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
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Preserving History Passing on knowledge of World War II is important to former POW Eddie Leibbrand
ALSO INSIDE Forgotten 4-Paws Haunted Museum Seniors’ Buckeye parties
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inside
October/November 2015
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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Liberated
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in focus
Friends in Need
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Brought to You By... Europe Land Touring (Globus) & Europe River Cruising (Avalon) Hosted by: Sandra Stemen
faces
Pickerington veteran forever carries the memory of his time in an Axis prison camp
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Turnberry Travel’s Europe Seminar!
Animal welfare group advocates for measures to curb stray pet population
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Laughs from Life
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Scarlet & Gray
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Petrified Past
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student spotlight
Thursday, October 15th from 7:00 - 9:00pm The Fairfield Inn 2826 Taylor Rd. Reynoldsburg RSVP by Oct. 5 th 614.866.4411
www.TurnberryTravel.com 1184 Hill Rd. North (Next to Red Velvet Cafè)
Personal stories are Pickerington-born stand-up comedian’s bread and butter
Retirement communities host Buckeye game day parties for residents
Halloween haunted museum brings Historical Society into the witching hour
Ending on a High Note North senior is a cellist, scientist and optimist
p.28 On the cover Photo of Eddie Leibbrand by Scott Cunningham
on the table
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That’s a Stretch Senior Center members have been making noodles for fundraisers for almost three decades
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bookmarks
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781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202 Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill
President/CEO
Gianna Barrett
Vice President, Sales
Dave Prosser
Chief Creative Officer
Steven Hesson
Director, Sales & Operations
Gary Hoffman
Creative Director
Garth Bishop
Managing Editor
Sarah Sole Hannah Bealer Cameron Carr Brenda Layman Athnie McMillanComeaux Francis Pellicciaro Christina Szuch Jaya Pillai Amber Young Julie Camp Pam Henricks-Claxton Robin Weitzel Jamie Armistead Circulation
Editor Assistant 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 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, email Amber Young at ayoung@cityscenemediagroup.com. 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.
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community calendar
Mark your calendar for these community events
October/November 2015 Taste of Pickerington 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pickeringtonchamber.com Local restaurants and caterers bring out samples of their tastiest items at this annual celebration of Pickerington cuisine, organized by the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce.
Oct. 4
Community Worship Time TBD, Victory Park, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net Pickerington’s bicentennial celebration continues with a non-denominational worship service.
Oct. 8-21
Book Clubs Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Book club discussions in October include In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume at the Brown Bag Book Club Oct. 8, Spellbent by Lucy A. Snyder at new fantasy book club Game of Tomes
Oct. 11-17
Oct. 10, Gutenberg’s Apprentice by Alix Christie at the PPL Book Club Oct. 20 Fairfield County Fair and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley at Fairfield County Fairground, Book to Reel on Oct. 21. 157 E. Fair Ave., www.fairfieldcountyfair.org The 2015 county fair features truck, Fire Department Open House tractor and horse pulls; demolition derbies; concerts; horse races; carnival 1-3 p.m., Violet Township Fire rides; and an appearance from the Department, 8700 Refugee Rd., Budweiser Clydesdales. www.violet.oh.us The Violet Township Fire Department offers demonstrations, children’s activiPLSD Band Festival ties, fire trucks to explore and more at 3 p.m., Pickerington High School its annual open house. North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us High school marching bands from around Ohio, including both of Pickerington’s, take the field at this showcase event.
Oct. 11
Oct. 17
Photo courtesy of Voilet Township Fire Department
Oct. 3
Oct. 23-Nov. 1
Pickerington Community Theatre presents Witness for the Prosecution Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org The theater troupe presents the stage version of Agatha Christie’s story about an accusee who must rely on his wife to prove his innocence.
Oct. 24
Photo courtesy of Pickerington Public Library
Teen Zombie Walk: The Third!
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4-6 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www. pickeringtonlibrary.org Teens are invited to show up in full zombie garb between 4 and 5 p.m., get some zombie make-up from artist Heidi Meade and join the march to UNO Pizzeria to kick off a weeklong fundraiser for library programming.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
visiting police officers and firefighters. Community-wide Trick or Treat is also Oct. 29, from 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 4-7
Freedom’s Never Free Fairfield County Fairground, 157 E. Fair Ave., www.fairfieldcountyfair.org This traveling celebration of the U.S. armed forces features a remembrance ceremony, a USO dance, a flag retirement ceremony, a field of flags, children’s activities and more.
Nov. 7
Pickerington Antique & Craft Show
Oct. 28
Haunted Village 6-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pickeringtonvillage.com The city’s annual Halloween celebration features ghost tours, hay rides, the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society’s Haunted Museum attraction and trick-or-treating at Olde Village businesses.
Oct. 29
Tots Trick or Treat
Photos courtesy of Pickerington Parks & Recreation Department
1:30-2:30 p.m., Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www. pickerington.net Children ages 2-5 can wander City Hall in costume to receive treats from disguised employees and take pictures with the decorations or
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickacshow.com The 32nd annual craft show, benefiting Pickerington’s two high schools, features more than 120 vendors, as well as concessions.
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Nov. 7-Dec. 19 Christmas Past
Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, 15 E. Columbus St., www. pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com The Historical Society’s exhibition for the holiday season features memories of Christmases past.
Nov. 8
Fall Shopping Event/Fall Tasting Noon-5 p.m., American Legion Post 283, 7725 Refugee Rd., www.froggyssweetsmore.com Froggy’s Sweets & More holds its third annual fall event, featuring a variety of local craft vendors offering samples and holiday gifts, as well as face-painting and children’s characters.
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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October/November 2015 U.S. Navy Jazz Band 5:30 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us North hosts a special performance from the U.S. Navy Jazz Band in its gym.
Nov. 12-18
Book Clubs
www.uwayfairfieldco.org The United Way of Fairfield County’s annual 5K run and two-mile walk offers cash prizes for the first-, second- and third-place walkers and runners.
Nov. 14
PCT Annual Auction 3 p.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org Pickerington Community Theatre presents its seventh annual fundraising auction.
Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Book club discussions in November include Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee at Brown Bag Book Club on Nov. Violet Township Fire 12, Henry’s Sisters by Cathy Lamb at Department Toy Drive PPL Book Club on Nov. 17 and JurasDonation boxes throughout Pickeringsic Park at Book to Reel on Nov. 18. ton, www.violet.oh.us The fire department accepts new, unwrapped toys for the needy in its United Way 5K Run annual drive. 8:30 a.m., Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave.,
Nov. 22-Dec. 22
Nov. 14
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Photo courtesy of Pickerington Parks & Recreation Department
Nov. 11
Nov. 25-Dec. 11 Letters to Santa
Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net A North Pole Express mailbox at City Hall, open at all hours, allows children to write to Santa Claus and his helpers. Those who include a name and return address will receive a reply from the Jolly Old Elf.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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
A Smorgasbord of Samples Annual Taste of Pickerington returns in October The Taste of Pickerington is an event the entire family can sink its teeth into on Saturday, Oct. 3. For about 12 years, Olde Pickerington Village on West Columbus Street has been the tastefully delicious venue in October for residents and visitors to sample morsels from their favorite restaurants and caterers and taste-test some new ones. This year, almost 20 Pickerington area restaurants and caterers are expected to showcase dazzling dishes and desserts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is “A Sampling of Community!” For $1 per sample, participants can taste their way through specialty items ranging from main courses to desserts. There are four components to the Taste of Pickerington this year, said Theresa Byers, president of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. Besides the opportunity to sample, foodies can visit a health fair and businesses can set up tables to share their
work with the community. Businesses and individuals can even join the Chamber and win prizes. Everyone who attends the event has an “opportunity to try something new, learn something new and feel the community pride,” Byers said. “(The) Taste has become one of the premier events in Pickerington, showcasing local businesses, restaurants and caterers, and providing the Pickerington community with access to a few health care check-ups, such as blood pressure checks, bone density checks and more,” she said. “This event is all about community.” A list of food providers can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.pickeringtonchamber.com. This year, a master of ceremonies will be on stage announcing the free demonstrations and contests. Food vendors vie to win prizes in the categories of Best Overall Display, Best “Taste” Overall, Best Dessert and the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Taste of Pickerington
“We encourage all of our participants to bring out their very best,” Byers said. “We hope to see top-notch displays, great food, opportunities for health screenings, education and lots of fun.” Presenting Sponsor for the event is Mount Carmel Health. MMA Insurance is the Market Place Sponsor, and Tide Dry Cleaners is the Contest Sponsor. “Taste of Pickerington is a true partnership between the City of Pickerington, Violet Township, Pickerington Local Schools and the Chamber,” Byers said. “There are many factors that go into putting an event like this on, and we truly appreciate the support of our partners.” The Chamber is encouraging residents and visitors to get their taste buds ready for a tasteful good time.
Shifting City
Holidays mean temporary makeovers for Olde Pickerington Village Pickerington children and adults will be enchanted and whimsical as the City is transformed into a Haunted Village in October and the North Pole in December. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Haunted Village comes to life, offering Halloween fun for all ages. Ghost tours, storytelling and hay rides will put the chill into your bones and warmth into your hearts from 6-8 p.m. in Olde Pickerington Village. For adventurous residents and visitors, options include a tour of the Haunted Museum, a haunted house and haunted garden, and trick-ortreat at Olde Village businesses. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
There is also music by Rock Factory Studios, KIDSTOWN by Violet Baptist Church and much more. The Haunted Village is sponsored by the City of Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department, the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association, the Pickerington Lions Club, Rock Factory and Violet Baptist Church. On Thursday, Oct. 29, little costumed goblins – ages 2-5 – can trick or treat with an adult through the Halloween-decorated City Hall at 100 Lockville Rd. from 1:302:30 p.m. Tots Trick or Treat is free and is fun, not frightful.
Tots Trick or Treat
Later that evening, neighborhoods will be visited by ghostly, ghastly and beautiful creatures for the community-wide Trick or Treat, which runs from 6-9 p.m. 9
News and information from the City of Pickerington
The magic continues in December as Olde Pickerington Village is transformed into an old-fashioned holiday gathering and the perfect place to visit jolly old St. Nicholas. On Friday, Dec. 4, there will be carriage rides, strolling carolers, holiday gift ideas, free children’s activities and even a visit from Santa from 5-8:30 p.m. The lighting of Pickerington’s holiday tree will take place at 7 p.m. Residents can also warm the holiday heads, hands and spirits of children in need on Dec. 4 by decorating the Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree in City Hall with mittens, gloves, hats and other warm gear. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 18. The merry events are sponsored by the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association and the City Parks and Recreation Department. Children can also dine with the man of the hour on Saturday, Dec. 5. Breakfast
with Santa at the Pickerington Senior Center, located on 150 Hereford Dr., requires tickets to be purchased in advance for seatings at 8, 9:30 or 11 a.m. In addition to breakfast, children can make a craft, enjoy the holiday music, visit the gift shop or bake sale, and see Santa. Tickets are $6 per person and are available Nov. 2 through Dec. 2 at the Parks and Recreation Department at 100 Lockville Rd. Children 2 years old and younger are free, but still need tickets. Proceeds from the event benefit the Pickerington Senior Center. The City looks forward to providing good family events for the community, said Pickerington Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Medinger. “It’s great to see all the kids and adults who dress up for Haunted Village and Tots Trick or Treat, and the little ones who display their Christmas best during Breakfast with Santa,” Medinger said. “Just seeing the kids smile with pure joy and happiness
Close to Home
City Utility Billing Clerk Tracy Zullo Tracy Zullo knows firsthand that Pickerington is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Zullo, who has been a resident of the City for 10 years, became Pickerington’s new Utility Billing Clerk in May. Zullo came to Pickerington with her husband, Gregg, when he took a position in the area. They have two children, Anthony and Marcus, enrolled in the Pickerington school system. “We decided on Pickerington because of the great reputation that the school system has. I believe in this community. This is where I choose to live with my family,” Zullo said. “Working for the city is a great opportunity to not only work close to home, but to also get more involved in my hometown.” The Utility Billing Department, located at 100 Lockville Rd., reads meters, bills and collects fees for more than 5,800 water, sewer and storm water accounts. The office also helps customers transfer water and sewer service in and out of their names and schedules work order calls for the City’s service department. 10
Breakfast with Santa
while attending the events with their family each year is why we do what we do. We are here to provide another great experience and memory for everyone to enjoy.” If your child missed giving Santa his or her list, there is no need to pout or shout; Santa’s elves will set up a North Pole Express mailbox in front of City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The mailbox will be available through Friday, Dec. 11 so that the elves have time to make sure that each child hears back from Santa. Please help Santa out by including the child’s name and a return address in the letter.
