Pickerington August/September 2021 by CityScene Media Group

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 2021

Shutterbugs Our annual look at Pickerington through the lenses of its residents

INSIDE Local artist’s impact Student publishes first book BIA Parade of Homes

Advisor, volunteer yoga lover. - Nicole Davis, Trust Officer 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.

740-681-4973

parknationalbank.com

pickerington magazine

volume 13, number 6 august/september 2021

4 Calendar 8 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

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Brandon Klein Sarah Robinson Cameron Carr

Senior Editor

Editorial Assistants

Circulation

Shutterbugs in focus

Associate Editor

Bre Offenberger Ellie Roberto Trevor Simpson Sarah Grace Smith

faces

The Power of Painting

Local artist turned tragedy into opportunity

Editor Contributing Editor

Jamie Armistead

Creative Director

Amanda DePerro

Tracy Douds Carrie Thimmes

the City of Pickerington 10 News and Information from Violet Township

President/CEO

Gianna Barrett Gary Hoffman

Our annual look at Pickerington through the lenses of its residents

20 Tales of Turtle Tide

Advertising Sales

Accounting Manager 614-572-1240

Sophia Klein wrote and illustrated children’s book at age 14

artist spotlight

She Sells Sea Art

Creating art from sea glass, shells and found objects

25 Parade of Homes Returns to 24 Veteran Service

American Legion Post 283

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

Pickerington

New format showcases homes in multiple communities

Fur-st sports spotlight Place

Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com

What it takes to be a canine champion

Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

27 on

Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com

Recipe for the whole family, including the dog

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.

the table

Grills and Growls

29 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide

30 bookmarks

Recommended reads from Pickerington Public Library

On the cover: photo by John Marsh

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

pickerington community calendar august/september 2021 Music at the Museum Sept. 4

Aug. 2 Book Chat - Take The Lead! 6-6:30 p.m., online www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Join the Pickerington Public Library for a book chat on Facebook Live as library representatives share personalized book suggestions. Can’t make it? An archive of the video is available to watch later on.

Aug. 3 Life-Sized Board Games 4-5 p.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Get your tween out of the house during the dog days of summer to play fun outdoor board games like Jenga, Connect Four and checkers. This event is recommended for kids age 11-14.

Aug. 4-6 Family Fun: Bears 10-10:30 a.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Bring your preschooler and chairs or blanket to this family-friendly story time event with books, songs and rhymes to prepare your little one to read.

Aug. 5 College Hacks

Teen Night Aug. 14

Thursdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 30 Pickerington Farmers’ Market 4-7 p.m., Town Square Drive, 89 N. Center St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Shop local with the outdoor summer farmers’ market with your neighboring farmers, bakers and artisans.

Aug. 6 Locked in the Library 5-9 p.m., atrium at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Celebrate the end of the summer reading program with a tween and teen lock-in. Register online.

Aug. 7 Tie-Dye Tote Bags 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., tent at Sycamore Plaza, 7861 Refugee Rd. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Tie-dye your own tote bag, then use it to carry all your library check outs and more! Register online.

Aug. 8 Summer Concert Series 7-8:30 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, www.pickerington.net

The final event of the free Summer Concert Series features John Schwab Party 4-5 p.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, Band. Bring your own blankets and chairs. 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Part two of the College Hacks series features crafts and a Q&A as your collegebound kid learns about scheduling and time management. Register online.

Submit Your Event

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

Aug. 9 Stories & Stuffies 6-6:30 p.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Bring your preschooler outside to enjoy story time during a summer evening.

Aug. 10 Stitching ‘N the Stacks 6:30-7 p.m., online www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

This yarn craft group is for experienced and beginner crafters and is hosted by librarian Laura. Register online.

Aug. 11 Grown Your Own 6-7 p.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Join local florist Orchids & Ivy and create and plant your own succulent garden! Register online.

Aug. 12 First Drafts Book Club 7-8 p.m., Combustion Brewery, 80 W. Church St., Ste. 101 www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Discuss Shakespeare for Squirrels by Christopher Moore while enjoying a craft beer from Combustion Brewery. Register online.

Aug. 13 2021 Pickerington Area Chamber Golf Classic 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Westchester Golf Course, 6300 Bent Grass Blvd. www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Join the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce for a day of golf, breakfast, lunch, prizes and camaraderie. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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

Dog Splash Sept. 6

Aug. 14 Summer Reading Finale

Aug. 21 Summer Morning Yoga 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wigwam Event Center, & Stretch 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Celebrate the community’s reading achievements at this family-friendly event.

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

Aug. 14 Youth Adventure Challenge

Join wellness instructors for morning yoga and stretching on the lawn. Register online.

9 a.m.-noon, Sycamore Creek Park www.pickerington.net

A youth fitness obstacle challenge for ages 3-12. Register online by Aug. 6.

Aug. 14 Teen Night 6-9 p.m., Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. www.pickerington.net

An evening at the pool for teens only.

Aug. 19 Brown Bag Book Club 1-2 p.m., tent at Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Discuss Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. Register online.

Aug. 20 Gigi’s Drive for Dogs 9 a.m. check in; 10 a.m. start, Westchester Golf Course, 6300 Bent Grass Blvd. www.gigis.org

Sept. 6 Dog Splash

Enchanted Princess Party Sept. 25

Save the Date

Networking 4 the Paws Oct. 12 5-8:30 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St., Ste. 101 Contact Rick Wagner at 614-203-3158 or rickwagner@wagnerinsuranceagency.net

Combination vendor fair, speed networking and silent auction is moving to Combustion Brewery & Taproom this year. All proceeds go to local animal rescue group Forgotten 4-Paws.

2:15-5:15 p.m., Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. www.pickerington.net

Swim with your dog at this annual end-ofsummer pooch pool party. Admission is $5 per dog.

Sept. 9 Vet Ohio Expo 2021 3-7 p.m., Wigwam Event Center, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW www.buy-vet.org

Sponsored by nonprofit Buy-Vet.org, the Vet Ohio Expo showcases Veteran-owned businesses and services and encourages people to think of Veterans first. Veteran-Owned Businesses in P-Town Operation Meraki Brightstar Consulting American Legion Post 293

All proceeds from the golf outing go to helping care for shelter dogs. Register online.

