westerville magazine july/august 2015

www.westervi l lemagazine.com

Westerville residents submit their favorite shots for our annual look at the community

Shutterbugs!Shutterbugs!

When choosing a custom home builder, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Others will say you are getting the best, but how do you know?

Visit one of our beautiful models and we will show you exactly what you are getting for the price.

Dare to Compare

BobWebb.com

Custom Homes

614-530-4926

weekendscene

Looking for something to do this weekend? Sign up today to receive WeekendScene, our new weekly eNewsletter.

See what’s on the menu this weekend and beyond!

Sign up at www.cityscenecolumbus.com

4 July/August 2015 www.westervillemagazine.com

CityScene Media Group781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202

Columbus, Ohio 43212614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241

www.cityscenecolumbus.com

The publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs, or story ideas to consider for possible pub-lication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email [email protected]. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

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

Westerville Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising information or bulk pur-chases, contact Robin Weitzel at [email protected].

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

www.wester vi l lemagazine.com

CityScene Media Group also publishes:CityScene Magazine

www.CitySceneColumbus.comDublin Life Magazine

www.DublinLifeMagazine.comTri-Village Magazine

www.TriVillageMagazine.comHealthy New Albany Magazine

www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.comPickerington Magazine

www.PickeringtonMagazine.com

Westervillemagazine

TM

Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO

Gianna Barrett Vice President, Sales

Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer

Steven Hesson Director, Sales & Operations

Garth Bishop Managing Editor

Sarah Sole Editor

Hannah Bealer Assistant Editor

Matthew Kent Contributing Writers Corinne Murphy Christina Szuch

Francis Pellicciaro Editorial Assistant

Robin Weitzel Advertising Director

Julie Camp Advertising Sales Pam Henricks-Claxton

Jamie Armistead Accounting Manager

Circulation 614-572-1240

Christa Dickey Community Affairs Administrator

City of Westerville

(614) 794-9300www.DanburySeniorLiving.com

730 N. Spring Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43082

Friendship. Fellowship. Fun.Danbury Senior Living at Parkside Village is the area’s most

dynamic retirement community, providing Independent Living,Assisted Living and The Glen Specialized Memory Care program.

Check us out today and see for yourself why Parkside Villageis dedicated to setting a new standard of senior living!

at Parkside Village

PV Ad 3rdSQ_color.indd 1 6/1/15 11:46 AM

July/August 2015 5www.westervillemagazine.com

InsideNews and

Information from the City of Westerville

City Reporter

Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com

Find Westerville Magazine on Facebook and Twitter

JULY/AUGUST 2015VOL. 14 NO. 6

09

28

06 community calendar

09 city reporter News and Information from the City of Westerville

15 faces Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch Empathy and work ethic are driving forces for Buckeye Ranch leader

18 in focus Little Artists, Big Impact A growing number of talented young artists showcase diverse forms of art at festival

20 Shutterbugs Life through the lens of Westerville residents

24 living Home Is Where the Heart Is House built in 1924 is one of the highlights of annual tour

26 A Drive to Succeed School supply drive assists kids in need

28 on the table Sweet Tacoin’ Man Chicken-pork one-two punch propels Yabo’s to victory

30 bookmarks Recommendations from the Westerville Public Library

On the Cover:Photo by Amanda McKinley

Shutterbugs, page 20.

15

Headaches?Neck or

Back Pain?

Call today for yourno-obligationconsultation

614-776-4144We can see you today!

Whitney McNary, DC167 S. State Street, Suite 190

Westerville, OH 43081www.familysourcechiropractic.com

Contact us today at 614-890-3130615 Copeland Mill Rd., Suite 2-HWesterville, OH 43081www.copelandmilldental.com

Our team at Copeland Mill Dental invites you to experience a new kind

of dentistry...Complete Health Dentistry. We care about more than just your teeth.

Bacteria that live in your mouth can cause heart disease,

high bloodpressure &

stroke

Like us on


July 1-Oct. 28Uptown Westerville Farmers’ MarketWednesdays, 3-6 p.m., Uptown Westerville, North State and East Home streets, www.marketwednesday.com

July 1-29Family Concert SeriesWednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org

July 2Generations Performing Arts Center presents The Pride and Spirit of America5 p.m., Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mt. Royal Ave., www.gen-pac.com

July 4-Aug. 29Saturday Uptown MarketSaturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Uptown Westerville, www.facebook.com/saturdayuptownmarketllc

July 4Independence Day Celebration5K Walk/Run, 8 a.m.; Rotary Children’s Run, 9:15 a.m.; Alum Creek Park, 221 W. Main St. Parade, 1 p.m.; McGuffey Lane performance at Westerville South High School, 6 p.m.; fireworks,

10 p.m.; www.westervillerotary.com.

