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 2022
Princip(al)s of Leadership Tom Lanier and Jim Campbell
INSIDE Shutterbugs Summer treats for pups 2022 Parade of Homes
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pickerington magazine
volume 14, number 6 august/september 2022
1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill Gianna Barrett Jamie Armistead Dave Prosser Gary Hoffman Cameron Carr Claire Miller Megan Roth
President/CEO Vice President, Sales
Creative Director
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News and Information from the City of Pickerington
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News and Information from Violet Township Pickerington Schools
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Editors
Amanda DePerro
Contributing Editor
Tyler Kirkendall Andrea Paolucci
Editorial Assistants
Brandon Klein
Digital Editor
Dan Nase Laura Pappas
Advertising Sales
Circulation
Calendar
12 News and Information from
Vice President, Operations Chief Creative Officer
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New principals take the reins at Pickerington North and Central
18 Forever a Role Model
Late professional bodybuilder leaves mark on friend, community
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22 Opportunity Barks
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Pickerington North graduate hopes to inspire students with her path to veterinary medicine
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CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com
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Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com
on the table
Summer Sweets
Homemade recipe for furry friends
Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com
26 2022 Parade of Homes
Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com
Showcasing homes across central Ohio
Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com 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 editor@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. © 2022
in focus
Shutterbugs
Our annual look at Pickerington through the lenses of its residents
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CityScene Media Group also publishes:
faces
Pickerington Proud
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Top Homes Sold in Pickerington
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Luxury Living Real Estate Guide
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22
bookmarks
Recommended reads from Pickerington Public Library
On the cover: PHSC Principal Tom Lanier and PHSN Principal Jim Campbell, photo by Jeff Hall
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine
pickerington community calendar august/september 2022 Aug. 5, Sept. 2 Women’s Leadership Coalition 8-9:30 a.m., Redbud Commons Area, 602 Redbud Rd. www.pickeringtonchamber.com
Hear from female speakers to encourage and inspire women in leadership roles.
Aug. 6 Summer Reading Finale 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wigwam Event Center, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
Celebrate the end of summer reading with family-friendly activities at the Wigwam Event Center, including a concert, magic show and petting zoo.
Sycamore Summer Movie Series, Aug. 2
Through Sept. 29 Pickerington Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., downtown Pickerington, 89 N. Center St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com
The Pickerington Farmers’ Market is a family-friendly event showcasing some of the best of what Pickerington’s local businesses have to offer. Find fresh produce and baked goods, artisan coffee, or fresh flowers.
Aug. 3, Sept. 7 Wednesday Connects 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. www.pickeringtonchamber.com
Get the chance to network with other business leaders and pitch business ideas.
Aug. 7 Kids Day at the Museum 2-4 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org
Free admission for the young and young at heart! Enjoy old-time outdoor games and indoor use of dial telephones, manual typewriters, Barbie dolls, and more.
Aug. 2 National Coloring Book Day Celebration 1-4 p.m., Sycamore Plaza Library, 7861 Refugee Rd. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
Celebrate National Coloring Book Day at the Pickerington Library where coloring supplies will be provided.
Aug. 2 Sycamore Summer Movie Series 2-4 p.m., Sycamore Plaza Library, 7861 Refugee Rd. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
The movie series concludes with Dolphin Tales.
Aug. 2 Stories in the Park 6:30-7:30 p.m., Upper Sycamore Creek Park, 481 Hereford Dr. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
Reading isn’t just for the library! Get cozy in the park for a story time. 4
Stories in the Park, Aug. 2
Submit Your Event
Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
All events are subject to change. Visit websites for additional information. Aug. 12 Summer Concert Series – Fleetwood Gold 6:30-8 p.m., Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us
The final installment of the summer concert series will feature a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks cover band. Free to all.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Medinger
Aug. 12 Friday Night Flicks – Sing 2 Dusk, Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us
The final installment of the Friday night flicks series will feature a showing of Sing 2 on the white barn. Free to all.
Aug. 15-18 First Days of School – Grades K-12 www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Students in grades first through 12th will begin their school year staggered across three days.
Aug. 18 Brown Bag Book Club – Come Fly the World 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, meeting room A, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
A lunchtime book club for those who enjoy lively discussion! Brown Bag Book Club meets the third Thursday of every month for a spirited discussion of popular and classic books in a variety of genres. No registration is required to attend.
Friday Night Flicks, Aug. 12
Aug. 20 American Red Cross Blood Drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
For more information and to schedule an appointment: 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org with sponsor code PickeringtonLibrary.
Sept. 5 Labor Day Lions Club Parade & Fish Fry 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Victory Park, Lockville Rd. www.pickeringtonvillage. com
The annual Pickerington Lions Club fundraiser returns with a parade to start the festivities followed by a fish fry at 11 a.m.
Aug. 20 Youth Adventure Challenge
Sept. 8 Vet Ohio Expo Noon-6 p.m., National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W. Broad St. www.vetohioexpo.com
Sponsored by nonprofit Buy-Vet.org, the Vet Ohio Expo showcases Veteranowned businesses and services and encourages people to think of Veterans first.
