Pickerington Magazine December/January 2023-2024

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

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

C Pickeity of ringto Par

n

ks a nd R ec D 2023 epartm reation ent Fall Prog /2024 W ram i Guid nter e Insid e

Hanging Up the Hose

Kenn Taylor and Jim Paxton retire after decades of service

INSIDE Gift Guide Post Office History North Orchestra Nationally Recognized

WE PROMISE Unrivaled Care Lamont Clay, MD, Emergency Medicine

With expanded services and the region’s most patient-centered technology, we’re changing what it’s like to receive healthcare. And it’s only in Pickerington.

PICKERINGTON METHODIST HOSPITAL © OhioHealth Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. FY24-670502-PMH. 10/23.

pickerington magazine

volume 16, number 2 december 2023/january 2024

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

President/CEO

Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Jamie Armistead

Vice President, Operations

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman

Creative Director

Rachel Karas Tyler Kirkendall

Editors

Maisie Fitzmaurice

Assistant Editor

Ainsley Allen Jane Dimel Ava Huelskamp Mike Maynard

Editorial Assistants

Amanda DePerro

Contributing Editor

Megan Brokamp

Contributing Writer

4

Aaron Gilliam

Social Media Coordinator

Laura Pappas

Advertising Sales

Circulation

614-572-1240

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine, Dublin Life Magazine, Westerville Magazine, Healthy New Albany Magazine, Tri-Village Magazine, Discover Grove City Magazine

On the cover: Courtesy of Jim Paxton 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 tkirkendall@ 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. © 2023

Holiday Gift Guide

18

Community Calendar

6 News and Information from the City of Pickerington 8 News and Information from Violet Township 11 News and Information from Pickerington City Schools

faces Fire Department’s Founding Fathers 16 then and now Postal Progress 18 in focus Holiday Gift Guide 12

21 Pickerington’s Journey by the North Star

student spotlight Santa Drives a Fire Truck 28 on the table The Family Pantry 24

30 Top Homes Sold in Pickerington 31 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 32 bookmarks 33 program guide Parks and Recreation Department

2023 Fall/204 Winter Program Guide

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

pickerington community calendar december 2023/january 2024 Through Dec. 15 Santa’s Mailbox

Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us Children can write a letter to Santa and his helpers then drop it off at the North Pole Express mailbox in front of City Hall. Kids can include their names and return addresses for a response from Santa.

Nov. 23-Dec. 25 Festival of Lights

Courtesy of City of Pickerington

Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster www.visitfairfieldcounty.org This season’s Festival of Lights is open through Christmas and has plenty to offer including visits from Santa, kettle corn, desserts and a concession stand.

Dec. 1 Holiday Gathering

5-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village www.visitfairfieldcounty.org This family-friendly event features treats, activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday stories, live reindeer, visits from Santa and more. Bask in the holiday spirit and enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Also, visit the holiday gift market to see more than 30 different farmers’ market and gift vendors at the Combustion Brewery & Taproom.

Dec. 1-10 Pickerington Community Theatre presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)

Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Wigwam Event Center, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. N.W. www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org Pickerington Community Theatre presents a comedy of classic Christmas stories involving Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and other seasonal characters in a fast, furious and irreverent twist to kick off the holiday season with a laugh.

Dec. 2 Santa Saturday (Pickerington Main Library)

1-3 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Get into the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa and craft-making at Pickerington Main Library’s annual Santa Saturday event!

Dec. 2 Winter Discovery Hike

1 p.m., Mambourg Park, 5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. N.E., Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org Take a hike on Hickory Trail before exploring the Mambourg Nature Center.

Dec. 7

Save the date(s)!

Singers Wanted

Pickerington Community Chorus is looking for members, no auditions required. The chorus is preparing for its spring concert in April with meetings every Tuesday 7-8:30 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, starting Feb. 6. Check Facebook for updates or contact Cherie Stahlman-Knapp at stahlman@insight.rr.com.

Dec. 7-8 Pickerington High School North Theater presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears Fairytale Mystery Theatre

PSHN Performing Arts Center, 7800 Refugee Rd. www.pickerington.k12.oh.us North theater presents the classic fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears adapted into various forms of media.

Dec. 10 Off-trail Winter Hike

10 a.m., Coyote Run Farm, 9270 Pickerington Rd. www.fairfieldcountyparks.org A rare opportunity to explore a private nature preserve on a twomile hike! Reservations required.

Dec. 14 Pickerington Village Shop Hop

4-8 p.m., Columbus Street, Church Street and Olde Pickerington Village www.pickeringtonvillage.com Every second Thursday of the month, enjoy the walk around Olde Pickerington Village and visit your favorite shops.

Teen Studio: Crafternoon

3-4 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Visit the library for a relaxing afternoon of easy crafts.

Would you like to submit an event for our calendar?

Send details and photos to tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

4

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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

Dec. 16

Jan. 10-May 8

Jan. 16

Live at Combustion – Sparky Hartfield

PPL Chess Club

PPL Book Club

7-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery and Taproom, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington www.combustionbrewing.com/ pickerington Visit Combustion Brewery and Taproom for the classic rock, pop and soul covers of Sparky Hartfield.

Dec. 20 Live Music with Bob Rizzo

6:30-9:30 p.m., Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern, 7897 Refugee Rd. www.cardospizzaandtavern.com Eat some pizza with friends while enjoying the live acoustic performance of Bob Rizzo.

Dec. 18-Jan. 1

Winter Break – No School

Pickerington Local School District www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Dec. 27-Jan. 31 Wednesday Watercolor

3-5 p.m., Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster www.decartsohio.org Register for a six-week session course at the Decorative Arts Center to learn how to improve your watercolor skills.

Wednesdays 5-7 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Join Myron Thomas from The Chess Enterprise every Wednesday evening for a 30-minute chess instructional followed by 90 minutes of informal play. Chess sets and scoresheets provided. This program is geared toward teens, but all are welcome.

Jan. 8 6th Annual Winter Hike

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Smeck Park, 7395 Basil Rd., Baltimore www.fairfieldcountyparks.org Don’t hibernate, get outside! Walk the Paw Paw and Walnut Creek trails then warm up with hot refreshments including roasted potatoes with toppings!

Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

7-9 p.m., Pickerington Main Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The Pickerington Public Library’s longestrunning and largest book club.

Jan. 23 Violet Township Women’s League Meeting

6:15 p.m., American Legion, 7725 Refugee Rd. www.vtwl.org Meet for social time, a brief business meeting, a fun and informative program, and a community service collection or project.

Guests are welcome!

Jan. 28 Winter Tree ID Hike

1 p.m., Mambourg Park www.fairfieldcountyparks.org Learn how to identify trees without leaves during a 1.5-mile hike.

Pickerington Local School District www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Dec. 29 Live at Combustion - Steve Brown 7-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery and Taproom, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington www.combustionbrewing.com/ pickerington A seasoned north central Ohio solo performer of over 30 years, Steve Brown brings a night of diverse music ranging from jazz, blues, oldies rock and roll, and ’60s-’80s pop with his vocals and keyboard.

Dec. 30 Breakfast & Birding

8 a.m., Mambourg Park www.fairfieldcountyparks.org Use the wildlife observation area inside Mambourg Nature Center and enjoy morning refreshments, then set on the trails to search for more birds.

Jan. 2 Staff Work Day – No School Pickerington Local Schools www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Jan. 3 Classes Resume

Pickerington Local Schools www.pickerington.k12.oh.us www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

6th Annual WINTER HIKE

at Smeck Park

After a 2.5-mile hike, warm up with roasted potatoes! fairfieldcountyparks.org/events | 614 321-4833

5

INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

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

Top 10 Safest Cities in Ohio

The City of Pickerington is one of the 10 safest cities in Ohio and the only city in Central Ohio that made a list compiled by LendEDU. LendEDU ranked the safest cities in each state, mostly with a population of at least 5,000 and Pickerington came in at #10 in the Buckeye State.

“Using licensed data, we gathered the total crime risk score for every single town in the country. This score represents the combined risk of rape, murder, assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft compared to the national average of 100. Cities that made the top of their state’s list had the highest negative difference from the national average; a higher negative difference meant a lower crime risk score, which meant a safer town.”

To learn more about the rankings you can visit: https://lendedu.com/blog/ safest-cities-state/#tab-con-36

Most Livable A new list also ranked Pickerington as one of the most livable cities in America and a great place for first-time homebuyers.

Today’s Homeowner came up with its list by quantifying four things in 580 suburbs across the country: home affordability; the number of homes on the market; job opportunities; and “livability,” which includes entertainment and restaurant opportunities. Pickerington fared especially well, #4 in the nation, on livability. And number seven for those looking to purchase their first home.

