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 2016
From Howling to Healing Pet Loss Support Group Founder Jennifer Owens
INSIDE Senior Center’s international trips Fairfield County Photography Club Plaza of Lights PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 4697
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pickerington magazine TM
1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill
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Gary Hoffman
Creative Director
Garth Bishop
Managing Editor
Hannah Bealer Amanda DePerro Paige Brown Ray Bruster Zach Konno Lindsey Capritta Katie Ellington Hailey Stangebye Jenny Wise Julie Camp Brody Quaintance
weekendscene
President/CEO
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Editor Assistant Editor Editorial Assistants Contributing Writers
Marketing Manager/ Account Executive Advertising Director
Brenda Lombardi Timothy McKelly
Advertising Sales
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Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com HealthScene Ohio www.HealthSceneOhio.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, 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.
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pickerington magazine volume 9, number 1 october/november 2016
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
One Paw in Front of the Other
p.14
Jennifer Owens brings support to those grieving the loss of furry family members
17
in focus
Vibrant Voyagers Pickerington Senior Center organizes journeys from overnight trips to international travel
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magazine The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township
Mailed to EVERY homeowner and business in Pickerington and Violet Township
GET NOTICED. Contact Brody Quaintance today for great rates!
614-572-1243
bquaintance@cityscenemediagroup.com
student spotlight
Sponsored by Pickerington Eyecare
New Politics
p.19
North senior Maggie Palsgrove’s ambition leads her toward government
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A Light in the Dark
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Picture This
Plaza of Lights grows brighter as citizens contribute to food pantry
Pros and amateurs alike learn and volunteer through photography club
on the table
26
Dough Down
p.24
Pickerington Chamber declares pizza war
around pickerington
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Photos from the community
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bookmarks
On the cover: Photo by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine
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pickerington community calendar october/november 2016 Oct. 1 Pickerington Band Festival 4-10 p.m., Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Marching bands from across Ohio converge in Pickerington for the 42nd annual Pickerington Band Festival.
The fire department’s annual Fire Prevention Week open house features kid-friendly educational activities, including a non-hazardous smokefilled room to escape from, as well as opportunities to dress up in firefighter garb for photos and spray a fire hose.
Oct. 18 PPL Book Club
Oct. 6 Civil War Medical Equipment
7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende.
Oct. 27 Haunted Village
Mark you r calendar for these commun ity events
6-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pickeringtonvillage.com Hay rides, ghost tours, trick-or-treating at Olde Pickerington Village businesses and the ever-popular Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Haunted Museum are back for another year.
7:30-9 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, 15 E. Columbus St., www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com John and Dr. Jane Dye showcase Oct. 20 medical equipment, particularly that Brown Bag Book Club used by women and Fairfield County 1 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, residents, from the Civil War era. 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Oct. 9-15 The library’s lunchtime book club disFairfield County Fair cusses A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Backman. Fair Ave., www.fairfieldcountyfair.org Ohio’s final county fair of the year features bull riding, demolition derbies, Oct. 21-30 concerts, horse races, truck and trac- Pickerington Community Theatre presents Agatha tor pulls, and more.
Christie’s The Mousetrap
Pickerington Education Foundation Charity Auction 6-9 p.m., Hickory Lakes, 12495 Ault Rd., www.pickeringtoneducationfoundation.com This year’s auction, with proceeds going to Pickerington Local School District teachers’ classroom projects, also features a dinner by Berwick Manor and music from Chris Logsdon.
Pickerington Christian Church, 575 Diley Rd., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org This murder mystery by the queen of murder mysteries herself is the longest-running play in modern history.
Oct. 31 Trick or Treat 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org 1:30-2:30 p.m., Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net 6-8 p.m., throughout Pickerington, www.pickerington.net Multiple trick-or-treat opportunities are available throughout Pickering-
Oct. 16 Violet Township Fire Department Open House 1-3 p.m., Fire Station 592, 8700 Refugee Rd., www.violet.oh.us
Submit Your Event
Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Violet Township, city of Pickerington and Michelle Waterhouse
Oct. 13
Providing Safe, Affordable and Accessible Transportation for Fairfield County ton, including a library event starting at 1 p.m., an event for ages 2-5 starting at 1:30 p.m. and citywide starting at 6 p.m.
Curb-to-Curb Demand Response service available Monday-Friday 6am-6pm and Saturday 7am-5:00pm. Fares start at $1.00. Call or make reservations online at www.ci.lancaster.oh.us
Nov. 3 Postcards 7:30-9 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, 15 E. Columbus St., www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com Reynoldsburg historian Richard Barrett takes attendees on a visual tour of oldfashioned postcards.
Deviated Route service available Monday-Friday 7am-5pm. Fares start at $.25. Call or check our website for updated route schedules. 740-681-5086 / (888) 9-WE GO 4U https://www.ci.lancaster.oh.us/242/Transit
Nov. 5 Pickerington Antique and Craft Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickacshow.com Antiques, crafts, a drawing and a bake sale are part of this Pickerington tradition since 1984, sponsored by the Pickerington high school PTOs and with proceeds benefiting the two schools.
Building Exclusively in
Meadowmoore www.donleybuilders.com www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Model Home: 8202 Meadowmoore Blvd. Pickerington, OH 43147 614.837.0723 7
pickerington community calendar october/november 2016 continued Nov. 12
Nov. 22-Dec. 24
League of Cosplay
Violet Township Fire Department Holiday Toy Drive
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Classes, panels, chat sessions, project sharing and show and tell are all highlights of this daylong event for those interested in learning more about cosplay, the practice of dressing up in elaborate costumes of popular characters.
Nov. 12 Pickerington Community Theatre Fundraising Auction
presented by
3-6 p.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org The Pickerington Community Theatre holds its eighth annual fundraising auction, with items up for bid including event and attraction tickets and memorabilia.
