Uniquely Gahanna | Summer 2022

Summer 2022

DEVELOPMENT NEWS, CENTRAL OHIO UROLOGY GROUP’S INNOVATION + PARKS AND REC EVENTS Cover: Dr. Ronney Abaza with a new robotic system for surgeries

This quarterly publication is provided by The City of Gahanna UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

1

2

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

3

Contents

18

C OV E R S T O RY SURGERY CENTER BREAKING BARRIERS, AND SAVING LIVES, WITH A NEW ROBOTIC SYSTEM

8

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

22 26

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

10

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

12

GAHANNA GOES GREEN

16

GAHANNA: 50 YEARS AS OHIO'S HERB CAPTIAL

22

EAGLE EYES IN THE SKY

26

PARKS & RECREATION

28

ON THE COVER:

Dr. Ronney Abaza with a new robotic system Photo by Tim Courlas

28 4

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

18

Published by of the City of Gahanna.

, Inc. on behalf

Ads in this publication are sold by 614 Media Group, Inc. Ads are not necessarily endorsed by the City of Gahanna.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

5

FROM THE MAYOR

W

ith hot summer days and cool summer nights on the horizon, Gahanna is gearing up for a robust season of events and activities. This edition of Uniquely Gahanna highlights some of the things our residents love most about our city, and the ways we continue to reinforce, reimagine and rebuild for today and tomorrow.

From honoring milestone anniversaries of the City and of a beloved local non-profit, to celebrating the positive impact being made by a local Gahanna family in generating awareness around autism and creating opportunities to help others grow, our community continues to reinforce our relationships and connectivity to one another and to the history that we all share.

Throughout our city, we continue to reimagine how we operate and move forward. Learn how a longstanding Gahanna surgery center and a worldrenown physician are leading the way in cutting-edge technology by offering one of only five robotic surgery opportunities available throughout the country – and it’s located right here at the Crescent at Central Park. Or read about the City’s new initiative to help residents with sustainable practices that will benefit our community in both the short- and long-term.

While the summer months bring the City’s continued efforts to rebuild infrastructure with projects such as the Street Program, new Sidewalk Maintenance Program, streetlight painting and more, our business community also continues to rebuild. Hear the new plans that a popular Gahanna retailer has to expand and grow their business in the City to make it even “sweeter,” or discover the new retail fashion option that is now open and planting roots right in the heart of our downtown, in the Creekside District.

In the coming months, Gahanna will come alive with the return of a full slate of events and programming. Whether it is the return of Creekside LIVE, opening of our pools and new splash pad, welcoming the Gahanna Farmers Market to a new location and new day, celebrating our Nation’s independence with fireworks and a parade, or simply taking a stroll along our more than 20 miles of trails (and perhaps keeping an eye to the sky), we look forward to connecting with you and invite you to explore all that is uniquely Gahanna.

- La urie Ja dw in L AU RIE JADWIN • MAYOR

SIDE NOTES The City of Gahanna is excited to announce a new Food Waste Program for our residents! Residents can collect food scraps in a compostable container of their choice and then drop off scraps at a community compost location at Friendship Park. See the article on Page 8, or scan the QR Code below, for more details!

6

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

On March 24, the City of Gahanna presented its first in-person State of the City event since the onset of the pandemic. Weren’t able to attend? Don’t worry – we have you covered! To be “In the Know” on what’s happening in our city, you can check video updates of work that was done in 2021 to move Gahanna forward. Please scan the QR Code below to view the 2022 State of the City Playlist.

CALENDAR These events are tentative and subject to change. Please confirm event details in advance.

June 17-19 CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL Creekside Plaza Three days of LIVE Blues and Jazz performances, plus delicious food and local vendors. Purchase your tickets today: creeksidebluesandjazz.com

Independence Day The pinnacle of Summer 2022 in Gahanna will be the Independence Day Celebration July 1 5:30 pm, Gahanna Municipal Golf Course- Celebration and Fireworks- Starting at 5:30 p.m. with food and live music—headlined by the ever-popular Reaganomics—the event will culminate with the fireworks display at 10 p.m.