Sept. 11 50 Years Ago: A Look Back at the 1970s 2-4 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org
Enjoy hit music from the era, Instamatic cameras, eight-track tapes, Hot Wheels, Tinkertoys, rotary telephones and more. Come dressed in your best ’70s attire for the chance to win a prize.
Sept. 23-24 Pickerington Oktoberfest Combustion Brewery Parking Lot, 80 W. Church St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com
9 a.m.-noon, Sycamore Creek Park www.ci.pickerington.oh.us
This free outdoor event transforms the parking lot into a biergarten. With music, games and a mile-long race, it’s fun for all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Pickerington Parks and Recreation’s Youth Adventure Challenge gives kids the opportunity to show their skills on fitness obstacle courses. Kids ages 3-12 can participate. Tickets cost $5. For the most recent information on events and hours, visit www.pickeringtonlibrary.org
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INSIDE
PICKERINGTON
N E W S & I N F OR M AT I O N F R O M T H E C I T Y O F P I C K E R I NGT ON
Ohio’s D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year
tober 2015 after the department’s previous D.A.R.E. officer, Dan Simcox, retired. “Hearing some of his stories really piqued my interest,” Frost says. “It hit me that I could do the same thing and (hopefully) have the same impact as he did.” Frost quickly realized that a big part of his job would be changing the perception of the program. “A lot of people remember the D.A.R.E. program from when they were in school in the ’80s and ’90s,” he says. “That program ended up with a bad reputation and people still associate today’s D.A.R.E. program with that. The current D.A.R.E. program was modified in the early 2000s and is a more effective, evidence-based program.” So what exactly does a D.A.R.E. officer do? “No two weeks ever really look the same,” Frost says. “At different points of the year, I am focused on different aspects of the job. For instance, over the summer I coordinate with the principals of our three middle schools in order to schedule D.A.R.E. classes for the following school year. I also participate in parades, festivals and other community events 6
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of City of Pickerington
The idea of becoming a police officer appealed to Brad Frost because he wanted to make a difference and have a career that his family could be proud of. By those measures, Frost is a huge success. Officer Frost is the Pickerington Police Department’s D.A.R.E. officer and was recently named Ohio’s D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. “Our department has always believed that Brad Frost was one of the best D.A.R.E. officers anywhere,” says Police Chief Tod Cheney. “This is based on feedback from students and faculty, his personality, work ethic, and his genuine caring attitude. This award, which was open to all D.A.R.E. officers in the state of Ohio, only solidifies that. We are lucky to have Officer Frost on our team.” The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program provides students from kindergarten through high school with the skills necessary to recognize and resist pressures to experiment with drugs and avoid gangs and violence. The lessons emphasize self-esteem, decision making, interpersonal communication skills and the consequences of drug abuse. They also discuss conflict resolution and positive alternatives to substance abuse. Officer Frost has been with the police department for nearly 17 years and became the City’s D.A.R.E. officer in Oc-
and do speaking engagements with various organizations. In the fall and winter, I teach the D.A.R.E. classes at our three middle schools and also fill in as a school resource officer where needed. In the spring, focus shifts to prom and after-prom events. Sometimes high school students will ask for my participation in anti-drunk driving projects or anti-texting and driving projects. About that time of the year, we start to wrap up school and send off the students for summer break and I start the cycle all over again.” Frost says being recognized as Ohio’s D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year was completely unexpected and one of the proudest moments in his professional career. “My wife often says she feels like she’s with a celebrity when we go out to lunch. We always seem to run into a student who recognizes me and says hi,” Frost says. “One thing that I never get tired of is talking with parents who tell me how much the students really get out of the program. Sometimes while I’m teaching, I wonder if the kids are really listening. But then they go home and tell their parents about what they learned. It’s encouraging to know that the kids are listening and retaining the information we’re talking about. I just want to thank all of the parents for allowing their kids to be a part of our D.A.R.E. program and encouraging them to participate. I wouldn’t be able to do what I get to do without them. Being able to have positive law enforcement interactions with the students in our school district, on a daily basis, is my favorite part of this job.”
Sgt. David Silvernail was recently recognized by the Seton Parish Knights of Columbus as the Pickerington Police Department Officer of the Year. Sgt. Silvernail has served the residents of Pickerington for more than 29 years and has held assignments as an officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and administrative sergeant. Congratulations Sgt. Silvernail!
August Events
citydirectory
Aug. 12 – Summer Concert Series: Fleetwood Gold 6:30-8 p.m. Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater Price: FREE
(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)
Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.
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
Aug. 12 – Friday Night Flicks: Sing 2 Dusk Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater Price: FREE Aug. 20 – Youth Adventure Challenge 9 a.m.-noon Sycamore Creek Park Price: $5 Visit www.pickerington.net for more information.
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 Congratulations to Utility Billing Administrator Sharon Leasure on her retirement from the City of Pickerington. Sharon worked for the City for 18 years, and though she will be missed, we wish her nothing but the best in retirement!
