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
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
Shutterbugs Photos from Pickerington residents
INSIDE Former Buckeye A.J. Trapasso New library branch Frozen treats
Š OhioHealth Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. FY16-139-2-7803. 02/17.
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magazine Your source for arts and entertainment in Central Ohio Get daily updates at cityscenecolumbus.com Prizes, ticket packages, deal alerts & more!
usic Venue Best OubutdsooCormMmons Colum oupe Best TheabotexrLiTrve Shadow
JULY 2016
Supporting central Ohio’s visual and performing arts since 1999
bus.com [$2.25] cenecolum www.citys
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1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com
I AM AMY LAY. MUSICAL THEATRE IS MY ART.
Kathleen K. Gill
I learned how to sing from my father. I studied acting in school. I dance everyday. Name any skill in musical theatre and I’ve wanted to learn it and get better at it. Columbus inspires a passion to create, a willingness to take risks and the courage to be original. I am Amy Lay, Musical Theatre is my art. And there’s no place I’d rather make it
Additional support from: The Crane Group and The Sol Morton and Dorothy Isaac, Rebecca J. Wickersham and Lewis K. Osborne funds at The Columbus Foundation.
70 Years of Quality Collision Repairs by People You Know
Design: Formation Studio
Learn more about Amy’s story and other Columbus artists and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com
President/CEO
Gianna Barrett
Vice President, Sales
Dave Prosser
Chief Creative Officer
Gary Hoffman
Creative Director
Garth Bishop
Managing Editor
Amanda DePerro Jenny Wise
Assistant Editors
Lydia Freudenberg
Contributing Editor
Isabelle Brown Emily Hetterscheidt Ryan McGlade Jake Nerone Bob Valasek
Contributing Writers
Charles Williams
Editorial Assistant
Courtney Hoffman
Production Assistant
Brody Quaintance
Advertising Director
Andrea Gerdeman Brenda Lombardi Timothy McKelly
Advertising Sales
Jamie Armistead Circulation
Accounting Manager 614-572-1240
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com HealthScene Ohio www.HealthSceneOhio.com
601 Commerce Drive Pickerington, Ohio 43147 614-837-0902 Monday-Friday 7am-6pm 4
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 gbishop@ 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 June, August, October, December, February and April. 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. © 2017.
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pickerington magazine volume 9, number 6 august/september 2017
6 Calendar 9
11
14
News and Information from the City of Pickerington News and Information from Violet Township
NOW IS YOUR TIME to choose health, wellness and happiness and make your home in Bishop Place at Wesley Ridge!
Call Amy
614-501-1304 or email ashaffer@mecsrc.com to set up your personal tour of our beautiful campus and to learn about Assisted Living at Wesley Ridge!
faces
Kick Out the Jams
p.14
Former Buckeye punter A.J. Trapasso is proud to call Pickerington home
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in focus
Branching Out
Sche Priva dule a te TOD Tour AY!
Pickerington Public Library prepares to open Sycamore Plaza Branch
p.21
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Having a Ball
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Shutterbugs
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student spotlight
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Eagle Scout brings fun and exercise to Sycamore Park
Photos from Pickerington residents
Dominican Discovery
High school senior serves locally and internationally
on the table
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Pedaling Sweet Treats Sweet Teeth Ice Cream bike joins Pickerington’s frozen dessert community
p.28
around pickerington
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Photos from the community
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bookmarks
New routes in North and South Pickerington Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
9am – 5pm
ci.lancaster.oh.us/242/transit
740-681-5086
On the cover: Shutterbugs photo by Josh Marsh
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Providing safe, affordable and accessible transportation for anyone in Fairfield County. 5
pickerington community calendar august/september 2017 Toys and Collectibles AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., www.americanmotorcyclist.com This exhibit features a collection of toy motorcycles from the past 50 years, including LEGO models, steel toys, and motorized and wind-up motorcycles.
Through Sept. 28 Pickerington Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., 89 N. Center St., www.pickeringtonvillage.com Local vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, meats, crafts and more during the fifth year of Pickerington’s farmers’ market.
Through Aug. 26
participants of the 2017 Pelotonia bike tour.
Aug. 11 Reynoldsburg-Pickerington Rotary Golf Outing
Aug. 25
10:45 a.m.-6 p.m., Links at Groveport Golf Club, 1005 Richardson Rd., Groveport, www.rprotaryclub.com The Reynoldsburg-Pickerington Rotary Golf Outing presents its annual golf outing, with proceeds benefiting scholarships for students in the Reynoldsburg and Pickerington school districts, Fairfield County Meals on Wheels, Tyler’s Light and more.
Noon-7 p.m., The Golf Club at Little Turtle, 5400 Little Turtle Way W., Westerville, www.tylerslight.com The sixth annual Tyler’s Light Golf Outing benefits the organization’s efforts to fight drug addiction and abuse.
First Day of School www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Saturdays, 8 a.m., Victory Park, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickeringtonvillage.com Free yoga class. Bring your own yoga mat if participating.
