Chamber Business Connection | Volume 4, Issue 2

BUSINESS CHAMBER

FEBRUARY 2020 | VOL. 4, ISSUE 2

CONNECTION

The Golden Generation

Local Resources for the Thriving 55+ Community Planning for Our Loved Ones, a Q&A with Tami Washington of Newcomer Funeral Home

CHAMBER NEWS Member Highlights and January Recap Letter from the Director Member Spotlight Member Anniversaries

GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

-Anonymous CHAMBER NEWS Upcoming Events

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Q&A with Tammi Washington

12

Chamber News

8

Q&A with Tammy Jefferson

13

Mid Ohio Food Bank

14

Story Point Senior Living

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REGULARS

CITY DEMOGRAPHICS

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Letter from the Director Encouraging note from Director, Shawn Conrad.

Population: 42,400 Median Age: 39.7 Population Over 18: 79% Population Over 65: 17% Number of Households: 16,197 Average Home Price: $189,268 Median Income Per Household: $74,451

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Member Recognition Welcome new and celebrate current members.

Want to learn more about the demographics of Grove City?

Visit: GroveCityOhio.Gov/about-us-and-tourism/community-information

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 3

UPCOMING EVENTS Nancy Stoll: Certified Business Advisor

Reflect-Refocus-Resolve with Rhonda Shappert

Wednesday Feb 5, 2020 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST

Wednesday Feb 12, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST

The 1st Wednesday of each month from 9-4 by appointment only.

Location Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce 4069 Broadway Grove City, OH 43123

Location: 4069 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

4069 Broadway Grove City oh 43123 Fees/Admission: FREE Fees/Admission: Free, Regisration Preferred Contact Heather: heather@gcchamber.org Contact Shawn: Shawn@gcchamber.org

Young Professionals Thirdsday Networking Thursday Feb 20, 2020 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST Location TBD Fees/Admission There is no fee to attend our Thirsday events! We just want to get to know you and for you to have the opportunity to get to know us.

Heather Brokaw: heather@gcchamber.org

Chamber 101 Wednesday Feb 19, 2020 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM EST Wednesday February 19th 7:30am - 9:00am Location Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce 4069 Broadway Grove City, OH 43123 FREE ~ Light breakfast is included Contact Shawn: Shawn@gcchamber.org

YOUR CHAMBER Chamber Business Connections is published monthly by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce with revenue from member dues, advertising, and sponsorship. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the content in this publication, by any method or purpose whatsoever, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Only chamber members can advertise in Chamber Business Connection. To plan advertising contact the chamber.

Letter from the Director We are excited for this issue of Chamber Business Connection which focuses on senior living in Grove City.

The way a community relates to and engages their seniors says much about the heart of that community. Grove City has many choices for seniors continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, skilled care, memory care and in home care.

Your Board President Wayne Coakley President Elect

Board Members

Ed Fleming

VP at Large Peggy Mosher

VP at Large Trent Soles

VP of Finance Allen Hocker

Chamber Foundation President Greg Dawkins

Greg Dawkins Dan Havener Heather Miller Kay Anderson Shelley Davis Wayne Kintz Katie Antry Laura Haines Amy Ankerson Frank Herman

Past President Lisa Zeigler

Staff Executive Director Shawn Conrad Events Manager Marilyn Reiner Administrative Assistant Heather Brokaw

The collective knowledge and wisdom of our seniors is priceless and precious and helps us to maintain our history and heritage. Did you know that the average senior contributes over 217 hours of volunteer service each year?

You will see our seniors volunteering, working, shopping, tutoring and relaxing everywhere you go in Grove City. To our seniors, whether you are still in the workforce, you own a businesses in our community or you are one of those who give of their time and experience as volunteers – thank you, you are a strong and integral piece of the fabric of Grove City.

To our readers, I hope that your business is utilizing of one of the most valuable resources we have, our seniors.

