Pickerington Magazine December/January 2017 by CityScene Media Group

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

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018

Around the World from Pickerington Broadway star, author and globetrotter Tryphena Wade

INSIDE Holiday Gift Guide New neighborhoods New senior living

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 4697

OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus

More expert care than you expected, closer than you ever imagined.

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All Hannah’s parents should worry about is Hannah When Hannah’s bloodwork revealed cancer, her family was devastated. But because of our donors, her mom and dad can focus on being parents while she looks forward to her visits with the music therapist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .® Families like Hannah’s will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because we believe all they should worry about is helping their child live.

Experience Hannah’s story at stjude.org/hannah

“We’re blessed to be here because St. Jude makes it so we really can just focus on her.”

–Chandra, Hannah’s mom

“My investments are well taken care of and there is always good and friendly service.” NANCY N. INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED AND MAY LOSE VALUE.

Are you delighted with your bank? These are real quotes, from real Park National clients, who rated our service a 9 or 10 and said they’d refer us to a friend.

WE’D LOVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WOW YOU. “I highly recommend you to anyone. Always cooperative and ready to help with any issues.” MIKE T.

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“I’ve been with PNB for over 65 years. Great, friendly people. I love the way you hire young people and train them for their future.” NORMA G.

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LENDER

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

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman

Creative Director

Garth Bishop

Managing Editor

Amanda DePerro Jenny Wise

Assistant Editors

Lydia Freudenberg Rocco Falleti Tessa Flattum Mikayla Klein Zachary Konno Emily Real Sheila Rossiter Andrea Gerdeman Barry Holland Timothy McKelly Jamie Armistead

70 Years of Quality Collision Repairs by People You Know

President/CEO

Gianna Barrett

Circulation

Contributing Editor Contributing Writers

Editorial Assistant Advertising Director Advertising Sales

Accounting Manager 614-572-1240

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com HealthScene Ohio www.HealthSceneOhio.com

601 Commerce Drive Pickerington, Ohio 43147 614-837-0902 Monday-Friday 7am-6pm 4

The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Pickerington Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Pickerington. Pickerington Magazine is published in June, August, October, December, February and April. Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Pickerington Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2017.

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pickerington magazine

Family is your priority. Protecting them is mine.

volume 10, number 2 december/january 2018

6 Calendar 9

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

News and Information from Violet Township

faces

Beyond the Stage

p.14

Tryphena Wade talks acting on Broadway, traveling the world and writing a book

in focus

Pickerington’s Picks Pickerington Magazine’s Holiday Gift Guide

22 (Syca)More, More, More

Pickerington’s newest senior living community joins an already impressive list

Derek Abner

Derek Abner Insurance Agency Nothing is more important than family and choosing the right insurance to keep them healthy and safe. With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Whether its health, auto, home, business, or life insurance, let our family help!

60 Hill Road S. Pickerington, 43147 (614) 656-6761

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student spotlight Right to the Pointe

p.18

Central senior takes a turn on the dance floor

on the table

Better hearing for better moments!

Food for Thought

Dedicated pantry volunteer Jan Anderson believes in the power of food

Homeward Bound Community growth leads to several new residential developments

around pickerington

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Photos from the community

bookmarks

Heather Nordby-Williams MS, FAAA, Clinical Audiologist

At Nordstar Audiology, we offer compassionate and comprehensive hearing services for patients ages 3 and over including evaluations, diagnostics, custom hearing aids, musician plugs, ear molds and more!

On the cover: Tryphena Wade. Photo courtesy of Tryphena Wade

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Call us today to schedule your evaluation, 614-834-4364 Offices in Pickerington and Lancaster

417 Hill Road North . Pickerington nordstaraudiology.com

pickerington community calendar december/january 2018 Through Dec. 15

Dec. 1-9

Santa’s Mailbox

Pickerington Community Theatre presents The 1940’s Radio Hour

Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net It’s that time of year again, and Santa needs everyone’s letters. Kids who include their names and return addresses will receive responses from old Kris Kringle himself.

Fridays 9 p.m., Saturdays 2 and 8 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org Pickerington Community Theatre recreates a live broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade, where the spirit of the 1940s is captured as a harassed radio producer copes with a drunk lead singer, a delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the microphone, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad and a sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller.

Dec. 1-15 Through Dec. 24 Violet Township Fire Department Holiday Toy Drive Locations throughout Violet Township, www.violet.oh.us Fire stations, schools, restaurants, churches, businesses and the Pickerington Police Department will all be accepting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for the Violet Township Fire Department’s annual charitable drive. Local Girl Scout troops host a drivethrough drop-off 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Fire Station 592.

Mark you r calendar for these commun ity events Dec. 2 Breakfast with Santa 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.; Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www.pickerington.net Come eat breakfast, make crafts, check out a holiday bake sale and meet Santa at this annual Pickerington community event. All proceeds benefit the Pickerington Senior Center.

Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net Stop by City Hall and donate mittens, gloves, hats and other warm gear for those in need by decorating the annual mitten tree. Donations for all ages are greatly appreciated.

Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering 5-8:30 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pickeringtonvillage.com A Pickerington tradition, this familyfriendly event features horse-drawn wagon rides, a trolley, ice carving demonstrations, children’s games and a visit with Santa. The event will culminate with the official lighting of the city tree and the Festival of Lights at the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington.

Dec. 2 Santa Saturday 2-4 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org What better way to kick off the holiday season than with Santa Saturday? Hear holiday songs by the One More

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Photos courtesy of Violet Township Fire Department and Janice Thomas

Dec. 1

Submit Your Event

Dec. 2

variety of its ensembles, including the symphonic choir, chorale, women’s concert chorus, men’s chorale, women’s elite, jazz band and orchestra.

