Dublin365 Fall 2016

FALL 2016

Holiday Fun Local Laureate Proud Principal

Field of Dreams

Dublin Coffman's Tim Saunders has built a ballpark and a coaching legacy.

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CONTENTS

Fall 2016

9 Holiday Happenings Dublin has a long list of events to evoke the spirit of the season.

ON THE COVER Photo by Joshua A. Bickel

12 League of His Own In 29 seasons, coach Tim Saunders has won many games, as well as the respect of students and colleagues.

16 Poet in Motion Halfway through his term as a state-appointed laureate, Amit Majmudar is still writing—and working as a doctor.

20 Shepherding Students Principal Tyler Wolfe moved from the classroom to the front office so he could have a bigger impact on children’s formative years.

Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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DEPARTMENTS

Dublin: 4335 W. Dublin-Granville Road Dublin, Ohio 43017 Westerville: 444 North Cleveland Ave. Ste. 210 Westerville, Ohio 43082

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6 Around Town The 15th annual Taste of Dublin

3 From the Editor 4 Events Calendar 8 City Notes Get an inside glimpse of how things get done in the Dublin Public Works Department.

Local government and school news, events, high school sports and more.

Click on INTERACT and sign up today!

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

23 Library Notes E-books are growing in popularity at the Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

24 Healthy Living Dietitian Mandy Johnson of OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital says winter weight loss doesn’t have to be an elusive goal.

From the Editor

Saunders Brings Coaching Clout

By Julanne Hohbach 7801 N. Central Drive Lewis Center, OH 43035 740-888-6000 • Fax: 740-888-6001 Dublin365mag.com Volume 1 • Number 3 President and Publisher Bradley M. Harmon EDITORIAL Editor: Julanne Hohbach Contributors: Kathy Lynn Gray, Andrew King, Lisa Proctor, Sarah Sole and Jarrod Ulrey PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Photographer: Joshua A. Bickel Contributor: Lorrie Cecil DESIGN/PRODUCTION Production Manager: Rebecca Zimmer Design: Annie Steel Web Producer: Scott Hummel ADVERTISING Director: Doug Dixon Retail Manager: Heather Kritter Classified Manager: Terri Tribbie Account Executive: Diana Carilli Marketing & Promotions: Annie Steel CIRCULATION Home Delivery & Business Distribution Customer Service: 888-837-4342 Retail advertising: 614-583-5793 advertising@dublin365mag.com Classified advertising: 614-785-1200 Editorial: 740-888-6000 editorial@dublin365mag.com

Dublin365 is published quarterly by ThisWeek Community News with Sunday distribution by Consumer News Services Inc., a subsidiary of GateHouse Media Inc. Consumer News Services Inc. reserves the right to reject, cancel or edit any advertisement at any time. If we make a substantiative error in news coverage, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call 740-888-6000. CNS is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, press releases, etc.

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hose who follow high school baseball know the name Tim Saunders. He’s a local coaching legend, not only in Dublin but also in national circles.

He has a 545-358 career record as a head coach and helped make Dublin Coffman’s stadium the envy of schools across the country. Four of his players were selected in Major League Baseball drafts. He worked with USA Baseball and was inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

But on July 19, while at a sports camp in Massachusetts, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that sent him to the emergency room and left him recuperating for 11 days in the intensive-care unit. He was cleared to return to work in September, the same month he celebrated his 58th birthday.

ThisWeek Community News sportswriter Jarrod Ulrey caught up with Saunders now that he’s back on the job to talk about his coaching career and the health scare that sidelined him over the summer. His story is compelling, even if you’re not a baseball fan. “League of His Own” starts on page 12.

Did you know Ohio’s first poet laureate is a Dublin resident?

Amit Majmudar was appointed to the post in December by Gov. John Kasich. Majmudar, who works as a diagnostic nuclear radiologist, will serve in the role through 2017.

ThisWeek Community News reporter Andrew King visited Majmudar at his home to learn how he balances a career in medicine with his work as a published author and time with his family. Find out how the boy from suburban Cleveland, who spent a few years in India, parlayed a lifelong love of writing into a state-level appointment in “Poet in Motion” on page 16.

We hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. I’m sad to say it will be the last installment of Dublin365. ThisWeek Community News launched the 365 franchise in Westerville in April 2015 and expanded it to Dublin in May 2016.

Don’t worry, we’ll still provide plenty of local news— as we always have—in ThisWeek Dublin Villager and on ThisWeekNews.com.

It was a privilege to oversee these publications and I’d like to thank our team members, who dedicated themselves to putting out the best magazines possible, as well as local residents and advertisers for their support.

As always, thanks for reading.

Dublin365mag

@Dublin365mag

Dublin365mag

© Copyright 2016, GateHouse Media Inc.

Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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Upcoming

Events

DECEMBER Dec. 9 Recognition Luncheon This Dublin Chamber of Commerce luncheon allows organizations to show appreciation for employees, clients and friends. Also at the event, the board of directors will present the Spotlight Dublin Award, President’s Award and Ambassador of the Year Award. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Muirfield Village Golf Club Pavilion, 5750 Memorial Drive. $30, tables are available. dublinchamber.org Through Dec. 15 Masayuki Miyajima: Black, White, Grey The Dublin Arts Council continues its exhibition of Masayuki Miyajima: Black, White, Grey. Miyajima will close the 2016 Visual Arts Series with a

solo exhibition of functional Japanese ceramic artwork. The resident of Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, will exhibit handcrafted stoneware and porcelain objects. This marks Dublin’s first official international cultural exchange, through which Dublin and Mashiko, Japan, will participate in at least one event annually as part of a friendship cities declaration signed in December 2015. Miyajima’s pottery became the best-selling artwork in Dublin Arts Council history during his 2010 and 2013 solo exhibitions. Dublin Arts Council Gallery, 7125 Riverside Drive. The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Free. dublinarts.org.

FILE/Joshua A. Bickel

Dec. 10 Irish Second Saturday Historic Dublin will host a Saturday filled with Irish experiences, including free Irish-themed music, entertainment, a themed craft, shopping discounts at Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland and more. Schedule TBD. Historic Dublin. irishisanattitude.com

January Jan. 10 emerging An opening reception will be held for emerging, the annual Dublin Arts Council exhibition featuring artwork created by students who live within the Dublin City School District and those who have attended summer ARTcamps.

The juried exhibition includes Best of Show and awards in five categories from kindergarten through 12th grade. 6-8 p.m. Dublin Arts Council Gallery, 7125 Riverside Drive. Free.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 17. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. dublinarts.org

Jan. 12 NextGen Dublin Young Professionals Quick Connect Lunch This small-group networking event, organized by NextGen Dublin, allows participants to meet other business 4

Fall 2016 | Dublin365

professionals and expand their network. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 5930 Britton Parkway. Free; attendees buy their own lunch. RSVP two days prior. dublinchamber.org

Jan. 17 Business After Hours The Dublin Chamber of Commerce holds monthly Business After Hours events where members can develop business relationships and meet potential clients. The event includes food and beverages. 5:30–7 p.m.

