Pickerington October/November 2020

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 2020

Capturing the Unseen

INSIDE Band, choir traditions Ohio’s scarecrow capital Lunchtime recipes

New Look.

Same Bank.

Bigger Promise.

- David Trautman, Chairman and CEO

Bringing together our 12 banks under a single brand name means you get more access - with 100+ branches and ATMs in our network.

Carolina Alliance | Century | Fairfield | First-Knox NewDominion | Richland | Second | Security | United | Unity

614-759-1522 | parknationalbank.com

pickerington magazine

volume 13, number 1 october/november 2020

4 Calendar

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

President/CEO

Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman Brandon Klein Mallory Arnold Rocco Falleti

Creative Director

8

News and Information from Violet Township

11

faces

David Rees Matthew Urwin

Contributing Writers

Unseen Pickerington Cyclist and photographer Glenn Sheller captures the unseen side of Pickerington

Associate Editors Contributing Editors

Carrie Thimmes

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

Editor

Amanda DePerro Sarah Robinson

Sanaya Attari Sarah Buckingham Maddie Ghering Alex Moreno

6

11

in focus

16

To the Tune of Tradition Alexa, play Amazing Grace

Editorial Assistants

19

student spotlight Ivy League Bound

Accounting

Jamie Armistead

Office Manager

Circulation

614-572-1240

21 Ohio’s Scarecrow Capital

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com

An activity that connects the Fairfield County community

volunteer spotlight

19

24

A Special Collection

Local library facilitates scholarship for teen volunteers

Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

26

Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

on the table

Spicing up Lunchtime Serve up the classics with a twist

28 Top Homes Sold in Pickerington

Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.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 bklein@ 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 February, April, June, August, October and December.

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. © 2020.

Pickerington Central High School graduate accepted to 14 universities

29 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 30

21

bookmarks

Recommended reads from Pickerington Public Library

On the cover: Violet Township Cemetery, photo by Glenn Sheller

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

pickerington community calendar october/november 2020 Oct. 1-29 Olde Pickerington Farmers’ Market 4-7 p.m. every Thursday, 89 N. Center St. www.visitfairfieldcounty.org

Olde Pickerington Farmers’ Market offers fresh Ohio-grown produce, baked goods, honey, meats, crafts, prepared foods and more.

The Pickerington Chamber of Commerce brings back Restaurant Week this year. This dining event will run from Oct. 18-24. Participating restaurants will have $10, $15, $20, $25 price point options. For more information go to www.pickeringtonchamber.com.

Pumpkin Hike at Alley Park

Noon-6 p.m., Phenix Banquet Center, 2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Oct. 1-31 Trail of Scarecrows

The Central Ohio Afro Fest is a day of family fun in a space for all persons in our communities. This is an event that aims to give the neighborhoods a space to form new connections and nurture old ones with other members in the community.

All day, Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcounty.org

Enjoy a walking or auto tour of Scarecrow Decorations throughout Fairfield County.

Oct. 2 Pumpkin Everything 6-9 p.m., AR Workshop, 1039 Hill Rd. N. www.arworkshop.com

Join us for an all pumpkin everything class, where you can choose from one of our many project types and enjoy a pumpkin snack upon arrival.

Oct. 3 Chunky Knit Pumpkins 10 a.m.-1 p.m., AR Workshop www.arworkshop.com

Join us for a DIY class to make three of our chunky knit decorative pumpkins.

Dress up your pumpkin while you’re here with leaves and a stem as well.

Oct. 5 Monday Makers 5:30-7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library Main, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Oct. 18 Central Ohio Afro Fest

Oct. 5 Facebook LIVE Chat – For Horror Fans 6-8 p.m., virtual event www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Journey with librarian Jenn on her reading adventures!

Oct. 10 Grab & Go STEAM Activities 10 a.m., Pickerington Public Library www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Reserve a Grab & Go STEAM Activity Bag by calling 614-837-4104 ext. 231 for the Main Library or 614-837-4383 for Sycamore Plaza Library; pick it up at your convenience using curbside service. New projects will be available the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

Oct. 24 The Buckeye Bigfoot 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Public Library Main www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Welcome veteran Ohio Bigfoot investigator Marc DeWerth of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization as he presents the Buckeye Bigfoot. This presentation is family-friendly for all to enjoy.

Oct. 24 Pumpkin Hike at Alley Park 5-8:30 p.m., Alley Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. www.visitfairfieldcounty.org

Enjoy the spooky scene at the haunted cabin at Alley Park. Walk around the lake and through the woods to see hundreds of carved pumpkins on display. This free event is fun for the whole family.

Monday Makers is a monthly craft class where you can develop and show off your crafty skills. We will discover new techniques and mediums and create a unique take home project each month.

Submit Your Event

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

4

Tiger Turkey Trot www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Due to health concerns, events are subject to change. Visit websites for additional information.

Are you a Senior in need of a little help?

Oct. 24 Halloween Movie Night 7:15 p.m., 500 Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Come out to watch a movie under the stars on the white barn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show, with snacks provided by Violet Baptist Church.

Lisa Stoklosa, Owner

Pickerington Senior Helper

Santa’s Mailbox

Oct. 28 Haunted Village 6-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Ghost tours, storytelling, hayrides, trick-ortreating through the Olde Pickerington Village businesses, haunted museum, haunted house, entertainment, food and more.

Oct. 29 Tots Trick-or-Treat 1:30-2:30 p.m., Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Children 2-5 years old accompanied by an adult may wear their favorite costumes as they stroll through the decorated halls and offices of City Hall while receiving a few goodies from the disguised employees.

Oct. 29 Community Trick or Treat 6-8 p.m., Pickerington www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Have your candy ready for some of the scariest and cutest characters in all of Pickerington.

Nov. 4-8 Fall Book Sale Various times, Pickerington Public Library Main www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Nov. 14 Tiger Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run 9 a.m., Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way www.runsignup.com

The Tiger Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run will be benefiting the Tiger Lacrosse Booster Club.

Nov. 16 Cricut Class – Give Thanks Greeting Card 6-7 p.m., Pickerington Public Library Main www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Cricut Class is the place to learn new Cricut skills, to create fun Cricut projects and to join with other crafters in your community for a creative evening.