Pickerington Community Chorus presents Home for the Dec. 14 Holidays Christmas Concert 3 p.m., Pickerington Church Winter Band Concert of the Nazarene, 11775 Pickerington Rd. NW, www. pickeringtoncommunitychorus.com The holiday tradition that is the Pickerington Community Chorus’ winter concert features sacred and secular selections old and new.

7 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Enjoy a selection of holiday music courtesy of North’s concert bands, which will travel to perform in London in January.

Dec. 7-9

Dec. 14, Jan. 11

A Christmas Cabaret

First Drafts Book Club

Thursday-Saturday 6:30 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us North’s student actors present their holiday dinner theater production.

7-8 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St., www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The Pickerington Public Library’s new book club, hosted by Combustion Brewery & Taproom, discusses Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore in December and Red Rising by Pierce Dec. 9 Bend and Brew at Combustion Brown in January.

Brewery

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Combustion Brewery and Taproom, 80 W. Church St., www.pickeringtonchamber.com Enjoy some morning yoga and sample various snacks and drinks at a vendor fair featuring the wares of a variety of different local vendors.

Dec. 9 A Role to Die For 7:30 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Central’s theater students present a mystery dinner theater.

Dec. 10 Musical Celebration 7 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Pickerington High School North presents a night of music from a wide www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Dec. 14, Jan. 11 Dog Tales 6:30-7:30 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Pickerington Public Library has partnered with the Connection to bring Dog Tales, a program in which kids ages 5-10 years old can read one-onone with a canine friend.

Dec. 16 Author Signings 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1738 Hill Rd. N., www.bn.com Mindy McGinnis and Natalie Richards sign their latest teen thrillers starting at 11 a.m., and children’s picture book author Judy Carey-Nevin of What Daddies Like signs copies starting at 1 p.m.

Demand Response Monday – Friday or Loop Service in Pickerington Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

9am – 5pm ci.lancaster.oh.us/242/transit

740-681-5086 Providing safe, affordable and accessible transportation for anyone in Fairfield County.

weekendscene

Time String Band, play some festive games, make a jingle bell necklace and enjoy a visit with Santa.

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

Looking for something to do? See what’s on the menu this weekend and beyond!

Dec. 19 Ridgeview/Diley Orchestra Concert 7 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us The orchestras at Diley Middle School and Ridgeview Junior High School present their holiday concert. Walter L. Bernacki, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

We specialize in a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the body, breast and face, as well as laser skin treatments, injectables and skin care products. We can help you look and feel your very best.

Now Accepting Patients in Pickerington! To learn more call 614.682.5095 or visit ohioplasticsurgeryspecialists.com.

Dec. 19, Jan. 16 PPL Book Club 7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick in December and Circling the Sun by Paula McLain in January.

Dec. 21, Jan. 18 Brown Bag Book Club

Pickerington: 1030 Refugee Road, Suite 260 Pickerington, OH 43147

1 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s lunchtime book club discusses Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan in December and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield in January.

Through Jan. 25 Pickerington Indoor Farmers’ Market Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St., www.facebook.com/ oldepickeringtonfarmersmarket The Pickerington Farmers’ Market moves into the loft above Combustion Brewery for the winter.

Jan. 20-April 15 Artists of the Winding Road A-Z Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, www.decartsohio.org Paint, bronze, cloth, clay, bottle caps and words are among the media explored by 12 Appalachian Ohio artists in this exhibition.

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INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

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

Holidays in Pickerington A look at what the City has planned for December Pickerington is a magical place to live, especially during the holidays. The season begins with the Olde Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering on Friday, Dec. 1 in the Olde Pickerington Village from 5-8:30 p.m. Festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers strolling through the City, free activities for children, holiday gift ideas for family and friends, and even a visit from Santa Claus. This year, Santa’s reindeer will visit the

City on Dec. 1 for the very first time. They will await their sleigh driver in the parking lot between the Hair Boutique and City Building Department. The annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. officially brightens and begins the holiday season. The Holiday Gathering, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Pickerington Village Association and the City of Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s a great opportunity to bring many organizations together to put on a cheerful event for the community,” said City Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Medinger. Pickerington residents can also provide the gift of warmth to area children by stopping by City Hall, located at 100 Lockville Rd., Dec. 1-15 to place mittens, gloves, hats and other warm clothing items on the Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree. Santa will be coming to town for breakfast with all of his friends on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Pickerington Senior Center, located at 150 Hereford Dr. There are three opportunities to dine with Jolly Old St. Nick: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Santa’s special menu of activities include breakfast, a craft, holiday music, bake sale and special secret Santa gift shop. All proceeds benefit the Pickerington Senior Center. For children who have their wish list of toys ready to be mailed, the North Pole Express mailbox in front of City Hall will be delivering letters to Santa. Children can drop a note in Santa’s special mailbox through Friday, Dec. 15 and receive a letter back from him or one of his helpers. Since Santa is extra busy at this time of year, please include the child’s name and return address so that Santa has all the important information he needs at his fingertips. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

News and information from the City of Pickerington

Work to Do

Pickerington’s Capital Improvement Project plans Infrastructure improvements that benefit residents of Pickerington are high on the City’s list of priorities. Annually, the City’s budget includes Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds earmarked to enhance or improve roadways, paths, water or sewer lines, park facilities, and much more. Last year, City staff and the City Council placed on its “radar” more than 150 projects. City Engineer Scott Tourville said those projects were reviewed and prioritized based on the needs of the City and project costs. “We use that as a guide with any additions based on what we know, and then propose those projects and funding amounts to council for its approval,” Tourville said. While some of the projects can be completed in a single year, other improvements take many years to plan and require funding from outside sources to make them possible. In 2017, the City set aside $4.93 million in its CIP budget line item for 10 projects. “Some of the projects – including $1.3 million for paving maintenance and curb repairs, work on the covered bridge, and West Church Street concrete improvements – were single-year projects,” Tourville said. “Others are multi-year projects that had phases this year, such as the design of Windmiller Dam removal, the right-of-way acquisition for Refugee Road widening and paving project, and a study of the water plant to make sure it has the capacity to meet future needs.” 10

have to budget all the money next year for that project, plus we’ll spend another $1.2 to $1.3 million on pavement maintenance in 2018.” If the items are approved by Council, the City anticipates also using CIP funds to remove the Windmiller Dam and to improve a number of Pickerington’s park facilities. Tourville said the projects are designed to provide first-rate transportation roadways, utility services and park amenities to meet the needs of a growing community. “The projects are aimed at protecting and improving the health, safety and welfare of the community and enhancing the quality of life for the area,” Tourville said.

citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.