Location TBD. Free for chamber members. dublinchamber.org Jan. 18 Women in Business Luncheon This recurring Dublin Chamber of Commerce event includes a meal as well as presentations by a variety of speakers who encourage empowerment, both personally and professionally, to help participants find fulfillment and success. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

La Scala Restaurant, 4199 W. DublinGranville Road. $20 for chamber members, $30 for nonmembers. dublinchamber.org

25 High School Football Brought to you by:

Find out who won in ThisWeek’s special section publishing Dec. 8, 2016

For a lineup of seasonal events, see “Holiday Happenings” on page 9.

Jan. 18 NextGen Dublin Winter Social Join young professionals around central Ohio to reconnect with old friends and make new business connections.

The event includes free appetizers and special drink prices. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 5930 Britton Parkway. Free admission. dublinchamber.org Jan. 24 NetworkDublin! Business Breakfast These monthly morning events from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce allow attendees to meet new contacts and improve their business knowledge. 7:30-9 a.m. Location TBD. $10 for chamber members, $35 for nonmembers. dublinchamber.org

FEBRUARY Feb. 21 Business After Hours The Dublin Chamber of Commerce holds monthly Business After Hours events where members can develop business relationships and meet potential clients. The event includes food and beverages. 5:30–7 p.m.

Location TBD. Free for chamber members. dublinchamber.org Feb. 28 NetworkDublin! Business Breakfast These monthly morning events from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce allow attendees to meet new contacts and improve their business knowledge. 7:30-9 a.m. Location TBD. $10 for chamber members, $35 for nonmembers. dublinchamber.org Sources: Dublin Arts Council, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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Around Town

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Taking a Taste Photos by Lorrie Cecil The 15th annual Taste of Dublin drew almost 800 people to the Wendy’s Co. to sample food from local restaurants and caterers.

Two winners and three runners-up were crowned at the Sept. 20 event: Best Food Offering, the Wendy’s Co. (winner) and 101 Beer Kitchen (runner-up); and Best Overall Display, Party Panache Customized Catering (winner) and Tim Hortons and Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (runners-up).

1 Tanija Smoot of Westerville, Judy Liggon of New Mexico, Sussana Maese of New Mexico and Barb Smoot of Westerville 2 Troy and Rachelle Wilson of Delaware 3 Bob Schlereth and Lynn Smith of the Wendy’s Co. 4 Hidaka USA Inc. employees Chikako Shibata, Yasu Shibata, Keiko Hidaka, Mamiko Saito, Diane Rosso, Yoshihiro Hidaka and Yoshitaka Endo 5 Dublin Chamber of Commerce volunteers Amanda McCullough and Stacey Somerville 6 Kevin and Dara McGee of Hilliard and Dara’s parents, Pat and Ken Wallat of Warren 7 Emily and Josh Bricker of Delaware 8 Kelly Gregg, Mike Frame and Jess Kittrell of 101 Beer Kitchen 9 Becky Paull of Columbus, Penny Ray of Dublin and Paul Smith of Dublin 10 Appetizers from Party Panache 11 Travis Nickles, Jeff Evans and Trevor Evans 12 Calli Crowder, Brittany Loper and Autumn Williams of Doucet & Associates Co.

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Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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City Notes

Seasons Change, Services Stay Constant By lindsay Weisenauer

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having talented and dedicated staff and quality equipment t’s not easy being practically perfect. It’s even and materials. harder to stay practically perfect year after year, LW: In central Ohio, it’s well-documented that we can but that is exactly what the Dublin Public Works experience all four seasons in one week, if not one day.

Department has done—by delivering unparalleled Many residents may not realize that the trucks used for leaf city services. collection are the same used for snow removal. Tell us about In the most recent Community Attitudes Survey, the city’s that process. leaf collection and snow removal services each received a MO: We begin leaf collection services in October and 97 percent approval rating. Think about that for a moment. continue through mid-December.

That means if you asked 10 of your During leaf season, we don’t have the neighbors whether or not they plows on the trucks. As we watch approve of these services, statistically the forecast and see a likelihood of all of them would say yes. snow, staff will go ahead and install When is the last time you found salt boxes, spinners and plows. This 10 people who agreed on anything? equipment will be installed on some, According to actual research but not all, of the equipment until leaf conducted recently, not even bacon season is over. It is important that we (72 percent), chocolate (87 percent) In central Ohio, cross-utilize equipment as much as we or pizza (94 percent) have an approval can to ensure we make efficient use rating that high. it’s well-documented of our resources. Ideally, we want to It is especially difficult to deliver that we can experience have equipment that can be used yearnear perfection during those trying all four seasons in round for a variety of purposes. transitional times—when the seasons one week, if not one day.

LW: With the heart of snow season are changing and the sun shines, almost upon us, what can residents clouds roll, leaves fall and snow flies do to help the snow removal process? all in the same day. But the Public Are there any common mistakes?

Works team makes it happen, day MO: Safety is our top priority. after day, without missing a beat.

Please keep a safe distance from our snowplows. Do not Public Works Director Megan O’Callaghan has been pass a plow. Do not park your car on the street. We don’t with the city since January 2014. She says a combination of want to pile up the snow around your car so you can’t get preparation and practice makes perfect. Well, practically out. Don’t shovel the snow into the driveway apron or the perfect. Here’s a firsthand look at how it all comes together. street. We don’t want our plows to push that same snow Lindsay Weisenauer: It’s fall, which means the city’s back onto your property. crews are in the thick of leaf collection season while LW: Public Works also maintains and improves public simultaneously gearing up for winter. Talk about the streets and infrastructure. On the engineering side, what challenges of delivering top-notch services in less than would you say were some of the biggest accomplishments perfect conditions. for your department over the last year?

Megan O’Callaghan: We have experienced staff who are MO: We have had a lot of construction throughout the always looking ahead and making sure we are prepared for city the past couple of years. With the 270/33 interchange, whatever the weather has in store for us. Each season brings Riverside Drive roundabout and realignment, Eiterman different work and challenges. Snow removal preparations roundabout and all our routine maintenance projects, there begin well before leaf collection season. We start preparing have been quite a few traffic impacts. The feedback we have for winter in the summer by securing materials, hiring received has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is nice seasonal plow drivers and readying equipment. to be able to say the larger projects are wrapping up. We Our fleet technicians ensure the plows are ready well in did a lot of planning and kept traffic moving. We appreciate advance of the first snow. Staff from various departments everyone’s patience. participate in training before leaf season even starts.

LW: So when is your slow season?

