Pickerington June/July 2022

T h e O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e o f t h e C i t y o f P i c k e r i n g t o n a n d V i o l e t To w n s h i p

JUNE/JULY 2022

Throw the Distance

Annette Echikunwoke

INSIDE Later in life love Outdoor eats New PACC president

Love Where You Live

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pickerington magazine

volume 14, number 5 june/july 2022

1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill Gianna Barrett Jamie Armistead Dave Prosser Gary Hoffman Cameron Carr Claire Miller Amanda DePerro Megan Roth Sophia Englehart Mariah Muhammad

President/CEO Vice President, Sales

Calendar

6

News and Information from the City of Pickerington

8

News and Information from Violet Township

12 News and Information from

Vice President, Operations

Pickerington Schools

Chief Creative Officer

14

Creative Director Editors Contributing Editor Senior Editorial Assistant

Digital Editor

Dan Nase Laura Pappas

Advertising Sales

14

18

CityScene Media Group also publishes:

20 Cultivating Connections

New PACC president leads with community in mind

22

18

on the table

Outdoor Eating

Pickerington locals discuss their favorite summer foods, activities and more

CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com

24

Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

around pickerington

Navy Band and Lacrosse

Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.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 editor@cityscenemediagroup. com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The appearance of advertising in Pickerington Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Pickerington.

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

Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240.

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. © 2022

in focus

Check Mates

Pickerington couple falls in love over games of chess

614-572-1240

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

faces

Olympic Dream

After missing 2020 Olympics due to technicality, PNHS grad looks toward golden future

Editorial Assistants

Brandon Klein

Circulation

4

28

Top Homes Sold in Pickerington

29

Luxury Living Real Estate Guide

30

24

bookmarks

Recommended reads from Pickerington Public Library

On the cover: Annette Echikunwoke, photo by Empower

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com PickeringtonMagazine

pickerington community calendar june/july 2022 Through September Pickerington Farmers’ Market

June 7, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19 Stories in the Park

Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., downtown Pickerington, 89 N. Center St. www.pickeringtonvillage.com

6:30-7:30 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Moorhead Shelter, 481 Hereford Dr. www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

The Pickerington Farmers’ Market is a family-friendly event showcasing some of the best of what Pickerington’s local businesses have to offer. Find fresh produce and baked goods, artisan coffee, or fresh flowers.

Stories in the Park classes will feature books, songs and rhymes that will make imaginations run wild and prepare young ones for reading. Open to all but geared toward children, their caregivers and siblings.

June 3 Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

June 10 Summer Concert Series – Popgun

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 111 S. Broad St., Lancaster www.pickeringtonchamber.com

6:30-8 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

This free class, hosted by Fairfield County ADAMH, aims to teach youth and parents how to identify, understand and respond to various signs of mental illness and substance misuse among children, teenagers and young adults.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket and chairs when you attend this free monthly outdoor concert series in the park.

June 3-4 Pop-Up Children’s Book Sale 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Line up your next great summer read at the Friends of the Pickerington Public Library special kids and teens summer reading book sale. Get your entire family registered for Summer Reading and build your home library at the same time!

June 4 Pickerington Lions Club Car Show Cruise-In Brews 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 West Church St.

Enjoy live music, food trucks and community activities, free to spectators. $15 to enter a vehicle in the show.

June 10 Friday Night Flicks – Encanto Dusk, Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, Hereford Drive www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Bring family and friends out to watch Disney’s Encanto projected on the side of the white barn in the park. This event is free to attend and open to all.

June 11 American Red Cross Blood Drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

For more information and to schedule an appointment: 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org with sponsor code PickeringtonLibrary.

A lunchtime book club for those who enjoy lively discussion! Brown Bag Book

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July 4th Celebration 10 a.m. – Parade 10 p.m. – Fireworks www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

The parade will begin at 10 a.m., traveling north on Lockville Road before turning west on West Columbus Street and briefly flowing south on Hill Road South. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m., launching from Pickerington High School Central.

Club meets the third Thursday of every month for a spirited discussion of popular and classic books in a variety of genres.

No registration is required to attend.

June 18 Ultimate Water Fight 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Get ready to be soaked in the biggest water showdown of the summer! Wear clothes that can get messy! Registration is required; this program is for kids going into sixth through ninth grades.

July 4 Freedom 5K & Kids’ Fun Run sponsored by OrthoNeuro 8 a.m., Pickerington High School North XC course, 7800 Refugee Rd. www.picktownpalooza.org

June 16 Brown Bag Book Club – Apples Spend Independence Day running, as OrthoNeuro sponsors the Freedom 5K & Never Fall Kids’ Fun Run. This family friendly event 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, meeting room A, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

For the most recent information on events and hours, visit www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

July 4

includes a Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m. and the Freedom 5K at 8:30 a.m., with a route that winds its way through the Pickerington High School North XC course.

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

All events are subject to change.

Visit websites for additional information. month for a spirited discussion of popular and classic books in a variety of genres.

No registration is required to attend.

July 21-July 30 Lancaster Festival

Photo courtesy of the City of Pickerington

Lancaster www.lancasterfestival.org

Featuring headliners Rick Springfield and Lady A, the Lancaster Festival presents 10 days of arts, music and more. Other performances include Elton Rohn, the Byron Stripling Band and A Musical Zoo! – many of the performers are joined by the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.

Youth Fishing Derby, July 30

July 24 Ohio University Lancaster Theatre presents RENT!

July 8 Summer Concert Series – Divas!

July 14-16 Picktown Palooza

6:30-8 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

5 p.m.-midnight, 300 Opportunity Way www.picktownpalooza.org

Don’t forget to bring a blanket and chairs when you attend this free monthly outdoor concert series in the park, featuring the band Divas!