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

Let Us Help You Maintain Your Backyard Oasis

calendar (cont.) august/september 2021 Sept. 12 Music at the Museum

Call or Book Online 614.408.8096  AceHandymanServices.com

1-3 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org

Enjoy live music from vintage instruments once owned by Pickerington families: melodeon organ, player piano, Taber organ and Victrola record players. See recently acquired local artifacts and tour new Journey Thru Old Pickerington Village exhibit. Free admission.

Sept. 18-19 Evan’s Shell Museum 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 11771 Eddington Ave. https://fb.me/e/2fnBIDHsW

Professional Photographer Digital files for your use Credit Cards,Venmo and PayPal Accepted

10-year-old Evan shows off his internationally collected shell collection to raise money to support marine life. Free admission, donations welcome.

Sept. 25 Enchanted Princess Party 10 a.m.-noon, WorldFire Church, 578 Reynoldsburg Baltimore Rd. NW www.pickerington.net

Come dressed up as your favorite princess to take photos with other princesses, complete crafts and enjoy treats. Tickets on sale Aug. 2 at Pickerington City Hall.

Family Portraits 614-323-6314 or Ray@raylavoie.com to book your session

Sept. 25 Pickerington Oktoberfest Noon-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery parking lot, 80 W. Church St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Pickerington gets German during this Oktoberfest celebration with several brews on tap, local wines, food vendors and live music all day. All ages are welcome. 6

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

WHY HIRE A NARI CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL? Remodeling a home is a big decision and as a homeowner you want to be sure the remodeling professional you hire is qualified to perform the work to the highest level of professionalism, integrity and quality. Hiring a NARI Certified Professional Assures: ■ Your remodeling professional has been vetted by the foremost remodeling industry association. ■ Your remodeling professional has met strict standards for remodeling expertise, project management and professional conduct. ■ You are selecting an expert in the field, capable of completing your project to industry management and quality best practices. ■ You are entrusting your project to a dedicated professional who is committed to his/her craft through continuing education and professional development. Knowledge and Experience NARI has developed the Accredited Remodeling Company program to help you easily identify remodeling companies who have met the industry standard for remodeling business management and operations. NARI Certified Professionals have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and to validating their knowledge annually. NARI offers eight certifications that recognize that knowledge. The experience that remodelers gain from working with materials, tools and solving problems on a day-to-day basis is invaluable. A pro can anticipate potential issues and have a backup plan just in case. Risk Management In order to be a member in good standing, NARI company members must hold the appropriate licenses and insurance as dictated by local, municipal and state laws. Make sure your contractor company is also bonded and carries insurance for their crew and staff. Quality Is Cheapest in the Long Run It may be tempting to renovate your bathroom or kitchen, but in the long run hiring a qualified remodeler may save you money. Homeowners embark upon a DIY project with the best of intentions only to realize they do not have the tools required, know-how needed and available time to see the project through to completion. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY

A key differentiator for NARI members is that they follow the code of ethics. To learn more about NARI’s purpose, values and code of ethics visit our website: trustnari.org.

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

City Council Adopts Comprehensive Plan Pickerington City Council approved the adoption of the 2021 City of Pickerington Comprehensive Plan in June following the Planning and Zoning Commission’s positive recommendation. The intent is for the Comprehensive Plan to be a guiding document that provides an overarching citywide vision for future development and community investments, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to future market conditions and available tools and resources for implementation. With three main themes the Comprehensive Plan strives for the City to have balanced growth, a vibrant Olde Village and a connected community. The planning process began last year. Despite the pandemic and continuing changing trends all around us, public input was robust and helped guide the plan’s

Upcoming events

steering committee and working groups to develop a flexible long-term plan for Pickerington’s future. The plan does not commit City Council to specific actions – instead general goals and flexibility are built into the plan as a way to provide an advisory document positioning the City for realistic achievements. The Comprehensive Plan acknowledges Pickerington as a proud and successful residential community that has the need to balance future land uses to include more non-residential uses. In addition to the overriding themes, a map of focus areas is an important outcome of the plan. The map identifies areas of the City that deserve attention to expand our corporate tax base, promote mixed use developments and infill, and conserve greenspace.

The leadership of Mayor Gray, City Council and City staff towards the Comprehensive Plan goes back to decisions to budget for this endeavor and stay engaged through the process that now provides a long-term vision for Pickerington. Next comes gradual implementation that can be reflected in annual City budgets that can turn concepts into reality. Finally, the Comprehensive Plan was driven by local citizen participation that included critical input and ideas provided by our community. Thank you for providing your insight and support! The plan may be viewed at https://www.ci.pickerington.oh.us/ comprehensive plan/.

EV Chargers Come to Downtown

August 8 – Summer Concert Series: John Schwab Party Band 7-8:30 p.m. Sycamore Park Amphitheater 14 – Youth Adventure Challenge Pre-registration required Ages 3-12

September 6 – Dog Splash 2:15-5:15 p.m. Pickerington Community Pool $5 per dog, humans are free 25 – Enchanted Princess Party Tickets on sale August 2 $15 per person, ages 1 and under are free For more information visit www.pickerington.net 8

Owners of electric vehicles have a new place to re-charge inside the City of Pickerington. Two new charging stations are located at the Farmers’ Market parking lot at Town Square Drive and Center Street, and each station can charge two vehicles at once. The City’s chargers are equipped with the ChargePoint interface and users will need to register an account. As

of now charging vehicles is free and the stations will be available for use 24/7. The chargers were made possible largely through a grant from the Ohio EPA. In 2020 the city applied for $30,000 in grant funds and the state approved the request this spring. The cost of the stations totaled $45,000, but the City covered the difference. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Outstanding Officers Congratulations to Sgt. Shaun Mikicic who recently graduated from The Ohio State University Public Safety Leadership Academy. The specialized curriculum is part of a carefully managed course with content in the areas of leadership and ethics, interpersonal and organizational communication, public management, organizational culture and ethics, human resources management, budgeting and organizational behavior in law enforcement. After completing the 10-week course graduates receive 10 semester hours of academic credit. The Knights of Columbus recently chose its Blue Coat Award that honors police officers and firefighters in recognition of service to their community. PPD Detective Dustin Crandell was awarded the 2021 Blue Coat of the Year. Det. Crandell has been with the department since 2017, is a past PPD Officer of the Year and is a United States Marine Corps Veteran.

