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SYMPOSIUM SERIES AT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY SPRING GRADUATE SYMPOSIUM

Smaller classes

April 2, 2012

THE MANY FACES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE Graduate Symposiums at Otterbein offer you interesting talks with interesting people. This month see social justice in action through community, corporate, and educational lens.

Otterbein University, Roush Hall 114 and lobby area (Gather in Fisher Gallery, Roush Hall for refreshments at 5 pm. Event begins at 5:30 in Roush Hall 114. Reception to follow at 6:45) Open to the public.

No registration required.

To receive a parking pass, email grad@otterbein.edu or call (614) 823-3210

www.otterbein.edu/GraduateSymposium (614) 823-3210

Personal attention Respected faculty mentors

GRADUATE PROGRAMS NURSING BUSINESS EDUCATION

OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus

Now serious medicine includes some serious amenities:

Free childcare, free Wi-Fi, free valet, a greeter to guide you, and more.

OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus — Life shouldn’t get in the way of your

getting expert, personalized medical attention. Come experience a new type of healthcare built to accommodate you and your needs. With 120 physicians—many who also practice at Riverside Methodist Hospital and Grant Medical Center—now right in your neighborhood.

We even have a coffee shop. All under one roof at the corner of Polaris Pkwy. and Africa Rd.

Learn more about our services and take a virtual tour at OhioHealth.com/westerville Coming soon: A new 24-hour Emergency Care Center.

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Peace of Mind Enjoy the security of a true life-care senior living community, with a full continuum of on-site care, including: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.

Call (614) 890-8282 today to schedule a personal tour of Friendship Village of Columbus – named 2010 “Best of Business ” among retirement communities in Central Ohio.

781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202 Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241

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Ready. Set. Go.

5800 Forest Hills Blvd • Columbus, OH 43231 (614) 890-8282 • www.friendshipvillageoh.com Friendship Village of Columbus is a not-for-profit life-care retirement community managed by Life Care Services LLC

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Inside

MARCh/april 2012

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City Reporter

News and Information from the City of Westerville

Vol. 11 NO. 4

06 Community Calendar 09 City Reporter

News and information from the City of Westerville

16 faces

From Professor to Poet Children’s poetry is former economics professor’s life

19 Four Decades of Aid

19

Flex and Balances Academic options nearly limitless with district’s credit flexibility program

25 Home

25

Behind the Community Center

385 County Line Road West Westerville, OH • Gentle, trusted & experienced • For a beautiful, healthy & affordable smile • For your whole family

W.A.R.M. plans yearlong celebration of 40th anniversary

22 in focus

Visit our new state-of-the-art facility

Porch and Patio Pointers Get your outdoor spaces ready for spring with these professional tips

Call us today to set up an appointment!

614.882.4032

The Library

28 on the table

Global Grub A man’s journey to America and the food along the way

30 bookmarks

Recommendations from the Come in and see us!

Westerville Public Library

Read more online at www.WestervilleMagazine.com Come in and see us!

On the Cover:

Find Westerville Magazine on Facebook and Twitter www.westervillemagazine.com

Westerville resident and author J. Patrick Lewis reads to Fouse Elementary School students

Come in and see us!

Sun 1-6pm Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm Fri-Sat 9am-6pm 126 South State Street (614) 882-7277 westervillelibrary.org Visit us on __

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2012

SAT FRI THU 4 3 2 11 10 9 8 18 7 17 6 16 5 15 25 14 24 13 23 12 22 21 31 20 30 19 29 28 27 26

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

WED TUE MON 1 SUN

MARCH

March 1-4

March 7

March 1-4

March 9 & 10

The Arnold Sports Festival Downtown Columbus, www.arnoldsportsfestival.com The Arnold is back for another year, bringing with it new events such as the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Weightlifting and old favorites including the Arnold Fitness Expo.

Otterbein University presents Dance 2012: Spotlight Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., 614-823-1109, www.otterbein.edu Come enjoy a variety of dance styles to the tunes of Frank Sinatra, showcasing choreography by the faculty and students of Otterbein’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

March 1-4

Westerville North High School presents Footloose Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd., 614-929-4211 North’s thespians present the 1984 version of this well-known musical.

March 3

Otterbein Faculty Recital 8 p.m., Riley Auditorium, Battelle Arts Center, 170 W. Park St., 614-823-1508, www.otterbein.edu Otterbein Department of Music faculty members Kimberlee Goodman and Karl Wohlwend perform a flute and guitar duo concert.

2012 Regional Summit: Women and the American Dream Multiple times and locations at Otterbein University, www.otterbein.edu See Page 13.

March 11

Rotary Club of Westerville Fish Fry and Chicken Bake 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Otterbein Campus Center, 100 W. Home St., www.westervillerotary.com Help fund local scholarships by joining the Rotary Club of Westerville for all-you-can-eat fish, chicken and hot dogs and more.

March 11

Children’s Concert 3 p.m., Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mount Royal Ave., 614-882-9071 Join the Westerville Community Bands for a show that’s both educational and entertaining.

Bill Foley 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Westerville, 41 W. College Ave. 614-882-3155, www.westervillefirstpresbyterian.org Join musician Bill Foley for an afternoon of your favorite oldies. Admission is free.

March 4

March 22-31

The Ohio State University Men’s Glee Club 7:30 p.m., Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd. As part of its A Joyful Noise free concert series, the church presents a night of a capella singing.

March 23

Otterbein University presents King Richard III Campus Center Theatre, 100 W. Home St., 614-823-1109, www.otterbein.edu Experience a live staging of Shakespeare’s chronicle of the life and story of King Richard III, a tale of his struggle to power and the murder and violence he inflicted along the way.

March 23

Hunger Games Movie Release Party 4-5:30 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., 614-882-7277, www.westervillelibrary.org Before journeying to the movie theater, celebrate the anticipated release of Hunger Games with a series of teen-friendly activities, food and lots of fun.

March 25

Westerville Symphony presents Ron Lykins Masterworks Series II 2 p.m., Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., 614-899-9000, www.westervillesymphony.org Join the Westerville Symphony for a dual performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertant.

March 26

Science Attack Junior 4 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., 614-882-7277, www.westervillelibrary.org Children ages 5-7 can explore a variety of science topics through interactive observation and experiments.

March 29

A Home of Their Own: The Story of the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home 7 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., 614-882-7590, www.westervillelibrary.org Join William Chavanne for a discussion on the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home. Copies of Ed Lentz’s book, A Home of Their Own, will be available for sale.

March 31

Knit and Sit Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., 614-882-7590, www. westervillelibrary.org An event for crafters experienced in knitting and crochet to come together to share techniques and create in company. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share for a potluck lunch. No instruction for beginners will be provided.