Once leaf season starts, we never know when it may start MO: There isn’t one! Public Works is a 24/7/365 operation. snowing. The key is being prepared well in advance and

Lindsay Weisenauer is senior public information officer for the city of Dublin. Contact her at lweisenauer@dublin.oh.us if you have a question or comment about services provided by the Public Works Department, or if you want to call her out on the bacon statistic shared in this column.

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

Holiday Happenings Dublin has a long list of events to evoke the spirit of the season.

By Kathy Lynn Gray

A

mitten drive, a community tree lighting and visits with the jolly old elf himself are just a few of the activities that will give Dublin a holiday feel this year.

“There’s something for everyone,” says Josh Poland, who as the city’s public information officer is in charge of the kickoff to the season: the annual lighting of a large, decorated spruce tree Dec. 1.

This year’s event, scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the front lawn of Indian Run Elementary School, 80 W. Bridge St., will include Christmas carols by Pinney Elementary School students, a Christmas stilt walker, live reindeer and the Grinch.

“It’s a big production,” says Poland.

An artist will be on hand to draw caricatures of children, Paulettes Princess Parties will entertain with a show called Frozen Over, and Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will mingle with the crowd. Complimentary doughnuts and hot chocolate will top off the night.

Seasonal Shopping Santa will make a return trip two days later for Holly Days, an afternoon of family activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 in Historic Dublin.

The Clauses will pose for photographs from 1 to 3 p.m. at Our CupCakery, 16 N. High St., and the Dublin Singers will walk through the area performing Irish and holiday songs, says Linda Kick, the bakery’s owner.

“We’re providing fun activities for

the community so people can stroll and shop and eat in Historic Dublin,” Kick says. She says businesses will be decorated in the historic Williamsburg, Virginia, colors of green and gold.

All the stores will be open and hosting special events, says Christena Wentz, vice president of the Historic Dublin Business Association and owner of Chelsea Borough Home. These will include free holiday Irish crafts for children at the Dean Insurance Group, 16 W. Bridge St., and live music and talks about Irish Christmas traditions at Ha’Penny Bridge Imports of Ireland, 75 S. High St. “It’s a time for all of us to celebrate the season,” Wentz says.

Washington Township will bring a firetruck that folks can tour in exchange for donations to the Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive, Kick says. The vehicle will be parked from 1 to 4 p.m. behind the Dublin Veterinary Clinic, 32 W. Bridge St. Clinic employees also will talk with pet owners about holiday hazards for animals.

A week later, on Dec. 10, the business association sponsors Irish Second Saturday, an afternoon of themed music, arts and crafts, and discounts at Ha’Penny Bridge Imports.

“We encourage people to shop local and support the businesses in our community,” says Jenny Amorose, chief operating officer for the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. “The city will put up holiday banners and wreaths, and we want people to come down and look around in this quaint area.”

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File/The Columbus Dispatch

This year’s Flying Feather Four Miler will roll through Glacier Ridge Metro Park on Nov. 24.

Giving Back The chamber is partnering with Dublin Cleaners again this year for the annual Food, Coat and Mitten Drive. Residents can drop off nonperishable food items and usable coats and mittens before Jan. 1 at the chamber offices, 129 S. High St., Amorose says.

Dublin Cleaners launders the coats, and the winter items are donated to the Welcome Warehouse, a charity that helps needy families in the Dublin City School District. “Our whole front office fills up with coats and mittens,” Amorose says. “We collected 200 to 300 coats of all sorts last year.”

The chamber also will collect food at the NextGen Dublin Holiday Party, Amorose says. The free event, for young professionals 21 and older, is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Brookside Country Club, 2770 W. Dublin-Granville Road. “It’s a great opportunity for young professionals to get together and meet other young professionals in the area while helping a local cause,” she says.

Holiday Performances Packed crowds are expected for Dublin Scioto High School’s production of Irving Berlin’s musical White Christmas, which will be staged at 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 3-4. “We always do a Christmas play,” says Principal Bob Scott. “Last year’s was almost sold out, and White Christmas will be huge this year.”

The school also will have holiday concerts, including a choir and orchestra show at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the school, 4000 Hard Road. The concert is free 10

Fall 2016 | Dublin365

“We always do a Christmas play. Last year’s was almost sold out, and White Christmas will be huge this year.”

Bob Scott Dublin Scioto High School principal

and always draws a crowd, Scott says.

“It’s short—it doesn’t eat up your whole evening—and it’s just uplifting,” he says.

Dublin Coffman and Dublin Jerome high schools also host holiday concerts.

Coffman has scheduled a choir and orchestra event at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the school, 6780 Coffman Road. Check the district’s website, dublinschools. net, closer to the holiday season for additional performances.

Three events at the 200-seat Abbey Theater of Dublin also are Christmas themed. The Dublin Dance Center will perform The Nutcracker for the fifth year at 11 a.m. Dec. 3. The next day, at 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Columbus jazz singer Dwight Lenox will give a holiday concert featuring such classics as Let It Snow and The Christmas Song. Tickets for each event cost $7 for adults and $5 for youth and senior citizens. The theater is located in the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road.

Irish Christmas in America: The Show will return to the venue for a 5 p.m. Dec. 18 performance. Michael Schirtzinger, theater supervisor at the Abbey, says the event, which nearly sold out last year, features seven musicians playing traditional Irish Christmas songs and dancing. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

Tickets for all three Abbey Theater events can be purchased by calling 614-410-4550, by visiting the Dublin Community Recreation Center or online at dublinohiousa.gov/abbey-theater.

File/Columbus Parent

Our CupCakery will hold a Family Gingerbread House Workshop on Dec. 4.

Irish Christmas in America: The Show performers include Tommy Martin, Séamus Begley, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Gráinne Hambly and Sean McElwain.

COURTESY David Schofield

Other Festivities The popular Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt returns this year, through Dec. 17.

Participants can obtain a scavenger hunt card at the Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library or from area shops, and then make their way through Historic Dublin businesses, noting where they find each elf. Merchants give a special treat for each elf found; hunters who find all 12 can enter a grand-prize drawing. For more information, go to historicdublin.org.

Our CupCakery once again will offer the Family Gingerbread House Workshop, where groups of up to three people can build a cottage from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The workshop is $49 and all supplies are provided, including house trimmings.

Everyone is invited to the Dublin Scioto High School Santa Breakfast, scheduled from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 10 in the school cafeteria. The school’s Key Club sponsors the event, which includes pancakes, pictures with Santa and crafts for kids. “It’s not the holidays until you have a 5-year-old kid at the Santa Breakfast screaming at the top of their lungs on Santa’s lap because they’re afraid of Santa,” Scott says.

One Dublin event celebrates Thanksgiving: the Flying Feather Four Miler, which begins and ends at the Club

“We encourage people to shop local and support the businesses in our community.”

Jenny Amorose Dublin Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer

at Corazon, 7155 Corazon Drive. The 4-mile race, which steps off at 9 a.m.

Nov. 24, winds through Glacier Ridge Metro Park. All runners and walkers will receive a shirt and a finisher’s medal.