(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)

Building Services ..................... 833-2221 City Clerk/Council..................... 837-3974 City Manager........................... 837-3974 Development Services.............. 833-2204 Engineering Services ............... 833-2221 Finance Services...................... 837-3974 Human Resources.................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division.................. 837-4116 Mayor’s Office (Lee A. Gray)............................ 837-3974 Mayor’s Court.......................... 837-3974 Parks and Recreation............... 833-2211 Police Services......................... 575-6911 For 2018, City departments have asked City Council to review a total of 17 projects, totaling more than $14.2 million. “Refugee Road is the biggest project. Construction alone is expected to be more than $8 million and take almost two years,” Tourville said. “The majority of the funding for Refugee Road is from grants, plus the OhioHealth Tax Increment Financing. We

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

News and Information From

Violet Township Violet Township General Snow and Ice Removal Information By Greg Butcher, PE, MPA, Violet Township Engineer Violet Township personnel continuously monitor snow and ice conditions. The township also receives information from the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office regarding road conditions. Road conditions can vary from one end of the township to the other; therefore, we adjust our snow removal procedures accordingly. For most snow and ice events, we utilize five routes. Note that while state routes and county roads may be located within Violet Township, snow and ice removal is performed by the Ohio Department of Transportation and Fairfield County Engineer’s Office, respectively. We plow main routes continuously; subdivision streets have second priority, and cleaning cul-de-sacs is last. All routes are run in the same direction each time by the same driver so that the driver knows the obstacles and routing places to dump snow. Both residential and commercial driveways meet the public road. It is in this rightof-way space where, on occasion, residents will encounter plowed piles of snow from the road. Cul-de-sacs are nice to live on, but difficult to service. Cul-de-sacs, by their very design, have big-

ger footprints than normal straightaway roads. Therefore, there is little room to pile snow. Residents living in cul-de-sacs should expect the piling of snow in all rightof-way space available. Often, the final clearing of snow from a cul-de-sac requires a smaller plow truck to return after the main snow event. Our trucks initially make a pass up one traveled lane and back down the other. After the entire route has had these initial passes, the drivers go back to widen, clean intersections and address cul-de-sacs. When and how long the snow and ice event lasts will dictate how soon our crews can get into a clean-up response to the event. The amount of road salt used in a season is not related to the number of inches of snow. It is really based upon of the degree of slippery road conditions. A light slippery glaze will take as much salt as a four-inch snowfall to provide safe traffic movement. Mailboxes pose another challenge. We sometimes hear from homeowners that we leave snow in front of mailboxes and that the post office may

not deliver their mail, or we hear that we hit the mailbox. Mailboxes are located in the right-of-way, which is the same place snow is plowed by our crews. The drivers do their best to keep snow pushed back, but the amount of snow may pile up over the winter months before a significant thaw occurs. Our drivers make every effort not to damage mailboxes, but often, the weight of the snow causes damage. Avoiding traffic hazards and driving safely during snow removal service is the responsibility of the drivers. Cleaning of roadways requires skilled backing and maneuvering. Please keep a considerable safe distance from the trucks should you encounter a truck backing and maneuvering to get an intersection opened.

Thank You! The Violet Township Fire Department opened its doors to the community on Saturday, Oct. 15 during our annual Open House celebration. We want to take the time to thank everyone who attended, and those vendors and staff who made this an enormously successful event. We are always excited to meet so many people from the community, and hope that you had a great time and learned something new. Mark your calendars for upcoming Open Houses now so that we can see all of you again next year. Oct. 14, 2018 Oct. 13, 2019 Oct. 11, 2020 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Fire Safety Tips for Your Christmas Tree By Assistant Chief Jim Paxton, Violet Township Fire Department No one wants to spoil the holiday season, but a Christmas tree in the home can present a fire safety issue. A primary concern with a Christmas tree is fire danger, often brought on by the combination of electrical malfunctions and, in the case of a real tree, a drying tree. From 2009-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 210 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees. Did you know that Christmas trees alone result in $13 million, annually, in property damage? More importantly, these fires present real risk to family and friends. When you’re showcasing a live tree in your home, the combination of tree dryness, electrical malfunction with lights and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination. Electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in nearly half of the fires, igniting the tree with sparks or small electrical fires. Decorative lights with live voltage were involved in more than 20 percent. And putting trees too close to open fires or heaters caused a significant number of fires as well in nearly a quarter. But if your holiday is just not complete without a live tree, follow these safety precautions to keep threats at bay: • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. • Always place your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents and lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry-out. 12

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Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek Testing Services NA Inc. (ITSNA, formerly Edison Testing Laboratories, or ETL) for safety, and throw out any damaged lights. Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor. Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night when you go to bed, and whenever you leave the home. Christmas trees are combustible items that become increasing flammable as they continue to dry out in your home. Nearly 40 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they’re likely to be serious. When your tree begins to drop its needles, it’s time to say goodbye to your evergreen foliage until next year. If follow these guidelines,

you can avoid being another statistic. It isn’t just real trees that are a problem. Electrical malfunctions can also ignite plastic artificial trees, and homeowners should take the same precautions in terms of tree placement and decorations as they would with a real tree. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 860 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Be Careful with How You Discard Your Tree You should take care with trees that are left outside as well. A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report revealed that an annual average of 90 outside and other nonstructure fires on residential properties occurred because of Christmas trees stored on the property. Twothirds of these fires occurred in January, with 64 percent of them being set intentionally. This suggests that discarded Christmas trees may be attractive targets for arsonists. But arson concerns are not an excuse to leave your tree up after the holidays. According to the NFPA, even a well-watered tree should be taken down within four weeks of being brought into the home. If you decorated your real tree right after Thanksgiving, it should be discarded the week after Christmas, not New Year’s Day. This is because by the end of the holiday season, Christmas trees are extremely dry, and present a heightened fire hazard.

