Pickerington Magazine October/November 2018

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 2018

Furry Philanthropy

How the community can support its four-legged friends INSIDE Evolving paramedic roles Digitized community history Paying it forward to seniors

OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus

Great care is even better when it’s close to home. + Convenient medical care, lab services, physical therapy and imaging, all in one place + Board-certified physicians, right in your neighborhood + 24/7 emergency care + The only outpatient surgery center in the area

OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus 1010 Refugee Road | Pickerington, Ohio 43147 Find a physician at OhioHealth.com/Pickerington Š OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY18-139-4-50897. 03/18.

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• Orthopedic Surgery • Spine Surgery • Neurology

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Columbus | Dublin | Pickerington | New Albany | Westerville

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

At England Insurance, we are a part of the Pickerington Community and are honored to continue to be a trusted resource.

Call us today and live life covered!

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Nathan Collins

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Amanda DePerro

Editor

Jenny Wise

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Rocco Falleti

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Lydia Freudenberg Evan Wehmeyer Ashley Soro

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.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 ncollins@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. © 2018.

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volume 11, number 1 october/november 2018

6 Calendar 8

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

10 News and Information from

Violet Township

14

faces

Always There and Always on Time

14

As Violet Township’s first community paramedic, Lt. J.D. Postage makes house calls

in focus

17

Charity Starts at Home Violet Township Women’s League supports Pickfair Square seniors

20 Bring the Battered, Beaten

weekendscene

pickerington magazine

Looking for something to do?

See what’s on the menu this weekend and beyond!

Sign up for CityScene Magazine’s weekly event newsletter at cityscenecolumbus.com

and Broken

Fairfield Area Humane Society serves as the area’s front line in cases of animal abuse

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on the table

24

Five Years of Helpers

The Pickerington Food Pantry celebrates its fifth anniversary

26

student spotlight Higher Learning

Former Pickerington Central student begins freshman year at one of the nation’s most revered higher learning institutions

27 The Future Can Be Found

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In the Past

Community members have history at their fingertips through My History Project

around pickerington

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Photos from the community

bookmarks

On the cover: Photo by Fairfield Area Humane Society

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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pickerington community calendar october/november 2018 Oct. 5 A Day of ATHENA Workshop & Awards Luncheon

Haunted Village

8 a.m.-1 p.m., Phenix Banquet Center, 2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus www.pickeringtonchamber.com Dr. Valerie Young leads this workshop on conquering selfdoubt before the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce presents the ATHENA awards.

Oct. 7-13 Fairfield County Fair Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyfair.org This annual county fair with music, rides and food is a great way to entertain the kids.

Oct. 12-20 Pickerington Community Theatre presents Blithe Spirit Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N. www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org The smash comedy hit arrives in Pickerington with an ensemble of offbeat characters and oddballs.

Oct. 31 Trick or Treat @ Your Library 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Bring your little princesses, ghosts and pirates to trick-ortreat at the Pickerington Public Library.

Trick or Treat at Your Library

Oct. 18 Brown Bag Book Club 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Join the Pickerington Library’s lunchtime book club for a discussion of The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin.

Pickerington Teen Book Fest 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Authors Sarah Dessen and Margaret Peterson Haddix are the keynote speakers on a day when fans will have the opportunity to interact with authors via presentations, panels and book signings.

Oct. 30 Haunted Village 6-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village www.pickeringtonvillage.com Get spooked during ghost tours, hayrides and trick-or-treating events in the Haunted Village.

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Oct. 31 Tots Trick or Treat 1:30-2:30 p.m., City Hall Children 2-5 years old can gather goodies and treats in the spooky decorated halls within City Hall.

Oct. 31 Community Trick or Treat 6-8 p.m., throughout Pickerington Kids and families, dress up in your best Halloween costume and enjoy a fun night of trick-or-treating throughout the city.

Nov. 4 Friends of the Pickerington Public Library Book Sale 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of the city of Pickerington

Oct. 27

Mark you calendar r for these commun ity events

Are you a Senior in need of a little help?

Nov. 20 PPL Book Club Friends of the Pickerington Public Library Book Sale www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Check out a large variety of books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl albums for sale.

Proceeds support Pickerington Public Library programs.

7-8 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The Pickerington Public Library Book Club gets together to discuss Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate.

Nov. 21-Dec. 14 Santa’s Mailbox

Nov. 4 Pickerington Antique and Craft Show 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way www.pickacshow.com Peruse antiques and crafts at this annual Pickerington show, with proceeds supporting both Pickerington high schools.

Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. www.pickerington.net Santa has set up an express mailbox for children outside of City Hall. Letters with return addresses and names of senders will receive replies from Santa.

We provide in-home help with: • Companionship • Meal preparation • Light housekeeping • Grooming and personal care • Shopping/appointments

Call us today! (614) 971-0893

pickseniorhelper.com

The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township

United Way of Fairfield County Annual 5K and 2 Mile Walk 8:30 a.m., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster www.uwayfairfieldco.org This year’s event, taking place on Veteran’s Day weekend, is a salute to veterans.

Mailed to EVERY homeowner and business in Pickerington and Violet Township

Nov. 15 Brown Bag Book Club

GET NOTICED. Santa’s Mailbox

Submit Your Event

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

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

Pickerington Senior Helper

magazine

Nov. 10

1-2 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org The monthly lunchtime book club meets to talk about All the Beautiful Girls by Elizabeth Church.

Lisa Stoklosa, Owner

Contact Gianna Barrett today for great rates!

