Shutterbugs!
Westerville residents submit their favorite shots for our annual look at the community www.westervillemagazine.com
Dare to Compare When choosing a custom home builder, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Others will say you are getting the best, but how do you know? Visit one of our beautiful models and we will show you exactly what you are getting for the price.
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Friendship. Fellowship. Fun. Danbury Senior Living at Parkside Village is the area’s most dynamic retirement community, providing Independent Living, Assisted Living and The Glen Specialized Memory Care program. Check us out today and see for yourself why Parkside Village is dedicated to setting a new standard of senior living!
Gianna Barrett Vice President, Sales
Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer
at Parkside Village
Steven Hesson Director, Sales & Operations Garth Bishop Managing Editor Sarah Sole Editor Hannah Bealer Assistant Editor Matthew Kent Contributing Writers Corinne Murphy Christina Szuch Francis Pellicciaro Editorial Assistant Robin Weitzel Advertising Director
Julie Camp Advertising Sales Pam Henricks-Claxton
730 N. Spring Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 794-9300
Jamie Armistead Accounting Manager
Circulation 614-572-1240
www.DanburySeniorLiving.com PV Ad 3rdSQ_color.indd 1
Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO
City of Westerville
6/1/15 11:46 AM
Christa Dickey Community Affairs Administrator
www.wester villemagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com The publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs, or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Westerville Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Westerville. Westerville Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Robin Weitzel at rweitzel@cityscenemediagroup.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Westerville Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A.
4 July/August 2015
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Inside 09
JULY/AUGUST 2015 VOL. 14 NO. 6
06 community calendar 09 city reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
City Reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
15 faces
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Empathy and work ethic are driving forces for Buckeye Ranch leader
18 in focus
15
Little Artists, Big Impact A growing number of talented young artists showcase diverse forms of art at festival
20 Shutterbugs
Life through the lens of Westerville residents
24 living
28
Home Is Where the Heart Is House built in 1924 is one of the highlights of annual tour
26 A Drive to Succeed
Our team at Copeland Mill Dental invites you to experience a new kind of dentistry...Complete Health Dentistry. We care about more than just your teeth. Bacteria that live in your mouth can cause
heart disease, high blood pressure & stroke
Contact us today at 614-890-3130 615 Copeland Mill Rd., Suite 2-H Westerville, OH 43081 www.copelandmilldental.com
Like us on
Headaches? Neck or Back Pain?
School supply drive assists kids in need
28 on the table
Sweet Tacoin’ Man Chicken-pork one-two punch propels Yabo’s to victory
30 bookmarks
Recommendations from the Westerville Public Library
Call today for your no-obligation consultation
614-776-4144 We can see you today! Find Westerville Magazine on Facebook and Twitter Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com
On the Cover: Photo by Amanda McKinley Shutterbugs, page 20.
Whitney McNary, DC 167 S. State Street, Suite 190 Westerville, OH 43081 www.familysourcechiropractic.com July/August 2015 5
2015
SAT FRI THU 4 3 2 11 10 9 18 7 17 6 16 5 15 25 14 24 13 23 12 22 21 31 20 30 19 29 28 27 26
WED TUE MON 1 SUN
8
Summer Arts at Otterbein
Theatre
The Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville June 18-21, June 25-28, July 2 & 3 THE NERD By Larry Shue Directed by Melissa Lusher This side-splitting comedy centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam—the visitor turning out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who outstays his welcome with a vengeance.
July 9-12, July 16-18, July 23-25 The All Night Strut by Fran Charnas Directed by Christina Kirk Musical Direction by Dennis Davenport Choreography by Stella Kane Swing’s the thing! The production moves through the Depression, World War II and the post war boom in a two-act musical celebration of the 1930’s and 40’s filled with jazz, blues, bebop and American songbook standards.
For information, call 614-823-1109
Art
June 12 - July 10 Otterbein Artist in Residence Ben Willis and Cassidy Brauner Miller Gallery, Art & Communications Bldg. 30 Collegeview Rd., Westerville Gallery hours M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. SS 1-4 p.m.
July 1-Oct. 28
Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m., Uptown Westerville, North State and East Home streets, www.marketwednesday.com
July 1-29
Family Concert Series Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org
July 2
Generations Performing Arts Center presents The Pride and Spirit of America 5 p.m., Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mt. Royal Ave., www.gen-pac.com
July 4-Aug. 29
Saturday Uptown Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Uptown Westerville, www. facebook.com/saturday uptownmarketllc
July 4
Independence Day Celebration 5K Walk/Run, 8 a.m.; Rotary Children’s Run, 9:15 a.m.; Alum Creek Park, 221 W. Main St. Parade, 1 p.m.; McGuffey Lane performance at Westerville South High School, 6 p.m.; fireworks,
WesterFlora Garden Tour
10 p.m.; www.westerville rotary.com.
July 5-19
Sounds of Summer Concert Series Sundays 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org
July 9-25
Otterbein Summer Theatre presents The All Night Strut Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., www.otterbein.edu/theatre
July 11-12
Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillechamber.com
Classic Movie Series: Cinderella Dusk, Everal Barn at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org
July 19
WesterFlora Garden Tour 1-7 p.m., various gardens throughout the city, www.westerflora.com
July 20-23
Uptown Art Camp 10 a.m.-noon, ages 8-11; 1-3 p.m., ages 12-16; David Myers Art Studio & Gallery, 7 W. Main St., www. uptownartcamp.com
July 24
Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday World Bazaar 6-9 p.m., Historic Uptown Westerville, www.visit westerville.org Tapestry of a Town Walking Tour 1-5 p.m., various locations, www.westervillehabitat.org
Now - August 14 Daydream - by Dan Harper Fisher Gallery, Roush Hall 27 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH 43081 Gallery hours M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
July 30-Aug. 2
For information, call 614-823-1792
Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival
6 July/August 2015
July 17
July 26
For information, call 614-823-1792
www.otterbein.edu
July
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre presents Seussical Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mt. Royal Ave., www.westerville.org
Sponsored by the Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau For more events, visit www.visitwesterville.org
www.westervillemagazine.com
August Aug. 1
Library Fly Day: Model Airplane Demo 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Alum Creek State Park, 6590 Africa Rd., www.westervillelibrary.org
Learning how money works in your life does not need to be a dreaded discussion and working with a financial advisor does not need to be tedious!