September 10 – December 31, 2016 Andrew Richmond and Hollie Davis, Curators
Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am –4 pm ; Sunday, 1–4 pm 145 E. Main St. | Lancaster, Ohio | 740-681-1423 | www.decartsohio.org
Nov. 15 TM
magazine
Central Ohio’s most-read arts and entertainment magazine!
Locations throughout Violet Township, www.violet.oh.us Fire stations, schools, restaurants, churches, businesses and the Pickerington Police Department will all be accepting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for the Violet Township Fire Department’s annual charitable drive. A toy drive-through event will take place at Violet Township Fire Station 592 on Dec. 10.
Nov. 23-Dec. 16 Santa’s Mailbox Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net Once again, the North Pole Express mailbox is set up in front of City Hall. Children who include their names and return addresses in their letters to Santa will receive responses from the Jolly Old Elf himself.
International Games Day 2:30-5 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Board games and bingo will be available at this library event that also features snacks and prizes.
Nov. 15 PPL Book Club
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Nov. 17
Prizes, ticket packages, deal alerts & more! Supporting central Ohio’s visual and performing arts since 1999 DON’T MISS OUT SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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CONNECT
Brown Bag Book Club 1 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s lunchtime book club discusses A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold.
Nov. 26 Pancake Breakfast 8-11 a.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www.pickeringtonseniorcenter.org The Pickerington Senior Center holds a free pancake breakfast on the fourth Saturday of each month.
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Photo courtesy of city of Pickerington
7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The library’s main book club discusses A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
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
Halloween Events Olde Pickerington Village is haunted, but there is no need to call in the Ghostbusters. The City’s annual Haunted Village will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 p.m. to provide an enchanted evening for the entire Pickerington community. The fun and free event is sponsored by Pickerington Parks and Recreation,
City employee Heather Moore
Olde Pickerington Village Business Association, Pickerington Lions Club, Rock Factory and Violet Baptist Church. The Olde Pickerington Village will be magically transformed into a town fit for a variety of costumed creatures to stroll through for storytelling, ghostly tours, hay rides, a haunted museum, and a haunted house and garden. “The Haunted Village gives us another opportunity to showcase our City, especially in the Olde Village,” said Rebecca Medinger, director of the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department. “It brings a lot of families together for a fun evening in Pickerington. Seeing all the family costumes is just another bonus to the event.” Children ages 2-5 years have another opportunity to experience the magic of Halloween with a free event in Pickerington just for them. The annual Tots Trick or Treat will be held Monday, Oct. 31 at City Hall, located at 100 Lockville Rd. From 1:302:30 p.m., the little costumers along with their parents can venture through
a decorated City Hall to receive trick or treat goodies. “It is also an opportunity for the little ones to enjoy a safe way to trick or treat and get the experience without having to go door to door,” Medinger said. Additional information about the whimsical events is online at www.pickerington.net or can be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 614-833-2211. This year, the bewitching community Trick or Treat throughout the City will be held on Monday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m., so be on the alert that evening for all the little goblins, ghouls and other costumed creatures.
Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Mailbox The City of Pickerington has a direct line to Santa and will be providing children with opportunities to visit and write to Jolly Old St. Nick. The North Pole Express mailbox will be placed in front of City Hall beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23, for children to drop off their Christmas wish lists and letters to Santa. Santa’s City Hall elf helpers ask that the letters include the child’s name and return address so that Santa can make www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
sure to write back to the correct address. The express mail will be available through Friday, Dec. 16 so Santa can be sure he has everything right for his magical sleigh ride on Christmas Eve. “Santa and all his helpers are very busy with replying to letters,” said Rebecca Medinger, director of the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department. “They try their best to respond to each and every one, even if it is on his way to deliver toys.”
Santa will also be stopping by the Pickerington Senior Center, located at 150 Hereford Dr., to have breakfast with his friends. On Saturday, Dec. 3, there will be three opportunities to enjoy a merry meal and morning with the man of the hour. Children will enjoy breakfast with Santa at either the 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. seating. They will also make a craft, visit the gift shoppe, check out the bake sale and listen to holiday music. 9
News and information from the City of Pickerington
Tickets, which sell very quickly and are not sold at the event, are $6 per person. Children 2 years old and younger are free. Proceeds from the breakfast benefit the Pickerington Senior Center and are sold Nov. 1-30 at the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 100 Lockville Rd.
“Anyone can attend Breakfast with Santa. Typically, we see kids 10 years and under with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, but everyone with a ticket is welcome,” Medinger said. “This is another opportunity to bring family and friends together to create memories. The magic in kids’ eyes is priceless when they see Santa at the breakfast.
Being able to sit on his lap is something they look forward to every year.” Medinger said this event is always successful because of the volunteers – “those who are dedicated to helping create a memorable experience for the community.”