614-572-1255

gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com 7

INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

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

Fabulous Fun-Filled Family Fall Festivities Will Bewitch Pickerington Residents in October On Tuesday, Oct. 30, the Haunted Village returns to Olde Pickerington Village for fun for the fearless and the not so fearless from 6-8 p.m. Ghost tours, storytelling, hayrides, a haunted house, trick or treat in Olde Village businesses, KIDSTOWN, and much more will be the free fare for residents.

The evening is sponsored by the City of Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department, Pickerington Village Association, the Pickerington Lions Club, and H.O.P.E Ministry of Violet Baptist Church.

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, City Hall will be the perfect place for little princesses, goblins, and other costumed characters to weave their way through the building for a free Tots Trick or Treat from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Children ages 2-5 years are encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy a safe trick or treat with an adult through City Hall, located at 100 Lockville Road. chased at Pickerington Parks and Recreation at 100 Lockville Later that evening, the community will celebrate Trick or Treat Road. Children 2 years old and under are free. from 6-8 p.m.

“Each year we look forward to a few of our staple events and these include Haunted Village, Tots Trick or Treat and Breakfast with Santa,” says Rebecca Medinger, Pickerington Parks & Recreation Director. “All of these events are a great way to create memories with family and friends.”

For additional information on any of the events, you can contact Parks and Recreation at 614-833-2211 or visit www.pickerington.net.

In November, children will be counting the days down for the annual Breakfast with Santa. Ticket sales for the popular breakfast are on sale from Nov. 1-29. No tickets are sold at the door. There are three seating opportunities to eat and meet with Santa at the Pickerington Senior Center, located at 150 Hereford Drive, on Saturday, Dec. 1. Breakfast reservations are for 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 11 a.m. The merry morning, which benefits the Pickerington Senior Center, features breakfast, crafts, holiday music, a gift shop, bake sale, and a visit with Santa. Tickets are $6 per person and can be pur8

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Senior Citizens in Pickerington are Helping Children Create Memories Pickerington Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Medinger says her department heavily relies on the kindness of senior volunteers for many popular programs and children’s events.

Each year, senior volunteers provide chilling tales as ghost story tellers and tour guides when the Haunted Village in Olde Pickerington comes alive in October. Other senior volunteers assist the Haunted Village as hay ride attendants and treat bag distributors.

The Historical Society also uses a variety of volunteers to transform the Pickerington Historical Museum into the bewitching Haunted Museum. After Halloween, senior volunteers are helping children get ready for a visit with Old Saint Nick. Medinger says that nearly 30 volunteers with the Pickerington Senior Center set the tables, prepare food, and serve Breakfast with Santa to a sell-out group of children who can’t wait to dine with Santa.

During the breakfast, parents can buy some holiday crafts and baked goodies that seniors have prepared while their children browse for gifts at Santa’s secret work shop. There are even senior elves who help children wrap the presents they buy at the work shop. Of course, one of the most important volunteers of that day is a senior who is jolly enough to step into Santa’s big shoes.

The Santa senior must be able to listen to long lists of holiday requests, provide the perfect photo opportunity, and utter a magical “Ho, Ho, Ho!” When Santa’s senior elves aren’t helping at the breakfast, many of them are answering Santa’s mail. Each year the North Pole Express Mailbox is placed outside City Hall so that children can send Santa letters with their holiday wishes.

“Last year Santa and his Pickerington Senior Center helpers responded to 586 letters in three weeks,” Medinger says.

In the spring, nearly 30 senior volunteers are hopping into the season with Breakfast with the Bunny. The event gives children an opportunity to dine with the bunny, do some crafts, and visit with him before he sets out to fill the baskets of all good boys and girls.

Medinger says that the seniors do a wonderful job helping the Parks and Recreation staff make sure all the events are fun for children and run smoothly.

“The events provide an important opportunity for seniors to be active and involved in the community and the programs bring the wide range of generations together for great community events,” Medinger says.

Seniors interested in sharing their skills and time with the City can contact Parks and Recreation Department at 614833-2211 or the Pickerington Senior Center at 614837-3020.

Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.

citydirectory

(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

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News and Information From

Violet Township ation c o l w e N 8 for 201

Violet Township Fire Annual Open House Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 1-3 p.m.

The Violet Township Fire Department will be hosting their annual Open House at NEW Fire Station 591, 21 Lockville Rd., Pickerington, OH 43147. The day will feature: • A Fire Safety House which permits children to escape from NON-HAZARDOUS smoke-filled environment.

This allows them to learn how to get out of their home in case of fire.

• Kids can dress up in fire gear and get a picture taken.

• Take a turn putting out a virtual fire.

• Meet Sparky the Fire Dog and Sparky the Robotic Dog. There will be a host of fun, kid-friendly educational activities for the entire family. Please come and join us for this community event.

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018 This year’s campaign, “Listen. Look. Learn. Be Aware, Fire can happen anywhere,” places an emphasis on the fact that today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.

Many people think fire is something that happens to other people. Unfortunately, this common misperception continues to put Americans at risk to fire each year, particularly at home, where people think they’re safest from fire but are actually at the greatest risk. This over-confidence contributes to a complacency toward home fire escape planning and practice.

Here are this year’s key campaign steps: • • •

Look for places a fire could start Listen for the sound of a smoke alarm Learn two ways out of every room

Home Fire Escape Planning Home fire escape planning and drills are an essential part of fire safety. A home fire escape plan needs to be developed and practiced before a fire strikes. Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.

A home escape plan should include the following: • Two exits from every room in the home – usually a door and a window.

• Properly installed and working smoke alarms – check at least twice annually.