Aug. 2, 9
Sounds of Summer Concert Series 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org
POWER-UP AND TAKE CONTROL NOW!
Aug. 4
+ Basic financial education
National Night Out 6:30-10 p.m., citywide, www.westerville.org
Aug. 5
Pancake Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St., www.westerville.org
Photos courtesy of WesterFlora Garden Tour, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s and David Myers Art Studio & Gallery
Aug. 7-21
Uptown Friday Nights Fridays, area shops, Uptown Westerville, www.shopup townwesterville.com
Aug. 4, 19
Sip & Sketch 6:30-8:30 p.m., Meza Wine Shop, 48 N. State St., www.mezawineshop.com
Aug. 13
First Day of School Westerville City Schools, www.westerville.k12.oh.us
Transformation
WOMEN’S FINANCIAL RESOURCES GROUP
+ Understanding insurance + Basics of investing Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday Dog Days of Summer
+ Understanding retirement plans + Long term care planning
Aug. 15
Aug. 28-Sept. 18
Aug. 16
Aug. 28
Bish Bash 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Westerville Christian Church, 471 E. College Ave., www.sambish foundation.org Kitchen Garden Tenth Anniversary Celebration 1-4 p.m., Hanby House, 160 W. Main St., www.hanbyhouse.org
Aug. 21
Transformation Mon.-Fri., noon-5 p.m.; David Myers Art Studio & Gallery, 7 W. Main St., www. davidmyersart.com Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday Dog Days of Summer 6-9 p.m., Historic Uptown Westerville, www.visitwesterville.org
Classic Movie Series: Beethoven Aug. 30 Dusk, Everal Barn at Heritage Kids Try Athlon Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., 10 a.m., Highlands Park www.westerville.org Aquatic Center, 245 S. Spring Rd., www.westerville.org
Get in touch and ask about small group “chats” (get some friends together!) or private appointments to learn how to make the most of your own wealth potential. Appointments can be scheduled in my office or elsewhere to best suit your needs.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! POWER UP! MOLLY MARIE HOUGH Wealth Strategist
921 Chatham Lane, Ste. 302 Columbus, OH 614-534-1765 mhough@htk.com Registered representative of and securities and investment advisory services offered through Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK), registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. 130 Springside Drive Suite 100, Akron, Ohio 44333 330-668-9065 21 st Century Financial, Inc. is independent of HTK A5TM-0401-09E2
www.westervillemagazine.com
July/August 2015 7
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CityReporter News & Information from the City of Wester ville
4th of July “Love Country, Love Westerville”
6:30 a.m. Registration for Rotary Run/Walk & Children’s Run
8 a.m. Rotary 5K Run & Walk
9:15 a.m. Rotary Children’s Fun Run 9:25 a.m. Awards Ceremony 1 p.m.
Rotary Parade & WARM Community Food Drive (Canned and boxed food items will be collected for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry along the Parade route. Visit www.warmwesterville.org for a list of needed items.)
5-11 p.m. Food Trucks and Food Carts 6-7:30 p.m. Westerville Symphony
Meet McGuffey Lane: www.westervillemagazine.com
BY THE NUMBERS
H 2,000 The Blue Star Mothers’ (Buckeye Military Moms Chapter) goal of care packages to ship to deployed soldiers in 2015. The organization was a beneficiary at the 2015 Field of Heroes. Learn how you can help at www.buckeyemilitarymoms.org.
8-10 p.m. McGuffey Lane Dusk Fireworks with 104.9 The River simulcast (for fireworks launch timing updates, follow the City of Westerville Twitter account: @tellwesterville) Please note posted parking restrictions in the area surrounding WSHS for emergency vehicle and neighborhood access. The Parade will air live on WOCC-TV 3 in Westerville. Check www.otterbein360. com/page/otterbein_tv_schedule for the rebroadcast schedule. All events are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westerville. For more information, visit www.westervillerotary.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
July/August 2015 9
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The Rotary Club of Westerville presents “Love Country, Love Westerville” as the theme of the 2015 Independence Day Celebration on July 4. This year, our friends at Rotary have planned a full day of events, including the addition of a concert on the practice field at Westerville South High School featuring McGuffey Lane. Start the day with a patriotic 5K, enjoy the traditional 4th of July parade and end the day with a spectacular fireworks display.