July 5-19Sounds of Summer Concert SeriesSundays 6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org

July 9-25Otterbein Summer Theatre presents The All Night StrutCowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., www.otterbein.edu/theatre

July 11-12Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westervillechamber.com

July 17Classic Movie Series: CinderellaDusk, Everal Barn at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org

July 19WesterFlora Garden Tour1-7 p.m., various gardens throughout the city, www.westerflora.com

July 20-23Uptown Art Camp10 a.m.-noon, ages 8-11; 1-3 p.m., ages 12-16;David Myers Art Studio & Gallery, 7 W. Main St., www.uptownartcamp.com

July 24Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday World Bazaar6-9 p.m., Historic Uptown Westerville, www.visitwesterville.org

July 26Tapestry of a Town Walking Tour1-5 p.m., various locations, www.westervillehabitat.org

July 30-Aug. 2Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre presents Seussical Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mt. Royal Ave., www.westerville.org

Sponsored by the Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

5

12

19

26

6

13

20

27

7

14

21

28

1

8

15

22

29

2

9

16

23

30

3

10

17

24

31

4

11

18

25

SUN MON TUE WED THUFRI SAT2015

For more events, visit www.visitwesterville.org

July

Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival

WesterFlora Garden Tour

Summer Artsat Otterbein

Theatre

Art

The Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville

June 18-21, June 25-28, July 2 & 3THE NERDBy Larry Shue Directed by Melissa LusherThis side-splitting comedy centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam—the visitor turning out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who outstays his welcome with a vengeance.

July 9-12, July 16-18, July 23-25 The All Night Strutby Fran CharnasDirected by Christina KirkMusical Direction by Dennis DavenportChoreography by Stella Kane

Swing’s the thing! The production moves through the Depression, World War II and the post war boom in a two-act musical celebration of the 1930’s and 40’s filled with jazz, blues, bebop and American songbook standards.For information, call 614-823-1109

June 12 - July 10 Otterbein Artist in Residence Ben Willis and Cassidy BraunerMiller Gallery, Art & Communications Bldg.30 Collegeview Rd., WestervilleGallery hours M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. SS 1-4 p.m.For information, call 614-823-1792

Now - August 14Daydream - by Dan HarperFisher Gallery, Roush Hall 27 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH 43081Gallery hours M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m.For information, call 614-823-1792

www.otterbein.edu

http://www.marketwednesday.com

http://www.westerville.org

http://www.gen-pac.com

http://www.facebook.com/saturdayuptownmarketllc



http://www.westervillerotary.com



http://www.otterbein.edu/theatre


http://www.westerflora.com

http://www.uptownartcamp.com

http://www.uptownartcamp.com

http://www.visitwesterville.org


http://www.westervillehabitat.org



Aug. 1Library Fly Day: Model Airplane Demo9 a.m.-2 p.m., Alum Creek State Park, 6590 Africa Rd., www.westervillelibrary.org

Aug. 2, 9Sounds of Summer Concert Series6:30 p.m., Alum Creek Park North, 221 W. Main St., www.westerville.org

Aug. 4National Night Out6:30-10 p.m., citywide, www.westerville.org

Aug. 5Pancake Breakfast7-10 a.m., Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St., www.westerville.org

Aug. 7-21Uptown Friday NightsFridays, area shops, Uptown Westerville, www.shopuptownwesterville.com

Aug. 4, 19Sip & Sketch6:30-8:30 p.m., Meza Wine Shop, 48 N. State St., www.mezawineshop.com

Aug. 13First Day of SchoolWesterville City Schools, www.westerville.k12.oh.us

Aug. 15Bish Bash 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Westerville Christian Church, 471 E. College Ave., www.sambishfoundation.org

Aug. 16Kitchen Garden Tenth Anniversary Celebration1-4 p.m., Hanby House, 160 W. Main St., www.hanbyhouse.org

Aug. 21Classic Movie Series: Beethoven Dusk, Everal Barn at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., www.westerville.org

Aug. 28-Sept. 18Transformation Mon.-Fri., noon-5 p.m.; David Myers Art Studio & Gallery, 7 W. Main St., www.davidmyersart.com

Aug. 28Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday Dog Days of Summer6-9 p.m., Historic Uptown Westerville, www.visitwesterville.org Aug. 30Kids Try Athlon 10 a.m., Highlands Park Aquatic Center, 245 S. Spring Rd., www.westerville.org

AugustPh

otos

cou

rtesy

of W

este

rFlo

ra G

arde

n To

ur, W

este

rvill

e Ar

ea C

ham

ber o

f Com

mer

ce, M

ount

Car

mel

St.