Major Chamber Workshops The Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce will be presenting two workshops this fall to help businesses find their niche and glimpse into the local, state and national economic future. On Friday, Oct. 7, the “Being YOU in a World of Difference” workshop will be held at Hickory Lakes, 12495 Ault Rd., from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The interactive workshop, sponsored by OhioHealth, will be led by the Pickerington 2015 ATHENA award recipient Peg Tobin, who is the president and owner of Tobin & Associates, a national executive recruitment and leadership consulting firm. Tobin, the author of two leadership books, is also the co-founder of Interactive Care Network, a hospital discharge system. The workshop is designed to look at “who you are, how you fit into this world of many generations, and how you make your difference being true to you,” per the Chamber. As part of the event, the 2016 ATHENA award recipients will be honored for their valuable contributions to leadership in Pickerington. “The program is important to inspire young women, future leaders and leaders of today to help women reach their full potential,” said Theresa Byers, president of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. “The event is open to any man, woman or student interested in attending, growing personally and professionally, and celebrating the achievements of this year’s nominees.” The cost of the event – which includes continental breakfast, workshop and catered awards luncheon – is $65. “The Pickerington Area Chamber Board of Directors is proud to continue this program and recognize the outstanding individuals within the community for 10
full breakfast are $15. Registration for the workshop and breakfast can be completed by visiting www.pickeringtonchamber. com or by calling 614-837-1958. The “Being YOU in a World of Difference” event and economic outlook breakfast are just two of the ways that the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses secure their future, Byers said. 2015 ATHENA Award winners (from left) Peg Tobin, Maria Manzo and Shaili Kothari
all that they achieve, and for all that they give,” Byers said. A new event this fall, sponsored by the Chamber, is designed to provide businesses with an economic barometer. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, an Economic Outlook Breakfast is being held at the Fairfield County Board of Development Disabilities facility, 7140 ReynoldsburgBaltimore Rd. in Lancaster, from 8:30-10 a.m. All members of the Pickerington chamber and surrounding community are invited to attend. Featured forecasters include Ned Hill, professor of public affairs and city and regional planning at The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs and faculty affiliate at Ohio Manufacturing Institute; and Scott McComb, chairman, president and CEO of Heartland Bank and Heartland BancCorp. “Our hope is to provide the business community with a vision for the future. This event will provide insight and commentary on key economic trends,” Byers said. “The Pickerington Area Chamber feels that it is important to keep the business community apprised of not just our local economy, but what else is going on in the world.” Tickets for the economic outlook and
citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.
(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)
Building Services ..................... 833-2221 City Clerk/Council..................... 837-3974 City Manager........................... 837-3974 Development Services.............. 833-2204 Engineering Services ............... 833-2221 Finance Services...................... 837-3974 Human Resources.................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division.................. 837-4116 Mayor’s Office (Lee A. Gray)............................ 837-3974 Mayor’s Court.......................... 837-3974 Parks and Recreation............... 833-2211 Police Services......................... 575-6911 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 Fire Prevention Week; Oct. 9-15
Violet Township Fire Annual Open House: Oct. 16 This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of our three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety. The National Fire Protection Association has focused on smoke alarms three years in a row because survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. As a result of those and related findings, we’re also addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages: • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. • Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms in your home are. • To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm. The alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres from Oct. 8-9, 1871. Education will continue to be one of our best allies in our efforts to combat the dangers of fire. To aid in this miswww.pickeringtonmagazine.com
sion, the Violet Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1-3 p.m. at Station 592, located at 8700 Refugee Rd. The day will feature: • A Fire Safety House that permits children to escape from a non-hazardous smoke-filled environment. This allows 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. • The opportunity for kids to dress up in fire gear and get a picture taken. • The chance to use a real fire hose to spray water. There will be a host of fun, kid-friendly Please come and join us for this comeducational activities for the entire family. munity event. 11
Holiday Toy Drive Returns With 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. This unique partnership allows the fire department to fill local needs throughout Pickerington and Fairfield County.
The 2016 annual toy drive will run Nov. 22 through Dec. 24. New, unwrapped toys or gift cards will be collected at all Violet Township Fire stations, Pickerington Local Schools, the Pickerington Police Department and numerous businesses, churches and restaurants around town. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 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 or organization would like to participate in this community effort, please contact Jimmy Barber or Liz Pfeifer at 614-837-4123.
Violet Fire Station 591 Moving Violet Township Fire Department Station 591, currently at 21 Lockville Rd., will be moving to a temporary location in October 2016 due to construction of the new fire station. It will be located at 490 North Center St., the same site as the Township Maintenance Facility. The Station will remain there for the duration of the construction process.
Community Paramedicine More than two and half years ago, the Violet Township Fire Department, with the help of Mount Carmel Health System, conducted a needs assessment of the community (Reynoldsburg, Pickerington and Whitehall). We identified gaps within the health care system, and an aging population that will increase the median age of 65 over the next several years to about 20 percent of total population. This could increase the needs of the health care system within our community. The fire department wanted to help establish a better and more all-encompassing health care system. In January 2016, we launched a new program with the help of the Truro Township Fire Department, City of Whitehall Division of 12
Fire and Mount Carmel called Community Paramedicine. The program is designed to fill the gaps and address any additional needs of the community. We collaborate with other agencies to ensure the health care needs of the community are being met. There are also hurdles to a patient’s health care that exist but may be hard to determine while the patient is in the hospital or being seen at a doctor’s office. Paramedics with additional training will perform home visits to help overcome these hurdles or social determinants. We determine what barriers are present and develop a plan with the patient to address his or her needs. Patients are truly at the center of their own care when we work with them in their own
homes to help address any medical or social barriers. We will try to link the patient with the right resource and ensure adequate follow-up is taking place. We do not want the patient to fall through the cracks of the system, and we want to ensure that all his or her needs are being addressed. We are the patient’s advocate for proper health care. You are a patient in the hospital and a person at home. The program is designed to help the person. We need to truly understand your story or journey to help establish a connection and trust. This allows us to work together to design a plan especially for you. Our goal is for you to be safe and healthy for as long as possible in your own home. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Pets and Auto Fluids: They Don’t Mix By Chad Lucht, Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District As winter approaches, we should prepare our vehicles for the worst winter can throw at us. It is also a good time to doublecheck and ensure that your pets don’t have access to vehicle fluids such as antifreeze and petroleumbased products. A small spill on the garage floor or even an old container with an improperly closed lid can be spilled and cause our four-legged family member to become sick or, even worse, killed if they consume, roll in or inhale the fluid. Per Dr. Julie Miles of Compassionate Care Animal Hospital LLC: “Antifreeze is extremely toxic. Unfortunately, the toxic ingredient ethylene glycol is sweet, so pets will drink it. We will typically see vomiting as the first clinical sign of ingestion, followed by depression, stumbling, weakness, increased respiration rate, drinking large amounts and urinating large amounts. It is crucial that owners get their pet to a veterinarian immediately if they suspect ethylene glycol ingestion, as we see kidney failure as soon as 12 hours after ingestion. After 96 hours, the kidneys often completely shut down.” Within the past few years, many manufacturers have begun adding a bitter agent to discourage animals from consuming such sweet products as antifreeze. This helps, but the best way to ensure your pet’s safety is to properly dispose of automotive fluids at places such as your local automotive store or automotive repair facility. You will need to call to ensure that they accept the automotive fluid you are trying to dispose. Do not pour auto fluids in storm drains, ditches or curb inlets. Not only can these fluids harm our pets, they