The Pickerington Police Department has three new officers. Pictured (L-R): Officer Kareem Jackson, Officer Mallory Lash and Officer Collin McMenamin.

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

The Pickerington High School North Boys Track & Field team served as Grand Marshalls of this year’s Pickerington Independence Day Parade. The team recently won the 2021 Division I State Championship. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Waste Water Plant.................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.................. 837-6470 9

News and Information From

Violet Township Violet Township Embarks on a Comprehensive Planning Process The public is invited to help create “Vision for Violet” – a roadmap for the community’s future. In April 2021, Violet Township began creating a long-term plan for the future of the unincorporated parts of the township. The township’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2005, and has limited relevance to address present and emerging opportunities, challenges and regional trends. The comprehensive plan aims to proactively prepare for the future. It will explore various issues including land use, economic development, infrastructure, housing and more. The final document, slated for completion within the calendar

year, will identify long-term goals and recommend action steps to implement those objectives. The development of a Vision for Violet is a collaborative process led by township staff and guided by a citizen steering committee. Violet Township has engaged ms consultants, inc. (ms) to lead the community engagement portion of the plan. Members of the general public invested in the future of Violet Township are encouraged to participate in the planning process. The ms plan-

ning team will attend community events throughout the summer to gather feedback on how the public envisions the future of Violet Township. If you cannot catch the planning team at an event or are otherwise unable to engage with the process in person, you can still actively participate online. Visit www.VisionforViolet.com to take the community survey, participate in other activities and learn more about the comprehensive planning process.

Mark Your Calendars NOW! The Violet Township Fire Department Annual Open House will be held at the Lockville Road location on Oct. 10, 2021, from 1-3 p.m. Our Open House will feature the Fire Safety House, which will allow us to actually put children into a NON-HAZARDOUS smoke-filled environment and teach them how to get out of their home in case of fire. Fun activities will be available for kids that help them learn about safety in all situations, and firefighters will be on hand as well for stories and age-appropriate learning experiences. Bring your kids in to get a picture of them in fire gear! Fun will be had by all who attend, including our staff! We missed you all last year!

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

BBQ Safety Tips There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling. • Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank for tightness and leaks. • Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbeque. • Any grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Keep children and pets away from the grilling area. Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. • Never leave a grill unattended. • Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to an already burning fire. • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. • Dispose of hot coals properly – allow them to completely cool, stirring well to ensure that all heat is out. Douse with water and place in a designated metal container WELL away from any structure or object. NEVER place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers for any reason. • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants medical attention. ALL burns to the face, hands, feet or groin area require medical attention.

Campfire Safety The year of quarantines and COVID-19 restrictions found many of us finding our way back to comfort items, foods and pastimes that were feel-good activities. The outdoor campfire became a place where families could regroup and reclaim some of the normalcy we all craved. We are sure this time-honored activity will continue. Who doesn’t love s’mores and family time? •

• • • •

Build campfires where they will not spread; away from dry grass, leaves and never under overhanging trees. Keep it small, and don’t let it get out of hand. Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water. Never leave campfires unattended. Never start a campfire without having the equipment and ability to extinguish it.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

What’s that bird or bug? There’s an app for that! By Tommy Springer – Wildlife and Education Specialist for Fairfield SWCD

As kids, and even adults, venture outside, they are bound to run across an interesting plant, tree, insect or other living creature that they don’t recognize. Maybe you’ve been in this situation yourself with a pretty flower or a weird looking bug that you’d like to know the identity of either to enjoy it in the future or know whether you should steer clear of it. Regardless of the reasoning, most of us possess an innate curiosity to figure out what lives in the same area alongside us. In the “old days,” your resources for learning the names and information about local plants and animals were generally limited to a family member who you could ask, carrying a collection of field identification guides around everywhere with you or having a good enough memory to remember enough information until you could get back home and look it up. Any of these methods came with its own hinderances as that knowledgeable family member might not really know what they’re talking about, carrying a stack of field guides is highly impractical and memories can be unreliable. In today’s world, however, thanks to the prevalence of personal smart 12

devices like smartphones and tablets, nearly all the information you need to make a field ID of a spider, centipede or squirrel is right there at your fingertips. If you prefer the semi-traditional route, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has an assortment of guidebooks covering many different groups of Ohio plants and animals that are available as free PDF downloads on ohiodnr.gov that can then be browsed to manually locate the critter that looks closest to the one you’re trying to figure out. For the younger generation, however, a relatively new app has been developed that provides real-time identifications of most local plants and animals using nothing more than your device’s camera to scan or photograph them. The app is called “Seek by iNaturalist” and is available for most smart devices and phones in the Apple app store and Google Play store for Android users. Best of all, it’s free to install and doesn’t require wireless service when using it in the field. Kids may especially like Seek’s interactive observation challenges that award virtual badges and allows them to compete in monthly contests for getting

out and identifying different plants and animals. If you’re wanting to find a way to encourage a family member to get out and explore nature while not totally eliminating their connection to technology, this might just be the ticket.