Nov. 25-Dec. 15 Santa’s Mailbox Any time, Pickerington City Hall www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

A North Pole Express mailbox will be placed in front of City Hall for children to write Santa and his helpers a letter for Christmas. Please include the child’s name and return address so Santa can write back.

A variety of books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl albums are for sale. Come early for the best selection. Proceeds from the sale support many Pickerington Public Library programs.

For the most recent information on events and hours, visit www.pickeringtonlibrary.org www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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

Combine Home & Auto.

Save big.

Good things happen when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm . Like saving an average of $889.* Plus, you’ll have a good neighbor like me to help life go right.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

Keely Weaver, Agent 705 Hill Rd N Bus: 614-837-6700 keelyweaver.com keely.weaver.ichx@statefarm.com

*Average annual household savings based on 2019 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company • State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX • State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX State Farm Fire and Casualty Company • State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL 1606203 State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL

5

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

City to Update its Comprehensive Plan The City of Pickerington is decision-making by the City, busiupdating its comprehensive plan. nesses, community organizations, Comprehensive Plan, Why? Well, think back to the year and private individuals and entities Who Cares?

2000. To some of us, that year relative to development. Generally, Tax Paying Citizens: seems like it wasn’t that long ago, land use is a big component of Want to know the game plan for the City’s but obviously that was two dethe plan, which naturally leads to growth plans and what their taxes support. cades ago! If we had cell phones analyzing items like housing, utiliExpect a forward thinking community with a then, they were only for making ties and infrastructure, conservarising tax base and property values. voice calls. Popular television tion, and economic development.

Existing and New Business Owners shows (that you had to actually The City is working on this right and Developers: watch at a specific time) were now with guidance from a steering Also want to know the game plan for the Survivor and ER. Twenty years later committee and the expertise of a City’s growth plans. you can stream these shows at consultant.

Plan helps them understand the cost to do your convenience on your smart One of the key inputs to a business in Pickerington. phones. We’ve come a long way comprehensive plan is citizen in 20 years and so has the City. participation, and the citizens City Operations: That’s why leaders thought it was of the City of Pickerington are Bond rating agencies recognize updated time for an update to the compreencouraged to take advantage of plans when making decisions. hensive plan. this opportunity. This fall, there will Administration and Elected Officials have a Technology and TV aren’t the be public forums where the City common plan to use as a guide. only things that have changed in will be looking for your feedback 20 years. For example, the City and preferences for the long-term of Pickerington’s population has than they were back then. There is growth of Pickerington. Even amid approximately doubled in that time a real need to update the City’s long a pandemic the show must go on in frame. New annexations, infrastructure range planning to keep us current and terms of preparing for our future and deand subdivision growth have occurred. on a continued path for a successful veloping a cohesive vision for our comOur population, demographics, hous- and sustainable future. munity. Please check the news section ing, retail economics and workforce What is a comprehensive plan? It of our website for details on public input. factors are all significantly different serves as a flexible blueprint to guide

Cherie and Bob Koch were recently recognized as Grand Marshals of the 2020 Pickerington Lions Club Labor Day Parade. Mayor Gray surprised them each with a Key to the City. A well-deserved recognition for these two longtime Pickerington servants.

6

L-R: Mayor Lee Gray, Councilman Nick Derksen and Councilwoman Crystal Hicks at the 2020 Pickerington Lions Club Labor Day Parade www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

New technology coming soon to 911 services New life-saving technology is coming to Pickerington thanks to the combined efforts of a concerned citizen, City leadership and the Pickerington Police Department.

The Ohio Department of Commerce awarded Pickerington police a grant to upgrade 911 services to Next Generation 911. Next Generation 911 is an internet protocol-based system that enables the exchange of digital information, including 911 text messages and eventually photos and videos. People can text 911 and dispatchers will be able to identify their location (within several feet) and send help. This pinpoint technology supports more efficient management of emergencies and call overload by easing the transfer of 911 calls between jurisdictions and it more precisely identifies the location of cellular 911 callers through GPS coordinates.

Pickerington area resident Danielle Cramer was suffering an asthma attack earlier this year and pulled her car over to call 911 for help. Since she couldn’t talk, Cramer tried to text 911. She received an immediate response informing her that the service wasn’t available

Photo courtesy of the City of Pickerington

October 19

in the area. She was eventually able to call but couldn’t answer the dispatcher’s questions so her 5-year-old son worked with the dispatcher to get help to her exact location.

Cramer, who had recently moved to the community, contacted Mayor Lee Gray with her concerns that this service wasn’t available in the city as it had been in her previous residence. Gray worked with City Manager Greg Butcher and Police Chief Tod Cheney to investigate what it would take to bring the life-saving 911 text and GPS technology to Pickerington.

The City applied for a grant and it was awarded in the amount of $128,000. Any remaining cost associated with the upgrade will be provided through the Fairfield County 911 wireless account, resulting in no cost to the City.

“This grant to upgrade our 911 system to Next Generation technology will allow our department to have the most up-to-date dispatching and 911 systems that are currently available.

Seconds matter in emergency situations and this technology allows first respond-

LEAF PICKUP SCHEDULE

Downtown area, Shadow Oaks, Simsbury, Shawnee Crossing, Root Addition, Center Street, East Street October 26 Colony Park, Manor House, Willow Pond, Meadowbrook, Pickerington Hills, Ramar, Melrose, Windmiller Ponds November 2 Carpenter Addition, Long Road, West Columbus Street, Pine Ridge, Downtown area, Fox Glen West & East November 9 Melrose, Inverness Glen, Pickerington Meadows, Milnor Place, Cherry Hill, Colony Park, Manor House, Willow Pond, East Street, Lakeview, Homestead Drive November 16 Stonebridge, Pickerington Run, Root Addition, Refugee Road, Hill Road North, Meadowbrook, Pickerington Hills, Shadow Oaks November 23 Fox Glen East & West, Preston Trails, Manchester, Sheffield, Longview Acres East & West, The Landings, Georges Creek, Villages of Sycamore Creek, Melrose, Reserve at Pickerington Ponds November 30 Lockville Road, Homestead Drive, East Street, Lakeview, Center Street, Hill Road South, Colony Park, Shadow Oaks, Downtown area, Manor House, Willow Pond, Simsbury December 7 Spring Creek, Windmiller Ponds, Carpenter, Root, Pickerington Run, Wellington Park, and Lake Forest. Last week of leaf pickup season, remaining piles throughout the City will be removed.