Aug. 19
Andrew Welsh-Huggins Noon-2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1738 Hill Rd. N., www.bn.com Andrew Welsh-Huggins, author of The Hunt and Capitol Punishment, visits the bookstore for a signing.
Aug. 5 Pelotonia 8 a.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pelotonia.org Join the Pickerington community as it comes together to celebrate the
Tyler’s Light Golf Outing
Aug. 16
Yoga in the Park
Aug. 5
Pickerington Village at Victory Park, including an inflatable bounce house, face painting and prizes.
Pickerington KidsFest 9 a.m.-noon, Mount Carmel Sports Complex, 630 Hill Rd. N., www.kidslinked.com This family festival features bounce houses, food trucks, a marketplace, live performances and a foam run.
Aug. 19
Sept. 4 Lions Club Parade and Fish Fry 10 a.m., Victory Park, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickeringtonvillage.com Pickerington’s annual Labor Day tradition is a major community event and a fundraiser for the Pickerington Lions Club.
MMA Insurance Family Fun Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Victory Park, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickeringtonvillage.com MMA Insurance Family Fun Day features friendly rides, games and entertainment in the heart of Olde
Sept. 4 Dog Splash 4:30-7 p.m., Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. S., www.pickerington.net The last chance of the season to swim with your dog at
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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Kent Smith Photography, Janice Thomas and Jason Diehl
Through Dec. 30
FAIRFIELD COUNTY FAIR October 8 – 14, 2017
Mark you r calendar for these commun ity events the Pickerington Community Pool. Patrons must provide proof of rabies and current vaccinations at entry. No dogs in heat permitted.
Sept. 7 Silmarillion Book Group 7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s brand new book club for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien holds its first meeting.
T: (740) 653-3041 | F: (740) 653-6204 www.fairfieldcountyfair.org
Sept. 8-9 Lithopolis Honeyfest 3-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Columbus Street, downtown Lithopolis, www.centralohiobeekeeper.com Bee beards, a honey bake-off, mead and wine tastings, live music, artwork, beekeeping demonstrations, and more highlight this Fairfield County tradition.
Sept. 9-Dec. 31 In Our Own Image: The Genesis of Photography and the Contemporary Eye Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, www.decartsohio.org The Decorative Arts Center’s next exhibition highlights the evolution of photography.
Sept. 15-17
PARK
NATIONAL BANK FAIRFIELD NATIONAL DIVISION
Seton Parish Fall Festival 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 2 p.m.midnight Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, St. Elizabeth Ann www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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DEFINING & REFINING LIFE...
It’s all about Trust, Value & Details
Seton Parish, 600 Hill Rd. N., www.setonparishfestival.com Seton Parish’s 28th annual Fall Festival features family entertainment, food, games, rides, raffles, and performances by Shucking Bubba Deluxe and the Reaganomics.
Sept. 16 CommUNITY Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Now in its second year, the CommUNITY Fair celebrates Pickerington’s diversity with educational opportunities, performances, games and crafts.
Sept. 16-Feb. 25 A Very Private Collection
NJWCONSTRUCTION.COM
740.654.8227
Ohio Glass Museum, 124 W Main St., www.ohioglassmuseum.org A wide variety of vintage glass items from 1875-1920 from an anonymous private collection is on display.
Sept. 19 PPL Book Club 7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Sept. 30 Tyler’s Light Benefit Ride 11 a.m.-5 p.m., American Legion Post 283, 7725 Refugee Rd., www. tylerslight.com This sixth annual motorcycle race raises money for Tyler’s Light’s addiction fighting efforts.
Submit Your Event
Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. 8
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
INSIDE
PICKERINGTON
N E W S & I N F OR M ATI O N F R O M T H E C I T Y O F P I C K E R I NGT ON
Planning Pickerington City works with OHM Advisors and residents to revamp the Olde Pickerington Village Downtown Plan The City of Pickerington has hired a consulting firm to create a strategic plan to ensure Olde Pickerington Village continues to be a local and regional destination for residents and visitors. Because the original Olde Pickerington Village Downtown Plan was adopted 24 years ago, City Council decided it was time for an update. Pickerington Economic Development Director Liberty Schindel said the study will build upon the foundation that was laid by the original plan. “Since the original development plan was adopted, the boundaries of the Olde Pickerington Village have been expanded,” said Schindel. “It is the perfect time to capitalize on the momentum established by our existing businesses, those who recently opened (Chef T’s Pub and Combustion Brewery) and the new fire station.” Three consultants specializing in downtown strategic plans were invited to submit proposals and were then interviewed by a selection committee consisting of the City Councilwoman Cristie Hammond, the Mayor’s representative; City Manager Bill Vance; Planning Director Clement Chukwu; and Schindel. “OHM Advisors was selected because of their experience working on downtown plans for communities in a similar position as Pickerington,” said Schindel. “The breadth of knowledge and experience brought by the team at OHM Advisors sets them apart from the other consultants.” During the initial phase of the project, OHM conducted a thorough analysis of the existing conditions in the area of study. That analysis consisted of reviewing current plans and policies in the area, assessing infrastructure and land use, and analyzing urban form and transportation conditions. A steering committee, consisting of 12 downtown stakeholders, met with OHM on June 28 to give its perspective on the future of downtown. In addition to speaking with the steering committee and various stakeholders, the consultants will hold public meetings to give residents and businesses an opportunity to share their vision for the downtown plan.