“Pickerington offers a great quality of life and proximity to Columbus, all without breaking the bank … Pickerington’s charming community features excellent schools, and a proximity to both the bustling city of Columbus and the serene beauty of nature, offering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.” – Today’s Homeowner

6

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Pickerington Rated Aa1

Auditor’s Award

Moody’s Investors Services recently notified the City of an upgrade to its bond ratings to Aa1 from Aa2.

The Aa1 bond rating is the highest amongst all governmental entities within Fairfield County, Ohio and reflects the successful management of Pickerington’s resources and the overall health of the city.

According to Moody’s, “The upgrade of the city’s issuer rating to Aa1 reflects its positive economic, tax base, and demographic trajectory driven by its inclusion within the expanding Columbus (Aaa stable) metropolitan area. Additionally factored are the city’s very strong available governmental and business-type enterprise fund balance and liquidity

The City of Pickerington recently received the Ohio Auditor of State’s Award for Distinction for our 2022 audit. Only 4% of audits annually receive this award and the City has received it 15 consecutive times since 2008.

It’s a testament to our Finance Team and the great work they do every day!

and moderate long-term leverage with limited additional borrowing plans.”

The strong credit ratings allow the City of Pickerington to issue bonds at relatively lower interest rates. These ratings will help ensure lower borrowing costs so maximum dollars are invested in the vital projects across the city.

“It’s outstanding. This is just another acknowledgement of the exceptional work done by our finance department and the entire staff and leadership of the City of Pickerington.

Moody’s is an outside agency and rates communities all over the country and so to have this upgrade just reinforces what we’ve known all along - Pickerington is a shining star,” said Mayor Lee Gray.

Mitten Tree

Top left: Deputy Finance Director Scott Stornes, Top right: Finance Director Chris Schornack, Front: Finance Specialist Araceli Embrey

Upcoming events Santa’s Mailbox November 22-December 15 Pickerington City Hall 100 Lockville Road Holiday Gathering & Tree Lighting December 1 5-8 p.m.

Olde Pickerington Village Breakfast with Santa December 2 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 11:00 a.m.

Pickerington Senior Center Price: $10 (1 & under Free) Tickets available at www.pickerington.net The 33rd annual Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree will be at City Hall December 1-15. Drop off your new or gently used mittens, gloves, hats and scarves and they will be donated to Fairfield Tickets will not be sold at the event.

County Job and Family Services and then distributed to children and families in need.

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 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

For more information on these events, visit www.pickerington.net Finance Services............................ 837-3974 Human Resources.......................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division......................... 837-4116 Mayor’s Office Mayor Lee A. Gray.......................... 837-3974 Mayor’s Court................................. 837-3974 Parks and Recreation...................... 833-2211 Police Services............................... 575-6911

Service Department Streets........................................... 833-2292 Utility Billing.................................... 833-2289 Utility Maintenance......................... 833-2292 Water Plant.................................... 833-2290 Waste Water Plant.......................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.......................... 837-6470

7

News and Information From

Violet Township Winter Bird Feeding

By: Lauren Vires, Wildlife & Education Specialist at Fairfield SWCD The winter season brings with it many challenges for our local bird populations.

Cold temperatures, decreased food availability, and finding appropriate shelter from the elements. While many species fly south for the winter because of these challenges, there are many other species that tough it out right here in

Ohio. For these overwintering species, we can play a part in their survival by providing a bird feeder. Bird feeders not only act as a reliable food source, but they can also be a lot of fun to watch!

One thing you’ll notice while birdwatching is that some birds prefer one kind of feeder style or food type over

Get your picture taken with Santa at the Wigwam!

Sunday, December 10th from 11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. This event is free.

The Wigwam Event Center and Pickerington Community Theatre (PCT) will be hosting a picture day with SANTA. Get your picture taken and then stay for the PCT Christmas show “Every Christmas Story Ever Told and More” starting at 2:00p.m. on December 10th.

Bring your own camera/ phone for pictures

8

Hairy Woodpecker on suet feeder

another. This can be due to adaptations such as the shape of their beak or feet, their natural diet, or their behavior. Here are a few options you can choose from when making your bird feeder selection.

Tube feeders, just as it sounds, have a refillable tube that is made for holding seed. Along the tube are multiple access points with a little perch for the bird to comfortably sit on. Seed options to consider are black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, milo, or a mixed bag with a little bit of everything. These seeds are a favorite meal of many different bird species such as the northern cardinal, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, finches, sparrows, grosbeaks and many more! Many of these birds, like the northern cardinal, have cone shaped beaks perfectly built for cracking open those seeds.

Suet feeders are small wire cages that hold a suet cake. Suet cakes are made up of animal fat mixed with numerous combinations of nuts, seeds, grains and sometimes fruit. These are favorites of our woodpeckers like the hairy, downy, red-bellied, red-headed, and pileated woodpeckers. These birds www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Senior Reminders

Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse at tube feeder

have zygodactyl feet, meaning they have two toes in the front and two in the back, that allow for easy grip on the sides of trees and suet feeders.

Platform feeders provide a flat elevated surface that’s conducive to spreading out seed, peanuts (unsalted), mealworms and more. The open concept of this feeder allows all birds big and small to come to the table.

Blue jays and crows in particular love to snatch up the shelled peanuts and will aggressively prevent other birds from stealing their meal. Dried mealworms are a favorite of eastern bluebirds, as they forage for insects throughout the summer.

Some birds even prefer to simply forage on the ground, picking up leftovers from the feeder above. Mourning doves, American robins, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, and others.

If you are lucky enough, you might even spot the dark-eyed junco, a bird who migrates down to Ohio from Canada for the winter.

For a more comprehensive list of feeder food options and the species that enjoy each variety, check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project Feederwatch Common Feeder Birds bird list at feederwatch.org/learn/ common-feeder-birds.

If you enjoy monitoring your bird feeders all winter long, consider becoming a citizen scientist and participating in Project Feederwatch through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants’ recorded data will contribute to conservation of these bird species. For more information, check out their homepage at www.feederwatch.org www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

T at the BREAKFAS er with Senior Cent SANTA, ec. 1st.

Saturday, D ur tickets Purchase yo & Rec at the Parks City of at the Department .

Pickerington ays!

Happy Holid

Get your Membership to the Senior Center - $15.00 for Pickerington/Violet Township residents, and $20.00 non-residents.

HOW IS VIOLET TOWNSHIP PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER?  A new salt barn was purchased for Violet Township Road Department. It can hold up to 1500 TONS OF SALT.

 Snow plow trucks are being maintained and ready for the upcoming winter.  Violet township road crew manages and plows the 112 lane miles throughout the Township.

WINTER WEATHER IN VIOLET TOWNSHIP Winter weather is just around the corner and we are preparing for the winter season. Once the snow plows hit the neighborhoods we would like to ask the residents to do a few things to help us out:  Since snow is pushed to the side of the road by the plow, residents are asked to remove parked vehicles from the streets during snow events to avoid being plowed in.  We do have a priority we assign when it comes to the order in which we plow roads. First priority is given to the main roads followed by secondary roads and culde-sacs.  If a mailbox was damaged by contact with a Township snow plow, it will be repaired or replaced. If damage was caused by snow or ice hitting the mailbox, or due to deteriorated materials, repairs or replacement is the responsibility of the resident. Residents are encouraged to make sure their mailboxes can withstand heavy snow thrown by passing plow trucks.  Snow plowed to the curbs will often block driveways.

Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided and your understanding is greatly appreciated.

9

From the Fire Department

I

hope your holiday season was filled with family and fun! I want to again thank our community for your support of our Annual Toy Drive. As always, you came through to help us provide Christmas for those in need within our community and the Pickerington Local School District. Your continued generosity never ceases to amaze me.

On January 28, 2024, two of our most senior members, Assistant Chief Jim Paxton and Battalion Chief Kenn Taylor, will retire. As Fire Chief, I speak on behalf of the Department in saying their knowledge and expertise will be missed and difficult to replace. Both men have over 35 years of service to the Department and the community.

Battalion Chief Taylor has been with the Department since beginning as an Explorer in his teen years. Other than a short time at Perry Township Fire

Annual Toy Drive

The Violet Township Annual Toy Drive will kick off November 24, 2023 and run through December 23, 2023. The Fire Department, along with IAFF Local 3558, will be collecting new, unwrapped toys as well as gift cards and monetary donations. All toys and donations will help provide Christmas gifts for those in need throughout our community. More details will follow as the event gets closer. You can follow the Violet Township Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive Facebook page for updates.