Enjoy the emagazine, S

Marketing and Communications KatBro Consulting Ltd.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 5

RECOGNIZING MEMBERS

CELEBRATING YEARS WITH GCACC

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Pinnacle Performance Part-ners of Key Realty Jeffrey Tadlock Photog-raphy Abram Contractors Century 21 Excellence Real-ty Gateway Church Western & Southern Finan-cial Group SERVPRO of Northeast Co-lumbus Boardwalk 2022 Inc DBA Subway KidsLinked

Ohio Facility Maintenance llc Baskets n Boughs LTD. Hesson Plumbing LLC Faith Community Church of God Grove City Lumberjacks Franklin University Key Bank Chucks Septic Tank Sewer & Drain Cleaning

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Grove City Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Premier Property Management (Woodspring suites Urbancrest OH) Precision Jewelers BeLocal Grove City - New Resident Mover Program & HighPoint Living Pinnacle Resident

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Newsletter - N2 Companies Sanderson Automotive Service Buffalo Wild Wings Hop Yard 62 Welspun USA, Inc. Complete Wellness Chiropractic

Hummel Title Agency, Inc. Kristen E. Haskins, PsyD

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

PRAIRIE KIDS DENTAL

CRICKET WIRELESS Cricket Wireless is highest ranking in customer service among non-contract, fullservice wireless providers, with affordable plans to fit every lifestyle. Our coverage area covers all of Ohio and covers 99% of Americans—travel without fear of loss of coverage.

We don’t have overage charges, which means you won’t have those surprise additional costs that add up. We offer all of the popular device models including Apple and Android-powered smart phones, and switching service providers while keeping your current phone is also possible.

Open seven days a week to serve your phone needs, Cricket Wireless is located in the same plaza as City BBQ and Donato’s Pizza.

2237 Stringtown Rd., Grove City (614) 277-8138 cricketwireless.com

CLASSIC PLUMBING, INC.

IFrom infancy to the teen years, Prairie Dental Founded in 1995, our employees have is a kid-friendly and eco-friendly- board an average of 20 years of experience, certified pediatric dental practice. providing our customers with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

We offer preventive and comprehensive services. Our dentists on staff love kids and Classic Plumbing, Inc. focuses on new have specific pediatric training, and the commercial builds and remodels in the practice is certified by the American Board central Ohio area. of Pediatric Dentistry. PKD serves the communities of Galloway, Prairie Township, Although we are a small outfit we are able SW Columbus, Ohio and other surrounding to take on large industrial projects while areas such as Grove City, West Jefferson, still providing quality service. Classic Hilliard, London, Plain City, Washington Plumbing, Inc. keeps an average of ten Courthouse and Circleville. employees in the field, allowing us to take a personal approach to plumbing. Each We have an online appointment schedule employee gains familiarity with the job and platform and operate Monday-Thursday the builder they are working with, giving between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. our customers a detailed end result.

982 Galloway Rd. Galloway, OH (614) 870-1333 pkdkids.com

6707 Redwing Ct., Orient, OH (614) 877-0195 classicplumbingincorporated.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Lisa Zeigler Shoot Point Blank AT&T

Pencil Point Marketing Office of the Governor of Ohio

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 7

CHAMBER NEWS

January Recap

Cricket Wireless Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce wasted no time in diving into 2020! We kicked off the year with a retreat for staff and board members, which was held at Mount Carmel.

Soon enough, it was time for the Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. We had so much to celebrate and had a wonderful group who joined us for breakfast at the Pinnacle Ballroom. Be sure to congratulate our winners if you see them around town! For more photos from the event, we invite you to check out the Flickr album.

We continued our exciting month by welcoming Cricket Wireless and Shoot Point Blank to the Grove City community with ribbon cuttings and grand opening festivities. We want to extend a big thank you to other members who came to support these new members at their grand openings.

It was time to learn as we sat down for our first Lunch and Learn, a breakfast edition held by Gina Molinari on Communicating with Confidence. We had a full conference room for this great session and hope to share more of Gina’s tips and insights with you in the future.

We closed out January by celebrating Way2Go Fitness with an Open House to welcome them into the Chamber and the Grove City community. We’ve gained so many new members in the last few months that we know this only the beginning of a year filled of business celebrations and successes.

