INSIDE City Reporter Westerville News and Information The Man with the Plan Official Shop Pets Otterbein’s Theater Ghost Spicing Up Westerville
Westerville
www.wester villemagazine.com
Crew Rowing toward success
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Columbus, Ohio Permit No. 4697
2012-2013 OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE ~ free and open to the public ~
LESLIE H. and ETHYL ROSE MILLER GALLERY
FISHER GALLERY
Roush Hall, 27 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081 • gallery hours 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily • closed holidays and University breaks • for information call 614-823-1792
Art & Communication Building, 33 Collegeview Road, Westerville, OH 43081 • gallery hours M-F 8 a.m - 4 p.m., • Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., closed holidays • for information call 614-823-1792
8/27-10/5 • Makaibari Diary: A Reciprocal Tourist’s Gaze Gretchen Stevens Cochran Reception: Thursday, September 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
image from Gretchen Cochran’s Makaibari Diary
Goldman’s etchings and essays of the memories of Dr. Anna Ornstein’s experiences with her mother in the concentration camp at Auschwitz.
A sabbatical exhibition exploring the reciprocal nature of a “tourist’s gaze” exchanged with the women who pluck tea in the Makaibari Tea Gardens in Darjeeling, India.
1/3-5/19 Altering Life by Holding it Stil Photographs by Dorothea Lange and Marion Post Wolcott
Images from the 1930’s and 1940’s by two of America’s most important documentary photographers. The title is a reference to Lange’s statement: “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
10/15-12/7 • Lifting Off the Grid Donald Austin Reception: Thursday, October 18, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
A sabbatical exhibition presenting a simple, inexpensive dwelling designed to be visually unique, new age and independent of the power grid.
image from Stewart Goldman’s Tales of Slavery and Deliverance
1/3-3/15 • The Fluxfax Portfolio
Thirty-five artists’ images created in honor of George Maciunis, the founder of the Fluxus art movement, including works by Yoko Ono and Nam June Paik.
Gallery hours for senior shows: M-R 8 a.m. 8:30 p.m., F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed holidays
THE FRANK MUSEUM OF ART
39 S. Vine Street, Westerville, OH 43081 • museum hours 11a.m. - 3 p.m. W-F during the University’s academic year • closed holidays and University breaks • for information call 614-818-9716
8/29-12/7 • Paper and Porcelain Japanese Prints and Chinese Ceramics
3/25-4/4 • 16th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Reception & Awards: Thursday, March 28 3 p.m. 4/8-5/17 • Senior Art Exhibitions Weekly Exhibitions by Graduating Art Majors
8/27-12/7 • Tales of Slavery and Deliverance Stewart Goldman
Works from the Otterbein University collection including objects from the Joseph D. Glick collection.
1/9-5/10 • Impulsos Vertiginosos Isabel Cauas image from Stewart Goldman’s Tales of Slavery and Deliverance
The Chilean artist explores landscape themes in recent monotypes and intaglio prints.
For more listings including theatre and music events, please visit: www.otterbein .edu Follow us on: Visit us at Homecoming, September 22! FREE admission to all sports events for the community! Visit www.otterbein.edu/homecoming for a list of activities
1 South Grove Street Westerville, OH 43081
©2012 OhioHealth
OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus
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Peace of Mind Westerville
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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. In 2012, the Ohio Department of Health awarded Friendship Village of Columbus top honors in assisted living for receiving zero deficiencies—now 5 out of 12 years— giving residents and their families total peace of mind. Call (614) 890-8282 today to schedule a personal tour of Friendship Village of Columbus.
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
Otterbein
693797
Department of theatre & Dance
CityScene Media Group 781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202 Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Charles L. Stein Kathleen K. Gill Dave Prosser Christa Smothers Garth Bishop Lisa Aurand Duane St. Clair
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Controller
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614-572-1240
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www.wester villemagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes:
Sept. 27-30 Oct. 4-6 Written by Michael Frayn Directed by tony Award nominee Dan Knechtges Fritsche theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville box Office: 614-823-1109 www.otterbein.edu 4
CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com
It’ll knock your pants off!
Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com The publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs, or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Westerville Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Westerville. Westerville Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Natalie Kish at 614-572-1252. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Westerville Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A.
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Inside
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 VOL. 12 NO. 1
09
City Reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
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06 community calendar 09 city reporter
News and Information from the City of Westerville
15 faces
The Man with the Plan Longtime public servant is invaluable member of Planning Commission
18 in focus
Animal Kingdom Official shop pets are some of Uptown’s most effective sales “people”
20 I Know This Much is Crew
Westerville crew team rows toward ever-increasing success
ENCORE
MUSIC STUDIOS Offering Lessons in Traditional and Suzuki Piano and Violin, Voice, Trumpet and Guitar 623 Park Meadow Rd. Ste. A Westerville, OH 43081 614-882-6681 encoremusicstudios.com Established in 1980.
24 Valuable Volunteers
18
Westerville’s civic associations work hard to enrich the community
26 living
The Ghost with the Least Could Otterbein’s infamous Theater Ghost be the root of unexplainable events?
28 on the table
The Heat is On CaJohn’s helps make Westerville a spicy destination for chili lovers
Half-Year Teams for Cheer and Dance are forming now! These teams practice one hour a week, have 4 local competitions, and are designed for beginner athletes ages 3-11. With an internationally renowned coaching staff, all of our programs are designed to give athletes a top-notch foundation for positive success!
30 bookmarks
Find Westerville Magazine on Facebook and Twitter Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com
Recommendations from the Westerville Public Library
On the Cover: Westerville crew team Photo by Wes Kroninger
FREE CHEER or HIP HOP CLASS! Contact us today for more information about trying out our program for free! Call or text us at (614) 271-8416 or by email at info@empirecheeranddance.com. Located at the AmeriCheer National Training Facility 20 Collegeview Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 (614) 271-8416 | www.empirecheeranddance.com
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2012
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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
SEPTEMBER
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Sept. 1-2
We’re Just a Smile Away! STEPHEN R. MALIK, D.D.S. GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Malik has more than 20 years of experience.
OFFERING: Gentle Caring Staff Same Day Crowns Botox® Juvéderm® Lumineers® Nitrous Oxide Saturday Appts. 24 hr. Emergency Care
Accepting New Patients!
(614) 882-6741 180 Commerce Park Drive Westerville, Ohio 43082
Located in office complex, last building on the left by the bike path.
westervilledentalhealth.com 6
ICS Buckeye Regional & Ohio State Chili Cook-Off 11 a.m.-6 p.m., CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire Factory, 816 Green Crest Dr., www.facebook.com/icsohio chilicookoff Chili chefs from Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky square off to see who has the best red chili, green chili and salsa and to qualify for the World Chili Championships. The event also features an amateur competition, restaurant and community chili cook-offs, and an opportunity to vote for the people’s choice chili.