Sponsored by the Wester ville Visitors & Convention Bureau 6 6

www.westervillemagazine.com

APRIL April 7

Bunny Hop 5K and Easter Egg Hunt 8 a.m., Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle Blvd., www.westerville.org The 5K walk/run begins at 8, followed by a kids’ fun run at 9. The Easter egg hunt kicks off at 10 a.m.

April 7

Easter Eggstravaganza 11:30 a.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillecivitan.org This Westerville Civitan Club Easter egg hunt is organized specifically for special needs children .

April 12

April 20

Taste of Westerville 7-10 p.m., The Lakes Golf and Country Club, 6740 Worthington Rd., www.westervillechamber.com This Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce event features a variety of Westerville restaurants and businesses and a beer and wine tasting.

April 25

Young Professionals Roundtable Breakfast 7:30-9 a.m., Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital, 500 S. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillechamber.com This Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce event features remarks from Janet Meeks, president and chief operating officer at St. Ann’s.

Page Turners 4 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. April 26-29 State St., 614-882-7277, Westerville South High School presents Annie www.westervillelibrary.org Westerville South High School, 303 S. April is National Poetry Month. At Page Turners, Otterbein Ave., 614-797-6000 children ages 6 to 8 can explore poetry.

April 13

Early Music Ensemble Concert 8 p.m., Riley Auditorium, Battelle Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Park St., 614-823-1508, www.otterbein.edu Experience music from the Medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

April 13-29

Curtain Players Theatre presents Titanic: The Musical Curtain Players Theatre, 5691 Harlem Rd., 614-470-4809, www.curtainplayers.com The Curtain Players Theatre commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a staged performance of the 1997 Tony Award-winning Best Musical.

April 15

Capital University Big Band 7:30 p.m., Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd. Part of the A Joyful Noise free concert series.

April 17

Otterbein Department of Music Showcase 12:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m., Church of the Master, 24 N. Grove St., 614-823-1508, www.otterbein.edu

For more events, visit www.visitwester ville.org

April 26-May 5

Otterbein University presents Gypsy Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., www.otterbein.edu The story of a woman whose desire to see her daughter succeed on Broadway drives her to extreme lengths.

Proudly serving and selling in Westerville and surrounding communities since 1975.

April 27

OhioHealth 4th Friday: Uptown Alive 6-9 p.m., Uptown Westerville Enjoy food, music and family fun the fourth Friday of every month. Uptown area shops will also run extended shopping hours.

April 28

Spring Katie Dance 6:30 p.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillecivitan.org This Westerville Civitan Club event is a dance for special needs children designed to help them enjoy social interaction.

SAVE THE DATE: May 17

Discover the Dream 6 p.m., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, www.stjude.org Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at this event celebrating the hospital’s 50th anniversary. The banquet will feature food, cocktails and a silent auction and will be hosted by Columbus’ own Jack Hanna. Tickets are $150 each or $2,000 for a table of 10.

Contact Kurt McCurdy 614-818-7676

Kurt.McCurdy@RealLiving.com

42 N. State St. Westerville, OH 43081 For all your REAL ESTATE NEEDS Visit www.KurtMcCurdy.com 7

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees proudly announces The Ohio State University Medical Center will be called

A historic recognition for a visionary leader.

To anyone who’s been involved with The Ohio State University these past thirty years, Les Wexner’s contributions are no secret.

He has led the University’s Board of Trustees for many years, while contributing his vision, time, and resources. Through his example, he has inspired many others to do the same.

His goal for the University has been consistent from the very beginning: Ohio State should, and must, be a top ten public University.

He has set that standard. And he has personally stepped up to it. Consider: • Les Wexner, his family, and his affiliates, have committed over $200 million to The Ohio State University to date.

• His most recent $100 million pledge was the largest in the University’s history.

• His direct efforts have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in additional University funding.

• He’s served the Board of Trustees for 16 years.

Twice as chairman.

• He’s made very significant donations to The Wexner Center for the Arts, The Ohio State Wexner Jewish Center, and The Wexner Football Complex at The Woody Hayes Athletic Facility.

• He has been heavily involved in The Fisher College of Business, The Moritz College of Law, Medicine, and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

• He has literally touched every facet of this great University.

But for Les Wexner, Ohio State would not be where it is today.

So there can be no better place to acknowledge his efforts than our nationally acclaimed Medical Center, where a $1.1 billion Cancer Hospital and Critical Care Tower are now under construction. Les earmarked much of his latest $100 million donation for the Medical Center.

He said he hoped it would help our world class physicians and researchers “find a cure for cancer in our time.”

It’s a lofty goal.

But Les has always had lofty goals for Ohio State, and he’s led us all to achieve them through his efforts and example.

Les, the Board of Trustees of The Ohio State University, the administration, the faculty, the staff, our 64,000 students, and 500,000 alumni thank you.

The Ohio State University 8

osu.edu/butforohiostate

www.westervillemagazine.com

CityReporter News & Information from the City of Wester ville

Five Signs to Watch for in Uptown Westerville

When you’re new to Westerville, you learn relatively quickly that “Uptown” is actually “downtown,” a district nearly in the direct center of the community where commerce, commuting and other bustling activities take place day and night (that includes devotees to the 2 a.m. Schneider’s Bakery doughnut run).

“Districts like this are rare in a modern-day community, and Westerville is committed to protecting the charm and attraction of the Uptown area,” says Julie Colley, Assistant City Manager. “Uptown generates such camaraderie, whether it’s among those of us who work there day in and day out or the shoppers and tourists in for the afternoon. People genuinely enjoy the opportunity to have lunch, shop and walk around and enjoy their community.”

1

Coming Attractions

Business owners continue to find prime Uptown retail space ideal for development and opportunity. A New York-style deli from the owners of Jimmy V’s is up next. The restaurant is set to move into the former D.J.’s Feed Store on State Street, with an opening expected this spring. Other businesses continue to thrive in Uptown, featuring retail and dining for every taste and budget. Visit the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association website at www.shopuptownwesterville.com for store information, special events, news and announcements. - continued

www.westervillemagazine.com

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w ww. we s t er vil l e . or g

In Westerville, it’s an area of town that has successfully held its old-generation charm while featuring new-generation dining, shopping and entertainment. Uptown is the core of the community, many say. Its shops, specialty stores, eateries and atmosphere attract people from all over central Ohio. And it remains one of the City’s most burgeoning business districts, home to a variety of small and mid-sized businesses.

