INSIDE CITY REPORTER Westerville News and Information Children Helping Children Nationwide Children’s New Surgery Center Taste of Westerville Winners
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Shutterbugs Westerville residents aim their cameras at their hometown
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Inside
JULY/AUGUST 2012
09
City Reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
VOL. 11 NO. 6
06 community calendar 09 city reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
16 faces
Charitable Children Middle-schoolers’ nonprofit help less- fortunate kids obtain needed supplies
18 in focus
16
Surgical Strike Convenience and comfort are paramount at new Nationwide Children’s facility
20 Shutterbugs
Westerville residents aim their cameras at their hometown
24 living
24
Captain of the Gardens Couple’s hard work pays off with eye-popping garden and yard setup
Summer at the Library
27 Promoting from Within
Westerville Walkway gives local artists a place at festival
28 on the table
Double Your Deliciousness People’s Choice winners serve up solid local favorites
30 bookmarks
Find Westerville Magazine on Facebook and Twitter Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com
Recommendations from the Westerville Public Library
Read for fun and prizes through July 30
Ice Cream Social & Storytimes Thursday, July 12 7-8:30pm
On the Cover:
Linsdey & Leif enjoy Millstone Park by Westerville resident Linda Laine
Presented by the Friends of the Library $1 Suggested Donation
by
westervillelibrary.org • (614) 882-7277
5
2012
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
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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Sounds of Summer Concert Series
6:30 p.m. Sundays, Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N.Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org Sponsored by Westerville Parks and Recreation, this series includes performances by Breezin Smooth Jazz, Marquis 66, Swing’s the Thing and Avalon Nine. No performance July 15.
July 4
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Independence Day Celebration 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Alum Creek Park, 221 W. Main St., www.westervillerotary.com Celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Celebration. Participate in the 5K Run and Walk at Alum Creek Park at 8 a.m. The parade, during which food donations will be collected for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, starts at 1 p.m. and follows state Rt. 3 north. The Westerville Symphony puts on a patriotic concert at 9 p.m., and fireworks follow at 10 p.m.
July 4-25
Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, corner of North State and East Home streets, www.marketwednesday.com Area farmers offer certified organic and conventional produce and artisan foods.
July 9-13
Uptown Art Camp David Myers Art Studio & Gallery, Uptown Westerville, www.davidmyersart.com For the ninth year, children ages 5-16 can improve their artistic technique through a week of individualized instruction. At the end of the
JULY week, a free artists’ gallery reception and exhibit open to the public features the children’s art.
July 11-25
Family Concert Series 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org This month, the family concert series features Remy and Friends, the Westerville Community Band and an event with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
July 12-28
July 20
Outdoor Classic Movie Series: The Wizard of Oz Dusk, Everal Barn and Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., 614-901-6500 Join the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department as it screens this classic film in the park.
July 22
WesterFlora Garden Tour 1-7 p.m., www.westerflora.com See page 26 for details.
July 27
Touch a Truck 10 a.m.-noon, Westerville Otterbein Summer Theatre Sports Complex, presents Something’s Afoot Campus Center Theatre, 100 W. 325 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org Home St., www.otterbein.edu Children have the chance to Ten seemingly unrelated strangers arrive at an isolated get up close with the vehicles manor house and must piece they’ve seen on the streets together why they’ve been in- of Westerville, such as fire vited as the bodies start piling trucks, police cruisers, cement mixers and more. up in this comedic mystery.
July 13-14
Uptown Westerville Sidewalk Sale Uptown Westerville, www.shopuptownwesterville.com Businesses throughout Uptown will offer special deals on a variety of items.
July 14-15
Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Festival 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Park & Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillechamber.com See page 27 for details.
July 27
OhioHealth 4th Friday: World Bazaar 6-9 p.m., Uptown Westerville Explore cultures and cuisines from around the world while enjoying arts, vendors, live entertainment and extended hours in the Uptown shops.
July 28
Highlands Pool Family Luau 5-8 p.m., Highlands Park Aquatic Center, 245 S. Spring Rd., www.westerville.org Stop by the aquatic center for an old-fashioned, familyfriendly Hawaiian luau.
For more events, visit www.visitwester ville.org www.westervillemagazine.com
AUGUST Aug. 1-8
Family Concert Series 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., 614-901-6500 Bring the kids to see the puppets of No Strings Attached on Aug. 1 and for Storytelling with Candace on Aug. 8.
Aug. 1-29
Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, corner of North State and East Home streets, www.marketwednesday.com Area farmers offer certified organic and conventional produce and artisan foods.
Aug. 4
Wellness in the Gardens: Yoga 10 a.m., Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., 614-895-6216 Enjoy yoga in the garden for free with a licensed instructor in this event presented by Franklin County Metro Parks.
Aug. 5-12
Sounds of Summer Concert Series 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., 614-901-6500 Sponsored by Westerville Parks and Recreation, this series includes performances by the British Invasion on Aug. 5 and the Westerville Symphony on Aug. 12.
crime and drug abuse, and Westerville is no exception. Many neighborhoods throughout the city hold block parties to celebrate National Night Out.
Aug. 10
Outdoor Classic Movie Series: Aladdin Dusk, Everal Barn and Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., 614-901-6500 Join the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department for a viewing of the animated Disney feature in the park.
Aug. 15
First Day of School www.westerville.k12.oh.us Make sure the kids are ready for school to start up again!
Aug. 17
Westerville Community Dance 7 p.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org Open to anyone 18 and older, this community event features music from DJ Burl Hood.
Aug. 18
Baby Bargain Boutique 9 a.m.-noon, Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org Stop by for the chance to pick up some gently used maternity clothes, baby gear and toys.