“We will seek input from the entire community because everyone has a stake in the future of the Olde Village,” Schindel said. Those residents and businesses unable to attend the public meetings can still help guide the process by submitting their ideas or suggestions for the downtown by means of a web-based or cell phone survey, or by contacting the Mayor or members of Council before any formal action is taken. After the surveys have concluded, OHM will summarize and present the key findings to the steering committee and create the overall vision for the Olde Pickerington Strategic Plan. “The strategic plan will establish steps for the City to take, based on public input, to plan for, protect and advance the Olde Pickerington Village as a place that functions as a unique and vibrant local and regional destination,” Schindel said. The final plan, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will also provide the City with the steps needed, time frame and estimated costs to implement it. Recommended improvements to the public sites could potentially include streetscapes, intersections, parks and greenspace, and gateways. Once the final presentation is made to the community, the plan will be submitted to City Council for consideration.
Major Changes
The City hires retired Army major as new zoning officer Pickerington’s new zoning officer plans to use the skills he gained in service to his country to maintain the high aesthetic and building standards the City has set for the second fastest growing community in central Ohio. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Michael Magee, who started his post June 5, is the new zoning officer for the City. He is responsible for reviewing all building plans to ensure they meet the standards of the planning and zoning code and
to assist applicants through the development process. Magee, a retired U.S. Army major with 24 years of military experience and four years as a civilian employee for the Department of the Army, plans to use 9
News and information from the City of Pickerington
the skills he developed while serving in the armed forces in his new position. Magee began his military career as a tank platoon leader and rose in the ranks to a logistical plans officer and force management officer. “As a plans officer, I was part of a team that developed logistical support for theater-wide operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This included everything from receiving units into theater, staging them for their mission – making sure they have their proper equipment, supplies, food, and transportation support – and integration into theater,” said Magee. “As a force manager, I worked with the Department of the Army regulations and future plans to shape the units to meet the needs of the Army. This means I made sure the units my command was responsible for were updated with the required personnel training and
staffing, and latest equipmy new hometown. I grew ment requirements.” up in a small northeastern Magee was also involved Pennsylvania town, and I rewith the building and relocaally love the atmosphere and tion of Reserve units in the friendliness of Pickerington.” southeastern U.S. During Pickerington City his time as a Reservist, Manager Bill Vance said Magee served as a school Magee’s leadership backteacher in Osceola County, ground and ability to efFlorida, for 12 years, and fectively communicate are Michael Magee this past year, he worked his greatest personal and at Eastland Performance professional strengths. Academy in Columbus. “Zoning officers work closely with When the opportunity to serve the local property owners in Pickerington City of Pickerington became available, to protect and elevate local property Magee decided to apply. values. He concurrently works to help “I was looking for a change in careers Pickerington’s city manager and service that would allow me to utilize my exdirector to maintain one of central Ohio’s pertise and skills developed during my cleanest communities,” said Vance. military and federal civilian experiences,” said Magee. “As a new resident of Pickerington, I also wanted to get involved in
A Resourceful Addition
New HR director brings strong commitment to the City
citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.
The well-being of PickerIn Pickerington, Human ington City employees is in Resources administers the hands of a new Human employee benefit programs, Resources Director. citywide training and safety On May 18, Stephanie Alprograms, and workforce banese took the helm of the development opportunities. department, which oversees Pickerington City Man90 full-time employees. ager Bill Vance said the City Before joining the City of is very fortunate to have Pickerington team, Albanese Albanese’s “vast professional Stephanie Albanese was the Human Resources talents and experiences.” Benefit Manager for Licking “Stephanie’s professionalCounty for five years. Licking County ism and desire to produce successful has 943 full-time employees. results on a daily basis fit in extremely Albanese said the “opportunity to well with the City of Pickerington’s local focus on professional employee degovernment philosophies that always velopment, safety, communication and focus on positive results and continual the ability to excel at the provisions of improvement,” Vance said. our City’s great benefits packages” was Albanese said Human Resources toamong the reasons she was interested day plays a pivotal role in any organizain the position. tion. As a result, it requires 100 percent “Transitioning from county governcommitment to others. ment to a municipality was also attrac“As the first point of contact for future tive, as I find the organizational system employees and as a valuable resource of the City to be fascinating,” Albanese serving our current employees, I strive said. “Providing leadership, direction to maintain excellence from within while and support to our City’s various depart- identifying the necessary needs in an ments is an exciting opportunity that I environment of responsiveness,” Albaam proud to be a part of.” nese said. 10
(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
News and Information From
Violet Township Head Above Water
Safety tips for kids around pools, lakes, bathtubs and more
According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy, more than 1,000 children die from drowning each year in the U.S. Many more children suffer life-changing injuries each year from accidents in pools, lakes, ponds, bathtubs, etc. Even though summer is waning, many may squeeze in trips to the pool, water parks or beaches. Drowning or near drowning can occur quickly and in just inches of water. We would like to share some safety guidelines to follow when children are in or around water to help prevent this from happening. Household Safety Tips • An adult should always be present. Please know that babies/infants/children can drown in bathtubs, sinks, toilets and any other place water can collect. Never leave a baby/infant/child alone when in an area where water is present. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Keep the bathroom door shut and place a safety cover over the knob to prevent little ones from entering on their own. Baby bath seats do not prevent drowning. If you are using a baby bath seat, never leave it unattended. Keep toilet seats down and use toilet seat locks. Also, always remember to fully drain the bathtub when the bath is over.
