Pickerington Magazine April/May 2015

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WORK

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The Official Magazine of the City of Pickerington and Violet Township

APRIL/MAY 2015

Hometown Hero

Pickerington Police Officer and DARE coordinator retires after more than 25 years of service

ALSO INSIDE Creative Comics Tasty Treats A Superstar Student

©2014 OhioHealth

OPENING JUNE 2015

OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus Expert physicians, 24/7 emergency care and outpatient healthcare services As the community has grown, so has the need for additional physicians and advanced healthcare services. OhioHealth is proud to partner with Pickerington to meet those needs and build an even stronger, healthier community.

The OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus will feature:

256 Refugee Rd

Hill

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To learn more about physicians and services, visit OhioHealth.com/Pickerington

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Beautiful framing endures pickerington Magazine like beautiful music.

TM

781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202 Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill

12920 E Stonecreek Dr. Across from OU Pickerington

By The Goddard School

614-868-5554 www.artframe.us

Mon-Fri: 10am - 7pm Sat : 10am - 4pm

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Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gary Hoffman

Creative Director

Garth Bishop

Managing Editor

Hannah Bealer Sarah Sole

Assistant Editors

Brenda Layman Zach Maiorana Elizabeth Tzagournis Taylor Weis

Contributing Writers

Pam Henricks-Claxton

Advertising Director

Julie Camp Robin Weitzel Jamie Armistead Circulation:

Advertising Sales Accounting Manager 614-572-1240

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

2014 Pursuit of Excellence Award Each year, only two percent of funeral homes earn the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association. Ours is one of them.

Since 1982, the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award has been a hallmark for those funeral homes that are committed to providing exceptional service to grieving families and the community, while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards.

You and your family can trust our staff to exceed your expectations – and provide award-winning service – before, during and after the funeral.

CANAL WINCHESTER 650 West Waterloo St. Canal Winchester, OH 43110

(614) 837-7126 4

PICKERINGTON 550 Hill Rd. N Pickerington, OH 43147

www.spencefuneralhome.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 ssole@cityscenemediagroup. com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

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Pickerington Magazine is published in June, August, October, December, February and April.

Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, email Pam Henricks-Claxton at phenricks@ cityscenecolumbus.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Pickerington Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A.

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inside

April/May 2015

6810 Thrush Dr. - Canal Winchester

6 Calendar 9

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

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News and Information from Violet Township

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p.14

faces

End of an Era Community crusader hangs up his cape

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in focus

Easy as 1, 2, 3 Pickerington Center offers accessible, affordable education for a variety of students

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Different Strokes Local comic book artists come together to share their craft

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student spotlight

Boundless Potential Central senior is motivated by faith

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A Strong Spirit ATHENA Awards celebrate women who lead

26 on the table Decadent Delights Businesses in Olde Pickerington Village offer tasty treats during annual Chocolate Hop

p.22 30

bookmarks

Be sure to check out our article at www.pickeringtonmagazine.com about Fairfield County’s Chapter of 100+ Women Who Care: Creating a Caring Community.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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community calendar

Mark your calendar for these community events

April 2015 April 1

Spring Break Activity Day 10 a.m.-noon, Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Bring your child to the library to spend spring break with Little Critter from the well-known books by Mercer Mayer.

April 4

Museum Opening 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, 15 E. Columbus St., www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com New exhibits and demonstrations will be featured at the museum.

April 12-18

Don’t Just Book It, Book Drive It for Nationwide Children’s Hospital

proceeds benefiting scholarships for high school seniors entering college who reside in Violet Township or the Pickerington Local School District.

Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Donate new and gently used books to the patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital through the library’s annual book drive. Donations may be dropped off at Pickerington Public Library.

April 21

Pickerington Public Library Book Club

April 16

Pickerington Central High School presents Aida

April 9

Brown Bag Book Club 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Join the book club as it discusses The Circle by Dave Eggers.

April 11

“Eggs”traordinary Fun 2-3 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Bring your kids to the library for an hour of bouncing eggs, balancing eggs and making an original egg craft.

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Pickerington Central High School, 300 Opportunity Way, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Central presents the musical adapted from the opera of the same name by Giuseppe Verdi.

7-9 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org This month the book club discusses The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

April 18

Arbor Day Celebration & Bicentennial Time Capsule Opening 10 a.m., Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd., www.pickerington.net Join the city of Pickerington in planting a tree in honor of Arbor Day. The city will also open its time capsule in front of City Hall and bury a new one.

April 18

Violet Township Women’s League Style Show 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Creekside Conference & Event Center, 101 Mill St., Gahanna, www.vtwl.org The 16th annual style show features a meal, raffle and the gift of a plant, with

April 23-26

Pickerington High School North presents The Wedding Singer Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Rd., www.pickerington.k12.oh.us North presents the stage version of the 1998 Adam Sandler film as its spring musical.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

May 2015

May 3 4th Annual Tyler’s Light 5K Run/Walk

May 1

Olde Pickerington Village Chocolate Hop 6-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, www.pickeringtonvillage.com Explore the businesses of Olde Village for special chocolate treats to benefit the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum and Olde Pickerington Village Business Association events.

2 p.m., Victory Park, 100 Lockville Rd., www.tylerslight.com This 5K walk/run promotes community involvement and raises funds to provide the city of Pickerington and surrounding areas with the resources to help people choose drug-free lives.