Aug. 7
National Night Out 6:30-9:30 p.m., throughout Westerville, www.westerville.org Neighborhoods throughout the U.S. come together to strengthen neighborhood spirit and raise awareness of
Sponsored by the Wester ville Visitors & Convention Bureau www.westervillemagazine.com
Aug. 19
Music in the Gardens 3-5 p.m., Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., 614-895-6216 Listen to the free music of the High Street Stompers while surrounded by stunning gardens.
Aug. 20
An Evening in the Garden 6:30-7:15 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., www.westervillelibrary.org Bring your family to help harvest the Youth Services Salad Garden and take home some of your work. The evening will also include singing and storytelling. Registration starts Aug. 6.
Aug. 24
OhioHealth 4th Friday: Dog Days of Summer 6-9 p.m., Uptown Westerville All dog lovers and their dogs are invited to join the Capital Area Humane Society and Uptown Westerville’s Captivating Canines for a Mutt March and a Best on the Street Dog Show. Also enjoy street vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and extended hours in Uptown shops.
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CityReporter News & Information from the City of Wester ville
2012 Community Survey Results Now Available The City of Westerville has published outcomes from the 2012 Community Survey, a report revealing resident attitudes and opinions on city programs and services. The report is available online at www.westerville.org. Consistent with other community surveys conducted by the City, and compared to ratings and trends recorded in 2005 and 2009, residents continue to offer positive and high ratings for City services, programs and staff. Convenient
access to information and response times from staff rated similarly to previous years, with high satisfaction levels. Strategic Research Group (SRG), a Columbus-based survey and research firm, was again selected by the City to conduct the community poll. SRG performed the last two surveys on behalf of the City, and publishes trend data in the 2012 report in order to compare resident interests, concerns and issues. “We’ve conducted many surveys for
companies and cities, but Westerville is consistently one of the most well-liked entities, judging by overall responses from survey takers,” said Kristen Heimdel, the lead researcher from SRG. “Residents of Westerville feel particularly proud of and loyal to their community.” What residents say they like best is the “family-friendly” environment, a repeat from 2009. More than 45 percent selected some variation of the word “family” to describe the community.
South State Street Revitalization Transforms and Improves City Gateway
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public amenities. Beneath the surface, underground utility improvements enhance the area’s utility safety and operation. The City’s revitalization project ties into the Ohio Department of Transportation’s safety upgrades at the I-270/South State Street (State Rt. 3) interchange. The South State Street project cost approximately $7.5 million, with nearly $2 million provided by loans and grants from the Ohio Public Works Commission. Additional funds were made available when Westerville voters passed Issue 54 in 2008, an initiative that matched the income tax rate in Westerville to the prevailing 2 percent rate in central Ohio communities. “Without the trust and support of our residents, the revitalization of the South State Street gateway would not have been possible,” said City Manager David Collinsworth. “By addressing our aging infrastructure and improving our main gateway into the City, we aim to ensure that our residents, businesses and visitors directly benefit from a more efficient, modern and visually appealing entrance into Westerville. “ Next year, the final touches of the streetscape improvements will continue with the addition of ornamental fencing and entry features, decorative street lighting, trees, and landscape beds along the corridor between I-270 and Huber Village Boulevard.
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years, when the City commissioned the South State Street Corridor Study to provide direction for future decisions related to the corridor from I-270 to Walnut Street. The study identified traffic congestion, changing land uses, aging infrastructure and a lack of visual appeal as the primary problems along the corridor. Many of the issues brought forward by the study Improvements along S. State Street corridor, looking stemmed from the original dewest on Huber Village Blvd toward State velopment along South State Street, which was plagued by Anyone driving along South State Street visually and functionally incompatible denear the intersection of Huber Village Bou- velopment decisions of individual property levard would be hard pressed to ignore owners. The study’s findings served as the the sweeping effort to improve the primary basis for the City’s revitalization effort. “As the City has grown and evolved over gateway into our community. Though the area was once marked by the past several decades, so too have our aging infrastructure and outdated road infrastructure needs,” said City Engineer configuration, the City has made the invest- Susan Banbury. “As the gateway to our ment to revitalize it a top priority. The relo- City, it was critical that South State Street cation of overhead utilities to underground, be transformed to reflect how Westerville lane additions to reduce congestion and has changed and to incorporate those improve traffic flow, and wider sidewalks changes into the effort to redesign and reand bikeways are among the changes de- develop the area.” Some of the more eye-catching changes signed to improve the safety, accessibility and aesthetic appeal of the City’s most rec- to the corridor include upgraded traffic signals with overhead mast arms, brick meognizable portal. The endeavor to reform the South State dians, brick and concrete sidewalks, new Street corridor dates back more than 10 landscaping and trees, benches and other
9
News & Information from the City of Wester ville
This figure(Figure 1.11 in the report) presents mean ratings for several items regardingCity departments and staff. This scale ranged from 1.00 (Strongly Disagree) to4.00 (Strongly Agree).