Please rake all leaves to the front of the property by the beginning date of the pickup week for your area. To ensure catch basins or storm sewer inlets are not obstructed, leaves should be piled in the curb lawn, not in the street edge. Also, no leaves around mailboxes, trees and behind parked cars on the street. The City Service Department may arrive in the listed areas prior to the scheduled date due to the weather; however, the department will return to the areas per the Leaf Pickup Schedule.

ers to more quickly deliver their potential life-saving services to the citizens of Pickerington and Violet Township,” Cheney says.

“Mayor Lee Gray and Chief Dispatcher Carolyn Sharp were instrumental in helping us receive this grant and coordinating the additional funds through the Fairfield County 911 Wireless Fund,” he says.

The full conversion to Next Generation 911 is expected to be completed by late 2020 or early 2021.

“We’re very appreciative of this grant and the additional funding from the county, but we were going to get this technology in Pickerington one way or another. The City was prepared to find the funding. The safety of our residents remains a top priority and myself, as well as our council members, agreed that this absolutely needed to happen.

The funding was a big help though, as we didn’t have to spend any taxpayer money,” Mayor Gray says.

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 7

News and Information From

Violet Township Nothing New, Just Renew Township places 1.5-mill road levy on ballot Violet Township has placed a renewal of the 1.5-mill road levy on the November 2020 ballot. This levy, which represents absolutely no new taxes, will raise funds for the construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of roads and culverts in the unincorporated areas of Violet Township. Violet Township maintains more than 105 miles of roadway in total and has spent an average of $1,379,000 per year on maintaining roads in the township in the past two years, a significant portion of which have come from the existing road levy funds.

Approval of the renewal of the levy would raise $845,000 annually, with no increase in millage for homeowners.

The cost to a homeowner will be $41.83 per year, or $3.49 per month, or $0.11 per day per $100,000 of valuation.

This renewal levy is only for the unincorporated (outside of city limits) areas of Violet Township, and only residents in the unincorporated areas of the township will vote on the renewal.

The levy funds significantly bolster the township’s ability to combat the year-round wear and tear on the roads.

Without the levy funds, the township would be limited to pothole filling and other minor repairs.

It is the goal of Violet Township to be able to provide safe and reliable roads for all township residents. Our roads connect our homes, our businesses, our parks and ultimately our entire community. This levy will help Violet Township achieve that goal.

When you vote in November, vote YES for the Violet Township Road Levy.

8

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Violet Township

How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us Violet Township Fire Stations Phone 614-837-4123 Fire Chief: Michael Little #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

9

Annual Toy Drive to Kick Off with Changes Our annual Toy Drive will still be held, but with some retooling and important changes to meet the moment. We anticipate the need for assistance in our community will be extreme this year, so please keep watching our website and social media accounts for updates and announcements.

Toy drop-off will run from Nov. 23-Dec. 23.

• 100% no-contact drop off.

• Masks will be required to bring toys into our fire station locations.

• We will be accepting ONLY the following: - New, unwrapped toys in their original boxes.

- Gift cards/monetary donations.

• We will NOT accept the following: - Stuffed animals.

- Used or secondhand items of any kind.

- No handmade/homemade items.

- No items not in their original box.

- No food gifts (this includes cookies and goodie drop-offs to the staff at the fire station).

• A drive through drop-off event will be held on Dec. 5. More information will be posted on our website and social media closer to this event.

• The fire station lobbies at Station 591 and Station 592 will be open for drop-off only between the hours of 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Doors will be unlocked during that time, so all you • There will be a designated gift card need to do is drop the item(s) in the and monetary donation box located at designated container. each fire station. Please place those - Station 591 – drop inside the vestiitems inside that designated box. bule on the Columbus Street door.

- Station 592 – drop in the lobby at • There will be limited toy drop-off boxthe front door on Refugee Road. es in other locations around the town- Station 593 – we will have some ship due to the ongoing COVID-19 type of an outdoor drop box located restrictions. Please keep checking our just outside the door at our station social media and website for those on Taylor Park Drive. locations as the start date nears.

- If you have a large amount of toys, bikes, etc. that have been donated, • Our fire stations will remain closed please contact us at 614-837-4123 to the public for general visits and to discuss drop-off arrangements. tours through the end of this year.

10

We will not be receiving baked goods or food donations of any kind for staff members unless approved in advance by the officer in charge.

Casual visits to see the equipment will not be permitted.

• If you or someone you know is in need for the coming holiday season, please contact your school’s guidance counselor, your local church, Fairfield County Information Referral or other charitable organization. Please do not contact the fire department for assistance. Information and updates on how to apply for assistance will be posted on our website and social media if it is received or updated.

In past years, our community has been very gracious with donations for those in need. Our hope is that your support will again allow us to help those in need this year. Although we have had to place a number of restrictions on this year’s toy drive, we feel confident the community will rise to the occasion. We thank you in advance for your support and look forward to making the holiday bright and happy for those in need.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

By Sarah Robinson

Photo by Jeff Hall

faces

Unseen Pickerington Cyclist and photographer Glenn Sheller captures the unseen side of Pickerington

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

G

lenn Sheller has always been an early riser, but it wasn’t until a sweltering hot summer nine years ago that he began waking before dawn to complete his daily bike rides.

At 3:30 every morning, Sheller dons his reflective vest, puts a camera in his pocket and hops on his bike. He rides alone in the quiet predawn peace of the city, stopping to take photos every so often to capture the strange beauty of a side of Pickerington that’s seldom seen.

“It’s very peaceful, it’s very beautiful,” he says. “Places and buildings that are completely ordinary during the day have a kind of magic at night, in the way the light plays on them.”

In the dark before the sun rises, it’s almost impossible to take clear photos of these unique sights, but Sheller found a way.

With a Sony point-and-shoot camera, he sets up on the side of the road and uses a long exposure feature to let the faint light of the moon and street lights illuminate the photo.