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Lunch N’ Learn

Annual Meeting & Awards

Ambassadors: What’s in it for me?

Our Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration was a great success, much with thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the chamber all year! We enjoyed breakfast at the Pinnacle ballroom, enjoyed a vocal performance by 2019 Voice of Grove City winner Cameron Mitchell and handed out some anticipated awards.

The winners are as follows: Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber: Wright Graphic Design Spirit of the Chamber: Karen Fahy Ambassador of the Year: Brandi Newland Business of the Year: The Farm Table on 62 We’re already excited for next year, but mostly we’re excited to see what amazing things happen in 2020 that will make next year’s celebration even bigger!

Annual Award Winners

One of the many key pieces to the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce is the Ambassador Program, a team of member volunteers who make themselves an extension of the Chamber and reach out to other Chamber members and businesses.

As a new year begins with plenty of new members who may not be aware of who the ambassadors are or what they do, we sought insight straight from the ambassadors on why you should want to connect with an ambassador, and what you should expect from a visit with them. Below are their thoughts and remarks: Why should I visit with an ambassador or make time for their visit?

• It’s not a sales call!

• “I’m coming to tell you something and save you time!”

• “Connecting with anyone is a positive!”

• Ambassadors are the extra hands and eyes of the Chamber, but can also be extra reminders and news-bearers for you.

• “Everything is in it for you!” Ambassadors can also connect you with other businesses based on their familiarity with the Chamber and the community.

• Ambassadors want to make sure you feel like you belong.

But… what should I prepare or expect from a visit?

• “Nothing to prepare!” Just be ready to converse • “It won’t be long unless you want it to be!”

• “If you have issues, questions, etc., we’re the ones to seek out.”

• Sometimes ambassadors will drop by when they’re in the neighborhood, but if you’re having a pre-planned visit, it’s not a bad idea to pull together any questions about the Chamber or other business connection interests just as you would pull together thoughts for any other coffee chat.

We want to extend big thank you to our ambassador team for taking the time to commit to visiting businesses in the coming year, and providing some great insight about connecting with them. New members are typically assigned an ambassador, but a member at any stage would benefit from making a valuable connection with their ambassador. ✾

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 9

FEATURED

Seniors Starting a New Chapter at StoryPoint Senior Living

Through their services, the goal is to keep independent residents independent, but also be on alert for anyone who may need to move to memory care.

Jody also spoke on behalf of the many members of the Settings team, those responsible for housekeeping and maintenance. This hard working crew handles everything from cleanliness to building issues such as plumbing or heating. Jody said he is blessed to have those team members and team leaders who totally care and also know their roles.

Experience Jody stated that StoryPoint is about the resident experience, but that is going to look different for nearly every resident.

One way to provide unique and valuable experiences for all is through the more than 600 activities offered monthly.

More than just a place to live, Story Point Senior Living Community offers residents the ability to age in place, continue to live their lives as full as possible, and opportunities to expand their community limits to include all of Grove City. StoryPoint offers three living areas: independent living, assisted living, and memory care, but they actually offer much more.

Living Well The importance of resident health and overall well-being was echoed throughout the staff regardless of job title. Executive Directory Jody Schockley praised his team for their ability to be accommodating to their residents’ needs with respect and dignity.

Behind those 600-plus activities is Amber Homan, the Life Enrichment Director, and her team. Together they develop activities that enrich residents’ lives based on StoryPoint’s pillars that range from intellectual and artistic, to physical and philanthropic. She juggles three activities calendars—one for each living area, filled with about 20 activities each day that are appropriate for each area and their abilities.

But, it’s not just Amber and her team declaring bingo nights or craft days. Monthly they bring residents together to hear what they’d like to do and how past activities can be tweaked or improved. One

Executive Chef Alex Roehrenbeck does handle much of this task as he crafts menus from scratch to meet a variety of nutrition needs and dietary requirements. He finds satisfaction in serving homemade meals to his senior diners and knowing his work might prolong someone’s life. His commitment of aiming to satisfy was summed up quite simply: “If I have it here, I’m makin’ it,” he said and followed it up with stories of creating kale smoothies to satisfy a resident’s doctors order to eat more greens, or how a specialty order might be what hits the spot that day for a resident.