Overall satisfaction in the community remains strong, with residents recognizing value in services focused on public safety, land use and parks and recreation programming. Factors such as familyoriented lifestyle, housing choice, community safety, public services and environmentally responsible choices were among the highest-ranked responses from survey takers. The City asked residents to rank the quality of infrastructure improvements. Nearly 70 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that there have been improvements in the last three years. Further, the South State Street corridor improvements have been noticeable and highly supported to almost all survey takers (93 percent). “These are some of the signs we’re looking for in order to determine whether residents connect this work to promises the City made in 2008 with the income tax restructuring initiative,” said David Collinsworth, Westerville City Manager. “We recognized some major infrastructure improvements were needed to keep Westerville both vibrant and viable, and the realization of those plans is coming into focus for many in the community.” Residents were also asked to rank issues (multiple choice) in terms of importance. New this year, the City asked for more than one response, providing residents an opportunity to list a first, second and third choice of “most important” issues. Fiscal management and responsibility was again marked as the most important (also the first choice in 2009), followed by maintaining public safety services. Economic development and job creation, infrastructure and roadway maintenance, 10
and reliable and efficient utility services rounded out the top five priority issues among respondents. Traffic issues and its maintenance were again marked as challenges in the community, coming up most often as what residents like least about living in Westerville. A little more than half of respondents also say traffic flows have not improved in the last three years. While most (68%) residents believe the overall traffic flow on main streets is at least as good as traffic flows in other suburbs, a little more than one quarter of respondents disagree. Residents do appear satisfied with traffic and roadway infrastructure in terms of the overall physical condition of the roadways in Westerville (28 percent strongly satisfied, 60 percent satisfied for a total of 88 percent overall satisfaction to 12 percent dissatisfaction). While most (72 percent) residents believe the overall traffic flow on main streets is at least as good as traffic flows in other suburbs, about onequarter of respondents disagree. Other areas of community life with lower levels of satisfaction appear to be small and are associated with managing housing growth (16 percent dissatisfaction), managing retail and business growth (24 percent) and fostering a business-friendly environment (14 percent). In evaluating the flow of information from the City, residents were again consistent in their choices. They continue to gain information from the suburban newspaper(s) as their top-rated source, although it is declining (56 percent versus 70 percent in 2009). A new City website, launched last November, saw gains in recognition, and was rated by the majority as visually interesting, easy to use and useful.
“We have put a lot of effort into understanding how residents need and want to use technology and information from their local government,” said Collinsworth. “We use the principles of ‘easy to access’ and ‘responsive’ across the board, from phone calls and emails to new applications like mobile technologies. We expect to unveil even more this year to make the resident communication experience with the City easy and worthwhile.” New this year, a section on Strategic Planning and Current Events was added to the survey. The questions were designed to provide specific feedback to issues and questions currently being considered as part of the City’s strategic planning process. The City last formally conducted strategic planning in 2002. In this section, residents were asked to again rank issues of importance while factoring in the community’s aging population (Census 2010). Emergency services were rated highest, followed by convenient access to health care. Public transportation rated the lowest on the scale. Other outcomes from the section indicated: • Job creation and attracting new business were the key responses to how Westerville can and should retain young professionals. • Maintaining municipal utility services was most important when respondents were asked about financial stewardship during an economic downturn. • Residents view it as very important that the City purchase, develop and preserve available land for parks and open spaces. • Interest in Uptown Westerville is high; residents want it to remain vibrant because most (nearly 96 percent) regularly visit, dine, shop or eat there. Crime was most commonly cited as an issue that, if left unaddressed, would negatively impact life in Westerville. Traffic and too-high taxes followed as areas of potential concern. Collinsworth said that the information revealed from the survey now goes to work in the development, maintenance and consideration of city services and programs. “We have another view of resident expectations, hopes and desires,” he said. “Council and City staff will now begin the work of plugging in this new information and forging ahead for an even stronger Westerville.” www.westervillemagazine.com
The Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with the Westerville Arts Council, is taking its next steps with the Art in Public Spaces program, featuring a new series of sculptures from regional and national artists – including the work of retired artist Colbert Collins, who has had projects in this series featured in Architectural Digest. The 2012-2013 version of the Art in Public Spaces project is already placed in parks and other spaces throughout the community. It totals seven pieces, showcasing a range of colors and elements. All pieces are sponsored by Westerville community partners, whose support continues to make this program possible. “We like to say that public art helps define an entire community’s identity,” said Randy Auler, director of the Parks & Recreation Department. “We believe this series will further energize and transform our already beautiful public spaces, and start interesting conversations among residents and visitors alike.” As a special component, the new series offers a bonus. To enhance the experience, groups of 20 or more may request docent service to tour the exhibition. For more information, or to schedule a tour, please contact Phyllis Self in the Parks & Recreation Department at 614-901-6506. The Collins series features pieces originally on display in West Palm Beach, Fla. These pieces were transported to Westerville to be installed and viewed in our community. Similar to the existing public art program, pieces will be listed and available for purchase. Fifty percent of proceeds from purchased sculptures will be donated to the Westerville Parks Foundation. Installations are scheduled to take place throughout community parks and open spaces later this summer. For more information, please visit the City website at www.westerville.org/parks.
El Alcanzar Par la Luna Mike Sohikian (Genoa, Ohio) Location: Westerville Sports Complex 325 N. Cleveland Ave. Sponsored by: OhioHealth
Left: Glass Totems Artist: Todd Kime (Ottawa Hills, Ohio) Location: Westerville Senior Center 310 W. Main St. Sponsored by: Westerville Senior Association Right: Dash James L. Oleson, Jr. (Brooksville, Fla.) Location: Parkside Village Senior Living Community 730 N. Spring Rd. Sponsored by: Parkside Village Retirement Community www.westervillemagazine.com
Mark Your Calendars July 4 Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Celebration 8 a.m. 5K Run and Walk 9 a.m. Rotary Children’s Fun Run, Alum Creek Park 1 p.m. Rotary Parade and WARM Community Food Drive (food will be collected along parade route) 10 p.m. Fireworks www.westervillerotary.com July 10 Sounds of Summer Concert Series 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park Amphitheater, 221 W. Main St.