Each year is bigger than the last due to the generous support from our community. We truly appreciate all you do for this event every year!

10

Department, this has been his only full-time position. He served as the first full-time Fire Chief beginning in 1986.

The initial five man staff worked 40-hour positions until transitioning to a three platoon/unit staffing model soon after becoming full-time. As the community grew, he successfully added two more stations and the personnel to staff those stations to better serve Pickerington and Violet Township. In 2009, after 23 years as Fire Chief, he made the decision to step down and occupy one of the three, newly created Battalion Chief positions.

He has served in that capacity for the past 15 years.

Assistant Chief Paxton has been with the department since his teen years also beginning as an Explorer. He has spent his full-time fire career at Violet Township beginning in 1989. Chief Paxton steadily worked his way up the ladder from Firefighter/EMT-P to his present position. He, along with Chief Taylor and myself, became the first three people to occupy the Battalion Chief positions in 2009. Chief Paxton transformed our part-time program into what it is today. His vision has allowed the Department to utilize that program as the stepping stone to hiring our fulltime personnel. He also had a knack for designing emergency lighting for our vehicles. In 2014, he was selected to serve as the Assistant Fire Chief.

I would be remiss not to recognize both of these men. Each has played a significant part in my development over the years. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without their continued support. Enjoy retirement as it is well deserved for both of you!

Lastly, I would like to present some facts regarding the upcoming tax levy in March. Our last request was in 2014.

This request was intended to last five (5) years and we have been able to make it last for 10. This was due to judicious management of our funds. Since that levy in 2014, the department has built a new Station 591, renovated Station 592, added vehicles and personnel.

This new levy in March will allow the department to continue our growth for the future. Our run volumes increase each year anywhere from 1%-5%. Our Community Paramedic program has been quite successful, so much so, that a second Community Medic is

needed. Station 593, located behind the Ashley Furniture/Staples complex, needs to be re-located. This re-location will improve our response times and allow us to add an engine company. The added engine company will also require nine (9) additional personnel to staff it. We are already planning for a fourth station in 3-5 years that will be located in the Busey Road/Diley Road area of the township. This area of the township continues to grow with both commercial and residential construction. This will, again, require additional vehicles and personnel as well as improve our response times to this area. The additional funds will also be used to support our daily operations as our costs continue to increase.

Our mission is to exceed the community’s expectations. I hope we meet this goal each and every day. If you have any questions, please call us at 614-837-4123. You may also visit us at our headquarters, Station 592, located at 8700 Refugee Road. As always, we are your “Friends for Life.”

Chief Mike Little

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

News

Pickerington Academy: Pioneering Personalized and Flexible Education In the fast-evolving landscape of education, it’s crucial for institutions to adapt and offer students tailored learning experiences that meet their unique needs and ambitions. Embracing this principle, Pickerington Schools introduced the Pickerington Academy this school year.

The Pickerington Academy, designed for grades 7-12, employs a virtual flex model that adapts to each student’s unique needs and preferences. Students can choose in-person or online learning based on their individual strengths and goals.

The school also focuses on addressing students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. Enrollment is currently at its maximum of 150 students, with plans to expand to lower grade levels in the future.

Dr. Kara Jackson, the Executive Director of Academic Innovation and Instructional Technology, emphasizes, “We are continuously refining our personalized pathways for each student to maximize opportunities.”

The benefits of attending Pickerington Academy are diverse: Personalized Learning Plans: Developed in collaboration with students, parents, guardians, and community partners.

Pickerington Academy Science Teacher Tracy Chappelear helps student Mya Brooks with a lesson.

Online Course Content: Utilizing APEX Learning’s virtual curriculum for a wide range of online courses.

Flexible Scheduling: Students can create schedules that fit their lives.

Credit Recovery: Support for students to catch up on coursework and meet graduation requirements.

One-to-One and Small Group Instruction: Focused, engaging learning with dedicated teacher attention.

Goal Setting: Encouraging students to achieve academic and personal goals.

Workforce Development: Preparing students for future careers.

Career-Based Intervention: Career-focused learning to inform future choices.

Social Emotional Learning: Developing emotional intelligence is integral to the educational approach.

Mentorship: Each student has a mentor for guidance.

Partnerships with Families and Community Stakeholders: Emphasizing collaboration between home and school.

Extracurricular Activities: Students can participate in extracurricular activities while graduating from their home school.

In a rapidly changing world where each student is unique, Pickerington Academy stands as a beacon of innovation and adaptability. By prioritizing personalized pathways, flexible schedules, and a collaborative approach to education, the Pickerington Academy is shaping the future of learning. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

11

faces

By Tyler Kirkendall

Fire Department’s Founding Fathers Lifelong friends and firefighters retiring after decades of service

boys speedily pedaled their bikes in the wake of their respective dad’s car.

“Our whole lives we were made up with this, right?” Paxton says. “(Taylor) would travel as a child with his own fire coat and helmet and the sweeper hose to mimic a fire hose. When we played Emergency! it wasn’t just pretend. As kids, we transformed parents’ cars into a response vehicle with cut-out cardboard red lights. … That was just a way of life for us.”

Humble beginnings Taylor says he has a paper that he wrote in fourth grade Paxton and Taylor’s fathers were volunteer firefighters in the about how he wanted to be a fireman. Paxton aspired to be 1960s and every time they had to drive off to the station, the either a cowboy or fireman, but didn’t see many cowboys roll-

12

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Jim Paxton/Violet Township

E

Kenn Taylor and his father, Gary, at the department’s Labor Day Breakfast in 2012

very Saturday night in the mid ’70s, you could find Jim Paxton and Kenn Taylor glued to the television watching their heroes’ latest exploits in Emergency!

Inspired by their fathers and Johnny and Roy – the paramedic firefighting duo who starred in their favorite show – Taylor and Paxton dedicated their lives to serving their hometown.

The two are retiring in January after a combined 75 years served here – maybe even more depending on how you count it.

“This isn’t a job for everybody. Not everybody gets the chance to do this. But I feel like I owe something back every day that I come to work because it has been a privilege to be a firefighter. It’s been a privilege to work for this community.

I’ve tried to honor that every day.”

– Jim Paxton

Paxton and Taylor estimate this photo of them was taken in 1973, a year after Emergency! first premiered.

ing through Pickerington, so he chose the latter.

Paxton is five years younger than Taylor and grew up watching him find ways to help out at the station, which was as encouraging as it was enviable.

In the ’70s, the fire department was comprised entirely of volunteers, and there was not a dedicated dispatcher to man the radio when everyone was on a run. This was when the boys got their first taste of the action.

“Both of us had the opportunity, probably by the time we were in junior high school, to cover the radio while the trucks were out because there was nobody else,” Paxton says. “I’m not sure having a seventh-grade dispatcher is optimal, but it was better than nothing.”

Taylor was a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) before graduating high school in 1980, which likely made him the youngest EMT in Ohio. He sometimes had to leave school to go on emergency runs – which Paxton says everyone thought was cool – and joined the fire department right out of high school. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

At the time, the area’s population was growing beyond what the volunteer firefighters could handle, so they had to adapt. The department hired its five first full-time employees in 1986, and Taylor was chosen to lead the group.

“Early on in our lives, we both decided this was something we wanted to be a part of,” Paxton says. “So (Taylor) went on to become the first paid member of the fire department and the first full-time fire chief the department ever had at the whopping age of 22.”

He was the fire chief until 2009, when the department changed to a system with three battalion chiefs rotating every 24 hours.

“I demoted myself, I had been chief long enough and felt like the organization needed some change, so we created battalion chief positions and I took one of them,” Taylor says. “I was (Paxton’s) boss, then he became my boss. He promoted up to the assistant chief level.”

Kenn Taylor with his family 13

Hanging the hose up for good Taylor has a friend who worked in the postal service who retired the first day that he could. Taylor, however, says he can’t fathom not enjoying work every day.

“He was out as soon as he could get out, and there isn’t a day that I’m like, ‘Oh, crap, I gotta go to the Taylor at a training fire firehouse.’ No, I get up and I’m going to the firehouse toPaxton started as a day,” Taylor says. volunteer in 1987, earned With retirement fast apa full-time firefighter proaching, Taylor says they paramedic position in 1989 will miss making calls and and was made a lieutenant/ doing runs, but most of all company officer in 1996, they will miss sitting around the position he held until his the table, making jokes and 2009 promotion. “solving a lot of the world’s “The people that chose problems.” us to come work here, most These lifelong friends’ of them lived here, most of final day in the station is them grew up here,” Taylor the last Sunday in January. says. “So they wanted to be They are both grateful to be a part of this. And that alstepping away on their own lowed us as an organizaterms, knowing they put evtion to offer a high-quality, erything they had into their “It’s time for the next generation,” Paxton says. “We’ve been carrying out this customer-centered, focused dream for a long time. And we’re carrying out part of our fathers’ dreams, right? work and that the Violet service.”