News & Information from the City of Wester ville

- uptown continued

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3 4 5

Redevelopment of the Former Tea House

In 2011, the City purchased properties at 109 S. State St. and 20 W. Plum St. The house at 109 S. State, which had been known at the Kyoto Tea House, previously operated as an attraction and educational facility on Japanese culture. Due to deteriorating conditions at both properties, the buildings were demolished late last year. The City preserved original mosaic tiles depicting Mt. Fuji, a famous decorative feature in the Tea House, to be used for public education purposes and as part of the future development of the site. Development planning for the former Tea House site is still in the pipeline.

4th Fridays

Façade Improvement Program

Last year, the City of Westerville approved a program that helps protect and promote Uptown’s distinct character through façade – or exterior – improvements. For structures that originated more than 100 years ago, the program seeks to reinvest in projects that restore historic or architecturally significant features to Uptown’s buildings. For more information, contact Economic Development Administrator Jason Bechtold at 614-901-6403.

’Tis the Season – 4th Fridays

The Westerville Visitor and Convention Bureau created 4th Fridays in part to reintroduce Westerville to Uptown, and that they did. Since an average of 8,000 attendees come to the popular all-Uptown “block party,” 4th Fridays have become the don’t-miss events during the months of April through October. Live music, family entertainment, food and every imaginable vendor have made Uptown irresistible during 4th Friday. See www.visitwesterville.org for dates and details.

The Return of Spring

A hanging flower basket may not seem the most important characteristic of Uptown, but it is a sure signal that spring is in the air when they are back for another season. The flower baskets have become special in the district, resulting in one of the most common questions to the Parks & Recreation Department: “How do you get those flowers to grow like that?” It’s a local legend, perhaps, but one that regularly captures the admiration and imagination of our residents and visitors. Look online for tips and instructions on the flower baskets from the City’s horticulturist. Visit the City website (www.westerville.org) for tips and instructions.

Westerville Senior Center Announces New Hours The Westerville Senior Center announces new evening hours starting March 6. In an effort to better serve its members, the Center will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. These new hours will allow our working members the opportunity to participate in our programs.

While the building will operate normally during these evening hours, each night will also play host to new programs and opportunities. Tuesdays will focus on fitness programs, Wednesdays will have a music/arts theme and Thursdays will feature card parties, guest lecturers and more.

For more information, please contact the Westerville Senior Center at 614-901-6560.

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www.westervillemagazine.com

Lyn Kiger Named 2011 Employee of the Year

Congratulations on being recognized as the 2011 Employee of the Year. What does this award mean to you?

It was a complete surprise and shock to me, and the honor should totally go to the department. This award would not have been possible without the great staff that I work with, both part-time and full-time. They are wonderful and hardworking, and we are close enough as a team that it often feels like a family. It means a lot knowing that my nomination came from my co-workers.

Where are you from originally?

Waterville, Ohio – a small town on the Maumee River just north of Bowling Green. It’s a small, close-knit farming community and a great place to grow up!

How long have you worked for Westerville? When did you get started?

I started as a volunteer intern in 1991 teaching preschool classes. Later, I was hired as a summer camp supervisor/ leader and taught classes part-time while going to college at The Ohio State University, majoring in Recreational Education. I continued with my summer internship and, after graduation in 1995, worked part-time developing new classes. In 1997, I was hired full-time as a Program Supervisor, and I have been here growing with the department since then.

What is a typical day for you in the Parks & Recreation Department?

We do not have typical days at the Westerville Community Center. I go with the flow, armed with an agenda of what I want to get done in the day. But that can and does change at any time due to the visitors and the kids and their needs.

Setting up rooms and programs, checking to make sure all areas are staffed properly, helping in child care rooms with class switchover and when they are busy watching the children. Assisting in any emergencies or requests that may come up. Answering phone calls and voice mails for booking parties and guests, and then hopefully getting the to-do list done for upcoming programs and requests.

What is the most rewarding experience you have had in your 15 years with the Parks & Recreation Department?

Seeing children I had in programs when they were 3 years old. They have grown up and become responsible adults and leaders, and have a desire to come back to work at depart-

ment. I’ve been fortunate to train them as staff. I mean, these are the same “kids” that I worked with through separation anxiety issues when their parents dropped them off in the Sprouts room at 3 years old. They are now graduating from college and looking for full-time jobs. It is nice to see the kids grow and become confident, responCity Manager Dave Collinsworth presents the sible, reliable adults Employee of the Year award to Lyn Kiger. within our community.

What stands out as one of the most challenging experiences, and how did you overcome it?

Offering evening programs for the working parent. There are so many evening activities offered in the Community Center for adults, teens and youth, so it can be difficult to find the space to offer evening preschool programs. It can be an organizational challenge to coordinate the variety of classes and times that are offered to the public, but we are committed to providing a diverse selection.

What is your favorite activity or event that the Parks & Recreation Department offers? Why? Touch-a-Truck! It is fun to get the trucks together and see the children and parents and their reaction to the large vehicles they typically only see at a distance. I have fun myself seeing the inside of vehicles. I drive around town going, “Oh! I want to get that for Touch-a-Truck!”

What is something about the programs you manage that people may not know?

I manage preschool programs and special events such as the Baby Bargain Boutique, Half Pint Hullabaloo, Toucha-Truck, Cabin Fever Reliever, Preschool Open House and many more. Even though they are annual events, people may not know the time and effort we spend in and out of the office looking for and working on new ideas for the events.

We brainstorm constantly and look for new and exciting activities that we can offer the families in our community.

w ww. w e s te r v il l e .o r g

Each December, the City of Westerville recognizes outstanding employees who have demonstrated excellent performance, productivity, loyalty, pride and responsibility. Employee of the Year candidates are nominated by their peers and/or supervisors. A committee comprised of City staff reviews the applications, selecting recipients of the Excellence in Service Award and one Employee of the Year. The City of Westerville is pleased to announce Lyn Kiger from the Parks & Recreation Department was selected as the 2011 Employee of the Year.

What do you do in your leisure time?

Leisure time? Ha! I have two girls (Ashley, 7, and Allison, 10) who are very active in school, basketball, tumbling, Girl Scouts and horses. I took on the role of “cookie mom” this year and co-4H leader for their activities. The girls ride horses and they show them at the local shows, so my leisure time is spending time with them and my husband, Brad.

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News & Information from the City of Wester ville

Mark Your Calendars

Congratulations to the 2011 Excellence in Service Award Winners:

Parks & Recreation Spring Registration: March 2-5 Registration for spring classes and programs begins Friday, March 2. The Parks & Recreation Department offers three ways to register: by mail, by phone and online. All programs are profiled in the Spring/ Summer 2012 edition of the Westerville Community Recreation Guide. For more information, please call the Westerville Community Center at 614-901-6500.