Sept. 2
Cool Cars, Hot Stuff Festival 9 a.m.-7 p.m., CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire Factory, 816 Green Crest Dr., www.coolcarshotstuff.com The Westerville Sertoma will sponsor its 28th annual Car Show during the boardsanctioned chili cook-offs at CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire Factory. A pie-eating contest, food vendors, classic cars, hot rods and more are all part of the festival.
Sept. 3
Last Day of the Season Highlands Park Aquatic Center, 245 N. Spring Rd., www.westerville.org Don’t let summer pass you by without checking out the slide tower and the leisure pool of the water park.
Sept. 5-Oct. 31
Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, corner of East Home and North State streets, www.marketwednesday.com Enjoy an afternoon of open-air shopping and the homegrown produce of Westerville.
Sept. 5 & Oct. 3
Pancake Breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St., 614-901-6560 Everyone is welcome to partake in the Senior Center’s monthly pancake breakfast.
Sept. 8
9/11 Heroes Run Opening ceremony: 8 a.m., First Responders Park, 374 W. Main St.; race, 9 a.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St.; www.911heroesrun.com Come run for a good cause. The proceeds from the 5K walk/run go to the Westerville Firefighters Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Travis Manion Foundation.
Sept. 9
Cops & Kids Day 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle Blvd., www.westerville.org Check out a fun and free time brought to you by the Westerville Division of Police. Featured will be SWAT displays, helicopters, DARE cars, mounted patrols, K-9 units, prizes and a “Dunk-A-Cop” tank. Souvenirs will be given to the first 1,100 children who arrive.
Sept. 16
Westerville Starry Night 2-8 p.m., Westerville North High School stadium, 950 County Line Rd., www.westervillechamber.com This space-themed educational carnival will help children understand astronomy and entertain the whole family. Half of the proceeds go to the Westerville City School District to help offset its recent budget cuts; the other half will help the Westerville Elementary Boosters organization get off the ground for the 2012-13 school year.
Sept. 25
Photography Special Interest Group 1-3 p.m., Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St., www.westerville.org, 614-901-6560 Interested in images? Does photography tickle your fancy? If so, visit the Senior Center for a display and presentation on digital cameras, how to use them and the accessories that go along with them.
Sept. 27-Oct. 6
Otterbein Department of Theatre presents Noises Off Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., www.otterbein.edu Everything that can possibly go wrong goes wrong in this play-within-a-play performed by a mediocre English touring company.
Sept. 28
The History of Camp Chase 7:30 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., www.westervillelibrary.org The Westerville Historical Society showcases the history of the Monty Chase military camp.
Sept. 28
OhioHealth 4th Friday: School Daze 6-9 p.m., Uptown Westerville, 614-794-0401 The whole family is welcome at this showcase of staff, student and academic excellence in Westerville City Schools. Also enjoy live music, food, street vendors and extended hours in the Uptown shops.
Sponsored by the Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau For more events, visit www.visitwesterville.org
www.westervillemagazine.com
OCTOBER Oct. 1
Bob Adamov 7-8:30 p.m., Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., www.westervillelibrary.org Author Adamov talks about his series of Emerson Moore mystery novels and his reasons for setting parts of them in Ohio.
Oct. 7
Ned Mosher Apple Butter Festival 1-4 p.m., McVay Elementary School, 270 Hempstead Rd., www.westervillelions.org Bring the kids out to the festival for crafts, games and apple cider. You can even learn how to make your own homemade cider. Check out the log cabin – it was recently re-roofed by the same team that last reroofed it 30 years ago.
Oct. 13
Columbus Fall Classic Rowing Regatta 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Hoover Reservoir (South and Middle bays), www.westervillecrew.org The Westerville Crew hosts a massive rowing competition featuring teams from six different states.
Oct. 14
Civil War Cemetery Walk 1-4 p.m., Otterbein Cemetery, 350 Park Meadow Rd., www. westervillelibrary.org The Westerville Public Library’s Local History Department will provide information on Civil
War veterans who are interred at the cemetery during this off-site event.
presents...
Oct. 19
Halloween Party 6-8:30 p.m., Everal Barn at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Oct. 14-15 Ave., www.westerville.org, Westerville Quilt Guild 614-901-6500 2012 Quilt Show Dress up in your favorite cos10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, tume and bring the kids along to 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, play some carnival games and Westerville Community Center, Halloween bingo. A trick-or-treat 350 N. Cleveland Ave., www. path is also included at the party. westervillequiltguild.com This annual show features Oct. 25-Nov. 3 more than 100 quilts on Otterbein Department of display, as well as demonstra- Theatre presents Spring tions, vendors, a boutique and Awakening a raffle quilt. Campus Center Theatre, 100 W. Home St., www.otterbein.edu Oct. 15-Dec. 7 Based on the 1892 play by Lifting Off the Grid German playwright Frank Miller Gallery, Otterbein UniWedekind, Spring Awakening versity Art and Communication focuses on teenagers in late Building, 33 Collegeview Rd., 19th Century Germany trying www.otterbein.edu to cope with the confusion of Artist Donald Austin’s sabtheir sexual awakening. This batical exhibition presents a play contains strong adult simple, inexpensive dwelling content and is not appropriate designed to be visually unique, for children. new age and independent of the power grid.
An Evening with Pulitzer Prize author
Geraldine Brooks Monday, November 12, 7pm Discussing the Art of Historical Fiction and her bestsellers Meet & Greet and book signing to follow Event will be held in Otterbein University’s Riley Auditorium To register, visit westervillelibrary.org or call (614) 882-7277 ext. 5004 starting October 1 Ohio Humanities Council
Barnes & Noble Booksellers Mudslinger’s
Oct. 16
Ham & Bean Dinner 4:30-6:30 p.m., Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St., www. westerville.org, 614-901-6560 Swing by the Senior Center and enjoy a classic fall dinner with the community.
Over 100 Retailers Raffles Concessions And Much More!
SATURDAY, OCT. 27 10 AM - 3 PM WESTERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 950 Countyline Rd. Westerville, OH 43082
One-Of-A-Kind Items Gift Wrapping & More!
Admission $2 Includes Raffle Entry!
Raffles Every 15 Minutes! A $500 Shopping Spree Will be Awarded! Portion of the proceeds benefit 614-599-8593 the WNHS Booster Club info@griffethevents.com www.westervillemagazine.com
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Special Ticket Offer Family 4-Pack Only $35!