July 8 Friday Night Flicks – Luca

You won’t want to miss this three-day community festival celebration, which features a variety of fun activities for the whole family including carnival rides; live music; food vendors; and a car, truck and bike show.

July 21 Dusk, Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, PACC Quarterly Membership Hereford Drive Luncheon www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Bring your family and friends out to watch Disney’s Luca projected on the side of the white barn in the park. This event is free to attend and open to all.

July 9 Mini Golf at the Library 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Drop in to Sycamore Plaza and play a round of mini-golf. Holes will be set up around the library for you to play at your own pace. No registration required.

July 9 PACC & Cardo’s Golf Classic 1-5 p.m., Cumberland Trail Golf Club, 8244 Columbia Rd. SW, Pataskala www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Hosted by Cardo’s Pizza and Tavern, this event features a full day of golf and camaraderie, with lunch, snacks and prizes available. Participating members must preregister for the event online. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Don’t miss the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce’s premier networking event, as the organization hosts its quarterly membership luncheon featuring a guest speaker and a presentation on an issue of interest to the business community.

July 21 Brown Bag Book Club – Wuthering Heights 1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, meeting room A, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

A lunchtime book club for those who enjoy lively discussion! Brown Bag Book Club meets the third Thursday of every

2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Wagner Theatre, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster www.ohio.edu/lancaster/current-students/ theatre

A groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize drama and Tony Award winning musical set in the East Village of New York City about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today.

July 29 Locked in the Library 5:30-8:30 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Teens ages 12-17 who complete their Summer Reading Logs are invited to the annual teen lock-in. Nerf gun fights! Video games! Crafts and competitions! Contact the library to learn more about Summer Reading Logs.

July 30 Youth Fishing Derby 9:30-11 a.m., Sycamore Creek Park Pond, Hereford Drive www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Come out and enjoy a day of fishing and fun with family and friends at the 15th annual City of Pickerington Youth Fishing Derby. The event is free to attend and includes prizes for the most fish and biggest fish caught.

Shutterbugs: Send photos of life in Pickerington to editor@cityscenemediagroup. com for a chance to be featured in our August/September issue!

Deadline is June 30. Send up to 10 photos of people, pets, places or events for consideration.

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INSIDE

PICKERINGTON

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

Operation Light Up Pickerington Street lights are among the things you know you need and want in your community, but may not realize the full value of until they aren’t working. Enter Operation “Light Up Pickerington.”

The Pickerington Service Department started an initiative to get as many of the City’s street lights operational as possible before the schools break for summer.

“Historically, street light repair and replacement has been on an ‘as requested’ basis,” says Service Director Don Rector.

“In lieu of residents or employees reporting these throughout the year, we decided to take a proactive approach to our street light maintenance. We are expecting that this will minimize the number of service requests received and also allow for a good audit of the lighting infrastructure.”

During the first phase of the project crews, inspected every street light in the

City during the early morning hours, and their audit found approximately 54 lights were not functioning properly. Rector said they are continuing to work to ensure those lights are changed and/or repaired.

The City is responsible for approximately 1,700 street lights located throughout the City. The lights vary from typical subdivision street lights, to general lights along our major corridors and multi-light arrangements at our larger intersections.

Rector said as the project moves forward it may be noticeable that some street lights appear a different color than others: “The more amber-type bulbs are the older version and as they need serviced or changed the new brighter color LEDs will be installed.”

Summer Social Series Announced

When the concerts end, the movies begin. The Friday Night Flicks series will be held on the same dates starting at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). The movies are also free, and the line-up is family friendly: June 10: Encanto July 8: Luca August 12: Sing 2 Summer 2022 brings a return to the familiar favorites at Sycamore Creek Park but with a twist. The City is combining the popular Summer Concert 6

Series and Friday Night Flicks together for one night of entertainment.

Concerts that were previously held on Sundays will now be held Friday

If you’re looking for a summer of free and fun entertainment, Pickerington is the place to be! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of City of Pickerington

evenings between 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater. All concerts are free and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch the show. The lineup includes: June 10: Popgun July 8: Divas!

August 12: Fleetwood Gold

Arbor Day Celebration On April 11th Pickerington City leaders gathered at Victory Park and planted a tree as part of the annual Arbor Day celebration. For the past 29 years, Pickerington has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the national Arbor Day Foundation.

Pictured (L-R): City Council President Crystal Hicks; Councilman Kevin Kemper; Parks Board members Crystal Shepherd, Benjamin White, Patrick Seymour, Steve Malone and Danny Dickerson; Mayor Lee Gray; Service Director Don Rector; and Ohio Department of Natural Resources urban forester Alistair Reynolds.

Champion Jaguars Team Celebrated The Pickerington Special Olympics Jaguars were recently celebrated at a City Council meeting for winning the school age (under 16) Ohio State Basketball Championship. Mayor Gray declared April 20th as “Pickerington Jaguars Day” in the City of Pickerington.

During the championship game, each member of the Jaguar squad scored points and in a demonstration of outstanding sportsmanship, the Jaguars helped each member of the opposing team to score as well. Congratulations Jaguars! You make Pickerington proud.

Fourth of July Planning is underway for Pickerington’s annual Independence Day Celebration.

The parade will take place Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. Any groups or individuals interested in participating should contact the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department at (614) 833-2211 or by visiting www.pickerington.net. Registration is free. The parade lines up at Pickerington High School Central between 8:30-9:30 a.m.

The route is approximately two miles long and moves north from PHSC on Lockville Road, then west on Columbus Street through Olde Pickerington Village, south on Hill Road and ends at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School.