S.O.S (Serving Our Seniors) Day Set for March 31 The Westerville Division of Police, in partnership with the Westerville Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association, will host the fifth annual S.O.S. (Serving Our Seniors) Safety Day on Saturday, March 31. This free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Rd. S.O.S is designed to serve the senior community and their caregivers by providing education and awareness training focusing on health, safety and crime prevention. Vendors, food and prizes are available while supplies last. No registration required. For more information, call 614-9016490.

Find Tax Forms Online The federal and local tax deadline this year is Tuesday, April 17. Income tax forms may be downloaded on the City of Westerville website at www.westerville.org. For information or questions, please call the Income Tax Department at 614-901-6420 or visit the office at 64 E. Walnut St.

L

APRI

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• • • • • •

Scott Cote, Water Department Christa Dickey, Community Affairs David Flowers, Westerville Electric Division Gina Love, Finance Steven Morlan, Communications Tom Patterson, Procurement, Department of Administrative Services

• Phyllis Self, Parks & Recreation • Doug Vineyard, Parks & Recreation • Linda Weir, Westerville Division of Fire

2011 Safety Matters Award

The 2011 Safety Matters Award was presented to the Public Service Department. The criteria for the award are not limited to actual accident or incident occurrences over this year, but accumulated points for safety trainings, institution of safe practices and policies, safety-related staff meetings, and adherence to the City’s injury reporting procedures. Consistently high marks in these areas are evidence of a strong culture of safety within the winning Service Department. Congratulations!

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refrigerators and freezers recycled to date by the Westerville Electric Division in partnership with JACO Environmental. This represents the proper recycling of a collective weight of more than

17,268 lbs

of oil, Freon, metal, glass, plastic and foam.

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www.westervillemagazine.com

Otterbein University Hosts Regional Summit Opportunity Nation Summit at Otterbein focuses on Women and the New American Dream Otterbein University will bring regional and national leaders together with students, educators and community partners on Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, at Otterbein’s Westerville campus to discuss the role of higher education in ensuring future opportunities for women.

As one of 12 universities across the nation selected to host an Opportunity Nation summit, Otterbein will create an open collaborative space in which participants will share, imagine and build innovative new pathways for women’s social, political and economic mobility. These discussions will culminate in a strategic regional action plan for higher education and community partners to prepare women to succeed in the 21st century. The plan will be presented at a Town Hall meeting hosted by MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing, an Otterbein alumna.

Participants can choose among five tracks, including conversations about raising awareness of the institutional and structural obstacles facing women; developing new strategies in higher education that support the flourishing of women and girls; cultivating meaningful and sustainable community partnerships that help create more communities of opportunity; training a new generation to become social change agents in their own communities; and unleashing resources to transform the everyday experiences of women and girls.

Highlights of the events currently include a Student Leadership Institute for college students and an Ask Legal Series, addressing key legal issues in social change work. At the IN/vent Tents, people can drop by and vent about obstacles

facing women or share strategies to create new pathways for women. A Community Action Poverty Simulation will allow participants to roleplay as members of a family living in poverty or as community service providers. The World Café will engage participants in conversations about the powerful questions that matter to those committed to cultivating more opportunities for women and girls. And participants at the Hunger Banquet will share both the story and the average meal of a low, middle or upper class person as they join others at lunch.

MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing (left) and former chief executive officer and president of Wendy’s International Kerrii Anderson (right) are among the regional and national women leaders slated to speak at the two-day event.

www.westervillemagazine.com

Participants can register at www.otterbein.edu/opportunitynation. Fees for participation are $25 for students, $75 for nonstudents and $10 for Otterbein students and employees. Registration includes attendance to a keynote event on Friday, March 9, and participation in workshops, lectures, lunch, a Hunger Banquet, a World Café, a poverty simulation and a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, March 10.

For more information, visit www.bethechangeinc.org and www.opportunitynation.org.

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w w w. w es t e r vi l l e. o r g

Speakers at the two-day event include regional and national women leaders, including keynote speaker Jo Luck, former president and CEO of Heifer International; national service expert Shirley Sagawa; American Association of Colleges and Universities Senior Vice President Caryn McTighe Musil; and MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing. Kerrii Anderson, former chief executive officer and president of Wendy’s International, serves as honorary chairwoman of the event.

News & Information from the City of Wester ville

Westerville Community Contacts FIRE/MEDICAL/POLICE EMERGENCY..................................................... 9-1-1 Gas/Carbon Monoxide Leaks. . ............................................................ 9-1-1 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.. ......................................................... 901-6591 —Highlands Park Aquatic Center............................................ 901-7665 —Recreation Program Center.. ............................................... 901-6531 —Senior Center................................................................. 901-6560 —Shelter Information. . ........................................................ 901-6515 —Urban Forestry. . .............................................................. 901-6598 Permits —Building........................................................................ 901-6650 —Burning. . ....................................................................... 901-6600 —Parade/Block Party.. ........................................................ 901-6410 —Security Alarm................................................................ 901-6482 —Zoning.......................................................................... 901-6650.

All area codes are 614 unless otherwise noted.

Planning & Development Department............................................. 901-6650 —Planning, Engineering & Zoning.......................................... 901-6650 —Traffic Engineering........................................................... 901-6670 —Zoning Enforcement......................................................... 901-6660 Police Division Headquarters........................................................ 901-6450 —Administration................................................................ 901-6470 —Detectives.. .................................................................... 901-6475 —Patrol........................................................................... 901-6482 —Recorded Information Line................................................. 901-6879 —Records. . ....................................................................... 901-6450 Service Department.. .................................................................. 901-6740 —Sewer Emergencies.......................................................... 901-6740 —Sewer Line Maintenance................................................... 901-6740 —Stormwater Hotline. . ........................................................ 901-6740 —Street Emergencies.......................................................... 901-6740 —Street Maintenance Repairs.. .............................................. 901-6740 —Trash/Recycling Collection. . ............................................... 901-6740 —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 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.............................................................. 462-3160 —Property Taxes................................................................ 462-3696 —Voter Registration. . .......................................................... 462-3100 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

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All-City news and information: @tellwesterville Westerville Electric Division: @WvilleElectric Westerville Parks & Recreation: @WestervillePark Westerville Division of Police: @WestervillePD

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faces

By Lisa Aurand

Children’s poetry is former economics professor’s life

Photography by Christa Smothers

From Professor to He’s a retired Otterbein University

professor living quietly in Westerville, but that’s just J. Patrick Lewis’ mild-mannered alter ego.

When he’s not tucked away in his study, he’s traveling the country – a poetry superhero for thousands of children.