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 Tracy Zullo
Before Zullo worked for the City, she performed administrative and billing duties for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She has also served as a legal secretary and performed payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable duties for a property management company. Zullo enjoys her new job and the opportunity it gives her to meet other residents of Pickerington. “I get to meet at least one new Pickerington resident daily that I never met before,” Zullo said. “It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors that I may have not ever met otherwise. It is awesome to be a part of this growing community.”
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 By Jonathan Ferbrache, PLA, CPESC, Resource Specialist, Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District In partnership with Tom Macy, Forest Health Program Administrator, ODNR Division of Forestry
Be on the Lookout for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
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s winter approaches and counties, including in the Hocking you see that first dusting of Hills region. The Ohio Department of snow or heavy frost on the Natural Resources – in partnership landscape, you might want to take a with Ohio Department of Agriculture, second glance at one plant specifiThe Ohio State University Extension cally around your home. and U.S. Forest Service – has been The eastern hemlock (Tsuga surveying for HWA throughout the canadensis), sometimes referred state and treating infestations when to as Canadian hemlock, is a they are found. popular landscape tree that is often There are several treatment opplanted as a single specimen or as tions available to protect eastern a hedgerow. This tree also is native hemlock trees from HWA. A number in parts of the eastern half of Ohio, of chemical insecticides, when aptypically in moist, sheltered ravines plied to the infested tree, can be efand slopes. fective in preventing HWA damage. Eastern hemlock has significant Woolly masses of HWA on the underside of an eastern hemlock There are also several beetle ecological and economic value in species that have been found to branch in Belpre, Ohio Ohio. It is one of the most long-lived feed exclusively on HWA. These – individuals can survive for more beetles are very important for conthan 600 years – and shade-tolerant The insect attaches itself to the base trolling HWA in forested settings, where tree species in eastern North America. of eastern hemlock needles, where it treatment with chemicals on an individual Eastern hemlock forests provide critical feeds on the tree’s stored carbohydrates. tree basis is not always feasible. habitat for many birds, mammals and Trees usually die from HWA infestation in While it is not realistic to attempt to amphibians, and the shade they create 5-15 years. eradicate this pest from Ohio’s forests cools streams, creating valuable habitat The insect is most readily visible from and landscapes, the use of chemical and for certain fish and aquatic macroinverte- fall (October) through spring (May), when biological controls can help keep specific brate species. maturing larvae surround themselves with eastern hemlock trees and forests alive. These forests are economically impor- what looks like fluffy white wool, giving It is very important that landowners do tant as well. Areas such as Hocking Hills them a “cotton swab” appearance. In the not treat their hemlock trees without first and Mohican state parks are extremely summer months, HWA enters a dormant verifying the presence of HWA. This adpopular outdoor recreation destinations state and has no woolly covering, making vice should also be followed for any other and owe much of their scenic beauty to it nearly invisible to the naked eye. landscape plant. Unnecessary use of eastern hemlocks. HWA has caused major mortality of pesticides is a waste of time and money, Unfortunately, this valued tree speeastern hemlocks, both in forest ecoand could negatively impact non-target cies is now threatened by a non-native systems and landscape settings, in the organisms. insect called hemlock woolly adelgid southern Appalachian region and Smoky It is recommended that eastern hem(pronounced uh-DEL-jid), or HWA. This Mountains and northward into New Eng- lock trees be inspected at least once a small, less than one-sixteenth of an inch, land. This insect is transported by wind year, between fall and spring, for HWA aphid-like insect is native to hemlock for- and wildlife, especially birds, as well as on the underside of branch tips. Any ests in Asia and the Pacific Northwest. It humans moving infested plant material. findings of suspected HWA infestation was first discovered in the eastern United It was first discovered in Ohio in should be reported to the ODNR Division States near Richmond, Va., in the 1950s Shade River State Forest (Meigs County) of Forestry at 614-265-6694 or the Ohio and was probably imported accidentally in 2012. Since then, it has been disDepartment of Agriculture Division of on Asian hemlock trees. covered in six additional southern Ohio Plant Health at 614-728-6270. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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From the Violet Township Fire Department
Violet Township Construction Update By Greg Butcher, PE. MPA, Violet Township Engineer
By Assistant Chief Jim Paxton
Driven to Donate
The Violet Township Fire Department Toy Drive
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everal new construction projects have started or will be starting soon within Violet Township. The Mingo Estates Infrastructure Improvement Project, Phase 2, has begun. The project involves the replacement of waterline, storm sewer and sanitary sewer. Additionally, existing sections of curb and pavement will be replaced. The estimated cost of the project is $2.1 million. Funding is provided by the Ohio Public Works Commission in the form of a grant and loan. Additionally, funding is provided by Violet Township as well as from project partners the City of Pickerington and Fairfield County. A new sidewalk – connecting Harmon Road with Stonecreek Drive through the Woodsfield subdivision (Meadow Wood Drive and Granden Street) – is planned. Additionally, a section of sidewalk along the west side of Harmon Road will be extended in front of the Harmon Road Park. Total length of the new sidewalk is about one mile. The project is federally funded with a $460,000 grant received in 2012 as part of the Safe Routes to School program. There is no local government match or contribution for this type of grant; it is 100 percent federally funded. Additionally, other sidewalk sections have been previously completed in conjunction with this program throughout Violet Township, within subdivisions near Fairfield and Violet elementary schools. All sidewalks will be located within public rights of way. Improvements to Stonecreek Drive between Rustic Drive and Hill Road are scheduled for early 2016. This project involves the widening of Stonecreek to allow for a dedicated turn lane. Furthermore, the open ditches will be enclosed with new storm sewer and five-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the opposite side of the multi-use path. The $1 million project cost is funded with a grant and loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission. The township’s annual paving program will provide some maintenance to existing streets, though this budget has been reduced considerably from prior years due to lack of funding. Lastly, Pickerington Senior Center levy funds will allow for replacement of the center’s original parking lot.