Streets.................................... 833-2292 Utility Billing............................. 833-2289 Utility Maintenance................... 833-2292 Water Plant.............................. 833-2290 Waste Water Plant.................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.................. 837-6470
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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News and Information From
Violet Township Practice Water Safety Year Round Tips from Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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Household Safety Tips 1. Please know that babies, infants and children can drown in bathtubs, sinks, toilets and any other place water can collect. Never leave a baby, infant or child alone when in an area that water is present. An adult should ALWAYS be present. 2. Keep the bathroom door shut, and place a safety cover over the knob to prevent little ones from entering on their own. 3. Baby bath seats DO NOT prevent drowning from happening. If you are using a baby bath seat, never leave it unattended.
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
Photos courtesy of Violet Township
According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP), more than 1,000 children die from drowning each year in the United States. Additionally, more than 6,500 children are injured in diving accidents annually. Even though summer is waning, many may squeeze in trips to pools, water parks or beaches. Drowning or near drowning can occur quickly and in just inches of water. Diving accidents can happen in a split second. We would like to share some safety guidelines to follow when children are in or around water to help prevent this from happening.
4. Keep toilet seats down and use toilet seat locks. Also, always remember to fully drain the bathtub when bathing is done.
tubs, and drain wading pools after each use. 6. For diving: a. Provide visible depth indicators around the pool and never dive into cloudy or shallow water. b. Educate children on proper diving techniques, especially when attempting new dives. c. Educate children about diving board safety.
Pool and Hot Tub Tips 1. According to CIRP, more than half of these drownings could be prevented if a fence was in place around pools. If you have a pool, make sure to install a fence that is at least four feet high around it. Include a gate that latches and locks for entry to the area. Lake, Pond and River Tips 2. Never leave children unattended 1. Open water is much differin the pool. The responsible ent than a pool. Even the best adult(s) must pay attention to the swimmers may struggle with the pool activity. Rid yourself of other currents. Always wear a perdistractions such as reading or sonal flotation device (PFD) that talking on the phone. is Coast Guard approved. Also, 3. An adult should always be in the make sure the PFD is properly water, within arm’s reach, with sized for the child. infants, toddlers or weak swim2. Do not use swim aids such as mers. water wings or inner tubes as a 4. Sign your children up for swimsubstitute for an approved PFD. ming lessons as soon as you 3. Never walk on frozen water. feel they are ready. There is no accurate way to tell 5. Always use a hard cover on hot how thin the ice may be and a
child can fall through and drown quickly. 4. For diving: a. Never dive into shallow or cloudy water. b. Remove obstacles from lakes, ponds and rivers before diving. c. Make sure a lifeguard or adult, one who is a strong swimmer, is present. Water safety is important throughout the year. Children are always around water whether in the home or outside. Please take time to read and practice these safety tips. For more information, contact CIRP at 614-722-2000 or on the web at www.nationwidechildrens. org/research/areas-of-research/centerfor-injury-research-and-policy. The Violet Township Fire Department would like to thank CIRP for providing these statistics and tips. The fire department can be contacted at 614-8374123 or on the web at www.violet.oh.us. Click the Department tab and then select Public Safety on the left side of the page.
Violet Township Senior Services Renewal Levy To continue operation of the Pickerington Senior Center, in addition to assisting seniors in many other ways throughout our community, Violet Township will be placing a .2-mill renewal levy on the Tuesday, Nov. 8 ballot. This issue is a continuation/renewal of the present two-mill levy and not an increase or additional tax. The senior members of the greater Violet Township area have a long and proud history of building, supporting and maintaining our community. The continuation of service at the senior center will provide an opportunity for our seniors to remain viable, contributing members of the community. The Pickerington Senior Center, in operation since 1986, provides health, educational and recreational programs to assist seniors in maintaining their vitality and independence. The center has a wide variety of activities for seniors that are physical, social and educational in nature. Seniors are also able to share their talents and time with others. Funds from the levy would also be granted to programs that serve our senior www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
family – such as Meals on Wheels and the Food Pantry – and organizing targeted events for seniors across the area. The Fairfield County Auditor has certified to the Board of Trustees that the estimated property tax revenue produced by the stated millage is calculated to be $232,000 annually, assuming the tax valuation of the Township remains constant throughout the life of the levy. The
current assessed valuation of the Township is $1,481,368,830. The renewal levy would be valid for five (5) years, commencing in the year 2023 and first collecting in the year 2024. Violet Township will provide informational-only details on the renewal levy on our website at www.violet.oh.us and on other mainstream social media outlets in the coming months. 9
Save the Date! Our annual Fire Department Open House will be held Sunday, Oct. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at Fire Station 591, located at 21 Lockville Rd.
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Ted’s
MOST TRUSTED Orthopedic Practice “I’ve been coaching lacrosse in central Ohio for 45 years. I knew I needed both knees replaced, and had lived with pain for too long. I could barely walk and needed a cane for support. Following surgery, I’m traveling with the team again and walking 2–3 miles a day…pain free. Without a doubt, Orthopedic ONE got me back on the field doing what I love.“ - Ted Wolford, Lacrosse Coach
This is where you go to get better.