Chereka McNichols is also no stranger to this mission, though she approaches it more from the health and wellness angle. As the Director of Wellness Team for Independent Living Laurus Home Care, Chereka oversees the team responsible for a variety of assistance, from daily living activities to serving as escorts to help navigate the large facility.

Staff members under Chereka’s guidance are on the clock 24/7 offering assistance, including responding to alert button calls.

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example is the craft show to be held on Saturday Feb. 8, which was a resident idea and request.

Residents have also ventured out to Clippers games, and have had the Columbus Zoo come to them. But of equal value, and perhaps even more enriching, is when groups of young people come to interact with the residents. Young Girl Scout troops will come to visit, and in addition to Columbus Zoo animals, pre-schoolers also came to join the fun. Amber pointed out that many residents were more caught up in watching the children marvel over the animals.

It’s winter now which means it’s time to get creative with indoor activities that haven’t worn out their welcome, and get residents through gloomy days. The goal as Amber said is “keeping them engaged and looking forward to something.”

Amber’s team doesn’t go it alone at providing experience, as Chef Alex also comes back into play. Whether an official cooking activity like a cooking challenge (read more about our experience attending the Chef Challenge!), or everyday dining, he loves when he can put a smile on a resident’s face. The culinary team throws monthly birthday parties for their residents and Resident of the Month is also treated to a private dining experience with a few guests.

Community… Family… Teamwork It all comes together and is all about the people—both residents and staff members, as we come together as a community and family. But, the community of StoryPoint isn’t limited to only its residents and staff members; the doors are open to include the rest of the Grove City community and beyond.

The staff forms their own sort of family as they care for lots of loved ones of lots of other families. Chereka praised those families, but also her own fellow staff members for going the extra mile.

The talented staff spreads throughout and into the kitchen as Chef Alex made similar remarks. Occasionally, his team changes as Columbus State culinary students join the culinary team to gain experience. Additionally, Jody said that students from other schools’ nursing programs will come to gain experience and see what working in a senior community is truly about.

But, the community of StoryPoint isn’t limited to only its residents and staff members; the doors are open to include the rest of the Grove City community and beyond.

Jody is also proud of StoryPoint’s ability to partner with other businesses and organizations in the community to provide opportunities than enrich the lives of residents and community members. Seasonally they host families for Christmas and Easter events, homeschool students who socialize with memory care residents, and other ‘pop up’ events might even be aimed at welcoming in the Grove City community.

But the inner community of StoryPoint is a reflection of the overall Grove City community. Staff remarked at how residents will each know each other already or have some underlying connection—a common church, previous workplace or school attended, that links them together. Someone knows someone and as Shaun Smock, Senior Community Specialist, pointed out: “the people who live here make us who we are.”

And the bond between staff and the bond between residents creates one bond or one family. Chereka finds joy in just chatting with members as she loves the elderly and has worked with them her entire career. Others remember residents by name and enjoy chatting and catching up as well. Amber knows her activities and events aren’t just for her residents, they’re for family:

StoryPoint’s Culinary Throwdown As we mentioned in the article, StoryPoint holds over 600 activities each month in an effort to engage all residents in something exciting and meaningful to them. On our visit day, we happened to get in on the Culinary Throwdown event which featured StoryPoint Grove City’s Executive Chef Kyle Roehrenbeck and StoryPoint Troy’s Executive Chef Ben Davis.

It was Chef Kyle’s ‘home turf’, but Chef Ben brought a small busload of his fan club—residents and staff from StoryPoint Troy. The challenge was for each chef to cook up their rendition of jambalaya… all while keeping it entertaining and even educational about Cajun cuisine.

Residents were just as much part of the event as the chefs as they tossed out questions about Cajun cooking, and the occasional quick remark… case in point…

Chef Ben: “I worked four years at a butcher to learn how to cut meat” Resident (not missing a beat): “It took you four years?!”