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ith fall quickly approaching, it is time to start preparing for the holiday season. The Violet Township Fire Department will again partner with the Pickerington Local School District and multiple other agencies to help those in need during the holiday season. Donated items from last year’s Toy Drive This unique partnership allows the fire department to fill local needs throughout Pickerington and Fairfield County. The 2015 annual toy drive will run Nov. 22 through Dec. 22. New, unwrapped toys and gift cards will be collected at all Violet Township fire stations and Pickerington schools, as well as the Pickerington Police Department and numerous businesses, churches and restaurants around town. On Saturday, Dec. 12, a local Girl Scout troop will host a “Toy Drive-Thru” event at Violet Township Fire Station 592 at 8700 Refugee Rd. Opportunities to donate toys can be found all around town and are appreciated by the hundreds of families that are served. If any business would like to participate in this community effort, please contact Jimmy Barber or Liz Pfeifer at 614-837-4123. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Fire Prevention Week
Fire Department Open House is Oct. 11
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s we enter the autumn months, the evenings become cooler and the outside world changes from shades of green to an array of orange, red and brown. The dynamics of life change as children return to school, whether it is kindergarten or college.
ducation will continue to be one of our best allies in efforts to combat the dangers of fire. To aid in this mission, the Violet Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Station 592, 8700 Refugee Rd. The day will feature: • A Fire Safety House that permits children to escape from a nonhazardous, smoke-filled environment, allowing them to learn how to get out of their home in case of fire; • Demonstrations on how to crawl under smoke; • Fire extinguisher inspection and service; • Fire gear for kids to wear for pictures; • A real fire hose kids can use to spray water; and • Child ID card — digital fingerprints, photo and contact information for your child and peace of mind. There will be a host of fun, kidfriendly educational activities for the entire family. Please join us for this community event.
We are drawn to sporting events, hay rides and haunted houses. We can start to see the holidays approaching. It can be an exciting and invigorating time of year. For the Fire Service, fall serves as a reminder of our obligation and mission to keep our communities safe. October is Fire Prevention Month across the nation. As a profession, we reflect on the past year, recognizing where we have made progress and identifying the work and challenges that still lie ahead. Each year, Fire Prevention Month brings a theme. This year’s theme is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm.” Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, the Violet Township Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom of the home and testing them monthly. Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. According to NFPA statistics, half of all U.S. home fire deaths occur www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Activities from the 2015 Fire Department Open House
between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when people are most likely to be sleeping. Having a working smoke alarm in the home cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half. The following messages about smoke alarms still ring true: • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. • Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do. • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the “test” button. • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or sooner if they do not respond properly. • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
Violet Township Fire Department Open House Sunday, October 11, 2015 1-3 p.m. Violet Township Station 592 8700 Refugee Rd. Pickerington, Ohio 43147
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
By Garth Bishop
Photos by Scott Cunningham
Liberated Pickerington veteran forever carries the memory of his time in an Axis prison camp
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his year has marked a major milestone for Pickerington resident Edwin “Eddie” Leibbrand. April 2 was the 70-year anniversary of the day he and 3,363 other American troops were liberated from Nazi prison camp Stalag IX-B. Leibbrand, 91, maintains vivid memories of his time in that hellish place – making him all the more appreciative of what he has now, and making all the more poignant for him the volunteer work he does at Motts Military Museum in Groveport. Though he has lived in Pickerington for about 40 years, Leibbrand was born and raised in south Columbus. He was drafted in 1943, three days after his 19th birthday, to fight in World War II. He was trained as a machine gunner and instructed in use of the Browning .30 caliber water-cooled machine gun, which fired 230 rounds per minute. He was eventually assigned to Pennsylvania’s 110th Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division, holding the rank of private, and deployed to Europe on Aug. 17, 1944, departing from New York City on the Queen Elizabeth. Among his shipmates were Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and members of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Leibbrand and his fellow troops landed in England and quickly crossed into France. They were part of the liberation of Paris before proceeding into Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
Pickerington veteran forever carries the memory of his time in an Axis prison camp
Eddie Leibbrand (right) shows visitors around Motts Military Museum, where he volunteers weekly. 14
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Photo by Scott Cunningham
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Leibbrand’s POW-MIA dog tags
It was in a small town in Belgium that the troops came under heavy fire from German tanks in the first Nazi offensive of the Battle of the Bulge, losing about 2,700 of their number. Many of them were killed, and the others – including Leibbrand – captured, when they were led into a trap on Dec. 18, 1944. The prisoners were marched by day and crammed into schools and churches to sleep at night – in freezing cold, with no food or water. On one occasion, Leibbrand was one of 300 prisoners repeatedly marched in a circle through one village as part of a propaganda campaign; the Nazis claimed they had captured more than 450,000 Allied troops. They were then loaded into railroad cars. The cars were known as “40 & 8” cars, because each was designed to hold 40 men and eight horses, but the Germans forced as many as 100 prisoners into them. 16
“We went five days and five nights without a thing to eat or drink,” Leibbrand says. Because American planes made runs during the day, the trains only moved at night. During the day, the cars simply sat idle with the men inside them growing continually weaker. One soldier convinced the men in Leibbrand’s car to pray with him, and about an hour later, Leibbrand says, they were finally given food and water. Stalag IX-B – located in Bad Orb, Hessen, Germany, near Frankfurt – was one of the Nazis’ worst prison camps, and had previously been used as a concentration camp. “They still had the ovens in there,” Leibbrand says. Prisoners had to deal with lice-infested sleeping mats, no sanitary services and very little food.