Pool and Hot Tub Tips According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy, more than half of drowning incidents could have been prevented if a fence were in place around the pool. If you have a pool, make sure to include a fence that is at least 4 feet high around it. Include a gate that latches and locks for entry to the area. • Never leave children unattended in the pool. The responsible adult(s) must pay attention to the pool activity. Rid 11
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yourself of other distractions such as reading or talking on the phone. An adult should always be in the water, within arm’s reach, with infants, toddlers or weak swimmers. Sign your children up for swimming lessons as soon as you feel they are ready. Always use a hard cover on hot tubs and drain wading pools after each use. Lake, Pond and River Tips Open water is much different than a pool. Even the best of swimmers may struggle with the currents. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) that is Coast Guard approved. Also, make sure the PFD is properly sized for the child. •
Do not use swim aids such as water wings or inner tubes as a substitute for an approved PFD. • Never walk on frozen water. There is no accurate way to tell how thin the ice may be, and a child can fall through and drown quickly. Water safety is important throughout the year. Children are always around water, whether in the home or outside. Please take time to practice these safety tips. For more information, contact the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Cen-
ter for Injury Research and Policy at 614-722-2400 or on the web at www. injurycenter.org. The Violet Township Fire Department would like to thank the Center for Injury Research and Policy for providing these statistics and tips. The fire department can be contacted at 614-837-4123 or on the web at www.violet.oh.us and clicking the Public Safety tab.
Where Does My Drain Go? By Kelly L. Spindler, RS, Director of Environmental Health, Fairfield Department of Health If someone asked you, “When you flush your toilet, where does it go?” could you quickly answer the question? In Violet Township, you might be connected to a central sewer system. However, if you are not paying a monthly sewer bill, you have your own private underground septic system or home sewage treatment system (HSTS) in your yard. It is estimated that about 1 million households in Ohio are located beyond central sewer, and Violet Township accounts for approximately 1,200 of those systems. Currently, there are more than 400 aerators in Violet Township that are discharging systems. These systems are being monitored under the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program. 12
A lot of homeowners have an “out of sight, out of mind” relationship with their septic systems. You might never give a thought to what goes down the drain. But if you rely on an HSTS to treat and dispose of your waste water, what you don’t know could hurt you. Proper operation and maintenance of your system can have a significant impact on how well it works and how long it lasts. In Ohio, the homeowner is responsible for providing the care and maintenance for his or her system. Knowing what type of system you have will help you in that process. To learn more about septic and leach field or aerator (pretreatment) systems, please visit www.myfdh.org and click “environmental health.”
Maintain Your System for the Health of the Walnut Creek Watershed Your septic system can last a long time if it is properly located, installed and maintained. However, even the best designed and constructed system can have problems without periodic maintenance. Here are a few tips that can help extend the life of your system: • Have your HSTS regularly pumped every three to five years by a septage hauler registered with the Fairfield Department of Health. Pumping the tank removes the buildup of sediments that reduces the performance of the tank, which could lead to failure of the leach field. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Keep your septic tank/aerator tank cover accessible for inspection and cleaning. Install risers if necessary to aid in bringing the access above ground in your yard. Divert sources of water such as roof drains, footer drains and sump pump discharge away from your leach field. Excessive water can saturate your soil, leading to system failure. Keep a good grass cover over your leach field to soak up excess water and prevent erosion. Do not let anyone drive over your system; typical lawn equipment is fine. Do not dig or build buildings, decks or patios, or place swimming pools over your system. Plant trees far enough away so that the roots will not grow into the leach lines. Conserve water! Repair leaky faucets and toilets. Install low-flow faucet aerators, shower heads and toilets, and high-efficiency washing machines. Try not to wash all of your laundry in one day. Spread it out throughout the week, and stagger your use of water-generating appliances. Do not use septic tank additives. The effectiveness of additives has not been determined; in fact, many studies show that additives have no
•
significant effect on a tank’s bacterial populations. Your septic system is not a trash can! Whether you flush it down the toilet, grind it in the garbage disposal or pour it down the sink, shower or bath, everything that goes down
your drains ends up in your septic system. Limit the use of a garbage disposal. They place more solids
Save the Date!