May 1-10

Pickerington Community Theatre presents Oliver!

Pickerington Christian Church, 575 Diley Rd., www.pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org Enjoy the musical based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel Oliver Twist.

May 7

Old Time Medical Remedies 7:30 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St., www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com Jack Whitaker presents a program on swamp root, strychnine phosphate tonic and other medicines used before the passage of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in 1938.

Calendar continues on next page

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May 2015 continued In honor of Pickerington’s bicentennial, the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society will host a tea party.

May 15

2015 “A Day of ATHENA” Workshop & Awards Celebration

May 9

Big Comic Show 2015 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pickerington Public Library, 201 Opportunity Way, www.pickeringtonlibrary.org Spend a day learning from the artists, illustrators and graphic novelists who produce comics in and around Columbus.

May 9

Bicentennial Tea 2-3 p.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., www.pickeringtonhistoricalsociety.com

COME VISIT THE

May 22

Last Day of School Pickerington Local Schools, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

May 23

Pickerington High School Graduation

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ohio University Pickerington Center, 12933 Stonecreek Dr., www.business.pickeringtonchamber.com This event will feature speakers, awards and a workshop titled “Inspiring YOU to Make a Difference.”

9-10 a.m., Central; 1-2 p.m., North; World Harvest Church, 4595 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester, www.pickerington.k12.oh.us Join the Pickerington High School Central and North classes of 2015 in celebration of this exciting achievement.

May 21

May 23

6 p.m., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, www.stjude.org St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 10th annual gala includes cocktails, a raffle, silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment.

Noon-8 p.m., Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. S., www.ci.pickerington.oh.us Pickerington’s community pool is back in business for the summer.

Discover the Dream

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10 Minutes from I-70 at 45 E Waterloo St in Canal Winchester Wed-Sat 1-5pm

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

N E W S & I N F OR M ATI O N F R O M T H E C I T Y O F P I C K E R I NGT ON

Making Waves The Pickerington community can plunge into summer when the Pickerington Community Pool officially opens May 23.

Once school is out for summer, the pool will open at noon each day and close at 8 p.m.

Pool passes cost $175 for Pickerington residents and $225 for nonresidents. For a family of two, a season pass is $225 for residents and $275 for non-residents. Each additional family member pass costs $20. Pool enthusiasts who buy their season passes before April 30 will earn a $15 discount. Day passes are $8.

This year the pool is hosting several special events.

On June 19 from 6-9 p.m, the pool will hold its Family Fun Night. Regular admission passes or fees apply.

For those children who want to try a triathlon, the Pickerington Community Pool is sponsoring its TRY-athlon at 9 a.m., July 11. The cost of the event is $5 per child, and pre-registration is required.

To celebrate Pickerington’s 200th birthday, the pool will sponsor a Bicen-

Photo courtesy of the City of Pickerington

Community pool events make a splash for summer

tennial Pool Day on July 19 for only $2 per person.

Pickerington’s Community Pool will host the grand opening of its new Children’s Splash Pad on Aug.1.

On Aug. 7, the pool will be a tropical paradise for Family Luau Night

from 6-9 p.m. Regular admission passes or fees apply.

Closing out the season is the annual Dog Splash on Monday, Sept. 7. The fee is $5 per dog. Dogs must have proof of vaccinations at entry and cannot be in heat.

Staying Safe

Caution is integral to avoiding scammers The Pickerington Police Department warns residents to protect their personal information after learning of reports that scam artists have conned at least one elderly man out of $7,000.

Pickerington Police Chief Mike Taylor said his office was recently contacted by a local grocery store because a clerk was concerned for an elderly customer who came in on two sepawww.pickeringtonmagazine.com

rate days to purchase several hundred dollars in gift cards.

The customer reportedly told the clerk that the gift cards were to pay for an attorney for his granddaughter, who was involved in an accident in another state. The cards were also to be used to help compensate the victims of the vehicle she hit.

Out of concern for the customer, the store clerk contacted the Pickerington Police Department.

“We made contact with the subject and tried to explain to him that this is a scam, but at the time he was insistent that it was his granddaughter because they even put her on the phone to talk to him. The victim said that she was Continues next page 9

News and information from the City of Pickerington

crying, so it was hard to understand her,” Taylor said.

Since the victim was not a Pickerington resident, the City Police Department urged the victim to file an incident report with the Fairfield County Sheriff. The victim provided the caller with the gift card numbers totaling $7,000.

“The reason for using the gift cards is they are almost impossible to trace back because the caller will call back on a non-traceable phone, and the victim is required to read off the serial number on the back of the cards. Then, the caller uses the gift cards to make purchases,

and he or she maybe returns them to receive the cash back,” Taylor said.

In addition to requesting payments in gift cards, there are times con artists issue checks to their targets, but require the individuals to send them money back in the form of a money order. Later, the victims discover the checks they were issued were bad checks.

A new popular scam involves a con artist claiming that he or she works for the IRS and that money needs to be sent to the IRS immediately, Taylor said.

The Police Department also recommends that residents watch what they

post on Facebook. Scam specialists research victims as much as possible so that they sound believable when they call.