Lewis, who has written more than 50 children’s poetry books, was named Children’s Poet Laureate by the national Poetry Foundation in May 2011 and is in the midst of his two-year term. He’s only the third person to hold the title, which is relatively new. Previous honorees include Jack Prelutsky and Mary Ann Hoberman.

Thirty years ago, Lewis, 69, who used to write papers on economics, didn’t imagine that he’d end up as one of the country’s most renowned poets. A Gary, Ind. native, he attended a private school for his undergraduate degree and went on to pursue a master’s at Indiana University, both in de-

16

cidedly non-poetic fields. Lewis knew that to teach at the college level, he’d need a doctorate, so he moved to central Ohio to further his education at The Ohio State University with doctorate in economics.

“The people I met weren’t in English or libraries. They were in the social sciences and economics, so that’s what I gravitated towards,” Lewis says. “People don’t read economics articles. They just don’t.

It’s an entirely different kind of writing.”

Lewis moved to Westerville to teach economics at Otterbein and has been

here since, barring a six-year stretch immediately following his retirement.

A family vacation with his three children inspired him to start writing for someone other than colleagues on Wall Street and in higher education.

“In 1979, I went to a place called Cumberland Falls, Ky. at just the right time of year,” Lewis says. “You see the white rainbow – it’s called a moonbow – and it’s the only place in America that it occurs, and that sort of inspired a story and I was off and running.”

But it wasn’t easy to break into the world of children’s literature. Lewis endured seven years of rejection before Random House finally published his first book. Ten books later, Lewis began making elementary school visits. That interaction with the kids was all the Lewis recently visited Westerville’s Fouse Elementary School, where he read to students. www.westervillemagazine.com

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push he needed to make the leap to fulltime authorship in 1998, after his retirement from Otterbein.

“I quit teaching. I quit economics. I’d fallen in love with poetry,” says Lewis. “So that’s what I do. I write and I make school visits and I go to conferences. I’ve visited about 475 elementary schools all over the world.”

This year alone, he’s scheduled to travel to eight states and Russia – on top of visits to seven Ohio elementary schools and the Ohio Council Teachers of English Language Arts conference in Columbus.

“Honestly, if you make school visits, you just can’t believe how kids treat you like a rock star,” he says. “They treat you so wonderfully. The teachers are great. I’ve never had a bad school visit.”

Most of the school visits are day-long ventures, so Lewis can fit in four presentations of about 45 minutes each.

“It’s mostly poetry appreciation,” he says.

“I talk about writing and rewriting and editing and publishing and I answer questions, and by the time that’s all done, the 45 minutes is just about up.” www.westervillemagazine.com

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In addition, in his role as poet laureate, he is serving as an advisor to the Poetry Foundation on children’s literature. It’s a busy schedule, but between travels, he lives a relatively quiet life at home with his wife, Susan, and their dog. He spends some time video chatting with his three children and five grandchildren. Otherwise, he doesn’t do much but sit in his study working for up to nine hours a day, every day.

“I hate to say it like that, because it makes it sound like drudgery, but it isn’t. If I couldn’t do it, I’d just feel bereft. I’d be at sea,” Lewis says. “It’s really a hedonistic activity. I don’t do it so much to give pleasure, although it’s fun when people read my work and enjoy it, but you get pleasure from writing. That’s why I do it.”

Unlike his first story, the ideas for most of Lewis’ books don’t just appear in the night sky – and even after all the success he’s experienced, not all his ideas are accepted for publication.

“It’s not inspiration. It’s all perspiration.

It’s all dedicated work. Personally, I don’t really believe in inspiration,” Lewis says.

“You just have to sit for long hours and think and think and write and write and rewrite. I don’t mean to say that in a negative sense, because if you told me I couldn’t do it, it would be like saying, ‘Stop breathing.’”

Lewis has 13 more books in the works.

His first book of adult poetry, Gulls Hold Up the Sky, was published in 2010 by Laughing Fire Press.

For more information on Lewis and his books, visit www.jpatricklewis.com.

Lisa Aurand is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd. com.

18

www.westervillemagazine.com

By Duane St. Clair

Photography by Wes Kroninger

Four Decades of Aid

W.A.R.M. plans yearlong celebration of 40th anniversary The story of W.A.R.M. is a story of

evolution.

The heralded food and social assistance program that serves needy Westerville City School District residents grew from its beginnings as Paul’s Pantry to a multifaceted, generously supported presence today.

It has been four decades since Paul’s Pantry was set up in the basement of an old white home on the St. Paul Catholic Church campus on North State Street.

Now, the Westerville Area Resource Ministry is observing its 40th anniversary all through 2012.

In that expanse of time, the pantry has become a full-fledged charitable organization supported by a generous community and 25 local churches.

Within just a few years of the organization’s genesis, the size of the operation, coordinated then by Westerville area ministers, “had become unmanageable,” says Scott Marier, the outfit’s executive director. W.A.R.M. got its new name when it was incorporated as an official charitable organization in 2001.

Marier, who had been minister at Westerville Christian Community Church, joined W.A.R.M. in 2005 after longtime www.westervillemagazine.com

administrator Jodi Humphries had to quit for health reasons. Marier’s 11-year ministry had involved outreach and missions, and his church was a member of W.A.R.M., so he was familiar with it.

Its effort grows steadily with an emphasis on helping the needy get back on their financial feet. Its purpose is “a hand up, not a hand out,” says Marier.

“Poverty is migrating from urban areas to the suburbs,” including from Columbus to Westerville, as people are drawn by jobs, better schools and housing, Marier says. To deal with the influx, W.A.R.M. has three full-time and nine part-time employees, and enlists about 250 volunteers.

The organization has several avenues to help people, the most prominent of which is food assistance. The organization works to help the needy overcome “food insecurity,” that circumstance under which “they’re not sure what’s going to be in the cupboard each night.”

Traditionally, recipients receive a bag containing a three-day supply of groceries. “Three days doesn’t eliminate the problems,” Marier says, adding that it “doesn’t make sense for people to drive across town” for so few groceries.

Some qualified recipients may instead get a six-day supply of basic foods, along with some household supplies, based on the federal nutrition chart.

The income limit to qualify for help from W.A.R.M. is 200 percent of the poverty level, compared to 180 percent in government programs, Marier says.

Volunteers help recipients make selections using colored charts that break down need based on family size. Twice monthly, these recipients are given food amounting to half the nutritional values on the food table. Recipients usually get food stamps they can use to supplement their needs, as the pantry doesn’t carry perishables or much meat.

Clients are served by appointment, which controls the flow and allows 20 to 30 minutes for recipients to talk with the staff. In addition, the individual attention has a reassuring effect on clients.