September 22 & 23 Join Jungle Jack Hanna and his animal friends for a fall festival filled with special activities and attractions such as pumpkin carving, country music, kid-friendly entertainment and all your favorite seasonal treats! And Fifth Third Bank has teamed up with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to offer you an exclusive ticket offer: a Family 4-Pack to any day at the Fall Fest plus FREE parking— for only $35. That’s a savings of over $30! Plus, be one of the first 500 to buy a Family 4-Pack and you get a FREE water bottle!
Have a ball this fall at Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest! Pick up your Family 4-Pack today. Available only at Fifth Third Banking Centers.
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Official Bank of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Ticket offer at participating locations only. Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender www.westervillemagazine.com
CityReporter News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Boomers Helping to Shape Future Recreation
www.westervillemagazine.com
trips. More than 2,000 older adults are also participating in Silver Sneakers, a program funded by insurance providers that encourages older adults to pursue healthy, active lifestyles. The number of participants has nearly doubled in just one year, leading to expanded program offerings with more than 24 land-based aerobic and yoga classes. The older adults of today differ from those of Exercise and activity programs for older adults take place past decades, based on at the Westerville Community Center. a number of factors but including better health and fitness levels of this process. To get involved in the that allow them to be more active. This Master Planning process, visit the City shift in population demographics will website at www.westerville.org/parks. play a key role in the development of “Boomers are a vital part of our recthe next Master Plan for the Westerville reational community,” said Auler. “They Parks and Recreation Department. have spent years contributing to the comBeginning in August 2012 and over munity as part of the workforce, and the next year, citizen involvement will now there’s time to enjoy life from anothhelp outline the needs of the Wester- er angle. With their input and participaville community. Public meetings, focus tion, we’re looking forward to continued groups and surveys are planned as part growth to deliver on their expectations.”
Leaf Collection Kick-Off Beginning mid-October, the 10week process of leaf collection will begin in the City. Starting Oct. 15 and running through Dec. 21, the Department of Public Service will pick up leaves in four zones throughout the city. To find your zone by street name or to see daily updates, please visit the City website at www.westerville. org or call 614-901-6740.
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The growth of the older adults who comprise the Baby Boom generation (born 1946-1964) has a name: They are, collectively, known as the “Silver Tsunami.” The moniker refers to the dramatic growth in this population segment whose members are at or near their retirement age. Communities like Westerville are looking at statistics from the 2010 U.S. Census that record more people 65 years and older than in any previous Census. Each year, more than 3.5 million Boomers turn 55, and by 2035, one in five will be age 65 or older. For the first time in history, people aged 65 and over will soon outnumber those under the age of 5. Since this is the first group we expect to spend up to a quarter of their life in retirement based on increased life expectancies and energetic lifestyles, communities are preparing to deal with higher demand for programs and services. In addition to housing, health care and community support, Boomers say they want services that help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department has been planning for an influx of retirees who are exercising, biking, hiking, swimming and engaging in recreational opportunities that span the ages. Changes in program demands are already taking place, says Parks & Recreation Director Randy Auler. “We’ve already seen a bump in the demand for expanded ‘ageless’ activities, and we know there’s more to come,” said Auler. “Westerville is an active community, and we are really inspired by older adults who continue to participate and challenge us with new ideas and activities.” The department has increased a number of diverse and active programs, including digital photography, computer classes, video games, Pickleball, line dancing, hiking and outdoor adventure
Know Your Zone: Zone 1 Oct. 15-19 Oct. 29-Nov. 2 Nov. 26-30
Zone 3 Oct. 22-26 Nov. 12-16 Dec. 10-14
Zone 2 Oct. 15-19 Nov. 5-9 Dec. 3-7
Zone 4 Oct. 22-26 Nov. 19-23 Dec. 17-21
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News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Staff Profile:
Richard “Dick” Lorenz
Scientist at Helm of Westerville Water Utility The City of Westerville’s Water Utility Manager, Richard (Dick) Lorenz, is, professionally speaking, a limnologist. While it sounds like an answer to a Jeopardy! question, it actually refers to his expertise in the study of fresh water lakes. Lorenz has spent the better part of a career that has spanned more than 30 years, much of it in Westerville, applying his knowledge, training and commitment to the environmental sciences for a safe and reliable water system. Where did you grow up? I’m originally from New York state; born in Buffalo, and then we moved to the White Plains area, just an hour north of New York City. I lived there until it was time to look at college, and I knew I wanted to get away from the East Coast. My parents were originally from Ohio and Indiana, respectively, so we started touring schools in the Midwest. I loved the visual appeal of Miami University in Oxford. Coming from my proximity to the “big” city, I wanted to enjoy school in a “small” city. How did the path to the environmental sciences come to you? I always did well in science in high school and eventually became interested in the connection between the environment and science, especially when I first saw photos of the Cuyahoga River on fire in 1969. The image was caught by a photographer and published in Time magazine. That’s around the time people started to become aware of the impact of pollution on the environ10
ment, and the environmental movement started. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in the early 1970s, and the safe drinking and clean water acts followed. All of these took place when I was in high school and it piqued my interest as a social issue that fell into the scientific realm. How did you come to your job in Westerville? After graduating from Miami, I chose to do my graduate work at The Ohio State University. At Miami, I had studied biology, and at OSU, I went into the Master’s program in environmental biology. In graduate school, I focused on water quality; Great Lakes water specifically. I ended up doing a lot of work at Lake Erie in water quality, supporting my education with research grants to study lake algae. On occasion, I still teach algae workshops at Stone Laboratory (the OSU biological field station on Lake Erie). I was fortunate to pair my interests in water quality and the environment in school, but then you have to get a job. I graduated on a Friday and started with the Columbus Division of Water the next Monday. I started as a microbiologist and moved up to become the supervisor of the biological/environmental section of the lab. It was my first step from scientist to management. Later, I took my state water test to become a certified water operator, and moved into my position in Westerville where I’ve been for nearly 20 years. How has the Westerville water utility grown since you have been here?