“I went from 168 pounds down to 98 pounds in four months,” Leibbrand says. “Three little potatoes a day.” There was no heat, and prisoners were never issued warm clothing to combat the cold of winter. “What kept me going was the idea that maybe I would be going home someday,” says Leibbrand. One night, a prisoner who had broken into the mess hall killed a guard with a meat cleaver. Afterward, all the prisoners were forced at bayonet-point to stand outside in knee-high snow in the middle of the night until the guilty man stepped forward. They were allowed back indoors when blood was found on one man’s clothes, but Leibbrand still suffered serious damage to his feet from the cold. About 6,000 prisoners – including 3,364 Americans, one of them Leibbrand – were freed when the camp was liberated on April 2, 1945. “They didn’t even open up the gate; they just came through with tanks,” he says. “I said to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, the good Lord was with us.’” It was not a moment too soon for Leibbrand, who walked 100 feet toward his liberators and collapsed from yellow jaundice and malnutrition. He spent three months in a hospital in France before he was ready to begin his return trip. On Aug. 1, 1945, he finally returned to American soil on a destroyer. After a 60-day leave in Columbus and another two weeks in Miami Beach, Leibbrand was given orders to report to Ft. Bragg, N.C. for training on the 60mm mortar. He was going to be redeployed in the Pacific theater, but after an appeal, he was honorably discharged on Nov. 28, 1945. Leibbrand worked for 10 years as a machine repairman on the C&O Railroad, where his father worked, and for 28 years as a machinist at Columbus Boltworks, near what is today the Arena District. Leibbrand married his first wife, Billie, in 1946. The couple had one son. Billie died in 1981, and in 1983, Leibbrand married his second wife, Jane. Leibbrand has remained close to Jane’s two daughters – and their three children – since Jane died in 2007. Leibbrand has kept a couple of artifacts on hand, including a showcase with his POW ribbon and dog tags. He www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Choose wisely. Choose Westport. has donated other items to Motts Military Museum. “Mr. (Warren, museum founder) Motts has a dagger and … some good conduct medals I gave to him,” says Leibbrand. The dagger, emblazoned with a swastika, was taken from a teenage girl in Germany, he says. The museum has been in operation since 1987 and in its current location since 1999. It displays artifacts from wars spanning from the colonial era to the modern day. Leibbrand takes a weekly four-hour volunteer shift on Wednesdays at the museum, greeting visitors as they come in the door and assisting them however he can. “It gives me something to do, even though I am 91 years old,” he says. It also helps him support the museum’s mission, which he says is very important, teaching visitors about the wars that have shaped the U.S. He is also a member of the American Legion’s David Johnston Memorial Post #283 in Pickerington and Baltimore VFW 3761. Leibbrand received an honorary high school diploma from Pickerington City Schools in 2007. He was drafted before he could finish high school, as a health condition had left him a year behind in his studies. Information from Motts Military Museum was used for this story. Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • World War II pilot Bob Arn of Westerville • Pickerington Scout’s veteran interview project • Advances in prosthetics for those injured in wartime • Former Dublin footballer’s charity for veterans • Frequent Honor Flight assistant Bill Bretthauer www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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in focus
By Sarah Sole
Photos courtesy of Crystal Mirth and Karma Whitford
Friends in Need
Animal welfare group advocates for measures to curb stray pet population
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hough Forgotten 4-Paws has about 15-20 kittens who need homes, older cats make up the bulk of the Pickerington nonprofit’s population. About 80-90 adult cats, ages 8-14, live in foster homes. Volunteer Lesa Branam of Columbus says the kittens usually get adopted quickly. “It’s the adults that can take years to get adopted,” Branam says.
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Branam, who has volunteered with Forgotten 4-Paws for nine years, says the group’s primary goal is to spay and neuter cats. It has sterilized more than 10,000 since its inception in 1996. While the group helps cats and dogs, it currently doesn’t have foster homes available for dogs. Only one dog is in a foster home, and he has been there for three years. Adoptable cats stay at about 10 foster homes. Kittens, younger cats and an older cat are usually kept at the Easton PetSmart. Several volunteers also care for feral cat colonies in Pickerington, Canal Winchester and Reynoldsburg, bringing them food daily and building cat houses for them in the fall. If a cat is feral, Branam says, it’s often best to let it stay in its community outside rather than bring it indoors to find a home. Forgotten 4-Paws works with Shelter Outreach Services of Ohio and other organizations to catch and release cats to get them fixed. A kitten can have its own litter of two to seven kittens when it is just 4 or 5 months old. The group also tries to help those who want to spay and neuter dogs. “If everyone would spay or neuter one cat or dog, that would make a difference,” Branam says. Forgotten 4-Paws doesn’t euthanize unless it’s medically necessary. “We’ll take care of them until the end,” Branam says. A majority of cat adoptions have been through the Easton PetSmart, Branam says, where volunteers visit from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Volunteering
Branam found her own way to Forgotten 4-Paws after one of her cats died. Because she wasn’t ready to adopt another, she started volunteering at the Easton PetSmart, cleaning cat cages. Eventually, Branam and her husband fostered kittens. After a year or two, they switched to adults. Now with six cats that they adopted through Forgotten 4-Paws, the family no longer fosters. Forgotten 4-Paws has a core group of about 25 volunteers, and most are cage cleaners at the Easton PetSmart, Branam says. Another 40 or 50 individuals help with group events. Volunteer activities include cage cleaning at PetSmart, feeding feral cat colonies, assisting with fundraising efforts throughout the year and doing laundry for those who foster. Volunteers do 60-70 loads of laundry per month. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
The group is always looking for people who would be interested in fostering, Branam says. Those interested should evaluate how much pet experience they have, and whether they already have pets at home. Spare bedrooms are ideal for new foster pets. “They need to start in their own space,” Branam says. Forgotten 4-Paws covers vet expenses for foster pets, and the group can transport animals to the vet if the cats or dogs need to be fixed, get shots or receive other care. The group can also cover the cost of food and litter.