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Violet Township â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Past, Present, Future By Holly Mattei, Violet Township Development Director Located in northwest Fairfield County, Violet Township was organized in 1808 when it was a predominantly agricultural community. It was named for the abundance and variety of wildflowers growing in the region, and is the only Ohio township with the name of Violet, setting it apart from the other 1,300 townships in the state. This unique name describes the attractive and vibrant community that it was then and still is today. Violet Township began to feel development pressures from the Columbus region in the 1970s, and this growth has continued into the 21st century. Violet Township is the most populous township in Fairfield County and, according to the 2010 census, it is the 17th most populous township in Ohio. Violet Township has grown from approximately 4,000 residents in 1970 to approximately 40,000 residents in 2017. Violet Township is home to wellplanned residential neighborhoods that integrate open space, walking paths and other amenities to create an extraordinary community. Traditional standard lot subdivisions were the typical development patterns in the late 1990s to early 2000s.

Development pressures continue to be felt throughout Violet Township, with the Refugee Road corridor being a high-pressure area with various development potentials based upon current market demands. We are seeing a change in market demands with the growing millennial and aging populations, and we need to understand how these changes will affect development in Violet Township. Violet Township, through a Technical Assistance award from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), is engaging in the creation of a RefugeePickerington Road Master Plan to study an area surrounding this intersection. This plan will study the existing infrastructure, current development trends and potential land use scenarios, including the potential for a new community center. The plan will also identify future infrastructure needs for the corridor. The Master Plan will be prepared utilizing the findings in an insight 2050 report prepared by MORPC projecting that there will be up to 1 million additional people

2017 Holiday Toy Drive Violet Township Fire Department and Pickerington Local Schools are once again teaming up to provide holiday assistance for children and families throughout the Pickerington and Fairfield County areas. This partnership has proven to be particularly successful in the past few years. In 2016, we assisted nearly 800 families with more than 2,000 children. Thanks to the generosity of local schools, businesses and churches, our red toy collection boxes will be located at 50 sites throughout Canal Winchester, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. The toy drive officially kicked off Nov. 22. If you would like to contribute, drop off a new, unwrapped toy in any Violet Township Fire Department toy drive box. You may also donate at any of the three Violet Township fire stations. Items of particular need are always gifts for older children such as gift cards, electronics, www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

cologne and perfume. Local Girl Scout Troops will host a Toy Drive-Thru event at Violet Fire Station 592 at 8700 Refugee Rd. This event will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations may be dropped off as you drive through the fire station, where the fire trucks typically sit, without even getting out of your car. Violet Township firefighters will also attend various school events to promote the toy drive. Due to the dedication of generous community members and leaders, Violet Township Fire Department and Pickerington Local Schools are able to make a difference in the lives of children and families during the holiday season. Thank you in advance for your continued support, and we hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.

living in the Columbus region by 2050. This report also identifies various housing options and a variety of development scenarios, such as mixed-use, walkable communities, to accommodate this regional growth. The Violet Township Master Plan will help planners understand how to balance these new market demands within an existing suburban community. MORPC will begin the planning process in the coming months and will have a completed Master Plan in approximately a year. This Master Plan represents the townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest planning efforts to understand and prepare for future growth. Since 1808, the Township has seen its landscape transform substantially. Violet Township continues to respond to development pressures to ensure that it remains the attractive and vibrant community that it has been since the beginning.

How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 12970 Rustic Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us Violet Township Fire Stations Phone 614-837-4123 Fire Chief: Michael Little #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 13

faces

By Lydia Freudenberg

Beyond the Stage Tryphena Wade talks acting on Broadway, traveling the world and writing a book

bout two years after the 1997 Broadway premiere of The Lion King, Tryphena Wade sat back in a New York City theater and watched the show in awe. A dream had been inspired, and soon would become a reality. In 2010, Wade found herself on stage acting out the role of Sarabi, Simba’s mother, in this hugely popular production. For five and a half years, she gave her voice and skills in the North American Broadway Gazelle Tour of The Lion King – including an engagement in Columbus in 2014 – along with a year-long performance in the stationary Broadway show. “It’s just an amazing show, a great story, and I just thought it was so beautifully done,” Wade says. “It truly was my dream show, and it was a dream come true to actually do it.” And before, during and after her Lion King experience, this Pickerington native and now Broadway-star New Yorker has accomplished plenty, including traveling to more than 30 countries, creating an inspiration blog and becoming a self-published author. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Tryphena Wade

Having grown up in Columbus and moved to Pickerington right before entering high school, Wade showed a deep interest in acting and performing in her church’s dance and drama groups. She also was involved in her high school color guard. But when she graduated from Pickerington High School (now Pickerington High School Central), Wade says she felt a need to go beyond Ohio’s walls and begin exploring. Moving to Washington, D.C., Wade attended Howard University and graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in musical theater. During her college career, Wade was awarded a scholarship to travel abroad, for the first time ever, to what is now one of her favorite areas: Africa. “I knew I had always wanted to travel to Africa,” Wade says. “I tell people to this day, that was probably one of the most profound experiences of my life because I got a new experience of a different culture, and I feel like in the United States and the western world you get a very one-dimensional view of Africa.” Wade began the trip with two weeks in London, where she took classes on the language and culture of the next twomonth destination: Ghana. She says this trip kick-started her desire to explore more areas of the world. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Above: Tryphena Wade at Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Top: Wade at the highest pub in Africa, in Lesotho. Top left: Tryphena Wade overlooks Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. Inset left: Wade as Sarabi with L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa in The Lion King.