This year’s fireworks display will take place Monday, July 4 at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from Pickerington High School Central. There will be no organized activities at Victory Park, but families are still welcome to watch the show from there. Law enforcement will be present. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

“Police” Solicitation Public Awareness Announcement The Pickerington Police Department has recently received calls from residents concerning mail mentioning “local police,” “Police of Pickerington” or similar language. The Pickerington Police Department does not endorse any private company, organization or individual soliciting money or support through the mail or by telephone. Should you receive these mailings or phone calls and have any questions concerning this type of solicitation, please contact our non-emergency number at (614) 575-6911.

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News and Information From

Violet Township We recently partnered with a student from Pickerington North’s Global Scholars Program on a special project in Violet Township. Let him tell you about his mission!

“My name is Henry Sanders. I am 17 years old and currently a junior at Pickerington High School North. A few of my favorite pastimes include hiking, biking and playing soccer. I’ve played soccer for 13 years and am looking forward to playing my final season as senior captain of the Pickerington North soccer program. I also take pride in my academics, currently holding a 4.9 weighted GPA and a 3.985 unweighted GPA. I plan to attend college after graduation and pursue a career in environmental engineering.

Having lived in Pickerington all of my life, it’s always been my goal to give back to the community in some way. In my third year of the Global Scholars Program at Pickerington North, I was given the opportunity to give back by taking action on a global problem that existed within my own community. Inspiration for the project came from the AP Environmental Science course I took during my sophomore year at North. During that class, I became fascinated by the global issue of water pollution and, more specifically, how it impacted Pickerington.

I wanted to do this storm drain decal project in order to raise awareness for people in Pickerington about how much pollutant dumping can impact water quality. Specifically, I wanted to focus on a method of dumping common to suburban areas: storm drain dumping.

It’s common in suburban areas to dump oil, fertilized grass clippings or trash down storm drains because the drains appear to provide an easy disposal of such materials. Often, many people who dump are not even aware of the goal of the decals is to, hopefully, make impact that their actions can have on people think twice before they dump.” the aquatic environments of our local Some great additional facts about watershed. While it’s impossible to stop Henry and his project: a motivated individual from doing so, the • Henry has placed decals on more 8

Photo courtesy of Violet Township

Pollution Problem Solver

than 175 drains so far in the City of Pickerington and Violet Township. He plans to do more when the weather warms up – people should watch for Henry doing just that! www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

• If any interested individual would like to reach out to Henry to assist in the future, you can contact the Violet Township Offices at 614-5755556.

• Influential people that have helped Henry with the project include: - Tommy Springer and Jonathan Ferbrache from the Fairfield Soil

and Water District. Both helped with initial contacts that were vital to the success of his project.

- Ed Drobina, Violet Township deputy administrator - Marie Hurt, teacher for the Global Scholars Program - Dwayne Mohler, utility foreman for the City of Pickerington

- Scott Sanders, Henry’s dad!

We congratulate Henry on his initiative, his determination and his passion for this project. We wish Henry the best in his future endeavors and are confident that anything he puts his mind to will become a success!

Hunting for Macroinvertebrates

By Molly Gilleland, Urban Technician for Fairfield SWCD

Mayfly Nymphs: Mayfly nymphs are a Group I water quality indicator, meaning they are not tolerant of pollution. Mayfly nymphs are around 3-20 millimeters in length and usually have three tails and abdominal gills. Most mayfly nymphs are filterfeeders and tend to hang out on rocks on the stream bed.

Stonefly Nymphs: Stonefly nymphs are another group I water quality indicator and are also not tolerant of pollution. Stonefly nymphs are generally 5-35 millimeters in length and have two prominent tails and two long antennae. Stoneflies feed on small aquatic plants and animals and like to www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photo by Tommy Springer

Clean water is something that we can all agree is a good thing. Not only do we as humans depend on our waterways, but different organisms also rely on the freshwater streams to survive. Many of these streams are impacted by pollution from increases in local urban development. When sediment washes into the streams, so do the pollutants.

Freshwater stream health is something that can easily be monitored by looking for aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Macroinvertebrates are organisms that lack a backbone. The aquatic macroinvertebrates that can be found in our streams, such as Sycamore Creek or Coyote Run, are insects that are in an immature state.

These macroinvertebrates are good indicators of a healthy stream and are an easy way to check in on how your local waterways are doing since some of these organisms can live in only the cleanest of water. Here are a few organisms to look for when checking in on hide under rocks at the bottom of the your stream: streambed.

water and can be found resting on the bottom of the stream.

When looking for aquatic macroinverDragonfly Larvae: tebrates, a few methods can be used Dragonfly larvae are a group II indica- to find the organisms. Since most of tor and can tolerate moderate levels these organisms are benthic, or bottomof pollution. Dragonfly larvae can vary dwelling, the underside of rocks is a greatly in size but will typically have six good place to check for signs of aquatic legs and short antennae. Dragonfly macroinvertebrates. Gently kicking up larvae like to feed on smaller insects the bottom of the stream is also a good and can be found at the bottom of the way to release some of these organisms streambed. from the streambed and into the water to catch. You always want to put anyScuds: thing you take out of the stream back Scuds are a group II indicator and are into the stream when going hunting for tolerant of some pollution. Scuds are macroinvertebrates. on average 5-20 millimeters in length For upcoming events at the Coyote and have a white or clear flattened body Run State Nature Preserve, please visit shape with seven pairs of legs. Scuds www.fairfieldcountyparks.org or check feed on detritus, or pieces of dead plant out Fairfield County Park District on or animal matter. They swim in open Facebook. Happy Creeking!

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An Ounce of Prevention

By Battalion Chief Jim Paxton The sound of lawn mowers and power tools signifies that spring has arrived and summer is on the way. Green grass and fresh blooms create a sense of hope and life, adding to the excitement and anticipation of prom, graduation, vacations and social gatherings. The days grow longer and warmer, and we spend a great amount of time outside tasked with accomplishing this season’s outdoor projects. It is also a time of injury and accidents. The Violet Township Fire Department records an increase in incidents during the warm weather months. The increase is typically comprised of heat related emergencies; falls; back injuries; lacerations; and fires related to lawn mowers, grills and open burning.