July 2, Gahanna Sanctuary, 11 am11 pm -Red, White and Blue Block Party, presented by The Gahanna Foundation.

July 4- 4th of July Parade, presented by the Gahanna Lions Club

Gahanna Fireworks Photo Courtesy of Alison Colvin

August 2

August 27

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Sunpoint Park 5-8 pm Meet our Gahanna Police Officers, eat some free food, and play on the Sunpoint Park Playground!

SUPPORTING GAHANNA TOGETHER DAY Various locations The overall mission for this day is to bring together community partners, organizations, and residents, to support the community by serving, playing and shopping local. Check Gahanna.gov for details as they become available.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

7

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

BUCKEYE CANDY COMPANY: Buckeye Candy Company to Relocate, Continue Growth in Gahanna

By Michele Mooney

Gahanna’s sweetest retailer, Buckeye Candy Company, is growing! This summer, the popular candy store is moving from their current location in Liberty Square to 355 Granville Street, the former Swan Cleaners site.

“We’ve got so many exciting plans for our larger 1,700 square-foot space. We want to dive more deeply into creating a memorable experience for our visitors, so we plan to add more pop culture items, including mugs, cards, and of course, apparel. There will be more options to create gift baskets, too,” said Jay Sokol, who coowns the business with his wife, Shana.

Buckeye Candy Company first opened in Gahanna in 2019 and quickly grew in popularity.

8

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

“By the end of 2020, we had already outgrown this 750 square-foot space,” said Sokol. “During the pandemic, we became a regional destination business because we could sustain family fun and still offer cherished nostalgic products despite the operating restrictions imposed by COVID.” The Sokols made an intentional decision to keep their business in Gahanna based on support from the local government and the high shopping foot traffic. Over 19,000 vehicles travel Granville Street each day, motivating their decision to keep Buckeye Candy Company along this main thoroughfare.

“We’re excited to get more visibility at our new location. We’re thrilled to be near the new library,

↑ The company's new space

too! We alerted Mayor Jadwin when we were searching for a new space, and her help was really invaluable,” exclaimed Sokol.

The Buckeye Candy Company draws visitors not only from far-reaching Ohio cities and towns like Cleveland and Dayton, but also from nearby states such as Pennsylvania and Maryland.

“Central Ohio is really a melting pot, and British expats in Ohio have found each other through local Facebook groups. On these forums, they encourage each other to shop local for British items instead of trying to order them online,” explained Sokol.

Social media groups introduced thousands of people to the unique, cultural items available only at Gahanna’s Buckeye Candy Company. Popular international products reflect British, Australian, Canadian, and Irish cultures, among others. British Cadbury chocolates, British Kit Kats, and Scottish Barr Shandy soft drinks have compelled visitors to make the trip to Gahanna.

Buckeye Candy Company overflows with a

tantalizing variety of treats and drinks, showcasing characters from Disney, The Office, Stranger Things, Golden Girls, Pokémon, the Marvel Comic Universe, and more. A line of Bob Ross products includes Happy Little Trees mints and energy drinks.

The Buckeye Candy Company also distributes its own branded fudge with a selection of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, maple, peanut butter, and buckeye.

“We’re really indebted to all our fans who enthusiastically encouraged others to support us. We did our research when we opened, but we never predicted a pandemic or our immense success despite a pandemic. People regularly make long trips to visit us, and that only helps the rest of Gahanna grow,” explained Sokol.

To learn more about Buckeye Candy Company and its upcoming relocation, stop in and speak with the friendly owners or follow the store on Facebook or Instagram. Updates will also be provided on its website.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

9

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Gahanna Residents in Need Serving Gahanna for 50 Years

By Michele Mooney

Happy Anniversary, GRIN! In 1972, the Gahanna Rotary, the Gahanna Ministerial Association, and (then) Pastor Wagner of Mifflin Presbyterian Church identified a need within the community and began a program to distribute food to those in need. Fifty years later, the result of those efforts - Gahanna Residents in Need (better known as GRIN) has become a support center for thousands of Gahanna residents each year, offering everything from food, diapers, utility assistance, school supplies, and financial counseling, to summer lunches to school-age children.