Those 21 and older also will receive a hat, gloves and a bottle of wine. Those under age 21 will receive a bottle of nonalcoholic sparkling cider. Children ages 3-10 can run in the Gobbler Chase, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and is less than a quarter of a mile. Gobbler participants will receive a shirt, medal and book.

Flying Feather proceeds benefit the 2nd & 7 Foundation, a nonprofit organization started by former Ohio State University football players that provides books to needy children.

Participation is limited to 4,500 people.

Same-day registration will be available if spots remain. For more information, go to theflyingfeather.com.

While not strictly a holiday event, the Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin Trail is expected to attract plenty of visitors over the Christmas season, says Sara Blatnik, communications manager for the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Seven green sparkly doors, each 6 inches high, have been scattered inside historic district businesses since St. Patrick’s Day. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a trail guide at the bureau, 9 S. High St., find the doors in each shop and write down the fairy name for that business, Blatnik says. “We’ve seen all ages doing it, including little kids dressing up as fairies,” she says. “It’s really unique to Dublin.”

The bureau will mail a free Irish fairy doors T-shirt to anyone who turns in a completed trail guide. As of mid-October, nearly 800 shirts had been sent, Blatnik says. “Our whole brand is centered around the theme ‘Irish is an Attitude,’ ” she says. “This is a good chance to explore the unique shops in the area, it’s free, and you get something free.”

Kathy Lynn Gray is a freelance writer.

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League

of His

Own

In 29 seasons, coach Tim Saunders has won many games, as well as the respect of students and colleagues.

By Jarrod Ulrey Photo BY Joshua A. Bickel

“When I made a decision, I stuck by it. I didn’t wander too far away from my dream and what I wanted to do.

Sometimes you know.”

Tim Saunders Dublin Coffman High School head baseball coach

T

im Saunders has had plenty of time to think the last few months, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone who knows him where his mind has wandered more often than not.

One of the coach’s biggest joys has been helping to transform the Dublin Coffman High School baseball field into one of the top facilities at this level, not just in central Ohio but throughout the country. The ballpark has been a particular source of strength since midSeptember, when he was able to resume going there regularly.

Saunders, who spent 11 days in intensive care over the summer with a cerebral hemorrhage, loves the building process—not only of Deck Webb Memorial Stadium, but also his baseball program. He’ll begin his 30th season as the Shamrocks’ coach in the spring.

“They finally cleared me to drive short trips, so I’d come to the field and just sit in the dugout, and that was a relief,” Saunders says. “It was nice being able to make plans, like I need to improve (certain things) for the field itself, or even for the program, just things I want to do.”

The 58-year-old has become almost synonymous with Dublin baseball over the past three decades. He took over as the Shamrocks’ coach when the district had only one high school and built winners at the league and district levels, even after Dublin Scioto opened in 1995-96 and Dublin Jerome followed in 2004-05.

Saunders, who has a career record of 545-358 as a head coach and led the Shamrocks to the 2001 Division I state title, has traveled internationally with USA Baseball and has been elected to four Halls of Fame.

Through it all, he found a calling at Coffman that also includes being a physical education and health teacher, mixing a style of quiet toughness with hard work and an ability to connect with students.

His wife of 28 years, Janie Saunders, describes him as “unflappable.”

“That temperament has served him well over the years,” she says. “The joke among the baseball community is that no matter when you drive by the field, he’s always there. He’s had opportunities to go elsewhere, but he likes teaching.

He makes great connections with all kinds of kids.

“He never stops. I think he’ll coach until he’s using a walker. He likes the kids, and he likes the game.”

Major Leaguers One of the greatest success stories for Saunders came via a 6-foot-4, 215-pound

potential superstar—and former knucklehead, as he calls himself.

Doug DeVore was raised by his mother, Doris Curley, and Saunders was perhaps his greatest male role model.

The 1996 Coffman graduate reached the majors and had a 50-game stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004.

“I grew up just with my mom, and Tim sort of is the main reason baseball worked out for me,” DeVore says.

“Looking back personally, there’s never been anyone who was more influential.

He was tough when I needed it. I still remember the lessons he taught me about staying disciplined. Even way after high school, Tim Saunders has been the rock, and he’s like that with everyone.”

DeVore earned a scholarship to play for Indiana University—where Saunders had served as an assistant coach in 1986 and ’87—and signed with the Diamondbacks in 1999 as a 12thround selection.

He’ll never forget what happened when Saunders and longtime Coffman assistant Scott Sutherland watched him play against the San Diego Padres in 2004. “For some reason I was struggling,” DeVore says. “Scott and coach Saunders had been there between batting practice and the game, and (Saunders) says, ‘Well, I haven’t seen you play in a long time but you look like you’re locking up your hips.’ Sure enough, I fixed it and hit the ball really well, just missing a home run by about 2 inches.”

DeVore, who recently moved back to central Ohio and hopes to run a baseball training facility, is one of four of Saunders’ players to get drafted. Bart Hunton was selected in the 46th round of the 2001 draft by the Cincinnati Reds, and his brother, Brock Hunton, was picked in the 32nd round in 2002 by the Boston Red Sox, but neither was signed.

Austin Cousino, a 2011 Coffman graduate, was chosen in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Seattle Mariners and now is with the Los Angeles Angels’ organization.

Among the most famous players to come through Dublin’s program is Kent Mercker, who was the fifth pick of the 1986 draft by the Atlanta Braves and played for 18 seasons in the majors. Saunders coached Mercker, a 1986 Dublin High School graduate, for two summers when he played for the Worthington American Legion Post 239 baseball team.

Saunders broke into coaching in 1981 as an assistant at Portsmouth High School, which went 28-4 and earned a Class AA state runner-up finish. He then led Meigs High School in Pomeroy to a

36-47 mark in four seasons, including winning league titles during his final two years.

He took over at Dublin High School, as Coffman was then known, in 1988 and has led the program to 10 league titles, including five in a row from 1991-95. The Shamrocks reached a Division I regional final in 1999 and a state semifinal in 2000.

After Coffman beat Hamilton 6-5 in a state semifinal in 2001, Brock Hunton tossed a complete game to lead the team to a 6-0 win over Maumee in the state championship game, finishing with a 26-7 record.

“We’ve always had great groups of kids, but that was a special group because we went to the final four in 2000 and had almost everybody back,” Saunders says. “We started out 5-6 that season (but) we won 17 games in a row to end the season. The kids found ways to continue to win.”

Living a Dream It was as if life unfolded exactly the way Saunders expected after graduating from Olentangy High School in 1977.

One of six children born to Robert and Shirley Saunders, he seemed to know part of his calling and future from an early age. With extended family in Gallipolis, Saunders elected to play baseball and get a teaching degree from the nearby University of Rio Grande. He was the first member of his immediate family to attend college.