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A few simple precautions can help make your spring and summer more enjoyable and safer.

Stretch • A few moments spent stretching can go a long way in preventing pain and strains.

Survey the area where you will be working • Remove or mark debris and trip hazards.

• Call before you dig to have underground utilities identified. Call 811 or use e-dig at newtin.oups.org/newtinweb/oups_edig.html.

• Take notice of overhead power lines prior to raising or working from ladders.

Wear the right equipment • Safety glasses • Hearing protection • Proper footwear • Gloves Ensure equipment and power tools are in proper working order • Safe guards and safety features should be intact and functioning properly.

Use and store hazardous and combustible materials properly • Fuels • Lubricants

How to Reach Us Violet Township Administrative Offices 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd., 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. Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979 490 Center St., Pickerington, OH 43147 10

• Pesticides/herbicides • Fertilizers Check gas and propane grills prior to use • Look for debris and animal nests in the interior.

• Check unions, fittings and knobs for leaks.

Keep functioning and hot grills away from any structure Call the fire department prior to having open burns or bonfires • Find out if there are any restrictions.

• Alert us to your intentions so a fun event is not alerted as an actual fire by a passerby.

Wear sunscreen, eat properly and stay hydrated Do not overdo it!

Perfect Lemonade Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: 1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup) 1 cup water (for the simple syrup) 4-6 lemons 3-4 cups cold water (to dilute) Instructions: Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and room temperature water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.

While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from four to six lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add three to four cups of cold water until lemonade is diluted as desired. Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more lemon juice. Serve with ice, sliced lemons. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

75 Years of Quality Collision Repairs by People You Know

Our mission is to provide the highest quality repairs in a timely manner with outstanding customer service.

Rutherford Auto Body was founded on May 6, 1947, by Montrose and Donald Rutherford, father and son. The business operated out of the former mechanical shop at Gender Road and Winchester Pike.

Grandsons, Tom and Terry, were raised in the shop sweeping, washing cars, and learning the trade through high school until they joined their father in operating the business in the 1960s.

Tom and Terry purchased the business from their father in 1977, and soon after established a location at 601 Commerce Dr., Pickerington.

Today, Rutherford Auto Body employs 23 people and is a market leader in Central Ohio.

Being in an accident is a stressful time. Our goal is to make this process as stress free as possible. Communication is the key to achieving this goal. Our staff and management team will work with you, your insurance company and our venders to accomplish this.

We appreciate all our faithful and future customers.

Rutherford Auto Body is a certified repair facility for Honda, Ford, GM, Nissan, Infiniti, Dodge, Chrysler, Hyundai and Kia.

601 Commerce Drive Pickerington, Ohio 43147

614-837-0902 Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm

News Join the Parents on Positivity Patrol Pickerington Schools is seeking volunteers to join the Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP) in our high schools for the 2022-23 school year.

PoPP volunteers help foster a favorable educational climate by building positive relationships with students and, if necessary, by redirecting them toward better decision making. The PoPP also supports the enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct.

To be part of the PoPP, a volunteer must have a background check, get approved as a level 2 volunteer, complete the required training and be vaccinated against COVID-19. While on duty, PoPP volunteers are equipped From left to right, top row: Meredith Venetta, Cornelius McGrady, Rochae Price; bottom row: Jacque with walkie-talkies and safety plan Tippie, Luann Bepler-Todd, Karen Pack information.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/popp.

We’ve created an easier way to stay up to date with PLSD Board of Education activities – quick links to board meeting agendas and minutes. By adding quick links that point directly to each specific agenda item contained inside BoardDocs, a cloud-based board meeting management software, a person will be able to quickly jump to the desired section and/or view the meeting minutes.

You may access the quick links from the red “I want to” drop down menu at the top of PLSD’s website, www. pickerington.k12.oh.us, then select “Stay Up to Date with District Policies and Decisions.” This will navigate to the 12

Board of Education webpage. Scroll down to the “About the Board” section and select “Agendas and Minutes.” www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Pickerington Local School District

Quick Links to Board Agendas and Minutes

PLSD Is Using Federal Dollars, Fund Transfers To Help Address Overcrowded Schools As new home construction continues to boom in our area, Pickerington Schools’ leaders are looking at a myriad of ways to manage the burgeoning student population now and in the future. Two of the most-discussed shortterm solutions include redistricting school boundaries and returning to hybrid learning. District leaders are also planning to place a bond issue on the ballot in Nov. 2022 — because a bond issue is the only viable option for the district to obtain the more than $80 million needed to address its largest facility needs, which include a new junior high and renovations to convert Ridgeview Junior High into a K-6 elementary/middle school.

Complete Our Website Survey and You Could Win!

Over the summer, PLSD staff are working with a vendor to build a new district website and app and individual school websites. As part of this important process, we need your input!

Bonus: If you complete the online survey between June 1-20, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Survey link: tinyurl.com/PLSDSiteSurvey. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

When the school year ended in May, Pickerington High School Central was over capacity by more than 300 students, and half of the district’s 14 buildings will exceed capacity within five years. While bond issue details are being decided, district leaders have been working to find ways to accomplish some of the projects listed in previous bond issues with federal dollars and internal funding mechanisms.

For example, new entrances to both high schools will now be federally funded through ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund). These secure vestibules — which will cost ~$1,250,000 to build — will permit office staff to appropriately vet guests and visitors before they are able to enter the building.

Besides ESSER dollars, projects are also being funded through a board-approved transfer of General Fund millage to the Permanent Improvement Fund. A mill is a rate of taxation equal to $1 of taxes for every $1000 of taxable property value.