Scam victims should contact the Pickerington Police Department. Resources also exist within Fairfield County. Fairfield County also has a dedicated person specializing in elderly abuse and exploitation who works through the prosecutor’s office. For more information on avoiding scammers, visit www. protectingtheelderly.com. Report scams at www.ftc.gov and www.ic3.gov.

Springing Forward

Bicentennial celebrates city’s past, present and future

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citydirectory Pickerington City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd.

(All numbers prefixed with the 614 area code)

Building Services ..................... 833-2221 City Clerk/Council..................... 837-3974 City Manager........................... 837-3974 Development Services.............. 833-2204 Engineering Services ............... 833-2221 Finance Services...................... 837-3974 Human Resources.................... 837-3974 Income Tax Division.................. 837-4116 Mayor’s Office (Lee A. Gray)............................ 837-3974 Mayor’s Court.......................... 837-3974 Parks and Recreation............... 833-2211 Police Services......................... 575-6911 Service Department Streets.................................... 833-2292 Utility Billing............................. 833-2289 Utility Maintenance................... 833-2292 Water Plant.............................. 833-2290 Waste Water Plant.................... 837-6490 Water Reclamation.................. 837-6470 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of the City of Pickerington

The community is invited to celebrate the heritage and history of Pickerington with two very special events that are a part of the City’s yearlong Bicentennial Birthday party.

On April 18, Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray and past mayors will open the City’s time capsule in front of City Hall and participate in the annual Arbor Day festivities that include honoring Pickerington with the distinction of “Tree City USA.” “For more than 20 years, the City of Pickerington has en- Participants in last year’s Arbor Day celebration in Pickerington joyed its well-earned National help plant a tree.

Arbor Day Foundation recognitime capsule, so attending this event tion as a Tree City USA, which publicly will provide them that opportunity. It’s communicates this City’s dedication to our mark for future generations,” said quality of life enhancing tree planting, Tammy Sawyer, executive assistant to protection and maintenance activities,” said City Manager Bill Vance. “These ac- the mayor.

Pickerington residents will also be tivities complement our City’s other active able to step back in time and enjoy an and very visible beautification efforts.” old-fashioned tea party from 2-3:30 Festivities will include a flag prep.m. on May 9 at the Pickerington sentation by a local Cub Scout group, music from the Pickerington Community Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. The Bicentennial Tea is hosted by the Chorus, the announcement of the winPickerington-Violet Township Historical ners of the third grade writing contest, Society. Tea time will also feature live the planting of a red maple tree in the grassy area on the north end of City Hall music, free commemorative photos, a gift basket raffle and an opportunity to and the opening of the time capsule. meet the Bicentennial Queen and her “We want the community to get princesses. involved in adding contents to the next

News and Information From

Violet Township

By Chad Lucht, CPESC, Senior Urban Specialist, Fairfield SWCD

Throw-out Blowout Drug collection and electronics recycling event helps community protect its environment In the spirit of spring cleaning, the Drug Collection and Electronics Recycling Event will be held 9 a.m.-noon on April 25 at the Violet Township Service Center, 490 N. Center St. Participants are asked to enter the event from the North Center Street entrance.

The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District – in cooperation with Violet Township; Fairfield County Sheriff’s office; Lancaster-Fairfield County Recycling & Litter Prevention; Family, Adult & Children First Council and Prevention Works for a Drug Free Fairfield County – will be participating in the event.

This event marks an ongoing effort to rid the Pickerington community’s medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous drugs, particularly controlled substances.

Until recently, unused drugs and expired medication were commonly discarded in the trash or flushed down the sink or toilet, leading to the potential contamination of ground water and wastewater treatment plants and causing harm to aquatic life and the human water supply.

Only prescription pills and capsules will be collected. No aerosols, inhalers,

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

liquids, creams, gels, ointments, powders, patches, suppositories, syringes or IVs will be accepted. Please black out all personal information or remove labels before bringing containers to the disposal site.

Electronics disposal is also available. The following electronic items may be dropped off at no cost: computers, laptops, printers, cables, mouses, keyboards, discs, electronic clocks, VHS and DVD players, radios and cell phones.

No items containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), commonly utilized as a refrigerant or as a propellant in aerosol cans, will be accepted. A certified facility, such as the Lancaster Transfer Station on Ewing Street in Lancaster, must handle the disposal of this compound.

Computer monitors will be accepted at no additional cost if they are included as part of an entire computer system.

However, there will be a $3 disposal fee for computer monitors delivered without

For those unable to attend, Family, Adult & Children First Council, through Prevention Works for a Drug Free Fairfield County, has placed a drug drop-off box for prescription drugs at the Pickerington Police Department located at 1311 Refugee Rd. Needles and liquids are not permitted for disposal. a processor or tower. Televisions will be accepted at the event at a cost of $1 per diagonal inch.

Call the Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District office at 740-6538154 or the Fairfield County Sheriff’s office at 740-652-7900 for more information about prescription drug disposal.

Call Patty Bratton with Litter Prevention and Recycling at 740-681-4423 with any electronics questions. Only cash and checks will be accepted as payment for disposal fees.

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From the Violet Township Fire Department

By Jim Paxton, Assistant Fire Chief

Photos courtesy of the Violet Township Fire Department

Getting Schooled Education is integral to providing comprehensive fire and emergency services As 2015 continues to gain momentum, I realize that I am on the verge of completing 28 years of service with the Violet Township Fire Department.