If you purchase oil and antifreeze at an automotive store, talk to someone there about the store’s recycling policy and programs. The next time you clean your garage or shed and you find an old jug or quart of automotive fluid, we encourage you to call Firestone Complete Autocare of Pickerington and ask if the company will help you dispose of those smaller quantities. If you have large quantities of oil, can also degrade our streams and the the Lancaster-Fairfield Community Acaquatic life such as fish and microorgan- tion Recycling Center at 1761 E. Main isms that call our streams home. St. in Lancaster accepts oil and uses Miles also says, “Petroleum prodit for heating in the winter. You can ucts (oil, transmission oil, gasoline) call the center at 740-687-1295 for its are mostly a GI irritant for dogs and hours of operation. cats. Thankfully, if they get into them, Always remember: If it’s not safe for we typically just see diarrhea. We can you, it’s not safe for your pets or fish. see vomiting as well, and that is more Only Rain Down the Drain! concerning than diarrhea because if a While you are raking the fall leaves pet chokes on the vomit containing oil out of the yard, don’t forget to PUP or gas and it gets into the lungs, they (Pick Up Poop). We encourage pet can get severe inflammation in the lungs owners to pick up after their pets. The or develop pneumonia. So if an owner bacteria and nutrients found in the thinks their pet got into a petroleum waste can run off into our streams and product, it is very important to not make degrade the quality of our streams in them vomit. It could make things worse. the Walnut Creek Watershed. If their pet does vomit, they should be monitored very closely for coughing, increased panting or labored breathing. If they notice any of these, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In the unusual event that they ingest a Violet Township large amount of it, we can see central Administrative Offices nervous depression. If an owner sees 12970 Rustic Dr. that their pet is lethargic or depressed, Pickerington, OH 43147 stumbling or weak, they should be 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us seen immediately. Thankfully, petroleum products don’t taste very good, so most pets don’t ingest a lot.” Violet Township Fire Stations Proper storage and disposal is key Phone 614-837-4123 to keeping our pets and streams safe. Fire Chief: Michael Little #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. Drug Collection, Electronic Recycling #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. and Shred Day (behind hhgregg)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Violet Township Service Center, 490 N. Center St. Paper shredding limited to 2 boxes, please. No aerosols, inhalers, liquids, creams, gels, ointments, powders, syringes, IVs, patches or suppositories will be accepted. Televisions will be accepted for a minimum fee of $1 per diagonal inch. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
How to Reach Us
Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 13
faces by Amanda DePerro
One Paw in Front of the Other Jennifer Owens brings support to those grieving the loss of furry family members
Photo by Jeffrey S. Hall Photography
A
Jennifer Owens is training her boxer, Lola, to be a therapy dog. 14
huge percentage of people know the intensity of the pain of losing a pet. Not hearing paws padding on the hardwood floor or feeling them jump into bed in the morning can be difficult to find peace with, especially when society suggests it’s weird to cry over the loss of our furrier family members. Pickerington resident Jennifer Owens, 41, understands that pain all too well, after three of her dogs – Daisy, Sammy and Cookie – passed away all within the same year. “It was absolutely awful,” says Owens. “I couldn’t figure out why society has a really weird way of downplaying the loss of a pet. It’s almost like they shame you: ‘Why are you crying over a dog?’” During the process of grieving over her three dogs, she felt alone, as if there were something wrong with her. Instead of diving deeper into her grief, she began researching the process of mourning a pet. She got certified in pet loss and grief by the American Association of Health, and founded the Pet Loss Support Group of Pickerington, which meets twice per month in the Pickerington Public Library. “We have meetings, which are a safe space where people can get together and talk about their feelings,” says Owens. Though Owens is not a psychologist, she considers herself a resource for people who are working through the loss of a pet. For people who need more help than the support group can offer, Owens refers them to a pet psychologist in central Ohio. Owens has gotten calls from people all over the U.S., asking her if there are pet support groups near where they live or if Owens can help. She also keeps a private Facebook page for people who want to share thoughts without fear of judgment, as well as to offer up her time for anyone who may need help related to the loss of a pet. And the support group isn’t just for www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
From left: daughter Brittany, husband Clint, Owens and son Brady
dog and cat owners; Owens has helped all animal lovers grieve, from the loss of rabbits and rats to birds and fish. “If a person has to put an animal down, I’m available 24/7; I have no qualms,” says Owens. “I don’t want anybody to feel like I felt.” The support group sparked more inspiration in Owens. Why not, she thought, write a book to further help those grieving the loss of a pet, and reach more people than just those in and around the Pickerington community? Peaceful Paws was the result of that inspiration: a book written from a dog’s perspective after the dog passes away. The owner misses and wants to be with the dog, but the dog urges his owner to
continue on, telling the owner they will be reunited when the time comes. “One of the things that people say when they lose a pet – I’ve heard it so often it’s not even funny – is that they want to go with them, they don’t want to go on living,” says Owens. “The moral of the story is that we all have a time, and that they’re waiting for us.” Owens has no plans to stop at one book, and is in the process of publishing a second book about an imperfect shelter dog who is adopted by a young disabled girl. The book follows the misfit pair as they grow up and learn from one another. “She’s crippled, so according to society, she’s flawed,” says Owens. “It’s all
about ‘No, really, you’re perfect.’ Society might think you’re flawed, but you’re not.” All the money Owens makes from the sales of Peaceful Paws goes to funding the support group, which often has healing activities such as releasing balloons and bringing in pets as therapy. Owens is even training her boxer, Lola, to become a therapy dog. She takes Lola to support group sessions and hopes the pooch will go on to provide support for children with autism. One of the major reasons Owens says newcomers shy away from the meetings at first is because they’re afraid they might cry. Crying isn’t a problem, Owens says, and, typically, meetings are very upbeat and members share laughs anyway. The support group’s ultimate goal, though, remains healing and acceptance. “We’ll say, ‘Who’s your dog? What’s their name?’ It’s not just a dog, it’s your family,” says Owens. “They realize, hey, it’s safe, this person is just as crazy as I am.” Another benefit of coming to the support group is to receive advice on helping the other members of one’s family grieve. After the loss of a pet, other animals in the house often mourn, too. Owens recalls when, six months ago, she walked into the Animal Medical Center in Gahanna and struck up a conversation with a woman who was desperately trying to figure out what was wrong with her dog. “I was being nosy, and I asked, ‘Did you just lose an animal?’” says Owens. “I said, ‘This is how you can help them, because your other animals can grieve, and you can help them. Your dog grieving – it’s very common.’” When she’s not in support group sessions or writing her book, Owens is spending time with her husband, Clint, 17-yearold daughter Brittany and 3-year-old son Brady. She also runs the Lancaster Macaroni Kid website, in which she provides area families with a weekly newsletter that details community events, connects readers with resources around Lancaster and activity, dinner and craft ideas for busy families. “I’m kind of weird. I’m a jack of all trades,” says Owens. “You’ve got to live life to the fullest.”