Township Fire Department Because they both spent a lot of their life to make this place better.” is ready for whatever lies By the people, for the … There’s times where it’s like, ‘I’m your ahead. people friend for life right now; without me, “I think fire service in general is one Paxton and Taylor have had great in- you’re not alive.’” of the greatest jobs ever created. And for fluence over how the Violet Township Fire This philosophy carries over into the the opportunity to do it here has meant Department is run today. They heavily way the fire department always goes the more than I could ever explain. Doing this emphasize the daily process, never skip- extra mile when helping the community. at home in this community has been reping a beat when making sure that they “It was something that I pushed on ally, really special,” Paxton says. “For me can get out the door in an instant. them in the beginning and they thought it and him, we’ve lived our whole lifetime Taylor says the adrenaline rush of a was a gimmick, it was a phrase. But after childhood goal out, and I don’t know call can be one great motivator, and the a few years, it was like, ‘Why were you on many people get to do that. I walk away closeness of firefighters – both among that call so long?’ And they go, ‘Well I was here excited for the future of what the each other and with the community – is doing that friend for life stuff, chief. Mrs. place is going to be.” another.

Smith was having a bad day, I finished her “Most guys, (the pressure) causes laundry and I did this and that for her and Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene them to make better choices, right? It’s we finished shoveling a guy’s driveway,’” Media Group. Feedback welcome at all about serving the public,” Taylor says. Taylor says. tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

“Our motto became ‘friends for life.’ And The community’s faith and trust in that means a whole lot of different things. the fire department is not something the 14

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Jim Paxton/Violet Township

paramedics and firefighters take lightly.

Setting themselves aside and prioritizing community needs is paramount at the station.

“You have to take it humbly, if you look at our core values, one’s humility. Every day you can’t get caught up in the occupation and think you’re a hero,” Paxton says. “One of the big terms here is ‘the mission,’ right? Can you fulfill the mission? The mission might be reading library books to fifth graders today, and it might be fighting fires, and it might be 1,000 things in between. But we need you to be professional and humbly serve all of those components.”

Love Where You Live

G N I C N A N I F

FREE PAINT

E L B A L I A AV

Some restrictions apply, see project consultant for details

WE PAINT · Interiors · Exteriors · Cabinetry · Decks · Fences

BONUS OFFER

FREE

COLOR CONSULTANT WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER FOR QUALIFYING INTERIOR PROJECTS. PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING WITH ANY QUALIFYING EXTERIOR PAINT PROJECT FREE PAINT Some restrictions apply, see project consultant for details.

FREE ESTIMATES!

(614) 470-2890 • FiveStarPainting.com Independently owned and operated franchise.

2021 Business of the Year

Must present at time of estimate. Participating locations only. *On approval credit through Synchrony Financial. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

15

then and now

By Tyler Kirkendall

Postal Progress

The ever-changing home base of our local letter carriers

at the post office in 1950.

16

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo by Joyce Cleary

Historical photos courtesy of Pickerington - Violet Township Historical Society

I

f you haven’t yet sent out your holical postmaster. Mason passed away day cards, you may want to put this in 1940 and daughter Cleo took issue down – and of course, pick over as postmistress. it up again later – and get everything In 1967, the delivery hub in the mail. A rule of thumb is to mail moved up the road to 51 E. Columyour cards out in the first week of Debus St. to a building that has since cember if you want them to arrive bebecome home to the city’s buildfore the 25th. While rushing to mail ing department. On Sunday, Oct. out holiday cards and gifts, have you 1, 1967, the city hosted a parade ever stopped to think about what the through the village that ended with post in Pickerington was like decades a reception at the new office. ago?

In 1988, the post office moved The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has to its current location on Hill Road, had its home base all over Pickering- P.B. Mason’s Meat Market, 1921 where our faithful mail carriers have ton before landing on Hill Road. In the plenty of space to store their trucks 19th century, postmasters were influential figures – especially and shuttle your gifts and cards in and out this holiday season. in small towns – who were chosen by the USPS based on applications for location and personnel changes.

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group.

Between 1831 and 1934, 19 Pickerington citizens served Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com. as the local postmaster and operated out of their respective businesses. Pickerington’s postmasters ranged from Jesse Hager, a tavern owner/cobbler, to Erasmus Kraner, the store owner featured in last issue’s edition of “Then and Now.” The building at 21 E. Columbus St. was first constructed in 1914, and Phillip B. Mason, whose wife and daughter Cleo are pictured out front in 1921, utilized the building as a home and Mason’s Meat Market.

Benjamin Franklin was named the USPS’s first postmaster general in 1775, when mail was primarily transported on horseback before stagecoaches came into the picture towards the end of the century. The USPS first used an electric automobile to deliver letters in 1899 – yes, an electric car Pickerington’s current post office while under construction in 1988. in the 19th century – and immediately recognized the impact cars and trucks could have. By 1933 only 2 percent of urban deliveries were horse-drawn.

This happened just in time for Pickerington’s post office to move into 21 E. Columbus St., where USPS’s local operations ran from 19341967, after Mason Ray Richter, husband of postmistress Cleo Richter, was named the lo- 21 E. Columbus St. as it stands today.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

17

2023

Holiday Gift Guide Find the best gifts for your loved ones while supporting Pickerington’s local businesses this holiday season.

Combustion Brewery and Taproom Insulated DrinkTank Growler $80

Available in gray, orange, dark blue and coastal blue, these 64-ounce bottles are the perfect gift for beer lovers to keep their favorite beverages cold. The growlers are multi-purpose – they also store hot drinks. The best part about Combustion’s growlers? They keep cold drinks cold for 45 hours and hot drinks hot for 20 hours.

These growlers look great, too. Combustion designed an engraving to fully wrap around the bottle, depicting its logo and an up-close look at fermentation vessels used to brew beer.

Posh Teatime Co.

Le Milieu: Afternoon Tea2Go $49.95 Jump into a luxurious afternoon tea party that will make you feel like you’re in the U.K. – all from the comfort of your own home. Posh Teatime Co. specializes in curating carefully crafted teatime boxes available for pickup.

The box is chock-full of patisseries. Decadent scones, luxe cookies and chocolate truffles will melt in your mouth as you wash it down with tea brewed from luxury tea sachets. This box feeds three to four people, so invite a few friends over and be posh for the afternoon!

18

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Pickerington Community Theatre FLEX Season Pass $60 for students and seniors, $68 for adults

So many loved ones are hard to shop for, so give the gift of a local theater experience! Reserve seats now at the Wigwam Theater so you don’t miss out on the PCT’s displays of talent.

Productions included with the pass are The Foreigner, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, School of Rock – The Musical and Every Christmas Story Ever Told. You won’t want to miss this season of performing arts, drama and fun.

Porters Coffee House One Line Coffee Beans $26

Revel in a steamy cup of morning brew made from Colombian coffee beans produced by Juan Martin experimental farm. Porters carries a pink bourbon variety of beans, which are roasted at One Line Coffee and are perfect for caffeine connoisseurs.

This variety of beans has notes of nougat, lime blossom, starfruit and guanabana. Coffee lovers will enjoy the unique flavors in this brew and can share a warm beverage with a loved one during the cold winter months.

Feel Better For Life, Not Just An Hour Life is too short to be in pain.

Body Ache Escape specializes in getting and keeping you out of pain.

Buy $150 in Gift Cards, Get 10% off.

A Most Unique Shopping Experience

From 11/24–12/26

614-321-6441 18 E. Columbus Street Pickerington, OH 43147 HumbleCrateLLC@gmail.com humblecratellc.wixsite.com/mysite www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Scan to learn more about The Humble Crate, Artisan Marketplace – a quaint shop featuring 80 local artisans!

1501 Stonecreek Dr South, Suite 101

614-604-MELT(6358) BodyAcheEscape.com

19

The Humble Crate Holiday Wreath $50

Whether you’re looking for the perfect centerpiece for your mantle to complete your holiday setup or want to get a head start on next year’s decorating, this holiday wreath is for you.

While you’re at it, explore the rest of The Humble Crate’s holiday collection to flesh out your decorative spread for the holiday season. The shop offers unique pieces that you can’t find anywhere else.