Oct. 15 Annual Fire Department Open House 1-3 p.m. This is always a huge day for our community. It is an event you and your family don’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and set your phones to remind you of this amazing family day.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
in your tank and will require more maintenance to your system. Avoid disposing of items such as grease, fat, oil, coffee grounds, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and paper towels. • Be gentle! Don’t flush harsh chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint, paint thinner, solvents or pesticides into your system. Harsh chemicals can destroy the helpful bacteria that treat the waste. Remember, as the owner of an HSTS, you play an important role in protecting your community’s water quality. Streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater are the sources of our drinking water, whether it comes from the local water treatment plant or your own drilled well. By maintaining your septic system properly, you are doing your part in protecting one of our most precious natural resources. If you have questions concerning your septic system, or you want to report a problem, and if you live in the unincorporated areas of Violet Township, contact the Fairfield Department of Health at 740-652-2813. If you live in Pickerington or Canal Winchester city limits, contact Franklin County Public Health at 614-525-3909 or visit www.myfcph.org and click “environment” to learn more.
How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 12970 Rustic Dr. 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. (behind hhgregg) Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 13
faces
By Ryan McGlade
Former Buckeye punter A.J. Trapasso is proud to call Pickerington home
14
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Kick out the Jams T
Photos by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography
hough A.J. Trapasso won four Big Ten championships as The Ohio State University’s punter from 2005-08 and spent some time in the NFL, he hasn’t lost sight of
for 8,317 yards (41.0 average) in 51 career games across his next four years. Trapasso was on the team for the 2006 OSU-Michigan game when the squads were nationally ranked No. 1 and No. 2,
his roots. Trapasso was recruited by OSU and other colleges out of Pickerington High School Central. Before punting for the Buckeyes, Trapasso was a talented running back. He rushed for 3,754 yards and 50 touchdowns during his high school career. In fact, many colleges recruited him as a tailback, while a handful wanted him as a specialist. Ultimately, though, he chose the punting route. “It’s a hard decision,” says Trapasso. “You have to think about the physical nature of it. My dad (Sam) and I spent a lot of time thinking about how my shoulders were going to hold up, how my ankles were going to hold up. Especially at an upper level. I think I made the best decision, physically, for sure because there’s no way I A.J. Trapasso with his wife, Kerri, and son, Salvatore would’ve physically stood up to the pounding that would’ve respectively. The Buckeyes won, 42-39, at been day in and day out for four years. Not Ohio Stadium, which required new sod to to mention the fact Ohio State wasn’t look- be put down three times that season. ing for me to be a running back for them.” “It was arguably the best atmosphere After redshirting his first season at I’ve ever been in, ever,” Trapasso says of OSU in 2004, Trapasso logged 203 punts the game. “It was certainly the loudest. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
The one thing I’ll never forget is that fans came onto the field and guys were rolling up that turf. That’s how easy it was to pull up. They were rolling it up and carrying it out of there. My cousin still has a piece in his freezer.” Following his time at OSU, Trapasso pursued an NFL career. Although he was a member of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans during the 2009 preseason and regular season, he didn’t have much luck landing a permanent roster spot. He had two separate stints with the Titans that year as a rookie. In every case, the team decided to go with a more experienced punter. The former Buckeye then signed with the Denver Broncos in January 2010, but was cut before training camp started that year. He decided to end his NFL career when the league had a lockout prior to the 2011 campaign. “They don’t pay you to keep trying,” he says. After the NFL, Trapasso went into commercial real estate for about a year prior to taking a couple of sales jobs. He then found himself back at OSU in 2013, this time as an intern. He helped familiarize then-incoming Australian punter Cam Johnston, who had only played rugby previously. 15
Trapasso went from Pickerington High School Central to The Ohio State University to the NFL. (center) Photo courtesy of A.J. Trapasso
“It was fun, I guess,” Trapasso says. “I was there for 15 hours a day watching film. That part really sucked and took the fun out of it. Then there were times where I caught myself wanting to be treated like a player being in the facilities. So, I kind of had to check myself like, ‘No, you’re on the other side of this now. You’re going to get the short end of the stick as an intern.’ Which is totally fine, but it was an adjustment.” Following his internship with the Buckeyes, Trapasso coached football at Whitehall-Yearling High School for the next two years. He then joined Stryker Sports Medicine in January 2016 and has been there since. His main priority is to sell implants and instrumentation to help the reconstruction of joint preservation for ankles, hips, knees and shoulders. Trapasso witnesses these surgeries firsthand. “You’re in the room,” says Trapasso, who handles the drilling and stitching aspects of the procedures. “I’ve been splattered numerous times – we’ll just put it that way. Quite frankly, I’m so used to it now it’s like, ‘Thanks, Doc.’ You’ve got to be careful sometimes. You 16