Watch Ted’s story here or visit orthopedicONE.com.
News Pickerington Schools Seeks Bond Issue That Won’t Increase Tax Rates By District Treasurer/CFO Ryan Jenkins The Pickerington Schools Board of Education voted 5-0 on Monday, May 23 to place a $89.93 million bond issue on the Nov. 8 ballot. This was after the county auditor certified to the district that a bond issue of this size over a maximum maturity of 37 years would be assessed at 2.8 mills. But forecasted increases in tax year 2022 residential tax values are anticipated to allow the county auditor to collect a lower overall tax rate, even if the bond issue passes.
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At the May 9 board meeting, as the District Treasurer/CFO, I spoke about how the increase in taxable values impacts the overall tax rates and the proceeds needed to pay off district debt. The basic calculation to compute residential taxes is to multiply the tax rate times the taxable value of a home. The tax rate is measured via a rate called a mill. A mill is equivalent to $.001, or $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of taxable value. In aggregate, the district will collect a stream of
revenue that is equal to the tax rate multiplied by the taxable value of all property in the district. Our conversations with the county auditor have allowed us to estimate that the value of residential property in the district will increase by nearly 25-30 percent. We are all aware of the dramatic spike in demand for homes in our region, and this has translated into higher home values for all of our residents. The average taxpayer may think that when values increase by 25-30 percent, taxes will increase by the same amount, but that’s not how Ohio law works. As taxable values increase, Ohio House Bill 920, which was passed back in 1976, dictates that tax rates decrease by an amount that will keep aggregate voted tax collections on existing properties the same year over year. So as values are forecasted to increase by 25-30 percent for existing homes, tax rates for voted levies will be reduced by law so that aggregate tax collections for the district remain the same each year. This also means that the district’s debt service tax rates will decrease, because the increased values allow a lower tax rate to generate enough tax proceeds to pay back district debt. The county auditor currently assesses 7 mills on existing properties to generate the proceeds to pay existing debt service, including annual principal and interest payments. Seven mills would equate to $7 annually in taxes for every $1,000 in taxable home value or, as most property owners would think about it, $245 anwww.pickeringtonmagazine.com
nually in taxes for every $100,000 of home market value, as estimated by the county auditor. If the levy passes, many might assume that the auditor would need to collect 9.8 mills – 7 mills to pay existing debt and 2.8 additional mills due to the new bond issue – but district values have grown by a substantial enough amount to actually allow the county auditor to decrease the millage needed to repay debt from a rate of 7 mills to 6.5 mills – a drop of one half of a mill. Even with the lower millage of 6.5 mills, the increase in district values will generate more than enough proceeds to pay district debt service. Assuming the bond issue passes, we will pass another resolution sometime after Nov. 8 instructing the county auditor to collect 6.5 mills to pay debt service. So, rather than the auditor collecting 9.8 mills for debt service, which would mean $343 annually in taxes for every $100,000 in home market value, the auditor will collect 6.5 mills for debt service, which would mean $227.50 annually
in taxes for every $100,000 in home value. That’s a reduction of nearly 34 percent. This will be the third time since November 2020 that the district has sought to approve a bond issue to address the rapidly increasing student population – growth that is straining the district’s ability to find adequate space to educate its students. The $89.93 million in bond proceeds would be used for the following facility needs: • A new junior high school on the property formerly known as the McGill property on Lockville Rd. • Renovating the building that is currently Ridgeview Junior High to turn it into a combined K-4 and 5-6 building like the Toll Gate facility. • Adding up to 24 additional classrooms at Pickerington High School Central and up to 18 additional classrooms onto Pickerington High School North. • Renovating Heritage Elementary School to become a preschool center, which will serve to cre-
ate space in existing elementary schools. • Other upgrades and improvements to classroom facilities across the district. The district is again working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). Because of this, if the bond issue passes and the district spends the $89.93 million for facility construction and improvements, the OFCC will approve a future Classroom Facilities Assistance Project, meaning the district will receive at least $74.4 million in future state funding. The district will use that funding to address future facility improvements at Tussing Elementary School, Diley Middle School, Harmon Middle School, Lakeview Junior High and Pickerington High School North. Given this exceptional opportunity to pass a bond issue that we believe won’t increase tax rates, combined with future funding of at least $74.4 million from the state of Ohio, the time to pass this bond issue to address our full or overcrowded buildings sure seems to be Nov. 8.