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 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

faces

By Sarah Grace Smith

The Power of Painting Local artist turned tragedy into opportunity

ickerington resident Jenene Warmbier took a few art classes during her undergraduate years at the University of Toledo simply as a hobby. Little did she know, however, she would pick the brush back up as a form of therapy – for herself, for her daughter and for children in treatment for cancer all over the world. In the 1970s at the age of 2, Warmbier’s daughter Michelle was treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As a way to process this difficult time in their lives, Warmbier pulled out a pencil and a pad of paper and sketched Michelle as she underwent cancer treatment. She gave each sketch to Michelle, who colored them in with her box of crayons. If a procedure scared Michelle, she scribbled over the sketch in black. “It was as much therapeutic for her as it was for me,” Warmbier says. Warmbier believes that the sketches gave Michelle a sense of control over her medical procedures. Jenene Warmbier

In 1977, her book, Hospital Days, Treatment Ways was published by the National Cancer Institute and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Her coloring book marked a new era in patient education. “Before the internet, we could learn nothing about what was going on with our children other than what As a toddler, she could voice her feelings the doctor told us,” she says, “and by the with art. time we got back to the room, we’d forgotThe sketches also proved to be in- ten everything they said.” formative for Warmbier’s 4-year-old son Scott, who was with a babysitter during most of Michelle’s procedures. The sketches helped Scott understand what his sister was going through at the hospital day in and day out. As Warmbier’s talent grew, so did her reach. She began to use pastels to draw other children in the cancer center before they lost their hair. She hoped to give the parents something to smile at during a dark time. Photos courtesy of Jenene Warmbier

Michelle’s Legacy After seeing how much the sketches helped her daughter, Warmbier decided to publish a coloring book for children with cancer. While Michelle passed away in 1976, Warmbier knew that many chilAllison Kingsley, a member of the Family as dren could still benefit from art in the way Faculty program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Michelle had during treatments. with her son Brett. 14

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Structural Support Group

“Don’t retire until you can retire to something rather than from something,” Warmbier says. Warmbier started attending a watercolor workshop at the Pickerington Senior Center, where she quickly fell back into her artistic ways. She soon began to teach watercolor painting as well as other artistic mediums at both Amber Park Assisted Living and Abbington Assisted Living. This year, she also started teaching watercolor at the Pickerington Senior Center. In her classes, harkening back to the days in the hospital with Michelle, Warmbier begins by providing a sketched outline for the students to paint on. Despite starting with the same bases, each student creates a unique piece. The creations are always a surprise and a delight, Warmbier says. The classes aren’t just about creating art, though. “We use it as a time to talk and reminisce and tell jokes,” she says. “It’s therapeutic, both for me and for the people that go to the class. We try to keep it fun.” Warmbier says she particularly loves seeing the shock and pride on older adults’ faces when they finish a piece, since many come into the class with little to no artistic background.

While her daughter was receiving treatment, Warmbier helped found a parent support group called A-Okay Services. After noticing the distances some of the parents had to travel for their children’s care, Warmbier contacted Ronald McDonald House Charities. “In going through the experience of staying in the hospital all night with your child, I really felt for the parents that had to travel a distance and come for treatment with no place to stay,” she says. The group raised enough money to buy an old apartment building across the street from the hospital. Through volunteer labor and donated materials, the group renovated the apartment building into a Ronald McDonald House. “We were able to open the first one in Columbus in 1982,” she says. “So, it was really a very wonderful thing.” The Columbus Ronald McDonald House was the first to open in the state, preceding the Cincinnati location by only a few months, and is now the largest facility of its kind in the world.

ed to host a fundraiser. One year later, she held an art show to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation as well as the Ronald McDonald House. The show was a success, and now Warmbier is planning her next show, this time focused on mothers and children of all different backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities. The idea for this new series is inspired by another mother of a terminally ill child. The mother reminded Warmbier of Michelle’s battle with cancer and the unique mother-daughter relationship they shared. “It’s amazing to me how something that potentially is (as) tragic and as heartbreaking as a child’s illness can lead to all kinds of activities that benefit other families,” she says. “The opposite of the coin of tragedy is opportunity. You just have to look around and use the talents that God gave you.”

The book illustrates different parts of treatment cancer patients might experience such as isolation, breakfast in bed and radiation therapy. A nurse created captions for each image to educate parents and patients. Warmbier simply wanted her coloring book to help other children feel in control of their treatment as it had for Michelle. She never dreamed it would be helping families all over the world. “Since its publication, somebody told me that they saw a copy of the book in Spanish at a conference they went to in Benefit in Bloom Australia,” she says. After both teaching and participating in multiple watercolor classes, Warmbier Watercolor Workshops racked up a large collection of paintings. After taking a break from art to fo- While she had hosted a few mini exhibicus on her career in marketing with a tions in restaurants, she hadn’t yet hosted patient education program, Warmbier a full show. Most of the time, she gave her picked the paint brush back up during art away as gifts. Sarah Grace Smith is an editorial her retirement. However, when her sister Guthrie assistant. Feedback welcome at feedback@ She retired with her sister Katherine passed away after a long struggle with Par- cityscenemediagroup.com. Guthrie’s advice in mind. kinson’s disease in 2018, Warmbier decidwww.pickeringtonmagazine.com

in focus

Shutterbugs Our annual look at Pickerington through the lenses of its residents

Janice Thompson Doug Shevelow

Neal Oxman 16

Kelly Koesters www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Kim Luebke

Lisa Lock

Rich Cupp

John Marsh www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Sue Hrivnak 17

Doug Shevelow

Neal Oxman

Janice Thomas

John Marsh

Kim Luebke

Rich Cupp

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Kelly Koesters

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Janice Thomas www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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Tales of Turtle Tide Sophia Klein wrote and illustrated children’s book at age 14 By Bre Offenberger