11

12

moving to Pickerington. He began biking recreationally back in 2004, riding after work and on weekends. His passion for the pastime grew and he rode in his first Pelotonia in 2009.

Despite his history of bicycling, he doesn’t consider himself a professional cyclist.

“I’m not like one of those racing bikes kind of people wearing spandex,” he says, laughing. “I’m more of a bicycle tourist. I just like to get outside and see the countryside.”

As a former editor for the Columbus Dispatch, Sheller knew there was a story

to be told about the unseen side of Pickerington. Though he maintains that he’s not a trained photographer nor a photojournalist, there’s something to be said for his photos.

“When I started doing these rides in the morning, not only was the ride itself more pleasant but I started seeing these incredible sights and I thought, ‘I wonder if there’s a way to photograph this?’”

Sheller says. “So, at the time, I had this little pocket camera that had a manual setting that let me do longer exposures, www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Glenn Sheller

With this method and an abundance of patience, Sheller captures some breathtaking sights.

“You can be out on a foggy morning and the lights are just amazing the way they interact with the fog,” he says. “The colors you see are just amazing. It’s a different world. Very familiar places that you wouldn’t look at twice in the daylight, you see at night and there can be some extraordinary images there.”

Sheller’s journey into cycling and photography started a few years after

Check out more of Sheller’s photos at www.cityscenecolumbus. com/communities/pickerington, and on the following local Facebook groups where Sheller posts regularly: • Pickerington Pride • Canal Winchester Connections

Photo courtesy of Glenn Sheller

which you need to do when it’s dark, and I started to experiment with that and was surprised and amazed at some of the photos I was getting.”

Though Sheller rides alone past graveyards and dark, empty buildings, he’s not afraid of ghostly encounters.

Photo by Jeff Hall

“I haven’t had any supernatural experiences. They’ve all been natural experiences, and they’ve been super, but they haven’t been supernatural,” he says.

On his morning rides, Sheller rarely sees other cyclists, only the occasional car passing by every so often, but most mornings he’s not alone.

“I see a tremendous number of deer, skunks, raccoons and possums,” he says.

“It’s an eerie thing when you’re out riding at 4 in the morning when there’s nobody around and it’s dark, and you hear a pack of coyotes off in the distance howling. I’ve www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

seen foxes, but I have not seen coyotes, I’ve just heard them.”

Most of his animal encounters are not so eerie, though. He saved a skunk whose head was caught in a Dairy Queen cup, who graciously waddled away without spraying Sheller after he was freed. He also stumbled upon a herd of deer bursting in front of him on a memorable ride.

“They just came out of this cornfield.

I didn’t see them coming and suddenly they’re right there in front of me, and if I hadn’t stopped, I would have run right into them,” Sheller says. “It was like seven 13

or eight deer, and they’re pretty substantial animals so I don’t want to run into them or get run over by them.”

The interactions with wildlife are one of Sheller’s favorite parts of his predawn adventures, along with the sense of having the world to himself.

“A lot of people say, ‘Well, isn’t it spooky?’” he says, “and, in a way, I guess it is spooky, but once you get out and do it for a while, it’s very familiar and very comfortable. It’s a nice feeling. … Everybody else is asleep and you’re just wandering around seeing these unusual sights all by yourself.”

As Sheller rides alone every morning, he wishes wistfully for a cycling companion.

“I would be happy to have someone ride along with me, but it’s a very strange thing: most people don’t want to get up at 3 in the morning and go on a bike ride,” Sheller says. “It’s been a solitary enterprise so far.”

Amid the solitude, Sheller’s talent has uncovered some of Pickerington’s hidden beauty unknown to residents who sleep through sunrise.

14

Photos courtesy of Glenn Sheller

Sarah Robinson is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Glenn Sheller

PICKERINGTON AREA CHAMBER

RESTAURANT WEEK OCTOBER 18 - 24

WWW.PICKERINGTONCHAMBER.COM www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

15

in focus

By Sarah Robinson

To the Tune of Tradition Alexa, play Amazing Grace

F

Photos courtesy of Pickerington high schools Central & North choir & High School North Orchestra

or Pickerington high schools Central and North, the schools’ ditions to fit a new normal that requires physical distancing and bands and choir groups didn’t let COVID-19 disrupt their virtual engagement. longtime music traditions earlier this year.

For instance, one of the band traditions is to play Amazing The organizations’ directors and students adapted their tra- Grace as a warm up before performing. At the end of the school

The Pickerington High School Central choir 16

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

year this spring, more than 100 students from both schools joined forces to record a virtual performance of the song in an effort to keep the tradition alive and the community’s spirits high.

Emily Baldwin, a 2016 North alumna, watched the performance from home and says it struck a chord, helping her to remember her time as a member of the band.

“I definitely felt nostalgic about my years in the band,” she says. “It was great to see that the Pickerington band family was able to come together to create something that could touch the lives of so many people during such a difficult time.”

The other music groups are no exception. Both the orchestra and choir at each high school enjoy a number of traditions and special moments shared with each other and the community.

Many of these traditions center on celebrating the seniors during the final performance of the year. This spring, those performances were canceled, so the directors adapted the traditions to make sure the seniors still received the recognition they deserve.

Jordan Koogler, orchestra director at North, rose to the challenge. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

“I still wrote a hand-written note for every orchestra senior, made them a video message and delivered their senior plaque to their houses as I played our school’s fight song, Panther Victory,” he says. “It was not the best substitute for our banquet, but it was something for all of us.”

Central choir director Heather Wilkins hand delivered roses and awards to each senior’s home and hosted a virtual senior night with a slideshow highlighting each senior and their future plans.

True to tradition, the song Friends played in the background of the slideshow and Wilkins created a virtual choir of the students singing How Do We Say Goodbye.

“It wasn’t perfect,” she says, “but it was important for the seniors to know that we loved them and wanted them to experience our traditions regardless of our circumstances.”

North choir director Lori Vance made sure senior roses and goose pins were included with their diploma at graduation and also hosted a virtual senior night to recognize the students.

The roses are an important tradition at both high schools. Before the split of the

Pickerington High School North choir virtual performance

high schools into Central and North, past choir director John Long began the tradition of handing the seniors a white rose upon graduation.

In 2016, Vance created a new tradition at North.

