Pickerington Magazine February/March 2017

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

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

Super Speed

Kevin Crowther is AMA’s director of racing

INSIDE

Transit route Hands-only CPR Senior Center president PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 4697

Š OhioHealth Inc. 2016. All rights reserved. FY16-139-2-7803. 02/16.

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magazine Your source for arts and entertainment in Central Ohio Get daily updates at cityscenecolumbus.com Prizes, ticket packages, deal alerts & more!

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DEFINING & REFINING LIFE...

It’s all about Trust, Value & Details

pickerington magazine TM

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

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman

Creative Director

Garth Bishop

Managing Editor

Hannah Bealer Amanda DePerro Paige Brown Zachary Konno Jenny Wise Ray Bruster Amanda Etchison Lydia Freudenberg Julie Camp

NJWCONSTRUCTION.COM

740.654.8227

70 Years of Quality Collision Repairs by People You Know

President/CEO

Brody Quaintance

Editor Assistant Editor Contributing Writers Editorial Assistants Marketing Manager/ Account Executive Advertising Director

Brenda Lombardi Timothy McKelly

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

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

The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The appearance of advertising in Pickerington Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Pickerington.

Pickerington Magazine is published in June, August, October, December, February and April. Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Pickerington Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2017.

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pickerington magazine volume 9, number 3 february/march 2017

6 Calendar 9

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

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News and Information from Violet Township

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faces

Hog Wild

p.14

Longtime motorcycle enthusiast now oversees racing across the nation

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in focus

The Heart of the Matter Pickerington students and community members undergo training in hands-only CPR

p.18

20

Where Does it Hurt?

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student spotlight

New medical offices, rehab center and urgent care deepen orthopedic offerings

Sponsored by Pickerington Eyecare

“Ohana� Means Family North senior Lauren Conley honors deceased friend in school and on the golf course

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p.21

Pickerington or Bus(t) Pilot program will determine whether the city gets permanent public transit

on the table

26

Center of Attention Board President Ted Hackworth is a tireless advocate for Senior Center

around pickerington

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Photos from the community

30

bookmarks

On the cover: Kevin Crowther. Photo by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

magazine The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township

Mailed to EVERY homeowner and business in Pickerington and Violet Township

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pickerington community calendar february/march 2017 Feb. 3

Feb. 18

Adult Coloring

Mad Hatter Tea Party

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org This free program for adults, held in the library’s digital classroom, is designed to help participants relax with refreshments, classical music and adult coloring books.

2-4 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library pays tribute to Alice in Wonderland with games, lemonade and treats, with patrons encouraged to wear their own mad hats.

Lancaster Antique Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, www.fairfieldcountyfair.org Country and period antiques are part of this annual show at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

Feb. 4-April 23 Circular Abstractions: Bull’s Eye Quilts Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, www. decartsohio.org This touring exhibition curated

by Nancy Crow and organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art features 51 bull’s-eye pattern quilts by a variety of artists.

Feb. 9 Annual Awards Celebration & Silent Auction 5:30-8:30 p.m., Tall Timbers Banquet and Catering, 13831 National Rd. SW, Reynoldsburg, www.pickeringtonchamber.com Food, a silent auction and a wealth of networking opportunities highlight the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet.

Feb. 11 Heart Strings 6:30 p.m., Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us This fundraising concert is for the benefit of the orchestras at Pickerington High School Central, Diley Middle School and Ridgeview Junior High School.

Feb. 14 PHSN Orchestra Concert 7 p.m., Heritage Elementary School, 100 N. East St., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Pickerington High School North’s orchestra performs.

Feb. 21 PPL Book Club 7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.

Feb. 25 Pancake Breakfast 8-11 a.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www. pickeringtonseniorcenter.org The Pickerington Senior Center presents a pancake breakfast on the fourth Saturday of each month.

March 2-5 Arnold Sports Festival Throughout Columbus, www.arnoldsportsfestival.com The largest multi-sport festival in the

Feb. 16 Brown Bag Book Club 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s lunchtime book club discusses The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel. The author will make an appearance via Skype.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, Decorative Arts Center of Ohio and Arnold Sports Festival

Feb. 4

Mark you r calendar for these commun ity events world continues to grow as it welcomes 20,000 athletes, more than ever before, and presents new events including lacrosse, yoga, paraplegic powerlifting, a pro strongwoman competition and the results of a physical transformation challenge.

March 10 Pickerington High School Central presents A Broadway Romance 7 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Central’s theater department presents a spring show.

March 10-12

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Tri-County Home Builders Home & Garden Show Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, www.lancasterhomebuilders association.com Home improvement and landscaping ideas, how-to seminars, and door prizes are all part of this annual show.

March 11 Percussion Ensemble Concert 7 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us North’s percussion ensemble presents its spring performance.

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar?

Send details and photos to gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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pickerington community calendar february/march 2017 continued 2017

Art Class Schedule Public Art Initiative: • Free to All Ages – Feb. 4,

March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3

• Home School Art – Feb. 1 and 15, March 15, April 5 and 19

Elementary Classes • Let’s Make Kites! – Feb 18, 25 • Elementary Art: Drawing Fundamentals (6 week class) – March 5, 12, 19, 26 & April 2, 9

• Elementary Art: Painting Fundamentals (4 week class) – June 4, 11, 18, 25

Junior High Classes • Let’s Make Kites! – March 18 & 25 • Junior High Art: Painting Fundamentals (4 week class) – April 23, 30 & May 7, 21

• Commedia dell’arte – April 8, 15, 22, 28

High School & Adult Classes Drama • No Fear: Shakespeare; “Star Wars the Jedi Doth Return” – Feb 4, 11

Fiber Arts (4 Week Classes) • Spinning – Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 • Yarn Mandalas – March 7, 14, 21, 28

• Weaving: Rigid Heddle – April 4, 11, 18, 25

• Weaving: 4 Harness Loom – May 2, 9, 16, 23

• Bead Weaving – June 6, 13, 20, 27

Drawing and Painting: • Fundamental Drawing (6 week class) – Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1

• Printing on Silk Scarves – March 12

• Watercolor 101 (6 week class) – April 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 13

March 16

March 31-April 2

Brown Bag Book Club

Star Family Circus

1-2 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s lunchtime book club discusses Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.

Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, www.fairfieldcountyfair.org Each of the five shows by the Star Family Circus features almost two hours of acrobats, jugglers, clowns, aerialists, performing dogs and a monkey, among other things.

March 20-24 Spring Break www.pickerington.k12. oh.us

March 21 PPL Book Club 7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy by Carlos Eire.

SAVE THE DATE! Breakfast with the Bunny: April 8 Violet Township Women’s League Style Show: April 8

March 22 Elephant and Piggie Party 10 a.m.-noon, Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org This spring break library activity includes puppetmaking, activities and scene re-enactions, all featuring beloved children’s book characters Elephant and Piggie.

March 30

145 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH

Register today! www.decartsohio.org or 740.681.1423 8

6 p.m., Crossroads Event Center, 2095 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster, www.fairfielddd.com This annual party and awards ceremony recognizes individuals serving and served by the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar?

Send details and photos to gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Janice Thomas

Celebration of Possibilities

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

Transit Transition Pickerington and Violet Township residents can leave some of their driving to Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit (LFPT).

On Oct. 17, LFPT, which started in Lancaster in the 1980s as a pilot program and has transported Pickerington residents since 2010, began a six-month pilot program running two new fixed, continuous public transit loops through Pickerington Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. because the demand for service is growing.

LFPT, which is funded by state and federal grants and local funds, provided 10,266 rides to Pickerington residents.

Mayor Lee Gray said the new ongoing routes will provide a vital service to Pickerington residents.

“I think this is a great opportunity to provide a service to those that really need it,” Gray said. “And although he would never take credit for it, Ted Hackworth has worked diligently to make this happen.”

All 28 buses owned by LFPT are handicap-accessible and driven by drivers who meet all requirements of the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The service is open to anyone, and both routes begin each hour at Giant Eagle, located at 873 Refugee Rd. “It allows individuals to access work, medical, food and recreation, regardless of their ability or desire to drive,” said Carrie Woody, director of LFPT. The North route travels to Harmon/ Eastchester, Abbington Assisted Living on Blacklick Eastern Road, Echo Manor (upon request), Walmart, Life Center at Wesley Ridge, Taylor Park Drive McDonald’s, Grand Haven-Tussing, Marcus Cinema, Hill Road/Turnberry Road, Ohio University-Pickerington, OhioHealthRefugee Road and Fuller Way. The South loop leaves Giant Eagle for Jericho Road/Senior Apartments, New Horizons (Hill/Courtright Drive), Amber Park (upon request), Hill Road/Borland, PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington, Columbus Street/Willow Road, Columbus Street, Diley Road/Pickerington Ponds, Diley Road/Mulberry Street, Diley Road/ www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

routes is online at www.ci.lancaster. oh.us/242/transit.

Woody recommends that riders arrive at the posted stops 5-10 minutes in advance of the scheduled time.

“The routes run an hourly loop and automatically stop at the locations indicated on the schedule. However, sometimes a person may have limitations which make it difficult for them to Busey Road, Diley/Dove Parkway, Diley get to one of the posted locations, or Ridge Medical Center, Meijer, Pickerington may need a trip to a location that is close Public Library and Pickerington Central to the route but not listed on the schedule,” High School, Pickerington Senior Center, Woody said. “In these instances, our bus Pickerington City Hall, Spring Creek Con- can deviate off the scheduled loop to pick dos/Refugee Road (upon request), Kroger someone up or let someone off the vehicle Store on Refugee Road, and Pickerington at a location that is posted within threeNorth High School. fourths of a mile from a posted stop.”

Fare is 50 cents for the general public These “deviated stops” must be and 25 cents for seniors and disabled rid- requested at least 24 hours in advance to ers. Transfers cost 10 cents. Exact fare is make sure the route remains on time for all required because drivers are not allowed riders and the transportation service. LFPT to make change. There is an extra fee for allows for one deviated stop per hour. passengers with more than four bags.

“It gives us a little more flexibility to help A 31-day pass for unlimited rides on offer transportation to individuals near the each route is $30 and can be purchased route, especially if they have limited mobilby contacting the transportation service at ity or no sidewalks,” Woody said.

740-681-5086.

Pickerington Senior Center President Times for each stop are subject to Ted Hackworth said the service benefits all change. The most recent schedule for residents and is a huge help for seniors, 9

News and information from the City of Pickerington

especially those individuals who have health and eyesight issues.

“Many folks that are getting older do not have next of kin or close friends that can drive them around,” Hackworth said.

“Many are very isolated in their homes and struggle to get out. That creates other problems with depression and loneliness.”

While the transit stops currently do not have any shelters or benches, some businesses allow riders to take refuge inside until their bus arrives.

Usually, service is provided unless there is a Level 3 snow emergency or an

emergency is declared by the county.

During inclement weather, residents are urged to check the LFPT website or media outlets for cancellations.

LFPT also provides residents with service to Lancaster from Pickerington on an as-needed basis when arrangements are made by calling the office.

LFPT is working with the Fairfield County administration and the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities to create a regular route between the city/township and Lancaster, Woody said.

LFPT also hopes that a public hearing

in February, which was not set by press time, will eventually lead to ODOT giving the green light for the pilot program being offered to Pickerington residents on a permanent basis.

Woody encourages residents to give the service a try.

“If someone is nervous about trying it for the first time, call the office and we will ride with you,” Woody said.

After that first ride, Woody believes that many more Pickerington residents will leave the driving to Lancaster Fairfield Public Transit.

Keeping Property Work Responsible The City of Pickerington Building Department serves as a watchdog for responsible building in the City to protect residents from unsafe and bad practices.

The building department meets with property owners and businesses to help them understand the requirements of Ohio building codes. It also issues permits, reviews construction plans and provides the required inspections to make sure that work is done correctly and safely.

These permits are designed to protect residents, said City Manager Bill Vance.