News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Maria’s Message Helps Keep Citizens Safe On Sept. 17, 2013, 10TV Sports Anchor Dom Tiberi and his wife, Terri, lost their daughter Maria in a car accident. While the specific cause of the accident remains unknown, police believe it was a case of distracted driving. The tragic accident ended the life of a beautiful, vibrant young lady, but may very likely be saving lives of countless individuals for years to come. Maria Tiberi’s legacy is now known as “Maria’s Message,” a community initiative supported by WBNS 10TV that is focused on building awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Through the Maria Tiberi Foundation, founded by her parents, an educational initiative presented in communities and using driving simulators helps spread Maria’s Message. With the gift of a driving simulator to the Westerville Division of Police, the foundation is making a local impact on the effort to educate teens about texting while driving – among other distractions – and reducing preventable injuries associated with distracted driving. Last April, Dom and 10TV staff partnered with WPD and Otterbein University to launch a series of community presentations. The regional touch is one way to engage in an interactive discussion about what really happens when distracted drivers get behind the wheel. “We as parents should be screaming from a mountaintop because car crashes are the No. 1 killer of our children, and it is so preventable. My wife, Terri, and I have made it our mission to end this epidemic (of distracted driving) and to keep other families from going through this nightmare. Maria is just a memory now, and we don’t want any other kids to be just a memory,” said Dom Tiberi. Maria’s Message emphasizes three main types of distracted driving: manual, visual and cognitive. Manual refers to physically taking your hands off the wheel; visual means taking your eyes off the road; and cognitive is letting your mind wander while driving. For many young drivers, these three conditions often happen when texting while driving. In fact, sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field blind. “Distracted driving, particularly with young drivers texting while behind the wheel, is having a major impact when we look at traffic accidents, including those resulting in death or a major injury,” said Westerville Chief of Police Joseph Morbitzer. “Our partnership with the Maria Tiberi Foundation is going to help us reach students in a real, hands-on way that we didn’t have before. With these simulators, we can demonstrate how quickly and easily sending or reading a text message can turn a drive into a serious and sometimes deadly situation.” The simulators will be part of an educational initiative Westerville police use to talk to students about distracted driving and ways to improve defensive driving skills. “We’re grateful to Dom Tiberi and the 10TV staff for bringing Maria’s Message to us. Westerville has a long history of supporting important initiatives that help us all live in a safer, stronger community,” said Westerville Mayor Diane Fosselman. “I urge everyone to take the message to heart and think about the way you can personally contribute to honor Maria Tiberi by eliminating distractions when you drive.” For more information, please visit www. mariasmessage.com.
10 July/August 2015
Parents, ask your children to take the Maria’s Message Pledge: I PLEDGE TO: Keep my hands on the wheel, Keep my eyes on the road, Keep my mind on driving. If I keep my hands, eyes and mind where they should, I can keep myself safe and keep Maria’s Message alive.
www.westervillemagazine.com
Imagine Westerville Presented for Public View Imagine Westerville, the name for the community’s comprehensive planning process, has been circulating locally for more than a year. This extensive planning project has been widely promoted for the public’s participation in a series of events, and residents were asked to assess plan options and help create policies. The outcome of Imagine Westerville will be the publication of a community plan, a strategic guide that expresses the values and aspirations of a community. It is the broadest public policy document our community can create, and will set forth the long-range vision for development, housing, environment, economic development, transportation and related topics. This document gives a universal view of the city, is a tool to prepare for change and acts as both a business plan and guidebook for decision-makers. The plan, now in draft form, will be open for public inspection in July and August as part of a series of meetings and hearings scheduled to gain input before its official adoption by Westerville City Council early next year. There are a number of ways you can get involved.
1 2 3
Take an online tour Visit www.imaginewesterville.org to get a perspective on the plan’s current status and see where and when it will be presented. Read more about the public input process that has given shape to the document. See it in person The public review draft will be available for its 30-day inspection throughout the month of August (Aug. 3-31) at various sites as well as online. Hard copies will be available at the City building at 64 E. Walnut St., City Hall, the Westerville Public Library, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce and Westerville City Schools district offices. Save the date At least two public hearings are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 at City Hall, 21 S. State St., during Westerville Planning Commission meetings. The schedule is also available at www.westerville.org.
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July/August 2015 11
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Please email us if you have a question or comment about the content in the City Reporter pages. email: communityaffairs@westerville.org
News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Staff Profile
Caryn Dachner
Customer Service to the Core and in the general ledger. This process ensures customer information balances with our financial systems. Throughout the day I assist customers and staff to update information based on new charges, adjustments, payments and account maintenance updates. Our department is currently involved in several projects, chiefly related to new software systems. These include advanced metering, a new work order system and billing software. I also serve on several staff committees, including the Advanced Metering Program Project Team, Westerville Customer Service Steering Committee, the Information Security Committee, the Records Retention Committee and the Westerville Safety Committee.
Each month, a utility bill arrives in your mailbox without much fanfare. Yet there’s a team behind the process ensuring a smooth, accurate billing cycle each month for utility services. Meet its leader, Caryn Dachner. Caryn’s responsibility and oversight of Utility Billing, a division within the Finance Department, is focused on efficiency, accuracy and excellence, particularly when it comes to customer service. Where are you from originally? I grew up in a suburb of Chicago called Worth and moved to Columbus in 1979. What’s your professional background? How did you come to your position at the City of Westerville? After teaching on the secondary level for five years in Addison, Ill., I accepted a position with an investor-owned water and sewer utility in the Columbus area. I stayed there for 12 years before coming to the City of Westerville in 1998. What is a typical day like in your position? The first thing I do each morning is verify all transactions from the previous day have settled on the customer accounts 12 July/August 2015
You’ve been a longtime champion of customer service training and professional development for City staff. What’s your customer service philosophy, and how did you develop it? My endeavor is to continually provide staff with the information, training and resources they will need to assist utility customers and residents of Westerville. When they have these items, it is easy to respond to customer requests in a quick, confident and thorough manner. You work on customer service initiatives outside the City, including the customer committee for the American Water Works Association. How does that influence your work in Westerville? For the past several years I have worked with a group of utility supervisors from AWWA-member organizations to provide customer service training opportunities at regional workshops and the state chapter annual conference. I have learned so much from networking with my counterparts throughout Ohio and have implemented many ideas that are shared at our workshops. I have worked hard to foster relationships with other utility professionals and establish Westerville as a resource for others who can benefit from my experience.