Those not familiar with the Cajun dish of the day learned that, at least in the view of these Ohiobased chefs, jambalaya is essentially anything with rice, proteins and veggies with shrimp, sausage and chicken the popular proteins and, no surprise, an assortment of peppers a popular veggie.

But, Chefs Kyle and Ben weren’t the only chefs in the house. Chef Rich, the Executive Chef at Independence Village in Aurora, made a surprise visit to judge two of his fellow chefs. He commented on each using a spice palate that was appropriate for their community; each chef knew to cook for their audience.

And, they also knew how to play to their audience for entertainment. Chef Kyle was quizzed about his ‘home field’ record in these types of cooking challenges. He’s not undefeated and had one interesting loss of note, which Chef Ben couldn’t leave hanging…

Chef Kyle: “I have lost to an InstaPot!” Chef Ben: “So I’m taking on a chef that lost to an InstaPot…” In the end, Chef Ben, hopefully a more worthy opponent than said InstaPot, emerged the victor as determined by the judging panel of Chef Rich and two residents. Chef Kyle will try again in February… when he takes on a pastry chef also known as his wife!

Just as the kitchen is an important place in our homes and dinner together valuable time, the same can be said for StoryPoint. Cooking and dining provide a great opportunity for residents and staff to gather to share stories, laughter and good food. In regards to my invitation to join in their fun for an afternoon, I echo Chef Rich’s closing remarks: “Thank you for having me to your home.” 

“I don’t feel like I work here. I feel like family.” ✾ CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 11

What can planning do for me?

A conversation with Tami Washington As

humans, and many of us business owners or operators, we plan a lot. We plan our work days, our vacations, even our family dinner menus. Why? Many of us find tasks to be easier and function more orderly when we have a plan in place. Recently we were able to chat with Tami Washington of Newcomer who provided insight into the benefits of taking the planner mentality to funeral arrangements.

Q: What are the benefits to pre-planning?

A: There are numerous benefits to funeral preplanning. Making decisions well in advance provides the opportunity to ease the emotional and financial burden for your loved ones. There are close to 100 decisions that are made within a brief period when someone passes away. Nearly half of those decisions may be made during the preplanning process and alleviate doubt about specific wishes regarding burial or cremation services. Also, creating meaningful ceremony details provide loved ones a guide to follow.

Q: What financial savings or benefits can someone expect from pre-planning?

A: An important item of financial savings is the avoidance of emotional overspending. Planning ahead advises loved ones of funeral home and cemetery choices. And, it allows decisions for caskets, urns, keepsakes or disposition requests, such as scattering cremated remains to be in place.

Q: How far in advance can someone pre-plan their funeral? What kind of timing advice do you have? Can someone who pre-planned come back later and make changes to their plans?

A: Many who’ve attended a service for a colleague, peer, friend or loved one, should consider pre-planning. Particularly, if there are specific wishes to be carried out. And, should wishes change, modifications may be made.

Q: It’s a common misconception that to pre-plan, a person must be ill or elderly. How do you handle misconceptions or misunderstandings regarding pre-planning and its benefits? Is there a certain ‘type’ of person, or the general characteristics, or a person who will pre-plan?

A: One way to handle common misconceptions is by educating families to prepare well in advance, so that planned details are in place long before a loved one cannot make decisions for him or herself. Most of us should preplan, but don’t wish to think about it.

Those with a will, trust or estate plan should consider. Or, anyone wishing to ease the burden of those left behind to make decisions.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about pre-planning or the services you and Newcomer can provide?

A: We plan for many life events, end of life preparation should be included. You have the opportunity to detail your wishes, ease the financial burden and leave a lasting remembrance to your loved ones. At Newcomer, we provide the highest quality service and merchandise options to meet the needs of the families we serve. ✾

Q: What are other options or advice do you have for those who are financially-conscious?

A: Preplanning offers options that are budget friendly and allows individuals to prepare for funeral or cremation services and not leave to others.