“These customer-friendly and responsibly provided City of Pickerington building permit approvals and inspections serve as unofficial insurance policies that protect our public’s safety and eliminate potentially dangerous and unpermitted construction activities completed by unlicensed and uninsured contractors,” Vance said.

Each contractor is required to register his or her current state license with the City and provide proof of liability insurance, workers’ compensation and a copy of his or her current state license.

A building permit is required for most work that involves new construction or remodeling, such as sunrooms, basement finishes, decks, roofs and window and door replacements. Though most storage sheds and fences don’t require building permits, they do require quick approval 10

most timely and essential services to City residents and outside investors coordinating annual construction improvements of many varieties,” Vance said.

citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. from the City Zoning Department located at 51 E. Columbus St. Most interior replacement work and finishes – paint, carpet, countertops, cabinets – do not require permits.

Residential plan reviews and permits usually take five to seven business days to obtain. Commercial plan review is about two weeks. If a contractor tells you the City has delayed the project, the City recommends you check to see that the permit application has actually been submitted.

“When City property owners ensure that their contractors successfully attain a City building permit, City property owners are guaranteeing that they are dealing with a certified and licensed contractor responsibly registered with the City of Pickerington,” Vance said. “Property owners making sure their individual or contracted projects are legally permitted will provide City building inspectors the opportunity to inspect on their behalf and make sure building related efforts are safely done, in accordance with state building codes, and Pickerington’s property owners are getting their money’s worth.”

“The City of Pickerington’s Building Department provides some of our City’s

(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)

Building Services ..................... 833-2221 City Clerk/Council..................... 837-3974 City Manager........................... 837-3974 Development Services.............. 833-2204 Engineering Services ............... 833-2221 Finance Services...................... 837-3974 Human Resources.................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division.................. 837-4116 Mayor’s Office (Lee A. Gray)............................ 837-3974 Mayor’s Court.......................... 837-3974 Parks and Recreation............... 833-2211 Police Services......................... 575-6911 Service Department Streets.................................... 833-2292 Utility Billing............................. 833-2289 Utility Maintenance................... 833-2292 Water Plant.............................. 833-2290 Waste Water Plant.................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.................. 837-6470 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

News and Information From

Violet Township Thank You, Violet Township Fire Department’s toy drive is again a success It is truly inspiring to see the effects of a community that works together for the greater good.

While the numbers of those assisted are still being calculated, the Violet Township Fire Department Annual Toy Drive was once again successful. We partnered with the Pickerington Local School District to identify children and families with the most need. Counselors, teachers and administrators helped conduct an application process and “shopped” for children and families from the toys collected.

The success of the toy drive could not be accomplished without community support. Nearly 50 red Violet Township toy boxes were placed in various businesses around Canal Winchester, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. Our large sponsors, such as Meijer and Kroger, have always graciously supported this effort. Local businesses have also joined the cause, including Dr. Katz and Stonecreek Dental Care offices, Pickerington

Insurance-Jana DellaFlora and Hector Gutierrez Salon. Countless residents in the area brought toys, gift cards and monetary donations to this cause.

A few local Girl Scout troops (#2140, #848 and #2377) conducted a “DriveThru” toy collection event on Dec. 10 that brought in nearly 100 cars. A new event this year at Harmon Middle School featured a dodgeball tournament. Students bought tickets to play dodgeball against other students, teachers and Pharmacy, Kingy’s Pizza, the Ugly Mug firefighters. All proceeds from this event Bar & Grill, Chances R and the PCMA went to the toy drive. The students Food Pantry of Pickerington. proved to be more prepared, more agile Toy boxes are also familiar sights at and less stiff than the firefighters, resultthe Pickerington Public Library, Pickering in a victory for Harmon. ington Police Department, CVS, WalOnce again, this community-wide greens, Big Lots, 5 Below, Petsmart effort is a success thanks to our generand Fairfield Federal Savings and Loan ous residents. The Violet Township Fire Bank. Some businesses had employees Department would like to thank everyor residents provide toys to collectively one involved, and we look forward to present to the fire department, includanother successful toy drive in 2017. ing OhioHealth Pickerington, OhioBWC, Sincerely, Wesley Ridge, Echo Manor, Nationwide FF Liz Smith & FF Jim Barber Insurance-Dennis Weinzierl, State Farm Toy Drive Coordinators

A Look at the Township’s New Trash Hauler Program In February, each Violet Township resident will receive a letter that details the single trash hauler program beginning April 1. When this letter is sent, a copy will be placed on our website, www.violet.oh.us, as well.

We believe this program provides many benefits to our residents and community, such as: Uniform and annual fixed pricing: The new trash collection service will be provided for $11.50 per month and includes unlimited amounts of trash, including bulk items and brush that are in bundles of 4 feet or less in length by 2 feet in diameter, and bags/containers that weigh less than 50 pounds each.

Single trash day: All residents will have their trash collected on Friday of www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

each week, except for holidays, and a schedule will be published.

Regulated service: Currently, haulers are picking up trash as early as 4:30 a.m.; our contract prohibits service from beginning prior to 6 a.m. Violet Township can now become an advocate for our residents if and when service deficiencies result, as well as regulate cleanup if any spills occur on our streets.

Optional services: All residents will be provided with the option to have additional services such as curbside recycling, trash container rental and disposal of CFC appliances for an additional fee. Residents who choose to rent wheeled trash containers (32-, 65- or 96-gallon) can do so for an additional fee of $3 per month.

What do I need to do as a resident? Services begin April 1, but the following items can be scheduled or handled in advance of the start date: Only pay your current trash hauler for services up to March 31. If you already have paid Waste Management or Rumpke beyond this date, both have agreed to provide you Continued on page 13

Local Waste Services Contact Information: Local Waste Services, LTD 1300 S. Columbus Airport Rd. Columbus, OH 43207 Phone: 614-409-9375 or 740-756-7156 Website: www.localwasteservices.com 11

This winter, the Violet Township Fire Department has taken a different and proactive approach to our fitness. We have teamed up with Matt Wenning, who is currently the owner of, and private strength coach at, Ludus Magnus Gym in Columbus.

