space, formal living and dining room, vaulted great room with fireplace, updated baths, big bedrooms, master bedroom with walk in closet, renovated master bath, finished lower level with built in work station & storage room, backyard deck and firepit ring.

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SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

Luxury Living

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Real Estate Section Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Pickerington school district. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Pickerington Magazine home page: www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Community Relations Coordinator, Pickerington Public Library

Growing Up The Word for Friend

Library news to note: The children’s collection has been reorganized for a more customer friendly browsing experience! Come in and explore.

by Aidan Cassie “Kemala, an optimistic, talkative pangolin, has moved to ‘her new town’ and anticipates meeting new friends. Her curiosity and interest in her new environment are tinged with anxiety and ambivalence about joining a new school because of ‘a language Kemala didn’t know.’ With trepidation, humor, and help from anteater classmate Ana, Kemala discovers a connection through puppetry. … With everyone’s exuberant encouragement, Kemala overcomes her shyness and stage fright to find her new voice.” –Kirkus Reviews

Dinosaurs Dinos Don’t Do Yoga

by Catherine Bailey “Ya gotta be ‘roar-and-rumble rough, and talon-tearing TOUGH!’ to make it in Rex’s valley. So what are the members of his gang to make of a dino that walks in one day with a series of peaceful poses? Though Rex declares the newcomer to be ‘silly,’ one by one his friends slip away to realign their spines and give their thighs some exercise. Incensed, Rex becomes a victim of his own bad temper, causing the true reason for his rudeness to come to light. ‘My jaws are deadly. My tail is spiny. My arms are strong! But also…tiny.’

In a happy ending, Yogasaurus graciously teaches Rex a pose that doesn’t require use of the upper body.” –Kirkus Reviews

Animals I’m going to give you a Polar Bear Hug!

by Caroline B. Cooney A little girl romps through the winter landscape describing different animal hugs.

Fun rhymes and colorful illustrations share that no matter how cold it gets outside, hugs always keep us warm!

Science Hack Your Kitchen

by Niki Ahrens You don’t have to be in science class to try fun experiments. Make a lemon volcano, edible paper or even baked ice cream!

Social H is for Home; A Sesame Street Guide to Homes around the World

by Karen Latchana Kenney Join the characters from Sesame Street as they explore and share about types of homes around the world.

New temporary hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org Main – 201 Opportunity Way | 614-837-4104 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sycamore Plaza – 7861 Refugee Rd. | 614-837-4383 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Friday closed | Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hours are subject to change due to health concerns 30

SAVE THE DATE:

Summer Reading 2021: Tails & Tales.

Registration begins May 24 and runs through Aug. 14. Jim Gill is scheduled to be here June 5, location TBA. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

New Full-Service, 24-Hour Emergency Room.

Now Open in Reynoldsburg.

You can’t predict when you’ll need the services of an Emergency Room. But when you do, know that Mount Carmel now offers a convenient full-service, 24-hour ER at Mount Carmel Reynoldsburg.

And with board-certified emergency physicians, exceptional nursing staff, on-call specialists and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to treat almost any emergency, you’ll have access to the same high-quality care you would expect from one of our full-service hospitals. To learn more, visit mountcarmelhealth.com.

MOUNT CARMEL REYNOLDSBURG A Member of Trinity Health