The learning continues even during the summer at Pickerington Schools! Our four-day Interest-Based Camps offered students the opportunity to sign up for hands-on learning about physics, forensic science, health and fitness, and more! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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By Tyler Kirkendall
Photo by Jeff Hall
faces
Pickerington Proud
New principals take the reins at Pickerington North and Central
P
ickerington’s high schools are under new leadership starting this school year, as new principals step up at both Pickerington North and Pickerington Central. Tom Lanier and Jim Campbell have both raised children in the district and are excited to represent the town they lovingly call home. Both take over with an eye on transitioning students and families back to a sense of normalcy after a challenging few years. Staying Central Tom Lanier, the new Central High School principal, is as passionate about Pickerington as anyone. He and his wife, Ann, chose to come to Pickerington almost 30 years ago for the great schools and community bond. The whole family has close ties to 16
Pickerington Local School District: Ann is a first grade teacher at Toll Gate Elementary, and all four of the Lanier children graduated from Pickerington schools. “When you’re living in Pickerington, you get all the amenities and benefits of the greater Columbus metropolitan area and it’s balanced with still kind of that small town, small community feel of being there for one another,” Lanier says. “I think that’s what makes Pickerington special. We come together and we’re there for each other.” Lanier is replacing Stacy Tennenbaum, who will become principal of Fairfield Elementary. Lanier was a lead assistant principal at Pickerington High School North and, for the last five years, has been the principal at Westerville Central High School.
His love for his community is reflected in a passion for building personal relationships with both students and staff in his district. “The challenge is, it’s a matter of time and effort to get to know people,” Lanier says. “It’s a very positive thing and exciting thing to get to know people, new people, and get to work with them in a different way and help them build the system that’s in place to be successful.” Lanier looks forward to rebuilding and fostering the sense of community that was hampered by the pandemic and resulting mix of online and in-person classes. Still, he credits his experience during the pandemic at Westerville for giving him valuable insights about meeting students’ unique needs and expectations. “Today’s students demand a little bit www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photo courtesy of Tom Lanier
Northbound Jim Campbell has a knack for connecting students with their passions. He put those abilities to use as principal of Pickerington Alternative School from 2018-22 Campbell hopes to connect students to career paths they are passionate about. and will do so now at Pickerington North. He plans to meet every student individually to help them however he can. field County Workforce Center, which connects students with He’s working to build up programs that assist students who apprenticeships that prepare students for the workface and choose not to attend a four-year university after high school count for credit toward a high school diploma. graduation. That’s a continuation of work he’s done with FairCampbell hopes to impress upon students the value that a degree from North holds and ensure that they receive an education that prepares them for future careers and a lifetime of learning. “I want them to be proud of being a Pickerington North student,” he says. “I think the best thing about high school is there can be a lot of opportunities for students to have school spirit and really be engaged in what it’s like to be a Pickerington student, and I want them to be proud of that.” Like Lanier, Campbell believes the COVID-19 pandemic taught him and other educators more about the foundational needs of their students. He emphasizes the need to listen to students and recognize their abilities to be active in their education and serve as leaders. “I know that, just in my short period of time meeting with some of our student leaders, there’s more that they can bring to the table that we need to allow to happen,” Campbell says. “There’s nothing more powerful than establishing the philosophy that everyone can be a leader and allowing those voices to be heard.” Campbell has two children in Pickerington schools and his wife, Kelly, is an English teacher at Lakeview Junior High. The family has called Pickerington home for more than two decades, and Campbell looks forward to continuing the high quality of education he’s come to know in the community. “When I first came to Pickerington, I saw the supports and the roles that the administration played in helping educators reach their potential,” he says. “I truly believe that that is still occurring today.” Campbell has a mantra he uses to help guide him as an educator: “What’s best for students, we make happen.”
Tom and Ann Lanier have called Pickerington home for almost 30 years. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Tyler Kirkendall is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. 17
Photo courtesy of Jim Campbell
different of a type of approach,” Lanier says. He emphasizes that the nearly 2,000 students enrolled in the district each come with their own needs. As principal of Central, he hopes to give kids the chance to focus on and pursue their passions. “If you want to be in this job, you’ve got to have a growth mindset and know that you have a chance to make a difference in somebody’s life,” Lanier says. “That’s why I love what I’m doing. That’s why I’m excited to get up and go to work each morning. I’ve got an opportunity to make things better.”
Forever a Role Model
By Claire Miller
P
aul Callahan was new to the bodybuilding industry when he met John Meadows for the first time. They were set up next to each other at a fitness store event, representing their respective brands: Callahan’s Bullfrog Nutrition and Meadows’ Granite Supplements. At the start of that 2016 event, Callahan had no idea who Meadows was, but most people there did. In fact, Meadows’ presence was used to promote the event; he was even scheduled to sign autographs. Within the previous year, Callahan had begun his journey as a small business in the competitive fitness space. Meadows was a popular figure in the bodybuilding world whose popularity had only grown around that time. Between Granite Supplements, his YouTube channel, Mountain Dog Diet website and his achievement of earning an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness Pro Card, he was a beloved figure among followers of the discipline. 18
“I just went over and said hi and talked to him about my brand and the ethics and morals in the brand and how I want to be different,” Callahan says. “He knew what type of personality and what type of people he wanted to surround himself with and I think he was very diligent about that. I think he was very precise about it and lucky for me, I seemed to fit that mold for some reason.” The two hit it off and started training together a few weeks later, a habit that continued up until Meadows’ passing last year. He died unexpectedly at the age of 49 on Aug. 8, 2021, leaving behind his wife Mary, twin sons Jonathan and Alexander, and fitness fans across the world who admired him. Lasting Legacy It took Meadows until the age of 43 to accomplish the personal goal he set for himself at the age of 13 – winning a professional competition and earning his Pro Card. In a 2015 interview after his NPC Team Universe win, Meadows said this ac-
Paul Callahan (left) trains while coach, mentor and friend John Meadows (center) looks on.