Adoption
Cats have a $75 adoption fee, or individuals can pay $120 for two. Those interested in adoption must fill out an application, and adoptions aren’t done the same day as an inquiry, Branam says. The goal is to find the cats permanent homes. If prospective adopters rent, Forgotten 4-Paws will call the rental agency to make sure the building allows pets. “We’re very careful,” Branam says. Part of the adoption contract requires owners to contact Forgotten 4-Paws if they’re unable to keep the pet. “That’s how we end up with so many adults,” Branam says. Prior to being adopted, cats are tested for HIV and feline leukemia, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. They also receive necessary shots. Forgotten 4-Paws also discourages declawing. A declawed cat could develop psychological issues or litter box problems, Branam says. If a person does want to declaw a cat, Forgotten 4-Paws recommends laser declawing. If an individual wants to move ahead with the operation, only a cat’s front paws should be declawed, and the procedure should happen within the animal’s first year, ideally at the same time it’s fixed. The most rewarding part of volunteering, Branam says, is finding cats permanent homes. To better target its senior cat population, Forgotten 4-Paws is preparing to roll out a new adoption program for cats aged 8-15 years. This initiative would allow the group to cover the cost of a senior cat’s annual vet visit with one of the vets Forgotten 4-Paws works with. The group has a senior for senior program, where it waives the adoption fee for a senior citizen who adopts an adult cat. Forgotten 4-Paws also covers annual vet 19
visits and assists those unable to pay for food or litter. About 10-12 cats are in the program. If the cats are unable to be cared for any longer, or if the owner dies, the pets are returned to Forgotten 4-Paws. Information on adoptable pets can be found on the group’s website, www.forgotten4paws.org. The group also includes courtesy postings for pets that need homes that aren’t affiliated with the group.
automated salary deductions and tax-deductible recurring monthly cash donation through PayPal. Fundraising events also help. In January, Forgotten 4-Paws holds a wine tasting event, and in the spring, the group participates in the Historical National Road Yard Sale. Sarah Sole is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Funding
Forgotten 4-Paws depends entirely on donations, Branam says, and is completely volunteer-driven. “Every little bit makes a difference,” she says. The majority of donations come from a donation drive in November, when Forgotten 4-Paws sends its donors a holiday letter. Alternative ways of giving can be found on the group’s website and include
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Cat rescue tips • Grandview Heights cat foster parent • CHA Animal Shelter in north Columbus • Pickerington pet food pantry • Dublin pet rescue organization
Forgotten 4-Paws, in partnership with Columbus Running Company, will hold its Run Fur Fun 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 4. The run, held 9 a.m. at the Westerville Sports Complex, is the second one for Forgotten 4-Paws. It also features the Toddler Trot, an 8:40 a.m. 100-meter dash.
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Laughs from Life Personal stories are Pickerington-born stand-up comedian’s bread and butter
Photo courtesy of Rhiannon Houch
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RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Upcoming Funny Bone shows • Former professional dancers Joe and Yulia Moriarty • Former Pickerington bodybuilder Paul Callahan • Westerville’s “Magic” Nate LeGros www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
his past December, comedian Rye Silverman performed here in central Ohio alongside fellow comedians Maria Shehata and Laura Sanders in an all-female comedy show titled “Busted.” But this wasn’t Silverman’s first time in central Ohio. She’s actually from Pickerington, having graduated from Pickerington High School in 2000, though she moved to Los Angeles in 2010. “I was born in Pickerington and went to school there,” says Silverman. “Aside from a few short times here and there, I lived there through college and while I began my comedy career, all the way up until I left town.” Silverman began her career in comedy at a young age. “I started going to open mics when I was 19, and was doing professional shows within a year,” she says. “I was always fascinated by comedy as a kid; I pretty much knew from my mid-teens and onward that it was where I was heading. I think it’s a fairly natural career path for someone who always saw herself as a little bit outside of everything.” Silverman describes her comedy style as “conversational” and “personal.” “I’ve evolved over time from more observational stuff to talking more about things that have happened in my life or just telling stories,” she says. “I feel like
Photo courtesy of Shereen Younes
By Athnie McMillan-Comeaux
the more personal the stuff I do is, the more I own it and the more it’s not going to be replicated by anyone else.” In fact, her very personal style of comedy was one of the things that helped Silverman come out publicly as a transgender woman. “I was already starting to move into much more personal stuff even before I came out, and years before I started transitioning,” says Silverman. “That honesty onstage is a huge part of what made me come out, this feeling like I was still lying to the world by keeping it all hidden and needing to be free of that.” Now, Silverman has fun talking about her identity with audiences. “I really like to just leap into it out of the gate,” she says, “and find ways to take these somewhat esoteric concepts that are everyday things for me, and make them something audiences can relate to.” Silverman released her album Intimate Apparel earlier this year. She will also be performing at the All Jane Comedy Festival in Portland in October, and runs a Doctor Who podcast called “Laughing at Archaeologists.” Learn more about Silverman on her website, www.ryesilverman.com. Athnie McMillan-Comeaux is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com. 21
Scarlet and Gray
Photo courtesy of Charles Burrus
Retirement communities host Buckeye game day By Cameron Carr parties for residents
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his is Buckeye Nation here,” says Cheryl Fey, but she’s not talking about the Shoe. At Wesley Ridge Retirement Community, where Fey serves as activity coordinator for independent living, the residents and staff bleed scarlet and gray. Wesley Ridge is just one area retirement community that hosts game day parties for The Ohio State University’s football games. In Pickerington, Amber Park Assisted Living Community and Abbington of Pickerington Assisted Living both regularly host Buckeye football parties. “We have a lot of Buckeye fans,” says Abbington Activity Director Brenda Welch.
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Within each community, alumni from OSU and longtime Ohio residents create a strong demand for the parties. These residents grew up watching Buckeye football and have no intention of stopping. “It’s something a lot of them have done all their life,” says Fey. Residents originally from outside of Ohio enjoy the games as well. Fey says many residents come from out of state to be closer to family and become converted Buckeye fans. “Once you’re a Buckeye, you’re a Buckeye. What else can I say?” Fey says. The game day parties center on watching the game as a group, making community an important part of the
Wesley Ridge Retirement Community residents hold one of their Buckeye parties.
events. Residents will even gather before the games to get into the spirit. “Some of them come just for the togetherness,” says Amber Park Activity Director Elena Beery. The parties typically take place for all Ohio State football games, both home and away, and feature food, decorations and plenty of team spirit from residents and staff members. The communities serve food typical of sports bars such as pizza, burgers and hot dogs. Wesley Ridge hosts pizza parties during halftime of afternoon games and even throws a potluck for the University www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
what’s your style?