• A meeting place outside, in front of the home, where everyone will meet after they exit.

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•

A call to 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

Other Home Fire Escape Tips • Make sure your address is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.

• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.

• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never, ever go back inside a burning building.

Smoke Alarms • Smoke alarms detect and alert people of a fire in the early stages. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire.

• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Situational awareness is a skill everyone needs to use wherever they go. No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Violet Township Purchases the Wigwam

By John Eisel, Director of Operations and Holly Mattei, AICP, Development Director Violet Township is excited to announce the purchase of the Wigwam, an exclusive secluded gem that was previously owned and operated by Wolfe Enterprises, Inc. The complex, located at the northwest corner of Blacklick Eastern Road (SR 204) and Taylor Road, dates back to the early 1920s. The existing facilities are rich with history, charm and purpose, and will be preserved and utilized to benefit our community.

Wolfe Enterprises, Inc., through Capitol Square, Ltd, its real estate division, was actively exploring commercial and residential redevelopment options for the property. The Township was concerned about the potential loss of the existing structures and approached Capitol Square with an idea of purchasing the complex with the intent to use it for community enrichment purposes. The Township and Wolfe Enterprises, Inc. worked collaboratively on a purchase agreement, and the Township took possession of the property on July 16.

The Township’s vision is to preserve, showcase, and utilize the complex to its fullest capacity to benefit our government operations and our community. There are a total of 21 buildings on this site, which include an original lodge, a 303-seat theater and a large banquet hall.

The Township will transform the original lodge into its administrative offices and

plans to rent the theater for the community theater events, dance recitals, small venue concerns, holiday pageants, and public meetings. The banquet hall, which can comfortably seat up to 400 people with tables and chairs, will be rented for weddings, conferences and other corporate and community events.

The Township also plans to relocate the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Violet Township substation to this property and reserve approximately two acres for a future fire station. It is also the intent to preserve the existing 26 acres of woods along Blacklick Eastern Road.

The northern 10 acres with frontage on Interstate 70 is planned to be developed in the future with the potential for office, retail, and other professional business uses in partnership with the Violet Township Port Authority.

“This brings an entirely new dimension to our community for our residents to enjoy in many ways. We will now have an additional performing arts venue and large meeting space. The property also includes approximately 20 acres of woods, and

part of our vision is to preserve and convert this area to walking trails and a shelter house,” says Darrin Monhollen, Violet Township Board of Trustees Chairman.

Violet Township staff have already started the process to convert the lodge into the township offices. Work has also begun on the banquet hall to include video screens and upgrade the sound system to make it a state-of-the-art event venue in the central Ohio region. Work will continue over the next several months with the intent to open this facility to the public in 2019.

Community Toy Drive Kicks Off on November 22nd The Violet Township Fire Department and Pickerington Local Schools are once again teaming up to provide holiday assistance for children and families throughout the Pickerington and Fairfield County areas. This partnership has proven to be particularly successful in the past years.

In 2017, we assisted approximately 641 families with nearly 2,000 children.

Thanks to the generosity of local schools, businesses, and churches, our red toy collection boxes will be located at several sites throughout Canal Winchester, Pickerington, and Reynoldsburg. The toy drive officially kicks off on November www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

22 and runs through December 24. If you would like to contribute, drop off a new, unwrapped toy in any Violet Township Fire Department toy drive box. You may also donate at any of the three Violet Fire stations. Items of particular need are always gifts for middle- to high school-age children such as gift cards, electronics, cologne/perfume, etc.

Girl Scout Troops from the Pickerington area will host the annual Toy Drive-Thru at Violet Fire Station 592 at 8700 Refugee Road. This event will be on Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations may be dropped off as you drive

through the fire station, where the fire trucks typically sit, without even getting out of your car. Violet Township firefighters will also attend various school and community events to promote the toy drive.

Due to the dedication of generous community members and leaders, Violet Township Fire Department and Pickerington Local Schools are able to make a difference in the lives of children and families during the holiday season. Thank you in advance for your continued support and we hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.

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It’s Time to Start Cutting Calleries

By Chad Lucht, Fairfield SWCD and Jason Van Houten, Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry

birds. Because it has been introduced outside of its native range, it has very few ecological checks and balances to limit its growth. Callery pear is on the Ohio A pest is taking over Violet Township Department of Agriculture’s invasive plant and you might not even realize it. You list and can no longer be legally sold after may have seen them each year as they January 2023 as the nursery industry emerge from their winter slumber; like phases it out. popcorn heated in the microwave, the To control this newly designated invawhite, prominent flowers of this invader sive plant, it is recommended to pull out seem to burst forth in almost instanyoung trees by hand when soils conditaneous fashion well before any of its tions are moist to allow for easy pulling. kin. Though by summer they become The leaves range from 1.5 to 3 inches long, For smaller trees too large to pull by hand, just another inconspicuous feature on are oval in shape, shiny and have slightly it is recommended to use a foliar herbithe landscape. Planted meticulously serrated wavy leaf margins. They produce cide treatment during the growing season. along subdivision streets, filling in the white flowers in early spring before, or even For larger trees, they should be cut down natural areas around I-70 and US-33, as leaves emerge. The inedible fruits are and removed. If they are in large open or overwhelming abandoned fields and small (typically 0.5 inches in diameter) and fields, they can be girdled with a herbicide unmanaged park land, thousands of this round. The fruit matures in early fall turning treatment to the cut. Whenever you are unwelcome nuisance are possibly growing from a green color to a brown color. In using herbicides, the law requires that one and multiplying right in your own neighbor- wild areas, young trees often form dense reads and follows the directions on the hood. If you haven’t already heard, it’s time thickets and have small spines. herbicide label to protect the environment to be aware of the Callery pear.