Historically all inside millage generated funding for the General Fund, but the district will now divert 0.5

inside mills to its Permanent Improvement Fund beginning in 2023. The annual resources generated in the Permanent Improvement Fund (about $961,000 for 2023) will be used for the construction and maintenance of facilities. In all, the district has carved out $25 million in projects that can be completed without bond passage, which may mean the district will ask for ~$10 million less in Nov. than in May, despite inflation.

Treasurer Ryan Jenkins said, “Even though these dollars will grow over time, the transfer of inside millage will never be enough to build a new school building — which is why the district has no other choice but to put up a bond issue.”

“If we would have passed a bond issue in May, we would have had a contribution of $53 million from the Ohio Facilities Construction for future projects,” said Jenkins. “We can expect a similar amount with bond passage in Nov., but that could be our last shot at these additional dollars from the state.” To keep up to date on the status of a Nov. bond issue, visit https://www.pickerington. k12.oh.us/bond-issue-info/.

13

faces

By Mariah Muhammad

Olympic Dream A

nnette Echikunwoke has come a long way since she started her athletic career at Pickerington North High School.

The Nigerian American qualified for the 2020 Olympics and holds the African record for longest hammer throw.

But her early days in sports were a little shaky.

“I started off on the basketball team in, like, the seventh or eighth grade, and I quickly realized I was very uncoordinated,” Echikunwoke says.

Though she may have been unbalanced on the basketball court, Echikunwoke soon found a space – and a team – that suited her perfectly. And it was thanks to her gym class at Pickerington North.

“We had those track and field days you would have in gym class, and I would always do well in the throwing,” she says. “So, in eighth grade, I decided to try throwing on the team, and it’s been up ever since.”

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After she graduated from high school, where she participated in shotput and discus throwing, she began her career in hammer throwing at the University of Cincinnati. There, she won the NCAA National Championship for indoor weight throw as a junior in 2017. She’s one of only six women to throw more than 24 meters, with her best throw ranking the second farthest in NCAA history.

A few years later, Echikunwoke qualified for the Nigerian track and field team in the 2020 Olympics, branded 2020ne because it was delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19, in hammer throwing. She certainly earned her spot on the Nigerian Olympic team after setting four successive Nigerian and African records for the hammer throw during the USA Track & Field event.

However, an error by the African Federation of Nigeria (AFN) relating to drug testing led to Echikunwoke and 10 of her teammates being ineligible to compete. The AFN released a www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Empower

After missing 2020 Olympics due to technicality, PNHS grad looks toward golden future

statement taking “responsibility for any lapses that may have occurred.” Still, the athletes were barred from the 2020 Olympics.

The AFN’s statement didn’t soften the blow for Echikunwoke.

“On my 25th birthday, I was officially informed that I cannot compete at the Tokyo 2020ne Olympics due to the negligence of the federation I was set to compete for,” she posted on Instagram

Fit Five: Annette Echikunwoke shares her wellness habits

Are there any foods you try to avoid or emphasize?

I’m dairy-free and I’m not a red meat fanatic, so I don’t really like to eat red meat. I think everything else is good in moderation for me.

What are your favorite ways to stay active?

I train every day really, but I like taking walks with friends, talking about life and whatnot.

What do you like to do to relax?

I like to relax by hanging out with friends and family. I go back to Pickerington and see my family as much as I can.

They’re really the bedrock of my support system, as well as my friends. But in my free time I like to read. I’ve been really into audiobooks lately, because I feel like I don’t have as much time to sit down and read because I’m in (training) season now. And I’ve surprisingly been into reality TV shows like The Ultimatum. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

What are your favorite exercises?

Outside of walking, I lift really heavy and I sprint. I’m pretty active in that, so I can avoid taking the stairs. I know people will look at me and they’re like, “Oh, you’re an athlete.” I use my legs when I need to. I try to be efficient in their use.

Where’s your favorite hammer throwing spot?

Looking back at my competitions last year, my favorite was Tucson Elite (Classic) meet, which was in Arizona. It was my favorite because I got to compete against girls who were professional as well. That’s also where I threw the Olympic standard, or beyond it at least. So that was really exciting, getting to compete with people at that level and doing well, too.

15

Photos by Mercedes Oliver

at the time. “I can’t even begin to explain how heartbroken I am. …

This has been the most mentally and emotionally exhausting time of my life.”

However, that didn’t stop Echikunwoke. She continues to train six days a week in the hopes of acquiring an Olympic gold medal.

That unrelenting drive traces back to PNHS, where coaches encouraged Echikunwoke to strive to reach her potential.

“I would go to the weight room at North and thank God for (then-track and field) coach (Jim) Langenderfer and (boys throwing) coach (Joe) Whitcraft, I would hit them up and be like, ‘Hey, can I come use the weight room?’” she says. “It’s pretty stacked for a high school weight room, and I could always do my workouts.”

She has fond memories of hanging out in Olde Pickerington Village and downtown Pickerington with her friends and going to the Fourth of July celebration in Victory Park.

“Living in Pickerington was honestly more of a positive experience than a negative one,” she says. “The high school was decently diverse. I was always in a group of people that were different and had different backgrounds.”

She still feels supported by the Pickerington community, even as she’s moved to competing on collegiate and international stages.

“Pickerington is very behind their people, I’ve seen that all the time,” Echikunwoke says. “Obviously, with sports like football and basketball, it’s easy to see their players and things like that, but I’m a thrower. … But Pickerington is still very much behind me to this day and has supported me up until this point. So, I think they really rally behind their people, ultimately, and that’s really awesome to see.”

Currently, Echikunwoke is ranked No. 18 in the world in the women’s hammer throw.

Mariah Muhammad is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Echikunwoke has the second farthest throw in NCAA history and regularly ranks in the top 20 woman hammer throwers globally.