“I remember in second grade, I said I wanted to be a phys ed teacher,” Saunders says. “In seventh grade, I started saying I wanted to go to Rio Grande. I had aunts and uncles who lived in Gallipolis, but the first time I was ever on campus was for freshman orientation.

“When I made a decision, I stuck by it. I didn’t wander too far away from my dream and what I wanted to do.

Sometimes you know.”

Before Saunders’ local coaching career took off, he made a two-year stop at Indiana University that would change his life on a personal level. That’s where he met Janie Armington, who had been on a swimming scholarship to the University of Tennessee before transferring to Indiana to be closer to her hometown of Indianapolis.

She was majoring in journalism and doing promotional work with the Indiana athletics department, including the baseball program, for which he was an assistant coach. After Saunders got the Shamrocks’ coaching job, Janie worked in public relations for a few years before becoming a teacher at Coffman 22 years ago.

Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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“I still remember the lessons he taught me about staying disciplined. Even way after high school, Tim Saunders has been the rock, and he’s like that with everyone.”

Doug DeVore Coffman graduate and MLB player File/The Columbus Dispatch

Saunders watches as his team takes the field in April 2014.

She teaches journalism at Coffman, where their daughter, 2013 graduate Shelby Saunders, played basketball, and where their son, 2015 graduate C.J. Saunders, played baseball, basketball and football. C.J. is a walk-on for Ohio State University’s football team as a defensive back, and Shelby is a senior at Indiana.

When his children were young, Saunders began getting opportunities to extend his footprint beyond central Ohio. He served as an assistant for the USA 16-and-under national team, which won a gold medal in the world championships in Fairview Heights, Illinois, in 1997. The following summer, he was an assistant for the USA 16-and-under team that won gold in Jupiter, Florida.

Then in 2000, he was named the USA Olympic Development Coach of the Year after taking over the 16-and-under national team and leading it to a gold medal in the Pan-American Games, where it beat Cuba 2-1 in the final in Monterrey, Mexico.

“He might have had a vision for the roles he’s taken regionally and nationally, but I didn’t even think he’d do anything like work for USA Baseball,” Janie says. “I think he would say that (the honors and opportunities have been) humbling. It was nice that his work was recognized because he does work really hard.”

Saunders, who worked with USA Baseball for about 15 years, was elected to the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004, the Central District Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Olentangy High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

He got perhaps his greatest honor in 14

Fall 2016 | Dublin365

2011, when he was inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Along the way, one of the highlights was coaching his children, including C.J. in the Coffman baseball program.

“Sometimes (I’d be traveling) six weeks or seven weeks and when the kids were 2 or 3 that’s a long time, but I did my thing and the time we spent as a family was quality time,” Saunders says. “I would encourage anybody to teach your sons or daughters, and it’s really a blessing if they’re a good athlete. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

For Mike Ulring, who coached with Saunders for 13 years and is in his eighth year as Coffman’s principal, Saunders the man might be even greater than Saunders the coach.

“I don’t think I’d be where I’m at today without Tim Saunders,” Ulring says.

“He’s a better husband, father and teacher, and baseball coach is down on the rung.”

Reality Check Saunders has worked the last seven summers in Becket, Massachusetts, at Camp Greylock, an all-boys sports program he joined at the encouragement of former longtime Indiana head baseball coach Bob Morgan.

It was there that his life took an unexpected turn. On July 19, Saunders experienced a sensation he describes as someone pouring molasses on his head. As pressure built, his skull filled with blood. After trying to take a shower to “just massage it out,” he realized he needed help. He crawled to the door of his room and called for a groundskeeper who was cutting the grass to help him get to the emergency room. “My head

felt like it weighed 150 pounds, and I had trouble getting dried off and getting my clothes back on,” Saunders says.

“Basically one of the veins in my brain sprung a leak.”

In 2000 Mercker, then 39, had endured the same thing—a subarachnoid hemorrhage—so Saunders was familiar with what was happening. “I get emotional talking about it and reliving it,” Saunders says. “They ended up drilling a hole in my skull and put a drain in my brain. (Mercker) stayed in the hospital for 11 days, and seven weeks later (he had his) next start. Mine took a little longer.”

Doctors expect a full recovery for Saunders, who celebrated his 58th birthday and returned to Coffman in September. “It took me nine weeks for them to release me to go back to work,” Saunders says. “I didn’t know this, but doctors said that for every day you’re in intensive care, you lose seven days of strength. I had tubes all over me and monitors everywhere. Your body is not ready to do everything because you’ve been lying around for a long time.”

Thoughts of Spring When people ask Saunders why he didn’t remain a college coach after the Hoosiers went 92-28 during his two seasons as an assistant there, he talks about the perils of the recruiting process: sometimes driving far away to watch someone play and then being forced to make a decision.

Saunders would rather be at the ballpark teaching. “He gives back a ton, and most of it is not for gain for himself,” Janie says. “It’s making the field better, working at clinics, giving lessons. He just gives. He’s a pretty good guy.

“Our whole family has enjoyed really good friendships over the years, and so many parents worked hard to help Tim build the program.”

Sutherland, who has been Saunders’ assistant for the last 17 seasons and is Coffman’s intervention specialist, is another person who followed in the footsteps of his former coach. He went on to play for Rio Grande as Saunders did, and after Saunders suggested he might make a good teacher, Sutherland got his teaching license.

It’s that ability to connect that Sutherland says might be Saunders’ greatest attribute. “Tim’s a very good communicator,” Sutherland says.

“He’s been doing it for so long and is such a good manager of the game. He kind of keeps practices fresh. He’ll do anything for anybody and has got the biggest heart.”

As Saunders prepares for another year, the thrill of building the program remains. The Shamrocks are coming off a season in which they went 14-15 overall. They haven’t won a league title or made a district championship game since 2011, but the optimism that next spring could be different still fills him.

So, too, does the satisfaction of being a mentor.

“I enjoy just seeing the game played well, teaching the kids the fundamentals of catching and throwing, and watching a well-played game,” Saunders says.

“Sometimes you have to take a person who’s real confident but is not very good and put them back in their place. You don’t have to be mean about it. A lot of people say they want to play college baseball but deep down they may not because it’s a lot of work.”

A low work ethic is foreign to Saunders, who knows his time as a teacher likely will end within the next few years. His plan includes being around for as many seasons as possible at Deck Webb Field, which in 1998 was voted the national high school field of the year in the large-school division by the American Baseball Coaches Association. “Retirement is not for me,” he says.

“We have a lot of major projects I want to do,” Saunders says. “I talk to a lot of people that say they want a field like that, but you can’t do it in one year.

Everybody looks at the big picture, and it looks so massive at the end. Plant these trees this year, and if you can’t afford all of them, plant a couple of them. Before you know it, you’ll have a lot accomplished.”

Find ThisWeek’s Holiday Worship Guide in the Dec. 8 and 15 edition of Dublin Villager Call Anthony Kramer at (614) 583-5796 to advertise your services or special programs.