Ann’

s an

d Da

vid

Mye

rs A

rt St

udio

& G

alle

ry

WOMEN’S FINANCIAL

RESOURCES GROUP

Learning how money works in your life does not need to be a dreaded discussion and work-ing with a financial advisor does not need to be tedious!

POWER-UP AND TAKE CONTROL NOW!

+ Basic financial education

+ Understanding insurance

+ Basics of investing

+ Understanding retirement plans

+ Long term care planning

Get in touch and ask about small group “chats” (get some friends together!) or private appoint-ments to learn how to make the most of your own wealth poten-tial. Appointments can be sched-uled in my office or elsewhere to best suit your needs.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

POWER UP!

MOLLY MARIE HOUGHWealth Strategist

921 Chatham Lane, Ste. 302 Columbus, OH 614-534-1765

[email protected] representative of and securities and investment advisory services offered through Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK), registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. 130 Springside Drive Suite 100, Akron, Ohio 44333 330-668-9065 21st Century Financial, Inc. is in-dependent of HTK

A5TM-0401-09E2

Mount Carmel St. Ann’s 4th Friday Dog Days of Summer

Transformation



http://www.shopuptownwesterville.com

http://www.shopuptownwesterville.com

http://www.sambishfoundation.org

http://www.sambishfoundation.org


http://www.davidmyersart.com

http://www.davidmyersart.com




614 839-9163 portraitsbywes.com East College Ave., Westerville, Ohio

Remember...

Family.

By Angels®

Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Medication Reminders • Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation

Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families

614-392-2820www.VisitingAngels.com/westerville585 O�ce Pkwy Suite A, Westerville, OH 43082

SENIOR HOMECARE We Care Every Day, In Every Way®

Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated. Visiting Angels is a registered trademark of Living Assistance Services. 12/04/2014

STEPHEN R. MALIK, D.D.S.GENERAL DENTISTRY

Accepting New Patients!

(614) 882-6741

OFFERING:

Gentle Caring Sta�

Same Day Crowns

Botox®

Juvéderm®

Lumineers®

Nitrous Oxide

Saturday Appts.

24 hr. Emergency Care

180 Commerce Park DriveWesterville, Ohio 43082

Located in o�ce complex, last building on the left by the bike path.

westervilledentalhealth.com

Dr. Malik has more than 20 years of experience.

We’re Just a Smile Away!


CityReporterNews & Information from the City of Westerville

w

ww

.wes

terv

ille

.org

4th of July “Love Country, Love Westerville”

The Rotary Club of Westerville presents “Love Country, Love Westerville” as the theme of the 2015 Independence Day Celebration on July 4. This year, our friends at Rotary have planned a full day of events, including the addition of a concert on the practice field at Westerville South High School featuring McGuffey Lane. Start the day with a patriotic 5K, enjoy the traditional 4th of July parade and end the day with a spectacular fireworks display.

6:30 a.m. Registration for Rotary Run/Walk & Children’s Run

8 a.m. Rotary 5K Run & Walk

9:15 a.m. Rotary Children’s Fun Run

9:25 a.m. Awards Ceremony

1 p.m. Rotary Parade & WARM Community Food Drive (Canned and boxed food items will be collected for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry along the Parade route. Visit www.warmwesterville.org for a list of needed items.)

5-11 p.m. Food Trucks and Food Carts

6-7:30 p.m. Westerville Symphony

8-10 p.m. McGuffey Lane

Dusk Fireworks with 104.9 The River simulcast (for fireworks launch timing updates, follow the City of Westerville Twitter account: @tellwesterville)

Please note posted parking restrictions in the area surrounding WSHS for emergency vehicle and neighborhood access. The Parade will air live on WOCC-TV 3 in Westerville. Check www.otterbein360.com/page/otterbein_tv_schedule for the rebroadcast schedule. All events are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westerville. For more information, visit www.westervillerotary.com.

2,000The Blue Star Mothers’ (Buckeye

Military Moms Chapter) goal of care packages to ship to deployed soldiers

in 2015. The organization was a beneficiary at the 2015 Field of

Heroes. Learn how you can help at www.buckeyemilitarymoms.org.