I graduated from Pickerington High School in 1985. Back then, there was only one Pickerington High School. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a career firefighter-paramedic, but my family was convinced that I should go to college.

In those dark and desolate pre-Internet days, I was unaware of any institutions that offered a bachelor’s degree in fire science. So, like many uninformed and all-knowing 18 year olds, off to college I went, studying criminal justice. I was fortunate enough to spend two education-filled years at Bowling Green State University. I learned a lot about people and life. I discovered my parents had been A VTFD firefighter uses the cutoff saw during Rescue Training. right about many things. I also realized I was not getting Today, the Fire and EMS professions any closer to my dream of are demanding. Those seeking to bebecoming a career firefighter-paramedic.

In the spring of 1987, convinced that come EMT-paramedics are required to complete approximately 70 credit hours I was sick of attending school, I ended of course work. Upon obtaining their my collegiate career at BGSU and becertifications, the EMT-Ps must continucame a volunteer member of the Violet ally acquire 86 continuing education Township Fire Department. Although hours over the course of a three-year many of the courses I took in college recertification cycle. These hours are failed to fully capture my attention, my broken down to include specific training interests were fully activated during my initial fire and EMS studies. Since 1989, in pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac emergencies and trauma.

I have enjoyed the opportunity and To become a full-time professional privilege of becoming a career member firefighter in the state of Ohio, one must of the VTFD. Each step, each promotion complete a Firefighter II (FF II) course of and each experience has been bolno less than 240 hours. Upon obtaining stered by education.

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their FF II certification, firefighters must complete 54 continuing education hours over the course of a three-year recertification cycle.

These certifications are entry points in the fire and EMS professions. Each organization or department has standards, principles, protocols and competencies that each member must master in an effort to retain proficiency. Many department members go on to obtain advanced or specialized training in areas such as rescue technician, HazMat, fire investigation, Fire/EMS instruction and fire/safety inspection.

Each new truck and every new piece of equipment requires updated

How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 12970 Rustic Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us Violet Township Fire Stations Phone 614-837-4123 Fire Chief: Michael Little #592: 8700 Refugee Rd. #591: 21 Lockville Rd. #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr. (behind hhgregg) Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Individuals participate in afternoon training in Ice/Cold Water Rescue.

Firefighter/EMT-P Paul Meares works with the simulation mannequin as part of Airway Training during Paramedic Recertification Class.

and additional training for department members. Science, technology and advancements in tactics continually enhance how patient care and fire suppression is carried out.

Throughout the country, the fire and EMS professions are emphasizing higher education. Many agencies require associate degrees in order to be eligible for promotional exams. Some larger entities require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for Battalion Chief and a master’s degree as a requirement to become Chief.

Ironically for me, from the time that I took my initial oath as a volunteer firefighter, I have never stopped going to school. Over the years, I have realized the importance of education and the part it has played in my career. The Fire and EMS service of today is much more than Johnny and Roy of Emergency fame. Education has become and will continue to be an integral aspect for all fire and EMS members. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

VTFD Firefighters train to extinguish car fires at the Ohio Fire Academy training facility.

The Violet Township Fire Department encourages members to attend conferences and seminars and attain college

degrees. Our goal is to provide the best service possible with the most educated individuals.

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faces

By Sarah Sole

End of an Era

Simcox’s desk is decorated with memorabilia from his D.A.R.E. classes.

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C

ome fall, a local superhero will retire from fighting crime.

Pickerington Police Officer Dan Simcox, known to many as Officer Batman, will retire from the police force in October after more than 25 years of service. Like most superheroes, his legacy is marked by compassion, bravery and a bit of luck.

Simcox, 63, might be best known to Pickerington residents through his work in the city’s local D.A.R.E. program.

He started participating in the program in 2000 and has graduated more than 20,000 fifth- and sixth-graders.

After Pickerington Local Schools’ replacement levy failed in 2010, funding for D.A.R.E. evaporated.

Photo by Sarah Sole

Community crusader hangs up his cape

“I didn’t want to let that go. I had too many kids involved,” Simcox says.

He began teaching the two-week programs at the schools before classes started. Even then, quite a few signed up.

About 250 students attend each class. The T-shirts Simcox designed for the program feature a police officer holding hands with a family.

“I want them to understand that it’s not an ‘us and them’ thing with the police,” he says.

One of Simcox’s favorite things about the D.A.R.E. program is his practice of letting the kids ask anonymous questions as an ice breaker. He also enjoys the alcohol education portion of the class, in which kids wear special goggles www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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that simulate a .08 blood alcohol level.

Simcox has the children weave through a line of cones.

“They love doing that part,” he says.

This fall, the police chief’s son and one of Simcox’s own grandchildren will get to meet Officer Batman.

Working with children is important to Simcox. In addition to his D.A.R.E. program, he has worked with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, showing them around the station or helping them earn merit badges. He also trains kids in bicycle safety and has participated in block watch and crime prevention programs.

In the early 2000s, fully embracing his superhero alter ego, Simcox began dressing up as Batman at community events.

But every Christmas, Simcox sports the red suit and white beard of one Jolly Old Saint Nick.