Jarrod Ulrey is a sportswriter for ThisWeek Community News.

Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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Poet in Motion

By Andrew King PHOTOS BY LORRIE CECIL

W

hen Amit Majmudar was in second grade, his immigrant parents made a decision that drastically changed his life.

They missed their families and their roots, and moved Majmudar from his “standard, suburban Cleveland” life in Highland Heights to a new world in India. Majmudar was smart and already well ahead of his class. But when he got to his English-speaking school in India, he was in for a culture shock.

“I remember the first day of second grade and the teacher was like, ‘All right.

Who wants to recite the multiplication tables?’ ” Majmudar remembers.

“And I thought, ‘Multiplication tables?’

And (the teacher) goes, ‘13!’ This girl stands up and she’s like, ‘Thirteen times one is 13! Thirteen times two is 26!’ and I just thought, ‘I’ve got my work cut out for me.’ ” Majmudar caught up, putting in the work at home that he needed to survive at his new school. But after a few years

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

in India, his parents decided to move the family back to northeast Ohio. “They were like, ‘You know what? We’re going back to America,’ ” he says with a laugh.

With his newfound math prowess, he says it was seventh grade before other students caught up to what he already had learned. Having grown up in a family of doctors, Majmudar eventually parlayed his grade-school proficiency into a career as a diagnostic nuclear radiologist with Radiology Inc. in Columbus.

But years of childhood bike rides to the nearby library prepared him for his other career, as an author and poet. The Dublin resident was chosen as Ohio’s first poet laureate in December 2015.

Creative Calling Many authors pull inspiration and storylines from their own experiences, but Majmudar, 37, doesn’t subscribe to the idea that all writers need to work that way.

“I write a lot about religion, a lot about history because my lived experience is very boring,” he says with a laugh. “In my 20s, when people that age are (partying), I was just studying for tests and taking tests.”

Majmudar earned a bachelor’s degree

in natural sciences from the University of Akron and graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University. He “did the doctor thing” because it was what was expected of him, but says he doesn’t regret it. Unlike some jobs, he never found medicine compromised his ethics.

“It was a good way to make money without selling your soul,” he says.

“There are a lot of lucrative professions out there where you have to schmooze and play with the pensions of old ladies and just do really shady but legal things.

In medicine, you have a code of ethics, it’s ethically sound but still lucrative. A lot of ethically sound professions are not lucrative … so it has those two things going for it in a way that a lot of other professions do not. That’s why I don’t regret it.”

But all throughout school—from elementary to medical—Majmudar was “always reading and always writing.” Little by little, he got things published, including two fiction novels, Partitions and The Abundance, and three poetry collections, the latest of which is Dothead.

Majmudar’s creative side is part of his family life as well. His wife, Ami Majmudar, is a former English teacher, and the couple’s love of language already

Halfway through his term as a state-appointed laureate, Amit Majmudar is still writing—and working as a doctor. has impacted their twin boys, Shiv and Savya, 8, and daughter Aishani, 3. Shiv is even working on a novel called The Adventures of Munchkin Hickory, a Twain-esque tale of a “mischievous young man.”

“When you have an artistic person in the home, it can kind of affect everyone around them,” Ami says. “The reason why we’ve been able to enjoy his art is because he has managed to develop his art without allowing that stereotypical artist mentality to take over. He works tremendously hard, and he cuts out distractions. He doesn’t cut back on time with family and doesn’t cut back on involvement. … I’ve been very fortunate that we have this creative soul with us but that he doesn’t have the disruptive personality that either makes people uncomfortable or puts people off.”

Big Plans Majmudar’s work caught the attention of English teacher, author and textbook writer Renee Shea, who moved to Columbus from Maryland in 2015. Shea read The Abundance and immediately searched for more information.

“I found it so powerful that I did what I usually do, which is Google,” she says.

“I found that he was a radiologist and

“He came in and the passion he exhibited and the excitement he showed for the work of being a poet, the room just lit up. You could feel the presence.”

Ginger Warner Ohio Arts Council board chairwoman

lived in Ohio, where I had just moved. I got in touch with him and asked to have a book party for him, and I remember he said, ‘What?’ ” The book party wouldn’t be the last contribution Shea would make to Majmudar’s writing career. When she heard the state was taking applications for its first poet laureate, she immediately called him. Majmudar applied on a whim, and before long he had an interview with members of the

Ohio Arts Council, which was charged with forming a selection committee and choosing the top candidate.

Majmudar knew he didn’t have the professorial pedigree or a full-time writing job, which might turn off some members of the committee. So he made sure he was as prepared as possible, and came ready not only to read his work, but also to share specific ideas for what he wanted to accomplish with the position.

“I went in there with a lot of shovelready projects, which I doubt any other candidate did,” he says. “I literally went in and said, ‘OK, I’m going to hybridize poetry, dance and music and drama in the form of a performance, and these are the dancers I recruited for it. Then I’m going to do a mentorship program with students, and the Columbus Museum of Art is going to hold a reception for it.’ …

I went in with a ton of groundwork.”

His plans impressed the committee.

Ginger Warner chairs the Ohio Arts Council board and chaired the poet laureate selection committee. She calls Majmudar “electric.”

“It wasn’t just what we saw but also what we heard,” she says. “He came in and the passion he exhibited and the excitement he showed for the work of Dublin365 | Fall 2016

17

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Pick up the latest issue of Columbus Parent!

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Dothead is Majmudar’s most recent poetry collection.

being a poet, the room just lit up. You could feel the presence.�

Given his background and work in the medical field, Warner says many on the committee weren’t sure what to expect.

But she says that at one juncture, two members “burst into tears� during one of his readings, and she was blown away by his ideas and willingness to put in work for the position. “His whole presence was just open to do anything he could do to put poetry on the map,� she says. “He won over everyone. It was like Jerry Maguire, ‘You had me at hello.’ That was Amit coming in.�

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

Official Recognition Majmudar was chosen almost immediately by the committee and then appointed by Gov. John Kasich. His twoyear term started Jan. 1.

According to the announcement, the poet laureate is expected to undertake a “significant cultural project� and do at least 10 public events per year across Ohio to educate students, residents and business, state and civic leaders about poetry. “We were all surprised and happy,�

Ami says. “I was happy because I feel like he works ridiculously hard, and the recognition does not always follow with that. These past few years, I think it’s kind of catching up a little bit to all the stuff he puts out there and works on.�

Majmudar says he prefers focusing on programs for children or other events over reading his own work.

The appointment gave the Majmudars a chance to work together on a project they had been kicking around for years. Ami teaches, collaborates and performs traditional Indian dance, holding classes in the couple’s home.

So they put together a multifaceted

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“I found that he was a radiologist and lived in Ohio, where I had just moved.