“I was so sad to come back. I didn’t want to leave,” she says. “So while I was there, I definitely knew that traveling was going to be a constant part of my life.” After graduation, Wade lived in Washington for a while before making

the move to New York. After performing in local and regional shows, and even on a cruise ship for a year, her Broadway career with The Lion King began. Between performances, she took every opportunity to travel, and soon started a blog, wedontsitoncouches, in 2014. 15

Above: Wade, with the rest of The Lion King cast, after being invited to the White House to sing for First Lady Michelle Obama at the Kids’ “State Dinner.” Top: Wade at the highest point above Machu Picchu.

Standing on a volcano in Hawaii, Wade recalls looking down into the smoking crater and making a prayer to God to become a travel writer and inspire people to get out, be fearless and explore the world. Traveling to Italy, where she sang at the Amalifi Coast Music and Arts Festival in 2016; scuba diving near tectonic plates in Iceland; and hiking in the green mountains of Peru, Wade has seen a lot and written about every moment. One of her favorite trips was about a year ago, when she visited Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border in southern Africa. And with the season being dry, Wade had the opportunity to take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, a small pocket of water located right where the falls drop, with a natural rock wall preventing the swimmer from being swept away. “That was a favorite adventure of mine because I have wanted to go to Victoria Falls since I was a child,” Wade says. “It was really surreal to actually be in the moment and be like, ‘I’m actually here. I’m not looking at a picture… this is actually me.’” Her next travel ambitions are Kenya, Madagascar and Finland to see the Northern Lights. Since early 2017, Wade has cut back on blogging to focus on a new stage production, update the podcast on her blog and publicize her first-ever self-published book, The Heart Works, which was released this past August. In 2014, Wade decided to clear her head. She set a goal of writing in her journal for 100 consecutive days, and the entries accumulated, filled with raw www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

emotions. After accomplishing her goal, Wade began reading through her entries and realized her writings could potentially help others. As she added blog posts, short stories and other text to the journal, a very personal book began to compile. “Vulnerability is one of those things that is really difficult, and a lot of people shy away from it,” Wade says. “But what I learned is that when you are bold enough to be vulnerable and share whatever is on you heart, you never know who you’re going to help. … Someone can always learn from whatever you share.” The book came naturally, since telling stories has always been a favorite activity for Wade. Even when she’s acting or singing, Wade says her favorite part is stepping into characters’ shoes and being able to tell their stories. Like many actors, Wade is always striving for something bigger. Her next goals are to pursue television and film roles. Wade says there are now many opportunities for screen actors all across the country, so she doesn’t plan on making the move to Los Angeles anytime soon.

And through this new journey, Wade says she’ll take the advice she gives on her blog, podcast and in her novel and not let fear overpower her dreams. “I think it’s important to realize we’re going to feel fear; that is a part of living in the world,” she says. “But even in the midst of fear, it’s important to not let that be what controls you. I still have to remind myself of that.” Lydia Freudenberg is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Above: Wade scuba dives between continents in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure. Top right: Wade swims in Devil’s Pool at the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

• Pickerington musician plays to the heart • Pickerington native Spencer Sutherland’s success in music industry • Columbus Jazz Orchestra goes big for 45 years 17

in focus

Pickerington’s Picks Diamonds Are Forever

Anyone in need of rejuvenation or relaxation is sure to appreciate a gift card from Bella Cosmedica, specializing in custom aesthetics. Each customer who buys a gift card of $100 or more receives a complimentary Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion. Prices vary. www.bellacosmedica.com

Gift Guide

pickerington magazine

By Zachary Konno 18

Fare Thee Well

Eric Pennington, Pickerington resident and the man behind personal development brand Epic Living, released his second book this year. The Well-Being Guide: Making the Most of Life and Work, available at Barnes & Noble stores and via Amazon. This practical guide can help readers re-evaluate their own lives through self-discovery. $10.99. www.epicliving.com

Talkin’ ’Bout My Generation

Nobody likes to be without power, especially when temperatures drop, and when that happens, many people talk about getting a backup generator. Lancaster Sport Cycles has the perfect present for that powerconscious friend or family member: a Yamaha portable generator such as the 2,000-watt EF2000iSv2. $1,099. www.lancastersportcycles.com www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

2018

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Two in One

At Sara’s Sewing Shed, you can personalize just about anything, from T-shirts to backpacks – anything you want to add a personal touch to. For a family photo, a personalized picture frame is the way to go. And although this winter hat is not customizable, it will still keep noggins warm when it’s cold out. $25, $12. www.sarassewingshed.com

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With all of the walking and shopping done during this time of year, there’s bound to be someone on your list whose dogs are barking. For that weary soul (sole?), consider a gift card from The Footworks Store. Be sure to make an appointment so the employees can find suitable footwear for those aching feet. Prices vary. www.thefootworksstore.com

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Frame of Mind

Know someone with a special signed jersey or a poster that would look better framed than just simply hung up with thumb tacks? At Art Frame, you can get anything from family heirlooms to sports memorabilia to photographs custom framed. You can also add decorative features to make the item pop. $50-$200. www.artframe.us

Painted Pottery

If you’re looking for a gift with a more personal touch, a piece from Flutterby Ceramics is the way to go. Here, you can paint items in a variety of shapes and sizes. This tree is one of the store’s many different holiday pieces that make perfect gifts for all ages. $12-$60. www.flutterbyceramics.com

If you like CityScene you’ll love

Catching Fire

This Christmas marks the first time Pickerington residents can give the gift of beer that’s been brewed in their own back yard. Combustion Brewery & Taproom offers its beers – such as Wanderlust blonde ale, Ever the Other IPA and Dark Black Past stout – in 32-ounce crowlers and 64-ounce growlers, as well as hats, hooded sweatshirts and other merchandise. Prices vary. www.combustionbrewing.com

HealthScene

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Ring in the New Year

The holidays can be a romantic time, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re in the market for an engagement ring, Edward Warren Jewelers has what you’re looking for. These rings are all diamond engagement rings with 14-karat gold, and come in princess cut, round cut, emerald cut and pear shape. $2,999$3,999. www.ewjewelers.com www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Better lives

ONE story at a time. “My biggest hope for the future is to make it to the league. To make it to the NBA. The first injury happened two years ago now. The doctors at Orthopedic One made us feel very confident. Nine months from my injury I ended up signing to be a Tarheel at North Carolina.” – Sterling Manley, student athlete

Visit orthopedicONE.com for all of Sterling’s story.