Sophia Klein

While most students grumble at the thought of a large and time-consuming project, Klein actually breathed a sigh of relief. She says she already had ideas in the back of her mind for a book before her Lakeview Junior High School teacher, Tim Starkey, presented the project’s rubric. Now, she could set one of those ideas in motion. This year-long project required two months of research, four to five months to create the project and a final 10-minute presentation. Due to COVID-19, Starkey wasn’t able to see Klein’s final product until much later than planned. He got sneak peaks at her illustrations, but not her writing. It should come as no surprise that Klein is a student who constantly outdoes

herself, Starkey says, so he didn’t have to see the final product to know how special it would be. “Sophia goes all out with everything she does,” Starkey says. “I mean, she’s just one of those exceptional students that just pushes herself on everything she does, whether it’s just a simple homework assignment or the capstone challenge project.” When the deadline came, Turtle Tide was ready. Klein says she came up with the title while trying to name her characters. “I wanted something to obviously be ocean-themed, but also not like a person’s name essentially, and so I liked the name tide,” Klein says. “So then I just figured I’d try and incorporate that into the title, so I figured Turtle Tide was simple enough, but I thought it still sounded nice.” When Starkey read Turtle Tide, his expectations were not only met but surpassed. Needless to say, Klein and Turtle Tide earned an A. While the project was the birth of Turtle Tide, it didn’t end there. Klein saw the Ohioana Book Festival was taking applications for featured authors, and when she couldn’t find an age minimum to enter, she applied. She soon received an email inviting her to be its youngest-ever author at the 2021 festival. “It was really exciting because, by pure coincidence, I never thought of myself as being an author at the time, but I’d actually heard about the festival in 2019,” Klein says. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Alissa Ackelson

hat started as a love for marine life for Pickerington High School North’s Sophia Klein has transformed into a full-fledged enterprise, culminating in a widely adored children’s book, an invite to the Ohioana Book Festival and the carving of one prospective author’s career path. Even more remarkable, the author and curator of it was just 14 years old when she did it all. Now 15 and a freshman at North, Klein is working on her next adventure. However, she’s still taking a moment to bask in the impact she and her book, Turtle Tide, have made. It all began seven years ago when Klein visited her school’s book fair. She picked up a copy of Dolphin Tale 2, the sequel to the popular novel and movie franchise, and became infatuated with the sea and its creatures. “I realized this was all a real place,” Klein says. “It was a real story.” Klein and her family took a trip that summer to Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the site of the Dolphin Tale franchise. After getting to see the creatures in person, she knew her passion for marine life would stay with her forever. She was so inspired, in fact, that she helped to raise $1,000 for the aquarium in 2019. So, when she was assigned a capstone challenge project for her seventh grade English class, marine life was the first thing that came to mind. “I wanted to do something with animals, but I was also trying to think of what could I do, considering what I already know,” Klein says. “I do a lot of art, so I decided to see, could I actually try writing a children’s book?”

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Klein presenting the check for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Klein’s brother, Caleb, was a huge source of inspiration for the book. One of the characters is named after him, and the book was written with his age range in mind, so Klein wanted to come up with an activity that would incorporate Turtle Tide into an elementary school setting. After talking to Caleb’s teacher, who suggested she do some sort of author presentation for the class, Klein came up with the idea of a virtual book club. She got in touch with teachers in the district and organized nine sessions with five students in each. The club concluded before the end of the school year. Klein plans to enter the veterinary field someday, but being a full-time author isn’t completely out of the picture, www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

she says. She’s actually in the middle of her next writing venture, and she can see herself writing even more, pending the success of the next project. For now, though, Klein will continue to relish the moment and see just how much further she can go. “I definitely think it was really cool I actually did that,” Klein says. “It was just something I never thought I would’ve done, and I think the experience is just amazing to actually get to say, ‘I’ve written a book,’ and all. I realize I can do that. What else can I do?” Bre Offenberger is an editorial assistant. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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artist spotlight

By Sarah Robinson

She Sells Sea Art Creating art from sea glass, shells and found objects

Pam Fockler with Rubee and Reesee

that looks like a hummingbird. I might put a piece down and start creating it, and then I add this or take that away.” One of the most interesting things about creating sea glass art, Fockler says, is the uniqueness of each piece. “It’s not like paintings. You have to go with the pieces you have,” she says. “No two pictures are ever the same.” While the artwork Fockler creates primarily features sea glass, she incorporates other found objects in her pieces as well when they fit the shape or color of her project.

Photos courtesy of Pam Fockler

o retired nurse Pam Fockler, one woman’s trash is another woman’s art supply. “It started with friends at the hospital,” she says. “They would bring in a piece of a shell, sea glass or something they wanted made into a piece of jewelry that they had found, … and I would make sea glass jewelry.” Originally from Wooster, Fockler and her husband Earl moved to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in 2003 when Outer Banks Hospital was in need of nurses experienced in telemetry to work in its new telemetry unit, and Fockler answered the call. During her days off, Fockler walked the beaches, collecting sea glass, pieces of broken shells, driftwood and whatever else caught her eye, and she began to make ocean-inspired jewelry first for her friends and co-workers and then to sell or consign at local shops. “My car was always full of sand, shells and sea glass,” she says, laughing. It wasn’t until Fockler moved back to central Ohio, settling in Pickerington with Earl in 2014, to spend time with her grandchildren that she began creating sea glass art. “When I got back to Ohio, I brought a huge pile of sea glass with me,” she says. “One thing led to another, and I started making sea glass art, and that seems to be more what I do now than glass jewelry.” Fockler draws inspiration from her neighbors, nature and, especially, her two dogs, Reesee and Rubee, who have inspired many of her sea glass artwork. “My dogs are my favorite pieces, I would say,” she says. “They inspire me.” A typical piece of art takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to create. Fockler starts by spreading her thousands of pieces of sea glass across the floor. “I have a desk, but I find myself on the floor many times,” she says, “just to see what I can make.” Fockler starts with picking a color and begins to select pieces from the array of shards spread across the floor, almost like putting together a complex puzzle. “It’s a very long process,” she says. “One of my pieces I do that people love is hummingbirds. So, I try and create something

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“I’ve done wedding (gifts) where they want a bride and a groom, and if I can find the right shapes, I might make the backdrop to that,” she says. “I use pebbles, sometimes, that they might be standing on, or driftwood. I use whatever I can find.” The best part about creating her artwork, she says, is the soothing nature of the creative process. “I’ve recently retired, I was a nurse, and that was pretty intense at times, so retiring and doing something I enjoy has been a blessing,” she says. “It satisfies my need to work with my hands, and I just love the creativity that goes into each piece I create.” Sarah Robinson is an editor. Feedback welcome at srobinson@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

ATTEND The VetOHIOExpo and SUPPORT Veteran-Owned Businesses! All Civilians-Veterans-Military are WELCOME!