Matt is one of only a handful of people to total over 2,600 lbs. in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2,665 lbs. in the 308 weight class and bench over 800 lbs. in a full powerlifting meet. Wenning is also a personal trainer to many executives and professionals at Capital Club Athletics. He has worked with the U.S. Army, firefighters, physicians, children with disabilities and all forms of athletes in the Columbus area, according to www.elitefts.com.

Firefighter Training: A Proactive Approach

By Matt R. Wenning, M.S., sports biomechanics Strength Coordinator, Violet Township, Whitehall and Washington Township Firefighters and EMS personnel risk their lives to protect us from multiple hazards on a daily basis, whether it is from fires, car accidents, gas leaks or getting citizens to medical attention in a timely fashion. These are just a few of the tasks we ask of our local fire department and EMS providers.

With all of these tasks, we can arguably say that the Fire/EMS service is one of the, if not the, most important jobs to a community. But our communities are changing.

Not so long ago, the average person had a manual labor job and a cleaner, less processed diet. This environment kept the population lighter and body mass at a minimum. In 1960, the average male weighed in at a light 166.3 lbs., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fastforward to today: Now, that is almost the average weight for females (166.2 lbs.), with the average weight of males at 195.5 lbs.

How do we, as emergency responders, combat this issue?

A strength and wellness program for these men and women is crucial for the service to perform their jobs safely. This safety is both on the side of the taxpayer or patient, and the service personnel.

There are a few reasons that we must have this in place in society today.

1) The average weight of civilians is rising, and so must our strength.

Over the past 35 years, obesity rates have more than doubled. This means that our Fire/EMS personnel will be taking runs and moving people who the traditional tests for the fire service were not designed to accommodate.

12

This has led to a drastic increase in shoulder, knee and lower-back issues in the tactical services (police, fire, EMS and military).

The only way to combat this is to become stronger than the tasks that are being asked of our personnel. The first step is to correct all posture and muscle imbalances. This can be a lengthy process, but a rewarding one, as seen in other departments that have similar wellness programs in place.

2) Increase mobility to be in better positions to lift and move.

Lifting larger loads more safely is more complicated than just being stronger. Strength can only be used if mobility and the ability to move are present. This means that bodybuilding movements are not in the department’s best interest. Squatting, deadlifting and other compound movements force the service personnel to bend, move and stretch into positions they may incur on the job. This means that movements must be done in full range, with technique being the key to progression.

3) Start slow.

Strength is built over time. Few people can walk into a gym and deadlift twice their body weight. It takes time, patience and consistency.

To most people, the thought of deadlifting 400 lbs. is insane. But think of being lifted out of a fire.

Firefighter weighs 180-200 lbs.

Fire gear weighs 40-60 lbs.

Average male weighs 195 lbs.

This is 400-plus pounds.

As you can see, this really starts to add up quickly, which creates a major

problem. The average deadlift at most fire departments with no strength program is 170-210 lbs. (measured from 25-plus assessments from around the U.S. 2010-2015). So most fire personnel are working with about half the strength they will need.

This strength deficit is shown in most fire injury and insurance reports, if you know what to look for.

In 2006, my department in central Ohio needed massive changes. Due to the rise in insurance costs (see below), the administration decided to try to address the problem by instituting a strength program in 2008. By 2010, it was saving the department close to $200,000 in operating insurance premiums.

Average deadlift 2008 175 lbs.

Average deadlift 2015 385 lbs.

This is the approach we are taking at Violet Township Fire Department.

By building a strong base of mobility, strength and awareness in lifting, our personnel will be able to quickly move, lift and protect our families and property.

Strength is no longer a luxury to our department. Now, we will make it a priority in order to serve our taxpayers to the best of our ability. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

How Much Salt Is Too Much?

By Chad Lucht, Fairfield Soil & Water Conservation District Many of us make New Year’s resolutions: lose a few pounds, get outside more or improve our diet and reduce salt intake.

We all know that keeping sidewalks and steps free of ice is important to our personal safety. When we head out to clear our walks and driveways, or send family members out to spread salt to melt the snow and ice, we are most likely applying too much salt and not even realizing it. Over-application of salt can be quite expensive. It can damage pavement, kill landscape plants and, ultimately, harm our streams.

Sodium chloride, better known as rock salt, dissolves into sodium and chloride that can quickly move into our lawns, landscape beds, ditches and storm sewers and, eventually, to our local streams. Once it makes it to the streams, it can potentially change the chemistry of the water. It is estimated that one teaspoon of rock salt can pollute 5 gallons of water. High concentrations of chloride are toxic to insects

and fish, and affect their reproductive systems. Also, piling salty snow and ice on landscaping can kill your lawn and plants.

At around 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 pounds of rock salt per 1,000 square feet is all you need. For most driveways, that’s more than enough. For each 5-degree drop in temperature, add one more pound. But once the temperature drops below 20 degrees, it’s no longer as effective.

The first thing you should do before spreading salt is remove as much snow and ice as possible by shoveling and scraping the area clean. Then use a spreader that can mete out salt and provide a much more even spread.

Small quantities of sand can be added as you spread the salt to improve traction as well.

In 2014, Consumer Reports compared ice-melting products. The organization noted that there are several products that are more environmentally friendly or safer around pets than

others. It was found that rock salt is the least expensive and that it should not be used on concrete driveways that are less than a year old.

Products that contain magnesium chloride, potassium chloride or urea/ carbonyl diamide are more environmentally friendly compared to rock salt. For those bitter cold days when the temperature is 25 degrees below zero, calcium chloride is the recommended product, though it can damage grass and plants when over applied.

When selecting a de-icing product, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Some de-icing products can damage your concrete or asphalt driveway, while others can damage your lawn and plants. Then there is the cost that needs to be considered as well. No matter what your product choice is, the combination of shoveling and scraping the area clean first and using moderate amounts of de-icing products can help our streams and fish maintain a healthier lifestyle as well.

Road Maintenance Update This will be the first year that Violet Township receives additional funding as a result of the passage of the 2016 road levy. The levy has been certified by the Fairfield County Auditor to provide us with the additional $770,000 annually for five years for roadway maintenance.