July 14-15 39th Annual Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Festival Check times at www.westerville chamber.com July 27 Touch a Truck 10 a.m.-noon, Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave. July 28 Highlands Pool Family Luau 5-8 p.m., Highlands Park Aquatic Center, 245 S. Spring Rd. Aug. 10 Outdoor Classic Movie Series Dusk, Everal Barn and Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave.
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Art in Public Spaces Debuts New Sculptures
Aug. 15 Westerville City Schools Back-to-School www.westerville.k12.oh.us Aug. 18 Baby Bargain Boutique 9 a.m.-noon, Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. Check the Events calendar online at www.westerville.org for more information.
11
News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Westerville Crime Prevention Officer Wins National Award Staff Profile:
Officer Randy Bailey, Westerville Division of Police
Officer Randy Bailey was recognized at the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, May 24. State Rep. Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) presented a House resolution to him at a session of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Officer Randy Bailey of the Westerville Division of Police was recently named the 2011 National Citizens Police Academy Coordinator of the Year. The recognition is the top honor in the United States for law enforcement professionals who manage volunteer police organizations. Officer Bailey serves as a Crime Prevention Officer in the division’s Community Services Bureau. Working with members of the alumni association, he oversees recruitment, curriculum, instructor development and most every other moving part of each academy class. “This is a well-deserved recognition for Officer Bailey,” said Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer. “Members of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association donate tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service to our community each year. Randy’s leadership and support is largely responsible for their ongoing commitment and dedication. He is their mentor and their inspiration. All of our community outreach programming is dependent upon these volunteers. Without this collaboration, those programs would not be possible.” Officer Bailey’s recognition continues a long tradition of national accolades for the Westerville Division of Police’s community outreach efforts. In 2010, the Westerville 12
Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association was recognized as the top police volunteer association in the United States. But ask Officer Bailey about the award, and he is barely able to accept the praise. “It’s not just one person,” he said. “It’s the officers who instruct, it’s our Community Services section and our volunteers who donate many hours to help the Academy run smoothly.” His humble leadership is a trait developed during a 32-year career in law enforcement, 28 years of which have been in Westerville. And it is a legacy from which we all can learn. Where are you from? I was born and raised in Westerville, and I’m a graduate of Westerville South High School. My family and I still live near Westerville. You’ve been around Westerville for a long time. What do you see as most consistent about this community? Total growth. Westerville went from being a small farming town to what it is now. People seem to consistently move to Westerville because they feel safe and want to raise a family in this environment. It’s nice, clean and well-
kept, all the amenities that most people look for in their community. Add to that a great parks system and so many recreational and sporting activities. From my perspective, I also see consistency in terms of the concerns parents have for their kids. That stays the same over time. We want kids making good choices in terms of alcohol and exposure to other drugs. But what we see with kids now are potential issues related to the use of the Internet. We want to be certain that young people are being smart online now too, like avoiding solicitations and minimizing their risk of meeting Internet predators. Texting and driving is another issue for our families. We simulate this experience for kids with SIDNE (Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience), a modified go-kart. With the kids, we get them in the kart and tell them to text a friend in the group. Our officers are able to demonstrate how many times the driver is taking his or her eyes off the road without realizing it. How did you get involved in law enforcement? Growing up, I lived next door to a police officer and my uncle was also an officer. It had an influence on me early on. Out of high school, I enlisted in the Army, and was sent overseas to West Germany for three years. Vietnam was coming to an end, and I spent my time training in armored divisions. I almost made the Army a career, but I decided to use my GI Bill to get my law enforcement training certificate. After that, I started with Mifflin Township Police. Westerville was my hometown and where I wanted to work. I started with the Division in April 1984 as a patrol officer and later served as the DARE officer. The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) started in 1999, and I was selected to manage that program in 2003. What do you recommend for young adults considering a career in law enforcement? Education. That is always first and will take you the longest way. In today’s marwww.westervillemagazine.com
ket, you are not going to get hired without a good education. Get a bachelor’s degree for sure, and then look into what path you want to take from there. There are a lot of theories and thoughts on what kind of degree is most recommended, but I usually recommend students consider a business degree with a minor in criminology or criminal justice. If law enforcement doesn’t work out, that business degree may help you elsewhere. There are so many avenues to take in law enforcement: computer forensics, homeland security or agencies like DEA, FBI or CIA. We also need uniformed officers in our communities. For federal jobs, go to their websites and see what kind of careers they offer and what degrees or education required. What type of programs do you manage in your role as Crime Prevention Officer? The Community Services Bureau is in charge of programs that encourage work and collaboration between the public and their public safety officers. We have programs for everyone, of all ages, from CPA to the little ones with Westerville Safety City. We produce special programs for older adults, like S.O.S. (Serving Our Seniors) Day, and continue with our DARE programs.
Your award was in recognition for your work with the CPA. Tell us more about that program. The Academy happens twice a year for 13 weeks, and each class is full of citizens who want to understand more and get involved in the day-today operation of the Westerville Police Division. We have a full curriculum that is designed to put the student in the role of the police officer. We’re always hands-on, and asking the students what they want to see and learn about what we do. We put them in a variety of scenarios: conducting a building search, choosing protective gear in different situations and, of course, safety and proper handling of weapons. Our focus is to create an understanding of what it’s like to make a split-second decision. I started with Class 11, and we’re now at Class 27 in August. And it’s a popular program; we’re almost full through 2013. If people are interested, they can learn more on the City website or come talk to us at an event. What is your most memorable experience with the CPA? There are so many memories, but a couple stand out. One involved an
older woman, in her mid-70s, who had never shot a gun before. We always encourage students to participate in all activities, but it’s not mandatory. She wanted to try shooting, and after the experience, she was thrilled and excited in an unforgettable way. It was a reminder to me to take opportunities and appreciate being a lifetime learner. We also had the honor of having a World War II veteran in our class one year. He shared with us his stories and experience in the war, just as sharp as a tack. Having a father who served in WWII, it was a really special experience for me just to have him take part in our program. He’s now 93 years old and still involved in CPA, usually speaking to kids on Veterans Day! What do you like to do in your time away from work? I like to ride my Harley and work outside. Anything to keep me outdoors – cars, woodworking, sports, working around the house. I also like to be with my family; my wife of 37 years and six grandchildren, all under the age of 8. That keeps us busy.