THINK VETERANS FIRST!™ Thursday, September 9, 2021 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Wigwam Event Center 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW Pickerington, OH 43147

The exciting VetOHIOExpo is designed to showcase Veteran-Owned Businesses who provide services or products to Civilians, Veterans or Military!

First 150 to Arrive…. Receive a FREE Swag-Bag!

WE WANT YOU

TO ATTEND! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com VetOhio City Scene Ad rev1.indd 1

The VetOHIOExpo, launched by Regina Rembert, Retired U.S. Army, and the Founder of the non-profit, Buy-Vet.org, provides an amazing opportunity for the attendees to express gratitude for our Veteran’s service, by utilizing their services! Think Veterans First!™ as you make buying decisions for services & products for your family, home or business! • Meet Veteran-Owned Businesses! • Discover Military & Veteran Discount Offers! • Learn About the Services & Products Veteran Businesses Provide! General Admission is ONLY 6.00 per Person. Parking is FREE!

Buy Tickets Online at www.vetohioexpo.com (Sorry, due to Exhibit Hall capacity, NO Admission Tickets will be sold at the door!)

Need Help Purchasing Tickets??? CALL 614.390.4227

7/12/21 2:26 PM

Veteran Service American Legion Post 283 By Brandon Klein

Memorial Day procession in Victory Park, 2018.

with live entertainment and food cooked by the honor guard on the fourth Friday of each month from April to October. The organization is also known as the David Johnston Memorial Post to honor Pickerington High School’s only casualty of the Vietnam War, David Johnston. The post entertains the late Johnston’s Marine unit each year. The organization continues to memorialize the area’s local military with the Veterans Memorial Park in 2007 and a shelter house named in honor of Marines Cpl. Dustin Derga, who died in the Iraq War in 2005. In addition, the post donates to charity each year, averaging about $30,000 to $40,000, England says. “When an organization needs help, they just need to reach out to us and we take it into consideration,” England says.

In 2020, the pandemic slowed the post’s charitable giving, but it was still able to donate $15,000, England says, and it is expected the organization will donate about $30,000 this year. With a Veteran membership base in Pickerington and across the country, an auxiliary unit for Veteran spouses and a unit for young men, the post has nearly 1,000 members.

Members of Post 283 Honor Guard and ladies of the Auxiliary with local Cub Scouts and members of public, Memorial Day 2018. 24

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

Photos courtesy of American Legion Post 283

t’s been 40 years since a group of Pickerington Veterans started meeting together at a local high school. Those informal meetings quickly led to formation of American Legion Post 283 in 1982 and since then the organization has served Veterans, activeduty military members and the community at large. “We consider ourselves a community service,” says Dave England, the post’s commander for the 2020-2021 term and now its chaplain. Post members participate in community parades, donate to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, perform the color guard at high school football games, visit Veterans at nursing and older adult homes and, its proudest contribution, honor Veterans at their burials, he says. “We honor our fallen brothers,” says England, “no matter what branch. We all fight for our country, our flag and families.” Since its inception, the post established its own home at a two-plus-acre site at the corner of Pickerington and Refugee roads in the 1980s with post members involved in the construction. Over the years, the post has added amenities such as a rental hall for private events. The post opens its doors to the community for the Memorial Day ceremony which features guest speakers and steak nights

Parade of Homes Returns to Pickerington New format showcases homes in multiple communities and Blacklick. One of the Dream Homes is located a short drive away in Carroll. There is a minimal fee to tour the Dream Homes. Check the BIA Parade website, www.biaparade.com, for specifics. CityScene Media Group, publisher of Pickerington Magazine, partnered with the BIA to produce the Official Event Guide for the 2021 Parade. Event Guides are available at Parade homes and a digital version with all tour home addresses and details can be accessed on www. CitySceneColumbus.com. The Parade spans three weekends Thursday through Sunday beginning Sept. 23. Plan a day, or two or three, to explore your community and others throughout central Ohio. Be inspired!

ew this year: the Parade of Homes is coming to you! The annual Parade is back with a new format after skipping 2020 due to COVID-19. Presented by the BIA of Central Ohio, the new format offers more homes to tour in more communities than ever before. And, for the first time, homes in a variety of price points, sizes and styles will be available to explore – at no charge. Rather than one street featuring newly constructed houses in a designated development, the new plan showcases homes throughout central Ohio, along with a user-friendly digital component available before, during and after the Parade. “For nearly 70 years the Parade of Homes has been the cornerstone event of central Ohio’s homebuilding community. The new format connects more homebuyers with builders and associates spotlighting the best design and new trends in the industry,” says John Melchi, executive director, BIA of Central Ohio. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

www.biaparade.com Thursdays-Sundays Sept. 23-Oct. 10. Create your own tours based on a convenient time, neighborhood, school district, price, square footage, builder and more. There are nearly 60 new construction homes, 20 builders, dream homes (valued $1,000,000+) and feature developments included. This is the first time since the 2003 Parade at Shawnee Crossing that Pickerington homes are featured. In addition to four homes in Pickerington, several more are in nearby Canal Winchester, Obetz, Lockbourne

Ridge Homes | Independent and Assisted Living Apartments Memory Care | Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing

sports spotlight

By Ellie Roberto

Fur-st Place

Crank and her border collie P!NK were Westminster Kennel Club agility champs in March 2020, earning the title 2020 Masters Agility Champions with the time of 29.35 seconds.