This is where you go to get better.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

By Mikayla Klein

(Syca)More, More, More Pickerington’s newest senior living community joins an already impressive list

Photos courtesy of Spectrum Retirement Communities

new addition to the Pickerington community adds to an already robust list of senior living options. Sycamore Creek Senior Living, operated by Spectrum Retirement Communities LLC, opened its doors in late September at 611 Windmiller Dr., offering 10 different floor plans across its apartments. “We are a senior living community that balances seniors’ independence and activities,” says Executive Director Alison Morris. “We offer a social lifestyle and amenities that allow the seniors to enjoy their retirement years without having to worry about living in their homes.” Morris emphasizes bi-weekly housekeeping and maintenance service as one of Sycamore Creek’s most popular features. “(Residents) can finally have the peace of mind knowing that day-to-day home maintenance issues won’t be burdening them,” she says. This frees residents up to meet and connect with their new neighbors through Sycamore Creek’s many

Above: The front entrance. Top: Ths Sycamore Creek Senior Living campus. 22

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Pickerington Area Senior Living Options Abbington of Pickerington Assisted Living 9480 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW www.abbingtononline.com This community offers a stress-free living environment, staffed 24 hours a day with trained, caring workers who assist with daily living needs such as dressing and bathing. An emergency call response system connects every suite, private bath and common area to immediate assistance as needed. Abbington residents enjoy private rooms, five acres of scenic wooded grounds and walking paths plus many common area amenities. Its lobby features a cozy fireplace, welcoming residents home. Amber Park Assisted Living Community 401 Hill Rd. N. www.seniorlivinginstyle.com For seniors who value their independence, Amber Park offers security and care alongside its many activities and programs. The CPR- and first aid-certified workers promptly respond to every call for assistance while registered nurses on staff evaluate residents’ health needs. To maintain seniors’ active lifestyles, Amber Park coordinates social events, fitness classes, excursions and even community service events in which to participate.

Above: The exterior garden. Top: Sycamore Creek emphasizes its flexible dining times as a significant amenity.

socialization events, such as happy hour, cooking classes, Wii bowling and poetry groups, Morris says. As more and more seniors make Sycamore Creek their home, the close-knit community continues to grow. Other amenities include: • A wellness center and fitness room; • A library with computers and Internet connection; • A washer and dryer in each apartment; • An in-house beauty salon; • Flexible dining times; and • Scheduled transportation. “We offer scheduled transportation, so if a resident needs to go to a doctor’s appointment or to church on Sunday, they can do so,” says Morris. Although it’s not assisted living and doesn’t charge a buy-in fee, Sycamore Creek has supportive services available should a resident need them. “Residents have emergency pendants in case anything happens,” says Morris. “We have a 24-hour concierge here on site, and there is always a staff member in the community.” Sycamore Creek accepts residents ages 55 and up. “We take residents … who want to be independent and engaged in their community, but want to know they are going to be able to age in place,” says Morris. For more information, visit www.spectrumretirement.com. Mikayla Klein is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Wesley Ridge Retirement Community 2225 Taylor Park, Reynoldsburg www.wesleyridge.com Residents thrive in either independent living or assisted living, as Wesley Ridge offers both. It features a host of services including rehabilitation services, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, concierge services, and hospice. Other features include a beauty salon, ice cream parlor and general store, chapel, library, and computer area. Its connection to Otterbein University brings bright young students into the community, as well as mini-courses and workshops to its lifelong learners. Brookdale Lakeview Crossing 4000 Lakeview Crossing, Groveport www.brookdale.com Situated in a quiet neighborhood, Brookdale invites residents to relax and enjoy a peaceful living environment. It offers two lifestyle options, assisted living and memory care, making it a great fit for both individuals and couples. Brookdale’s many entertainment options include trips to local attractions such as COSI, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Buckeye Lake, as well as bingo nights and a lively “senior prom.”

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Senior living helps residents preserve independence • Pickerington Senior Center organizes memorable trips 23

student spotlight

by Tessa Flattum Student Spotlight features a student from a different area high school in every issue.

arie Dunlea is far from the only member of National Honor Society at Pickerington High School Central, but she might be the one you’d be least likely to see on any given school day. Dunlea, a senior, is certainly still taking classes. But during the school day, she’s at the BalletMet Dance Academy. She started dancing when she was 3, shortly after witnessing a production

Central senior takes a turn on the dance floor

Photos courtesy of Marie Dunlea and Jennifer Zmuda

Right to the Pointe

of The Nutcracker performed by New York City Ballet. Now, it’s all she ever thinks about. “I remember wanting to get up and dance with them, and I was just enchanted by the whole spectacle,” says Dunlea. “I fell so in love with the feeling of being on stage and the rewarding feeling after working so hard that I knew I wanted this to be my career.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Dunlea continued her ballet training throughout her youth, starting at Pickerington Dance Academy and then taking classes at BalletMet. Dancing alongside such talented dancers had always been a dream for her, and she was excited to join the ranks. BalletMet also introduced Dunlea to its Wiggle Jig Program, a dance class designed for children who fall on the autism spectrum. She has been able to volunteer with several of the dance classes offered, allowing her to share her love of dance and give back to the community. Her involvement as a dancer and volunteer at BalletMet has made the experience so much more memorable than she could have ever imagined. “I’ve loved growing up through the BalletMet academy. It’s so special to be around a professional company and get to watch them dance every day,” she says. “I’ve gotten to work with them in productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, and I learn so much just by watching them. I’m so lucky to get to have this experience.” Even after dancing in many BalletMet productions, Dunlea says her favorite is still The Nutcracker. This year’s production, set for Dec. 8-24 at the Ohio Theatre, will mark her ninth time performing with the cast. “The thing that makes Nutcracker so special to me is the audience,” she says. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