Westerville has really grown, and so has our water service. The Water Plant has increased its capacity by 25 percent since I have been here, largely because we have adopted innovative technologies in cooperation with the Ohio EPA. We have demonstrated to the regulatory agency that we could increase capacity without having to build additional facilities, while maintaining water quality. This practice has kept the utility operating efficiently while resulting in the lowest rates in central Ohio. In May, you became an American Academy of Environmental Engineers, Board Certified Environmental Scientist. Tell about that certification. It’s a brand new certification and I was in the first class to receive it. The academy is establishing the future protocol for the industry. Candidates will have to pass an examination to be considered in future classes, but I was inducted based on my career accomplishments, published papers and presentations. You also received another recent distinction: The Fuller Award. That award is a meaningful honor from my professional trade organization, the American Water Works Association. It recognizes a person in each state and is named after an early engineer in the water industry, George Warner Fuller, who helped design the first water treatment systems in many states, including Ohio. We were selected by our peers and the state association for significant, long-term commitment and expertise in engineering and technical expertise in the water industry. The City established the Odd/Even Lawn Watering Program* many years ago. Why is water conservation important in our community? The Odd/Even program was initiated out of necessity in the mid-1990s because our water plant was experiencing peak usage on hot summer weekends that was beyond our treatment capacity. The decision was made to, rather than spend a large dollar amount to expand the plant, better manage our resources through the use of conservation programs. Through informing the public and the public’s willingness to go along with it, it has been successful. Water conservation is as important as the conservation of any other limited natural resource. It takes a fair amount of energy and resources to treat clean, safe drinking water. First is electricity and second is water treatment chemicals, both of which, www.westervillemagazine.com
What is something that residents may be surprised to know about our water supply or water use? There’s often an assumption that Hoover Reservoir is Westerville’s source of water. It is not. Westerville’s water comes from Alum Creek Reservoir, with the Westerville Reservoir (actually built before Alum Creek Reservoir) as a second source. Also, people are typically surprised to learn how much water an average person uses a day: about 100 gallons. The average household uses 300 gallons a day. So, where does all that water go? We figure that maybe 5 of those 100 gallons are actually consumed through cooking, drinking and brushing teeth, anything that may enter your body. The other 95 gallons literally go down the drain or to get rid of waste, and yet it’s all treated at the same level. When I ask groups how much water they think they use, the guesses are all over but usually low, like around 10 gallons. Knowing what you do about water management and use, have you noticed you use it differently than other people do? I have no concerns about drinking tap water. I’m not a bottled water person unless it’s out of convenience. At home, I get a glass of water out of the faucet. The biggest difference from my perspective is probably the way I look at the environment when it comes to maintaining our natural water resources. I’m active in FACT (Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries), a watershed protection group that advocates for education, enjoyment and protection of our water resources. What are your (other) interests and hobbies? Cycling, snowskiing and golf – pretty much anything that involves being outdoors and, yes, anything involving water. I enjoy walks along creek beds, boating and scuba diving when I have the chance. I also spend time with my family: my wife and two daughters. What does the future of the water industry look like, in your opinion? Water and its management will become more and more important as we continue to develop. It is a limited but renewable resource that needs to be managed properly for the benefit of all. Also, the water industry has many diverse career opportuwww.westervillemagazine.com
nities – accounting, customer service, scientists, heavy equipment operators, plant operators and much more. The residents should be proud that Westerville has been able to maintain an independent, locally controlled water system. It has served us well over the years. *The Odd-Even Lawn Watering Program is a permanent Westerville Ordinance in effect year-round and emphasized during
times of excessive heat and limited rainfall. The Ordinance was enacted to help residents conserve water during dry summer months while still allowing adequate water for lawns. The program matches days of lawn watering to home addresses: If a house or business number ends in an even number, the resident/owner is permitted to water grass on even-numbered days of the month, and vice versa for odd-numbered days.
A “Warm” Thank You for 40 Years By Scott Marier, Executive Director, Westerville Area Resource Ministry Westerville Area Resource Ministry, WARM, is celebrating 40 years of community service. The last four decades are marked by milestones of growth; growth in need, growth in partnership and growth in best practices. Although WARM is a self-supporting nonprofit, we did not weather the last four decades alone. At each marker, there were people who stepped in and made a difference; churches, businesses, civic organizations, schools, individuals and families. They each had a part. They each took on the work of helping others, which is at the heart of WARM’s mission. In celebration of our anniversary, we wanted a way in which we would be able to say “thank you” to as many people as we could. The challenge was how to thank a community of close to 90,000 people. How do we thank people who have consistently given of their resources so that, collectively, we could address the issues of poverty within our community? As part of the acknowledgement of the last 40 years, we fashioned a three-pronged approach to celebrate those who have stood with us and create opportunities for others to join in. The Family Fun Fest, held in August, was a huge success. The food, games and sponsors were wonderful. The participation was indicative of Westerville – all hands on deck. The event was our opportunity to give back a portion of the kindnesses and blessings we have received over the years. Throughout this year, we have conducted small acts of “Thanks 4 Giving;” actions in which we recognize support-
ers who have given their time, talent and treasure with “thank you” cards, treats or coupons. This has allowed us to personally touch thousands of individuals with no strings attached – just a way to “Pass on a WARM Thanks!” We will continue this practice in the remaining months of 2012. In September, we will hold our inaugural Gala event to assist in raising awareness of hunger and the accompanying concerns of our neighbors in need. Proceeds generated will impact the key solutions to addressing the effects of situational and systemic poverty. As we look to the coming years, we are committed to addressing the future needs of the community by increasing programs and services, building organization infrastructure to manage continued growth, implementing best practice strategies that address poverty indicator trends, and expanding facility capacity to support rising service demands. Our mission remains clear: to be obedient in loving others by being aware of the poverty needs around us, and willing to take action to remedy those needs. It is in loving our neighbors as ourselves that we will witness lives transformed as we restore dignity and hope, by offering a hand up, not a hand out. This is best done together. On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers and the clients we serve, we wish to thank the Westerville community for your generous support over the last 40 years. We are looking forward to what is yet to come.
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when produced, have an impact on the environment. When you’re saving water, you’re also making a larger environmental contribution.
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News & Information from the City of Wester ville
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade to expand Facility, Improve Water Quality During nearly every decade since 1970, a major capacity or quality improvement has been made to the Westerville Water Treatment Plant to keep pace with regulations, meet the community’s growth and best serve its residents and businesses. Now, for the first time in 20 years, the Plant is getting a treatment process update, with the Westerville Water Division moving forward with plans to add a second water filtration process to the existing treatment regimen. Granular activated carbon, or GAC, is a water filtration process similar to many of the home charcoal-filtration devices equipped to remove a variety of potential contaminants that exist at extremely low levels, if at all. With the enhanced water filtration process in place, Westerville Water Division customers will continue to enjoy high-quality drinking water. The Plant improvements are designed to comply with two new federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water regulations, as well as maintain and improve water service that Westerville customers have come to expect and enjoy. In the 2012 Community Survey, residents strongly rated the quality of Water Division services, with satisfaction levels increasing steadily since 2005. “We are proud to deliver high-quality drinking water to our customers,” said Richard Lorenz, Water Utility Manager. “A safe, reliable
water supply is essential for the health and welfare of our residents, the prosperity of our businesses, and our quality of life.” The estimated $8 million project will fund the construction of a new water treatment facility adjacent to the existing Water Treatment Plant, housing the enhanced GAC filtration process. The project will be financed by a low-interest rate loan from the Ohio EPA and a revised water rate structure. Westerville water rates, among the most affordable in the region, are scheduled to increase over the next several years so that these improvements can be made (see graph for a comparison). The average residential water bill is projected to increase by about $2 per month beginning in 2013 and again in 2014. “Water Division customers currently enjoy the lowest water rates among central Ohio communities and will continue to do so even after the rate increases take effect,” said Lorenz. “Once this project is completed, the City will benefit from an enhanced water filtration system without sacrificing its reputation as a low-cost utility provider in the region.” The City plans to solicit bids for the project in late 2012, with a bid award to be presented to Westerville City Council by early next year. Construction on the water treatment facility will begin in 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
1970 – The Westerville Water Plant is moved from the Senior Center building to its current location 1980 –
The Westerville Water Plant is doubled in size to accommodate the community’s growth.