“We switched it to an orange rose because of Lu Oliphant,” she says. “She was a choir member that passed away from cancer. She passed away in 2016 and would have graduated in 2017. And so, because her colors were orange and gray, we switched it to an orange rose.”

The traditions of senior night stick with students long after graduation. Baldwin fondly recalls her own senior night when students dressed in costume to perform on the field.

“A lot of my favorite traditions were during my senior year of band,” she says.

“The seniors were always celebrated so well and appreciated for the hard work they put in over the years.”

Another true mark of a strong bond through tradition is the number of alumni that are involved in music and in the Pickerington community to this day.

17

Pickerington High School North Orchestra

“Many orchestra alumni are still performing in churches, college ensembles and for their own wellbeing,” Koogler says. “I think the fact that so many orchestra alumni still gravitate to their instrument is a huge accomplishment.”

Throughout the school year, each high school puts on concerts and perforNorth choir traditions center on one odd mances, often sharing the stage with each symbol: the goose. other. One tradition that’s a crowd favorThis tradition began in 2003 after Vance ite for students, audience members and read a story about how geese work together. directors alike are the holiday concerts They fly in a V-shaped formation because when groups perform together on stage it’s more aerodynamic and they don’t for grand performances of the Halleluleave the side of a sick or dying goose. jah Chorus, Carol of the Bells and Do You She decided to bring a decoy Hear What I Hear. hunting goose into the classroom for “This performance always ends up the students to discover. presenting some really cool collaborative “It was hilarious to watch the reactions works and is so well attended by our comas (the students) noticed it,” Vance says. munity,” Koogler says.

Students named the goose Jack and he travels with Though each high school and organithe choir wherever it goes, whether it is onstage or outside durzation practices its own unique traditions, ing fire drills. they share the same opinion that music “I knew it had made its impact students deserve to be celebrated. when we had a fire drill and I got “They do some really good things for my stuff and I go out and there is our community,” Vance says. (student) Ben Moore, who says, While there’s no guarantee that the ‘Don’t worry: I saved the goose!’” organizations will be able to return to the Vance says, laughing. “And he was old traditions for the class of 2021, the standing there in the fire drill with music directors will work harder than a goose!” ever to ensure their students are celebratJack began accompanying the ed well. choir on trips to concerts and per“I am committed to finding creformances, and students volunteer ative solutions and providing a new way to take him home over the summer. of keeping these traditions alive for the “You know, we take a goose ev2020-2021 school year,” Wilkins says. erywhere with us,” Vance says.

She knew that Jack and the goose story had made such an imSarah Robinson is a contributing pact that she wanted to order a goose editor. Feedback welcome at feedback@ pin for every graduating senior. cityscenemediagroup.com.

The tradition has stuck and Jack even made it to graduation this year, dressed in his own cap and gown.

What’s in a pin?

18

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

student spotlight

By David Rees

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

Ivy League Bound Pickerington Central High School graduate accepted to 14 universities

O

n top of the stresses of adjusting to distance learning last spring, Kyle Ayisi found himself with a tough decision to make.

The Pickerington High School Central graduate, who you might remember from the December/January 2019 issue, had been accepted to each of the 14 universities he applied to, five of them being Ivy League schools.

“Honestly, for me (being accepted) was just exhilarating,” Ayisi says. “Having the faith that things will come through and seeing that they did was just really exciting for me and my family.

We were really happy to see it and just thankful and blessed.”

Ayisi ultimately decided on Princeton University. He wants to attend a university that has a wide variety of strong programs to leave his options open and enable him to be a well-rounded adult.

Ayisi will study neuroscience. He first became interested in the field after attending a medical camp at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

He plans to enter the university with an open mind and hopes to take a variety of classes to explore his options and ensure he’s found the right major.

Photos courtesy of Kyle Ayisi

Finding motivation during COVID-19 Due to the ongoing pandemic, Princeton gave students the option to study remotely or move to campus. Ayisi decided to start on campus this fall, though the majority of his classes will be online.

“I just feel like a lot of my motivation comes from being in that environment, so being on campus even if a lot of my classes are online helps me to really learn to the best of my potential,” Ayisi says.

In high school, Ayisi was active in organizations such as the National Honor Society, marching band, choir, diversity club and student council, where he served as class president.

“A lot of these different things that I did in high school are just some of my passions,” he says, “and I don’t plan on stopping them in college.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

19

Of course, activities and oncampus organizations will look a little different during his first year at Princeton, but Ayisi says he’s looking forward to getting involved in the community as soon as things return to normal.

He plans to volunteer more and take on leadership roles in student government.

While distance learning is not ideal, Ayisi says he encourages high school students to make the best of the situation and stay focused on their goals.

“My spring semester of my senior year, that was kind of tough getting through it because you’re right there about to finish, and then all of a sudden everything is moving slowly because it’s just online and you’re at home,” he says.

Ayisi was able to look on the bright side and take advantage of things that were granted to him be- Kyle Ayisi, center, was accepted to five Ivy League schools. He’s attending Princeton University this fall. cause he was at home, such as having more freedom in his schedule.

“I like to say I’m self motivated,” goals, even when it gets hard. You have David Rees is a contributing writer. says Ayisi. “I have these goals that I’ve to think about the end result and what Feedback welcome at feedback@ had since I was young and just knowing you want for the future and just work cityscenemediagroup.com. that it takes certain things to reach those toward that.”

Call 614.837.1958 to join your Pickerington Chamber plan!

20

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Ohio’s Scarecrow Capital An activity that connects the Fairfield County community

By Brandon Klein

L Photos courtesy of Visit Fairfield County

ast year, Terry Dunlap found a new use for the Amish buggy he purchased in 2001.

The buggy, which the owner of Sam’s Pumpkin Patch used to showcase some of his pumpkins in prior years, became the ominous ride for the agriculture business’ scarecrow in the inaugural Fairfield County Trail of Scarecrows contest.

With help from local high school students, Dunlap used old clothes, a pitchfork, some good old-fashioned sewing and, of course, straw, to create a scary and ugly scarecrow. The task took about an hour.

“It’s scary alright. … Scarecrows aren’t supposed to be pretty,” Dunlap says. “It’s ugly and fits in well with the theme of Halloween.”