“I’m all over the place as Santa, as a volunteer,” he says.

This past year, a record 327 children visited Simcox at the Pickerington Public Library for candy and a donated toy. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Simcox dresses up as Batman during the Tots Trick or Treat event at Pickerington City Hall.

Simcox’s own childhood was marked by frequent relocations across the country.

Part of a family that struggled financially, Simcox lived in 19 states plus Canada before finally settling down in Ohio.

His mother could play any stringed instrument, Simcox says. When he was 6 years old, the family visited the Grand Ole Opry so that his mother could audition.

“She got halfway through this song that she wrote and stopped and looked out at everybody, dropped the guitar, and she was never the same again,” Simcox says.

Unable to recognize her family, Simcox’s mother was institutionalized and died at 40 years old.

“She never knew us again,” Simcox says.

The eldest of two brothers and two sisters, Simcox realized he and his siblings were in danger of being split up by the government. Soon, however, he came up with an idea. What if they were to try and sell the bread his father made from scratch? He and his brother started going

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Photos by Sarah Sole

Simcox was in the military for 20 years, and he received medals and awards for his service in the Vietnam War and while stationed in Germany.

house to house, carrying the bread and rolls in a basket. The small business venture took off.

“We made our living that way,” Simcox says.

One particularly cold winter, Simcox was out delivering bread in below-zero temperatures. He couldn’t even put his hands in his pockets to give change.

As he stopped in a restaurant to warm his hands, an older man bought him a hot chocolate with his last quarter.

“I could feel the warmth going through me,” Simcox says.

As a boy that day, Simcox promised to pay the man back for his drink. Upon returning from the Vietnam War, he tried to find him and ended up visiting the cemetery where the old man was buried.

“It became a tradition. Every year, I’d go there and put a quarter on that tombstone,” Simcox says.

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Photo courtesy of the City of Pickerington

Simcox’s batmobile, the D.A.R.E. car, was donated by Lindsay Honda after one of the family’s daughters went through the drugs and alcohol resistance program.

Another winter nearly proved deadly for Simcox.

Out delivering bread, a 1 0 - y e a rold Simcox decided to take a shortcut across a frozen l a k e .

Halfway across, the ice gave way. Holding himself up by his arms, Simcox told his dog, Boy, to go home. He didn’t want the dog to see him drown.

Boy did run home, but Simcox’s brother knew the dog was acting strangely. Boy ended up leading Simcox’s father and brother to the ice, grabbing Simcox by his shirt collar when he slipped from the ice. He woke up to his dog licking his face.

“Ever since then, I’ve always liked dogs,” Simcox says.

At 18 and against his father’s wishes, Simcox joined the army, spending two years in Vietnam, 16 years in Germany and two

years in Virginia. He would end his military career with the rank of staff sergeant.

Simcox’s military service led him to his wife, Ulrike, whom he met while on duty in Germany. Married in 1972, the Reynoldsburg couple now have three sons and 11 grandchildren.

Simcox was highly decorated for his Vietnam service, and as a military policeman in Germany, he was awarded the highest peace time medal for saving two people from a burning car. Eventually working his way up to the Criminal Investigation Division, Simcox worked cold case files and solved them, too. He had an 80 percent solve record as a criminal investigator.

“It wasn’t because I was so smart or anything, but I was lucky,” he says.

These performances birthed his Batman persona. The nickname followed him to his career with the Pickerington Police Department, thanks to Simcox’s habit of successfully apprehending criminals. A capture of a prison escapee in the early 1990s even led to a re-enactment on America’s Most Wanted.

With television shows behind him, Officer Batman remains popular with the local youth. A stack of letters from DARE students sits on his desk. Once in a while, former students come back to visit him.

“That’s why I know the program worked: is the impact from the kids,” he says.

Sarah Sole is an assistant editor. Send feedback to ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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in focus

By Hannah Bealer

Photos courtesy of the Pickerington Center

Easy as 1, 2, 3 Pickerington Center offers accessible, affordable education for a variety of students

I

n the fall of 2000, the Pickerington Center, part of Ohio University’s Lancaster campus, opened for classes, providing traditional and nontraditional students alike the opportunity to receive a higher education without traveling too far from home.

In that first year, it offered only 11 classes. Now, there are more than 100.

Before the purchase of the 10 acres the satellite center sits on today, the dean of Lancaster’s campus held classes at Pickerington High School Central for about 10 years. The Lancaster campus enrolls more than 2,500 students. Students at the Pickerington Center make up about 300 of that number.

“I think our students fall into a couple different areas,” says Pickerington Center Director Leigh Atkinson. “Some fall into regular adults; they’re working and they have families. You get that Ohio University education, and you can stay at home and you have a balance. You get to raise your kids and keep your job.”

Atkinson adds that some students may have started their college degree following high school, but dropped out. The Pickerington Center gives them a chance to go back.

For more traditional students, Atkinson says the center gives them the ability to stay at home and save money. And if they were not initially accepted to Ohio University’s Athens campus, they can relocate after improving their grades.

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Small class sizes mean students at the Pickerington Center get individual attention. The average class size is 25.

“We can be a pretty great safety net,” Atkinson says.

And it’s an affordable safety net at about $2,500 a semester, including room and board. It’s a quarter of what a student would pay in Athens, Atkinson says.