Gahanna businesses and groups are helping GRIN celebrate its 50th anniversary throughout the year by hosting weekly or monthly challenges to support the ever-evolving organization. The supporting business or organization works with GRIN to identify the organization’s most immediate needs. Whether it has been bottles of laundry detergent, jars of peanut butter or boxes of pancake mix, the challenges have resulted in a groundswell of community support for GRIN.

According to Brenda Johnston, Executive Director for GRIN, the organization continuously adapts to meet the changing needs of the community. She noted that the generosity of GRIN’s volunteers, neighbors, and partners like Meijer, Trillium Farms, Klosterman Bread, and Panera Bread, enable the organization to provide a helping hand to partners, whether during a pandemic, an economic downturn, or a difficult time.

“If we have a family in need, we are able to reach out to the Gahanna community: churches, schools, city offices, local businesses and individuals, and take care of those needs,” said Johnston. “ I have seen so many families overcome their situations because GRIN was able to help with food, or utility assistance thanks to the support of the community.”

Join in the GRINiversary celebration! Check out GRIN on Facebook (@GRIN) or Twitter (@GRIN4Gahanna) for GRINiversary Challenges!

↑ Brenda Johnston, with GRIN

10

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

Interested in helping?

To Donate: Text “GRIN Give” to (833) 245-8403 Contribute online: GRIN4Gahanna.org.

Make “Gahanna Residents in Need” your charity of choice on AmazonSmile, and a portion of your Amazon purchases will be donated to GRIN. Follow GRIN on social media to see what items are needed most Donate food and personal care items at GRIN or one of its satellite drop-off locations: Gahanna Hardware, 73 N. High St., ABCO, 138 N. Hamilton Rd., Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville St., Creekside Chiropractic Center, 136 Mill Street; and Jess Howard Electric, 6630 Taylor Rd. BECOME A VOLUNTEER: GRIN4GAHANNA.ORG. 165 GRANVILLE ST. 614/471-4491 GRIN4GAHANNA.ORG

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

11

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

PAINTING THE TOWN BLUE How the Gahanna music scene, and local musician Zayne Harshaw, is striving to include individuals on the autisim spectrum

By Michele Mooney

↑ Zane Harshaw

If you have attended the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival or have visited Signatures or Gatsby’s, you probably have heard the musical talent of Zayne Harshaw and his band, Blue Spectrum.

The self-taught guitarist from Gahanna who was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old, found his voice through music. According to Gene Harshaw, Zayne's father, after a few years of playing "Guitar Hero", Zayne asked for a real guitar when he was 12 years old. It was through watching YouTube videos of famous guitarists

12

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

like Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix that he learned how to play. Although he cannot read music, Zayne was identified by a music teacher as having “perfect pitch” – which enables him to identify any musical note by name simply by hearing it, without reference to other notes.

“Playing the guitar always would calm Zayne down,” said Gwendolyn Harshaw, Zayne’s mother. “Music has completely transformed his life and our family’s.”

In 2013, when Zayne was in high school, his parents started an Autism Teen Play Date to create an atmosphere for socialization and friendship using music as the conduit with three other kids on the spectrum. Through this, Blue Spectrum was born.

“Socialization can be very challenging for people with autism,” said Gene Harshaw, Zayne’s father. “Music offered the teens a way to socialize and communicate: we had no idea that they would become a band that now performs locally and regionally.”

Zayne’s talent and love of music continued to grow. When he was in high school, his parents took him to Blues Jams and open mic nights around the City, which usually were hosted at bars.

“Gene and I would often discuss how we wish there was a place that was family-friendly where people on the autism spectrum could gather, socialize and perform,” said Gwendolyn.

Fast-forward eight years.

The Harshaw family’s dream will be recognized when Band Together Central Ohio debuts in August in Gahanna, providing a family-friendly, open mic opportunity for people with autism. Band Together Central Ohio follows the model of Band Together, a non-profit organization that started in Pittsburgh to provide innovative programming, experiences, and vocational opportunities to enhance the lives of those on the autism spectrum. Band Together Central Ohio will host open mic events the second Sunday of the month beginning in August at the Gahanna Sanctuary. The Gahanna Foundation is covering the rental cost for the space through the end of the year.