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

21

The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township

For the latest information about the Fairfield County Trail of Scarecrows go to www.facebook.com/ FCTrailofScarecrows.

magazine

to EVERY homeowner and business in Pickerington and Violet Township

Contact Gianna Barrett today for great rates!

614-572-1255

gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com 22

Dunlap’s scarecrow was among more than 200 scarecrows that competed in last year’s competition across nine communities in Fairfield County, including Pickerington. Dunlap’s scarecrow won the voter’s choice for the Pickerington community, which had more than 30 scarecrows.

Visit Fairfield County organized the contest last year with volunteer coordinators for each community and expects more participation this year.

“I think we’re going to have a lot more scarecrows,” says Fran Tiburzio, marketing director for Visit Fairfield County.

At a time when many activities have been canceled because of COVID-19, the contest offers socially distanced activities, as people within and outside of the county

can drive to new communities and check out the different scarecrows at residences and businesses from the safety of their car.

Contest participants give their scarecrows a name and are posted on an online Google map for visitors to use as a guide to locate the different scarecrows. Visitors can vote for their favorite scarecrow using QR codes and their smartphone.

The scarecrow artist who receives the most votes for each community will earn a plaque, a gift card and bragging rights.

About 3,000 people voted in last year’s competition.

“It’s a great way to unite the community,” says Jonett Haberfield, executive director of Visit Fairfield County. “The friendly competition … builds pride in (each participant’s) community.”

Peggy Portier is in agreement. As the Pickerington trail’s coordinator, she says the activity motivated residents to visit other Fairfield communities they may not normally have beforehand.

“I’m excited about doing it again this year,” Portier says. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Visit Fairfield County

Advertise

In addition, the event succeeded in attracting people from outside of Fairfield County. Based on data collected from voting, visitors from 14 states checked out the county’s scarecrows, Haberfield says.

While there are several scarecrow festivals around the world, Fairfield County’s trail is the first county-wide event of its kind and, thanks to the trail, the county is deemed the scarecrow capital of Ohio, Haberfield adds.

She found a similar event, but on a smaller scale, in Bremen Village in 2018. It was started by a resident who came across the concept in Connecticut.

Parents told Haberfield that their children enjoyed walking down the streets to check out the different scarecrows, while others told her the event increased foot traffic at their businesses and made their commute more interesting.

Last year, the Sam’s Pumpkin Patch team was surprised when it learned that its scarecrow won the Pickerington vote.

Dunlap says his team of student workers were more enthused about their scarecrow winning the contest than they were about their end-of-year bonus.

This year, Pleasantville joins the fray along with Lancaster, Sugar Grove, Millersport, Bremen, Pickerington, Lithopolis, Baltimore, Amanda and Carroll, but with the potential for even more communities to join.

Haberfield and Tiburzio wanted the contest to not only attract visitors and locals to visit different parts of Fairfield, but also to complement the wide array of fall activities such as orchards, pumpkin patches, harvest celebrations and haunted experiences.

“We have all kinds of stuff and this is one piece of our autumn experience,” Tiburzio says.

Brandon Klein is the editor.

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

PRESCHOOL

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY!

Our Preschool classroom focuses on

building children’s confidence and independence so they feel comfortable venturing out, exploring on their own and asking questions.

See Balanced Learning® in action. Call for a tour today!

Primrose School of Pickerington 131 Clint Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147 614.575.9930 PrimrosePickerington.com

YOU HAVE PROJECTS. We Have Craftsmen.

Let Us Complete Those Projects for You

Your Trusted Home Ally 614.408.8096 AceHandymanServices.com Handyman Matters is now Ace Handyman Services. ©2020 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Locally owned and independently operated Franchise.

23

volunteer spotlight

By Matthew Urwin

For 2020, Pickerington Magazine will highlight various volunteer opportunities in the community.

A Special Collection F

or Pickerington Public Library, teen volunteers are the lifeblood of the operation, says Colleen Bauman, community engagement manager at Pickerington Public Library.

The teen volunteers do so much more than shelve books. From helping with seasonal events such as Santa Saturday and the summer reading program to tutoring students in the homework help center, the teen volunteers are vital to library programming.

“These guys and girls are trained and have a passion to be here,” Bauman says.

“They’re definitely committed; they’re committed to their time here.”

This past year the library implemented its brand-new Teen Volunteer Service Award Scholarship to benefit long-term teen volunteers. The scholarship isn’t funded by the library itself, but from two anonymous Violet Township residents who are providing scholarship funds.

“These anonymous donors felt very strongly that we have high-caliber teen volunteers that come through the program,” she says. “They wanted to be able to help them in the future.”

Library volunteers with at least 25 service hours over the past year or 50 service hours over the past two years can apply for the award. A total of $1,500 is distributed among the recipients with each recipient receiving at least $500. This year, three student volunteers were awarded the scholarship, including Parker Bennett.

Parker Bennett

The Pickerington North graduate has had his hands full throughout his high school career. He was a member of the National Honor Society, photography club, wrestling team, Health Occupations Students of America medical competition, Pickerington Food Pantry and other groups.

Nevertheless, Bennett always found time for the library.

“I went to the library every weekday – every day it was open, Monday through Thursday, tutoring three to five hours,” Ben-

nett says. “Initially it was for the NHS, but the maximum hours I could get from the library was 16 hours. I kept going past that.”

While Bennett has enjoyed his role as a volunteer and helping others reach their goals, he treasures the lasting connections he’s found and the opportunities the library gave him to branch out and open up.

“It definitely impacted my social life.

People at the library are probably my closest friends,” Bennett says. “It helped me academically keep the more minute details of older classes still in my head. And the hobbies I was able to keep up with – one of the students enjoyed playing chess, so we would play a few chess games.”

Bennett will attend Miami University this fall where he plans to study biology and co-major in premedical studies. Although he left for campus in September, Bennett won’t forget his experience at the library any time soon.

“The experience was helpful as a whole – socially, academically. Learning that type of stuff for the social elements of my life, that stuff I don’t expect to be going away,” he says.

Bennett won’t be entirely going away, either. A longtime volunteer at the Pickerington Food Pantry, Bennett will share a paid supervisor position with other workers, allowing him to go away for school and then jump right into food pantry efforts whenever he returns to Pickerington.