In what ways are you looking to the future in terms of how utility billing will change or evolve? Customers are requesting more ways to access their utility bills online, track their usage patterns, request services and make payments. As we look to implementing new billing software, the technology will be in place to offer easy, accessible ways for our customers to do business with us in ways they find more convenient. What would Westerville customers be surprised to know about the division? Residents would probably be surprised to know just how many transactions we handle each month with a very small staff. Each month, we bill more than $6 million in revenues, prepare over 16,800 utility bills, process more than 300 cash transactions at the window and answer about 1,200 phone calls. What are your interests? What do you like to do in your spare time? I have been a garden club member for over 35 years and find enjoyment in being outside with my hands in the earth, nurturing plants that provide beautiful blooms. My husband and I have grown sons with families in southern California and Cleveland, so we enjoy visiting them whenever we can. Liesel and Daphne are our beautiful little granddaughters.
“
My endeavor is to continually provide staff with the information, training and resources they will need to assist utility customers and
”
residents of Westerville.
www.westervillemagazine.com
Identity Protection Starts with Planning Your personal information is confidential and private, but in today’s identity theft environment, it’s getting harder to keep it that way. The Westerville Division of Police investigates fraud and theft related to stolen identities and/or personal information on a daily basis. In fact, WPD received a spike in reports of stolen Social Security Numbers and fraudulent tax filings this April during tax season. To help protect yourself, there are dozens of tips and strategies you can find from reputable sources online (Social Security Administration, law enforcement agencies). Some common tips and reminders are listed below. But always remember, there is no failsafe way to prevent becoming a victim of crime. Report suspicious activity to WPD as quickly as possible if you suspect your identity has been compromised.
about emails that look and sound unusual. Even if it is from someone you know, pause before clicking on any links. “A lot of times, you’ll notice unusual grammar or spelling in an email because its origin is from outside the U.S.,” said Scowden. “If it looks suspicious, send it to your spam folder.”
Shred your paperwork Credit card offers, bank statements, medical records and various other pieces pertaining to personal records can and should be destroyed by shredding. Invest in a home office shredder, or collect it and shred at one time at a community event. The Westerville Parks & Recreation sponsors a Shredding Day each year in April. “Let’s not make it easy for a thief,” said Westerville Assistant Police Chief Paul J. Scowden. “Leaving a paper trail of documentation gives someone enough personal information to get started. Guard your credit and personal records to reduce your risk of having account numbers and other data exposed.”
Check your credit report The best way to know what credit and debt you have in your name is to look at your credit report. It will show you all open accounts and can help you spot any errors. You can purchase a credit report or get a free copy (once a year, but it may not include your credit score). Research it online and find out which credit agency and option works best for you. Remember to check the fine print and terms and conditions if receiving your report online.
Use securely or not at all If you’re buying online, make sure you’re entering credit card information on a secure site. The URL bar will have “https://” before the website name. Buy only from reputable companies that offer online security features. Also, be cautious www.westervillemagazine.com
Report suspicious activity If something raises your suspicions, it’s worth checking out. Recently, some Westerville businesses have received phone calls from someone saying he or she represents the utility billing division and demanding payment on an account. These phone calls were reported quickly because the customers were familiar with the way the City conducts business and handles utility accounts. Remember, the City does not request credit card numbers over the phone.
Consider an extra investment Check with your insurance provider to see if it offers identify theft/fraud protection. It may be a few extra dollars a month for sufficient coverage to help you if credit card debt or other financial burdens come your way as a result of your identity becoming compromised. Plus, cash and additional resources will be helpful if you have to battle with lenders while restoring your good name and credit rating.
Mark Your Calendars Annual Maintenance, Westerville Community Center Aug. 28-Sept. 6, Open to Close Each year, the Community Center is closed for a two-week period for maintenance and repairs. The Watering Hole (indoor pool) is drained and cleaned and the gym, fitness room and indoor playground are closed for a limited time for cleaning. The southern end of the building will remain closed through the two-week duration. Passholders may use Highlands Park Aquatic Center during this time. For more information or questions about planning your activities in advance, please contact Westerville Parks & Recreation at 614-901-6500. National Night Out Aug. 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Westerville Division of Police will host and participate in several neighborhood events for this year’s National Night Out, known as “American’s Night Out Against Crime.” The national event brings local public safety agencies and communities together for the evening to heighten awareness about and participation in crime prevention. The event is also targeted at sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and ready to combat crime. For more information or to visit specific sites, please visit www.westerville.org/police. Odd/Even Lawn Watering Program In effect all summer Remember that lawn watering in Westerville is on an Odd-Even system. If your house number ends in an odd number, water on an oddnumbered day of the week. Vice versa for even numbers. Please contact the Westerville Water Division for more information or questions at 614-901-6770. July/August 2015 13
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Public Safety Profile
News & Information from the City of Wester ville
A Year of Shutterbugs Every year, the “Shutterbugs” submitted photo feature that runs in the July/August edition of Westerville Magazine has been overwhelmingly popular. For that reason, we’ve decided to give our readers more opportunities to send in their photos and feature one per issue in this space for 2015. This issue’s photo was submitted by John Conley. Please send photo submissions to westervillemag@gmail. com by July 31 to be considered for the September/October issue. Photos must be high-resolution and horizontal.
Westerville Community Contacts FIRE/MEDICAL/POLICE EMERGENCY . . . . 9-1-1 Gas/Carbon Monoxide Leaks. . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 Mental Health Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1-1 Fire, non-life threatening emergency. . 882-2213 Police, non-life threatening emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7444 City Website. . . . . . . . . . . www.westerville.org Community Affairs ... . . . . . . . . . . ... 901-6411 Animal Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6863 Animal Removal (dead at roadside). . . 901-6740 Cemeteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 City Manager’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6400 TDD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6413 Clerk of Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6410 Digging (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-362-2764 Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . 901-6403 Electric Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Electrical Outages. . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Street Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Tree Trimming Near Electric Lines. . . 901-6700 Finance Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6440 Fire Division Headquarters. . . . . . . . 901-6600 CPR/First Aid Training. . . . . . . . . . 901-6600 Human Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6406 Income Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6420 Leaf Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Mayor’s Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419 TDD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6418 Parks & Recreation Department. . . . . 901-6500 Inclement Weather Hotline. . . . . . . 901-6888 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6530 Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6500 Everal Barn & Homestead . . . . . . . 901-6570
Parks Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . Highlands Park Aquatic Center. . . . Recreation Program Center. . . . . . . Senior Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Information . . . . . . . . . . . . Urban Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Permits Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parade/Block Party. . . . . . . . . . . . Security Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planning & Development Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planning, Engineering & Zoning . . . Traffic Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . Police Division Headquarters. . . . . . . Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recorded Information Line. . . . . . . . Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sewer Emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . Sewer Line Maintenance . . . . . . . . Stormwater Hotline. . . . . . . . . . . . Street Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . Street Maintenance Repairs . . . . . . Trash/Recycling Collection. . . . . . .