The average class size at the Pickerington Center is 25. It’s a nice contrast to large lecture halls at traditional universities.

“There are some people who can’t succeed in that, but they can here,” Atkinson says.

Students don’t just come from the Pickerington area, Atkinson says. There are some students who come from surrounding communities, such as Baltimore and Gahanna. The center also offers a post-secondary program for high school juniors and seniors. To be accepted into the program, students must be in the top

25 percent of their class and pass all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test.

“We want to make sure students have the opportunity (to earn college credit), but for some, they’re just not ready,” Atkinson says.

Attending classes is free for qualified students, Atkinson says, as the school district will pay for books.

While not all of the bachelor’s and associate degrees offered at the Lancaster campus can be completed at the Pickerington Center, there are still a handful to choose from, including bachelor’s degrees in communication studies, criminal justice, specialized studies, technical and applied studies, and associate degrees in law www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Lancaster campus and Pickerington Center at a glance • 72 percent of students receive financial aid • 2,500+ students enrolled (300 at the Pickerington Center) • 25 percent of Pickerington students are fulltime students, 75 percent are part-time • $261,000 in scholarship dollars awarded • Ohio University has five regional campuses and three satellite centers • At the Pickerington Center there are about 20 classrooms total, including a computer lab Atkinson recalls Sept. 11, 2001, when students, faculty and staff came together to mourn over the attack on New York City.

“We sat in front of the TV all day long and talked and cried. It was an environment where that was comfortable. Nobody gets nervous coming in here.”

A lecture at the Pickerington Center

enforcement technology and individualized studies. There are 11 baccalaureate and 15 associate degree options offered through the Lancaster campus and Pickerington Center combined, as well as eight certificates.

While it may seem these options pale in comparison to Athens’ 220 baccalaureate degrees, Atkinson says the intimate size of the Pickerington Center – which

consists of two buildings on 10 acres of land – is appealing to many students.

“We are a small staff, so we have a mindset that everybody (in the office) does everything,” Atkinson says. “Students see us as very approachable and Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. very accessible. People will come up from class and come right through (the office), Feedback welcome at and it’s just fun. I think we connect with ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com. the students.”

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Different Strokes

Photo courtesy of Kenton Daniels

Local comic book artists come together to share their craft

By Zach Maiorana

thor and artist of the Symphony of the Universe series, began publishing her own work in 2007. Her interest in art and storytelling, however, started much earlier.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing and drawing my own stories,” Durst says. “I made stories to entertain myself and was making them to entertain others as early as middle school.”

One of the ways Durst brings her work to a broader audience as a professional artist and writer is through local comic book events such as the Pickerington Public Library’s Big Comic Show, held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 9.

At the show, fans and newcomers of all ages can attend to learn about the art of making comic books and find out more about the creators and their work on display.

Big Comic Show is organized by event coordinator Kenton Daniels, assistant director of the library. Daniels was inspired by other shows hosted by comic book shops in the community and decided to bring the audience to Pickerington.

“A couple of us (at the library) have a strong interest in comics,” Daniels says.

After he began attending a local show called SPACE, presented by Columbus 20

publisher Back Porch Comics, Daniels became interested in finding a home in Pickerington for those interested in comics.

“I started attending SPACE as a patron or consumer of comics and got to know the people. I thought the library would be a great venue Comic book artist Molly Durst will be teaching a workshop to promote these independent art- for teens at the Big Comic Show. Her work is posted on her website, www.symphonyoftheuniverse.com. ists,” Daniels says.

Twenty-eight creators attended 2014’s Big Comic Show, and the same number of participants is expected this year. Durst will again teach a workshop for teens to learn how to write and illustrate their own original stories. But there will be plenty of artists present whose work is directed toward an adult audience, and all ages are encouraged to join in the experience.

Attendees will have a chance to interact with artists and learn about their styles, techniques and how a creator makes it in the industry. Books will be available for purchase, and fans will have the chance to have their copies signed.

Zach Maiorana is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Molly Durst

C

Photo courtesy of Molly Durst

Dozens of artists participated in last year’s show. Events such as this are instrumental in distributing their work to omic book creator Molly Durst, au- new audiences.

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21

student spotlight

By Elizabeth Tzagournis Photos courtesy of Laveta Burke

Student Spotlight is a new feature in Pickerington Magazine, featuring a student from a different area high school in every issue.

Boundless Potential

Photo by James Gilmore

Central senior is motivated by faith

I “As long as you’re being yourself there’s nothing more you can possibly do. No one likes when you think you’ve learned who somebody is and then come to find out they’re not the person you expected.”

t’s not far-fetched to say that Pickerington High School Central Drumline member Laveta Burke marches to her own beat.

In addition to pursuing music, theater and modeling, 17-year-old senior Laveta Burke is also pursuing a career in neuroscience.

“I never really imagined myself being where I am now,” Burke says. “It’s kind of crazy to see how far I’ve grown. … (It’s) mind blowing to me.”

Burke holds the position of first female African American starring section leader for Central’s drumline, and also as the lead of the school’s upcoming musical, Aida. Though each of Burke’s various accomplishments has made an impact on her life, it is her time leading the band as Central’s drumline section leader that stands out to her the most.