This sustained connection only strengthens Bennett’s volunteer roots in the Pickerington community and confirms the stellar quality of Pickerington Public Library’s volunteers.

“I’ve been here over 20 years, and we’ve always had phenomenal teen volunteers,” Bauman says. “These are fantastic kids who are coming through here.”

Matthew Urwin is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

The Pickerington Public Library facilitates a scholarship for their teen volunteers.

24

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Parker Bennett & Pickerington Public Library

Local library facilitates scholarship for teen volunteers

sc ne en e

weekend scene w ww w e e e k e e eeekkeeennddscene kennd scen s d ce e

Looking for something to do this weekend?

PERFORMANCES, MUSIC, F E S T I VA L S A N D M O R E .

SUBSCRIBE AT CITYSCENECOLUMBUS.COM

SUBSCRIBE AT CITYSCENECOLUMBUS.COM

on the table

By Mallory Arnold

Spicing up Lunchtime Serve up the classics with a twist

Y

ou can avoid food fights and make mealtime an easy, stress-free affair. Here are some ways to spice up the lunchtime classics.

Start your own spice garden You can spice up your child’s lunches by starting your own indoor herb garden.

Experts recommend starting with the basics: rosemary, chives, oregano, thyme and lemongrass.

After purchasing your herbs of choice, pick a six-inch container or pot with drainage holes and saucers.

Herbs should be transplanted with potting mix and watered well. They should be slightly moist, but don’t overwater.

One perk of keeping your plants indoors (preferably by a windowsill for occasional sun) is that you can dispose of things like old fruit or veggies into the mix to use as fertilizer. Just don’t overdo it.

Mallory Arnold is an associate editor.

Feedback welcome at marnold@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Y

ou may enjoy your morning coffee, but your little student isn’t quite ready for caffeine yet. Let them start their day with naturally flavored water. Some winning combinations include pineapple and mint, cucumber and watermelon, and strawberries and lemon. The options are endless and allow your child to get involved by choosing the flavor.

RECIPES PB&J Pizza Ingredients 1 12-inch pizza crust 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup strawberry preserves 1 cup sliced strawberries Directions • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Place pizza crust on baking sheet.

• Melt peanut butter in the microwave 26

until it’s pourable. Pour and spread onto the pizza crust with a spatula.

• Spoon strawberry preserves onto the crust and spread over the peanut butter.

• Place pizza in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and place sliced strawberries on top.

• Let cool before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Goofy’s Kitchen

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Hi I'm Traci, the founder of Design & Renew.

I spent the last 10 years working in higher education, career tech, and in industry.

During my years in higher education, I spent a lot of time in the high schools of Central Ohio talking with over 5,000 high school students. I witnessed student after student with no plan, unaware of the careers that exist, unaware of the best option for them, and about to rack up student debt on a degree they weren't even sure was the best fit, and I said, enough is enough.

I enrolled in Columbus State Community College, changed my major several times, then finally decided to work with a career coach and create the perfect plan for me.

After graduating with my Associate degree, I went on to earn my Bachelor degree at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. I then went to Franklin University where I earned my Master degree... and the rest is history!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION Call or Email us to schedule today!

(614) 434-6536 tbakenhaster@designandrenew.com www.designandrenew.com

Recipe courtesy of mykidslickthebowl.com

Directions • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• Roughly chop cauliflower and zucchini and steam both until tender.

• While cauliflower is cooking, begin the sauce. Heat oil in a saucepan.

27

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Call to learn more about our Memory Care and Adult Day Services

Ingredients 1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni pasta Half of a small cauliflower 2 medium zucchinis 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. flour 1 medium onion, diced 2 rashers of bacon, diced 1 cup almond milk 1 cup grated cheese of choice

• Add onion and bacon and sauté until onion softens.

• Add flour and cook for about 2 minutes while stirring.

• Gradually add milk.

• Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat. You should have a thick sauce now.

• Stir in 3⁄4 cups of grated cheese and melt.

• Once cauliflower and zucchini are tender, drain and purée. Stir the purée into your cheese sauce and combine with pasta.

• Pour mixture into a greased oven dish. Top with grated cheese.

• Bake for around 20 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Healthy Mac and Cheese

I know the pressures of high school and the struggles of finding the best career path after graduation. I was once the student in high school with a great GPA, a variety of interests and no plan after graduation. I didn't go to college right away, instead I went out in the world. Several years later I found myself a single mom, looking at the mess my life was in and decided it was time to change.

Do you & your child feel overwhelmed by the many college & career choices?

Schedule your Free Consultation Today!

Can Help!

Traci Bakenhaster

tbakenhaster@designandrenew.com

614-434-6536

www.designandrenew.com/high-school

MEMORY CARE RECIPES

13295 Appleton Dr. 43147 3.5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms $467,000 Sold on 8/19/2020

210 Cherokee Ct. 43147 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms $465,000 Sold on 8/20/2020

Top homes sold in Pickerington All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County Auditor’s office

8862 Golden Leaf Ct. 43147 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms $400,000 Sold on 8/10/2020 9115 Cotswold Dr. 43147 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms $399,000 Sold on 8/24/20 13234 Ashley Creek Dr. 43147 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $395,000 Sold on 7/29/2020

7475 Creek Ct. 43110 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $329,000 Sold on 9/14/2020 8311 Woodstream Dr. 43110 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $305,000 Sold on 8/19/2020 7559 Burgstresser Ct. 43110 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $286,500 Sold on 8/17/2020 5490 Piper Bend Dr. 43110 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $281,900 Sold on 8/20/2020 6525 Ashbrook Village Dr. 43110 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms $265,000 Sold on 8/10/2020

“The only reason we would give Sam 5 stars would be because we can’t give him more.”

-satisfied seller & buyer

Selling Real Estate Team & Realtor® in Central Ohio 2017-2019 407 Sold Transactions in 2019

(614) 561-3201 SamCooper.herrealtors.com 28

Source: Columbus MLS & Trendgraphix

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

what’s your style?

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

For Sale! 12631 Wildflower Drive Former Diyanni Parade Home in the highly desirable Winding Creek, on large lot with backyard patio, soaring great room with fireplace, 1st floor home office, chef’s kitchen with butler nook, island, pantry, cherry cabinetry and quartz counters. Luxurious vaulted owner’s suite with bonus sitting room and two walk-in closets.