It was first introduced to the United and obtain effective results.

Callery pear is a tree native to southeast States in the early 1900s with hopes Asia. It is a small tree that can be recogthat its resistance to bacterial fire blight nized by its pyramidal shape. When mamight be bred into commercial pear trees.

Drug Collection/ ture, it can range in height of 30 to 40 feet Later, interest shifted to its use as rootElectronics Recycling and have a spread of 20 to 30 feet. It has stock for commercial pear trees. In the Saturday, Oct. 27, an alternate branch structure and a simple 1950s, Callery pear caught the eye of the 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. leaf (a leaf whose blade is not divided to horticulture world and was first planted as Violet Township Service Center, the midrib even though it is lobed shape). an ornamental tree near Washington D.C. 490 N. Center Street It quickly became very popular because For more information, please of its abundant white spring flowers and visit www.fairfieldswcd.org Violet Township Explores rapid growth. Popular cultivars include Bradford Pear, Cleveland Select Pear, and Funding Options for Aristocrat Pear.

Community Center However, as these trees matured, it became apparent that they had poor Violet Township continues to work branching structure and were highly suson the feasibility study for a future Violet Violet Township ceptible to windstorms, ice storms, and Township Community Center. Our heavy wet snow.

To alleviate this problem, Administrative Offices consultant, Moody Nolan, has been new varieties were developed that had 12970 Rustic Dr. working with the Programming Steering better branching structure. These trees Committee and Violet Township staff to Pickerington, OH 43147 were breed to be genetic clones, havexplore various programming options 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us for the Community Center based upon ing a sterile seed and unable to pollinate the feedback received from our focus themselves. However, as more and more Violet Township Fire Stations group meetings. The Finance Task varieties were planted, the increase in gePhone 614-837-4123 Force Committee, assisted by Rockmill netic diversity allowed for cross-pollination Financial, has also continued to meet to Fire Chief: Michael Little and fruit production. explore possible funding options for the #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. In the early 2000s, land managers Community Center. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. began to notice Callery pears popping We have not yet scheduled the #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. up in a variety of open areas, especially second public meeting. We want to in areas like roadsides and abandoned ensure these meetings are meaningful agricultural fields. This popular ornamental and time well spent for our residents. We Violet Township Service Center will schedule our second public meeting tree had become invasive. It outcompetes Phone: 614-382-5979 at a point when we have valuable native vegetation with its fast growth, early 490 Center St. information to share. Please stay tuned reproduction (as early as 3 years of age), Pickerington, OH 43147 for meeting details through our website. and profuse fruit production spread by

Save the Date

How to Reach Us

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Better lives

ONE story at a time.

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– Tamara Zimmerman, wife and working mom to two active kids

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

This is where you go to get better.

faces

By Evan Wehmeyer

Always There and Always on Time

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Fire Message #1

As Violet Township’s first community paramedic, Lt. J.D. Postage makes house calls

Photo courtesy of Kristi Huskey

F

or the past two years, Lt. J.D. Postage has redefined what it means to be a paramedic. As a community paramedic with the Violet Township Fire Department as well as a paramedic in Pickerington for 19 years, the past 21 years of his life have been dedicated to individuals in need.

A graduate of Columbus State Community College, Postage credits a conference in Louisiana as one of the motivating factors to become a community paramedic.

“Many, many, many years ago I became a paramedic because I liked the idea of helping people,” Postage says. “I was sitting down at a conference in New Orleans listening to some individuals from an agency out of Fort Worth called MedStar talk about their program and some of the things they did.”

The program struck Postage as one that would be an invaluable resource for Violet Township.

“Those individuals that have no place else to turn, they always call the fire department. This is another opportunity for us to be that additional resource,” says Postage.

As the community paramedic, his job looks different from the traditional job description of a paramedic in that Postage makes house calls. He visits people in their homes to help them with any medical issues they may be experiencing. He also connects people with local social services, such as Meals on Wheels, to help meet an individual’s needs.

“When we are running 911 calls, it’s more of an acute setting,” says Postage.

“This (job) is more of a management of chronic issues that have accumulated over years.”

Typically, the trip from house to hospital in an ambulance consists of a number of closed-ended questions. As a community paramedic making house calls, the conversation generally includes a series of open-ended questions.

“It’s a lot of motivational interviewing, about getting that patient to communicate with you and getting that patient to trust you,” says Postage. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

If you smoke, smoke outside.

• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

• Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out.

• Never smoke in bed.

• Never smoke if medical oxygen is used in the home.

Postage is grateful that this new position gives the fire department more options to help people than it previously had. Up to this point, the only place these individuals could turn would be the emergency room. Now, Postage can meet with them in the comfort of their own home.

The job has led to many heartwarming moments, according to Postage. So

Postage’s new position gives the fire department more options to help people than it previously had.

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clean and followed through with his recovery,” says Postage.

Postage continues to serve the community and supports individuals within the township not just as a paramedic, but also as a member of the Pickerington Area Resource Coalition which seeks to organize local philanthropy/non-profit groups in order to maximize the overall amount of support available to the community.

For more information or to donate to the cause, visit the Pickerington Area Resource Coalition.

Fire Message #2 Give space heaters space.

• Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn – including you.

• Shut off and unplug heaters when you leave or go to bed.

Evan Wehmeyer is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo courtesy of Kristi Huskey

many, in fact, that when asked about it, he has a hard time narrowing it down to a single story.