“That’s not just my personal achievement, it’s an achievement with the city,” she says. “If I were anywhere else, I don’t think I would have gotten the same opportunities as I have now.”

Burke serves as a leader to her peers outside of band, too, and she tries to motivate those around her to excel.

“I have gained a lot of friends over the years,” she says. “We all push each other to be better.”

In addition to her pursuits in theater and music, Burke is also an academically driven student. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was accepted this past December to the University of Cincin-

Burke had her first lead role in a show when she starred in Pickerington High School Central’s November production of the three-act play Picnic. She’s pictured here with junior Dani Ritter, left.

22

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

tragic time for Burke, she found strength in her family and feels she only grew from the experience.

“I firmly believe everything happens for a reason,” Burke says. “I can’t imagine not going through what I’ve been through, because I don’t know who I’d be today.”

Burke’s strong faith also plays a large role in her life and has influenced her

Burke stars in Picnic, a play written by William Inge set in a small Kansas town.

nati’s neuroscience program. In addition to her plans of becoming a neuroscientist, she hopes to continue to pursue music.

“I want to do both music and science at the same time,” Burke says. “I want to be a neuroscientist … but I want to do gigs and keep the music side of me going.”

Having an array of passions has helped Burke realize what it means to have a positive perspective and stay true to herself.

“As long as you’re being yourself there’s nothing more you can possibly do,” she says. “No one likes when you think you’ve learned who somebody is and then come to find out they’re not the person you expected.”

This positive energy comes from difficult circumstances and a strong faith.

When Burke was 5 years old, her father died. Two years later, on her birthday, her brother also died. Although it was a www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

goals. She says it has only grown stronger over the past few years.

“I’ve grown so far in my faith,” she says. “Seeing what God has planned for me … nothing can stop my impending success.”

Elizabeth Tzagournis is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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23

A Strong Spirit

By Brenda Layman

ATHENA Awards celebrate women who lead

Photo by Mark Layman

Artist Barbara Hranilovich’s artwork incorporates both the mission and vision of ATHENA international. Attributes of the ATHENA Leadership Model are clustered around the ATHENA Award sculpture.

Charlotte Akers, ATHENA award winner and Chamber office manager 24

Teachers and administrators from local schools nominate candidates for the youth award.

Criteria for award recipients revolve around level of leadership and mentoring, says Chamber President Theresa Byers. The selection committee is comprised of past recipients.

Byers also sits on the committee.

“However,” she says, “I don’t know that I would vote. They are the ones who have received that honor, and they are the ones who have the honor of selecting the next recipient.”

Anyone in the community who exemplifies the ATHENA principles is eligible for the award, Byers says.

“The award winner is someone who is not just successful in business, but who gives back to the community,” says 2002 award recipient Marian Reitano. “She – or he, since men are now eligible, too – is someone who mentors women, who sees something special in a woman and shows her that she can do it; she can achieve.”

Twelve recipients have been honored since 1998, when the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce received a license Be sure to check out our article at www.pickeringtonmagazine.com about Fairfield County’s Chapter of 100+ Women Who Care: Creating a Caring Community. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of ATHENA International

T

he Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate women in community leadership at the area’s 13th ATHENA Awards Banquet on May 15.

In her role as office manager at the Chamber, award recipient Charlotte Akers is intimately involved with leadership in the community. She emphasizes the significance of women leaders mentoring other women.

“That piece of it is so very important,” she says. “Are you bringing someone, a woman, along with you and showing her what it takes?”

This year’s event is sponsored by OhioHealth and will be held at Ohio University’s Pickerington Center. The theme is “Inspiring YOU to Make a Difference.” Two additional awards will be given: the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce Emerging ATHENA Award, for young women in professional leadership, and the Youth ATHENA Award.

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

gether, not only lifting up the leadership commuone another, but also servnity and that women in ing businesses, charities leadership roles needed and communities. to be recognized, encour“It is one of the most aged and commended. inspiring events I have ever Mertz created the attended,” Byers says.

ATHENA Award around Mertz founded ATHEthe principles of the NA International in 1982 ATHENA Leadership when she was the only feModel: Live Authentimale on her local chamber cally, Learn Constantly, of commerce board of diAdvocate Fiercely, Act rectors. Her work led her to Courageously, Foster observe that women’s collab- 2002 award winner Marian Collaboration, Build Reorative, creative leadership Reitano lationships, Give Back styles enrich organizations and Celebrate. and communities. She realized that womIn her book, Becoming ATHENA: en have much that is valuable to bring to Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership, Mertz wrote, “Pressing into the 21st Century, the promise is so great. My generation of mothers, aunts and sisters have found our voices of leadership; we now recognize how effective our ways are, whether in the board room, the back room or the living room.”

Today, ATHENA has grown to include recognition, training and mentoring programs in more than 500 U.S. cities and eight foreign countries. Local community members continue to nominate candidates who excel in their fields, give back to the community and help raise up female leaders.

Men who demonstrate the ATHENA principles are also eligible, as this illustrates ATHENA’s emphasis on collaboration and mutual assistance in leadership. Chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities present the annual award. ATHENA Award programs are underwritten by ATHENA International, local businesses and individual sponsors.

Community members who wish to nominate candidates can do so by submitting forms that are available from the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce office or by contacting Byers at 614-837-1958 or theresa@pickering​ tonchamber.com.