Real Estate Section of Michigan rivalry game. Abbington generally serves chicken wings for the games. “We just have all kinds of snack foods and drinks for residents,” says Welch. For decorations, an abundance of buckeyes and Ohio State pennants are on display in each community. Wesley Ridge uses a scarecrow adorned with buckeye necklaces and an OSU hat as its unofficial mascot. Amber Park puts out OSU napkins and plates and even plays music by the Best Damn Band in the Land to set the mood. “For a craft day, we’ll make buckeye necklaces or bracelets,” Beery says. Wesley Ridge also hosts Buckeye Bingo. Essentially, replace “bingo” with “bucks” and the board’s numbers with football terms, and you’ve got the game down. Residents can win prizes at Buckeye Bingo or, during the Michigan game, by competing to predict the scores of each quarter. One Wesley Ridge resident goes so far as to coordinate cheers for time-outs and commercial breaks and, yes, pom-poms are involved. A small group leads the cheers, but all residents participate. “Let’s put it this way: If we didn’t do (the parties) we’d really hear about it,” says Fey. All the communities agree, the games are a popular event among residents. Beery says Amber Park residents started asking about the parties as early as July this year. “I can tell they enjoy that kind of thing,” she says. “They all come together.” Cameron Carr is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Senior housing resource listing • Senior living options to consider • Dublin’s football connections • Local buckeye treat options • PYAA football standouts www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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Halloween haunted museum brings Historical Society into the witching hour Photos courtesy of Pickerington-Violet By Francis Pellicciaro
Township Historical Society
Though history is usually content to remain still at the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Museum, one night a year, it likes to get up and stretch its legs a bit. The Haunted Village, Olde Pickerington Village’s annual Halloween event, is slated for Oct. 28. The museum has transformed into a Haunted Museum attraction since 2012.
Peggy Portier “It’s not scary,” says Peggy Portier, president of the Historical Society. Last year’s event had a witch theme, which Portier was part of; a previous year had a zombie theme.
The Haunted Museum helps to put the museum itself on the map for people in Pickerington, Portier says. “Last year, we had 1,200 people that went through the lower level (of the museum),” she says. The upper floor of the museum, which houses exhibits, will be open during the Haunted Village as well.
Patsy Woodruff “My husband and I started thinking of something to wear, and off we went,” says Patsy Woodruff. Woodruff’s husband, Butch, was head custodian at Fairfield Elementary 24
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Past School, and at the Haunted Museum, the couple saw people they knew as children bringing their own children. Woodruff was the first person to volunteer to help run the Haunted Museum. “Halloween’s my favorite holiday,” she says.
Dorothy Peterson “They’re so wide-eyed and so eager to
hear what the future holds for them,” says Dorothy Peterson, a Historical Society member who read a crystal ball for visitors during last year’s Haunted Museum. The clothing that Peterson wore while doing this had been brought back from a trip she took to Egypt. “That’s how I became a fortune teller,” Peterson says. “When I came up with something that really pertained to them, they’d be wide-eyed.” She says she enjoys being included in community activities. “It was a joyful experience,” says Peterson. Francis Pellicciaro is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Haunted houses of central Ohio • Ghost tours of Savannah, Ga. • Healthful Halloween snacks • Dublin ghost tour leader Becky Schisler www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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student spotlight
By Christina Szuch
Student Spotlight is a new feature in Pickerington Magazine, featuring a student from a different area high school in every issue.
Ending on a High Note A
lan Waterhouse was once challenged by a music teacher to practice the cello every day. She gave her students goals such as practicing 50 days in a row. Waterhouse – now a 17-year-old senior at Pickerington High School North – practiced for 2,000, ending his several-year streak this summer. Music, though, is far from the only aspect of Waterhouse’s life in which he shows this level of commitment. He’s taking four AP courses and a dual credit course at Columbus State Community College. He also commutes to Pickerington High School Central to take an upper-level French course. He has been ranked in the top 10 of his class since freshman year. When not studying, Waterhouse often practices the cello. He is president of his school’s chamber orchestra and has been involved with the Youth Philharmonic of Central Ohio, Suzuki Music Columbus and the Columbus Cello School. He also teaches music lessons to middle school students.
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And the list of Waterhouse’s involvement doesn’t end there. He tutors math and is a member of quiz team and Sunny Side, his school’s peer leadership group. He serves as president of North’s National Honor Society and, after serving on Student Council as class president for several years, is now the student body president. Additionally, Waterhouse is very involved with his church. He often helps out with sound crew, set-up and take-down for masses. He is the president of the church’s teen speech club and participates in its basketball and volleyball teams. It’s surprising that he has spare time, but when he does, he plays sports with his friends or watches Netflix. His favorite shows are The Office and Parks and Recreation. He also enjoys traveling; he has been across Europe and to North America and the Caribbean. “I haven’t been overwhelmed so far,” Waterhouse says of his busy schedule. “It’s a big year, though.” Alan Waterhouse He draws inspiration mainly from his family. He lives with his parents, Roy and Michelle, and his sister, Julie, who graduated from North in 2013 and now studies early childhood education at Otterbein University. His father grew up in Florida and his mother in downtown Columbus. Neither had an affluent background or a solid academic upbringing, but he says they both became successful in spite of their circumstances. His father underwent brain surgery a year and a half ago due to a tumor; this is another obstacle Waterhouse admires him for persevering through. “I learned from my parents to stick through things, look to the future and be positive,” says Waterhouse. Staying true to that optimism, Waterhouse has high hopes for college. In July, he attended a four-week engineering program at Johns Hopkins University. “Not only did I get a feel for college, but I met really smart people there, people that just blew me away,” he says. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Alan Waterhouse
North senior is a cellist, scientist and optimist
Above: Waterhouse with his sister, Julie, and their cousins. Right: Waterhouse with his oftpracticed cello.