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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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faces
By Amanda Ross
Charitable Children Middle-schoolers’ nonprofit helps lessfortunate kids obtain needed supplies
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THERE ARE A LOT of great charitable
organizations dedicated to helping children in need, but in Westerville, one of those has children doing the helping, too. For the last two years, Katerini Soisson and Jacob Glorioso have been leading their nonprofit organization, Children Supporting Children, while juggling the demands of school and extracurricular activities.
The organization’s start came in 2009 after a family vacation to New York City, when Soisson and Glorioso – whose families often vacation together – were moved by the homeless people they saw in need. “I kept seeing these homeless children and felt really sad,” says Soisson, 12, a seventh-grader at Walnut Springs Middle School. “I cried when we got back to the hotel and thought maybe we can make some money and give it to these people in need.” After the two successfully completed a reading class fundraiser for preschoolers, they donated the money to the Metropolitan Community Church of New York’s Homeless Youth Services program. Soisson and Glorioso jumped at the idea to take over the nonprofit organization Christmas in July – previously run by their parents, Maria and Duane Soisson and Amy and Eric Glorioso – and have never looked back. In early 2010, they changed the name and began working on their new and improved Children Supporting Children. “Each year we pick a different organization that benefits children,” says Soisson. “We work closely with (Westerville Area Resource Ministry), and in August, we donated bags filled with pencils, papers and other school supplies that some kids can’t afford.” “In winter, we donated hot chocolate with mugs and scarves,” adds Glorioso, 13, an eighth-grader at Genoa Middle School. In addition to the school supply packs and winter gear, Children Supporting Children and W.A.R.M. also donated personal care products in February 2011 and summer fun supplies such as sports equipment in May 2011. This summer, Soisson and Glorioso are focusing their efforts on providing school supplies, sports equipment and books to students in need attending Westerville City Schools. They are accepting donations of gently used books and sports equipment and new school supplies, and are also seeking volunteers to help with unloading and setting up supplies, distributing materials, serving lunches and cleaning up. In addition to scheduling and leading these charitable events, Soisson and Glorioso occupy what free time they have with a variety of after-school activities. “I’m halfway to a black belt in tae kwon do,” says Soisson. “I also cheer for Walnut Springs and like to play footwww.westervillemagazine.com
ball and other sports. I like to be active.” Glorioso participates in a service learning group at school called Legacy and plays trumpet in the band. While their after-school activities are important to them, Soisson and Glorioso often have to prioritize and schedule around Children Supporting Children events because, as they both state, “CSC was first.” Though still young, the organization’s leaders are not without aspirations. Soisson would like to either become an elementary school teacher or a builder because she enjoys “building things.” Glorioso would like to become a middle school teacher because he wants to continue working with and helping children. When asked if they see themselves continuing to work with the organization even when they are older, both were in agreement that they plan on being involved as much and as long as possible. “The nice thing is we have younger siblings, so it will be nice for them to help, and hopefully we can go as far as we can with CSC,” says Glorioso. “We hope they will become the leaders of CSC and help children of their generation,” Soisson says. Their younger siblings, Sophia and Eleni Soisson and Zachary Glorioso, already help out with all the events, including packing the school supply bags and organizing a recent garage sale. The annual spring garage sale raises much-needed operating funds for the organization, and the Soissons and
Gloriosos donate their own items along with those donated by friends and neighbors to the sale. The sale raised $300 this year. Soisson and Glorioso hope their organization can gain more recognition so their events and initiatives can become even more successful. “We are in central Ohio, but there are so many other organizations in the state and I’d like us to help as many as possible,” says Glorioso. For more information about volunteering or making a donation, visit www. childrensupportingchildren.blogspot. com or email childrensupportingchildren@live.com. Amanda Ross is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ pubgroupltd.com.
Service Schedule
Children Supporting Children will provide goods to children participating and attending the following dates: Sports Equipment July 9, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ridgewood Park, 5402 Buenos Aires Blvd. July 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., La Vista Townhomes, 6797 Spring House Ln., Columbus School Supplies Aug. 6, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ridgewood Park, 5402 Buenos Aires Blvd.
From left: Sophia Soisson, Zachary Glorioso, Katerini Soisson, Elini Soisson and Jacob Glorioso.