Body Ache Escape Massage Center Ultrasonic Aroma Humidifier and Essential Oils Humidifier: $19.99 Lavender Oil: $12 Peppermint Oil: $9

Everyone needs to relax and recharge after the holiday season. Make it easier for your family and friends to do so by gifting them an aromatic humidifier and some wonderfully scented essential oils to go with it.

Lavender essential oil has proven relaxation benefits. Fill the humidifier with oil, turn it on and your house will smell like a spa within minutes. This gift is perfect for the exhausted mom or the overworked student to transform any room into a peaceful haven.

All about the arts!

Give the gift of a subscription to CityScene Magazine and read about what’s going on in the world of arts and entertainment around central Ohio.

Subscriptions are only $12 for the whole year!

20

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Courtesy of Jordan Koogler

Pickerington’s Journey by the North Star

North Orchestra traveling to prestigious national convention

By Mike Maynard

W

hen orchestra Director Jordan Koogler got the news that his group was accepted into the National String Teacher’s Association National Convention in Kentucky in March 2024, he could hardly believe it.

“My knee-jerk reaction when I first got the email that said we were in was like, ‘Is this a mistake? Did they send it to us for real? Is this supposed to go to somebody else?’ And then I confirmed it, then it was excitement. Now it’s a little bit of fear because we have to go do it,” Koogler says.

Hosted by the American String Teachers Association, the convention is a highly prestigious festival for orchestras across the country to be a part of. Top orchestras from across the country apply to perform at the convention.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

“The groups that I’ve seen get accepted are the nation’s top orchestras, and they’re performing high-level literature really well and doing it consistently. And selfishly, it’s been a career goal of mine to do that,” Koogler says.

Jordan Koogler eagerly awaited fifth grade, the first year he was able to buy a violin and begin playing. It would not be until high school that he began taking lessons. His instructor at this time, Mrs. Wulber, inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.

“She was somebody who always had energy and was always happy to help. And it always showed through that it didn’t matter your skill level or your situation, but if you wanted to work, she wanted to help you,” Koogler says.

After high school, he attended Otterbein University to pursue his passion for teaching and further develop his

skills in music. During his time there, he would combine the two pillars of his life into a career path. He tries to enact the same style of teaching that Mrs. Wulber impressed upon him when he was a student.

The festival is judged by eight pedagogies with extensive backgrounds in orchestra performance and composition.

The adjudicators listen to nine total songs performed by the Pickerington North Orchestra. This volume of songs is a significant increase from the typical workload students see over the course of a year.

Typically, it is two to three songs per semesterly performance. Koogler plans to use that to his advantage by splitting the music almost in half and progressively learning the music over the course of the year. Come March 2024, the orchestra will have a few months’ practice playing the competition pieces.

21

Pickerington High School North Orchestra, Lauren Spavelko and Jordan Koogler

The orchestra premiered the piece on Thursday, Oct. 5. The event saw the seventh through twelfth grade orchestra groups perform a plethora of pieces before closing out the night with the premier of Spavelko’s piece.

“I started (playing in orchestra) with a violin right here at Pickerington North,” Spavelko says.

Seventh through twelfth grade orchestras – a total of 167 kids – came together to play this piece. The piece was explorational, Spavelko aimed to capture the feeling of being at sea on a journey and meeting different obstacles along the way before eventually returning home.

At the performance, Koogler conveyed his gratitude for the hard work of his students, Spavelko’s time and effort, and the support of the parents. After premiering Spavelko’s piece, Koogler has high hopes for the convention in March 2024.

To support the orchestra in the costs for their trip to Kentucky feel free to donate to its fundraising site, h t t p s : / / g i v e b u t t e r. c o m / S4y7fO. Mike Maynard is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

22

Photos courtesy of Jordan Koogler

One of the pieces that Koogler’s orchestra is performing is a new piece written by local composer Lauren Spavelko. The title of the piece is called “Journey by the North Star.” According to her website, the piece is carefully crafted to be an exciting multilevel piece that is musically rich and pedagogically sound.

“The thoughtful balance of the North Star theme and contrasting themes keeps the piece accessible to young players, offers interest and challenge for older players, and re-contextualizes a simple idea with a broader array of harmonies, colors, and rhythms,” Spavelko says on her site.

Pickerington High School North Orchestra holiday photo www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Pickerington High School North Orchestra Disney trip

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

23

student spotlight

By Ainsley Allen

Photos courtesy of Violet Township Fire Department

Santa Drives a Fire Truck

The Violet Township Fire Department with students who came to the station as helper elves.

Violet Township Fire Department works f you were to walk into the Violet Town- to Christmas, when everyone on duty gets ship Fire Department any time during involved. with students and the holiday season, you might mistake “We always joke about needing elf the station for the North Pole, but with life- uniforms and getting vests and hats,” firecommunity to spread sized fire trucks. fighter/paramedic Thurman Rohrbaugh The Violet Township firefighters’ toy says. “We’ll have different people opening holiday cheer drive has been a tradition since 1986 and Amazon packages, sorting the toys and or-

I

is the reason for the fire station’s annual merry makeover. This annual event encourages community members to donate gifts and funds, ensuring that all children and teenagers in Pickerington have a present to unwrap on Christmas morning.

The fire department begins planning for the event in early October and it always becomes an all-hands-on-deck endeavor. Department members commit several days a week to the project throughout the holiday season until two weeks prior

24

ganizing the tables for pickup.”

While fire department members are key in planning and organizing the drive each year, it’s young people themselves who serve as main contributors to the drive: students from Pickerington Local School District.

“We partnered with the schools because it’s easiest to go where the people are that you want to help,” Rohrbaugh says. “The kids especially get into (the toy drive) because they’re helping their peers. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

They just want to do the right thing and it’s awesome to see.”

The fire department places big red boxes throughout the schools where students can drop off their toy donations.

Counselors from each of the schools collaborate with the department to identify families in need and distribute the gifts once the drive has ended.

“This is one of those things where it directly goes back into the school system,” Rohrbaugh says.

For Harmon Middle School, there is a special incentive for students to donate: a firefighter-versus-student dodgeball tournament. The class with the most toy drive donations gets to take on the Violet Township Fire Department in a playfully intense dodgeball battle.

“I have a pretty recognizable face because I keep a big mustache, so the kids know who I am,” Rohrbaugh says. “They usually get me out really quick and I spend most of my playing time in jail.”

To make it even easier to donate, the department also hosts a toy drive drivethru. The firefighters open one of the bays and cars can drive in and drop off their gifts.

Pickerington students explore the array of toys they donated with their peers.

“There’s also a little kid who hands us the gift out the window with the biggest smile,” Rohrbaugh says. “When their parents say that the kid picked it out themselves to help someone, it always pulls on your heartstrings.”

The entire Pickerington community gets into the holiday spirit. Multiple local businesses assist with generating funds for

the toy drive. Proceeds from Combustion Brewery’s Chili Cook Off and an auction at Squeek’s Bar and Grill directly benefit the toy drive.

The department uses these donations to buy gifts that are in high demand and haven’t yet been donated.

“We use the money to get whatever needs we still have,” Rohrbaugh says. “For

Pickerington 740.340.1375

Your Home Improvement and Repair Ally

Call or Book Online Today!

740.340.1375 AceHandymanServices.com

©2023 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Locally owned and operated. All Craftsman are W2 employees who are background checked, bonded, and insured. All our work is backed by a 1 Year Warranty.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

25

example, battery-operated headphones are a big thing, so if we realize we’re low on them, we’ll go and clear out Five Below or Best Buy. Once people realize what we’re doing, store managers will come over and offer a deal on the product or a recommendation on what brand is better quality.”

In 2022, the toy drive supplied an incredible 140 families with gifts for the holidays. Any gifts that don’t find a home are saved for the drive the following year.

“This toy drive is called the Violet Township Firefighters Toy Drive, but it is basically the Pickerington toy drive. It includes the schools, us, local businesses and everyone really has a hand in it,” Rohrbaugh says. “If we were missing any of those pieces it would make the whole process a lot harder, if not impossible.”

Ainsley Allen is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

The Fire Department poses before their dodgeball battle with Harmon Middle School students.

A collection of new toys waits in the fire station for distribution to children in need.

Pick your Party

740-835-4215 218 W Market St. Baltimore, Oh 43105

Let’s make lasting memories together.

info@enchantedcelebration.com

26

Photos courtesy of Violet Township Fire Department

Where Dreams Come True: The Perfect Venue for Prince(ss) Parties, Tea Parties, and Craft Nights

Scan to go directly to our webpage enchantedcelebration.com

Playing dodgeball in fashion with these toy drivethemed t-shirts www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Call or Book Online

614.654.4397

AceHandymanServices.com

From Small Repairs to Large Updates

pickerington magazine

We are Your Trusted Home Ally

drives new customers to these businesses and more!