But that’s not all there is to it. When they are enrolled in the program, recipients talk with W.A.R.M. staffers about their struggles and how to overcome them, whether they need to find a job, return to a job or train for a new job. They have a “client slate” listing challenges they face and, on each visit, discuss with the staff 19

Scott Marier, W.A.R.M. director, and Almina Smock-Wiebell, one of the original organizers of W.A.R.M.

what they have done to deal with those challenges. Marier calls it a “sort of tough love sheet.”

There is a difference between “generational poverty” and “situational poverty,” Marier says. The first includes those who have lived in poverty for two successive generations and know no other way. The latter poverty can be from any number of causes, ranging from divorce to job loss to illness.

The W.A.R.M. approach targets the restoration of self-esteem, meaning recipients are treated with dignity; Marier is well aware of the stigma that can accompany accepting free food. Recipients can get help budgeting limited income so they “can have a little more stability,” he says.

Some might receive some limited financial assistance and employment coaching, such as resume writing and interview skills, all to “help people help themselves.”

W.A.R.M., headquartered at 175A E. Broadway, is self-sufficient and survives solely on contributions that have taken it to a more than $1 million organization. Late last year, the White Castle Foundation gave W.A.R.M. an unsolicited $100,000 grant, payable over three years, one of the largest one-time donations the non-profit has ever received.

The organization works with clubs, schools and business groups to raise funds and food. It buys 60 percent of its food and household supplies, and the amount needed has increased steadily. In 2008, W.A.R.M. served 9,159 people. In just two years, the latest for which data was available, that rose to 14,038.

In 2010, 56 recipients found jobs, and 49 still had them a year later.

Their average pay was $11.20 an hour, which in turn added more than $1 million to the area economy. “The highest shakeout period is the first 60 to 90 days,” Marier says.

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Not everyone comes to W.A.R.M. headquarters for assistance. Last summer, the organization sponsored a children’s club in Ridgewood Park to provide youngsters some playtime and a lunch. It was located near a school that has a high level of free lunch recipients. Next summer, the organization will sponsor four clubs.

Cheryl Wooten, who handles donor development, notes W.A.R.M. is successful because of wide community support and businesses large and small in the Westerville area that are generous supporters and sources of jobs for recipients.

Besides an annual prayer breakfast, W.A.R.M. also receives a financial boost from an annual walk and 5K run, and this year will hold its first benefit dinner, as well as its usual smaller-scale, community-based efforts.

The anniversary theme will be carried through the year. The fall benefit will be an opportunity “to thank the people who have brought us here,” Wooten says, and to consider “what the next 40 years are going to be like.”

For more information, go to www.warmwesterville.org.

Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com.

www.WestervilleMagazine.com to read Visit more about the origin of W.A.R.M.

W.A.R.M. 40th Anniversary Events May 3

Westerville Prayer Breakfast 7-8:30 a.m., Westerville Recreation and Community Center $40 admission per person.

May 19

Walk 4 Faith 8:30 a.m., Columbus Zoo & Aquarium $20 entry fee, plus pledges for a church or faith-based organization.

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Family Fun Fest 3-6 p.m., Alum Creek Park Free games, family entertainment.

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W.A.R.M. Benefit Medallion Country Club Details to be announced.

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21

&

in focus By Garth Bishop

Flex

Balances

Academic options nearly limitless with district’s credit flexibility program For ambitious Westerville

students, medical research and collegelevel mathematics are just as much of an academic option as English and social studies.

In accordance with state mandates, the Westerville City School District last year rolled out its credit flexibility program. Through it, students can vastly expand their educational options with college classes, online learning, internships, testing out of introductory courses or even designing their own curriculum.

“It is allowed to take on its own shape,” says Machelle Kline, director of assessment and alternative education services. “If a student is truly after a piece of knowledge, they can get it with credit flexibility.”

This school year, there are 69 students across the district enrolled in credit flexibility curriculum. There is no age limit on credit flexibility, but the vast majority of participating students are in high school and none of them is in elementary school.

Budget cuts have forced the district to be creative to further the education of students whose interests lie in courses not taught at Westerville, Kline says.

“If they desire to be an engineer, why not give them an experience in middle school or high school to see if that’s what they want?” she says.

Though some college courses come pre-approved, as a general rule the district must approve a student’s plan before he or she is allowed to move forward on it. Each school has a five-person review committee whose makeup depends on 22

the content of the coursework the student is seeking.

To set it up, the student fills out an application and sends it to the committee, which looks it over to see if it meets content standards. Within 10 days, the committee must decide whether to fully or conditionally approve or reject the application. If conditionally approved, the student and his or her parents have another 10 days to revise and re-submit.

Studies show that real-life experiences provide a useful and sustainable way to bolster students’ education, says Karen McClellan, chief academic officer for the Department of Academic Affairs.

“Our students will be able to redefine the classroom experience,” McClellan says.

One option for students looking to get more out of their education is college classes. Westerville has partnerships with Otterbein University and The Ohio State University to expand the horizons of its students and offer them classes Westerville does not teach. “These options are for students who have exhausted the coursework of Westerville City Schools,” Kline says.

Student Taylor Saltsman gives a research presentation at OhioHealth.

Two students are now taking multivariable calculus at Otterbein. One is Phillip Craigmile, a senior at Westerville North High School. Last semester, he took Otterbein’s Calculus 2 course. He took both calculus courses at the district’s Academic Enrichment Center across the street from Westerville South High School.

“I kind of took all the math classes at school already, so it was either a college class or no class at all,” says Craigmile.

“Even though I’m still in high school, it will prepare me for college next year without overwhelming me.”

College classes cost money, of course, but often the college will waive the application fee or even the course fee, says Kline.

Another option is testing out of low-level courses for which the student already has demonstrated aptitude. This carries risks – there’s no guarantee the student will ace the test, after all – but it’s a quicker way to get credit for a course so the student can move forward. The score the student gets on the test will appear on his www.westervillemagazine.com

Students John Jackson and Ian McClure present their research projects at OhioHealth.

or her report card, just as if the class had been taken.

Online, correspondence and tutorled courses are also options. Sean O’Donnell, a senior at Westerville Central High School, is taking an online AP physics course, and is also in the midst of a research project studying Fc receptors in spleen sinusoidal endothelial cells. He also hopes to take an engineering course at OSU in the spring.

“It’s more real-world experience,” O’Donnell says. “You aren’t put up in a box the entire day.”

Some particularly driven students use the freedom provided by credit flexibility to design their own curriculum. They may work with businesses, nonprofits, government entities or other outside sources to

figure out how to best spend their educational time.