“It’s sometimes about linking the people to the right service,” Postage says.

“One of the many hats I wear, I am a part of the Project FORT, which is the Fairfield County Overdose Response Team.”

Postage met with a judge about an individual who was facing potential jail time due to drug-related charges. A recovery plan had been developed with the individual. “(It was) a plan for his recovery and we talked to the judge about it and basically the judge suspended the sentence as long as he was actively going through what we had talked about. To this day, he is going great. Hopefully he will get off probation in a few months and he’s been

Postage is not only a paramedic, but also a member of the Pickerington Area Resource Coalition.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

in focus

By Liz Anastasiadis

Charity Starts at Home

Violet Township Women’s League supports Pickfair Square seniors

S

eniors remain vibrant with help from the community – especially when organizations like the Violet Township Women’s League (VTWL) pay it forward.

The VTWL is a non-profit organization that is led by inspired women with an aim to make an impact through community outreach. One of the group’s ongoing events is an annual cookout for the members of Pickfair Square residential home in Pickerington.

“I always look forward to the interactions with the Pickfair residents, learning a little about each one’s lives,” says Linda Fersch, former president of the VTWL. “The gatherings truly leave a warm feeling

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inside … you know they appreciate all the things our organization does for them.”

Pickfair Square is a 34-unit residential complex for residents ages 62 and older in Pickerington. Each apartment features dead-bolt locks for doors that lead directly outside, into the kitchen, bedroom and sitting area.

The complex offers special services for handicapped individuals and as well as amenities for challenges that come with aging.

Residents of Pickfair Square are welcome to host guests in their apartment and social gatherings as a way

Fire Message #3

Stay in the kitchen when frying food.

• Never leave cooking unattended.

• Wear short or form-fitting sleeves when cooking.

• Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.

• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.

• Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.

17

to decrease the erosion of independence.

There’s a common space where community events take place, where all residents and family are invited.

At an annual fall cookout, the ladies of VTWL bring hot dogs, cookies and offer a raffle to the residents. Other various members of the community such as kids

and local military members get involved with Pickfair Square and other events through the VTWL. Generous donations from community members within Pickerington put the organization’s generosity on full display.

“We go, we eat, visit them and get to know them,” says Pat Deskins, committee

Hotdogs are on the menu at the annual cookout for Pickfair Square residents.

chair for the VTWL. “We bring our compassion. Some of the residents haven’t had an easy life and we want to support them.”

Along with the cookout, VTWL throws an annual Christmas party every December. They deliver gifts and gift cards

Fire Message #4 Stop, Drop & Roll.

18

Photos courtesy of Violet Township Women’s League

• If your clothes catch on fire, stop (don’t run), drop gently to the ground and cover your face with your hands.

• Roll over and over or back and forth to put out the fire.

• Use cool water for three to five minutes to cool a burn.

• Get medical help right away.

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to all the residents, sing Christmas carols, serve goodies and invites Santa Claus to pay a visit to Pickfair Square.

Residents at Pickfair Square look forward to their time with VTWL volunteers every time they visit.

“They do a lot of things for us,” says Joan Fox, a resident of Pickfair Square.

“We enjoy their company and know them by name.”

The women of VTWL are aware of the challenges that can come with aging and interact with residents accordingly, remaining helpful and friendly.

They take meals to handicapped individuals who are unable to attend events and offer free haircuts with manicures to all the residents.

“One day, I had just come back from surgery and was greeted with a meal in bed and singing,” says Betty Scott, another resident of Pickfair Square. “It made my day.”

Being in an enjoyable environment such as this brings light to any community and Pickfair Square and the town of Pickerington thrive because of it.

“I just can’t say enough about them,” says Scott. “They’re very upbeat and have us all laughing each time they visit.”

If you would like to learn more about Pickfair Square or the Violet Township Women’s League, visit www.unitedchurch homes.org and www.vtwl.org.

Liz Anastasiadis is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Fire Message #5

Smoke alarms save lives.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

• Interconnected alarms are the best option. When one sounds they all sound.

• Make sure everyone can hear the smoke alarms.

• Have someone test your smoke alarms once a month.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

19

Bring the Battered, Beaten and Broken Fairfield Area Humane Society serves as the area’s front line in cases of animal abuse

Photos courtesy of Fairfield Area Humane Society

By Nathan Collins

20

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Fire Message #6

Plan and practice your escape from fire.

• If possible, know two ways out of every room in your home and two ways out of the home.

• Make sure windows and doors open easily.

• If the alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

A

ccording to Corey Schoonover, executive director of the Fairfield Area Humane Society (FAHS), the past eight years happened by accident.

While nurturing a career in retail and business management, he had the opportunity to assist his parents, both volunteers with the FAHS, with a couple of different projects. During one of those projects it just so happened that the facility was in search of a new director.

Schoonover grew up around animals and knew exactly how his business management experience could translate into the successful management of a non-profit organization.

“The biggest issue, the thing they were lacking, was that it wasn’t being run as a business,” Schoonover says. “Whether you’re a non-profit with animals or a retail business, it’s a business and you’ve got to run it that way. My skills kind of fit into that, and it’s worked out ever since.”

While no government institution or animal advocate organization is currently responsible for tabulating national statistics, the ASPCA estimates that ap2016 – 141 animals proximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters every year in the U.S. 2017 – 198 The figures can be further broken down 2018 – 82 as of late August into 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats. Despite these staggering numbers, the number of dogs and cats entering shelters has declined from 7.2 million home is found, although dogs seem to in 2011. Regardless, there’s still much move into their forever homes at a faster rate than cats. work to be done.