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Owens
Amanda DePerro is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Brittany hugs family dog Harley. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Brady and Harley enjoy the view.
• Forgotten 4-Paws charity • Pet food pantry • New Horizons Mental Health Services 15
in focus By Hailey Stangebye
Vibrant Voyagers Pickerington Senior Center organizes journeys from overnight trips to international travel
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and she manages a wide array of activities. On a typical Wednesday morning, the halls are bustling with men and women taking yoga or swarms of people walking with weights around the exterior of the building and through the nearby neighborhoods. “Next Thursday, I have chamber in this big room, I have the foot doctor in
that room and I have a seminar in the other room,” Lee says on a day in July. Beyond these everyday activities, though, Lee is also the master planner behind a series of elaborate international excursions. She’s taken groups to Switzerland, Austria, London, Paris, Scotland, Ire-
Photos courtesy of Pickerington Senior Center
ancy Lee, the director of the Pickerington Senior Center, keeps a tidy office as she peruses travel plans and flips through pages with her polished, pink nails – the same vibrant shade of pink as her lipstick and shirt. Lee, 76, is beginning her 17th year working at the Pickerington Senior Center,
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Now is the time to think about Spring Break 2017! land, Portugal, Spain and China, to name a few. Lee also organizes overnight trips within the U.S. to destinations such as the Grand Canyon and the Badlands in South Dakota. “I try to do trips that I know (center members) can afford,” says Lee. “Some can afford the $10,000 trips, and we only get two people. But some can only afford the day trips.” This November, the Senior Center is off to Rome and the Amalfi Coast for 10 days. The travelers will experience everything from local culinary delicacies to breathtaking destinations such as the National Archaeological Museum and Pompeii. Lee has assembled a group of 10 people, six of whom have never been to Rome. The trip ventures through the Vatican, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and more. There are chances to learn key phrases in Italian, afternoons reserved for relaxation or private exploration, and even a tour of a buffalo milk mozzarella factory. One of the frequent travelers is Annabelle Marion, 71, who’s a board member at the center and a retired teacher. “My husband was a food service salesperson. He was the kind of guy who could sell an Eskimo ice. And we’d always planned to travel,” says Marion. “When my husband died, I knew that was the end. I would not be traveling.” This was true for Marion for some time. However, things changed when she began to frequent the Senior Center. “I started coming down here for line dancing,” says Marion. “And then I started traveling.” Lee takes on the challenge of accommodating travelers who come alone. “I like it when the new members get to travel, because they’ve never experienced it before and then that gets you more involved,” says Lee. “We find them roommates. If you want to go on a trip and you have no one to go with, then I’ll look on my list and see if I have anything single on there.” For Lee, it’s crucial that individuals traveling together get along well. If you don’t get along with your roommate, it can ruin the trip, says Lee. “Nancy has gone over, above and beyond to make sure these people are www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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taken care of. Things are safe,” says Marion. “She’s pushed wheelchairs, she’s gone to the hospital (with travelers).” Traveling with a group gave Marion the resources to travel and enjoy her time abroad. By 2005, Marion was off on her first trip. The destination was the Canadian Rockies. Among Marion’s most memorable trips are that first trip to the Canadian Rockies and her trip to the Rock of Gibraltar – specifically, her encounter with the monkeys on the latter trip. “We were at the Rock of Gibraltar,” says Marion. “There’s a cavern inside it that they’ve made into a theater, and the monkeys are everywhere.” “When you go in the gift shop, it has signs: ‘Please close freezer door tight, monkeys will get in and steal ice cream,’” says Lee. The monkeys would also sneak away with purses to retrieve any sweet treats that had been stuffed inside for safekeeping. Marion, who has also dressed in a vivacious pink shirt that nearly matches Lee, chuckles at the memory. Lee and Marion have become quite the dynamic adventuring duo; they frequently travel together. “I live by myself. I am not going to drive 500 miles to see a place that I might enjoy seeing. I think it gives a lot of people who are widows or widowers the opportunity to go someplace without worrying about whether they have a spouse with them,” says Marion. “It’s an outlet for them. Otherwise, they’d sit at home.” A wide variety of people attend these regional and international trips. Some are couples, some are individuals, some are groups of friends. 18
“A lot of people just like to see the world,” Lee says. “A lot of people just like to travel.” Hailey Stangebye is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Senior Center art class teacher Lois Clark • Senior Center noodle sales • Retirement communities’ Buckeye parties www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
student spotlight
By Lindsey Capritta
Photos courtesy of Maggie Palsgrove
Student Spotlight features a student from a different area high school in every issue.