A plan is being developed based on data that provides us with a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for each roadway segment. Our 107 miles of roadway have been broken down into 817 management sections. This analysis is

based upon the nationally recognized U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inspection Manual, and provides us with data guiding us through our roadway maintenance planning.

In 2017, we plan to bid our paving requirements together with the City of Pickerington, with each entity bidding approximately $1 million in work. Our joint bid package of $2 million should provide greater value and benefit to our community.

Trash from page 11 a refund. You will need to contact them directly to coordinate this.

If you would like any of the optional services, please contact Local Waste Services at 614-409-9375 or go to www.localwasteservices.com/request to request them.

If you are age 62 or older, LWS will provide a 10 percent percent discount to you. Simply mail the company a copy www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

of your driver’s license or other identification and a utility bill in your name. Use the business address listed below for LWS. On your last collection day in March, leave any rental equipment from another hauler at the curb.

Have your trash and recyclables (if selected) at the curb by 6 a.m. on April 7.

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

faces

Photos by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography

ro ePer D a d man

by A

Longtime motorcycle enthusiast now oversees racing across the nation

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of American Motorcycle Association Museum

F

rom a young age, northern California native Kevin Crowther knew he loved anything with two wheels and a motor. In fact, at just 7 years old, Crowther received a motorcycle for Christmas.

“And that kind of started me on the road,” says Crowther. “Since I got that motorcycle for Christmas, I have not been without a motorcycle – whether it be a street bike or a dirt bike. That’s where it all started with me. It’s all my dad’s fault.”

Growing up in the 1970s and ’80s, Crowther’s father took him camping and dirt bike racing. Even Crowther’s older brother rode motorcycles.

“Obviously, motorcycles are my life.

I’m hooked on them,” Crowther says.

It was natural for Crowther to pursue a career having to do with motorcycles. He began racing on the West Coast, then went into the U.S. Navy in 1987, and not even the Navy could come between Crowther and motorcycles. While he was stationed on the Naval Air Station North Island in California, he became a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, teaching safety courses to other sailors at the station. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on Yarmouth Drive, was founded in 1982. Its goal is to preserve and recognize the people who have made major contributions to the field. “The museum here is pretty cool; it’s worth looking at. It’s a hidden gem out here,” says Crowther.

After leaving the Navy in the mid’90s, Crowther got back into racing – motocross, off-road and road racing, to be exact – and began working for Kosman, a motorcycle equipment company in California. Crowther found himself

talking to an employee of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) at a race and, two weeks later, flying to Atlanta to be a tech inspector for the Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championships.

He worked for the AMA on weekends 15

with his wife, Kris, and two daughters.

With one daughter starting her second year of high school, and another in middle school, Crowther says it was “catastrophic” to move.

“When people found out we moved here from northern California, they’d be like, ‘You’re crazy,’” says Crowther. “In retrospect, it turned out to be a great de-

cision. My oldest daughter told me after we’d been here about a year (that) if we told her we’d move back to California, it’d be harder.”

The move turned out to be a great decision not just for Crowther’s family, but for his career as well. In December, he was appointed director of racing for the AMA. In this position, Crowther oversees all amateur and professional competitions. Crowther’s position in life and in his job have been a perfect combination.

“To be honest with you, Pickerington and just the people out here reminded me of California in 1970; the family’s out, the kids are running around,” Crowther says. “I actually really like where we live out here in Pickerington.

I love the community. … This is going to be the forever job.”

Looking back on his professional career, Crowther realizes he’s come a long way since his conversation with the first AMA employee.

“I started as one of our part-time employees. I would sleep on the floor of a hotel room to race,” says Crowther.

“My job now encompasses not only supercross, but also all of our amateur

The grounds upon which the AMA and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame sit are so beautiful that Crowther’s youngest daughter got married there.

16

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography (top) and courtesy of American Motorcycle Association Museum

until 2006, when he was hired full-time as director for tech development for pro racing. And it all started with a conversation back in California.

“It’s one of those right place, right time kind of things,” Crowther says.

With the new job came a move to Pickerington, where the AMA is located on Yarmouth Drive, from California

The AMA doesn’t restrict itself to one type of motorcycle, or one type of event. Crowther oversees all types of events at his post with the AMA: road racing, land speed, drag racing, hill climb, even ATV racing.

Photos courtesy of American Motorcycle Association Museum

racing, the AMA sanctions, thousands of races across the United States, motocross, hill climb, ice racing, flat track.”

How’s Crowther doing with the new responsibilities?

“I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.”

However, the work that Crowther does and the team he does it with, he says, make it worthwhile. In fact, his love of his work has even been passed down to his children, as his youngest daughter got married on the AMA grounds in Pickerington.

Now empty-nesters, Crowther and his wife have had to find their way again.

Downsizing is in Crowther’s future, but leaving Pickerington is not.

“We definitely want to stay in the area,” he says. “But future-wise, we’ll … see where this ride takes us.”

Even in his down time, Crowther can’t get away from motorcycles. Nor does he want to.

“I don’t know what I would do if there weren’t motorcycles. That would be a hard one,” he says. “I love motorcycles, I love my job and I love my wife.

It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Amanda DePerro is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Jaguar barn owner • Construction worker, artist and cycle enthusiast www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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in focus

By Zachary Konno

The Heart of the Matter

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A

lgebra. English. Hands-only CPR. History.

To take a line from Sesame Street, one of these things is not like the others.

The Pickerington Local School District is now in its fourth year of instructing students in hands-only CPR. Hands-only CPR “is where you do compressions only (and) you don’t give breath,” says Sharon Schmitz, health supervisor for the district. It’s different from regular CPR, which involves a series of chest compressions and breathing into the person’s mouth, and is a new initiative from the American Heart Association to ensure as many people as possible are CPR-trained.

“What they found was that people that … aren’t medically trained, if they came upon someone that needed CPR, they were hesitant because they didn’t want to put their mouth on somebody else’s mouth and give breath.

So they didn’t do anything,” Schmitz says.