901-6591 901-7665 901-6531 901-6560 901-6515 901-6598 901-6650 901-6600 901-6410 901-6482 901-6650. 901-6650 901-6650 901-6670 901-6816 901-6450 901-6470 901-6475 901-6482 901-6879 901-6450 901-6740 901-6740 901-6740 901-6740 901-6740 901-6740 901-6740
Ci t y M a n a g e r Dave Collinsworth
www.wester ville.org 14 July/August 2015
All area codes are 614 unless otherwise noted. Water Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Water Line Maintenance . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Traffic Violations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419 Tree/Storm Damage (in right of way) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6591 After hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6790 Tree Trimming (in right of way). . . . . . . 901-6598 Utility Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6430 askutilitybilling@westerville.org Water Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6770 Other Community Service Contacts Airport—Port Columbus. . . . . . . . . . . 239-4083 Concord Counseling Services. . . . . . . 882-9338 COTA Bus Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228-1776 Delaware County General Information . . . . . . . 740-548-7313 Franklin County Board of Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3160 Property Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3696 Voter Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3100 Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. . . . . 898-4000 Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-8917 Westerville Area Resource Ministry . . . 899-0196 Westerville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . 797-5700 Westerville Historical Society . . . . . . . 891-0821 Westerville Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7277 Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 794-0401
We st e r v i l l e Ci t y Co u n c i l
(Back left-right) Michael Heyeck, Vice Chair Larry Jenkins, John Bokros and L. Pete Otteson. (Front left-right) Vice Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi, Mayor Diane Fosselman and Chair Craig Treneff www.westervillemagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com
faces
By Hannah Bealer Photography by Wes Kroninger
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Empathy and work ethic are driving forces for Buckeye Ranch leader
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uring a drive to a grocery store, where a 16-year old Nick Rees would begin his first job bagging groceries, his father gave him a piece of advice Rees would carry with him for the rest of his career. “He said, ‘You’ll always be successful if you treat everyone you meet as someone you could one day work for in the future,’” Rees says. Rees took that to heart. Now 57, the Westerville resident serves as president and CEO of the Buckeye Ranch.
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July/August 2015 15
T
he Buckeye Ranch is known as one of Ohio’s top providers of mental health services for children, young adults and families. The Ranch operates from seven locations that serve central and southwestern Ohio. Rees was born in Gallipolis, a small village on the banks of the Ohio River. His father was in the Air Force, so Rees moved around a lot. His family would stay in one area for about eight or nine months. They lived mainly in Ohio, Massachusetts and Maine. Rees attended 11 schools before he reached high school. “Living like that, you learn how to make friends quickly,” Rees says. After high school, Rees attended the University of Rio Grande before transferring to Ohio Dominican University. He also took summer classes at The Ohio State University. In 1980, he graduated from Ohio Dominican with a degree in economics and business administration, and accounting. “In 1980, it was hard to find jobs due to the recession,” Rees says. But, as fate would have it, Rees interviewed with Kroger and landed a job in the company’s accounting department. He stayed at Kroger for 24 years – the most formative years of his career. It’s also where he met Lynne Hartman, his wife of 20 years. During his time at Kroger, Rees worked in a variety of departments. He did some work for human resources, but spent most of his career in advertising and marketing. He did the company’s sports marketing and was also a spokesman for Kroger.
Through his work with nonprofits and philanthropic endeavors, Rees got to know the Buckeye Ranch. In 2002, the Buckeye Ranch reached out to Rees and asked him for some help with finding a suitable person to fill an open position. “We looked around, and eventually we found me,” Rees says. In 2003, Rees joined the Buckeye Ranch as its vice president of development. However, leaving Kroger wasn’t the easiest decision. “I basically grew up there,” Rees says. “I didn’t want to leave.” Still, after some reflection, Rees says moving on to work for the Buckeye Ranch was more in line with his career goals. “I never really felt like I was making much of a difference (with Kroger),” he says. “I always thought I was lacking something, and I never thought I was doing anything for the greater good.” Rees left Kroger, he says, for the “chance to touch a lot of lives.” Through the Buckeye Ranch, more than 3,400 families are assisted each year by the 500 staff members. Rees still has a great relationship with Kroger, he says. In fact, much of what he learned throughout his career at Kroger has carried over into his role at the Buckeye Ranch. “No matter what people ask, I say ‘OK.’ Not, ‘I can’t do that,’” Rees says. “When people ask me to do something, I always try.” He attributes that attitude to Kroger, but also his mother and father.
“
It’s about doing a great job for kids
”
in need.