Sponsored by Pickerington Eyecare
New Politics T
North senior Maggie Palsgrove’s ambition leads her toward government
o say that Maggie Palsgrove likes to keep busy would be an understatement. The 17-year-old Pickerington North High School student has recently started serving on the Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Advisory Board. Palsgrove’s involvement has just begun, but already, she’s enjoying working alongside other teens on state issues. “They’re going to present us with opportunities to speak in the Statehouse, and we’re going to go over more things the attorney general creates and figure out what we can do to improve them,” Palsgrove says about her new role. Palsgrove’s passion for politics stems from strong beliefs about mental health reform in Ohio. Her interest began in earnest her sophomore year when she attended the Ohio Union State Government Assembly, a meeting in which students gather in the Ohio Statehouse to enact model legislation. Palsgrove was immediately drawn to the legislative branch.
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“While I was there, it kind of just flipped a switch in my head,” she says, “I was like, ‘Wow, this is so important. I have so many opinions that I didn’t even know about, and I just want to tell all of them to the world.’” The hard work will be worth it. Palsgrove has high ambitions. She plans to major in political science, attend law school and, eventually, become a senator. She’s already on her way to earning her bachelor’s degree; when she enters college next year, she will already have two years knocked off. Last year, Palsgrove finished up her high school credit while also taking online college courses through College Credit Plus, a program that allows students to
Maggie Palsgrove (second from left) with other members of the leadership team of the Ohio High School Democrats
Palsgrove with her half-sisters, Katherine and Laura 20
earn high school and college credit at the same time through universities. That allowed her to complete her college general education requirements in addition to her high school credit. “I knew that I had a long road at college ahead of me,” she says. “I also like to have a full schedule. I like to push myself, so having the college classes was just a little extra push for me in some cases.” This year, she’s a full-time college student, enrolled online at Miami University and the University of Cincinnati. As for her senior year? Palsgrove is taking only one class: choir. She also sings and dances in the school’s chorale and has appeared in school plays. Palsgrove is still associated with many of the school’s extracurricular activities. She leads the Youth & Government Club as well as the Gender Identity and Sexuality Alliance. She is also involved the Drug Free Club, National Honor Society and the Junior State Association. In addition, she recently earned an internship with state Rep. Kristin Boggs of Ohio House District 18, which encompasses parts of Bexley, Grandview Heights, downtown Columbus, German Village and the Short North. And on top of all of her schoolwork and activities, Palsgrove works two jobs at Cold Stone Creamery and Gigi’s Cupcakes. And what does her family think of her schedule? “They’ve expressed concerns,” she says with a laugh, “It’s primarily things like, ‘We don’t get to see you enough!’” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE IN CENTRAL OH
Palsgrove (right) with a colleague at the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs
Palsgrove splits her time living at her mother’s and father’s home. She has two half-sisters, Katherine and Laura. As for the future, Palsgrove is excited about her college education. Her online courses have made picking a school very tough; she has grown very fond of both Miami and Cincinnati over the years, but also feels a strong draw to The Ohio State University. Beginning her political science courses has been the most exciting part of all of this for her. “I’m just starting my political science classes, and I love them,” she says. “Being in that group of people with similar interests as me is really fun.”
Dr. Todd Chontos • Dr. Douglas Ryen Dr. Travis Storm • Dr. Brian Tracy Dr. Jaclyn Paskiet
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Lindsey Capritta is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • North alumnus and spelling bee champ • North grad dedicated to charity • Gigi’s and other local cupcake purveyors • Attorney General’s section chief and New Albany mayor www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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A Light in the Dark
Photo courtesy of PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington
Plaza of Lights grows brighter as citizens contribute to food pantry
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hile the citizens of Pickerington are always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, it’s during the holiday season that their generosity truly shines. The PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington is lighting up the plaza in Olde Pickerington Village once again for the ninth annual Plaza of Lights. The annual holiday fundraiser generates as much as one-third of the pantry’s budget, says Barbara Meek, the pantry’s director of community relations and development. A small portion of these funds covers the operational and administrative costs; the rest goes toward purchasing food for the pantry, which serves between 175 and 195 families each month. The official lighting ceremony will take place during the Olde Village Holiday Gathering on Dec. 2. The lights will stay up through the week of New Year’s Day for the citizens of Pickerington to admire and enjoy. The Violet Township Fire Department is indispensable in the Plaza of Lights’ success. Firefighters plan the display and
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Photo courtesy of city of Pickerington
By Katie Ellington
music, store the lights and hang them throughout the plaza and on the former Carnegie Library building that now serve as the museum of the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society. “We don’t have the staff or manpower, and they love to help the community,” says Meek. She and the fire department start planning for the event as early as August. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Plaza of Lights is that the splendor of the show grows with the funds raised: For every $5, a light is added. For every $125, it’s a strand of lights. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Donation Options The PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington relies on donations to feed hungry families in the Pickerington Local School District. Donations can be made via the following methods: • Online at www.pcmafoodpantry.com. • Mail checks to: PCMA Food Pantry P.O. Box 914 Pickerington, OH 43147 • Drop off cash or checks during client shopping hours (Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon). Please use the alley door and ring the bell. • Attend the lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 during the Olde Pickerington Holiday Gathering.
Photos (3) courtesy of PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington
“It gets people involved in the food pantry and shows them what the money is doing for the pantry,” says Eric Taft, a paramedic with the fire department.