“But if we give compressions, it circulates the blood that’s in the person’s body that has oxygen in it … and so that will help sustain life until more trained people arrive.”

Schmitz, who won the 2015 Rob L. Walker Heart Safe School Champion Award, has been a school nurse in Pickerington since 1993 and the school health

Sharon Schmitz

supervisor since the late 1990s. She and the team of school nurses, who are all certified CPR instructors, train fourth-, sixth- and eighth-grade students, along with ninth- or tenth-grade students in the health classes at the high schools.

Schmitz says all faculty and staff members are trained as well. They go through drills in which a dummy is placed anywhere in the building and they have to find it, perform practice hands-only CPR and retrieve an AED kit to revive and save the dummy.

“We’re asking our teachers and all of our staff members to do some things out of their comfort zone,” Schmitz says. “We have not, thank heavens, had any cardiac emergencies, but they’re also more prepared for any medical emergency that comes up.”

The school district was the first in the nation in 2014 to become Heart Safe Accredited, a program started the previous year by the Sudden Arrhythmia Death www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Pickerington Local Schools

Pickerington students and community members undergo training in hands-only CPR

Syndromes Foundation with local support from Fairfield Medical Center. Schmitz says this accreditation, which the district will pursue again this year, is important because a cardiac event can happen at any moment.

“We practice fire drills and we practice for other emergencies, and we need to prepare in the event that a cardiac event occurs during the school day,” Schmitz says.

The initiative in Pickerington schools has extended into the Pickerington community as well.

The Violet Township Fire Department has been instrumental in coordinating a community-wide hands-only CPR initiative, led by Fire Chief Mike Little.

Little, who joined the department in 1993 and became the fire chief in November 2014, says that while it is not the standard operating procedure employed by the fire department, hands-only CPR can be more effective for those who are not fully trained to save someone until EMS gets to the scene.

With cardiac issues in the U.S. on the rise, Little says, the eventual goal is for as many people to be CPR-trained as possible.

“Our goal would be to train as many people in the community as possible … in the hope that if something happens and

they’re there, that they react and provide the care that needs to be provided to give that person the greatest possibility of survival they can have,” Little says.

Little hopes Pickerington’s awareness of cardiac issues and subsequent training to help those in need of lifesaving assistance will spread to other communities around the city. He also hopes more people will become CPR-certified, as it’s an easy process that could potentially be a lifesaver.

“It’s a pretty simple process. The nice part is that anybody can come in and learn it,” Little says. “It’s a skill that you can have with you the rest of your life and … hopefully save somebody’s life with.”

Zachary Konno is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Township’s bystander CPR program • AEDs for lifesaving • Schools’ Watch Dog Dads program www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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Where Does it Hurt?

New medical offices, rehab center and urgent care deepen orthopedic offerings

I

n a little over a year, Pickerington has seen a substantial expansion of options available to individuals in need of musculoskeletal care.

Over the past 15 months, central Ohio orthopedic care company OrthoNeuro has opened three facilities in the city.

The first was a physician office, which opened in November 2015 on the OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus.

This past April, OrthoNeuro opened a physical therapy clinic in the Sherman Center on Hill Road North. Two months later, at the same location, it opened an orthopedic urgent care facility.

The vast majority of rehab services center on orthopedic and sports injury, including physical and occupational therapists, a sports clinical specialist, and a strength and conditioning specialist.

“We have a certified manual therapist, we have certified Kinesio Tape practitioners, we have people who specialize in working with runners and doing running assessments,” says Lisa Johns, director of rehabilitation services for OrthoNeuro.

Manual, or hand, therapy is among the less common offerings, Johns says, 20

but it’s important for individuals who have had hand, wrist or elbow injuries.

OrthoNeuro’s specialist will perform hand exams and do custom and post-operative splinting.

“It’s pretty strenuous to do, and it’s in high demand,” says Johns. “(Manual therapists) are hard to find at times.”

The urgent care is OrthoNeuro’s second in central Ohio.

A general urgent care facility might have to refer a patient with a musculoskeletal injury to an orthopedic facility, but the OrthoNeuro facility can either see the patient in short order or refer him or her to one of its specialists at the medical office or physical therapy clinic, says Dr. Bob Whitehead, medical director for OrthoNeuro’s urgent care centers.

Whitehead’s background is in sports medicine, as is that of Dr. Sandy Lane, the primary physician at the urgent care center, so sports injuries and sports physicals are among the specialties there.

“Let’s say you sprain your ankle and you don’t know if it’s broken or not, or you

fall and injure your wrist and you think it might be broken,” Whitehead says. An emergency room visit might be lengthy and expensive, “but when you come to our facility, that’s what we specialize in … so we are tuned up to take a look at your wrist or your ankle.”

That means X-rays, determination whether the patient needs surgery or just rehab, fittings for braces or crutches, and referrals to physical therapists, among other things.

OrthoNeuro has been looking for ways to deepen its involvement in the Pickerington community, and has been in discussions with the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce on the subject.

The organization also had a booth at the Pickerington Violet Festival this past summer, and a number of employees are Pickerington residents, including Johns.

Garth Bishop is managing editor.

Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of OrthoNeuro

By Garth Bishop

student spotlight Sponsored by Pickerington Eyecare

By Paige Brown Student Spotlight features a student from a different area high school in every issue.

“Ohana” Means Family North senior Lauren Conley honors deceased friend in school and on the golf course

Photo courtesy of Ann Conley

S

tudents at Pickerington High School North know senior Lauren Conley for her commitment to the schools and its golf team, but they might know her even better for her commitment to a lost friend.

This year, Conley, one of the top 10 students in her class, is student body vice president at North and president of the school’s chapter of National Honor Society. She’s also co-president of the school’s chapter of Drug Free Clubs of America and is a member of Team Physics, Panther Pack and Sunny Side Up. In addition, Conley is captain of the school’s golf team and, this fall, was given the title of Most Valuable Player. It was last school year, though, when Conley helped organize memorial efforts for a fellow student.

Lauryn Oliphant, one of Conley’s close friends, passed away in May 2016 after a hard-fought battle with leukemia.