John P. Sotos, M.D. Omolara Y. Dario, M.D. Michele V. Mahoney, M.D. 100 N. High St, Ste. A Dublin, OH 43017 444 N. Cleveland Ave, Ste. 210 Westerville, OH 43082
614-889-7772 www.repkids.com Follow us on Facebook! 17
in focus By Garth Bishop
Surgical Strike
Convenience and comfort are paramount at new Nationwide Children’s facility
THE RENOVATED Nationwide Children’s Hospital facility in downtown Columbus has grabbed headlines in recent weeks, but right here in Westerville, a new facility has been expanding surgical options for months. In late April, Nationwide Children’s opened the doors at the Westerville Surgery Center. The two-story, 46,000-square-foot, $18.4 million facility is the first suburban ambulatory surgery center for the hospital. It employs 43 people. The center at 455 Executive Campus Dr., is on the same campus as the other two Nationwide Children’s facilities: the Westerville Close to Home Center and the Westerville Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. It serves as a suburban extension of the surgical services available on the hospital’s main campus, offering a much more convenient location for residents of Westerville and other areas north and east of downtown Columbus. A number of Nationwide Children’s doctors have clinics in Mansfield, so it’s also more convenient for them. “We expect to draw from about a fouror five-county area,” says Libbey Hoang, the hospital’s director of planning and business development. Outpatient ambulatory surgery is the major focus of the center’s first floor. It has four operating rooms, 12 private pre-operative rooms and 11 private post18
operative rooms, as well as a lounge for parents to use while their children are in surgery. A reception area is designed to quickly direct visitors to where they need to go, and sound-dampening walls on each registration desk enhance privacy. A key feature of the surgical area is its one-way floor plan, which ensures that incoming patients will not encounter outgoing patients. Other features designed to put patients and parents at ease include artwork by Westerville students in the preoperative rooms, animal themes for each set of operating room doors, windows to the outside in all post-operative rooms and gifts for outgoing patients. “All the children who come to see us get a toy to take home,” says Dr. Gina Fedel, medical director for the facility. The parents’waiting area has a TV and snack machine, as well as subtle colors and muted tones to help quell nervousness. The recovery area in which the postoperative rooms are located has its own exit and pick-up area; outgoing patients never have to go back into the lobby. The exit door is also recessed and obscured by landscaping. The second floor consists mainly of medical and surgical pediatric subspecialty suites, including gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery and urology professionals. It also has a large reception area
with plenty of skylights for natural light, as well as TVs, books, magazines and a children’s play area. The path into the subspecialty suites starts with a height/weight room, after which visitors are directed to the appropriate room. The area has four suites, each of them with five examination rooms, cutting down on doctors’ traveling time and allowing them to reach their patients more quickly. “Dividing them into suites allows for maximum efficiency up here,” Fedel says. There is capacity on the second floor to add more suites if needed, says Hoang. The goal is to offer the same type of family-centered care and access to specialists as is available Downtown. But the facility shares more with its Downtown parent than just the services. It’s also decorated with the same nature tones, flight themes and color schemes intended to put patients at ease. “Research shows that having a connection with nature provides a calming response,” Hoang says. Colorful images of birds, butterflies, trees, leaves and other flora and fauna are visible throughout; there are even bird designs hanging from the ceiling in the entrance area. The designs are functional, too, helping with way-finding – such as the leaf pattern that indicates where someone may want to stop, like at a nurse station. It even hides snack and drink machines behind walls so children who are coming
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for surgery and thus cannot eat are not tormented. “Every off-site is going to have this theme, look and feel,” says Mary Ellen Peacock, senior strategist for media relations at Nationwide Children’s. Along with the June opening of the standalone emergency facility on the OhioHealth Westerville Campus and the projected 2013 completion of Project GRACE at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, the Westerville Surgery Center is yet another major addition to Westerville area residents’ medical options. A virtual tour of the facility can be accessed at www.nationwidechildrens.org/ westerville-virtual-tour. Garth Bishop is editor of Westerville Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ pubgroupltd.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
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Shutterbugs Sarah Yasnowski
Westerville residents aim their cameras at their hometown
Last Ride of the Day, Mary Ann Schell
Bike Race, Sharon Telatnik 20
www.westervillemagazine.com
Mary Gilbert
911 Memorial, Amy Carley
Ashley Adams-Vitale
Deborah Albright
Melissa Paquette
Nature, David Kreuzer www.westervillemagazine.com
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I’m Five, and I Know it, Stacie Bowers
Jarrod Will
Take it Again, I Think My Eyes Were Closed, Toni Perkins
Chef/Baker Brutus Buckeye, Shawnta Bailey John Weinhardt
The Audience, Kellyn Donnelly 22
Hummingbird Moth at Inniswood, Robin Lawrence Poses www.westervillemagazine.com
Enjoying Hoover from the Back Seat, Mary Bahan
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living
By Duane St. Clair
Captain of the Gardens
Couple’s hard work pays off with eye-popping garden and yard setup IF JEFF AND LINDA LAINE had a theme she says, “I like the fresh air feeling of song, it likely would be Dahlias Are a bed sheets and clothes.” She quit dryCouple’s Best Friends. ing outside in winters after ice cracked Anybody who drives by or visits their as she shook a sheet. Westerville home will immediately unOtherwise, the yard was wide open derstand. Dahlias – 150 of them in and “I could see about 12 neighbors’ about 90 varieties – are prominent in yards,” Linda says. Now, because of the Laines’ extensively landscaped half- all the plantings and structures – such acre yard, all of it their own handiwork. as arbors, lattices, trees and bushes – “I The natives of the New York City can see almost no yards.” area and childhood Jeff does most of the sweethearts have lived building and digging. in Westerville since “I plan and delegate,” 1980. They designed Linda says with a laugh. their home and had it Over the years, the built in 1992 off SunLaines created a variety bury Road, not far from of gardens, an effort Hoover Reservoir. Later, that became easier and they added a gazebo, more successful after a deck and a patio. they added fertilized The patio, Linda says, topsoil to deal with the went where “there was dirt in the yard, which nothing but mud” so she was mainly clay. “I was Jeff and Linda Laine could hang out the wash used to the soil we had to dry on collapsible lines she had in- on Long Island,” Linda says. stalled. That’s very important because, A few years ago, the Laines devel24