Call us for more information.

614.572.1240

cityscenecolumbus.com www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

27

on the table

By Jane Dimel

The Family Pantry

In March, the Pickerington Food Pantry will hold its annual fundraising gala. This year’s theme is the ’70s, so come dressed for the occasion and ready to vote on next year’s theme at the end of the night!

28

Fighting hunger, feeding hope at the local food pantry

Courtesy of Renée Roberts

W

ith food baskets and welcoming arms, the Pickerington Food Pantry is a warm embrace for families in need.

Every Thursday and Saturday, the pantry opens its doors to families and individuals to pick items from its collection of fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, frozen meat, proteins, pastas, beans, breads, soups, condiments, and cereals, to amount to three meals a day for five days for each member of their household.

The food pantry is aided by various volunteers, from National Honor Society students and church service groups to families and more. Its team members are an integral part of the atmosphere at the food pantry, as they get to know pantry clients on a personal level and love serving the community. Pantry volunteers and team members are known to learn their clients’ preferences quickly based on their selections each week.

The food at the pantry comes from a community effort to serve these families: frozen meat from the local Kroger, Aldi, Meijer and Giant Eagle; discounted items from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective; and donated items from individuals and organizations. There is even a Pickerington Local School District program that allows students to donate their untouched fruit, vegetables and milk to the pantry.

“Our seniors especially love our individual-sized items,” Vanessa Niekamp, executive director at the pantry, says. “It’s a way for kids in our schools to give back.”

From July 2022 to June 2023, the pantry held 8,496 individual services, serving 268 households and 1,080 people.

The client demographics of the pantry are constantly shifting, as it served 494 new people this past year from different races, ethnicities, educational levels, employment statuses and military backgrounds.

“We are starting to be as diverse as our community,” Niekamp says.

Renée Roberts with longtime pantry volunteers Ross and Al

Pickerington resident Eva Dixon started volunteering with the pantry in 2018, and she has been involved in all facets of volunteering, including grocery

store pickups, client drop-offs and client interactions. She volunteers on the first and third Saturday of each month while working two jobs. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

RECIPE Frosted Flakes Muffins Ingredients: • 1⁄3 cup of oil • 1 egg • 1 cup of milk • 3 cups of Frosted Flakes (crushed to 1 cup) • 1⁄3 cup of brown sugar (packed) • 1 cup of flour • 2 tsp. of baking powder • ¼ cup of sugar • 1 tsp. of cinnamon • ½ tsp. of salt • 1⁄3 cup of chopped nuts Directions: • First, preheat the oven to 400 F. • Next, combine the eggs, oil and milk in a small bowl and add the Frosted Flakes when done. Let sit for five minutes before stirring in the brown sugar.

• Proceed to stir the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and add the cereal mixture until it has moistened.

• Line the tin with 12 paper baking cups.

• Spoon the new mixture into the baking cups, then bake for 20-25 minutes.

• Finally, add any topping of choice, such as a brush of melted butter with cinnamon sugar on top.

Recipe courtesy of cooks.com. www.cooks.com Copyright 2023 The FOURNet Information Network. All rights reserved.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Eva Dixon, Paul Cox and Renée Roberts

“Volunteering is so different from getting a paycheck,” Dixon says.

“I get pleasure that I am helping someone. …

The feeling that makes you all cozy inside.”

Another volunteer, Paul Cox, comes in every Saturday with his wife, Nancy Miller, to do grocery pickups and client shopping.

They are both retired and deeply involved Eva Dixon, a volunteer at the in their community, food pantry as Cox moderates and judges events with the Ohio State Bar Mock Trial Program and Miller coordinates weekly programs at a local parish. They both organize summer events in the community as Paul Cox and his wife, Nancy Miller, well. Niekamp emphasizes that Cox and Miller are both volunteers at the food pantry frequent donors to the food pantry and that they are a couple of the pantry’s many contributors who Food Pantry For “pay to volunteer.”

Animals, Pickerington Every volunteer does it because they are dedicated to and care about their community, and Rick is a nonprofit Chrysler is no exception. Chrysler volunteers his organization that time by making food pickups for the pantry while offers temporary working as the co-director of The Foundation Dinfood assistance to ners in Lancaster. The Foundation Dinners serves help people and their lunch and dinner to up to 125 people per day, 365 animal companions. days a year, all thanks to donations from the comFor more info, call munity.

614-966-1777.

Rick Chrysler, volunteer and director of The Foundation Dinners

Chrysler is, at the time of writing, awaiting a heart transplant, but he doesn’t let that stop him from doing his part to serve the community.

“I don’t even know how I got down here,” Chrysler says. “(But) I’m here whenever I have time.”

Chrysler is also focused on reducing waste at the pantry. Unused food products are donated to The Foundation Dinners and other organizations like it so that it’s not going to waste and is going to families who need it.

The food pantry’s greatest needs are monetary donations and products such as dairy, condiments, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, broths, breakfasts, canned meat and peanut butter. Toiletries are also highly coveted items, as they are not government-subsidized or covered by food stamps.

Monetary donations aren’t just used for food items, but also for appliance purchases and regular maintenance to keep the building safe and effective to serve its important task: to feed the community.

Monetary donations are also key because, Niekamp says, every dollar donated translates to $10 of retail items thanks to the pantry’s partnership with the MidOhio Food Collective, which connects the pantry with bulk items at-cost.

The pantry also serves as a family and a community to its clients, ensuring that everyone gets what they need, whether that is extra food for their children or appointments for future services.

“We never send anyone home hungry,” Niekamp says.

Jane Dimel is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

29

Top homes sold in Pickerington In September 2023, Pickerington home prices were 12.6% higher than last year, selling for a median price of $419K. On average, homes in Pickerington sell after 38 days on the market compared to 41 days last year. There were 50 homes sold in September this year, down from 67 last year. The median sale price per square foot in Pickerington is $171, an increase of 6.9% over last year. (Data from Redfin) All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.

6731 Optimara Dr. 6 beds, 6.5 baths $965,000 Sold 09/25/23

601 Courtright Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $548,133 Sold 09/22/23

822 Kelburn Ln. 3 beds, 2.5 baths $729,900 Sold 09/13/23

10000 Berkshire St. 4 beds, 3 baths $545,000 Sold 10/25/23

7540 Hastings St. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $712,000 Sold 10/16/23

9478 Timberbank Ct. 5 beds, 3.5 baths $542,000 Sold 09/29/23

13263 Church View Dr. 5 beds, 4.5 baths $690,000 Sold 09/12/23

11633 Caldwell Ct. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $515,499 Sold 10/16//23

13978 Bainwick Dr. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $600,000 Sold 09/11/23

146 Fox Glen Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $500,000 Sold 10/12/23

333 Sandhill Crane St. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $556,794 Sold 10/03/23

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

#1

-

Selling Real Estate Team & Realtor In Central Ohio 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022!

samcooper@howardhanna.com

614-561-3201

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

30

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

what’s your style?

D

OL

S ST

D

OL

S ST

JU

JU

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 samcooper@howardhanna.com

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 samcooper@howardhanna.com

10000 Berkshire St. Pickerington | $545,000 Custom Built, two story home in Glenshire Subdivision, partially finished LL with walkout basement, hardwood throughout first floor, vaulted great room and living room w/ fireplace, large open kitche, 1st floor home office, 1st floor owners suite, upstairs junior suites with full bath and walk in closet, professionally landscaped, beautiful private backyard with inground pool, custom paver patio

750 Stewart Ct. Pickerington Ohio | $390,000 Outstanding two story home in the Melrose Subdivision, hardwood flooring throughout first floor, formal living and dining room, family room with fireplace, first floor home office, nice kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, all new carpeting upstairs, large master bedroom with walk in closet and full bath, big basement that can be finished, backyard patio

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

SAM COOPER – 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

Contact us today for more information: 614-572-1240

Get a great response from your ads in PICKERINGTON MAGAZINE!

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

31

bookmarks

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

Dino-Hanukkah

by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott Hanukkah is coming and the dinos are all busy getting ready. They make brisket and latkes and the dino-kids play with a dreidel, act out the Hanukkah story, open gifts and eagerly await their turn to light the menorah.

Otto the Ornament

by Troy Cummings Otto is an ornament. He’s glittery, he’s colorful and he’s full of Christmas pizzazz!

Otto wants to be at the top of the tree, not in the middle with all the regular ornaments.