og agility trainer and Pickerington resident Jenn Crank says dog agility is like American Ninja Warrior for dogs. In agility shows and competitions, handlers – the owners – guide their dogs through predetermined obstacle courses using their body language and verbal cues. Every course is different, so the handler must approach each one strategically. “It’s really about the dog’s athleticism and the handler’s ability to navigate them around the course,” Crank says. Crank is the owner and founder of IncrediPAWS Dog Training, a dog agility center located in Pataskala. Offering private lessons, seminars and group classes based on each dog’s experience levels, Crank and her staff teach others how to train their dogs either to compete in agility competitions or exercise as a hobby. Agility is an inclusive sport, Crank says, meaning any dog can participate regardless of age or breed. Just like human athletes, some dogs are born with a more athletic build, however there are no restrictions and dogs compete in divisions based on height. “A little dog like a dachshund or Chihuahua is not going to be competing against a Doberman or a Rottweiler,” Crank says. Crank started competing in agility when she was 7 years old with her family dog. Her mother, a canine obedience trainer, often brought Crank along to training classes, and when dog agility became a sport, the two excitedly picked it up. “Most people see it on TV, or they see some equipment or something at a dog park,” Crank says. “But for me, it was just a hobby that I grew up around, found a passion for and kind of excelled at and ended up turning into a career.” Since her start, Crank and her furry friends have become quite the competitors, winning the FCI Agility World Championship three times, World Agility 26

Since every dog is different, that means the positive reinforcements differ, too. Some dogs are highly food motivated and others prefer toys, so it’s important for trainers to get to know each dog and owner to figure out the best method for the team. The most difficult part of training isn’t always the dogs – sometimes, it’s training the handlers. In order for dog training to be effective, handlers need to make sure they remain consistent and predictable in their response to a dog’s behaviors. Crank compares it to a teenager coming home past curfew. Like parents, handlers must provide their dogs with clear expectations and a consistent reward system to get the desired results. “I think it’s easy to want to blame the dog,” Crank says, “when, in reality, the dogs are only a result of whatever we’ve taught them and trained them.” Crank uses a similar metaphor to explain how dogs act as part of the family. Owners often get their dog involved in agility to provide them with a physical outlet for their energy, much like parents might sign their kid up for tee-ball. Like any sport, agility trainers practice warmups, cooldowns and stretching techniques because many dogs are prone to joint and arthritis issues. Agility can help combat some of those issues, Crank says. There’s more to agility than simply the physical health benefits. Crank notices that a dog’s mental health often improves with training. A special dog-human relationship blossoms when a pet knows their owner is more than a source of food but instead a person to have fun and learn with. In other words, when they’re a team. Ultimately, Crank says, agility is not about the competition. It’s about the relationships that result from it.

Open Biathlon Gold Medal, 2014 Grand Prix national champion and more. Despite her gilded record, Crank’s biggest source of pride is her students. “It’s not about my accomplishments,” Crank says. “As a business and as a business owner and as an instructor, (it’s about) what I’m able to get my students to do.” Many of her students have earned prestigious agility titles and some have even become instructors at Crank’s facility. In March 2021, Crank’s student Betsey Lynch entered her papillon named Lark into the American Kennel Club National Agility Championship. Lark earned the title of eight-inch agility champion. Crank says agility is huge in central Ohio. Clients come from all over the country to learn from the staff at IncrediPAWS. During classes at the indoor turf facility, Ellie Roberto is an editorial assistant. trainers teach handlers how to use posi- Feedback welcome at feedback@ tive reinforcement to get desired behaviors cityscenemediagroup.com. from their dogs.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of A. Wooten Photography

What it takes to be a canine champion

on the table

By Trevor Simpson

Grills and Growls

This grilled sweet potato recipe is for the whole family, including the dog

t can be hard to say no to puppy dog eyes – especially when they come from your actual dog. But most human food is off the table for Fido for good reason. Onions and garlic are two of the most toxic foods to dogs, so no matter how much they beg, your furry friends should usually stick to their puppy chow. However, using fresh produce from the Pickerington Farmers’ Market, you can put together an endof-summer meal to share with everyone, including your dog. Grab some in-season sweet potatoes from Paige’s Produce, lemons from the Ochs Fruit Farm stand and olive oil from the Yankee Street Farm stand and kick your paws into gear in the kitchen. Trevor Simpson is an editorial assistant. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

GRILLED SWEET POTATOES Recipe courtesy of Two Little Cavaliers

INGREDIENTS • 3 medium sweet potatoes from Paige’s Produce

Photos courtesy of Sarah Robinson

• 2 small lemons from Ochs Fruit Farm • 1 stalk fresh dill (about 2 tbsp. chopped) • 2 tsp. brown sugar • 2-3 tbsp. olive oil from Yankee Street Farm

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INSTRUCTIONS • Begin by whisking the olive oil and brown sugar together. Set aside. • Grab the potatoes and scrub with water, then cut to remove any black or green spots. Chop into ¼-inchthick rounds and set aside. • Next, thinly slice lemons. Add olive oil and brown sugar combination with sliced lemons and chopped potatoes and toss together.

This recipe is perfect for late summer and early fall when sweet potatoes are in season. • Wrap the potatoes and sliced lemons in foil and place on the grill over medium-high heat. Leave on the grill for five minutes before flipping the foil packet. Cook for another five to seven minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool before removing foil. • Add chopped fresh dill on the finished product and dig in! 27

Top homes sold in Pickerington All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.

168 Balsam Dr. 4 beds 3.5 baths $450,000 Sold on 6/8/2021

769 Melrose Blvd. 4 beds 2.5 baths $350,000 Sold on 6/1/2021

215 Kohler St. 4 beds 2.5 baths $450,000 Sold on 6/7/2021

436 Florence Dr. 3 beds 2.5 baths $346,000 Sold on 6/21/2021

106 Tecumseh Ct. 4 beds 4.5 baths $435,000 Sold on 6/4/2021

665 Manchester Cir. N. 4 beds 2.5 baths $340,465 Sold on 6/8/2021

217 Arlington Dr. 4 beds 3.5 baths $407,430 Sold on 6/15/2021

428 Furman St. 4 beds 2.5 baths $340,000 Sold on 6/9/2021

998 Melrose Ct. 4 beds 2.5 baths $374,000 Sold on 6/7/2021

623 Rambling Brook Dr. 4 beds 2.5 baths $312,400 Sold on 6/1/2021

204 Warbler Ct. 4 beds 2.5 baths $370,433 Sold on 6/15/2021

205 Asbury Ct. 4 beds 2.5 baths $310,000 Sold on 6/11/2021

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

#1 (614) 56 1-3201

Selling Real Estate Team & Realtor® in Central Ohio 2017–2020 439 Transactions Closed in 2020

Source: Columbus MLS & Trendgraphix

All reports presented are based on data supplied by Columbus REALTORS. Report published January 21, 2021 based on sales data available from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. All properties, all counties combined. Neither the Association nor their MLS guarantee or are in any way responsible for the data accuracy. Data maintained by the Associations or their MLSs may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Top Producer - Market Share Report. Copyright Trendgraphix, Inc. Samuel Cooper DBA Sam Cooper Team

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what’s your style?