don’t want to stand too close, because then it’s on you.” Trapasso and his wife, Kerri, married in July 2016. The two had a son, Salvatore Roman, on May 21. The family lives in Pickerington, a place Trapasso treasures calling his hometown. “When you meet people out here, I don’t think – at least for my age group and for those a few years right after – that our high school experience was typical to kids across the country,” says Trapasso. “Extremely, extremely competitive environment that I grew up in.” Trapasso believes the moxie that was an integral element in his childhood is fading with the younger age groups. “I hate to speak for different generations … but kids now, in my opinion, are more finesse than they are just grit,” says Trapasso. “We had grit back then. We weren’t the fastest kids, we weren’t the biggest kids, we weren’t the strongest kids, but we were the meanest, toughest kids.” The effects of playing in such a competitive and tough environment came to fruition when Trapasso and his
high school teammates participated in a football event at OSU. Trapasso can specifically remember his junior year, when the team went to play in an OSU seven-on-seven tournament run by former Buckeye defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio. “We kept hitting people. We just couldn’t turn it off. …We got kicked out within the first 10 minutes, broke a kid’s arm, and that is nonstop. That is how we grew up. In no way would I change anything. We have a ton of pride in Pickerington – at least I do and a lot of people I grew up with do – and (we’re) not afraid to tell you about it.” Ryan McGlade is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • More about former Buckeyes • More about Central students • Summer events in Pickerington www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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in focus
By Bob Valasek
Branching Out Pickerington Public Library prepares to open Sycamore Plaza Branch
A
fter more than 100 years of serving the community solo, the Pickerington Public Library is set to open its first-ever branch this fall. In early 2016, community members participated in a survey that helped identify library service needs, and the results supported creating a new library branch in Pickerington. Library Director Tony Howard says Pickerington needs a second library in order to better serve the city of Pickerington and Violet Township. “Our main library is located in the city limits, and we do a fantastic job of serving Pickerington residents who find us easily accessible. However, our service area also includes Violet Township,” he says. “Having our branch located in Violet Township, on an easily accessible high traffic road, will benefit our community.” The new Sycamore Plaza Branch will be located in the Sycamore Plaza Shopping Center at 7861 Refugee Rd., directly across from Pickerington High School North and Lakeview Junior High. The library is an independent nonprofit organization, so while the community made its desire for a new library known, it wasn’t until funding was secured that the wish could become reality. Thanks to a $1.23 million donation from the estate of longtime library supporter Mary Blauser Meilwes, the library has been able to fund both the construction of the new branch and the first few years of operating expenses. Patrons of the new branch will notice many similarities to the main library, but the overall experience will feel a bit different. All of the same services will be available to patrons of both locations, but the manner in which they are delivered may differ. Computers will be available for public use at both locations, but the size of the Sycamore Plaza Branch requires flexibility.
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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • History of the Pickerington library • More on events around Pickerington
Images courtesy of Pickerington Public Library
The Sycamore Plaza Branch is under construction and slated for an early September opening.
“The big difference that the community will notice is that there are no long banks of public computers,” says Howard. “Since the Sycamore Plaza Branch is only 4,200 square feet (compared to the 25,000-square-foot main library), we will be loaning out laptops for patrons to use while in the library, allowing for greater flexibility.” The smaller footprint will also mean a smaller book collection, but the library staff already has a solution in place. “Of course, items can be reserved from one library to another, and reserved items can be placed in hold lockers to be picked up at the patron’s convenience,” says Howard. While the new branch may be smaller, it has been designed creatively in order to maximize the space. The Homework Help Center will feature an operable glass partition wall that can be manipulated to open and expand the space for library programs. Creative new features aren’t simply limited to spatial innovations. Local author and illustrator Wilmer Rowland has designed interactive sound panels for the new children’s area in the Sycamore Plaza Branch. The Sycamore Plaza Branch is under construction and is due to be completed later this summer, Howard says. “If all goes well, we are looking at an early September opening,” he says. There is a team of library staff currently planning the grand opening celebration and related activities, and patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website for further details as the opening draws closer. For more information, visit www. pickeringtonlibrary.org. Bob Valasek is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Having a Ball
By Emily Hetterscheidt
Eagle Scout brings fun and exercise to Sycamore Park
I
n 2015, when Brady Hertl was ready to earn the highest rank in Boy Scouts, he had a great idea to bring a fun and free summer activity to Pickerington kids. His idea was to build a GaGa Ball Pit in Sycamore Park, which is used to play a game very similar to dodge ball. The game is played with one ball, with which players try to strike each other below the knees. If you’re hit, you’re out, and the goal of the game is to be the last one standing. Brady says he found the game was popular at school and at several summer camps he attended, but there weren’t any ball pits in the parks close to his area.
While Brady did most of the planning for the project himself, he went to Home Depot to reach out for help with constructing the pit and lumber donations. He sold rolls from Texas Roadhouse to fundraise, and he had several friends, troop members and family members help him install the project. Jennifer Hertl, Brady’s mother, knew from experience that the project was going to be a lot to manage. Brady’s older brother, Alex Hertl, had also earned his Eagle Scout award. “I knew it was going to be a big project,” Jennifer says. “It’s very involved.”