16 July/August 2015
www.westervillemagazine.com
“Mom and Dad were hard-working people,” he says. “Dad worked 60 hours a week, but he was always optimistic and friendly.” Rees’ mother stayed at home for the most part, but during her time at home, she always strove to educate Rees and his brother. “She took really good care of us,” Rees says. “We read a lot of history; she helped build our imaginations. She continues to drive and motivate us, and she never let us feel like we had failed at anything. Everything I learned prepared me for this job.” In November 2009, Rees was named president and CEO of the Buckeye Ranch. This made him only the third leader in the Ranch’s history. When the Buckeye Ranch originated in 1961, it was exclusively for young men. Now, it reaches all genders. The business also changes as knowledge of mental health evolves. “The business has changed dramatically from when we first started,” Rees says. “Now, we do more work with children who are diagnosed with mental health disorders. And every year, there are more and more issues (with abuse and drugs).” But, overall, Rees says the organization’s mission has remained intact. Every day, he says, he strives to keep the tradition alive. “It’s about doing a great job for kids in need,” he says.
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Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com. RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com • Artist Soutchay Soungpradith continues to evolve his skills • Dr. Peter Rogers’ book recounts his experience during Civil Rights Movement • World War II vet’s memories help keep community informed • Bill Streetman finds a slimmer waist line – and a new lease on life • Magic Nate leaves ‘em laughing – without saying a word
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July/August 2015 17
in focus
By Corinne Murphy Photos courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce
Little Artists, Big A growing number of talented young artists showcase diverse forms of art at festival
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his year, hundreds of young, fresh faces take on the challenge of presenting new, fresh art to thousands of strangers. They present their hard work, creativity and imagination at the youth art exhibit at the 42nd annual Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival. The festival will be held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12 at Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave. The youth exhibit, sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, is located on the second floor of the Everal Barn. Students will be divided into five age groups. The Budding Artists group is ages 3-5; group one is ages 6-8; group two is ages 9-11; group three is ages 12-14; and group four is ages 15-18. Exhibition categories include everything from classic, two-dimensional paintings to innovative, three-dimensional sculptures. These young artists will show their diversity, range of styles and approaches to art. “The focus will be on the actual art. We try to keep each year consistent and to not detract from the artists’ work. And it’s always so interesting to see students using mediums people have used for centuries,”
18 July/August 2015
says John Lubinsky, coordinator of youth exhibits for the festival. Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, charcoal, tempera painting, pastels, pencil or pen drawings, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber art/wood art, calligraphy, photography, and digital art. “Every year is exciting because the art is always new and different than the year before,” Lubinsky says. “And it’s always interesting to see how many entries there will be.” With 134 exhibitors and 318 pieces at last year’s event, it reached the largest number of exhibitors in the past 10 years. This year’s goal is to top that number. The exhibit coordinators also hope to expand the number of participants in the Budding Artist category. Both winners of last year’s top prizes were in this category. Mashawn Stroh, coordinator of youth exhibits for the Chamber, encourages more artists in this category to join. David Koo, director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville and sponsor of youth exhibits, explains that in previous years, organizers received feedback that there were many children who would like to take part, but were unable to do so because of cost. So this year’s exhibit features new artist scholar-
ships. Art teachers from each Westerville school are given an opportunity to select a student for free entry. “With the scholarships, we are hoping to see new entrants and, possibly, a more diverse collection of artwork,” Koo says. Since all submitted artwork must be appropriate for all ages, anyone can enjoy the exhibit. “It’s great for the little ones to see, and great for adults to see,” Stroh says. Coordinators stress the importance of encouraging these young artists to continue their craft and practice their creativity. “I recommend everyone to attend and support these children’s futures in the arts.” Lubinsky says. “This (exhibit) is a way to see how important it is to youth,” Lubinsky says. The Best in Show prize is judged by qualified, local artists. First, second, third and honorable mention ribbons will be presented in each age group. Festival patrons will also have a chance to vote on their favorites; a People’s Choice Award based on festival attendees’ votes will be awarded. Lubinsky encourages all to attend and submit their votes for the People’s Choice Award. “This gives them a chance to choose what impacts them the most,” he says. www.westervillemagazine.com
Impact The Best of Show and People’s Choice winners – five for each of the age groups – will be recognized at the awards ceremony 1:30 p.m., July 12 on the Heartland Bank Stage. Winners and their families are encouraged to attend. Every participant will receive a participation ribbon. The festival itself attracts approximately 20,000 patrons over the weekend. Visitors can enjoy juried arts and crafts exhibits from more than 140 artists throughout the country, including local artists and civic organizations as part of the Westerville Walkway. Heartland Bank Stage will feature an exciting band lineup and the Teleperformance Community Stage will also feature music and local entertainment. “The music is phenomenal this year. There’s always a good selection and variety,” Lubinksy says, hinting at an exciting headliner. There will also be a special area for youth entertainment sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, Roush Honda and Tuffy Auto Service CenterWesterville, and a silent auction sponsored by Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital.
Admission to the festival is $1, and ages 16 and under are offered free admission. For more information about the festival, visit www.westervillechamber.com. Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com • Organizers ramp up the kids’ activities at 40th annual arts fest • Public art project benefits the city’s parks foundation • More trolley rides are just one adjustment made to the 2014 Music & Arts Festival • Palette knife and paint brush are tools of the trade for Dennis J. Rano • Uptown business owners offer artistic opportunity to seniors and the disabled
An aerial view of displays at the youth art exhibit, located in Everal Barn
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July/August 2015 19
Shutterbugs!
April Delahunty
Life through the lens of Westerville residents
SHUTTERBUGS SPONSORED BY
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July/August 2015 21
George A. Zonders
Teresa Bohrer
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John Baker Toni Perkins
For more Shutterbugs visit westervillemagazine.com
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Sarah Glassburn 22 July/August 2015
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living
By Matthew Kent
Photos courtesy of Mary Jane Hitt
Home Is Where the Heart House built in 1924 is one of the highlights of annual tour
M
ary Jane Hitt and her husband, Bill, live at 15 W. Plum St. and will open their doors to visitors as part of this year’s Tapestry of a Town. The Hitts have owned their prairie-style bungalow home, which was built in 1924, for about two years and moved to Westerville for their retirement. Mary Jane says the historic structure was owned by the same family for 50 years. After it was purchased by neighbors living next door, it was given a complete makeover. However, the Hitts eventually stepped up and bought the 2,600-square-foot home after it was put on the market again. The home has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, and an outdoor living space featuring a deck, patio, a fire pit and other amenities. “It’s just the perfect size house for retirees who have family in the area,” Mary Jane says. “This is a home that you walk in, and you are at home. It just feels good; it feels cozy and warm, and it just feels like the place we enjoy and our guests enjoy.”