Doesn’t he deserve to shine at the top?

Harry Potter: Official Christmas Cookbook

by Elena Craig and Jody Revenson Celebrate Christmas like Harry, Ron and Hermione with over 50 recipes inspired by holiday celebrations in the Harry Potter films! Filled with fan favorites like treacle tart and Yule Ball-inspired appetizers and punches, to classic British dishes such as Neville Longbottom’s Toad in a Hole and Bubble and Squeak.

The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac: The official magical companion to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books

by J. K. Rowling, illustrated by Peter Goes, Louise Lockhart, Weitong Mai, Olia Muza, Levi Pinfold, Pham Quang Phuc, and Tomislav Tomic The perfect gift for Harry Potter fans of all ages! Whisk yourself away to Harry Potter’s wizarding world with this whiz-bang of an illustrated companion. Discover magical places, study wand lore, encounter fantastic beasts and find out about the witches and wizards who lived. From the Sorting Hat to the secrets of the Forbidden Forest, it’s all packed inside!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods

by Rick Riordan The original heroes from The Lightning Thief are reunited for their biggest challenge yet in book six: getting Percy to college with the gods standing in his way. After saving the world multiple

Library hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

32

times, Percy Jackson is hoping to have a normal senior year. Unfortunately, the gods aren’t quite done with him. Percy will have to fulfill three quests in order to get the necessary three letters of recommendation from Mount Olympus for college.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Complete Official Guide: Collector’s Edition

by Piggyback

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers a vast world full of varied quests, challenging puzzles, ferocious monsters and unique sights to behold. Working closely with Nintendo, Piggyback has created the authoritative, all-encompassing guide that this game so richly deserves.

They have explored all features and facets of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with a single mission: to help the reader discover and enjoy every moment of this game.

How to Be a (Young) Antiracist

by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone Aimed at readers 12 and up, and coauthored by award-winning children’s book author Nic Stone and anti-racist activist and author of How to Be an Antiracist Ibram X. Kendi, How to be a (Young) Antiracist empowers teen readers to help create a more just society. Antiracism is a journey – and now young adults will have a map to carve their own path. Kendi and Stone have revised this work to provide anecdotes and data that speak directly to the experiences and concerns of younger readers, encouraging them to think critically and build a more equitable world in doing so.

Mind over Batter: 75 Recipes for Baking as Therapy

by Jack Hazan A self-care cookbook for using baking as therapy! You may not realize it, but many essential therapeutic techniques can be accessed right in your own kitchen. In Mind over Batter, licensed therapist and master baker Jack Hazan guides you through 75 simple, healing recipes that can help you tap into whatever you might be going through that day.

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

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

City of Pickerington 2023 Fall/2024 Winter Program Guide

Special Events 100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147 | (614) 833-2211 | www.pickerington.net

Information on page 4-5 33

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

MS-01

3-4 Years Th 6 Weeks 5-6pm City Resident Discount Fee: $85

MS-02

5-6 Years Th 6 Weeks 6-7pm City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Sep 14-Oct 19 Fee: $107 Sep 14-Oct 19 Fee: $107

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Ln.

Soccer Shots Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development.

We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-inclass coaching, communication and curriculum.

Each session focuses on basic soccer skills and incorporates those skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. All equipment is provided.

SHOT-01

Sep 9-Oct 28 Fee: $130

SHOT-02

Sep 9-Oct 28 Fee: $130

2-3 Years Sa 8 Weeks 3-3:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $104 2-3 Years Sa 8 Weeks 3:45-4:15pm City Resident Discount Fee: $104

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Soccer Field 3 300 Covered Bridge Ln.

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

LS-01

Sep 10-Oct 8 Fee: $107

3-4 Years Su 5 Weeks 12-1pm City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Softball Field 1 & 2 500 Hereford Dr.

Lil Kik

YOUTH PROGRAMS Pickerington Young Author’s Anthology

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs.

Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination.

Students will learn at their own pace, and most importantly, will have fun, fun, fun! Social skills and coordination drills are wrapped together with our unique self-defense techniques.

Join us on a three week writing journey that will teach young authors to connect their writing with nature, their imagination and emotions! Each writer will leave with three complete pieces of work and can choose one (opt in/out) to be published in our first Pickerington Young Authors Anthology.

LK-01

3-7 Years Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm City Resident Discount Fee: $83

Sep 11-Sep 25 Fee: $44

LK-02

3-7 Years Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm City Resident Discount Fee: $83

Aug 3-Sep 7 Fee: $104 Sep 14-Oct 19 Fee: $104

LK-03

3-7 Years Oct 26-Dec 7* Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm *No class Nov 23 Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83

LK-04

3-7 Years Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm City Resident Discount Fee: $83

LK-05

3-7 Years Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm City Resident Discount Fee: $83

Dec 14-Jan 18 Fee: $104

Jan 25-Feb 29 Fee: $104

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

JumpBunch Sports, Fitness, and Fun Your little one needs to get out moving and you need a program just right for their size. Search no more!

Weekly JumpBunch classes begin with kid-friendly warm ups and exercises. The class “Coach” will then introduce participants to individual skills, equipment and simple rules of a different sports/fitness activity each week. Coaches praise and encourage children while helping them develop coordination, teamwork and confidence. Each session concludes with games, obstacle courses and cool downs to keep kids engaged and moving throughout the session. Participants should dress to be very active. Adult/parent participation is required for all children under 3. For more information, go to JumpBunch.com.

PAA-01

10 Years and older Mo 3 Weeks 7-8pm City Resident Discount Fee: $35

Location: Pickerington Main Library 201 Opportunity Way

Kids in Karate - Adults too!

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs.

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

KIK-01

Aug 17-Oct 5 Fee: $87

6 Years and older Th 8 Weeks 6-7:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-02

6 Years and older Oct 12-Dec 7* Th 8 Weeks 6-7:30pm *No class Nov 23 Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-03

Dec 14-Feb 1 Fee: $87

6 Years and older Th 8 Weeks 6-7:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

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

Minor League Baseball

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Ln.

Bally Sports Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coachpitch baseball for beginning baseball players. The program utilizes instruction including batting, fielding, throwing and catching. The program will also include a modified, non-competitive game each week. Bally Sports staff will lead each team’s instruction, although parent participation is strongly encouraged. Bally Sports strives to emphasize the importance of great sportsmanship by creating an encouraging atmosphere that helps players build self-esteem and encourage future participation.

Each player receives a team shirt and hat. Glove is required. Optional: cleats and bat

Little Ballers Basketball

MLB-01

SFF-01

18-36 Months with parent Th 6 Weeks 6-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SFF-02

3-5 Years Th 6 Weeks 6:30-7pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

Sep 7-Oct 12 Fee: $87 Sep 7-Oct 12 Fee: $87

Bally Sports Group provides children with a fun and educational first basketball experience! Players are taught the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense, and the concept of game play. The curriculum incorporates teaching styles that help this age group build and understanding of the skills that are taught by utilizing fun terminology and engaging activities. A positive and encouraging atmosphere is created in which kids learn proper sportsmanship. Each week players participate in developmentally appropriate instruction and modified, recreational game play.

LB-01

Nov 6-Dec 11 Fee: $113

Sep 10-Oct 8 Fee: $107

5-7 Years Su 5 Weeks 1-2:15pm City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Softball Field 1 & 2 500 Hereford Dr.

4-6.5 Years Mo 6 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $90

Location: Harmon Middle School Auxiliary Gym 12410 Harmon Rd. 2

Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department | 2023 Fall/2024 Winter Program Guide

Skyhawks Multi Sport Camp

Self Defense/Kung Fu Training

Multi-Sport programs are designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting.

Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport, along with vital life lessons such as sportsmanship and teamwork.

Led by Don Prozy, a 6th level blackbelt in Poekoelan Kung Fu with 30 years experience, you will learn the foundations of basic self-defense including self-defense holds, strikes and kicks. Strength training, balance and flexibility conditioning will also be a key factor in this exciting class! Come learn self defense and bring the whole family!

SMC-01

6-10 Years Tu 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SMC-02

6-10 Years Tu 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SDK-01 7 Years and older Nov 1-Dec 13 We 6 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm *No Class Nov 15 & 22 Fee: $115 City Resident Discount Fee: $92

Aug 29-Sep 19 Fee: $87 Oct 3-Oct 24 Fee: $87

Location: Victory Park Terry O’Brien Shelter 75 Lockville Rd.

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success.

Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age appropriate golf equipment is provided.

SBG-01

Aug 30-Sep 20 Fee: $94

SBG-02

Oct 4-Oct 25 Fee: $94

6-10 Years Wed 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $75 6-10 Years Wed 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Ln.