Address: 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123 Phone: (614) 539-6166

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Sock Hop Luncheon

Recreation & Reading Room

Getting Social at the Senior Center Here in Grove City, the Evans Community Center, located on Dudley Ave., is home to programs and events focused on providing the 55+ community with daily activities and resources. We caught up with Tammy Jefferson, Center Director, to give us an inside peek to everything they offer.

Q: Like most senior centers, the Evans Center offers a variety of services, but what are a few services that are overlooked or sometimes people forget are offered?

A: Some of the programs we offer that may be unknown to the community are support groups, daily lunch and socialization thru Lifecare Alliance, computer lab access, a fitness room with everything you need to stay fit, group fitness classes, and monthly blood pressure screenings. Another wonderful program that may be unheard of is SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) which informs participants on community services, as well as crime and safety issues pertinent to seniors. Jackson Township Community Cares connects seniors with our fire department to learn about their community paramedic program.

Q: People can be shy and hesitant about meeting new people and a new place at any age, but how do you encourage seniors (and their families) to come join the fun and enjoy the resources the Evans Center offers?

A: After a tour to show newcomers the center, we try to connect them with an activity they’re comfortable with, to break the ice!

Some great, low-key activities we suggest to a new participant include chair volleyball and our lunch program. We can introduce you to other participants with similar interests, and show you everything we have to offer. Bringing a family member with you on your tour often helps create a sense of comfort when exploring something new. The people we meet are often surprised with how cozy and welcoming our center truly is.

Q: How would someone go about getting involved with the Evans Center as a senior?

A: The first step to involvement in the center is to step inside for a tour! No appointment is necessary. From there, we will also introduce you to services and activities that are interesting or important to you. The Grove City Senior Club complements our

Fitness Center

center and you can learn more about the club, too!

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities available, and is there an age requirement for volunteering?

A: We do have a volunteer program and are in the process of finding people in the community to share their talents, skills, and/ or knowledge at the center. If you are eligible to participate at the center, you are also eligible to volunteer! Some of our volunteer opportunities include greeting participants at the front desk, answering phones, teaching classes, sharing knowledge through Lunch & Learn sessions or seminars, setting up and tearing down for center celebrations, and so much more! We do welcome volunteers of any age that have something unique to offer.

Q: What is one (or a few!) of your personal favorite activities offered?

A: My personal favorite activity would be our breakfast, lunch, and supper clubs! Our adventures to local restaurants around Columbus offers a huge opportunity for socialization and engaging with friends in a new atmosphere. These trips offer us a chance to try new restaurants and foods together. In addition, our Wii bowling league, game days, and chair volleyball sessions are a favorite because of the friendly competition and pure fun they offer. Lunch & Learn sessions, educational classes, and support groups such as Conversations About Loss and Alzheimer’s support are a great chance to connect on a more personal level and to learn and engage in more serious topics.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share that would benefit our senior community and their loved ones?

A: Our programs and services are formed with you in mind! Senior centers sometimes have a negative stigma attached to them. We cannot stress enough that the Evans Center is extremely active and our participants are very engaged. From parties and dances, to our competitive Wii bowling league, to day trips and trying new restaurants, our goal is to squash the stigmas and offer you a safe place to socialize, engage in leisure, and remain active in the community. Let me take this opportunity to personally invite you to visit us and see that our center was built for YOU!

To learn more about the Evans Center, reach out to them via phone at: (614) 277-1060, or stop by for a visit at their 4330 Dudley Ave. address. They’re open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Mid-Ohio Food Bank is Changing the look to Change the Conversation ABC6 -COLUMBUS, Ohio — The largest food bank in Central Ohio wants you to know it does a lot more than just get foo to those who are in need.

The Mid-Ohio Food Bank has rebranded itself as the “Mid-Ohio Food Collective.” The organization said the foodbank also offers a pharmacy, farm, markets, and kitchens. They are changing the conversation and that good food leads to good health.