“This show is a holiday tradition for lots of people, and it’s awesome as a performer to know that you’re helping someone make their holiday special.” This year, she was accepted into the BalletMet Trainee Program, allowing her to take her skills to the next level. She takes her school classes online and goes into the studio from 9 to 5 every day to sharpen her techniques, rehearse new routines and practice for upcoming shows. Learning ballet is an intense and rigorous training process, and Dunlea says she’s grateful for all the things it has taught her. “Ballet is so interesting because on top of the physical aspect that the audience sees, there’s an entirely other mental practice that goes along with it,” she says. “I’ve learned discipline through the strict rules in class and rehearsals, spatial awareness, musicality, self-motivation, team-building skills, and countless other things. I worked so hard for my first three years of high school so that I could have this opportunity.” Juggling school work and a full-time dance schedule is not easy, but Dunlea says things have been a lot easier for her due to her supportive family. “(My parents) always want to help me achieve my goals and chase my dreams,” she says. “They’ve been such a big help to me whenever I’ve been stressed.”

Her little sister, Maggie, 12, has also formed a love for BalletMet, making dance a new family tradition. After graduation, Dunlea hopes to continue her journey to become a professional ballerina, aspiring to work for either a professional company or a cruise line for its incredible travel opportunities. Life as a dancer can go in many different directions, and she is ready to go wherever it takes her. Dunlea encourages anyone interested in ballet to seek out dance classes in the area. “You should definitely do it,” she says. “Make sure you’re open to any correction a teacher gives you and try to not compare yourself to others too harshly. As long as you’re making yourself happy, you’ll make the audience happy, too.” Tessa Flattum is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Pickerington North senior helps underprivileged through art • Pickerington North senior is a cellist, scientist and optimist • BalletMet 40th anniversary season 25

on the table

By Rocco Falleti

Food for Thought S

ome of Jan Anderson’s most cherished memories in life are around a table, sharing a home-cooked meal in the warm company of close friends and family. Whether it’s for a birthday, for the holidays or for more than 50 of her son’s co-workers at company Christmas parties, Anderson truly trusts in the power of a home-cooked meal and good conversation. “I love to cook, share time with family and friends and help out those in need,” Anderson says. “I’ve been blessed so much throughout my life.” Anderson retired from a long and successful career with the U.S. Department of Defense back in 2005. While others may seek to celebrate their retirements by traversing the globe, Anderson began spending her free time volunteering at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center and serving as vice president of the Violet Township Dog Park from 2008-2011. “At the same time, I was volunteering with the Pickerington food pantry. That was my opportunity to work to benefit people and not just their canine companions,” Anderson says. “It almost felt like having a new full-time job at times.” As a volunteer at the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington, Anderson has held basically every position imaginable. Starting out,

Sweet and Sour Meatball Appetizer

Courtesy of Jan Anderson

Ingredients 3 lbs. 1⁄2 oz. frozen meatballs 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce 12 oz. jar chili sauce 1 cup sauerkraut with juice 1 cup brown sugar Instructions Combine ingredients in a pan and simmer for 11⁄2 to 2 hours. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with toothpicks. 26

she simply restocked client shelves one day a week when the pantry served fewer than 40 families. In 2012, she had the opportunity to develop floor plans for the pantry’s new location on Cross Street and, along with several other volunteers, build all of the wooden shelving units. “As the client base grew and donations increased, I became the primary volunteer working at date checking and sorting donations several hours every week,” Anderson says. 2012 was also the year when Anderson became involved with the placing of orders from the MidOhio Foodbank, requiring her to be up and online by 7 a.m. Monday through Friday each week to fulfill and research requests. “I place these orders every morning, no matter where I am,” Anderson says. “Even while I spend three months out of the year Jan Anderson with over PCMA Food Pantry of in Florida.” Pickerington volunteers As a very dedicated pantry volunteer, she credits a great deal of the pantry’s success and growth to the work together is much more than simply the food of Director of Operations Gessica Peraza. on the table; it’s the interactions and experi“When I first got involved, I was volun- ences around that table.” teering without an acting director in place,” Anderson says. “When Gessica got involved Rocco Falleti is a contributing writer. a couple years ago, the pantry began grow- Feedback welcome at gbishop@ ing so much. Her dedication is above and cityscenemediagroup.com. beyond the call of duty.” Though Anderson will tell you that she believes she is getting “lazy” in her retirement, she still manages to average more RELATED READS than 400 hours per year volunteering. She www.pickeringtonmagazine.com is even looking to expand her volunteering endeavors soon. “I am now trying to find an opportunity • Pickerington volunteer is a cornerstone of the food pantry to volunteer and go sit with folks in nursing homes for their meals, especially those • New Albany chef helps fight hunger confined to their rooms,” Anderson says. “I • Charity dinner to raise money for am driven by the belief that sharing meals Pickerington schools www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington

Dedicated pantry volunteer Jan Anderson believes in the power of food

Homeward Bound Community growth leads to several new residential developments By Jenny Wise