1992 –
The Clearwell Pump House (water storage and pump) is added to the facility.
1999 – The Water Plant becomes a high-rate facility, meaning it handles higher capacity without major capital improvements. 2013 – The GAC process is added.
Did You Know?
You can use the City of Westerville website to contact, connect and engage with departments, staff and Councilmembers. Visit www.westerville.org to: • CONTACT City Staff and Council • WATCH City Council Meetings • SUBMIT a Service Request • VIEW the Events Calendar • REGISTER for Parks & Recreation Programs • DOWNLOAD Permits and Forms • SUBSCRIBE to the City’s Weekly e-Newsletter • Facebook • Twitter Accounts
2012 residential average water use per month Huber Ridge New Albany Gahanna Hilliard Dublin Grove City Upper Arlington Delaware
Nearly every 10 years, a major capacity or quality improvement has been made to the Westerville Water Plant.
7 ccf
Worthington DelCo Reynoldsburg Pickerington Columbus Westerville $0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 12
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Mark Your Calendars Honor Flight Welcome Home Ceremony Saturday, Sept. 8, approximately 9 p.m. Port Columbus International Airport, Southwest Baggage Claim Join the community of Westerville at Port Columbus airport to give World War II veterans the “Welcome Home” they deserve. On this day, nearly 100 local veterans will take the Honor Flight, featuring a guided tour of the National World War II monument in Washington, D.C. The Westerville community – including the City, schools, citizens, businesses and service clubs – organize several fundraisers throughout the year to benefit an annual community-sponsored flight. The annual Welcome Home ceremony is an emotional and patriotic close to the veterans’ day of honor. Participants and spectators may gather in the Southwest Airline Baggage Claim area beginning at 8:40 p.m. For more information, please visit www.honorflightcolumbus.org or check for updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ westervilleforhonorflight. Cops & Kids Day Sunday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle Blvd. Cops & Kids Day is a popular annual event that offers children of all ages the opportunity to interact with law enforcement officers and see, touch and learn about some of the equipment these agencies utilize, including helicopters, cruisers, K-9 units, mounted patrols, SWAT, bike patrol and DARE vehicles. Several competitions among the different agencies take place throughout the day, as well as the kidfavorite “Dunk-A-Cop” tank. P.A.L.S. safety puppets and all of the special police robots will also be on hand to entertain the children. The first 1,100 children will receive a special Cops & Kids Day item. Admission and refreshments are free.
w ww. we s t er vil l e. or g
Trick-or Treat/Beggars’ Night Wednesday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. Citywide The City of Westerville will observe Trick-or-Treat/Beggars’ Night on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. As our little ghouls and goblins hit the streets for their treats, please use extra caution while driving. Costumes with reflective materials and flashlights will help kids remain visible in our neighborhoods. Special note: It will be 2014 before trick-or-treating is not observed on Oct. 31 (Halloween). Westerville has adopted the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) resolution that observes these activities on Oct.31 unless that date falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. In that case, trick-or-treating is observed on the Thursday before that date.
92%
Percentage of Westerville Electric Division customers affected by the power outage on June 29, 2012 who had electricity restored within 12 hours.
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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 Duane St. Clair
Photography by Garth Bishop
The Man with the Plan
Longtime public servant is invaluable member of Planning Commission Gerald Domanik usually talks
of the future as he walks down memory lane. For Domanik, who most people know as “Gerry,” memory lane is a pathway lined with mileposts of his volunteer public service over 33 years – planning and zoning, tax levy and bond issue campaigns, fire department adviser, provider of canine cheer to the ailing elderly. Still going strong, the silver-haired Domanik, 70, is perhaps best known for his 14 years on the Westerville Planning Commission, which has influenced much of the development within the city. He has stayed at it so long because the commission contributes to the good of the community and because, he says, “it’s not political.” The chatty and personable retiree – he spent 30 years with Ohio Bell Telephone, AT&T and Lucent Technologies – immediately begins an interview session discussing the smallness of Westerville when he, along with wife Joan and sons Craig and Christopher, settled on the northeast side of the city in 1979. The city had “10,000 to 12,000 people max,” Domanik says. “Now we’re pushing 40,000.” His commitment to service began with the Olde Mill Civic Association and a successful effort to head off a proposed apartment development nearby. He has campaigned for fire and safety levies and a bond issue for development around St. Ann’s Hospital construction in the 1980s. He has served on the fire board and twice on committees interviewing prospective firefighters. He helped review the zoning code and is on the city’s Tax Incentive Review Council. That apartment project skirmish was “kind of a first blush with those things,”
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Domanik says. “I got to know some people on (Westerville City) Council. One thing led to another,” and he was named to the Board of Zoning Appeals, where he served five years as chairman. The board deals with issues that involve violations of or variations to the zoning code. For instance, once a homeowner, without approval, built a front porch that extended well beyond the required setback line. The upshot was that it had to be removed and was rebuilt to conform, Domanik says. In 1991, he was named to the Planning Commission, the seven-member body that considers proposals for zoning or master plan changes, or modifications to and compliance with one or both. Some matters are contentious, some are not. Domanik says he believes in finding the right solution, regardless of what it is. “I’ve always believed in compromise,” he says, because “sometimes the book has a hard cover, sometimes it’s soft.” The commission helped create the 941 Plan, a development plan for that many acres north of County Line Road,