More than 30 people helped on installation day. It was hard work, but the labor was worth it, Jennifer says, because it is very fulfilling to go to the park and see kids playing at the pit. “They worked really, really hard,” Jennifer says. “And he had to oversee all of that.” The work put into Brady’s project reflects his time in Boy Scouts as a whole. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s also really fun,” Brady says. “You learn a lot of stuff that will be useful later in life.” The GaGa Ball Pit at Sycamore Park is open from dawn to dusk.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Top: Brady Hertl in the completed GaGa Ball Pit. Above: The pit in action. 20
• More about local Scouts • More on Eagle Scouts • More on Sycamore Park www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hertl
Emily Hetterscheidt is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
2017 Shutterbugs PICKERINGTON
Jane Snipes
Cheryl Bach Linda Caton www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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2017 Shutterbugs PICKERINGTON
Robin Leja
Jill Ann Ladrick Robin Leja
Janice Thomas 22
Pamela Lauderback www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Bethany Bass
Kim Phelps
Jill Ann Ladrick
Patricia Hunter www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Karen Bublitz Ravi Ravindran
Josh Marsh
Diana Young
Paul Caravano 24
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Better lives
ONE story at a time. “My whole life was getting smaller and smaller. Emotionally, I felt old and it had nothing to do with age. The arthritis was significant… I couldn’t ride my bike well. The knee replacement literally changed my life. I’m 62 years old and I have another thirty years to go that I want to be active. Orthopedic ONE gave me my life back.” – Susie Scott, Long Distance Cyclist and Elementary School Teacher
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student spotlight
by Isabelle Brown Student Spotlight features a student from a different area high school in every issue.
Dominican Discovery
A
t 16 years old, high school student Corinne Rice is a seasoned traveler. The Pickerington High School Central rising senior traveled to the Dominican Republic for the second summer in a row to serve with the Village Mountain Mission organization. Rice has always been drawn to the service aspect of the project. She also appreciates the chance to learn about another culture and the chance to practice her Spanish. “I actually feel like I’ve learned much more through interacting with the Dominicans … than I did in my three years of Spanish class,” says Rice. She has begun to understand how life in the Dominican Republic differs from life in the U.S., experiencing slight culture shock in the process. One of her first weeks in the Dominican Republic, Rice visited the city of Luperón and saw the poor living conditions of the locals. 26
“We have very few firsthand experiences with non-first world countries. ... People live in shacks, often don’t have functioning electricity and wonder if they can feed their children,” Rice says. More than the location, Rice enjoys interacting with the locals. “I haven’t met one legitimately unhappy person. Each and every one of them are so grateful for what they have, even if it’s so little,” she says. “It’s been extremely humbling for me.” In doing her own service, Rice has noticed the generosity of the Dominicans. Rice says the locals never ask the mission founder, Bill Benson, to build them a house. “Even if they’re living in some small 10 by 10 space that may be falling apart, they more often than not ask him to build houses for people they know instead of themselves,” says Rice. In her service and her traveling, Rice has learned to push herself outside of her comfort zone.
“I’ve found the importance of learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” says Rice. “Two years ago, I don’t know that I would ever have pictured myself doing any of this: traveling to a foreign … country by myself, being a counselor, building an actual house from the ground up, speaking more Spanish than English some days and putting myself out there like I never have before.” Though she’s conscious of a change in herself, Rice is most happy with the change she is enacting in the lives of the Dominicans. “My personal change doesn’t even begin to compare to the change my fellow counselors, crews and I are making in these people’s lives and that’s the most special part of all,” says Rice. Her involvement doesn’t stop when the school year begins. On the contrary, she is highly involved in extracurricular activities. In Rice’s freshman year, she served as class vice president; her junior www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Corinne Rice
High school senior serves locally and internationally
Isabelle Brown is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • More on the Dominican Republic • More on study abroad • More about Pickerington events www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
weekendscene
year, she served as class president; and she has been elected to serve as class president again her senior year. She will also serve as the National Honor Society’s treasurer. She is a member of the school chorale and was the lead in Central’s production of In the Heights this past spring. She is a member of Drug Free Clubs of America. Rice’s favorite subjects are English, history and science. She has taken a collegelevel composition course at Columbus State Community College. “It was challenging, but I feel like a much better writer,” she says. Her theater teacher, Aileen Targett, and music director, Heather Wilkins, have been influential in her life. Rice says the two are “always pushing (her) to discover (her) hidden potential and teaching (her) to use (her) fear and insecurities to better (herself).” Rice will attend college after she graduates from Central. She is currently considering The Ohio State University and Brigham Young University, and will pursue a degree in either music or anthropology.
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on the table
By Jake Nerone
Pedaling Sweet Treats
No truck? No problem. The newest addition to Pickerington’s ice cream offerings is taking it to the streets. Sweet Teeth Ice Cream is the brainchild of Pickerington area resident Chris McMaken. McMaken is a speech language pathologist with Lakewood Local Schools, which means he has free time during the summer.