I got in touch with him and asked to have a book party for him.�

Renee Shea English teacher, author and textbook writer

public performance that included dancing, poetry, music and other arts.

The collaboration represented exactly what Majmudar hoped to achieve from his title. He says he wants to explore what he can, while he can. “I look forward to the projects. Those are things that I just make up on my own,� he says. “I kind of have a bigger fondness for that part. I don’t have so much fondness for the performances. I just feel like that’s something I would do on my own anyway. And it’s almost like I’m promoting poetry, but I’m actually promoting myself.�

One of Majmudar’s recent claims to fame was an appearance on CNN during the Democratic town hall held in March at Ohio State University. Organizers heard he was the poet laureate and asked him to submit three questions.

Host Jake Tapper chose one, and Majmudar asked Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders how they would deal with a possible Donald Trump campaign.

He says it was one of the strangest moments in his recent memory. “I got a death threat from Trump supporters, and they were trolling me and left a voicemail message at work,� he says. “It was crazy. And then Don Lemon had me on the night after.�

As Majmudar wraps up his first year as poet laureate, he says he’ll keep focusing on the programs, events and collaborations he hopes to build. “I can basically just carve it out the way I want,� he says. “It’s not like it’s some huge paid post where I’m getting all this state money and I have to do something.

It’s not some great burden.�

Rather, it’s an honor he’s happy to hold.

Andrew King is a reporter for ThisWeek Community News.

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Joshua A. Bickel

Wolfe is in his second year as principal of Mary Emma Bailey Elementary School.

Shepherding Students Principal Tyler Wolfe moved from the classroom to the front office so he could have a bigger impact on children’s formative years.

By Sarah Sole

“He’s just a very wellbalanced leader.”

Jill Abraham director of elementary education

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

I

n his 21 years as a principal, 11 of them with the Dublin City School District, Tyler Wolfe has had one main goal: helping to create the best learning environment for children.

“It’s always a work in progress,” Wolfe says.

He served as principal at Olde Sawmill Elementary School for nine years before moving to Mary Emma Bailey Elementary, where he’s in his

second year at the helm. Though he’s spent more than a decade in the district, he says his one constant has been the commitment to students. “I think the focus has always been on the kids here,” he says.

Wolfe, 48, graduated from Miami University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He chose a future in education during a year out west that he describes as a “post-college adventure,” returning to school in 1992

Wolfe addresses students and faculty at Olde Sawmill Elementary School during a 2014 assembly to inaugurate the new Discovery Playground.

File/ThisWeek

to get a teaching license in special education from Capital University.

He began his career as a special education teacher, first with Westfall Local School District in Williamsport and then with Worthington City School District. Wolfe enjoyed teaching, but says he wanted to have more of an impact on students. In 1998, he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton and got his principal certificate; in 2005, he received his superintendent licensure.

Wolfe returned to Westfall Local to serve as middle school principal from 1998 to 2000 before moving to the SouthWestern City School District. He served as principal of Alton Hall and West Franklin elementary schools from 2000 to 2006.

‘Wonderful Legacy’ Former colleagues praise Wolfe’s leadership style and his studentsfirst focus.

Cheryl Williams, administrative secretary at Olde Sawmill, worked with Wolfe at South-Western and followed him to Dublin. “He has always gone above and beyond to make sure students have everything they need,” even on a personal level, Williams says.

Wolfe created a boys club at West Franklin, purchasing dress shirts and ties for students with his own money, Williams says. He taught them table manners as well as how to tie a tie, shake hands and greet people.

At Olde Sawmill, he implemented a different program begun at SouthWestern. Known as the good choice system, the effort rewarded students for

being respectful and responsible.

Williams says she appreciates Wolfe’s ability to put students first and to make all staff members feel valuable, regardless of their classification.

Catherine Voris, a music teacher at Olde Sawmill, says Wolfe’s priority was the students. She worked with him for nine years and says he was very visible in school and on the playground. He spent time with children who needed extra attention, she says, reading books, eating lunch or visiting with them in his office.

Wolfe used to give encouraging notes to teachers, Voris says, and would show up with a large platter of cookies for staff members after hectic weeks. “He left a wonderful legacy.”

During the time she worked with him, Voris lost both her parents. “He showed so much compassion toward me during that time,” she says, describing Wolfe as a kind, caring and strong person who gives people the benefit of the doubt.

Rhonda Hanks, school counselor at Olde Sawmill, says she used to joke that she needed to equip Wolfe with a GPS unit so she could figure out where he was. He was never in his office, but in classrooms or on recess or lunch duty.

Wolfe treated everyone fairly, which helped prevent cliques among staff, Hanks says, and he brought together the community, staff and students.

“Everything he does, he does for the good of the children,” she says.

Hanks says much of the way she operates at work comes from observing how Wolfe communicated with parents and students. “It’s very much a part of who I am now.”

Focus on Students At Bailey, Wolfe oversees 564 students and 73 staff members. He says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing children grow, learn and develop. He also enjoys working with parents and teachers.

Since he joined the district, the overall emphasis has shifted from improving test scores to fostering the education of the whole child, Wolfe says, including skills such as cooperation, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.

Wolfe says he’s always enjoyed children, because they are unfiltered and comical. Elementary education was a good fit for him because he gets the opportunity to help children create strong foundations they can carry with them for the rest of their student years.

He says those considering a career in education should acknowledge that difficulties and challenges will happen.

If a person enjoys working with kids and wants to see them grow, he says, then “that’s going to be worth it for you.”

Jill Abraham, the district’s director of elementary education, says one of the things she most admires about Wolfe is his advocacy for children.

Teachers recognize his commitment and respect him for it, she says. “He always, always is looking to do what is best for students.”

Wolfe also has a calming presence that helps mitigate any anxieties people might have about the educational process, says Abraham, who has been his supervisor for the last six years. She says he’s also an energetic leader who seeks to find solutions to problems.

Wolfe’s move to Bailey offered Dublin365 | Fall 2016

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“Everything he does, he does for the good of the children.�

Rhonda Hanks school counselor at Olde Sawmill Elementary School

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him the chance to fill an instructional leadership role, Abraham says. He’s in classrooms constantly. “He loves to see it firsthand,� she says.

While some leaders can be thinskinned, Wolfe doesn’t mind others critiquing him. The district uses literacy and numeracy coaches to provide feedback for teachers. Wolfe asked them to sit in on his own meetings to gain their insights.

He also is involved in districtwide endeavors. Wolfe served on the redistricting committee and helped figure out the best way to support students transitioning from one school to the next. “He’s just a very wellbalanced leader,� Abraham says.

The longtime principal relates well to children, she says, and is even willing to dress up in a silly hat or pants. “He’s kind of a big kid at heart,�

Abraham says.

Jenny Harden, who has worked at Bailey for 20 of her 29 years as a Dublin school counselor, says Wolfe is the most involved principal she’s ever seen.