the area between Africa and Worthington roads, most of which is south of Polaris Parkway. “We had a blank slate. We had a chance to think this out,” he says, quickly admonishing that any such plan “should be dynamic because it continually changes.” Large parts of the area are vacant, but development proposals still are evolving that might require some 15
change in the plan. Roads planned by the city are part of the dynamic. In recent years, the Walmart development at Schrock Road and State Street has taken up a great deal of the commission’s time. It wrestled with the developer and neighbors before approving a redevelopment that allows the store but calls for far more improvements to the nearly vacant shopping center site than the developer originally proposed. The issue, Domanik explains, was that the commission could not stop Walmart from being a lessee. It could deal only with other issues, such as access, screening and appearance. “That was a good fight. It really was,” Domanik says. “The precedent was set a long time ago. … We deal with property use, not who’s using it. We make sure we get the best we can get for Westerville and its citizens as a whole.” Getting the best for Westerville and its citizens involved a lot of work by the city’s development staff, whom Domanik more than once refers to as “a fantastic staff of people.” Most of the time, the commission’s recommendations go to City Council for approval, and few have been sent back in Domanik’s time on it. He doesn’t regret any vote he has cast, with two minor exceptions: a garage ended up too big after receiving a zoning variance and a home builder was allowed to sell lots to another resulting in homes of lesser quality than had been proposed. But that’s not all Domanik is about. Domanik is a member of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association and its signage committee by way of owning a building at 59 E. Home St. where his wife has had a beauty shop for 20 years. The second floor is rented for offices and Domanik says he’s “director of maintenance.” “That’s ‘janitor,’” he clarifies. He has high hopes for Uptown through redevelopments, such as an upscale delicatessen that’s coming and a city-backed plan to improve the façade of many buildings to help retain the ambiance of an older, friendly neighborhood. The commission and area have had ups and downs in recent years, Domanik says, but he’s optimistic, particularly with the upcoming façade improvements. Domanik is preparing to resume what is perhaps his favorite activity: taking his Irish setter to visit the sick and elderly. He lights up talking about it. For eight years, Domanik and registered therapy dog Killian visited patients 16
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at Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s, an Alzheimer’s center and the Village at Westerville. The Ohio Chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Association once named Killian Volunteer of the Year. Domanik fondly tells of Killian resting his head for 20 minutes on the pillow of a terminally ill relative who was cheered by his presence. He also remembers when an Alzheimer’s patient, otherwise unresponsive, reacted happily to pet Killian. Killian had to be euthanized two years ago. Now, Domanik has 2-yearold Trev, a distant nephew of Killian, who he’s training as a therapy dog after spending many months traveling to dog shows to make Trev a grand champion. Domanik, who had to be trained to retrain Trev, describes him as friendly, receptive to what he’s learning and eager to be petted by strangers. Domanik – whose health is excellent, memory sharp and knowledge and experience irreplaceable – is not sure whether he is willing to serve a fifth term on the Planning Commission. Down the road, he doesn’t foresee much if any annexation or major single-family home development in Westerville. More apartments would be good, but overall, he does not want to do anything to dramatically change what Westerville is. Meanwhile, he’s looking toward returning to the canine therapy visits. He terms it “the greatest experience of my life.” Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscene mediagroup.com.
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in focus By Garth Bishop
Animal Kingdom Official shop pets are some of Uptown’s most effective sales “people” A Gal Named Cinda Lou Henry is so popular among A Gal Named Cinda Lou’s customers that he has his own fan club whose members own buttons with his face on them. Henry, a 3-year-old Boston Terrier, belongs to Juli Bennati, daughter of store owners Jim and Debbie Bennati. He’s always popular with the customers Uptown, as well as at Cinda Lou’s two other locations in east Columbus and in the University District. Henry is a particular fan of the latter location. “He’s Big Dog on Campus,” says Jim. A bowl of dog treats customers can buy for Henry is kept perpetually filled by an Uptown neighbor who’s a big fan. Henry even has his own Facebook page. “Henry is one of the finest dogs I’ve ever met,” offers a customer at the store.
In this tough economy, some
staff members at Uptown Westerville shops are in the business of attracting customers through superior cuteness. And business is good. Official “shop pets” are more common than you might think Uptown. Keep your eyes on the windows as you walk by; you just might spot one. Ralphoto Studio They won’t interfere with others’ photo shoots, but put Katie and Lizzie in front of a camera and they’ll be happy to ham it up. The two 9-year-old Boston Terriers belong to Ralph and Imogen Geho. Ralph used to own the studio, though these days it is run by his son Alan. Katie and Lizzie accompany the elder Gehos to the studio whenever they visit. “Katie is more or less the greeter,” says Ralph. It makes sense to have dogs around, given that the studio often includes the family pets in family photo shoots.
Katie and Lizzie 18
Penny
“People bring in snakes and rats and all sorts of things,” Alan says. Westerville Bike Shop These days, Penny is a friendly sight for customers who stop in at Westerville Bike Shop, but her path there wasn’t easy. The 6-year-old Staffordshire Terrier – also known as an English pit bull – was a rescue. A friend of shop owner Mason Morgan found her chained to a Dumpster; the evidence suggested she had been used for breeding before she was abandoned. Thankfully, her days are easier now. “We have a couple of people who come in just to see her,” Morgan says. Though some people have a negative perception of pit bulls, they’re apt to be convinced otherwise by sweet and wellmannered Penny, says Morgan – even if she is underfoot on occasion. “She’s perpetually in the way of just about everything,” he says.