24 July/August 2015
Mary Jane also says she believes it’s always enjoyable to take a peek inside someone else’s home, whether it’s a public space or private property, and thinks Tapestry of a Town will be an enjoyable time for the general public. “It’s just fun to get ideas and translate them into your living environment, and it’s for such a great cause, and it’s just fun to The prairie-style bungalow home was purchased by the walk the streets and see other Hitts about two years ago and has three bedrooms, three people doing the same thing, and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, an outdoor living space just out and about on a Sun- featuring a deck, patio and fire pit, and other amenities. day afternoon,” she says. “So Hedges says Tapestry of a Town’s misI would say the more the merrier. We’re going to have our doors open and hope sion is to not only raise money for Habitat, but also highlight homes and businesses that lots of people will come.” Historic homes like the Hitts’, busi- in an effort to help people learn more nesses and city buildings in Westerville will about them. “I think everybody wins with our event. be showcased as part of the third annual Tapestry of a Town event July 26, which We’re really proud of it, and it seems to offers a firsthand look inside various struc- have been well-received,” she says. The first event in 2013 drew about tures while also showing off their character. The event, hosted by the Westerville 400 people, guided through the city by Habitat Partnership, will bring visitors a map that allows visitors to start where to 11 different sites in they wish. Pictures of the sites, addresses the city as part of a self- and background about each location are guided walking tour. All provided, while docents and greeters are proceeds directly benefit on hand to provide further information. Almost half of the sites on the Tapestry projects supported by of a Town tour, which runs from 1-5 p.m., Habitat for Humanity. Kay Hedges, who serves are residences. These locations proved to as co-chairwoman of the be popular with attendees in 2014. Nearly event, says Tapestry of a all the locations this year are located on the Town was created after the west side of State Street, and many sites are partnership thought there clustered together in an effort to make the might be an opportunity tour more convenient for visitors. Hedges says Tapestry of a Town showto show off different sites in Westerville that people cases the best of Westerville and what it might not know much has to offer. “I think Westerville is such an interabout. The organization also holds an annual pro- esting town, and one of the reasons we gressive Christmas concert called it the Tapestry of a Town is that we through three of its part- think there’s so many interesting sites in Westerville,” she says. “There’s a lot of hisner churches. www.westervillemagazine.com
Is
Tapestry of a Town Sites Local History Museum at the Westerville Public Library 110 S. State St. Private residence, formerly a B&B 93 W. College Ave. Private residence, moved from Otterbein University’s campus 112 N. West St. Residence of Otterbein president 111 N. West St. HGTV house, private residence 119 S. Knox St. Private residence 15 W. Plum St. Battelle Fine Arts Center/Riley Auditorium 170 W. Park St. First Presbyterian Church 41 W. College Ave. Ohio Art Market 30 N. State St. Hanby House 160 W. Main St. A Gal Named Cinda Lou 20 N. State St.
tory that is centered here, and we’re really proud of that and we’d like people to be aware of the town where they live and how interesting it really is. I really like seeing people learning about the uniqueness of Westerville and really appreciate people supporting Habitat, because every penny we raise goes toward the building projects of our program.” Tickets for Tapestry of a Town, which are $10 each, can be purchased at the Westerville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 20 W. Main St. Tickets will also be available for purchase during Sunday
morning services in July at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 N. Sunbury Rd.; Church of the Messiah United Methodist, 51 N. State St.; Church of the Master United Methodist, 24 N. Grove St.; First Presbyterian Church, 41 W. College Ave.; and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd. For more information on Tapestry of a Town, visit www.tapestryofatown.org. Matthew Kent is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com • Walking tour highlights the elements that help make Westerville what it is today • Historic building techniques made 145-year-old house new – and old – again • Garden rooms and copious blooms define prize-winning garden • Movoto names Westerville best suburb • Musical couple’s garden a highlight of 2014 WesterFlora Garden Tour www.westervillemagazine.com
July/August 2015 25
A Drive to Succeed School supply drive assists kids in need By Christina Szuch
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or many children, going back to school brings more challenges than just getting used to waking up early or trying to remember math they learned last year. Some families struggle to afford the school supplies needed each year. Those are the families the PRIDE Committee of OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus seeks to help. The PRIDE Committee is a collaborative effort among all campus departments. Committee members include OhioHealth associates and community volunteers. Their focus is on the spirit of learning, pride, networking service and giving back to the greater community. One of the ways they work toward this goal is by holding a school supply drive each summer for children in need. Janet Scott, director of Westerville Medical Campus, says starting the supply drive seemed like “a natural thing to do.” The drive began six years ago, when the campus opened. The committee had a partnership with Westerville City Schools, and the district’s enrollment center was located on its campus. Thanks to individuals who donated a variety of school supplies, the committee was able to distribute much-needed items to students. Students qualifying for free or reduced price lunches were identified as recipients. The drive has grown and changed over time. Since the application system for free and reduced lunches is now submitted online instead of in person, PRIDE has formed a new partnership with the Kids Lunch Club to distribute supplies. The Kids Lunch Club, sponsored by the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, provides free lunches and fun activities for children over the summer. This year, donations – particularly backpacks – will be collected throughout the summer and given to students at the Kids Lunch Club in August. The PRIDE Committee hopes to continue the drive and its partnership with 26 July/August 2015
Volunteer Jean Welte poses with donated supplies.