16

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Ted’s

MOST TRUSTED Orthopedic Practice “I’ve been coaching lacrosse in central Ohio for 45 years. I knew I needed both knees replaced, and had lived with pain for too long. I could barely walk and needed a cane for support. Following surgery, I’m traveling with the team again and walking 2–3 miles a day…pain free. Without a doubt, Orthopedic ONE got me back on the field doing what I love.“ - Ted Wolford, Lacrosse Coach

This is where you go to get better.

Watch Ted’s story here or visit orthopedicONE.com.

in focus

By Megan Roth

Check Mates Pickerington couple falls in love over games of chess

F

18

Bill and Patsy on their wedding day.

state of Oregon, where she was able to show Bill the home she grew up in.

When the couple returned to Pickerington, they moved into one apartment within StoryPoint. As any married couple knows, life isn’t always easy after marriage. Patsy says they’ve struggled to get to bed before 1 a.m. – only because they can’t stop talking and laughing.

Around the apartment, Bill and Patsy always find ways to help each other out.

“If I’m straightening the bed, he’s

right there to help me,” Patsy says. “He is a kind man.”

Health Benefits

In addition to never needing to worry about finding a chess partner, Bill and Patsy’s relationship comes with added health benefits as well.

A Mayo Clinic study exploring the effects of being socially connected found that socializing combats feelings of loneliness, helps sharpen memory and cognitive www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of StoryPoint Pickerington

or Patsy Weider, chess is an essential part of life. When she found herself without a partner one day, she asked if any of her fellow residents at StoryPoint Pickerington played chess. Bill Weider responded: “I do.”

That wouldn’t be the last time Bill said those words to Patsy.

From then on, Bill and Patsy played a game of chess every day, becoming closer and closer all the while. As their connection grew stronger, they started taking walks around StoryPoint and running errands together.

“We developed this great camaraderie,” Patsy says. “We became so close.”

After a year of daily chess games, on April 21, 2021, Bill asked Patsy to marry him.

Upon hearing the news, Tyese Baker, director of engagement and enrichment at StoryPoint, excitedly organized a bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and a wedding ceremony.

She says the StoryPoint residents were thrilled to be a part of the festivities and many helped make shirts for the engagement photos.

All of StoryPoint’s residents, as well as Bill and Patsy’s families, attended the wedding, held at StoryPoint’s outdoor gazebo.

Following the wedding, Bill and Patsy set off on a honeymoon to Patsy’s home

Bill and Patsy’s wedding, held on StoryPoint’s outdoor grounds.

Bill and Patsy’s families at the wedding.

skills, and increases one’s overall sense of happiness and well-being. Especially for older adults, socialization ensures that their brains remain stimulated.

Writing for Medical News Today, psychologist Susan Pinker says face-toface contact is like a vaccine as it triggers parts of the nervous system to release neurotransmitters that regulate responses to stress and anxiety. She also emphasizes the importance of social relationships in encouraging healthy habits. Being around other people encourages us to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be mindful of our eating and exercise.

That can be seen in the Weiders’ relationship, from chess to daily walks around StoryPoint’s grounds, each holds the other accountable for their physical health.

None of that drove the couple together, though. At the heart of things, Bill and Pasty’s story is about love.

“We’ve put this life together, the two of us,” she says, “and it’s a wonderful a life.”

Megan Roth is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mroth@cityscenemediagroup. com. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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Cultivating Connections

By Claire Miller

K

im Barlag wants to remind people to take care of each other.

From her platform as president of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, she’s able to help business owners meet others and make connections that help grow their businesses. For Barlag, it’s about mutually helping each out and taking care of one another.

“I’m a people person who thrives on helping people,” she says. “I really enjoy making connections to mutually benefit members and cultivate a community of cooperation and connection.”

Twenty-one years ago, Barlag started her association career in Pickerington at the American Motorcycle Association.

Between that stint in Pickerington and beginning her new position with PACC, Barlag worked for the National Business Incubation Association and, most recently, as the director of communications and marketing for the Ohio University School of Education.

In late March, she reengaged with the area to take on the position of president and CEO of the PACC. Barlag got started quickly. Her first event, on April 1, was the Chamber Wom-

Kim Barlag, president and CEO of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce, enjoys golfing in her free time.

20

en’s Leadership Coalition. She’s been in the full swing of things since, attending board meetings, first Wednesday Connects meetings and networking events.

“I really loved Wednesday Connects, I was really impressed by that event,” she says. “It was really energizing and very positive. It just made me more excited about the job.”

With her background in public relations, she says she aims to share more stories about PACC’s membership and help members promote themselves.

“I consider myself a storyteller,” Barlag says, “so I aim to use those skills to help our members tell their stories and share what makes them unique.”

Barlag’s experience with communication and marketing, in addition to her organizational and leadership skills, were elements that stood out to the hiring committee, says Andy Hardy, chair of the PACC board of directors.

“She’s dedicated to working on behalf of the business community and the community at large to achieve our goals,” he says.

Her interests in storytelling, building relationships and working on behalf of the business community all align with the mission of the chamber.

During the chamber’s national search for its next president, Barlag impressed the committee with her preparation for the interview and her vision for the organization, according to Hardy.

“I have a very supportive and innovative board,” Barlag says.

They aim to grow the chamber and ensure that, beyond business owners, the community as a whole knows about the organization and its members. Barlag says that goal aims to make Pickerington as prosperous as possible.

To pursue that goal, she’s already brewing up such ideas as a networking and socializing event for professionals working from home. Barlag says those who work from home could use time away from juggling work and family and an opportunity to get out and socialize.