“Giving you access and convincing health care that food matters and that they can help pay for this. We can do a lot more this and we can use surplus food in the country to do it,” said Matt Habash, CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Market, Mid-Ohio Farmacy, and Mid-Ohio Kitchen all work together to address the social determinants of health that place, and often keep, our neighbors in poverty. Together, they make up the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. They will have a new look but the same mission. The Foodbank is now part of a collective! Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Market, Mid-Ohio Farmacy, and Mid-Ohio Kitchen all come together to meet our customers where they are, and build communities that thrive. Like and follow Mid-Ohio Food Collective to keep up with all the ways we’re ending hunger.

They explain their new concept in this press release: We have learned over the past 40 years that hunger is more than providing the next meal - it’s addressing the hunger moments before and the moments after. And - we know that this work takes all of us, together, to address the social determinants of health that place, and often keep, our neighbors in poverty.

“Giving you access and convincing health care that food matters and that they can help pay for this. We can do a lot more this and we can use surplus food in the country to do it,”

While some of our work stays the same, 40 years later our perspective has evolved. We are more than a food bank. We are The Mid-Ohio Food Collective— Foodbank, Farm, Farmacy, Kitchen, & Market—working together toward ending hunger. Watch for more information on these assets!

We are so humbled to do this work. And, we are proud to introduce an updated look, new logo and streamlined naming for all of our assets that reflect 40 years strong and our shifting work to help our struggling neighbors thrive.

For decades we’ve been impacted by thousands of unique hunger stories and we know that every story needs its own solution. We’ve learned that hunger

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Since 1980, feeding our hungry neighbors has been our mission.

- Mid-Ohio FoodBank

goes beyond the dinner plate - a car breaking down, losing a job, combating racism, finding affordable housing, or earning a decent wage.

We are all part of the collective in the fight against hunger. Our work has been made possible because of your partnership in making this 40-year journey with us to feed our hungry neighbors thank you.

In the coming days, look for more about our new look and our salute to those who have done this work with us over the past 40 years, distributing millions and millions of pounds of food and serving each and every neighbor who has needed us to be there when “life happens.”

Mid-Ohio Kroger Food Pantry, opened in 2012

And, while some of our work stays the same, 40 years later, our perspective has evolved. - Mid-Ohio Food Collective

Food Pantry Hours NEW Hours for Our On-Site Pantry Starting Jan. 1, 2020 If you need emergency food, Mid-Ohio Foodbank can help.

Our on-site Kroger Community Food Pantry operates as a choice food pantry and is open to the community without zip code restrictions for five days a week. The pantry follows the same State of Ohio guidelines that the Foodbank’s other partner agencies use and offers a mix of non-perishable products, frozen meats, dairy products, fresh produce and an assortment of breads.

In order to serve our customers as efficiently as possible, we have updated the on-site pantry hours, effective January 1, 2020.

The Kroger Community Food Pantry UPDATED HOURS are:

KROGER COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY LOCATION The pantry is located at the Foodbank’s 3960 Brookham Drive location in Grove City. For more information about the pantry, call 614.317.9487.

If you wish to contact Mid-Ohio Foodbank directly, dial 614.277.3663.

Monday – CLOSED Tuesday – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wednesday – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. AND 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Thursday – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Friday – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Saturday – 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sunday – CLOSED Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time. For more information about our pantry, call 614-317-9487 or visit the Kroger Community Food Pantry page.

For more information on how to receive assistance, volunteer, donate or contribute you can visit their website at https://brand.mofcollective.org CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 15

! u o y t n a w We

March 11, 2020

f o e t s Ta y t i C e Grov

s s e n i s u B & Expo

Calling all local restaurants & businesses to participate. Promote your food or business!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact: marilyn@gcchamber.org

GCChamber.org

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 17

WRITER’S REFLECTION

Save the Stories W

hen I sat down to create interview questions for this month’s magazine stories, I tried to comb through every corner of senior life, senior care, and in the case of Newcomer, end of life, that I knew of. At age approaching-30, my knowledge is limited but as I brainstormed for Newcomer I came to one sub-topic where I feel comfortable: family history and our stories.

I’m a writer, I love history, and our family is fortunate to have a good handle on our history.