Other Ice Cream Options Graeter’s Ice Cream 1500 Cross Creeks Blvd. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 10503 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW Dairy Queen 541 Hill Rd. N. Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd. N. #107 Froggy’s Sweets & More 31 Hill Rd. S. 28
Instead of taking the summer off, McMaken is working with his fourth-grade son, Lucas, to build up his ice cream bike business. “I started the company last year because I noticed that the ice cream trucks that would come around my house were very infrequent and didn’t look inviting for small children to come up and choose ice cream to buy,” says McMaken. “I thought that by using a bicycle, it would be a lot more inviting, and I like to think of myself as a friendly person.” McMaken can be found riding around neighborhoods and popular events, such as Friday Night Flicks at Sycamore Park and evenings at Combustion Brewery & Taproom. His favorite sweet treat on the menu is the Chips Galore, a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich. “I ride the bike around my neighborhood, but I mostly focus on events like festivals, outdoor movies, parades, things like that,” McMaken says. “I do the neighborhood rides when I don’t have anything on my schedule. I can usually sell ice cream for about three
hours at a time before I have to get more cooling.” McMaken is preparing for Pickerington KidsFest, the next main event he plans to attend, which is Aug. 19. But he can be found at other local festivals or family parties during the summer as well. Just like the ice cream trucks, he too plays the classic ice cream music. “I actually play the classic ice cream truck music through a speaker on my bike. I thought that I would get tired of it, but I actually really like it.” While McMaken is able to combine his friendliness and approachability with his love of ice cream, his ultimate goal is to build up his business for Lucas to one day take over. “I have a (upcoming) fourth grade son who works alongside me,” McMaken says. “My dream is to get the business set enough that he can take it over when he gets old enough and be his own boss during the summer.” Jake Nerone is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Chris McMaken
Sweet Teeth Ice Cream bike joins Pickerington’s frozen dessert community
Around Pickerington Want your snapshots to appear in print? Send your high-resolution photos to pickeringtonmag@gmail.com along with your name and a caption!
Navy Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Emeka Igwe, a Pickerington High School North graduate, is one of a group of U.S. Navy soldiers to re-enlist during 2017 Fleet Week New York on May 26. Photo courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Outzen
Sheryl Lazenby
Chase Vendley of Pickerington presents “thank you” bags to members of the Pickerington Police Department as part of his Eagle Scout project on June 29. Photos courtesy of Ken Vendley
Tami Marlow www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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bookmarks
By Colleen C. Bauman, Community Relations Coordinator, Pickerington Public Library
Thought-provoking reads for preschoolers through teens Preschool – ages 2-4
We’re All Wonders By R.J. Palacio Auggie tells readers what it feels like to be treated differently because of how he looks in this adaptation of the award-winning middle school novel Wonder. Auggie says that when the other kids point and laugh at him or say mean things, it hurts his feelings. He wants kids to know that they are all different and are all “wonders.” This story helps foster empathy and teaches kids how to treat one another kindly and with respect. Little Kids – ages 5-7
Over and Under the Pond By Kate Messner Is your young reader a budding naturalist? He or she will surely enjoy this third book of the series that teaches about observing plants and animal life all around us. A young boy and his mother in a canoe glide over a pond. The pond is teeming with wildlife. The mother shares with the son how it all is interconnected. This read encourages the reader to be mindful of the environment. Big Kids – ages 8-9
The Great Treehouse War By Lisa Graff This read tackles the subject of divorce, shared parenting and kids’ rights. Winnie, who has just finished fourth grade, has parents who put her in the middle of their divorce. They build rituals and holidays around besting the other parent and demand an absolutely even time share of Winnie. Winnie’s had enough and barricades herself in her treehouse, where she has been spending every Wednesday to keep her parent’s time share even. By the end of fifth grade, Winnie is failing badly due to her parents’ behavior. Luckily, her friends intervene, bringing laughter and support to this battle of kids vs. parents. Tweens – ages 10-12
Metropolitans By Carol Goodman Magic, monsters and spies abound in this exciting tale. As our four teen heroes converge on the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they are quickly swept up into a heroic quest to decode a secret message and thwart a nefarious Nazi plot. Fighting alongside their adult allies, they battle ancient evil. This read delivers a strong positive message about family, friends, courage and using your powers for good. Teens – ages 13-18
When Dimple Met Rishi By Sandhya Menon It’s anything but love at first sight when Dimple and Rishi meet at a summer website and app development competition. Their very traditional parents believe they are meant for each other. But for these first-generation Indian-American teens, opposites do not attract, at least at first. They do find out, after some hilarious misadventures, that they have more in common than they thought. Could their parents be right? Zinio Magazines: Download, read and keep. Current and back issues are all free with your library card. Visit www.pickering tonlibrary.org/resources and download the Zinio app. 30
Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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*Data covering the period from January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016.