complishment was especially meaningful to him because he earned it despite numerous setbacks. “I sat in my hotel room today and I was trying to count up how many times I’ve attempted to win a pro qualifier and I think I’m around 16 or 17 attempts,” he says in the 2015 interview. In 1985, he competed in his first show. By 1998, he reached the national stage after methodically working his way up the ranks, refusing to move on from local shows until he won one, not going beyond state-level shows until he took the top spot, and so on. It was a hobby, he says, and he trained after work and competed on weekends when he could. In 2005, Meadows had his entire colon removed due to a rare disease, and underwent six subsequent surgeries. Yet he continued training, competing and coaching. He started making YouTube videos under the handle mountaindog1 around 2010, demonstrating a variety of lifting exercises and workouts. Later on, he filmed videos such as a “Best Gyms in America” series, which Callahan joined him in. He went on to reach 648,000 subscribers and www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Paul Callahan
Late professional bodybuilder leaves mark on friend, community
Meadows, according to Callahan, was quite different than others in the industry. Callahan says Meadows was a family man who always put family and his community first. He was a role model for Callahan, both inside and outside of the industry. Meadows was not only a business partner and mentor to Callahan, but a second father figure as well. Callahan says the biggest adjustment during the first year without Meadows has been not being able to pick up the phone and get guidance from someone who not only understands the industry, but the life he’s trying to lead as well. “I was lucky to have someone that fit that mold for me, (someone) that was in the same industry that was doing the same things,” Callahan says. “The shoes have not been filled and probably won’t ever be filled.” Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com. John Meadows (left) smiles with Paul Callahan and his son James.
106 million views on his videos. His most popular video has 2 million views. He was also known for his coaching and mentorship of fellow bodybuilders, some even to the prestigious Olympia level, which Callahan says Meadows enjoyed and held to higher esteem than his own career accomplishments. “He played team sports his whole life and then he coached football for his boys, so I think he had a different outlook on it than most people in the industry,” Callahan says. “He viewed it as a team and as a community. He actually really liked being a coach more than he liked competing.” More Than Business For Callahan, his journey into the fitness industry began with a need to leave his 70-hour work week after the birth of his now 7-year-old son James. He wanted to ensure he’d be able to spend as much time as possible with James, and could establish something to pass down to him in the future. After creating Abiotic Factors, a preworkout and fat burner product, Callahan went into business with Gabriella Mickel. Together, the two opened a supplement store – Bullfrog Nutrition – in Mickel’s hometown of Toledo in 2017. The pair opened their second store in Worthington in 2018, and most recently opened in Callahan’s hometown of Pickerington in September 2021. They carried and continue to carry Meadows’ brand, Granite Supplements, in their stores. “The connections and the business relationship have been the most enjoyable part of this whole journey,” Callahan says. “The fitness industry is really unique. It’s hard to set yourself apart, you have to figure out what makes you different than other people.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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in focus
Shutterbugs Margaret Raven
Our annual look at Pickerington through the lenses of its residents
Michele Faith
Kay Roeder
Teresa Marsh 20
Paul Caravano www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Laurence London
Patrice Bader Kim Luebke
John Marsh www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Kelly Koesters 21
Opportunity Barks Pickerington North graduate hopes to inspire students with her path to veterinary medicine
W
hen Liane Davila-Martin was the first Latina student to receive a Distinguished Academic Scholar award at Pickerington North, it was a bittersweet success. “I was very proud of it at the moment,” she says. “But at the same time, that (made me) question, ‘Are they motivating Latino and minority students to go to college and do well?’” Since graduating, Davila-Martin has become a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and she hopes her From livestock farm visits to pets in the clinic, Davila-Martin loves working with all animals.
75 Years of Quality Collision Repairs by People You Know
601 Commerce Drive Pickerington, Ohio 43147 614-837-0902 Monday-Friday 7am-6pm 22
story will inspire other Latino and minority students in Pickerington to make the most of their education and seek out opportunities in whatever career paths they’re interested in. According to job search website Zippia, less than 5 percent of veterinarians are Hispanic or Latino. Davila-Martin says those students face unique challenges, often starting in the classroom, but seeing others find success can help even the playing field. Davila-Martin moved from Puerto Rico to Pickerington when she was 15. Though she completed book reports, presentations and writing assignments just like any other student in Pickerington, she says people still doubted her understanding of English because of her accent. “The counselor wanted to put me in English as a second language, and my mom told her, ‘Just give her a chance,’ and I got the highest grade in my class,” she says. “I came from Puerto Rico with straight As in honors classes.” Despite her clear academic success, Davila-Martin still had to fight to carve her own path. She connected with teachers who believed in her and says that she’s www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Liane Davila-Martin
By Tyler Kirkendall
first time drawing blood from an animal came while working unpaid for a zoo studying sea turtles on the Puerto Rican coast. She got the job only because she reached out to them through email and asked for a chance. “I found a lot of people that doubted me because I wasn’t good at (math) or didn’t get straight As, but look at me now,” she says. “You have to forge your own path.” Tyler Kirkendall is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Less than 5 percent of veterinarians are Latino.