Westerville Antiques Don’t let the name fool you – Stinky is actually very pleasant to be around. Stinky is a Maine Coon, also known as an American Longhair. She was a Henry
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Stinky
stray before being rescued by the owners of Westerville Antiques, so it’s hard to say how old she is, but she’s a big draw for customers. “I don’t hear the end of it,” says Jake Danieri, assistant clerk. A sign near the door warns customers not to let the cat out, “no matter what (she) tells you,” but Stinky is usually perfectly content to stay in the store, testing Desiree out the new arrivals. “Every time a new piece of furniture comes in or a new spot opens up, she’s there,” Danieri says. Foul Play Who are the most popular employees at this bookstore? It’s no mystery. Foul Play’s three long-lived store cats – Fannie Mae and Desiree, each 15 years old, and Harriet, 18 years old – are all rescued strays. Each has her own quirks; Harriet loves attention, Fannie Mae likes to sleep wherever she can find a place to lie and shy Desiree rarely comes downstairs to meet customers. “Harriet’s the one that everybody sees on the desk,” says store co-owner John Cross. “Fannie Mae’s the one (painted) on the back of the van.” The cats are forever finding new ways to wend through the store’s shelves, and they make for effective sales representatives, Cross says. “People don’t come in to see us – they come to see the cats,” he says. www.westervillemagazine.com
Doctor Shoe Here’s one dog who has no trouble catching the eyes of passers-by. Baby Girl is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu. She often sits in the window of the shoe repair shop, drawing the notice of people outside. “She gets a lot of attention,” says shop owner Randy Birge. “Some people just come in to pet her.” Like several other Uptown pets, Baby Girl was a rescue. She is missing her left eye, though it does not appear to detract from her appeal or her demeanor. “She’s never had a problem with it,” Birge says. Garth Bishop is editor of Westerville Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
Baby Girl 19
I Know This Much is Crew
Westerville crew team rows toward ever-increasing success By Stephan Reed
Photography by Wes Kroninger
After 17 years, the Westerville
Crew is still thriving as a potential launching pad for collegiate rowers. Since it was organized in 1995 by two parents seeking a rowing outlet for their children, the club for high school rowing aspirants has established itself as a serious contender in the sport. The team has achieved national success, including its June third-place win in the United States Rowing Association National Championship’s men’s lightweight four-rower event. “At first, it’s hard to believe you’ve made it that far,” says senior Ryan Kesselring. “You’re just so anxious from waiting for it to start, but when the ref starts the race, all the anxiety and nervousness goes away. It’s time to row.” Kesselring developed his interest in rowing for the Westerville Crew in summer 2009, before he was even eligible for the team. A few years later, he’s competed in national races as a member. “Honestly, I didn’t know anything about the sport going into it,” he says. “It was an amazing journey and a great reward to get up on the national medal stand because by that point, we were all brothers. You’re up there with your family.” It takes a lot of learning and hours of practice to get the hang of the waterbased sport, says senior Patrick LeCorgne. “It was hard to stick with it in the beginning,” LeCorgne says. “There were plenty of times I was being nagged by a coach to fix something that I just couldn’t get right. It’s hard to familiarize yourself with this sport.” 20
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LeCorgne and Kesselring plan to pursue the sport in college. They are both looking for universities that offer scholarships for rowing. Many members of the Westerville Crew have gone on to be successful rowers in college, says head coach Matt Chase. “We have had 35 scholarships awarded to our rowers since 2005,” he says. “We send kids to The Ohio State University and other Big 10 schools. Harvard is currently scouting two of our rowers.” Matt and his wife, Trish, founded the team more than 15 years ago and have coached it since. “We started the team in 1995 and it was a huge struggle getting it all together,” Trish says. That difficulty was caused mainly by the overwhelming popularity of other sports, Matt says. “Rowing isn’t mainstream, nor is it even a Midwestern sport,” he says. “It’s more of a coastal event. Here, football is king. People don’t grow up saying ‘I want to be a rower.’ So, we had some barriers introducing it.” But persistence paid off, and now the team, like the sport itself, is blooming in popularity. “We have had great success and now we have parents looking for us,” Matt says. “We are likely the most successful team in the United States without a boathouse.” Unlike Westerville, many other teams across the nation have formal boathouses www.westervillemagazine.com
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to store their boats and more easily enter the water. But the Westerville Crew has managed to function without its own boathouse. “Boathouses become home for the team,” Matt says. “It creates an identity and it really gets more people involved. However, we do incredibly well without one.” “It gives us a character of our own,” Kesselring says. “We don’t have the fanciest stuff, yet we still compete with the best in the country.” The team continues to grow in size and is looking to achieve greater success at the national level. “My wife and I stay so involved with the team,” says Matt. “It all started
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when our kids wanted to row. The team just keeps getting bigger and better, and now the kids get all these opportunities to be great.” The team consists of 118 rowers from more than a dozen high schools in central Ohio, including the Westerville, Olentangy, Dublin and Big Walnut school districts. The crew is preparing to host and compete in the Columbus Fall Classic, set for Oct. 13 on Hoover Reservoir. The event features teams from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio. “This is one of the largest singleday high school regattas in the United States,” Matt says. “Spectators can walk down the staging area
where the 60-foot long boats are carried by eight crew members to one of four 48-foot docks. There are food vendors and a lot of activity for the audience.” The primary spectator area is along the shore of the reservoir. The racing takes place in the south and middle bays of the reservoir. More than 300 boats will race. Because admission to the event is free, Matt urges newcomers and fans to come cheer their team and watch as its members try to blow the competition out of the water. Stephan Reed is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@city scenemediagroup.com.
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Valuable Volunteers
Westerville’s civic associations work hard to enrich the community By Hillary Doyle
While many of us spent the
summer outside by the pool, civic associations in Westerville were hard at work planning events and programs for the Westerville community. The Westerville Area Resource Ministry is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and is continuing its “Thanks for Giving” program to thank everyone in Westerville for all they’ve done to help their organization progress to where it is today. Volunteers for the Westerville Area W.A.R.M. is also planning its first- Resource Ministry ever benefit gala, set for Sept. 29. The Westerville Area Civitan Club just wrapped up its annual Splash Party at the Highlands Park Aquatic Center for children with special needs. It is also planning for its spring events: the Katie Dunning Dance and the Easter Eggstravaganza, both of which benefit special needs children in Westerville. Westerville Sertoma is trying to make a new name for Westerville – the “Chili Capital of Ohio” – with cook-offs on Sept. 1 and 2, the latter as part of the Cool Cars, Hot Stuff Festival. Sertoma hopes the events will bring in regular chili competitors as well as amateurs and local restaurants. The Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise is also planning an exciting chili event: the 17th annual Wendy’s Chili Open, set for Feb. 2 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where guests can sample chili and other food from 30 local restaurants while The Wendy’s Chili Open, raising money to support children’s charities. organized by the Rotary Club The Westerville Kiwanis Club recently built of Westerville Sunrise a fence on Vancouver Boulevard to assist the Westerville Department of Parks and Recreation. The club pulled together 12 volunteers and was able to construct the fence in one day. It also recently held its 50th Academic Varsity event, an annual dinner that recognizes high-achieving students in Westerville schools. The Westerville Lions Club is preparing for two great events this fall: the Ned Mosher Apple Butter Festival on Oct. 7 and the Westerville’s Got Talent competition on Nov. 10. Auditions for the latter begin in September. City Councilwoman Diane Fosselman has high praise for these volunteers. “They really contribute and set Westerville apart, and provide events that make Westerville special,” Fosselman says. Hillary Doyle is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscene mediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