The cat situation is a hot-button issue Cat’s Cradle at the facility, as there are no current laws The rate of stay at the FAHS is lon- that regulate stray cats. ger for cats than for dogs. Being a no-kill “I think that’s our biggest frustration. shelter, all animals are kept until the right We have 50-80 cats at a time and take in

Animals acquired

by FAHS

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Fire Message #7

Know your local emergency number.

• It may be 911 or the fire department’s phone number.

• Once you have escaped a fire, call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone or a mobile phone.

21

close to 500 a year,” Schoonover says. “It seems like everybody either has a cat, multiple cats or their neighborhood has a bunch of stray cats. Cats are a little harder to place.”

Schoonover indicates that, although there is a great deal of community support for the FAHS, the community can, at times, contribute to the problem.

“You have people feeding them and that causes a lot of different issues,” he says. “If you’re feeding them because you feel like you’re doing the right thing, it’s great, but then they’re all congregating in the same place and then it just causes an issue with having more and more kittens.”

Despite the low-cost spay and neutering options, when a female cat shows up at the facility and gives birth to a litter of eight shortly thereafter, that low-cost option of $50 to spay suddenly is multiplied by eight.

Doggone It

The FAHS responds to cases of animal abuse and neglect in the surrounding counties. The variety and overall number of adoptable animals reflects recent cases of neglect and abuse in which the facility is involved. Schoonover references a recent case in Vinton County as the reason for a sudden availability of two breeds in particular.

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Fire Message #8

Plan your escape around your abilities.

• Have a telephone in your bedroom in case you are trapped by smoke or fire.

• Have other necessary items near your bed, such as a list of medications, glasses, walker, scooter, or cane.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

“Just as an example, right now we’re helping a lady in a situation all the way down in Vinton County and she had close to 200 dogs. We’ve been bringing them up here in groups and they’re all Chihuahuas and Pomeranians,” Schoonover says. “We kind of go in spurts of small dogs and then big dogs.”

Summer is a particularly rough time for the facility in terms of intake. Schoonover suggests it’s because everyone is on summer break and away on vacation or families’ schedules aren’t as concrete as when school is in session. Regardless, summer months typically see higher rates of surrenders.

“We buddy our dogs up so we’re probably one of the only shelters you can walk into and you’ll see multiple dogs in a kennel. Whether they came in together or not, they do better when they have a friend,” Schoonover says.

How Can the Community Help?

If an individual makes the decision to adopt a pet – dog, cat or otherwise – there are considerations that must be made.

“I think the biggest things for us is that pets are like kids. They get sick. You get a puppy and they’re like babies. Pets are a lifelong commitment,” Schoonover says.

Schoonover doesn’t want to discourage people from adopting a pet, but believes that too often people rush into the idea.

“We work with our adopters to make sure that we put our animals in a good situation,” he says.

Schoonover indicates that a potential adopter should consider criteria such as their lifestyle and home situation.

How Can You Help?

Membership in the form of a one-time donation Donate supplies: cat litter, bleach, food, etc.

Volunteer your time: walk the dogs, socialize the cats Spread the word via social media

The Up Side of Downsizing

“We ask family questions specifically because we get to know our animals while they’re here. So, we know if a dog isn’t going to do well with other dogs or doesn’t like cats. It may be better off in a home without small kids or is maybe too high-energy for an older couple,” Schoonover says.

The FAHS rarely turns anyone away from adopting a pet, but they always have the pet’s best interests in mind, first and foremost.

“If it’s not going to work out for the pet in your family situation, we’re going to point you in a different direction or different animal,” he says.

While Schoonover credits the community with being extremely generous as it pertains to monetary donations, he asks that the little things remain top of mind as well.

“Everybody’s on Facebook, everybody’s on social media these days,” Schoonover says. “So sharing our posts and spreading the word about what we’re doing is just as important as anything else.”

Nathan Collins is a managing editor.

Feedback welcome at ncollins@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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23

on the table

By Amanda DePerro

Five Years of Helpers The Pickerington Food Pantry celebrates its fifth anniversary

M

About 80 volunteers devote their time each month to keep the pantry running.

its inception. In July alone, the pantry served 16,320 meals to 680 Pickerington residents. The growth matches the population increase in the city, but Niekamp says a big surprise to new pantry volunteers is the main demographic she serves through the pantry.

“What we have noticed is that, as Pickerington’s community has begun to age, their retirement is very limited,” she says.

“Living on a limited income and staying in their homes – along with increased medical expenses – has led more and more of our seniors to come to our pantry. In reality, out of that 680 people (that visited in July), about 12 percent are seniors.”

The pantry serves as an emergency service; clients come in once per month and receive enough food for three meals per day for a week for each member of the family. About 80 volunteers Tallerine come through the pantry each month to help keep the pantry Recipe courtesy of Vanessa Niekamp running, and some of those volunteers are past clients.

Ingredients: water, cook egg noodles until al A key part of the pantry’s model is 1 12-oz. package egg noodles dente. Drain well. that it’s run on choice. That means the en1 lb. ground beef Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook tire pantry is run similar to a grocery store.

1 pinch salt meat until brown. Drain grease from Rather than having pre-made bags for each 1 pinch ground black pepper browned meat and add salt, black client who comes in, clients are invited to 1 can corn pepper, corn, tomato soup, onions, walk through the pantry and pick things 1 can tomato soup black olives and cooked noodles. Mix that are both fresh and that their family ½ cup diced onions well. will enjoy. ¼ cup sliced black olives “People we interact with on a daily baPour mixture in casserole dish.