Oliphant, who Conley called “Lu,” was also a part of the North golf team.

Conley says her close group of friends called themselves “Ohana” in a group text.

Their use of the Hawaiian word for “family” was inspired by its prominence in the 2002 Disney film Lilo and Stitch, in which it was part of a memorable quote: “‘Ohana’ means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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this past season, Conley achieved First Team. Though she initially expected the district championships to be the final match of her high school career, a score of 79 there and a victory in a tiebreaker hole, Conley made it to the state tournament, where she placed 12th overall – and, by making it to the state level, accomplished a goal she and Oliphant set for themselves in eighth grade.

Conley’s contributions on the golf course extend beyond her efforts to boost the ranking of the Panthers team. This past summer, she volunteered for the First Tee of Central Ohio, which she describes as “an incredible opportunity to help the kids of my community,” she says.

The First Tee is a national program dedicated to teaching young people not only how to play golf, but about how the game can help build character and positive values. Efforts are made to provide opportunities to children whose families do not have the means and resources to help them pursue the sport through financial assistance and equipment.

“I was involved in the nine-week summer program for the central Ohio chapter.

Each week is focused on one of the program’s nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of David Beckham Photography and Ann Conley

“It seemed cheesy at first, but ‘Ohana’ has come to mean a lot to us,” Conley says.

“We all have bracelets that say ‘Ohana’ and keychains that say the same.”

Conley keeps the three same marks of Oliphant with her every time she takes to the course.

“I knew I wanted to do something incredible this season in honor of her, and this season did not fall short of that goal,” Conley says. “Every time I stepped on the course, I had three things: an orange tee in my hat that reads ‘LuStrong,’ an orange ribbon on my hat and the ball mark Lu used before she passed.”

Conley and several of Oliphant’s other friends – working with Principal Mark Ulbrich, guidance counselors and Oliphant’s pastor – helped arrange a memorial service that celebrated Oliphant’s life. All the members of Ohana spoke during the service amid music and other remembrances.

“It was a beautiful night that truly captured her radiant spirit and wonderful being,” says Conley.

After being named Second Team and Third Team All OCC in previous years,

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judgment,” Conley says. “This shows the kids golf is more than a game of skill; it is a game of ethics and personal values.”

Though Conley has yet to decide where she wants to attend college – she’s looking at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt University, Purdue University and Ohio Northern University – she knows what she wants to do when she gets there and, to some extent, what she wants to do when she’s done.

“I plan to major in civil engineering and, in my future, I hope to be working on structure design and development,” she says.

Conley lives in Pickerington with her parents, Mike and Ann. Her older sister, Megan, graduated from North in 2011.

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Paige Brown is a contributing writer.

Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Drug Free Clubs of America • Central grad also involved in NHS and Sunny Side Up • Fellow North NHS and Drug Free Clubs member • Memorial Tournament coordinator www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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By Jenny Wise

Pilot program will determine whether the city gets permanent public transit

I

t was about 10 years ago that Pickerington lost the public transit bus assigned to it.

Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit began offering an on-demand response service in 2010, primarily for senior citizens without alternative transportation, but that was it.

No longer.

When funding for the service was lost, Pickerington City Council turned its assigned bus over to LFPT. The ondemand service provided an option, but the model had flaws.

“It is very-time consuming, costly and severely limits the amount of people we are able to provide transportation to,” says Carrie Woody, director of LFPT. Not only could the system be inefficient from an economic standpoint, but it also provided challenges for riders. There was a 30-minute wait time for riders upon requesting a pickup, which often prompted residents to simply not use it.

As of Oct. 18, two routes have been added to Pickerington and Violet Township.

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Thanks to the new route service offered, including 34 new stops, LFPT is able to efficiently provide transportation to more individuals and at a much lower cost to the rider. Now, riders have a five-minute wait, rather than 30, with on-demand service.

A few popular stop locations include Giant Eagle, Meijer, Kroger and Walmart, as well as the OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus, Diley Ridge Medical Center and, of course, Pickerington Senior Center. Seniors can apply for the mobility rate of 25 cents per ride, while the general public’s rate is 50 cents per ride.

Giant Eagle serves as a transfer stop, with transfers costing only 10 cents for each rider. Exact change is required, and LFPT recommends riders arrive at the stop five minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. A complete schedule can be found on LFPT’s website, www. ci.lancaster.oh.us/242/transit.

Stop locations were carefully selected with the help of Ted Hackworth, president of the Senior Center’s Board of

Trustees, and public comment. Common pickup locations requested through the on-demand model have been added to the route, along with several stops in an area identified by the Fairfield Regional Planning Commission as senior low income housing.

“We’ve spent nearly two years planning and routing stops,” says Woody. “Ted Hackworth was instrumental in helping route and time the schedules.”

Hackworth and his wife, Ann, drove the route through Pickerington a few times, trying to keep it under an hour.

They personally mapped out 25 stops located in areas from which Senior Center members commonly request transportation. Woody then added in more stops, taking into account the needs of other community members as well.

When Hackworth took on his role at the center in 2010, he questioned the ondemand bus service, since the center donates $5,000 annually to help fund LFPT. One Senior Center member had tried 18 times in a two-month period to get transportation, but she was turned down each time because no buses were available.

It was this realization that led Hackworth to get so involved in the process.

He wanted to make the center and its resources available to all seniors in the www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo by Garth Bishop

Pickerington or Bus(t)

Photos courtesy of Lancaster-Fairfield Public Transit

community, especially those who need extra assistance getting from point A to point B. The two routes, both north and south, are running on an hourly loop, with the option for community members to request a pick-up within a ¾-mile radius of any listed stops. These requests need to be at least 24 hours in advance. The two routes are in operation 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The new routes are operating under a six-month pilot program with the state. A public hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. A 30-day written comment period will follow. Public comments are welcome and desired, so they can be submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation along with other information.

ODOT then decides whether it will become a permanent service.

Jenny Wise is a contributing writer.

Hackworth encourages the commu- Feedback welcome at gbishop@ nity to utilize the newly available routes in cityscenemediagroup.com. hopes of establishing a permanent service to Pickerington and Violet Township.