But instead of recalling my family’s stories, I considered a recent post from a blogger and speaker I follow online. She is an only child who suddenly lost her father, also an only child, last fall. She is now tasked with going through his home, which was also her grandparents’ home, and all of the photos, artifacts, and memories that date back to the 1800s. Because of her father’s sudden passing, it had been assumed there would be plenty of time to ask why certain antiques are important, who is in a photo or how someone earned a military medal. Her family history has turned into a mystery, and she encouraged readers what I’m also encouraging—share your stories and save your stories.

My maternal grandfather passed in 2009, but on New Year’s Eve 2019 we sat around swapping stories about the family funnyman and laughing to the point my cousin’s six-month-old daughter began bursting with laughter just as we did with Grandpa. A decade later and he’s still making us literally roll on the floor with laughter.

Stories don’t have to end because someone is gone.

Save your stories. Write them down. Get curious about family history. Have a conversation. Even use modern technology and media to preserve a memory. We have more ways to share stories than ever, which would make it a shame to let our stories pass us by.

We’re in the business of business here at the Chamber, but perhaps this concept can extend to our businesses and organizations.

Preserving the history and stories of our businesses shows us where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and maybe where we’re going.

Our community is honored to have businesses and organizations rich with history and filled with stories. Businesses have been passed down the generations, and organizations have grown to become synonymous with our community. But, whether family, business, or family business, our stories are all something worthy of preserving. written by: Sarah Hann

18 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020

MEMBERS INVOLVING IN CARING FOR OUR SENIORS Our members provide a variety of services, and these members happen to provide services exclusively to seniors or specialize in caring for our elder members. We applaud them for their commitment to care and encourage you to learn more about them should the need for their services arise, or before the need may arise.

Brookdale Pinnacle 1305 Lamplighter Dr., Grove City (614) 277-1200 brookdale.com Capital Healthcare- The Meadows of Scioto 433 Obetz Rd., Columbus (614) 491-2000 capitalhealthcarenetwork.com/nursing-rehabilitation-centers/ meadows-of-scioto Carriage Court of Grove City 2320 Sonora Dr., Grove City (614) 871-8000 Franklin Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 2770 Clime Rd., Columbus (614) 276-8222 Home Instead Senior Care 263 E Livingston (614) 849-0200 https://www.homeinstead.com/484 Meadow Grove Transitional Care 5919 Blue Star Dr., Grove City (614) 594-1600 meadow-grove.foundationshealth.net Monterey Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing & Memory Care 3929 Hoover Rd., Grove City (614) 875-7700 macintoshcompany.com/monterey StoryPoint Senior Living Community 3717 Orders Rd., Grove City (614) 875-6200 storypoint.com/community/grove-city-oh/ Supreme Touch Home Health Services Corp 2547 W. Broad St., Columbus (614) 783-1115 supremetouchcare.com/ Visiting Angels GC 3797 Broadway, Grove City (614) 561-0075 visitingangels.com/galloway/home West Park Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing & Memory Care 1700 Heinzerling Dr., Columbus (614) 274-4222 macintoshcompany.com/west-park

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce + Franklin University Par tnership The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Franklin University to provide the following educational benefits:

Tuition discounts on associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree and certificate programs.

SAVINGS:

PROGRAMS:

•

Free textbooks

•

20% tuition discount on all programs up through the master’s level

Franklin University offers a variety of programs through the Ross College of Business, College of Arts, Sciences & Technology, College of Health & Public Administration and the International Institute for Innovative Instruction.

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce employees and members can combine tuition discounts and free tuition deferment with their employee reimbursement.

Take Advantage of the Savings Today!

Apply: franklin.edu/apply-grovecitychamber Verify Employment: franklin.edu/verification Learn More: franklin.edu/grovecitychamber Questions? Contact: Mary Beth Bertrand, Senior Partnership Account Manager CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2020 | 19 | 614.947.6716 marybeth.bertrand@franklin.edu

To place an ad, contact the chamber office at marketing@gcchamber.org

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