One upcoming event that’s been especially fun for Barlag to contribute to organizing is the annual chamber golf outing on July 9. As an avid golfer, Barlag is right at www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Photos courtesy of kim Barlag

New PACC president leads with community in mind

So Much More Than A Physician Visit Patient Education

Wellness Services

Barlag working the beverage cart at a golf scramble benefiting Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring, a nonprofit for which she serves on the board.

home with those preparations. The PACC & Cardo’s Golf Classic – which features lunch, prizes and, of course, golf – will be held at Cumberland Trail Golf Club in Pataskala from 1-5 p.m.

Here in Pickerington, Barlag says she’s always enjoyed the sense of community and connected atmosphere, which goes hand-in-hand with her vision for the chamber and what she hopes to accomplish in her position.

“It does go back to wanting to help other people,” she says. “I get a real charge out of (helping others shine). It really energizes me to help others and then watch them grow.”

Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback is welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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magazine

The Official Magazine of Pickerington and Violet Township

Advertise to EVERY

homeowner and business in Pickerington and Violet Township www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Contact Dan Nase today for great rates!

614-572-1243

dnase@cityscenemediagroup.com 21

on the table

By Sophia Englehart

Outdoor Eating

Photos courtesy of the City of Pickerington

Pickerington locals discuss their favorite summer foods, activities and more

A

s spring blossoms into summer, warm weather favorites such as watermelon, lemonade and outdoor events become staples of the season. In Pickerington, there are a number of parks, restaurants and exciting venues to choose from to partake in summer fun, whether you’re looking for a picnic site or live entertainment.

The free Summer Concert Series at the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater begins Friday, June 10, with a performance from Popgun from 6:30-8 p.m. The first installment of Friday Night Flicks, a showing of Encanto, follows at dusk.

Picktown Palooza, a three-day event filled with food vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment and more, takes place July 14-16 at Pickerington High School Central and Opportunity Way. We asked two prominent Pickerington residents, Picktown Palooza founder Chris Stein and Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray, to share their Pickerington summering expertise.

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Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray What are your favorite summer activities?

Going on vacation with my family.

What meals can be found on your table in the summer months?

Steak, potatoes, salad, corn on the cob.

Where’s the best place to eat outdoors in Pickerington and/or Violet Township?

Sycamore Creek Park.

What kind of snacks would you bring to Friday Night Flicks?

Grippo’s Bar-B-Q chips, Ritz crackers with peanut butter, caramel corn.

What’s an ideal meal for you before heading to the Summer Concert Series?

Anything from the grill. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Picktown Palooza founder Chris Stein What are your favorite summer activities?

My passion is music, so anything that involves live music I’m usually looking into.

What foods do you enjoy eating the most in the summer?

Summer is about cooking out. I’m all about the burgers and dogs and Italian sausages, anything I can put on a grill or a griddle. I love where everybody’s bringing a side dish and I’m cooking up all the meat and stuff.

What’s an ideal meal for you before heading to the Summer Concert Series?

Well, I would say something (not) too heavy on the stomach. Pizza (is) usually pretty good, specifically from Cardo’s.

Pickerington is not hurting for pizza places.

Columbus-area musician Chris Logsdon performs at the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater, home of the annual Summer Concert Series.

Sophia Englehart is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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23

around pickerington

Photos by Sophia Tobias

24

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

T

he U.S. Navy brought music to Pickerington as part of a multistate tour by the U.S. Navy Concert Band on Sunday, May 1 at Pickerington North High School.

The Pickerington date was part of a 13-show tour that covers six U.S. states.

The U.S. Navy Band, based at the Washington Navy Yard, is the flagship musical organization of the Navy and performances by its ensembles are one of the flagship outreach programs for the Navy. There are 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide.

The U.S. Navy Concert Band is the premier wind ensemble of the Navy. Its repertoire includes patriotic selections, marches, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble compositions.

The group is the original Navy band ensemble and has been performing at public concerts and high-profile events for nearly a century.

LANCASTER FESTIVAL with the

Lancaster Festival Orchestra

July 30

Rick Springfield Lancaster Festival Orchestra

with the

July 23

Elton Rohn July 27 #1 Elton John Tribute July 21–30, 2022 www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

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Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

www.LancasterFestival.org 25

around pickerington

Photo courtesy of Amy Shillig

Photos courtesy of Stacy Vega

Play ball! Action from the high school lacrosse seasons in Pickerington.

Top left, Pickerington Central’s Dom Shaw (front right) looks for an opening during a game this spring. Bottom left, Tigers Isaiah Wallace (5) and Michael Skidmore (7) face Dublin Scioto at midfield. At right, Central goalkeeper Kaelyn Bauer scoops up a ball for a save. On page 27, Pickerington Central and Pickerington North players chase down a ball during the conference contest. Central won, 12-5.

Get your camera ready.

It’s time for Send us your photos for the annual Shutterbugs issue of Pickerington Magazine!

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Images should be of:

People/Pets, Places and Events in the Pickerington area

Deadline: June 30

Email hi-res digital files to editor@cityscenemediagroup.com Images can be in color or black and white. The top photos will be featured in the August /September issue of Pickerington Magazine. Up to 10 images may be submitted per person.

All images must be submitted as digital, high resolution photos. www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

27 Photo courtesy of Luann Bepler-Todd

Top homes sold in Pickerington All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.

873 Falkirk Ct. 5 beds 2.5 baths $396,000 Sold on 3/21/22

213 Little Wolf Ct. 4 beds 2.5 baths $492,000 Sold on 4/1/22

852 Elgin Cir. 4 beds 2.5 baths $400,000 Sold on 4/14/22

214 Blue Jacket Cir. 4 beds 3.5 baths $556,000 Sold on 3/22/22

841 Elgin Cir. 4 beds 2.5 baths $383,150 Sold on 4/5/22

106 Fox Glen Dr. W. 4 beds 3 baths $362,500 Sold on 3/25/22

841 Selkirk Way 4 beds 2.5 baths $431,000 Sold on 4/1/22

8420 Alderpoint Terr.

3 beds 2.5 baths $350,200 Sold on 4/4/22

954 Gray Dr. 3 beds 2.5 baths $395,000 Sold on 4/19/22

12253 Rooster Tail Dr. 3 beds 3 baths $420,000 Sold on 3/18/2022

512 Banbridge Ct. 4 beds 3.5 baths $471,000 Sold on 3/31/22

822 Kelburn Ln. 3 beds 2.5 baths $679,000 Sold on 4/4/22

“The only reason we would give Sam 5 stars would be because we can’t give him more.”