The Harshaws have been advocates for autism awareness for more than 20 years and hope that Band Together Central Ohio provides people with autism and their families with a safe place to connect, be supported and entertained.

“Parenting an autistic child has been a journey that has taught us so much,” said Gene.

“Our motto is ‘Life is not to be viewed through the single lens of a diagnosis but to live through the spectrum of potential, promise and purpose.'

We are so excited to give additional life to these words through Band Together Central Ohio and to be able to begin this journey right here in our hometown of Gahanna.” ♦

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

13

14

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

15

GAHANNA GOES GREEN How the city plans to reduce waste, and save food, through new earth-friendly initiatives

By Michele Mooney

The City of Gahanna has launched a new program to make it easier for Gahanna residents to reduce food waste and help the environment.

Thanks to the support of a Community Waste Reduction grant awarded by SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio), the City was able to partner with GoZERO Services, a food waste compost carrier, to establish a Food Waste Program for residents.

Under the program, registered residents can collect food scraps in a compostable bin to be dropped off at a community compost location at Friendship Park (150 Oklahoma Avenue). The scraps are then collected by GoZERO and used to build healthy soils and grow nutritious food, rather than send these nutrients to the landfill.

The Program officially was introduced to the community in late April, to coincide with Earth Day celebrations. The first 100 residents who registered for the free program received a complimentary compostable bucket, provided by the City.

“Less than three days after the program was publicly announced, we had more than 200 residents register for the program,” said Grant Crawford, Gahanna’s Director of Public Service & Engineering. “Given Gahanna residents’ high participation in recycling efforts, we were not surprised by the number of people who were immediately interested in participating in the program and we look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”

The compost program is a first step in overall efforts to develop a long-term, citywide sustainability plan – a project that is currently underway within the City, said Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Caring for the environment continues to be a priority for the City of Gahanna,” said Mayor Jadwin.

16

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

“Many of our residents already are engaged in composting in some form. Offering an organized Food Waste Program was an easily identifiable initiative that we were immediately able to undertake, thanks to our partnership with SWACO and GoZERO.” The goal of the City’s Food Waste Program is to create usable compost, while saving room in our County’s landfill. The new diversion process is being launched in coordination with SWACO’s regional #SaveMoreThanFood campaign – which is geared towards educating residents on the importance of reducing the amount of food waste and encouraging participation in the community composting program.

“Central Ohioans send nearly a million pounds of food waste to the landfill every single day,” said Kyle O’Keefe, Director of Innovation and Programs for SWACO. ”When all of that food goes to waste, so do the environmental and economic resources used to grow, harvest and transport it. We applaud the City of Gahanna for taking a bold stand on sustainability and look forward to working with them to ensure that the drop off program is successful and that the City is able to meet its waste reduction goals.”

A registration link to participate in the City of Gahanna’s community compost program can be found on the City’s website at https:// www.gahanna.gov/refuse-recycling-andyard-waste/.

Information on composting, yard waste collection and recycling also be found there.

Want to know more? www.savemorefood.com www.gozero.com

IN THE KNOW CLOTHES CAN TELL A STORY The Fable Collection Boutique opens at Creekside

By Michele Mooney

Gahanna has another new chic retail option for women's fashions! The Fable Collection opened its doors at in the Creekside District this spring, offering a unique, local shopping experience, right in the heart of Gahanna.

Terri Birchler’s inspiration of opening a clothing boutique came after a successful shopping spree at a clothing store in Southern Indiana last fall.

“Last summer I visited several stores and struggled to find something that I liked and was reasonably priced,” said Birchler. “In the fall, I traveled to my hometown of Bedford, Indiana and visited my favorite boutique where I found the type of clothing and accessories that I wanted and from there, the idea of bringing a similar concept to Gahanna was born.”

The Fable Collection is owned by Birchler. Her daughter Kaley, and daughter-in-law Alexandra are also involved with the business. In fact, the theme for The Fable Collection came from Kaley and encourages women to tell stories through fashion. Along with sharing a story each month, The Fable Collection plans to host fashion shows on social media and host events to bring women in the community together.