Food pantry volunteers put together holiday baskets for Pickerington students in need. The basket program gets funding from the Plaza of Lights. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
Donations are essential to the pantry so it can maintain operations and run extra programs, including summer and weekend lunches for students and holiday baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. For every dollar donated, the pantry can purchase $11 worth of groceries from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Meek has been amazed by the generosity of ordinary community members. In 2008, the first Plaza of Lights raised $20,000. “Our (client) numbers have tripled and so has the giving for the Plaza of Lights, which is pretty neat. Our community has stepped up,” says Meek. She hopes that, as giving continues to grow, the event
can expand out into Olde Pickerington Village and become a drive-through light show. “We would love for it to be a destination for families,” she says. Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • Frequent food pantry volunteer Dick Sloan • Food pantry’s uses for uncommon ingredients • Award-winning light display 23
e r u t Pic This
Pros and amateurs alike learn and volunteer through photography club By Garth Bishop
Jennifer Dinan
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her with one – and had gotten used to exchanging wisdom with its 150 members. “People were just so forthcoming with training and teaching,” Skowronski says. Eventually, Mitch suggested that she just start her own club. A year and a half later, it’s up to 38 members. The club’s mission is to give shutterbugs across the country the chance to
share knowledge, ideas and examples. These efforts are facilitated at monthly meetings as well as group outings and leader-facilitated breakout sessions. Cityscapes, night scenes, nature scenes and macrophotography are among the disciplines practiced and explained by members. Training is an important part of the club’s goals, but volunteerism is another
Noe Pasos
Robyn Skowronski
rom seasoned professionals to preteen aspirants, a new club in and around Pickerington is offering the photographically inclined more opportunities to shoot and display. The Fairfield County Photography Club formed in March 2015 after Pickerington resident Robyn Skowronski put up posts on Nextdoor and the Facebook page of her neighborhood, Fox Glen, to see if anyone nearby shared her passion for photography. A few people showed up at that first meeting, and the club’s membership has grown as its monthly meetings have continued. Skowronski, the club’s president, moved to Pickerington in 2009 from Bloomingdale, Ind., when her husband, Mitch, was transferred. She quickly found herself missing the photography club she’d been part of in Bloomingdale. She had joined in 2006 – having taken a strong interest in photography, she had been saving for “a real camera,” she says, when Mitch surprised
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Kate Biggs
Robyn Skowronski
members have come in such a short time. “It’s so exciting to see our members grow,” she says. “I’m talking about people who were (initially) afraid to use their cameras … getting super excited about showing in the gallery.” With that goal accomplished, Skowronski has set her sights on putting together a book of members’ work and, eventually, opening a gallery for the club in Olde Pickerington Village. More shots by members can be seen at the club’s Facebook page, www.face book.com/fairfieldcountyphotography club. Those interested in joining can learn more at the above page or by attending one of the club’s meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Peace United Methodist Church.
“Night photography is a little trickier than daytime photography, but it creates beautiful images,” he says. The club also has a youth group with three members: a 16-year-old, an 11-yearold and a 6-year-old, the latter of whom just joined in September. After being thoroughly impressed with club members’ skill levels, Skowronski decided to seek out a space where their work could be displayed. She soon connected with the Griffin Gallery at Creekside in Gahanna, and though her intent was just to have members’ work up for one night only, gallery owner Lew Griffin found the work appealing enough to offer the club more time. “He was so amazed by the work that we submitted that he said, ‘I want you to stay in the gallery for (longer),’” says Skowronski. That first show took place this past April, with the intention that another show would be held every six months or so in addition to the work that’s displayed on an ongoing basis. The collaboration with Griffin Gallery has helped illustrate for Skowronski how far the club’s less-experienced
Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.pickeringtonmagazine.com • 2016 Pickerington Shutterbugs • 2015 Pickerington Shutterbugs • Photographer Tony Mendoza • Photographer Robert Metzger • Photographer Jenny Fine
Jenny Penny
Mark Johnson
top priority. Members often volunteer their photo-taking services – sometimes for small happenings such as parties and senior photos, sometimes for large community events such as Relay for Life of 256, Color of Hope 5K, the Pickerington Labor Day Parade and a benefit for a family that had premature twin boys. “Our mission is to give back to the community,” Skowronski says. “We try whenever possible to give back.” The club offered Mark Johnson of Pickerington the opportunity to put his own photography skills to use. Johnson, now vice president of the club, has a background in art and attended the Columbus College of Art and Design, but had put his artistic side on the back burner to raise a family. Now, though, his children are old enough to be independent, and when Johnson saw Skowronski’s post on Nextdoor, he attended the club’s second meeting. “It has really gotten me back into photography,” he says. Since joining, Johnson has had the chance to teach some classes on basics, as well as on night photography, which is among his favorite styles.
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on the table By Jenny Wise
Pickerington Chamber declares pizza war
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Photos courtesy of Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce
A
fter years and years of debate as to who makes the best pizza in Pickerington, a community organization finally arranged a battle royale to crown a true champion. This year, the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce accompanied its annual Restaurant Week, held in late August, with a first-time-ever event known simply as Pizza Wars. It took place Aug. 24 at American Legion Post 283. Local restaurants were invited Cardo’s (above) and Taranto’s Pizza to compete in multiple pizza catBarn (top) accept their awards. egories, with community members Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern serves up pies at Pizza Wars. on hand to sample all of the culinary creations and cast votes for their favorites. Taranto’s also won over the crowd with its apple pie dessert This year’s contenders were Pompeii’s Inferno, Cardo’s Pizza pizza. It’s also available in cherry pie form at the restaurant. & Tavern, Rule 3 and Taranto’s Pizza Barn. Competitors were “All pizza is good, but some is just better; we just happen asked to prepare pizzas in three categories: best traditional pep- to have two of the best,” says Dan Taranto, owner of Taranto’s. peroni pizza, best specialty pizza and best dessert pizza. Taranto, a Pickerington resident, has been serving up pies More than 200 guests tested the pizzas and voted for the at the family-owned restaurant for 25 years and counting. He best one in each category. Cardo’s won the traditional pepperoni and his mother, Suzanne, developed the basic recipe that has not pizza category, while Taranto’s took home the victory in the spe- only kept Taranto’s in business in Pickerington, but also made a cialty and dessert categories. separate restaurant – Taranto’s Pizzeria, owned by Dan’s sister, The winning specialty pizza was an Italian sub pizza that Debbie – a staple of the community in Orange Township. can be found on the regular menu at Taranto’s. This cheese pizza These days, Taranto’s Pizza Barn is a full-service Italian resfeatures onions, banana peppers and sub meats. It is then topped taurant featuring not just pizza, but also classic pasta dishes and with fresh lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing. frozen treats.