8 slices American cheese sis are so humbled to have to ask for food, Arrange American cheese slices on but being able to do it in the way that we top. Cover with aluminum foil.

Directions: do … we allow them to pick items they’re Preheat oven to 375 degrees Bake in oven for 30 minutes. interested in eating, but we allow them to Fahrenheit. leave with fruits and grains and dairy and Uncover and serve.

In a large pot with boiling salted all those things,” says Niekamp. “Feeling

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of the Pickerington Food Pantry

r. Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers.” When times are tough, he said, it might be easy to despair. However, when one simply looks for the helpers, times seem less bleak and more hopeful.

It’s not hard to find the helpers in Pickerington, and just a few of those include Vanessa Niekamp and her employees and volunteers at the Pickerington Food Pantry. This year marks the fifth anniversary for the pantry, but to say the pantry started five years ago isn’t the whole truth.

Niekamp, who serves as executive director for the pantry, says a need was being identified among the community for a food pantry. To the surprise of no one, multiple organizations jumped in, and various churches in the area began to develop their own pantries. After realizing the churches were duplicating the others’ efforts, the church members realized they would better serve the community under one roof. Thus, the Pickerington Christian Ministerial Association, or PCMA, Food Pantry of Pickerington, was born.

“The food pantry is actually older than five years; it’s just that five years ago we were able to get a grant from United Way and we leased the space where we are currently at Central Crossing,” says Niekamp. “It allowed for more of the grocery storetype feel, and it made it easier for people who were donating because it didn’t require stairs.”

The PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington, now known as the Pickerington Food Pantry, has grown tremendously since

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All Alone by Nelly Toll, 1944, Watercolor and graphite pencil on paper, detail; Image courtesy of Sharon Segall

September 15 – December 30, 2018

Limited income and increased medical expenses have marked an increase in pantry utilization by seniors.

she’s already rolled out some major changes. In addition to the existing fundraisers – the Festival of Lights and the Food Truck Frenzy – Niekamp helped usher in the pantry’s third fundraiser, the Hope Gala, in April.

With five official years under its belt, the food pantry’s volunteers and employees don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Niekamp and her associates have even more in mind for the future.

“I’m trying to increase our funding by 10 percent in the first three years,” she Clients are invited to walk through the pantry and says. “I think that if we could have all our pick what they want. wishes, we’d have a little bit more funding. I’d love to be able to extend those like we’re able to help people in our com- seven days’ worth of food to 10 or 12 so munity makes me come back every day.” it’s a little bit more. We’re emergency assisThough she’s been involved in the tance, but an emergency isn’t always going pantry since its start through the Picker- to correct itself within seven days.” ington Lions Club and has helped with fundraising, November marks Niekamp’s Amanda DePerro is an editor. first year as a full-time employee of the Feedback welcome at adeperro@ pantry. Despite the fairly short tenure, cityscenemediagroup.com.

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25

student spotlight

By Evan Wehmeyer

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

Higher Learning A

ttending college is an exciting adventure for many after high school.

Shae Douglas began this new chapter at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

A school that equally values academics and athletics was a top priority according to Douglas.

“It’s the best school that fit everything I was looking for. I wanted to find a school that was good academically, because that’s one of my top priorities, but also wanted to have a school that had a good balance with athletics because I was sure that I wanted to run track in college,” she says.

Douglas graduated from Pickerington Central in spring 2018, finishing up the year ranked sixth in her class. At the moment, she plans to major in biochemistry due in large part to her interest in the medical field. She hopes to make a difference in the world by being a part of technological advancements in medicine.

“I was having a hard time figuring out what major I wanted to do,” Douglas says.

“I definitely want to do something with medicine … but I want to do more of a research-based thing where I can figure out how things affect the body and come up with new medicine.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Douglas plans to continue on to 26

the graduate school, which she hopes to figure out during her time as an undergrad in South Bend.

Douglas has been a competitive runner since the age of seven and was a member of the track team at Pickerington Central where she set personal records of 12.13 and 25.52 seconds in the 100- and 200-meter dashes respectively. She will continue her track career at Notre Dame this winter and next spring.

“I’ve been running since I was like four,” Douglas says. “I would always hate the day where we would do 300s and stuff because I hate that kind of running … running as fast as I can is really fun to me. I would always race my brothers and when I could beat them or be really close, it was just real fun.”

Douglas credits her six family members for their help along the way. Her father, who also served as her coach for a number of years, is one she credits in particular. Her athletic career hasn’t always been easy and he’s been there for her all along.

“He’s been my coach ever since I was little; even through high school,” Douglas says. “I had some health issues that interfered with my running a little bit. I had a herniated disc and it would send pain throughout my legs and it made me struggle. So I had to make sure

that the people I was working with really knew me.”

With the support she has received and the hard work that she has put in, Douglas feels ready for her next chapter.

“Honestly, I’m most excited about being challenged,” Douglas says. “High school wasn’t supposed to be hard, it felt like. College is going to be a lot more specialized in what I want to be learning about, so, I think it’s going to be a lot more interesting.”

Evan Wehmeyer is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Shae Douglas

Former Pickerington Central student begins freshman year at one of the nation’s most revered higher learning institutions

The Future Can Be Found In the Past Community members have history at their

By Ashley Soro

fingertips through My History Project

Photos courtesy of the Pickerington Public Library

T

here’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly turned page in a book, but as the digital world continues to expand its footprint, public libraries must be willing to adapt. With individuals looking for fingertip access to anything and everything, it’s increasingly important for libraries to adopt new ideas to keep community members involved.