Fable Collection receives new merchandise weekly in sizes small to 2XL. Although Birchler encourages a visit to the boutique, The Fable Collection also has an online store, www.thefablecollection.com.

Birchler and her husband have lived in Gahanna since 2001.

“We have raised our family here and I am so excited to have our family business be part of the Gahanna community we love,” said Birchler.

The Fable Collection, located at 171 N. High St., is open Tuesday-Saturday. Follow The Fable Collection on Facebook and Instagram @thefablecollection for fashion and stories.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

17

How one Gahanna surgery center is breaking barriers, and saving lives, with a new robotic system

By Jack McLaughlin

Standing at six feet tall with four sharply angular arms ready to spring into action at any moment, the da Vinci Xi robot might at first appear dangerous to the untrained eye.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

This cutting-edge surgical system is not only saving lives by performing critical surgical procedures — including many for prostate and colon cancer—but it's also doing so much more efficiently than ever before.

Last fall, Central Ohio Urology Group (COUG) brought a da Vinci Xi Surgical System to its ambulatory surgical center in Gahanna. Priced at over $2 million,

18

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

the complex instrument is one of the first such robots in the country to exist outside of a hospital setting.

According to Dr. Ronney Abaza—a world leader in robotic urology and one of COUG’s practicing surgeons—the new instrument not only offers the group’s local patients better care with less recovery, but also helps Gahanna stay on the absolute cutting edge of surgical medicine.

“Until recently, robotic surgery was something that was done almost exclusively in a hospital,” said Dr. Abaza. “We’re one of less than five in the entire country doing something like this.” →

Photo courtesy of Tim Courlas

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

19

Photo by Sarah Pfeifer

20

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

"[I]F WE CAN

HELP OTHERS PROVIDE BETTER MEDICAL CARE, EVERYBODY WINS..

"

Photo courtesy of Tim Courlas

Controlled remotely, the surgical system is able to perform the same surgery using merely three or four pen-sized holes that would previously require a laparoscopic procedure with a much larger incision .

And while laparoscopic surgeries—which the Center would opt for before purchasing the robot— are also deemed minimally-invasive, robotic surgery drastically reduces healing time, as well as the length of a patient's post-surgical stay in the care facility.

“Previously, the vast majority of procedures would be done with people staying at least overnight,” Dr. Abaza said. “Now, patients come in and can leave in less than two hours.”

Even as important as the da Vinci Xi’s ability to perform less invasive procedures is a simple fact that Dr. Abaza believes is critically important during a time when COVID is still a real concern: “It’s simple, it can help keep people out of hospitals,” he said.

“This really opens the door for those people who are afraid of COVID or other infections from hospitals,” the surgeon added. “Worldwide, we saw people put off their medical care due to those fears.”

Central Ohio Urology Group’s Gahanna center—

after preparing staff and its facility since the spring of 2021–first brought the surgical robot to Gahanna last October. And now, with half a year under its belt, the local surgical center is pivoting to an educational role, widening the reach of its already groundbreaking program.

“This week we hit 100 robotic surgeries total; today we finished 103. Nobody else has done that many [outside of a hospital setting],” Dr. Abaza said. “We’ve had one group come in from Indiana to do a site visit and learn more, and we’re planning to welcome surgery centers from around the country this year. Because if we can help others provide better medical care, everybody wins."

"Central Ohio Urology Group has been a leader within the medical community and within Gahanna," said Mayor Laurie Jadwin. "As the first medical provider to locate in the Crescent at Central Park, they have been a catalyst both in the field of medicine and also transforming this Gahanna district into a much sought destination for leading medical providers within the Central Ohio community.”♦

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

21

T

C e l e br a t o t e m e hy

Gahanna marks 50 years as Ohio’s Herb Capital through celebration and continued knowledge

By Jack McLaughlin

The year was 1972, and the clothing donned by the small group of women gathered in front of the Ohio State House was outdated by at least a century even then.

They hadn’t shown up to simply show off their period garb, though. They meant business.