SOLD! 12373 Pintails Circle Highest selling home ever in Mallard Pond! Remarkable two story situated on private lot with gorgeous backyard including paver patio & fireplace, custom deck with pergola and hot tub! Vaulted three seasons room, soaring great room with fireplace, home office, 1st floor owner suite, big eat-in kitchen, full walkout basement.

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS

Your info

This space could be yours

Luxury Living

WHERE ARE YOU? what’s your style?

Real Estate Section Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Pickerington school district. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Pickerington Magazine home page: www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Contact Gianna Barrett today for more information: 614-572-1255 gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com Get a great response from your ads in PICKERINGTON MAGAZINE!

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

29

bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Community Engagement Manager Pickerington Public Library

PICTURE BOOKS:

Cone Cat

by Sarah Howden, illustrated by Carmen Mok Follow the antics of Jeremy the cat. Jeremy the cat has a cone around his neck courtesy of the vet (the cause is not specified), which has turned him into a shadow of his former nimble, sneaky self. Young readers will find it hard to resist the prickly charms of this expressive sourpuss.

Where’s My Turtle

Library News:

Keep up with changes as they happen by opting into enews, checking on the website, downloading the mobile app and following us on social media.

Book Bundles – not just books, not just for kids!

If you or your kids are tired of the books you have at home and need a refresher, give the library a call! Staff are happy to gather stacks of materials for curbside or locker pickup.

Let us know interests, ages, favorite characters – or just wing it! Book bundles can be one book or 50; it’s up to you.

We also offer board games, Launchpad tablets, movies, video games and more. This is a great service for all ages: the toddler and preschool crowd, beginning readers, kids who don’t like to read, students who need books for school, teens, teachers, adults and those of us who are just plain bored!

by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Brooke Boynton Hughes Archer’s pet turtle is missing! Mom is sure he’s somewhere in Archer’s messy bedroom, or the back yard, or somewhere in the house. Archer looks everywhere inside and out but can’t find Homework Help Center is open virtually. his turtle until he learns to think like one!

Sharp-eyed young readers will easily find the missing pet hiding throughout the messy pages of this book. Here is an imaginative 30 changes at the school and globally, chain themselves to the and interactive story with the added bonus of showing why it’s doors, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the building. a good idea to pick up your toys.

Lock-in plans are suspended, ruining Peejay’s plan to throw an epic party, Kenji’s improv team showcase and Amira’s chance to MIDDLE SCHOOL: win the decathlon. Ironically, these students become Marisa’s Like Nothing Amazing protectors as other angry students attempt to thwart her misEver Happened sion and the lock-in stretches on. Through multiple points of

by Emily Blejwas view, Alsaid movingly examines characters’ home lives, their Justin doesn’t know how people can act like dreams and crushes, and their changing attitudes, leaving readeverything’s fine when it’s so obviously not. And ers to decide whether the protest is a success. most of all, he doesn’t know what really happened the night his dad died on the train tracks.

The Speed of Falling Objects And that sucks.

by Nancy Richardson Fischer At nearly 17, detail-oriented Danger Danielle Dress Coded “Danny” Warren is eager for an opportunity to

by Carrie Firestone connect with her celebrity survivalist father, Molly Frost is fed up, because Olivia was Cougar. So, she ignores her reservations about yelled at for wearing a tank top. Because Liza dangerous conditions and wildlife and joins got dress coded and Molly didn’t, even though him on a trip to Peru to record an episode they were wearing the exact same outfit. of his popular television show. The episode’s Because when Jessica was pulled over by the featured guest is teen heartthrob Gus Price, principal and missed a math quiz, her teacher who travels along with Danny, Cougar, three crew members and gave her an F. Because it’s impossible to find a seasoned pilot, but the trip quickly goes wrong when a storm shorts that are longer than her fingertips. Becauses the group to veer off course and crash land in the jungle. cause girls’ bodies are not a distraction. Because middle school Readers will be captivated by the ways in which each character’s is hard enough. So, Molly starts a podcast where girls can tell true self is laid bare as their numbers dwindle, their carefully their stories, and before long, her small rebellion swells into constructed masks falling aside to reveal their inner natures. a revolution. Because now the girls are standing up for what’s right and they’re not backing down.

TEEN READS:

We Didn’t Ask for This

by Adi Alsaid Great for book discussions! Lock-in night is a much-anticipated annual event at Central International School, located in an unnamed country. It’s a night when “people fell in love... stumbled upon new passions... discovered friendships.” But this year’s event may be the most life-changing of all after student activist Marisa and her cronies, demanding a list of 30

New temporary hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org Main – 201 Opportunity Way | 614-837-4104 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sycamore Plaza – 7861 Refugee Rd. | 614-837-4383 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Friday closed | Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hours are subject to change due to health concerns

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Central Ohio’s

MOST TRUSTED Orthopedic Practice There’s nothing more important than finding a physician you can trust. At Orthopedic ONE, you’ll find central Ohio’s most trusted and experienced group of orthopedic experts. In fact, more people trust us with their orthopedic care than any other practice in central Ohio.

Meet our newest physician.

Graham Pallante, M.D., Hip & Knee Reconstruction Gahanna/Reynoldsburg | Grove City

NOW SCHEDULING NEW PATIENTS

Foot & Ankle | Hand & Elbow | Hip | Knee | Neck & Spine | Shoulder | Sports Medicine

Life moves pretty fast. If you cough, sniffle, or sneeze, you could miss it.

It’s hard to make good memories if you’re feeling bad.

If it feels like there is no time for a routine checkup when you’re healthy, it’ll feel like there’s even less time when you’re sick. At Mount Carmel Medical Group, we’ve made it quick and convenient to schedule a doctor’s appointment. And if you need help with minor illnesses or chronic conditions, we have multiple primary care providers right here in Pickerington. Because your health is our greatest priority, know that we are taking the appropriate precautions for your visit today. Not ready for an in-person appointment yet? Access our Virtual Care by going online. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit mountcarmelmedicalgroup.com or call 614-627-2700.

A Member of Trinity Health