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

SBC-01

6-12 Years Th 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SBC-02

6-12 Years Th 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $69

Aug 31-Sep 21 Fee: $87 Oct 5-Oct 26 Fee: $87

Location: Harmon Middle School Auxiliary Gym 12410 Harmon Rd.

Cardio Kickboxing Looking for a great workout that combines strength training, flexibility, and cardio? Then try out cardio kickboxing! In this session led by Don Prozy, 6th level black belt in Poekoelan Kung Fu, you will work on flexibility and balance, learn kicks and strikes and combine them all for a great workout! Bring a towel and water bottle, you will need them!

CK-01

7 Years and older Nov 1-Dec 13 We 6 Weeks 6:45-7:45pm *No Class Nov 15 & 22 Fee: $100 City Resident Discount Fee: $80 Location: Harmon Middle School Auxiliary Gym 12410 Harmon Rd.

Shooting Stars Basketball Bally Sports Group provides children with a fun and educational first basketball experience! Players are taught the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense and the concept of game play. The curriculum incorporates teaching styles that help this age group build an understanding of the skills that are taught by utilizing fun terminology and engaging activities. A positive and encouraging atmosphere is created in which kids learn proper sportsnmanship. Each week players participate in developmentally appropriate instruction and modified, recreational game play.

SS-01

Nov 6-Dec 11 Fee: $113

6.5-8 Years Mo 6 Weeks 6:30-7:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $90

Location: Harmon Middle School Auxiliary Gym 12410 Harmon Rd.

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Basketball Court 500 Hereford Dr.

ADULT PROGRAMS Beginner Pickleball Classes What is the hype about pickleball and why are so many people playing it? If you are completely brand new to the sport, this four week introduction is the class for you. You will learn all the basics of how to play. Grab a friend, spouse or child (at least 14 years old) and come learn a fun new sport.

You will learn the basic rules, have fun, meet new people and learn a new sport.

BPC-01

14 Years and older Mo 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm City Resident Discount Fee: $80

BPC-02

14 Years and older Mo 4 Weeks 6:45-7:45pm City Resident Discount Fee: $80

Jul 31-Aug 21 Fee: $100 Jul 31-Aug 21 Fee: $100

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Taylor Tennis Courts 281 Hilltop Dr.

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

ZF-01

18 Years and older 11 Weeks 6-7pm

Sep 25-Dec 11* *No class Dec 4 Fee: $80

Mo

ZF-02

18 Years and older Mo 11 Weeks 6-7pm City Resident Discount Fee: $64

Jan 8-Mar 18 Fee: $80

City Resident Discount Fee: $64

Location: Pickerington Senior Center 150 Hereford Dr.

Pickleball League: Doubles The league will be self-officiated and self-scored with 8 teams max. Each team is guaranteed 7 games with the top 4 teams advancing to a season finale tournament. Sign up one person per team; price is per team, not per person. Participants will need to bring their own equipment except a net.

The 3.0 and Below League is not a league intended for players to learn the sport for the first time. Players in this league must understand the rules and game settings.

The 3.5 & Above League is designed for intermediate and advanced pickleball players.

Please register to the correct league according to your skill level.

Registration forms www.pickerington.net.

August 3.

available online at Register by Tuesday,

3.0 & Below Division-Doubles Aug 9-Sep 27 We Fee: $60 per team

8 Weeks

3.5 & Above Division-Doubles Aug 8-Sep 26 Tu Fee: $60 per team

8 Weeks

6-8pm

6-8pm

Location: Sycamore Creek Park Taylor Tennis Courts 281 Hilltop Dr.

100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147 | (614) 833-2211 | www.pickerington.net

3

SPECIAL EVENTS

4

Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department | 2023 Fall/2024 Winter Program Guide

SPECIAL EVENTS / REGISTRATION OPTIONS

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

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

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

EMAIL Email a copy of the Registration form found at www.pickerington.net to recreation@pickerington.net.

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

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

100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147 | (614) 833-2211 | www.pickerington.net

5

PARK MAP Trails and Open Space Pickerington, Ohio

«

Harmon Road Park

256

Turnberry Golf Course

Turnberry Parkland

Pickerington Community Pool

Hickory Lakes

Pictures Wanted

m n m n

ââââââââââââ

â

! ( ! ( Portman

m n

Refugee Rd Milnor Rd

m n

gR

256

d

Park Watch

Please be alert to safety hazards, vandalism and other crimes in our parks.

Report crimes to Pickerington Police Department at 614-575-6911.

to n

Pickerington Youth Sports Complex

Pi ck er i ng

Lon

«

Rd

PICKERINGTON

Park

Diley Rd

k

â

Refugee Rd

âââââââââ

âââ

âââ

Bowen Rd

k Lo Park ng Rd

Willow Pond Park

W right Rd

W Columbus S

Pickerington Ponds

m n

m n

Sycamore Creek Park

Pickerington Rd

Hill Rd

Bowen Rd

Diley Rd

FAIRFIELD

FRANKLIN

Shawnee Crossing Park Simsbury Park

m n Busey Rd

Busey Road Park

k

Trail Head

! (

Restroom

n m m n m n

Elementary School

Multi Use Path

Middle School

Bicycle Lane

High School

Blacklick Creek Trail, Existing

Park/Open Space

â â â â â Blacklick Creek Trail, Proposed

ââââââ

Golf Cemetery

Committed/Funded Bikeway

0

0.5

± 1

Miles

Park Rules 1. Park open from dawn to dusk.

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

3. No littering or dumping.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior is prohibited.

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

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

7. No fires except in designated areas.

6

256

Rd

Diley Rd Softball Fields

Busey Rd

Prepared by Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission The information shown on this map is compiled from various sources made available to us which we believe to be reliable.

N:\ArcGIS\REQUESTS\External\Pickerington\PickTrails.mxd 11/8/2017

«

n Victory m Park e vill

CANAL WINCHESTER

t

Preston Trails Park

Lehman Parkland Winchest Abbey

Twp n Violet m Cemetery

L oc k

COLUMBUS

N

m n

Wright Rd

Winchester Meadows

Ce nt er St

Colony

Send scenic or pictures out enjoying one of the parks or programs to pics@pickerington.net.

Pictures may be posted on the City’s Facebook page or be used in future Program Guides.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Hunting and trapping is prohibited.

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

No swimming, wading, or boating.

Catch and release fishing only.

No motorized vehicles except in designated areas.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

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

Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department | 2023 Fall/2024 Winter Program Guide

PARK / FACILITY RESERVATIONS Reservations accepted beginning March 1!

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

Facility Reservations

Sycamore Creek Park Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Lane (Seats appox. 80)

1.

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

Full payment is required when submitting reservation applications.

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

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

The group or organization using the facilities shall assure that: a. All park rules are followed. b. Damages made to the facilities or equipment during their time of use shall be their financial responsibility. c. Facilities shall be left clean and neat.

2.

3.

Sycamore Creek Park Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Drive (Seats appox. 50)

4.

5.

Willow Pond Shelter 209 Pruden Drive (Seats appox. 50)

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

2023 Facility Reservation Fees

Colony Park •

Olde Pickerington Village

• •

Preston Trails Park Shawnee Crossing Park

•

•

•

Vending Machine

Tennis Court

Swings

Softball Field

Soccer Field

Sled Hill (Seasonal)

Skate Park

•

2

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Simsbury Park

• •

Playground

Picnic Tables •

•

• •

•

•

•

Simsbury Disc Golf Course

Willow Pond Park

Pickleball Court

•

•

$80 Fee $40 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee *Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved space.

•

•

Pickerington Community Pool

Victory Park

Parking

•

Diley Road Softball Fields

Sycamore Creek Park

Green Space

Gazebo

GaGa Ball Pit

Drinking Fountain

Covered Bridge

Community Garden

Bike Trail

Basketball Court

Arboretum

Pickerington Parks

Amphitheater

Diley Road Softball Fields Shelter 2 8995 Diley Road (Seats appox. 30)

Grills/Fireplace

9:00am-1:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm

Shelter

Time Slots

Restrooms

Sycamore Creek Park Moorhead Shelter 481 Hereford Drive (Seats appox. 50) (no electricity available)

Putting Green

Simsbury Disc Golf Course Shelter 625 East Columbus Street (Seats appox. 50)

Pond

Victory Park Terry O’Brien Shelter 75 Lockville Road (Seats appox. 95)

•

•

•

•

•

•

1

•

2

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147 | (614) 833-2211 | www.pickerington.net

2

•

•

•

•

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

3

2

•

2

• •

7