Helpful and patient, he seeks to keep his environment calm, moving his staff forward in a steady manner, Harden says.

She says he is good at simplifying tasks to make them manageable. “I think that takes intelligence, to simplify things so that people can understand and be confident in their work,� she says.

Harden also appreciates his support for the guidance program and recognition of the importance of anger management and coping skills.

When he’s not at school, Wolfe enjoys exercising, particularly cycling and running. He also likes to cook. He and his wife, Laura, have two daughters and live in Marble Cliff. Eryn, 18, attends Virginia Tech, while Leah, 15, is a student at Grandview Heights High School.

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Fall 2016 | Dublin365

Sarah Sole is a reporter for ThisWeek Community News.

Library Notes

E-books Growing in Patron Popularity

By Candy Princehorn

N

ow that the weather is chilly, it’s a perfect time to relax at home with a great e-book.

At Columbus Metropolitan Library, our digital collection continues to grow—right along with the demand.

We have thousands of titles available for patrons to download, from Stephen King’s End of Watch to Diana Gabaldon’s Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. And since they return themselves automatically when they’re due, late fines are a thing of the past.

Once a person has a free Columbus Metropolitan Library card, all he needs to do is visit columbuslibrary.org/ ebooks to get started. After selecting the device type—whether Apple, Android, Kindle or another supported platform—patrons will get step-by-step instructions for turning a smartphone or tablet into their own personal e-reader.

We also have plenty of e-audiobooks to help pass the time during those dreaded morning and evening commutes. You can hear the late Maya Angelou narrate her 1969 classic, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, actor Tim Curry read Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events or Tina Fey read her 2011 autobiography, Bossypants, among many others.

Other Resources Need some help downloading e-books to a device? We’re happy to assist. Stop by the Dublin branch and ask one of our knowledgeable staff members. Patrons also can call us at 614-645-2275 for more information.

If you prefer traditional printed books, then look no further. Customers have access to millions of titles through our catalog. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for, it’s a good bet that one of our partner libraries does.

We share catalogs with 13 other central Ohio library systems, giving

Dublin-area residents access to so much more. All a person needs is a Columbus Metropolitan Library card. For those who don’t have one, it’s free and easy to sign up. Stop in, or apply online at columbuslibrary.org.

Youth Services Don’t forget: The Dublin branch offers after-school homework help for students in grades K-12 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Also, K-3 students can get one-on-one reading practice with an adult during Reading Buddies, which is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. every Monday and Thursday. No appointment is necessary.

For families with younger children,

our Storytime offerings provide fun and interactive ways to learn how you can be a better first teacher for your child.

We hope you’ll join us at one of these ongoing programs: • Baby Laptime: 11 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.

• Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11 a.m.

Wednesdays.

• Preschool Storytime: 10 a.m.

Wednesdays and 11 a.m.

Thursdays.

Be sure to follow Columbus Metropolitan Library on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

CANDY PRINCEHORN is the Dublin branch manager for the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

For more information about library services and programs, go to columbuslibrary.org/locations/dublin.

Dublin365 | Fall 2016

23

Healthy Living

Meeting Winter Weight Loss Goals By mandy johnson

Y

ou’ve heard it a million times. Maybe you’ve even said it more than a few.

I’m going to drop a few pounds, and this time I am going to follow through and actually do it.

During the late spring and summer months when the sun is shining, the parks are packed and the bike paths have runners, walkers and bicyclists around every turn, there is no doubt: It is a bit easier. Also, vegetables and fruits are everywhere, just waiting to be part of your next meal.

Then, we get into fall. The leaves change, and it is time to come to grips with what comes next: those cold, dark winter months. Bike paths are covered in snow, produce is limited and the sun makes an appearance for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Soon there are holiday parties and goodies from co-workers—and no chance of knowing how many sticks of butter went into those tasty treats.

For many people, it’s also time to find a way to maintain weight or even drop a few pounds. While it won’t be easy, don’t say it can’t be done, because it can.

Party Planning There it is: the invitation. A longtime friend is throwing the best party of the season.

Music will be playing, drinks will be flowing and food will be everywhere. You want to keep an eye on what you eat, but how? A plan can work, if it’s the right plan.

The unknown is what gets us in trouble: What kind of foods will be there, and how much will they derail the game plan? Think ahead, offer to take a dish and make it a healthful one. That way, you can count on sampling at least one item.

Get a smaller plate when going through the buffet line. A bigger plate means space to fit more food than you need. A full plate sends a message to the brain saying, “This will be satisfying.” So make that full plate a smaller one, and you will save calories and still feel satisfied.

Sometimes there is strength in numbers. Maybe you have a friend or partner who wants to taste a little of this and a little of that.

This could be the perfect match to make sure portions don’t get out of control.

There are times when eating healthfully at a party isn’t going to work because the dishes are just too good to pass up. Planning ahead can keep calories in check.

Eating a lighter breakfast, packing lunch instead of going out or skipping high-calorie beverages can help keep you on track.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside A morning walk, jog or sprint is a lot easier if the wind chill doesn’t match how many pounds a person wants to lose.

But Ohio weather isn’t always kind. So how does one get the exercise without having to face Old Man Winter a few times a day?

The right places, moments and even technology can help someone stay active and keep an eye on weight control. Heading out? Finding a warm location such as a mall, community center or gym can be a great option.

Need support? Try a walking club or group that meets on a regular basis. Watch plenty of TV during the winter? Stand up during commercials and do some basic stretching or bursts of cardio or dance to a favorite song.

Every minute you can fit in, especially during months when

many people slow down their activity, can really pay off. These days, there are many ways to track steps, track calories, set goals and find someone doing the same kind of things through apps on a smartphone, watch, computer and more.

Forget Crash Diets People often want a quick fix for weight loss and improved health.

However, it takes time to see results when it comes to changing lifestyle.

Most people didn’t get out of shape or put on pounds in a short period of time, so reversing some of those bad habits overnight is probably too lofty of a goal.

Instead, stay focused—especially during months where there are so many temptations for food and drinks and fewer options for easy exercise.

Sometimes it is day by day, meal by meal, finding ways to keep your eye on what works for you and sticking to it. There are going to be days when people don’t hit their marks and don’t eat what they set out to. It is OK. Forgive yourself. Celebrate good days, and don’t beat yourself up over the bad ones. The next meal is another chance.

The key to getting good results is to make a lifestyle change.

Many people want the short-term fix, the fad diet and quick results.

But that is not sustainable for a lifetime. Buy into health. Be creative with seasonal produce.

Sneak extra vegetables into soups and slow-cooker meals. Substitute high-calorie ingredients with more healthful options where possible.

Make healthful changes part of your lifestyle, and you’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel during the colder months.

Mandy Johnson, RD, LD, is lead clinical dietitian at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital.

A registered dietitian for 12 years, she enjoys cooking and trying out new recipes on her family.

24

Fall 2016 | Dublin365

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