The Pickerington Public Library is up to the challenge.

Donna Matturri, assistant director at the Pickerington Public Library, believes that digital enhancements have done nothing but provide more opportunity for the library to reach an even greater number of individuals. Through the acquisition of a Library Services and Technology Act open grant, made available via the State Library of Ohio, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Columbus Historical Society, the My History Project was initiated.

In contributing to this project, Pickerington Public Library provides access to images and historical collections throughout central Ohio. The project provides access to historical archives, at no extra cost, to both researchers and members of the public alike.

“Rather than have our digital collections limited to in-person viewings, our archives are available to anyone with an internet connection,” says Matturri. “That is true of all digital collections, whether historical archives or not, we are now able to bring the library into the community.”

At first thought, it would seem as though remote access to archives and the library’s mission to create a sense of community would be at odds with one another. However, the Pickerington Public Library views the advancements as an opportunity to reach out to an even larger group of individuals. Nurturing a sense of community continues to be the library’s goal in providing a space for those looking to relish in the history of Ohio. The Pickerington Public Library provides the opportunity for members to understand and be proud of the community’s history.

The Pickerington Public Library works with the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the two entities provide a platform to host the images and historical collections throughout central Ohio. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

There are basically two distinct opportunities that Pickerington has to contribute to Ohio’s history.

“We work with the PickeringtonViolet Township Historical Society and the Violet Township Fire Department to obtain images that capture the rich history of the City of Pickerington, Violet Township, and Fairfield County,” Matturri says.

Those with internet access can search through the My History database via the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and access thousands of images, maps, and primary documents from Columbus. The library is able to share images that reflect Violet Township’s history and be a part of an even larger community.

While libraries of the past provided a physical space for learning, libraries of the future must provide a virtual space that is not only quick, efficient and pleasing to the eye, but also a space that is easy to access. Years ago, researchers and community members skimmed through thousands of hard-copy pages when con-

ducting research or leisurely reading.

Visitors have the same information now, but with digital access.

Colleen Bauman, director at the Pickerington Public Library, understands the importance of providing community members what they need, which includes the 24/7 accessibility to digital materials at no cost to members. She speaks highly of the library and how keeping a sense of community is extremely important to its success as a whole.

“The Pickerington Public Library is proud to act as a resource and to reflect our community’s needs and interests,” Bauman says.

While interests may change, attention spans may shorten, and the idea of community may evolve, Pickerington will continue to keep its members involved, informed and proud of its history.

Ashley Soro is a contributing writer.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

27

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!

Pelotonia

Photos courtesy of Pelotonia

28

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Tyler’s Light Golf Outing Photos courtesy of Wayne Campbell

Youth Fishing Derby

Photos courtesy of the City of Pickerington

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

29

bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Community Relations Coordinator, Pickerington Public Library

Meet the following authors at this year’s Teen Book Fest on Oct. 27.

Sarah Dessen - Sarah Dessen will be a familiar name to fans of teen fiction, as the author of many best sellers. Her latest, Once and For All, is about Louna, the focused teenage daughter of an elite wedding planner. Louna has given up on love after her first teenage romance ended in tragedy. That is, until she is forced into the orbit of Ambrose, the flighty and flirty son of one of her mother’s clients. He’ll do everything he can to break down Louna’s walls and convince her to give love another chance.

Margaret Peterson Haddix - Young fans may be familiar with

Haddix’s hugely popular Shadow Children series (Among the Hidden, Among the Impostors). Her latest release, The Summer of Broken Things, is geared more toward a teen audience. It tells the story of two girls, Avery and Kayla, former childhood friends who have long since drifted apart. The two clash when Avery’s father invites Kayla along on a family trip to Spain. The reveal of a long-held family secret on that trip doesn’t make matters any easier.

Ellen Oh - We are so excited to be inviting Ellen Oh, co-founder and CEO of We Need Diverse Books, to our library! Oh will be discussing diversity in teen fiction, along with her latest book for tweens, Spirit Hunter: The Island of Monsters, the second book in a series. This book features the continuing adventures of young spirit hunter, Harper Raine, who must use her skills to save her family from the nefarious spirits that haunt a remote tropical island.

Sarah Glenn Marsh - Marsh is a relatively new voice in teen fiction with her latest fantasy release, Reign of the Fallen. This book takes place in a fantasy world in which necromancers, like main character Odessa, are hired to bring souls back from the dead. When it is discovered that someone is using necromancer magic to retrieve souls and turn them into soldiers, Odessa must face the dangers that can be brought by her magic. With a refreshing LGBTQ romance, this is an absolute must read!

Riley Redgate - Redgate is a returning fan favorite to the Picker-

ington Teen Book Fest! Her amazing realistic fiction novels always bring much needed diversity to the teen fiction shelves. Redgate’s latest, Final Draft, follows aspiring writer Laila Piedra as she gets the opportunity to learn from her writing hero, Nadiya Nazarenko. Yet, as their lessons progressed, Laila struggles to find balance between perfection, success, and sanity.

Saundra Mitchell - Mitchell is another returning

favorite! An outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community, Mitchell’s latest release is All Out: The No-LongerSecret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages, a story collection featuring queer characters in historical fiction settings. Mitchell edited the collection, which features stories from teen favorite authors, including AnnaMarie McLemore, Mackenzie Lee, Malinda Lo, Sara Farizan and Shaun David Hutchinson.

Pickerington Public Library Main 201 Opportunity Way Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Sycamore Plaza Library 7861 Refugee Rd. Monday-Thursday noon-7 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday noon-6 p.m.

Sunday closed www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

30

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