Photos courtesy of Donley Homes

t’s no secret that Pickerington is a place for families, with 33 percent of residents under the age of 18 and 40 percent of households belonging to married couples with kids. As more families flock to the area, builders are ramping up construction to meet the housing demand. Fischer Homes has a new community in the area, the Reserve at Pickerington Ponds, offering 10 different floor plans and close proximity to local amenities in Olde Pickerington Village. There is also Meadows at Spring Creek, a community by Pulte Homes, that offers six different floor plans. Donley Homes has recently released its first section of homes in Meadowmoore Reserve, a new development off of Ault Road, and plans to break ground on another development, the Enclave at Meadowmoore, in 2018. Offering a selection of single-family homes in a location ideal for raising children, Meadowmoore Reserve lies within Pickerington High School North enrollment boundaries and provides access to a park, a playground, lakes and sidewalks. Donley Homes is exclusive to Pickerington, allowing the builder to offer a variety of features to its clients. With 12 different floor plans available, families have the opportunity to choose the home that is the best fit for them. “We have the ability to modify and change our current floor plans to fit specific needs: larger rooms, additional bathrooms, additional shower to a half bath,” says owner Mike Donley. “We are not a production builder. Our company size, experience and sole building location allow us to provide a semi-custom home building experience.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

The Meadowmoore subdivision, off Milnor Road, features some of the same floor plans that will be available in the new Donley Homes development Meadowmoore Reserve. The Woodford floor plan, pictured left and below, is one of the plans featured in both Meadowmoore and Meadowmoore Reserve.

The Enclave at Meadowmoore is geared more toward the longtime residents of Pickerington who want to downsize without moving far. Designed with the empty-nester in mind, these detached patio homes will be available in four different floor plans with a variety of customizable options. “Pickerington continues to be a growing community with a large demand for new homes,” Donley says. “We continue to serve the traditional neighborhood market and we see a need for patio homes for the longtime residents of Pickerington who want to stay in the community, but do not want a large home to maintain.” For those looking to rent rather than own, there are several apartment

communities in the area including Pickerington Ridge and Waterstone Landing, both off of Refugee Road; and Lake Edge Apartments and the Residence at Turnberry, both off Hill Road North. Jenny Wise is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Around Pickerington Want your snapshots to appear in print? Send your high-resolution photos to pickeringtonmag@gmail.com along with your name and a caption! Cross Country Recognition

Sept. 22 Photo courtesy of John Long During halftime of its football game, Pickerington High School Central recognizes the first boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; state championship team in Pickerington history: the 1997 boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cross country team.

Halloween Decorations Throughout Pickerington

Photos courtesy of Janice Thomas

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

A Day of ATHENA Workshop & Awards Celebration Oct. 6 Photos courtesy of Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce

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bookmarks

By Colleen C. Bauman, Community Relations Coordinator, Pickerington Public Library

tave off the winter cold with a good book. Stop in and pick one up or download from one of our E-library resources. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org/resources

Charley’s First Night By Amy Hest and Helen Oxenbury This picture book is a precious story about a boy and his new puppy that will tug on your heartstrings. Henry’s parents are very clear about who is responsible for Charley, who will walk him, feed him and where he will sleep: in the kitchen. After introducing Charley to his new home, Henry gently tucks Charley in for the night and heads off to bed. If you have ever loved a puppy, you know what happens next.

The Christmas Boot By Lisa Wheeler In this special story of the magic of Christmas, as Hannah gathers kindling for her fire, she finds a black boot in the woods. The boot was so warm and dry on her left foot. Not having warm shoes, she wishes for its mate, and it appears the next morning. Over the next few nights, she wishes for warm mittens, a big house and lovely food to eat. Finally, the owner of the black boot arrives, and quickly figures out just what Hannah really needs.

The Toymaker’s Apprentice By Sherri L. Smith Stefan Drosselmeyer’s life has been turned upside down. His mother newly buried and his father kidnapped, he is persuaded by his cousin to embark on an adventure to save a princess who has been turned into a wooden doll. Stefan must fight the Mouse Queen and her sevenheaded Mouse Prince to rescue his father and save the princess. Drawing from the original Nutcracker story, the author alternates chapters between human and rodent, building suspense to the final battle.

Greenglass House By Kate Milford Situated high on the side of a hill above a smugglers’ town was Greenglass House. Milo had called Greenglass House home since he was a baby. He was used to the bizarre people who passed through the inn and could almost predict who would show up during the different seasons. The first night of winter vacation, all Milo wanted was a quiet week with his parents. Soon, Greenglass House is full of odd, secretive guests, each with a strange story to tell that was somehow connected to Greenglass House. Milo and friend Meddy must use the clues to untangle the mysteries to discover the truth about the house and, ultimately themselves.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow By Jessica Day George This novel is based on the Nordic fairy tale “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” and reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. The eerily beautiful and terrifying story has classic elements: talking animals, evil trolls and a handsome prince who needs a brave young lady to save him from a magical curse. It’s all rolled into a fast-paced story that tweens and teens won’t want to see end. Jessica Day George is the author of favorites Tuesdays at the Castle and the Dragon Slippers series, as well as Princess of Glass and Princess of the Midnight Ball.

Pickerington Public Library Main 201 Opportunity Way Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. Sycamore Plaza Library 7861 Refugee Rd. Monday-Thursday noon-7 p.m. Saturday/Sunday noon-6 p.m. Sunday closed www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

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N OP OW EN !

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Mount Carmel East has received the American Heart Association’s 2017 Mission: Lifeline Receiving Center Gold Plus Achievement Award for improving quality in heart attack treatment. That means in case of a heart attack, you can expect prompt, patient-centered care here that’s consistent with the latest scientific guidelines from the American Heart Association. We do it for the same reason we do everything at Mount Carmel. Because of you. The American Heart Association recognizes this hospital for achieving 85% or higher composite adherence to all Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Center Performing Achievement indicators for consecutive 24-month intervals, 75% or higher compliance on all Mission Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Center quality measures, and First-Door-to-Device time of 120 minutes or less for transfers, to improve the quality of care for STEMI patients.

LEARN MORE AT MOUNTCARMELHEALTH.COM