“Use it or lose it,” says Hackworth. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Produce delivery bus • Another car alternative: Cycling in Columbus 25

on the table

By Jenny Wise

Center of Attention

Board President Ted Hackworth is a tireless advocate for Senior Center

I

n 1991, Ted Hackworth and his wife, Ann, moved to Pickerington in search of a small retirement home.

They found Pickerington Run and have been there ever since.

Hackworth, 73, began attending the Pickerington Senior Center with his wife about 10 years ago. After serving on Pickerington City Council from 2003 to 2007 and representing the mayor on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Hackworth was asked to fill a position at the Senior Center.

Nancy Lee, director of Senior Center, asked Hackworth to serve on the board of trustees as president in 2010. What he thought would be a temporary position became a long-term role.

Hackworth continues to serve as president and helps strategize with other board members to make the center an even better place to visit.

“I knew Ted would make a good president because he had a lot of knowledge and experience from serving on City Council,” says Lee. “He is very ambitious and is always willing to do what needs to be done.”

Hackworth’s latest success at the center will benefit the entire Pickerington community. He has been an advocate for the public transit buses for more than 10 years. While Hackworth was serving on City Council, Pickerington lost funding and had to turn its bus over to Lancaster.

Though many attempts to work with the Central Ohio Transit Authority fell short, Hackworth persisted. Thanks to Carrie Woody, the director of LancasterFairfield Public Transit, Hackworth was able to add 34 new stops in Pickerington.

“It’s not a complete solution; it’s a work in progress,” says Hackworth. “We have to use it, and if she gets enough rider26

ship, (Woody) can start justifying expanding with more buses or extended hours.”

Along with his local endeavors, Hackworth also rents property and travels with the center. He and his wife enjoy the long trips to places such as Ocean City, Md. and Virginia Beach, but they also enjoy day trips to places such as Hocking Hills.

Hackworth has plans to create an information center for local seniors to learn about the programs and opportunities available at the center, but finds it challenging to keep up with.

“I am very thankful for all of the senior volunteers we have at the Senior Center,” Hackworth says. “They help keep the lights on and work tirelessly during our events.”

Jenny Wise is a contributing writer.

Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo by Garth Bishop

RECIPE

Box Cake Coffee Cake

Courtesy of a Pickerington Senior Center member Ingredients Instructions 1 box cake mix, vanilla or yellow Mix flour, brown sugar and oleo 4 cups blueberries together. Add chocolate chips and ½ cup flour nuts and mix to create crumb topping. ½ cup brown sugar Mix cake mix as directed. ¼ cup oleo Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. ½ cup mini chocolate chips Remove cake from oven and ½ cup pecans or walnuts top with blueberries. Then, put crumb topping on top.

Return cake to oven and finish baking until a toothpick comes out clean.

Drizzle finished product with icing and serve. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Senior center trips • Senior center’s noodlemakers www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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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!

Breakfast with Santa Photos courtesy of Janice Thomas

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Olde Village Holiday Gathering Photo courtesy of Janice Thomas

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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bookmarks

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

Best Health-Related Books 10 Reasons You Feel Old and Get Fat … and How You Can Stay Young, Slim, and Happy!

By Frank Lipman, M.D.

Against All Grain Celebrations: A Year of Gluten-Free, DairyFree, and Paleo Recipes for Every Occasion

By Danielle Walker Holiday gatherings can be stressful especially for people who have changed their diets due to health and personal reasons.

This book contains 125 recipes for grain-free, dairyfree, gluten-free comfort food dishes to be served at holidays and special occasions. Feel confident hosting to include guests with special requests, and enjoy a whole year of celebrating.

We eat the wrong foods, skimp on sleep, deprive ourselves of movement. Overwhelmed by stresses of our daily lives, we take a host of prescriptions, disrupting our body’s natural ability to heal. Dr. Lipman provides information on how to feel your best. He includes a two-week revitalization program and helpful resources for community support.

101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home

By Jan Berry Ditch the commercial products and learn how to keep your home clean with herbal vinegar spray and orange pine floor cleaner. DIY salves, creams, scrubs and lip care recipes are simple and fun activities for all ages. The book includes an extensive collection of common herbs and flowers with instructions on how to preserve them for home use, and helpful online resources for ordering ingredients as well as helpful photos of ingredients and packaging.

101 Ways to Conquer Teen Anxiety

Gluten-free Facts for Families Series Three-part program series for adults presented by Shannon Carter, The Ohio State University Extension Educator from Fairfield County. Register online or by calling 614-837-4104, ext. 233 Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.: Introduction to Gluten-free Eating Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.: Gluten-free Shopping and Eating out Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.: Gluten-free Cooking and Baking

Zinio for Libraries Access digital magazines through our library’s website.

Prevention, Natural Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Clean Eating, Weight Watchers and Gluten Free Living are just some of the magazines available for free with Zinio.

Other health-related resources can be found at www. pickeringtonlibrary.org/resources.

By Dr. Thomas McDonagh and Jon Patrick Hatcher It’s not just teen angst; teens’ lives today are full of stress and anxiety. Whether it is through problems with school, friends, parents or all of the above, teens need to learn how to navigate to keep from spiraling out.

Based on cognitive behavioral therapy, this book offers dozens of beneficial quizzes, activities, tips and illustrations to help.

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Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

Sunday 1-5 p.m. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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SycamoreCreekSeniorLiving.com 611 Windmiller Drive | Pickerington, OH 43147 | (614) 569-7221 A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

BECAUSE

YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF OTHERS IN WAYS NO ONE ELSE CAN. There’s no one else like you. So when your heart needs care, Mount Carmel offers diagnosis and treatment in ways no one else can. At Mount Carmel, you are at the center of everything we do. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of the top board-certified cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons.

And why we’re constantly adopting new treatments like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Today, TAVR — a first-of-its-kind, minimally invasive heart valve replacement — is available to a wider range of patients than ever before.

The heart and vascular experts of Mount Carmel. Because of you.

TAVR – a first-of-its-kind heart valve replacement

mountcarmelhealth.com