In one case, a Spanish teacher at Walnut Springs Middle School worked with two students who already spoke Spanish to design a unique curriculum focused more on literature and culture than on fluency.

Madison McClain, a senior at Central, is working with OhioHealth to study ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) with Jean Halpin, director of operations at OhioHealth’s Westerville Medical Campus, as her mentor. She spends time at home, researching from Central or at the Metro School near the OSU campus, and will be interviewing doctors and getting in-

formation from ALS-focused groups. The eventual goal: to determine whether a comprehensive ALS research center in one of the OhioHealth hospitals would be beneficial to central Ohio patients afflicted with the terminal disease.

McClain was the first Westerville student to use the credit flexibility program, taking two art classes in the summer between her sophomore and junior years and then taking a STEM curriculum class last year.

“I think it’s great that a student in high school is able to complete an undergrad-

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Student Madison McClain shows off an art project she made as part of her credit flex courses for 2010-11.

uate research project,” says McClain.

“It’s going to be awesome to tell the colleges that I’m applying to, ‘Hey, I’m a senior in high school and this is the second professional research project I’ve conducted.’”

Summer school, once the only option for students who needed additional flexibility in their schedules or to retake a course, is still a possibility in Westerville.

The district is one of a limited number in central Ohio to still have full summer offerings.

Interest in a subject not offered by Westerville schools is not the only motivation for students who choose credit flexibility. It’s also a way for a student to fit in a class that is offered, but whose placement in the school day would otherwise conflict with the student’s schedule.

Specially designed curriculum need not take place during the school year, as is the case with Westerville North High School students who will incorporate a six-week trip to Spain over the summer into their Spanish classes by keeping journals, recording video and giving a presentation to Spanish 1 students at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.

“Just to graduate them isn’t enough,” Kline says. “We have to make sure they’re college-ready and career-ready.”

Garth Bishop is editor of Westerville Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

living By Carly Kohake

Photo courtesy of Ciminello’s Inc.

Porch & Patio Pointers Get your outdoor spaces ready for spring with these professional tips As the weather warms up, you and your family may be feeling the itch to get back outside.

But that means the patio and porches need to get ready for outdoor living once again.

Whether you have put a lot of currency, consideration and time into your patio or porch, or whether you have just now decided to join the outdoor-living world, here are some techniques to use when getting you outdoor space up to par. Experts in landscaping, hardscaping and outdoor furniture share their opinions, pointers and tips for getting your patio or porch ready for spring. www.westervillemagazine.com

The Power is Yours

Mark Ciminello – owner of Ciminello’s Inc. a landscaping and garden center based near Westerville – tells his customers they first should get rid of surface grime by using a power washer.

“Most patios are lower maintenance than decks; (if there is) any mold or if the patios are dirty, what they need is a good power washing,” Ciminello says. “If you do power wash, you may need to re-sand the joints, which will help with weeds over time.”

A power washer can also be a big help in dealing with the hard stains that may occur in outdoor life, says Archie Suttles of Oakland Nursery. A serious stain should be washed off right away.

“If they drop wine or fruit juice, it can stain (the porch or patio) really badly,” Suttles says.

Restore Outdoors

Restorative maintenance work offers a variety of ways to keep your outdoor spaces looking good year after year.

Re-sanding keeps weeds out and helps with the overall structure of the patio, Ciminello says.

Ciminello warns homeowners of a bigger problem if the patio has been neglected: The patio or edge pavers may need to be re-leveled if they have settled.

“Power washing is purely cosmetic,” he says.

25

We’re Just a Smile Away!

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Photo courtesy of Ciminello’s Inc.

This Sand is Your Sand

One little-known product that Ciminello recommends is polymeric sand, which helps prevent weeds from growing in hardscapes.

The special sand sticks to stone or other sand particles because of the organic materials and creates glue to prevent water from seeping through. It also keeps pavers from moving.

To apply the polymeric sand in any patio, the existing sand needs to be washed out of the paver joints with a power washer.

Furniture Facts

When it comes to outdoor furniture, Randy Johnson, a Scioto Valley salesman, suggests customers consider what level and kind of maintenance they are willing to put into it.

“If you’re going to spend the time and money that this is going to cost, be honest with yourself with how much you’re willing to put into maintenance,” says Johnson. Luckily for customers though, “There is so much out there that is extremely low maintenance.”

Outdoor furniture is becoming more expensive-looking, almost to the point where it would not look out of place inside the house. As a result, Johnson says, many homeowners are almost too cautious with their outdoor furniture. For example, cushions are designed to be outdoors, so homeowners need not worry about rain; they only need to be brought inside for winter storage.

Carly Kohake is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

J

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Landscape Design & Install - Paver Patios, Walks & Drives - Retaining Walls & Seating Walls - Outdoor Kitchens, Pizza Ovens & Fireplaces - Garden Structures, Pergolas & Decks - Water Gardens, Ponds & Fountains Outdoor living projects just became more affordable with Belgard’s preferred payment program for homeowners!

We can create the backyard of your dreams without having to prolong a project due to budgetary constraints.

This program is only available to homeowners through a participating Belgard Authorized Contractor. Up to 365 day same-as-cash! Call for details!

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Offer expires April 30, 2012 and is available to new residential customers. $60.00 per month bundle includes any two: 2Mbps Internet, Basic Cable with one Digital Adapter or Essential Phone. $80.00 per month bundle includes 2Mbps Internet, Basic Cable with one Digital Adapter and Essential Phone. Bundle prices guaranteed until January 1, 2014. Prices and price guarantees exclude taxes, fees (including, as applicable, regulatory and franchise fees, regulatory recovery fees, line charges, carrier fees and access fees and charges), cost recovery charges, surcharges, excises, program related fees (such as universal service, telecom relay services for the visually/hearing impaired, rights-of-way access, and programs supporting the 911/E911 system), additional equipment, installation, service call charges, and usage-based charges (collectively, the “Separate Fees and Charges”). To receive certain services you must lease a WOW! modem at $5.00 per month. Digital equipment is required on every TV to receive WOW! Basic Cable. TVs with built-in QAM digital tuners do not need WOW! digital equipment to receive WOW! Basic Cable. Additional Digital Adapters are available at $2.00 per month. A customer equipment discount is available to customers who supply their own CableCARD enabled device in connection with a bundle of WOW! services that combine video service and equipment into a single fee, including a bundled offer of multiple services. Actual Internet speeds may vary. Offers not valid with any other discount. Offers and services subject to change without notice. Please see WOW!’s complete terms and conditions or call WOW! for further information regarding services and offers. Smiles are complimentary and may be offered without notice. © 2012 WideOpenWest Finance, LLC.

www.westervillemagazine.com WOW_Westerville_Ad_halfpg_012012.indd

1

1/25/12 11:28 AM27

on the table By Christopher Braun

Global Grub When Goetz Nickel came

to America, he had

six goals in mind.