The group of five women–known as the city’s “Herb Ladies”–was made up of Jane “Bunnie” Geroux, Ruth Rauchenstein, Trudy Miller, Ruth Wilke and former Gahanna Parks and Recreation Director Lucy Seeds.

22

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • NOVEMBER 2021

Also members of the Gahanna Historical Society (hence the period clothing), the group had gathered in Columbus to have the City of Gahanna named Herb Capital of Ohio to celebrate the area’s rich history of herb cultivation.

“In the 70s it seemed like people were starting to get more interested in herbs and herbalism,” said Ohio Herb Center Coordinator Amanda Ferguson. “And they wanted to put Gahanna on the map for that.”

They succeeded 50 years ago exactly,

and while some of these trailblazing women have since passed, the legacy they left for Gahanna residents can still be felt to this day.

Currently, many residents are familiar with the city’s Herb Capital status through Gahanna’s annual Herb Day. Held each year to coincide with International "Herb Day, the annual event features plant sale, art sales and displays from local vendors and students, live music, food trucks, and even the return of the Herb Pageant from several decades ago. The

"A LOT OF THE

COMMUNITY EMBRACES THE HERB CAPITAL DESIGNATION. IT REALLY ADDS TO THE UNIQUENESS OF THE AREA...

"

winner of the Pageant is dubbed Herb King or Queen and will represent Gahanna at a number of events throughout the next year.

“In our office this was all particularly exciting,” Kappes said. “We feel like it’ will draw more people in.”

And while Herb Day Is the best-known manifestation of Gahanna's Herb Capitol pride, it’s far from the only one.

The City is regularly home to events such as the popular Herb’n Restaurant Week and the Herbal Cocktail Trail. Similar to other passport-style events, the Cocktail Trail invites participants to stop at every participating spot on a pre-created list. The Trail is returning for the spring and summer seasons with six local spots that each offer a different herb-forward cocktail. Those who receive stamps from all six locations will receive a commemorative prize.

The list this summer includes 101 Beer Kitchen, Barrel & Boar, Edison Brewing Co., Heart State Brewing, Nostalgia Brewing, Signatures Millstone Tavern and Wyandotte Winery.

“A lot of the community embraces the Herb Capital designation. It really adds to the uniqueness of the area,” Kappes said.

The Herb Ladies’ legacy lives on in more tangible ways than events as well. In the heart of downtown Gahanna—and a stone’s throw east of Big Walnut Creek—is the Ohio Herb Center.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • NOVEMBER 2021

23

The Center, located inside the historic Nafzger-Miller House at 110 Mill St., was originally created by Bunnie Geroux, with the City of Gahanna taking over operations in 2013. With an on-site herb garden and regular classes, it’s become a hub for Central Ohioans not only to learn about the rich herb-related history of the area, but it’s also become a place for them to get hands-on with herbs themselves.

Amanda Ferguson, an herbal practitioner of more than 20 years, is taking the torch from Gahanna’s Herb Ladies to usher in an era of education and—above all else—enjoyment.

“I am part of what I consider the changing of the guard. People always talk about herbs that have a specific use, or that they should only be used medicinally or culinarily, but we encourage people to use herbs for whatever they want, because it’s different for everyone,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be so complicated; I always tell people it’s as simple as drinking tea.”

As Gahanna and all of its herbal history moves forward— no doubt unveiling even more herb-related events in the near future—Ferguson still has time to look toward the past. She reminded us to think back to the Herb Ladies, to the fact that neither the Herb Center’s work—nor the celebrating so many of us do every year—would be a reality today without them.

“Really, none of this would be here without them,” she said. “ We have an obligation to carry on the work that they started.” ♦

24

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

"WE HAVE AN

OBLIGATION TO CARRY ON THE WORK THAT THEY STARTED.

"

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

25

EAGLE EYES

ON THE SKY From eagles to finches, Gahanna offers unique bird watching opportunities

By Michele Mooney Photos courtesy of Karen and Jeff Chrobak

26

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

Did you know that Gahanna is a prime location for birdwatching? This is the perfect time of year to keep an eye to the sky, when birds that migrated to warmer climates over the winter return to our area to take advantage of growing insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. Gahanna has numerous spots that are ideal for birding and observing wildlife.

Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve is a nature-lover and birdwatcher’s dream. The 59 acre preserve, located on Taylor Station Road, features a variety of wooded habitats in an urban setting, with rarely seen wildlife and rare species of

vegetation, including some of Ohio’s most exceptional wildflowers.

For birdwatching fans, the Big Walnut Trail – McKenna Creek section is a well-known area to find many species that are otherwise uncommon in surrounding locales, including woodcocks, brown thrashers, field sparrows, and common yellowthroats.

When walking, jogging or biking along the Big Walnut Trail, be on the lookout for an American Bald Eagle that frequents the paths along the creek.

The eagle that calls Gahanna home has been spotted by numerous residents and visitors. Avid watchers believe that the eagle’s nest is located

"GAHANNA WOODS STATE NATURE PRESERVE IS A NATURELOVER AND BIRDWATCHER’S DREAM."

Share your photos of Gahanna’s eagle and other birds on the Gahanna Parks and Recreation’s Facebook Page and Instagram account, @GahannaParksRec. For more information on birding, check out birding-inohio.com.

north of the McKenna Creek Trail bridge, near Stonybrook Church.

Female eagles typically lay one to three eggs in mid-February to late March. Hopefully birdwatchers and nature lovers alike will see a few eaglets along the Big Walnut Trail soon.

Gahanna residents Karen and Jeff Chrobak have become more interested in birdwatching since the pandemic, when they began to identify birds that visited their backyard and while on walks through Creekside Park. In March, the couple spotted the bald eagle swooping overhead during a visit to Creekside. Some of the many birds that they have spotted include woodpeckers (the red-bellied, downy, hairy, red-headed), cardinals, blue jays, bluebirds, dark-eyed juncos, mourning doves, yellow-bellied sapsucker, finches, starlings, Northern flickers, and red-winged blackbirds.

The next time your are out and about, keep your eyes in the sky, you never know what you’ll find. ♦

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

27

ADDITIONAL CALENDAR EVENTS

June 10, 24

July 15,

CREEKSIDE LIVE Creekside Plaza 6-9 pm One of Gahanna’s favorite events is back! Enjoy concerts the second and fourth Friday of every month throughout the summer.

GREAT OUTDOORS CINEMA UNDER THE STARS Friendship Park 7-11 pm Friendship Park will be filled with movie-themed activities and crafts until the sun goes down. Then our big screen will light up with your family’s favorite movies!

July 8, 22/ August 12, 26

28

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

August 19, September 23,

August 14 MUDDY MILER Behind Gahanna Swimming Pool 1-4pm Muddy Miler promises a really (fun) messy afternoon. The event is a themed, family friendly adventure run with obstacles, mud, music, and more!

PARKS & RECREATION

Check out the Gahanna Parks & Recreation 2022 Summer Guide for more details and information on special events, programs and activities to enjoy in Gahanna this summer. These are subject to change. Please confirm event details in advance.

For additional program information and registration links, visit ExploreGahannaParks.com or call 614-342-4250.

AQUATICS

GAHANNA SENIOR CENTER

Gahanna Swimming Pool (GSP) - 148 Parkland Dr - (614) 342-4272 Hunters Ridge Pool (HRP) - 341 Harrow Blvd - (614) 242-4269

Summer Hours (May 28 – August 9) HRP – Open Daily 11:00 am – 8:00 pm GSP – Open Daily 12:00-8:30pm *Facilities at both locations may close in the event of swim meets and special events GAHANNA SWIMMING POOL SPLASH PAD The Gahanna Swimming Pool Splash Pad is officially open! This new pool amenity will be available to pool members and to those who purchase a day pass during operating hours. The splash pad will be open and free to the general public in the mornings from 8:45am-11am, before the pool opens each day, as well as on days when the pool might not open. Additionally, it will be open daily outside of the pool season, as weather permits.

The City of Gahanna extends a special thanks to our partners at Drive Direct & Toyota Direct for their support in providing shade and comfort for this new community feature!