still in contact with some of those mentors from Pickerington North today. “I had great opportunities at Pickerington North,” Davila-Martin says. “I really loved my two years there and I kind of wish we had moved here a little earlier.” Davila-Martin’s involvement with the Latino community in central Ohio has helped her recognize that many others experienced the same challenges in finding their way through high school and into college. She says that the only expectation of her in high school was to graduate, and she hopes to inspire hardworking students from similar backgrounds to reach for and achieve their academic and professional goals and embrace opportunities. Pickerington North’s new principal, Jim Campbell, is motivated to help students like Davila-Martin find their way through attentive teachers and staff that emphasize opportunities and setting high and achievable goals for students. “One of the things I’ve been working on in the past two years is establishing more career pathways for students,” he says. Davila-Martin continued to pursue her own career goals after graduating, and she earned a Master of Science in public health from The Ohio State University. Davila-Martin is now a practicing mixed animal veterinarian at North Side Animal Clinic in Bellefontaine, where she enjoys working with all kinds of animals, from cats and dogs to pigs and cows. The road to her career success hasn’t been easy, however, and she had to work proactively to earn opportunities. Her www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
One of the most beautiful things about theater is that it is by nature collaborative. The words on the page, the set, the costumers, the actors all work together to create something beyond the individual components. In the 20 years that I’ve been working in Columbus, I’ve seen it grow to a city where artists are inspired and supported by artists outside of their own craft. I’m Philip Hickman. Theater is my art and there’s no place I’d rather make it. Hickman and Actors’ Theatre of Columbus are back at Schiller Park this summer. Find dates and more at ColumbusMakesArt.com.
Photo: Chris Casella | Design: Formation Studio
Davila-Martin has a Master of Science in public health from OSU.
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on the table
By Andrea Paolucci
Summer Sweets Homemade recipe for furry friends
W
ith summer comes lots of playtime for pets, so it’s a great opportunity to treat your furry friends to a special treat. This recipe, provided by Pickerington’s PetPeople, is for a pumpkin spice puppuccino, a delicious and pet-friendly healthy snack inspired by Starbucks’ whipped cream treat for dogs. The puppuccino names comes from the cappuccino cup it’s served in – you won’t find any cow milk in this pup cup though! The pumpkin spice puppuccino includes butternut squash and goat milk, which are both beneficial for canine health. Butternut squash is a particularly nutritious food for dogs. It is loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as minerals that help improve strength and digestion. Goat milk is similarly full of vitamins and minerals. While whipped cream is generally safe in small quantities for dogs, some can have trouble digesting it. Goat milk is more easily digestible than cow milk, meaning it’s not only great for overall health but perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Both the butternut squash and goat milk can be found at PetPeople, located at 1023 Hill Rd. N. With only three ingredients and two steps, this recipe can be made for your pup in less than half an hour! Andrea Paolucci is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RECIPE Pumpkin Spice Puppuccino
Photos courtesy of Claire Miller
Ingredients • ½ cup Primal pumpkin spice goat milk • 2 dollops Primal butternut squash frozen topper or similar puree • Optional toppings: sugar free whipped cream or crushed freeze-dried treats for sprinkles Directions • Stir ingredients together until fully combined • Add optional toppings to mixture • Enjoy! 24
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
2022 Parade of Homes
Photo courtesy of Trinity Homes
Showcasing homes across central Ohio
By Megan Roth
S
ince 1952, the Building Industry Association has brought homebuyers and builders together through its Parade of Homes. As the largest showcase of new homes in central Ohio, the Parade showcases more than 50 new builds each year. In previous years, the builds have been centered on one street in a single community. However, in 2021, the Parade underwent a vast expansion to showcase homes throughout the greater Columbus area. Now, each edition of the Parade in-
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cludes homes in four quadrants of central Ohio: northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. Within the quadrants, homes are spread across multiple communities as well. The Parade includes three categories highlighting different aspects of homebuilding considerations: new builds, featured communities and dream homes. The new builds showcase state-of-the-art homes across a range of price points, the featured communities help to imagine a life within the comforts of that community and the dream homes spark the
imagination of all that a home can be. Additionally, featured homes have a range of prices, sizes and styles that a potential buyer might consider. Pickerington residents have easy access to homes in the Parade’s southeast quadrant. One build by Trinity Homes showcases a home located in the Reserve at Pickerington Ponds, just southeast of Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. The home features four bedrooms, a three-car garage and, uniquely, second-floor laundry. To get specifics on the homes featured, visit www.biaparade.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
The BIA Parade of Homes begins Sept. 15 and runs Thursday to Sunday through Oct. 2. Map out your day, explore the area and build your dream home! CityScene Media Group, publisher of Pickerington Magazine, partnered with the BIA to create the Official Event Guide for the Parade. Guides are distributed at Parade homes and a digital edition with all tour home addresses can be accessed free at www.cityscenecolumbus.com.