In order, they were: learn English, become a U.S. citizen, meet his life’s companion, buy a home, raise a family and become a millionaire.

In his book, Sauerkraut, Pizza and Apple Pie, Westerville resident Nickel chronicles his journey to achieving his first five goals. Nickel is still working toward his sixth goal – something, he says, you can always do in America.

Nickel was born in Cologne, Germany, where he resided during much of World War II, an event that “was a battle for survival every second of his life,” he says, and one in which he still has a constant reminder today.

While in Germany, Nickel was hit by a small piece of shrapnel that is still embedded in his skin – a pesky inconvenience when going through TSA screenings, he says.

Raised by his paternal grandparents in the German countryside, Nickel received plenty of inspiration from traditional German food, as cooking was an activity always enjoyed by his family.

After immigrating to America and becoming a citizen, Nickel met his Italian-born wife, Luisa, on a blind date. Just one month later, he proposed, and two months after that, Goetz and Luisa were married. They celebrated their 42year anniversary this February.

A man’s journey to America and the food along the way

Despite coming from two very different countries, the couple’s cultural differences have never crossed Goetz’s mind, he says.

“Looking in from the outside, one would think we might have had major differences between our two cultures,” he says. “We never gave this much thought.

We take it one day at a time through our peaks and valleys.”

Luisa’s love of cooking only further expanded Goetz’s palate; his wife, Goetz says, is known among friends as a great cook. His book describes how foods from the three countries in which he and his wife have lived have influenced their lives and family.

Mixed in among the short stories included in his book are recipes from each of the countries and cultures that have come into his life. Included in the book are recipes for sauerkraut balls, sausage pizza and apple cake, the three dishes that contributed to the name of his book.

While Goetz is the author of the family and does enjoy cooking, he frequently leaves the culinary decisions to his wife.

“Frankly, can anyone argue with an Italian-born American wife who is a great cook?” he says. “My answer is, I strongly believe in preserving the value of my marriage oath!”

Christopher Braun is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com

Goetz Nickel’s Apple Cake Ingredients: • 1 ¾ cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1 cup oil • 1 tsp. vanilla • 2 cups sifted flour • 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 cup chopped walnuts • 2 cups sliced apples 28

Directions: Beat eggs until light. Add sugar, oil and vanilla and beat well.

Add flour, cinnamon, salt and soda, and mix well. Fold in nuts and apples.

Pour into a greased and floured 9” by 13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream. www.westervillemagazine.com

For Goetz’s sausage pizza recipe visit WestervilleMagazine.com

Sauerkraut Balls Ingredients: • ½ lb. lean boneless ham • ½ lb. lean boneless pork • ½ lean corned beef • 1 medium onion • 1 tsp. minced parsley • 3 Tbsp. shortening • 2 cups flour • 1 tsp. salt • 2 cups milk • 2 lb. sauerkraut, cooked and drained • 2 eggs, slightly beaten • Dry bread crumbs • 1 tsp. dry mustard Directions: Put meats and onion through food grinder. Add parsley and blend well.

Saute in shortening until browned.

Add flour, mustard, salt and milk.

Blend together and cook, stirring constantly until thick. Add sauerkraut and put mixture through food grinder.

Mix thoroughly. Return to skillet and cook until very thick, stirring constantly. Let cool.

Form into balls, roll in flour, dip in eggs, roll in bread crumbs. Deep fry in hot fat at 370 degrees.

www.westervillemagazine.com

You only need one.

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*Subject to IRS rules regarding eligibility to contribute to an IRA. Not all IRAs can be combined without adverse tax consequences.

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Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related consequences of any actions or investments described herein.

© 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC436437 7009215 RET026 01/12 29

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bookmarks

Youth Reads Selected by Becky O’Neil, Youth Services

Troublemaker (Juvenile Fiction)

By Andrew Clements

Community information Contests Giveaways and More!

From the Westerville Public Library

Clayton is proud to be the biggest troublemaker in school.

When his brother is released from jail and encourages him to act better, he has a hard time changing his ways.

Let’s Count to 100 (Juvenile Nonfiction)

By Masayuki Sebe

This unique counting book shows 100 things on each double-page spread, from cats to kids to moles. Kids will enjoy the extra seekand-find questions such as “How many cats have striped tails?”

Adult Reads

An Incomplete Education: 3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn’t

The Fault in Our Stars (Teen Fiction)

By John Green

A Ball for Daisy (Picture Book)

By Chris Raschka

Green tackles themes of life, death and love as he introduces Hazel and Augustus, two teens who meet in their cancer support group – and fall for each other.

Although Daisy is a dog, any young reader with a favorite toy will understand when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. The bright, energetic pictures tell this wordless story.

Selected by Nieca Nowels, Adult Services

Earn It, Learn It: Teach Your Child the Value of Money, Work, and Time Well Spent

The Healthy PC: Preventive Care, Home Remedies, and Green Computing

Teach Yourself Visually: Crocheting

By Cecily Keim and Kim P. Werker

Get started in the art of crochet with

By Judy Jones and

By Alisa T. Weinstein Become your own William Wilson this inviting guide ofInstead of a weekly computer expert Covering a wide fering instruction for handout to each with these tips, range of discichild, here is an based on 20 years basic stitches and plines, this book alternative allowof PC repair experi- techniques, loads answers thousands ance program that ence, for diagnos- of color photos and of questions – many combines innovative ing and fixing patterns for inspired answers you once and imaginative ac- common problems projects. knew, but promptly tivities with learning as well as improvforgot after the life skills. ing performance. exam!

The Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. • Phone: 614-882-7277 • www.westervillelibrary.org Mon.-Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun.: closed.

30

By Guy Hart-Davis

www.westervillemagazine.com

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31

ONLY ONE PLACE IN

WESTERVILLE CAN HANDLE

ANY EMERGENCY.

At Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, we’re ready for any emergency with timely, comprehensive emergency care.

All in one place. Right here in Westerville. Mount Carmel St. Ann’s is a full-service hospital, with a full range of diagnostic and surgical services for emergency situations. And our new Fast Track area provides prompt attention so patients can receive treatment and return home more quickly. At the first sign of trouble, choose the emergency department that can take care of everything. The Emergency Department at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s. Everything an emergency department should be. mountcarmelhealth.com

Call 614-234-LIFE for your free travel first aid kit.

Mike Blue, MD 28 years of service