Photos courtesy of Taranto’s Pizza Barn
Though it did not take home any awards, Pompeii’s Inferno – a mobile wood-fired pizza oven that got its start in Pickerington in 2013 and has been a staple of the Pickerington Farmers’ Market since its beginning – nonetheless expressed gratitude for the chance to participate. “We wanted to give free pizza to the community to show our appreciation (and) meet new customers,” says co-owner John Glavocich. “It also gave us a chance to test a couple Taranto’s Italian Sub Pizza of new pizzas that may be added to our Pickerington Farmers’ Market menu.” Taranto’s and Cardo’s have won this year, but as the Chamber aims to make Pizza Wars an annual event, the battle may be far from over. Some of Taranto’s other offerings
Jenny Wise is a contributing writer.
RELATED READS Feedback welcome at gbishop@ www.pickeringtonmagazine.com cityscenemediagroup.com. • More on Pompeii’s Inferno • Omezzo Italian Restaurant • Mikey’s Late Night Slice
RECIPE
Italian Sub Pizza
The dough recipe at Taranto’s Pizza Barn is a family secret, but this recipe is inspired by its proprietary counterpart at Taranto’s
¼ tsp. cumin ¼ tsp. chili powder 1 ⁄8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredients Dough 1 (¼ oz.) envelope active dry yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 3 cups all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. shortening
Toppings Sliced salami and capicola ham Chopped onion Hot pepper rings Mozzarella, provolone and romano cheese blend 1 sliced tomato 4 cups shredded lettuce Salt and pepper (to taste) 3 Tbsp. Italian dressing (to taste)
Sauce 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ½ cup chopped onion 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste 6 fluid oz. water ½ tsp. white sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 ⁄8 tsp. ground black pepper ¼ tsp. dried marjoram
Instructions In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and shortening. Stir in the yeast mixture. When the dough has pulled together, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and
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elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough there and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then sautee onion until tender. Stir in tomato paste and water. Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, basil, oregano, marjoram, cumin, chili powder and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Divide dough in half and spread onto pizza pans. Cover with sauce, cheese blend, deli meats and hot pepper rings. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. When it comes out of the oven, add shredded lettuce and sliced tomato. Sprinkle on salt and pepper and finish with a drizzle of Italian dressing. Yields two 12-inch pizzas.
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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!
Tyler’s Light Golf Outing: Aug. 27 Photos courtesy of Kent Smith Photography
Pickerington Violet Festival: July 13-16 Photos courtesy of Bethany Bass
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Youth Fishing Derby: July 16 Photo courtesy of city of Pickerington
Labor Day Parade: Sept. 5 Photos courtesy of Janice Thomas
www.pickeringtonmagazine.com
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bookmarks
By Colleen C. Bauman, Community Relations Coordinator, Pickerington Public Library
Fall is a great time to be a reader at your library. Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. Skype Chat with Ashley Hope Perez
Chat with the Printz Honor-winning author of Out of Darkness, a novel about race relations, family, love and a local tragedy in 1930s Texas. Registration required.
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Just How Weird is Ohio?
Author James Willis visits the library to share stories of his favorite weird places in Ohio – a field of giant concrete corncobs, the world’s largest crystal ball, plus haunted houses such as Franklin Castle and the Mansfield Reformatory. No registration necessary.
Oct. 14, noon Meet Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse
The library hosts the co-authors of Beyond the Silence. Defying her grandfather but fulfilling her mother’s dream of going west, Lillian Porter accepts a nanny position in Angels Camp, Ca. Rumors surround her new employer and her young charge hasn’t spoken since he witnessed his mother’s death. Did she make the right decision? Registration required.
Oct. 15, 2 p.m. The Unique Language of Comics: Workshop with Molly Durst
Learn about how pictures are used to communicate elements of a story in comics, then try your hand at creating your own comic panels. Registration required.
Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. Book Buzz with Penguin Random House
Amanda Fensch will share which books are destined to be the hottest bestsellers. Registration is required to ensure a tote bag for every attendee.
Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. 30
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An evening to beneďŹ t babies and families.
M o nday,O c t o be r2 4,2 0 1 6 T h eS h e rat o n atC apit o lS quare H e lp usc o nt inuewo rk ing fo r s t ro nge r,h e alt h ie r babie s ! T h eS ignat ureC h e fsA uc t io n payst ribut et ot h ec ulinary e x c e lle nc eo f lo c al c h e fsand wine rie sasyo ut as t ea s ampling o ft h e ir " s ignat ure "dis h e sand bid o ne x c it ing pac k age sduring a liveand s ile ntauc t io n.M inglewit h frie ndsand c o lle ague sasyo uc an bid o n fabulo us ,o nc e inalife t imepac k age sin t h eliveand s ile ntauc t io n wh e re fundsrais e ds uppo rtt h eM arc ho fD ime smis s io no f impro ving t h eh e alt ho f babie sby pre ve nt ing pre mat ure birt h ,birt hde fe c t s ,and infantmo rt alit y.F o r mo re info rmat io no rt ore gis t e r,vis its ignat ure c h e fs . o rg/ c o lumbus
F o rS po ns o rs h ip O ppo rt unit ie s and e v e ntde t ailsc o nt ac t : Bringing c ulinary e x c e lle nc et o ge t h e rt o h e lp giv ee v e ry baby a ďŹ gh t ing c h anc e !
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