REGULAR RATES (BEGIN MAY 1, 2022)

Resident Discount Rate

Standard Rate

Single: ages 3 – 54

$160

$185

Couple: 2 people, same household

$250

$275

Family: 3 people, same household

$300

$325

Family: 4 people, same household

$325

$350

Family: 5+ people, same household

$350

$375

Senior: ages 55+

$100

$125

Sitter Add-On*

$90*

$90*

Mondays :

9:30 am - Yoga Gold ($5) 10 am - Open Crafts 12pm - Bridge 1pm - Tai Chi ($2) 1pm - Art Group 2:15pm - Table Tennis 3pm - Book Club (3rd Monday)

Tuesdays :

10am - Game Day 10:30am - Art with Amber 12:30pm - Euchre 1pm - Ceramics Group

Wednesdays :

9:30 am - Yoga Gold ($5) 10am - Special Monthly Event 11am - Painting the Still Life 1pm - Tai Chi

Thursdays :

9am - Scrapbooking 12pm - Blackjack or Poker 1pm - Calligraphy ($15-20 for supplies, $5 lesson) 2pm - Table Tennis

Fridays :

9am - Needle Craft Group 10am - Wii Bowling 1pm - Mahjong 1pm - Jewelry with Jean (3rd Friday)

Membership Information

*Must be purchased with another membership.

Connect with other members of our community as a member of the Gahanna Senior Center! The Center (located at 480 Rocky Fork Blvd.) is open to all adults

Program Scholarships The Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation provides scholarships for aquatic memberships, programs, and swimming lessons.

Scholarship eligibility is determined by eligibility for the GahannaJefferson Free/Reduced lunch program or overall family household income. Scholarship applications and eligibility information are available at Gahanna.gov/aquatics.

age 55+ and offers a variety of programs in recreation, physical fitness, nature/ outdoor activities, day trip and travel programs, education, community updates, health and human service resources, and community volunteer opportunities.

Business hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

A membership to the Gahanna Senior Center covers a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. An annual membership remains $30 for Gahanna residents and $40 for non-residents. Please call 614/342-4265 to ask about financial assistance options if you need help covering the cost of your membership.

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

29

PARKS & RECREATION 30

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

The City of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation offers a number of summer day camp programs for a variety of ages and interests. A day camp experience offers opportunities for children to learn how to interact with others, gain problem solving skills, develop both independence and teamwork, think and act beyond self, connect with nature and remain intellectually engaged while staying safe, keeping active and having FUN! Visit our website at Gahanna.Gov for a complete list of day camps and other summer youth programs including: - Camp Hannah & Camp Friendship (ages 6 – 12) - Little Adventurers Camp (ages 4 – 6) - Summer Sports & Activity Camp presented by Bally Sports Group (ages 6 – 12) - JumpBunch Camp presented by JumpBunch Sports & Fitness for Kids (ages 3 – 8) - Minds in Motion STEM Camps (ages 6 & older) - Girls of Destiny presented by Women Just Like Me (ages 10 – 13)

GAHANNA MUNICIPAL GOLF The Gahanna Municipal Golf Course opens daily at 7 am and closes 30 minutes before sunset (varies seasonally), weather permitting and excluding league play. The course welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels. Remember to book tee times online, as tee times for walk-ins cannot be guaranteed. For membership rates, cart rental fees, and to book tee times, please visit Gahanna.gov/golf. Tee times can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance online prior to joining membership. Please call us at 614-342-4265, for a calendar of events 220 Olde Ridenour Rd. Pro Shop: 614.342.4270

GOLF COURSE DAILY GREENS FEES

ADULTS (AGES 18-54)

JUNIOR (UNDER 18) / SENIOR (55+) / VET

WEEKDAY 9 Holes

$12R/$14NR

$10R/$12NR

18 Holes

$17R/19NR

$15R/$17NR

WEEKEND/HOLIDAY

$14R/$16NR

$12R/$14NR

9 Holes

$19R/$21NR

$17R/$19NR

18 Holes ADDITIONAL 9 HOLES

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

$5R/$7NR

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022

31

32

UNIQUELY GAHANNA • JUNE 2022