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

11833 Eddington Ave | $349,900 | Remarkable two story home in Summerfield Subdivision situated on large private lot surrounded by mature trees. Remodeled Kitchen w/ granite counters, new cabinetry, hardwood flrs, family room with fireplace & exposed beam ceilings, formal dining & living rooms, 1st flr home office, heated florida room, side loading garage

8061 Garden Dr. | $525,000 | Outstanding two story home in Meadowmoore, finished lower level, 1st floor owners suite with walk in closet, luxurious custom shower, hardwood flooring throughout, formal dining, great room w/ fireplace, large kitchen with granite counters, island & pantry, junior suite upstairs with its own full bath, custom deck, tankless water heater, partial lake view, large lot backing up to trees.

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

L SO

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

718 Bretforton St | $545,000 | Gorgeous two-story home in Wellington Park, oversized yard, huge garage, hardwood flrs, wainscot & crown molding, 1st flr home office, mudroom, great rm w/ stone fireplace, large kitchen w/ granite counters, big island, upstairs bonus loft/ rec room, jr. suite w/ full bath & walk in closet, owners bdrm w/ walk in closet, 2nd flr laundry, full bsmt, backyard patio.

13257 Waterton Drive | $492,000 | Gorgeous two-story home in Glenshire Subdivision on large cul de sac. Crown molding & wainscot throughout, hdwd flrs, formal dining, front flex room, 1st flr office, great room w/ fireplace, 3 seasons room, 1st flr laundry, 3 car garage, owners suite w/ vaulted ceilings, sitting room, walk in closet, luxurious master bath, finished rec room in bsmt

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

L SO

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

11557 Coventry Avenue | $360,000 | Outstanding two-story home in Summerfield Subdivision. Large lot, backyard paver patio, Rosati Windows, 1st flr office, formal living & dining room, large great room with fireplace & skylight windows, 1st flr laundry, finished basement with rec room & wet bar, additional storage, owners bedroom w/ walk in closet & full bath, very well cared for

805 Dunvegan Circle | $355,000 | Remarkable two-story home in Melrose Subdivision, 1st flr office, great room w/ fireplace, remodeled kitchen w/ large island, granite counters, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and eating space, 1st flr laundry, finished basement w/ workshop, rec room & storage, owners bedroom with walk in closet and remodeled bath, fenced in yard w/ deck

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

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

Contact Tracy Douds today for more information: 614-572-1250 | tdouds@cityscenemediagroup.com Get a great response in PICKERINGTON MAGAZINE! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

bookmarks

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

Pickerington Public Library staff picks.

What the in-crowd is reading:

Save the Date: Travis McKinley book series

by James Patterson & Peter de Jonge This series is a quick and fun read for those who enjoy the game of golf. The first book is Miracle on the 17th Green. Travis McKinley is playing golf when suddenly he acquires perfect vision for the putt. Travis qualifies for the Professional Golfers Association Senior Tour, and it changes him and his family forever. Next in the series is Miracle at Augusta. One year after his big golf tournament win, Travis McKinley struggles to find a place in the world of professional sports. And lastly, Miracle at St. Andrews, where one ordinary man makes the pilgrimage to the mythical greens of St. Andrews – the birthplace of golf – on his personal quest for greatness.

Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other

by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish embark on a road trip to explore Scotland with all its beauty and rich history. They begin their journey in the heart of Scotland at Glencoe, travel from there all the way to Inverness and the Culloden battlefield. This is a story of friendship, finding themselves and their love of whisky.

Bicycling with Butterflies

by Sara Dykman Outdoor educator and field researcher Sara Dykman made history when she became the first person to bicycle solo for a nearly nine-month trip alongside monarch butterflies on their storied annual migration – a round-trip adventure that includes navigating unmapped roads through three countries and more than 10,000 miles.

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

by Lori Nelson Spielman More than 200 years ago, Filomena Fontana cast a curse upon her sister. Since that time, not one secondborn Fontana daughter has found long-lasting love. Emilia, happily single and a baker at her grandfather’s Brooklyn deli, claims it’s an odd coincidence. Lucy, her sexy cousin is desperate for love and declares it’s a true hex. When their great Aunt Poppy calls and tells them that if they accompany her to her back to Italy, the Fontana Second-Daughter Curse can be broken once and for all. Traveling through Venice and Tuscany, family secrets are uncovered that threaten the family far more than a centuries-old curse.

Next Year in Havana

by Chanel Cleeton After the death of her grandmother, Marisol travels to Havana and learns of a family secret that has been hidden since the revolution. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she’ll need the lessons of her grandmother’s past to help her understand the true meaning of courage. A book full of strong women, forbidden passions and family secrets.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

The NEW 2021

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 10

HEY HOME SHOPPERS, YOUR SEARCH ENDS HERE Tour new homes virtually or in person, ranging from the $300s to $2.5 million. Search biaparade.com by:

LOCATION

PRICE POINT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

This is the largest showcase of new homes in the Central Ohio region. It’s all new, and all about helping you find the home you’ve been looking for. For more information and to view the Parade map, visit biaparade.com

Are you ready to take the first steps towards improved health? Because losing weight can do more than change your size. It can change your life. And the Bariatric surgeons and staff at Mount Carmel have the experience to guide you through a weight loss surgery program that’s designed to change and save lives. To watch our online seminar and learn more about weight loss surgery, visit mountcarmelbariatrics.com.

A Member of Trinity Health

Pickerington August/September 2021

Articles inside

Calendar

sports spotlight

Veteran Service

Tales of Turtle Tide

faces

Parade of Homes Returns to Pickerington