He has been considering several schools, including Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon University and Case Western Reserve University. He intends to major in mechanical or electrical engineering and minor in music. As a potential career, he would love to someday help with developing, planning and innovating in the car industry. And there’s no doubt – he has the drive. Christina Szuch is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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on the table
By Brenda Layman Photos by Mark Layman
That’s a Stretch
Senior Center members have been making noodles for fundraisers for almost three decades
I
t’s seven o’clock in the morning on Noodle Day when John and Eleanor Samborsky arrive at the Pickerington Senior Center. Eleanor loads the dishwasher with trays while John begins mixing the dough. He doesn’t use measuring spoons; years of mixing noodles have given him an innate knowledge of the quantities necessary to bring the dough to the proper consistency. It’s more of an art than a science. “You have to get the dough just right,” John says. “You don’t want it to be too wet, because then it will ball up, but if it’s too dry, the noodles won’t form right.” Meanwhile, Eleanor begins preparing the drying tables, covering them with clean cloths. The freshly made noodles will be laid out on these tables, covered with more cloths and left to dry overnight. Eleanor has refreshments waiting for her team of noodle stretchers, who will arrive soon. “The ladies who come here and spread noodles, we just couldn’t do it without them,” she says. “They come here and have coffee and cookies, and just have a great time.” Senior Center members have been making and selling homemade noodles for 28 years. The noodles are available for
sale at area craft shows and at the center. At just $2 a bag, they sell quickly. The team, on this day in July, is planning to produce 115 bags of noodles and sell 200 at the Pickerington Labor Day Fish Fry. Next to arrive is Julia Archer. John loads one of the two large noodle-making machines with semolina and turns on the mixing blades, and Julia pours the egg mixture into an opening in the top of the dough compartment. She pours carefully, watching
John Samborsky mixes dough for the Pickerington Senior Center’s noodles.
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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
The team, on this day in July, is planning to produce 115 bags of noodles and sell 200 at the Pickerington Labor Day Fish Fry.
Julia Archer loads and operates one of the noodle-making machines.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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for the golden yellow dough to reach the perfect, crumbly yet soft consistency. “Semolina makes the best noodles and gives the best color,” says John. “It’s the heart of the wheat.” Eleanor hurries away to pick up Francis Stotler, who will operate the second machine. Stotler has been making noodles at the center for 27 years. John and Eleanor took over management of the project four years ago, but Stotler is still at the heart of the production process. When she arrives, John adds ingredients to the second noodle machine. The dough is now ready, and the machines begin extruding soft, golden strips of noodle. Archer’s machine creates thin noodles while Stotler makes broad noodles on the other one. They catch the strips in their hands, measuring them with practiced ease, then slice them free with a quick motion from a sharp blade and lay them aside on the clean trays. Eleanor whisks the trays out of the kitchen and spreads the thin noodles over the cloth on one of the long tables. She places trays of broad noodles on other tables, where more of the team has begun to gather. The ladies stretch the broad noodles, one by one, and lay them out in orderly rows to dry. They smile and chat while they work. “This gives the ladies something fun to do,” Eleanor says. “They are just like little chatterboxes. We have all nice people here, and we have fun.”
Up to this point, the team has produced 598 bags of noodles already in 2015. In 2014, it sold 1,201 bags and, in 2013, it sold 1,529 bags. A favorite sales location for John and Eleanor is the craft show at Asbury South United Methodist Church. “We’ll sell 200 bags by one o’clock at Asbury,” Eleanor says. Noodle-making became a fundraising tradition at the center all those years ago thanks in large part to Vivian Badger, a member who was a great cook and also made wonderful pies, Stotler says. “She started it,” says Stotler. “She thought it would give us something to do.” As for why the project has been so successful for so many years, Eleanor has the answer. “Have you tasted our noodles? They are good!”
Top: Francis Stotler operates another noodle-making machine. Center: Senior Center members stretch the noodles. Above: Eleanor Samborsky lays noodles out to dry. 30
Pickerington resident Brenda Layman is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
bookmarks
By Colleen C. Bauman, Pickerington Public Library Community Services Coordinator
Space Boy and His Sister Dog
By Dian Curtis Regan Niko and his sister live on Planet Home with their parents. Niko has a dog, Tag, and his copilot, Radar. Niko has a pesky sister, Posh, but she is not part of the story. Niko and his crew head to the moon on their next adventure in their homemade spaceship in search of a lost cat. They find a stowaway, the man on the moon, but no cat. Illustrated by Robert Neubecker and done in comic book style, this book is visually inviting and has an entertaining story with the usual sibling rivalry.
Galgorithm
By Aaron Karo A Guy, a Girl, and a Formula. It’s senior year at Kingsview High School. After losing the girl of his dreams, Shane devises a formula, galgorithm, designed to “get the girl.” Shane begins to offer dating help to the other guys and establishes himself as the dating guru. Of course, all goes awry and high school drama ensues. Fans of John Green will love this book, a romantic comedy for teens.
How to Entertain, Distract, and Unplug Your Kids
A Handful of Stars
By Cynthia Lord Lucky, a blind dog, runs away and is found by Salma, a migrant worker. Lily and Salma form a strong friendship over Lily’s blind dog and painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather during the summer. When Salma decides to run for Blueberry Queen, the girls will face prejudice and tough decisions. Set in the blueberry fields of Maine, the book paints a vivid picture of the wild countryside.
By Matthew Jervis This book was written by a busy dad, teacher, artist, maker and designer who just wanted to engage his kids for 20-60 minute intervals. Each project is set up to educate, entertain and inspire kids. Chapters include creative indoor activities, kids earning their keep, getting kids in the kitchen, car trips and errands, and things to do outside.
The Book of Dares for Lost Friends
By Jane Kelley Two best friends, Val and Lanora, are ready to start middle school. Lanora decides she will reinvent herself and worries Val may not be cool enough. Val changes friends and values, upsetting her parents and Lanora. Lanora is not giving up on her. With the help of a mysterious boy she met from a store, antiquities from the Shipwreck of Time and a cat named Mau, she sets off to find the Book of Dares to help bring her friend back.
A Dog’s Gift
By Bob Drury This book is an incredible story of puppy love and how the service dog organization paws4people came to be. Terry Henry and his daughter have paired more than 400 good dogs with good people including the elderly, people with disabilities both physical and intellectual, and war veterans. This is a powerful story of the dog’s powerful healing abilities. Bring a box of tissues when you read this one.
The Pickerington Public Library has been serving the Pickerington Local School District since 1915. The Library’s Mission statement: Inspire Library Hours: Knowledge, Connect Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Community, Enrich our Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. World, Read! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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