oped a “wedding garden” for the first marriage of their son, Jarrett. There’s a parents’ memorial garden for their ancestors, a fairy garden in mostly green and white that’s an attraction for children, and a trellis garden at the front of the home. Admittedly, Linda wasn’t schooled in planning or planting. “I taught myself,” she says, recalling that she began by transplanting dandelions when she was young. “Sometimes I amaze myself,” she says. Four years ago, they had a swimming spa installed in their rear deck. That meant taking out the deck and rebuilding it, a project Jeff and Jarrett took on. The 8-by-16-feet spa is 4 feet deep and has jets all around. It allows a person to swim against a current and stay in one place. The couple’s grandkids like to play in the swirling water. Over the winter, the Laines grew 450 dahlias indoors. In May, they sold 250 www.westervillemagazine.com
Top: The Bumble Rumble Dahlia is one of the many dahlias in the Laines’ yard. Middle: A trellis leads into the “wedding garden” the Laines developed for their son’s marriage. Bottom: A gazebo, swing and table fill out the deck. at their annual garage sale. Another 50 went to the Westerville Garden Club, priced at cost to sell at its fundraiser. Some were given to friends or neighbors in exchange for favors they had done. The 150 in their yard is up from 125 last year. www.westervillemagazine.com
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The dahlia craze started when an acquaintance saw and appreciated their yard and presented them with 16 of the tubulars. The Laines were admonished not to become part of the “dahlia cult” but, Linda says, they are now very much part of it. Each variety of dahlia has a name, many of them eye-catching and reminiscent of the names one might see at a horse race – I’m a Hottie, EZ Duzzit, Hissy Fitz, Lucky Ducky and Outta da Blue are among them. Last year, the Laines wanted an alphabet of 26 varieties, but couldn’t find an “X.” Finally, they found one – Xenon – in Canada and ordered it. It cost $40 to ship because of agriculture and quarantine regulations. Linda’s reputation for flower and garden knowledge has spread as passers-by and visitors see the array of hydrangeas (19 plants, nine varieties), honeysuckle, lamb’s ear, daisies, petunias, hollyhocks, roses and much more. Once, when walking with her husband, she was critical of a yard they were passing. He suggested she knock on the door and tell them. “I don’t know half (of) what I’m doing,” she recalls saying. A friend offered to pay for her advice. She agreed and spent the fee
on lunch for the pair. One thing led to another, and now Linda is the Garden Angel, helping a variety of clients plan their gardens. She takes them to a plant store or nursery and, “By the time we’re done, their car is full.” That’s the way she buys for her own yard, too. The Laine deck or gardens have been in on the WesterFlora Garden Tour nine times and often win, as they did last year. Winners have to skip a year, so they’re not in the event this year. But the gardens that are on the tour will have musicians at least part of the day. That’s a feature Linda organized last year and is in charge of again this year. Meantime, most of her time will be spent in her own yard. “I like successive plantings,” she says, so the yard is in bloom and colorful all year. “It’s really taking off in August and September” and lasts until about November, she says. Once she starts working on the beds, she stays at it for hours, sometimes placing metal sculptures the couple has begun making. “I guess I’m addicted,” Linda says. Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ pubgroupltd.com.
Bloom Town
The Laines won’t be be on this year’s WesterFlora Garden Tour, but the tour still promises a wealth of gawk-worthy gardens. Set to run 1-7 p.m. Sunday, July 22, this year’s WesterFlora is the 21st since the event started in 1992. It was created to run concurrently with Columbus’ huge AmeriFlora show, but while that event’s lack of success kept it from returning, WesterFlora remains a big draw in Westerville to this day. This year’s theme is “Bursting with Blooms.” The gardens are the stars of the show, but they offer more than just fantastic plants and décor – tour stops will also have artwork and live music for the enjoyment of visitors. Music will include a small brass band, a keyboard player, a violinist and several a cappella singing groups. The final decision on which gardens would be on the tour was made in mid-June, but one early confirmation for the tour this year was First Responders Park. For the full line-up, visit www.westerflora.com.
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Visit our new state-of-the-art facility Behind the Community Center
Promoting From Within Westerville Walkway gives local artists a place at festival By Leah Wolf WESTERVILLE’S ANNUAL celebration
of the arts is known for the wide variety of artists and crafters it brings from all over – and it has a specific area set aside for hometown artists. Set in the beautiful Heritage Park and Everal Barn July 14-15, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Festival draws an estimated 18,000 people with a wide array of things to see and do. Among those many options is the Westerville Walkway. The Westerville Walkway, designated with its own archway, celebrates local and emerging artists. It typically draws 25 to 30 participants from Westerville and surrounding communities. “It’s about supporting everything that is local,” says Erin Glaser, Westerville Chamber marketing and communications manager. “We have between 25
and 30 artists in that area. … Pretty much anything you’ll find in the main show, you’ll find at the Walkway as well, but there are more local artists.” Richard and Alice Altman have been selling their hand-rolled beeswax candles in the Westerville Walkway for four years. “Our favorite part about the festival is the environment of Heritage Park and all of the wonderful people who attend the festival,” says Richard. “We’ve met so many people who are starting their own beehives, and the conversations are priceless.” The festival’s full roster of fine artists and craftspeople sports more than 140 names, while the music line-up offers a main stage with seven or eight bands each day and a second stage set aside for community acts such as the Westerville Symphony. Other festival highlights include a silent auction on the bottom floor of the Everal Barn, a youth exhibit on the top floor of the barn and youth entertainment throughout. As the festival moves toward its 40th anniversary in 2013, some adjustments are being made. The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, two hours longer than in the past, while Sunday will again run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A second trolley will be added to transport patrons from parking lots to the festival grounds and back, and Amazing Giants stilt-walkers will be striding around the festival grounds to add a new element of excitement to a festival that has become such an iconic part of Westerville’s summer. Leah Wolf is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pub groupltd.com.