Photo courtesy of ATHENA International

Photo courtesy of Marian Reitano

for the event. Former Chamber President Helen Mayle was the first recipient. She was followed by Joyce Bushman in 1999, Akers in 2000, Barbara Freeman in 2001, Reitano in 2002, Debbie Marullo in 2003 and Leigh Atkinson in 2004.

No additional ATHENA Awards were given in Pickerington until 2010, when ATHENA International Founder Martha Mayhood Mertz, a Michigan businesswoman, visited to speak. R.G. Barry sponsored workshops held at Ohio University’s Pickerington Center and a dinner at Hickory Lakes. Dr. Karen Matia received the award, and ATHENA returned to the community.

Since then, four more women have received the award. In 2011, Jodi Wilson was recognized for her outstanding work as Diley Ridge Medical Center site administrator.

Candice Thomas-Maddox – communications professor, mentor and adviser at Ohio University – received the award in 2012. Suellen Goldsberry was selected in 2013 for her contributions to the community through her work at the Pickerington Public Library. Last year, former Pickerington Mayor Rita Ricketts was the ATHENA Award recipient.

The awards ceremony takes place at the ATHENA Banquet, which follows a morning of leadership development workshops. The recipient receives a trophy along with the honor of being recognized for her leadership contributions.

ATHENA Awards are stated to be given to recipients, not winners. This language is specifically used to emphasize the nature of ATHENA, which is cooperative rather than competitive. Mertz’s vision for ATHENA is one of women in leadership working to-

Brenda Layman is a contributing writer.

Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.

25

on the table

By Elizabeth Tzagournis

Decadent Delights

Photo courtesy of David Beckham Photography

Businesses in Olde Pickerington Village offer tasty treats during annual Chocolate Hop

T

Volunteers at David Beckham Photography help pass out desserts.

On May 1 from 6-8 p.m., the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association’s fourth annual Chocolate Hop will give participants the opportunity to discover small businesses within Olde Pickerington Village while satisfying sugary cravings.

With a $5 donation, which goes this year to the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, each participant reFor more information on Pickerington’s annual Chocolate Hop visit www.pickeringtonvillage.com or call 614-321-8221. Tickets are available starting April 1.

26

ceives a map showing participating businesses. These 10-15 businesses give out chocolate desserts to each visitor over the course of the two-hour event, says Chocolate Hop coordinator and Olde Pickerington Village Business Association member Peggy Portier.

“You hop from business to business, (and) you can shop if you want to or talk to (them),” says Portier. “The whole idea is to get people into businesses around the area.”

The event has grown since it began in 2011, with a few more businesses and a condensed area in which to walk from store to store. The past two years, all tickets have sold out, says Portier, who encourages interested readers to buy Chocolate Hop participants sample some sweets. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Peggy Portier

here may be no sweeter way to explore community businesses than the Olde Pickerington Village Chocolate Hop.

Photo courtesy of Peggy Portier

A $5 donation earns each attendee a map with participating businesses.

their maps earlier rather than later because of limited supply.

David Beckham of David Beckham Photography has participated as a vendor for all four Chocolate Hops. “(I like) seeing all the new faces come in, and they always tell me (my treat is) the best,” says Beckham.

Beckham is known for the chocolate fondue he offers visitors along with bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and other dipping treats. Beckham specializes in senior pictures, and during the Chocolate Hop, he invites some of these students to help collect tickets and keep the chocolate fondue filled up.

“Having the kids help (is my favorite thing),” says Beckham. “They have a blast.”

The event helps raise awareness for many of the small businesses within Olde Pickerington Village, Beckham says.

“It does bring attention to my business through the girls helping out and all the people coming in and seeing the photos on the wall,” says Beckham. “It’s not just eating (chocolate); it’s pretty visual too.”

Elizabeth Tzagournis is a contributing writer.

Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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29

bookmarks

By Colleen C. Bauman, Pickerington Public Library Community Services Coordinator

iPad for Seniors for Dummies

By Nancy C. Muir This book is written for mature people or those somewhat new to using a tablet device who have chosen to purchase an iPad. Users will learn how to change settings and sync the device to the computer, iTunes or iCloud.

How to Deliver a TED Talk

Playaway Views are pre-loaded videos on an easy-to-use player. Turn on, press play and enjoy.

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Includes four 15-20 minute videos on popular U.S. presidents. The videos are delivered with action, humor and personality that will keep kids watching.

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This series has been demonstrated to help many visually receptive learners acquire the verbal, reading and writing skills they need.

Free Pickerington Public Library Databases: Available to anyone with an active Pickerington Public Library card Treehouse offers 24/7 access to online classes and videos to teach you how to build websites, learn coding languages, make apps, start a business and more.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book

By Diane Muldrow Nostalgia brings us back home to our favorite books with the colorful cardboard covers and gilt edges. Each one taught us valuable lessons about life.

Author Diane Muldrow shares with us how in our health-conscious, ecologically aware age of information, many of us have “overborrowed, overspent, overeaten and generally overdosed” on bad habits.

Mango Languages helps you learn foreign languages at your own pace and in a fun and engaging way. Each lesson revisits previously learned material, but you have complete control over your learning experience.

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The service is free to use and accessible anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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