WARM for years to come. Last year’s drive helped three Westerville schools, at which 74 percent of students qualified for free and reduced lunches. “It’s really eye-opening to see that there is this need within our community,” says Melody Brown, volunteer coordinator at Westerville Medical Campus. With such a great need comes an even greater amount of appreciation. Karen Gabay, an administrative assistant at Westerville City Schools, recalls some of the most inspiring moments of the drive. One young man, she says, came in wearing a pair of men’s shoes that were just barely held together with duct tape. In addition to school supplies, they were able to give him a better pair of shoes.
Gabay also tells the story of a little girl who was one of eight children in her family and could not believe she was getting her own backpack and supplies to bring to her first day of kindergarten. “She went skipping down the hall with her new bag,” Gabay says. “As she got halfway down the hall, she turned around and ran back to give everyone in the enrollment center a hug.” Anyone interested in donating can visit www.warmwesterville.org. Christina Szuch is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com • Westerville Fund’s assistance helps local organizations improve the community • Kiwanis members work hard for Westerville’s youth • Cutting-edge technology and real-life experience highlight Innovation Generation • W.A.R.M.’s summer program keeps kids fed when school lunch is not an option • Unique educational initiatives are still target of revamped foundation www.westervillemagazine.com
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July/August 2015 27
on the table By Garth Bishop
Photos courtesy by Yabo’s Tacos
Sweet Tacoin’ Man
Chicken-pork one-two punch propels Yabo’s to victory
F
or someone who used to enter major, national-level gourmet cooking competitions, taking home an award for tacos is an unusual experience. But Scott Boles – owner of Yabo’s Tacos, which opened its original location in Westerville in June 2011 – isn’t complaining about winning “Westerville’s Tastiest” at the 2015 Taste of Westerville for the restaurant’s chicken and pork tacos. “To enter a taco, and for it to win, is just mind-blowing,” Boles says. “The compliment was very much appreciated.” Since opening its doors on state Rt. 3 four years ago, Yabo’s has added locations in Upper Arlington and Powell, as well as a food truck. Boles is scouting for ad-
28 July/August 2015
ditional locations, but that’s not the full extent of his expansion hopes. “ We ’ r e r i g h t now in the process of working on … building (Yabo’s) as a franchise,” he says. “… I did not create this idea just to be a store. I (always) intended this to be a franchise.” The former Disney Corporation executive chef has long been fascinated by indigenous recipes from throughout the country, and parlayed that experience into Yabo’s when he and business partner Brent King started it. “I’m not Mexican, and I’m not going to fake it, but I have a vast experience from basically living from coast to coast,” says Boles. “Much of what we do is just Americana in a tortilla.” To wit: the seasoning for those winning chicken tacos – as well as the fish and shrimp varieties – comes from a Mississippi recipe. The shredded pork is derived from a North Carolina barbecue recipe. The shredded beef tacos come from a Kansas City short rib recipe. And frequent experimentation leads to regular taco specials, such as a Cuban pork, gyro, buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch and Philly cheesesteak. A handful of sauces – including Serrano lime, chipotle, strawberry habanero and the super-hot Garlic Fire-Breather – round out the taco options, though Yabo’s also offers such items as burritos, bowls and quesadillas. “Westerville’s Tastiest” isn’t Yabo’s only award of late; the Garlic Fire-Breather sauce also
recently took “Best Overall” among 750 competitors at a Dallas fiery foods competition, Boles says. The 12th annual Taste was held in April at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North, having outgrown its previous home at the Lakes Golf and Country Club. Other winners were Bess’ Cakery, which took “Best Presentation” for its mini cupcakes, and Polaris Grill, which took “People’s Choice” for the fourth year in a row, this time for its Cajun shrimp and grits. Other food providers represented were Buffalo Wild Wings, Cantina Laredo, Cheryl & Co., City Barbeque, Crowne Plaza Columbus North, Embassy Suites Hotel, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Friendship Village of Columbus, Giammarco’s Pizza & Pasta, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Great Harvest Bread Company, Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub, Koblé Greek-Italian Grill, Little Caesars Pizza, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, Nicole’s Catering, the Rusty Bucket, Sam’s Club, Sandman Gourmet Deli & Catering and Star Lanes Polaris. Beverages were provided by Firebirds, North High Brewing Co., Quail Crossing Cellars, Meza Wine Shop, Temperance Row Brewing and Watershed Distillery. Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com • Decorations and on-site preparation propel the Lakes to Taste of Westerville victory • Franchise’s heavy-laden cupcakes capture hearts in Westerville • Heritage Middle School’s new after-school club offers students nutritious choices • New and upcoming restaurants in Uptown Westerville
Photos (2) courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Area vendors offer own flavor to 4th Fridays
Dav e FoX Design BuilD remoDelers
est. 1982 Other winners were Bess’ Cakery (top) for “Best Presentation” and Polaris Grill taking “People’s Choice.”
Yabo’s Slow-Roasted Pork • 2 lbs. Boston butt pork shoulder • 5 oz. Yabo’s spice blend* Place in full-size, 4-inch-deep, stainless steel roasting pan. Place the pork into the pan and rub all sides with Yabo’s spice blend. Cover pan with cling wrap and then cover with aluminum foil to ensure pork is sealed well. Place in slow roaster. Cook and hold, and set roast temperature at 285 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours. Set the hold temperature for 170 degrees to hold meat until shredding. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer of pork to a minimum temperature of 170 degrees. Using a grill turner or meat spatula, cut the roasts into 3- to 4-inch segments. From there, continue to shred pork with two forks pulling apart, until meat is in uniform and small strands. Serve, or place into deep pan and wrap tightly with cling wrap to serve later. * Yabo’s spice blends are proprietary, Boles says, but home cooks can simply buy the blends themselves. www.westervillemagazine.com
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