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on the table By Garth Bishop
Double Your Deliciousness
People’s Choice winners serve up solid local favorites ATTENDEES AT THE TASTE OF WESTERVILLE were so im-
pressed by their options that they couldn’t even pick a single winner. The event, organized by the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, took place April 20 at The Lakes Golf and Country Club. Patrons voted on a People’s Choice award, and the winner was a tie: Bel Lago Waterfront Bistro and Polaris Grill. Polaris Grill earned its victory with grilled filet mignon sliders. The items show up on the restaurant’s menu as part of its trio of sliders entrée, the other two varieties being crab cake and chicken tender sliders.
Above: Bel Lago’s lobster mac and cheese Left: Polaris Grill’s filet mignon sliders
“It’s a cool item that we could put together for large crowds, and it’s something that you don’t have to sit down to eat,” says Cliff Madden, one of the owners. The restaurant has been in business on Polaris Parkway just east of Interstate 71 since 1997, having celebrated its 15year anniversary in June. Bel Lago’s big winners were its lobster mac and cheese and its mini meatballs, two of the most popular items on its menu. The meatball is a staple of the restaurant – and its ingredients are a trade secret, says owner Rich Rores – while the lobster mac and cheese is a serious favorite that quickly springs to mind when Bel Lago comes up in a conversation. “It’s a very rich and abundant dish,” Rores says. Located on North Sunbury Road right on the banks of Hoover Reservoir, Bel Lago has served as Westerville’s only spot for waterfront dining since opening its doors in 2009. Other winners at the Taste of Westerville included J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks, which won Best Appetizer for its shrimp Durango; Bess’ Cakery, which won Best Presentation for its gourmet cupcakes; and the Old Bag of Nails Pub, which won Best Overall for its crab cakes and clam chowder. Garth Bishop is editor of Westerville Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com. 28
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Grilled Filet Mignon Sliders Makes 4 sliders
• 8 oz. choice beef tenderloin • 4 King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls • 1/3 cup caramelized onions • 2 oz. creamed horseradish Cut your filet mignon into four 2-oz. slices and grill to desired temperature. When the steaks are almost done, slice the rolls and put them on the grill for 30 seconds (be careful, as they burn easily). Put about a tablespoon of the caramelized onions on the bottom bun and ½ oz. of the creamed horseradish on the top bun. Add a slice of the steak and enjoy.
Lobster Mac and Cheese Makes 6 servings
• 2 lbs. pipette pasta (uncooked) • 12 oz. lobster meat (claw and knuckle) • 2 Tbsp. garlic (minced) • 2 Tbsp. real butter • 2 qt. cream (heavy cream recommended) • 36 oz. cheddar and mozzarella mix • 6 oz. Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix • 4 oz. white wine Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then rinse in cold water and drain. Finally, let the pasta rest. Melt butter in sauté pan over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add garlic and sauté over low heat. Once the garlic is sautéed until soft, add the lobster. Sauté lobster briefly until the meat is warm throughout. Add white wine to sauté pan. Sauté over low heat until the smell of alcohol has vanished. Add heavy cream and reduce over low heat until it slightly thickens. Add chilled pasta to the sauté pan. Continue to cook over low heat until mixture begins to simmer, then add cheese. Once cheese has melted, mix in salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 oz. warm Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix to each serving dish. Enjoy. www.westervillemagazine.com
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48163 29
bookmarks
From the Westerville Public Library
Youth Reads Selected by Becky O’Neil, Youth Services
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Community information Contests Giveaways and More! 30
Kid Made Modern Know Your (Juvenile Nonfiction) Emotions series By Todd Oldham (Juvenile Reader) From A+ Books Ever thought crafts were too old-fashioned? Designer Todd Oldham introduces kids to the masters of modernism with easy do-it-yourself projects to illustrate the concepts.
This nonfiction early reader series offers titles such as Happy Is..., Angry Is... and Scared Is... with largescale color photos of faces – perfect for kids learning or struggling to identify emotions in themselves and others.
Adult Reads
At the Farmers’ Market with Kids: Recipes and Projects for Little Hands By Leslie Jonath and Ethel Brennan
Insurgent (Teen Fiction) By Veronica Roth Readers who’ve been on the edge of their seats since Divergent won’t want to miss the next installment in this popular dystopian page-turner beloved by fans of The Hunger Games.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons (Picture Book) By James Dean (illustrator) & Eric Litwin (author) Pete the Cat is back! This time, the groovy cat invites you to count along as he sings about his buttons. Don’t miss the rockin’ song online.
Selected by Nieca Nowels, Adult Services
Sunset Outdoor Design & Build Guide: Backyards for Kids By Lisa Taggart and the editors of Sunset
Grow Your Own for Kids By Chris Collins
Help your child learn how to sow and grow 10 easy Looking for ways vegetables that kids to help your child Discover plans for love to eat. Step-byget involved at your creating imaginastep instructions and local farmers’ mar- tive outdoor spaces fun challenges are ket? In addition to where your kids can provided. providing delightful play and explore. recipes, the authors You’ll find building teach children projects, tips for how to select fresh easy-to-grow garproduce and build dens and pointers healthy habits. for selecting the best trees for climbing.
Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year By Marie LeBaron These 50 projects are centered around upcoming holidays or seasons and offer inexpensive fun. Little preparation is required, and it’s a great way to enhance the time spent with your child.
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.: 1-6 p.m.. www.westervillemagazine.com
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John Rockwood, PA 13 years of service