D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R
weekendscene
Megan Roth is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mroth@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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Top homes sold in Pickerington All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.
11876 Pickerington Rd. NW 3 bed 3 bath $2,055,307 Sold on 6/15/22
103 Carr Ct. 4 beds 3.5 baths $500,000 Sold on 5/10/22
776 Wharncliff Loop 4 beds 3.5 baths $650,000 Sold on 5/19/22
973 Gray Dr. 4 beds 2.5 baths $500,000 Sold on 5/11/22
286 Blue Jacket Cir. 4 beds 3 baths $545,500 Sold on 5/4/22
512 Banbridge Ct. 4 beds 3.5 baths $497,400 Sold on 5/17/22
222 Cornstalk St. 4 beds 3.5 baths $540,000 Sold on 5/9/22
628 Exeter St. 4 beds 2.5 baths $475,700 Sold on 5/31/22
157 Fox Glen Dr. West 4 beds 2.5 baths $525,000 Sold on 6/15/22
160 Willow Run Dr. 4 beds 2.5 baths $457,000 Sold on 5/20/22
598 Preston Trails Dr. 4 beds 3 baths $507,000 Sold on 5/3/22
784 Wharncliff Loop 4 beds 2.5 baths $457,000 Sold on 6/6/22
“The only reason we would give Sam 5 stars would be because we can’t give him more.”
#1 433
Selling Real Estate Team & Realtor In- Central Ohio 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021!
Transactions Closed in 2021
614-561-3201
Sam.Cooper@Herrealtors.com
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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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
what’s your style?
Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com
Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com
7512 Creekbend Dr Impressive two-story home with big backyard, covered front porch, vaulted two story entry, formal living and dining room, 1st floor home office, kitchen with custom cabinetry, island, great room with fireplace, vaulted owners suite with walk in closet and remodeled shower, double sink vanity, wood trim and hardwood doors throughout, finished lower level rec room. Sold for $371,000.
179 Leasure Dr Outstanding two story home on large lot, 1st flr owners bdrm w/ remodeled shower, soaking tub, walk in closet, great room with fireplace, formal dining room w/ butlers nook, 1st floor home office, big kitchen with island and double oven, 1st floor laundry, partial finished basement with theater room, 2.5 car garage, fenced in yard with deck. Sold for $505,000. Highest ever sold in neighborhood.
SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS/HOWARD HANNA
SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS/HOWARD HANNA
Real Estate Section Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Pickerington school district. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Pickerington Magazine home page: www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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bookmarks
Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Community Engagement Manager at the Pickerington Public Library
Bookmarks – Vibrant Seniors! Left on Tenth
by Delia Ephron On my personal reading list, the bestselling, beloved writer of romantic comedies such as You’ve Got Mail tells her own late-in-life love story, complete with a tragic second act and joyous resolution. Delia Ephron enchants as she seesaws us between tears and laughter, navigating the suicidal lows of enduring cutting-edge treatment and the giddy highs of a second chance at love. With Peter and her close girlfriends by her side – and with startling clarity, warmth and honesty about facing death – Ephron invites us to join her team of warriors and become believers ourselves.
Start your own grandparent/grandchild book club! Read the same book and pick a regular time to discuss – whether that’s by phone, video chat or in person. Great read aloud book choices for ages 4-10: How To Catch (Series)
by Adam Wallace Who will you catch first? Filled with zany STEM traps, exciting adventures, hilarity and fun-filled chaos, these stories for kids are excellent choices for bedtime or read alouds. Just five-minute reads, the stories encourage reading, learning and imagination.
Run, Rose, Run
by Dolly Parton and James Patterson From two great storytellers comes a thriller about a young singer-songwriter, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story, and she’s singing about the hard life behind her. Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her – and destroy her.
Classic chapter books that stand the test of time: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (or any of his other books!)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Black Cake
by Charmaine Wilkerson In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a traditional Caribbean black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history and fulfill her final request to share the black cake when the time is right?
New temporary hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org Main – 201 Opportunity Way | 614-837-4104 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 30
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Peter Pan
by J.M. Barrie
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Sycamore Plaza – 7861 Refugee Rd. | 614-837-4383 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Breast cancer isn’t always obvious. The place to find it is. That’s why it’s important to get your yearly mammogram. Our conveniently located Mount Carmel Women’s Health Centers are dedicated to providing you with diagnostic testing and comprehensive services such as 3D mammography. And with our dedicated team of breast health specialists, you can get your mammogram in comfort and with confidence. So don’t delay. Schedule yours today. Call 614-234-7400 or visit mountcarmelhealth.com.
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