#1 433

Selling Real Estate Team & Realtor In- Central Ohio 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021!

Transactions Closed in 2021

614-561-3201

Sam.Cooper@Herrealtors.com

All reports presented are based on data supplied by Columbus REALTORS. Report published January 21, 2021 based on sales data available from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. All properties, all counties combined.

Neither the Association nor their MLS guarantee or are in any way responsible for the data accuracy. Data maintained by the Associations or their MLSs may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Top Producer - Market Share Report. Copyright Trendgraphix, Inc.

Samuel Cooper DBA Sam Cooper Team

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www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

what’s your style?

CT

A TR

N

O NC

I Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201 sam.cooper@herrealtors.com

Desirable Daysprings Subdivision, hardwood flooring & custom trim work, formal dining room, 1st flr home office, great room w/ fireplace, 1st floor owners suite, remodeled full bath, vaulted florida room, kitchen w/ maple cabinetry, granite counters, island & pantry, 1st flr laundry, 3 car side load garage, 2nd floor loft, full bsmt that can be finished, patio & large lot!

Gorgeous Craftsman Style Ranch in cul de sac! Side loading 3 car garage, paver patio w/ pergola, wide plank hardwood throughout first floor, vaulted dining room, great room with fireplace, new kitchen cabinetry w/ island, farmhouse sink & quartz counters, vaulted owner’s bedroom w/ walk in closet & full bath, enormous basement partially finished with rec room & storage rooms. In Contract $560,000

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS/HOWARD HANNA

SAM COOPER – HER REALTORS/HOWARD HANNA

Real Estate Section Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Pickerington school district.

Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Pickerington Magazine home page: www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

Contact Dan Nase today for more information: 614-572-1243 dnase@cityscenemediagroup.com

Get a great response from your ads in PICKERINGTON MAGAZINE!

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29

bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Community Engagement Manager at the Pickerington Public Library

Book titles to add to your reading list!

Picture Books: A Friend for Yoga Bunny

by Brian Russo Bear is anxious about her upcoming birthday party and the big crowd that will be attending. Yoga Bunny hops in to help Bear with some simple breathing and stretching exercises. The best gift? A new friend who’s always there to help.

Baking Up a Storm

by Jessica Parham A child and mother follow a grandmother’s famous cupcake recipe, unleashing a magical storm of ingredients in this cleverly inclusive rhyming picture book.

Chapter Books: Honestly Elliott

by Gillian McDunn Struggling with ADHD, loneliness and connecting with his divorced father who would rather see him embrace sports than cooking, sixth-grader Elliott finds an unlikely friend in popular, perfect Maribel when the two are paired in a school-wide contest.

Measuring Up

by Lily LaMotte This graphic novel follows 12-yearold Cici who, having just moved to Seattle from Taiwan, enters a cooking competition to win the chance to see her grandmother again. The challenge? She only knows how to cook Taiwanese food.

Teen Books: Teen Baking Bootcamp

by Matthew Merril Matthew Merril, a finalist on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, shares his kitchen skills to help anyone become the next baking superstar. From four-ingredient peanut butter cookies to perfecting cheesecake using a water bath, bakers at any level will learn to create their own amazing sweet treats.

New temporary hours: Pickerington Public Library | pickeringtonlibrary.org Main – 201 Opportunity Way | 614-837-4104 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Adult Books: Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability

by Summer Michaud-Skog “Trails not scales” is the motto of the Fat Girls Hiking community. Where the all-inclusive, empowering call goes out to people of all body types, sizes and backgrounds interested in exploring nature. This book is brimming with practical advice on what to wear for comfort when hiking, shares trail reviews and best of all, includes truly inspiring personal stories from the Fat Girls Hiking members.

Save-It-Forward Suppers: A Simple Strategy to Save Time, Money, and Sanity

by Cyndi Kane Transform leftovers into new dishes and put a home-cooked dinner on the table every weeknight with 15 weekly menus.

Each week is themed to allow readers to plan for whatever type of week the family cook may be expecting: No Time to Spare Week, for those busy times when everyone is going a different direction. Short Cut Week, for using a few prepackaged ingredients. This book is full of creative ideas!

Taste: My life Through Food

by Stanley Tucci Stanley Tucci grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the kitchen table. He’s shared the magic of those meals with us in The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and now he takes us beyond the savory recipes and into the compelling stories behind them.​Filled with anecdotes about growing up, shooting the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia, and creating meals with his wife, this book is heartfelt and delicious!

Save the Date: May 21-Aug. 7 Mark your calendar for Summer Reading 2022: Violet’s Ocean Adventure!

Stop in May 21 to pick up a reading log and start reading!

Sycamore Plaza – 7861 Refugee Rd. | 614-837-4383 Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hours are subject to change due to health concerns

www.pickeringtonmagazine.com

See a doctor before seeing symptoms.

If it feels like there is no time for a routine checkup when you’re healthy, it’ll feel like there’s even less time when you’re sick. At Mount Carmel Medical Group, we’ve made it quick and convenient to schedule a doctor’s appointment at one of our 29 locations. Because your safety is our greatest priority, know that we are taking the appropriate precautions for your visit today. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit mountcarmelprimarycare.com or call 614-627-2700.

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