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at Otterbein University, spooky stories are bound to embed themselves in the school’s culture. In addition to eerie cemeteries and aging homes, certain campus buildings are actually said to be haunted. Cowan Hall and the Fritsche Theatre located therein are rumored to be haunted by a ghost named Twyla. Though the story has slight variations depending on who’s telling it, Twyla is generally known as a former Otterbein student whose acting skills were lacking. Unable to land any role she tried out for, one day she made the most dramatic statement of all. Twyla is said to have climbed the light fixtures in tears after she learned she was not cast in a particular show. She fell 30 feet to her death, landing in the middle of the stage, according to legend. Shortly thereafter, tales began to circulate of students, staffers and visi-
tors witnessing Twyla’s presence in the theater – and the stories continue to this day. In light of the well-known story, Otterbein University archivist Stephen Grinch delved into research and discovered some interesting facts surrounding the case. There is no record of any student named Twyla ever attending Otterbein – and even if there had been, the time frame of the story wouldn’t make sense. “Twyla is said to have been a student in the 1930s, which is amusing because that is approximately 20 years before the theater program was established,” Grinch says. Facts aside, the popularity of Twyla’s tale was notable enough to be written about in the Chris Woodyard book Haunted Ohio III. According to the book excerpt, theater students claim that after dark, doors will slam shut by themselves. It’s also said that students will slip on the spot where Twyla supposedly landed. There www.westervillemagazine.com
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are even stories of students claiming to hear Twyla’s cries on stage. The theater’s faculty scenic designer, Rob Johnson, says in the book that once, before a play began, dozens of programmed lighting cues were mysteriously erased and he had to frantically reprogram them. Whether it was a technical mishap or an uncanny occurrence, Johnson says folks in the theater department blame Twyla when anything strange or eerie happens in Cowan Hall. Whether or not you believe in ghosts and spirits, Grinch says there is an explanation for why people continue to tell stories like the one about Twyla. “The world is filled of unexpected things and there’s no logical explanation for why,” he says. “Humans like to figure things out, so these kinds of stories get started and live on.” Olivia Ohlin is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscene mediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
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on the table By Rose Davidson
The Heat is On CaJohn’s helps make Westerville a spicy destination for chili lovers If you thought Cincinnati was
big on chili, just wait until you see what Westerville has in store for Labor Day weekend. Westerville is making a name for itself in the chili community. With two championship cook-offs taking place the first weekend of September, the city will be seeing a surge of chili enthusiasts. John Hard, a Westerville native and owner of CaJohn’s Fiery Foods, is hosting both events in the spacious parking lot next to his specialty foods store on Green Crest Drive. CaJohn’s is a well-known name in the world of chili, so it’s only fitting that Hard
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will be hosting the competitions. His products have won a total of 464 awards, and Hard himself has received 79 prestigious Golden Chiles – more than anyone else in the fiery foods business. His products have even been featured on television’s Food Network. “I’m one of the leading hot sauce manufacturers in the country,” says Hard. “People just can’t believe we’re from Ohio – it brings some notoriety to Westerville.” Hard has participated in and won numerous championship cook-offs, but now he’s focusing on a more administrative role within the chili community. Aside from hosting the competitions, he recently took on a position as senior consultant for Spicy Food Productions, the organization behind the Golden Chiles. The awards are given to the Fiery Food Challenge winners at the annual ZestFest convention, which in 2013 will be held in Las Vegas. Though he has his plate full, Hard is happy to be in the business he loves. “I’m very passionate about it,” says Hard. “It’s really what I enjoy doing, and I don’t even think of it as work most of the time.” The two cook-offs, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, are scheduled for Sept. 1 and 2. The first is the Buckeye Regional ICS Chili Championship, with the majority of competitors coming from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and
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West Virginia. The second is the Ohio State ICS Championship, which is partnering with the annual Westerville Sertoma Car Show to form the Cool Cars, Hot Stuff Festival. Although the two championships are for different levels of qualification, one regional and one state, the cook-offs themselves are identical in nature. Both events feature competitions for best red chili, best green chili and best salsa, and money is awarded to the winner of each category. The red chili is the main focus, says Hard, with a $1,000 prize for first place. The best green chili is awarded $250 and the salsa winner receives $50. Many of the cooks taking part in the events will be professional chili chefs, but restaurants and amateur cooks are also participating. Samplings are available for those in attendance, with the People’s Choice Award going to the crowd’s favorite recipe. There will also be a Fiery Foods Marketplace with some 20 vendors selling their products. The competitions are expected to attract about 500 contestants and exhibitors from around the country. Having these people in the area will do a lot to boost Westerville’s economy, Hard says. “These competitors and vendors will surely visit many local businesses in their free time,” he says. “It will be great exposure for our community.” Columbus resident Tom Hoover has participated in numerous chili competitions. In 2010, Hoover was named World Chili www.westervillemagazine.com
Champion – the most prestigious title one can receive in the industry. Cook-offs like these are important steps for those aspiring to receive the same international recognition for their chili recipes, Hoover says. “It should draw cooks from a long distance who are trying to get qualified for the world championship,” he says. While these are the first cook-offs that Hard will be hosting, he is dedicated to continuing Westerville’s development as a desirable destination for chili lovers. He believes the “good vibes” from the chili community can take up a permanent residence in Westerville. “We plan to make Westerville the home of these events for many years to come,” says Hard. Rose Davidson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscene mediagroup.com.
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• 2 lbs. ground beef or pork sausage • 6 Tbsp. CaBoom! Chili Fixins • 1 lb. cooked shell macaroni • 2 cups water • 2 jars CaJohn’s Picante Sauce, 16 oz. • 1 jar Cheez Whiz, 15 oz. Prepare ground meat in a large skillet and drain. Add the Chili Fixins and water. Simmer until the gravy is thickened, stirring occasionally. In a large bowl, fold the Cheez Whiz into the cooked, drained macaroni and stir. Add the two jars of CaBoom! Picante Sauce and stir in the prepared meat. Serve. www.westervillemagazine.com
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Sidekicks (Juvenile Graphic Novel) By Dan Santat
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Captain Amazing is getting old. Being a superhero is hard work, and he needs a sidekick! He has four pets who each want a chance at this spot and will stop at nothing to win it.
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A Man for All Species: The Remarkable Adventures of an Animal Lover and Expert Pet Keeper By Marc Morrone and Nancy Ellis-Bell
Seraphina Kids and (Teen Fiction) Grandparents: An By Rachel Hartman Activity Book (Juvenile Nonfiction) In a world where By Ann Love & dragons and Jane Drake humans co-exist and dragons can assume human form, Seraphina struggles to accept her own identity and extraordinary musical talents.
This collection of more than 90 games, crafts, recipes and activities will connect children to their grandparents, whether they live in the same town or far away.
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Feed Your Pet Right: The Authoritative Guide to Feeding your Dog and Cat By Marion Nestle & Malden C. Nesheim
Nestle, author of What to Eat, Intriguing experijoins with animal ences blend with nutrition expert practical advice in Nesheim to write this memoir of a life this guide to the devoted to learning best and healthiest everything possible foods cat and dog about animals. owners can find in the pet food aisle.
Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost Edited by Barbara Abercrombie This moving collection of stories about pets and the impact they have on their owners uses fun, joy and wit to ease the loss.
The Gift of Pets: Stories Only a Vet Could Tell By Bruce R. Coston, D.V.M. You’ll laugh and cry at these shared stories from a veterinary practice in Virginia.
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