B Y T H E N U M B E R S

H

Meet McGuffey Lane: www.westervillemagazine.com

http://www.warmwesterville.org

http://www.otterbein360.com/page/otterbein_tv_schedule

http://www.otterbein360.com/page/otterbein_tv_schedule



News & Information from the City of Westerville

Maria’s Message Helps Keep Citizens Safe

On Sept. 17, 2013, 10TV Sports Anchor Dom Tiberi and his wife, Terri, lost their daughter Maria in a car accident. While the specific cause of the accident remains un-known, police believe it was a case of distracted driving. The tragic accident ended the life of a beautiful, vibrant young lady, but may very likely be saving lives of countless individuals for years to come.

Maria Tiberi’s legacy is now known as “Maria’s Message,” a community initiative sup-ported by WBNS 10TV that is focused on building awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Through the Maria Tiberi Foundation, founded by her parents, an educational initiative presented in communities and using driving simulators helps spread Maria’s Message.

With the gift of a driving simulator to the Westerville Division of Police, the foundation is making a local impact on the effort to educate teens about texting while driving – among other distractions – and reducing preventable injuries associated with distracted driving. Last April, Dom and 10TV staff partnered with WPD and Otterbein University to launch a series of community presentations. The regional touch is one way to engage in an interac-tive discussion about what really happens when distracted drivers get behind the wheel.

“We as parents should be screaming from a mountaintop because car crashes are the No. 1 killer of our children, and it is so preventable. My wife, Terri, and I have made it our mission to end this epidemic (of distracted driving) and to keep other families from going through this nightmare. Maria is just a memory now, and we don’t want any other kids to be just a memory,” said Dom Tiberi.

Maria’s Message emphasizes three main types of distracted driving: manual, visual and cognitive. Manual refers to physically taking your hands off the wheel; visual means taking your eyes off the road; and cognitive is letting your mind wander while driving. For many young drivers, these three conditions often happen when texting while driving. In fact, sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field blind.

“Distracted driving, particularly with young drivers texting while behind the wheel, is having a major impact when we look at traffic accidents, including those resulting in death or a major injury,” said Westerville Chief of Police Joseph Morbitzer. “Our partnership with the Maria Tiberi Foundation is going to help us reach students in a real, hands-on way that we didn’t have before. With these simulators, we can demonstrate how quickly and easily sending or reading a text message can turn a drive into a serious and sometimes deadly situation.”

The simulators will be part of an educa-tional initiative Westerville police use to talk to students about distracted driving and ways to improve defensive driving skills.

“We’re grateful to Dom Tiberi and the 10TV staff for bringing Maria’s Message to us. Wester-ville has a long history of supporting important initiatives that help us all live in a safer, stronger community,” said Westerville Mayor Diane Fos-selman. “I urge everyone to take the message to heart and think about the way you can personally contribute to honor Maria Tiberi by eliminating distractions when you drive.”

For more information, please visit www.mariasmessage.com.

Parents, ask your children to take the Maria’s Message Pledge:

I PLEDGE TO:

Keep my hands on the wheel,

Keep my eyes on the road,

Keep my mind on driving.

If I keep my hands, eyes and mind where they should, I can keep myself safe and keep Maria’s Message alive.

http://www.mariasmessage.com

http://www.mariasmessage.com


w

ww

.wes

terv

ille

.org

We’d like your feedback!Please email us if you have a question or comment about

the content in the City Reporter pages. email: [email protected]

All-City news and information@tellwesterville

Westerville Parks & RecreationNews, events and announcements (cancellations and updates)@WestervillePark

Westerville Electric DivisionOutages, alerts and energy tips@WvilleElectric

Westerville Division of PoliceInformation, alerts and public safety information@WestervillePD

Westerville Division of FireThe public education account for fire safety and prevention news and information@WestervilleFire

FOLLOW YOUR CITY OF WESTERVILLE ACCOUNTS ON TWITTER Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/cityofwesterville

Follow the Parks & Recreation blog online at www.acitywithinapark.com

Imagine Westerville, the name for the community’s comprehensive planning process, has been circulating locally for more than a year. This extensive planning project has been widely promoted for the public’s participation in a series of events, and residents were asked to assess plan options and help create policies.

The outcome of Imagine Westerville will be the publication of a community plan, a strategic guide that expresses the values and aspirations of a community. It is the broadest public policy document our community can create, and will set forth the long-range vision for development, housing, environment, economic develop-ment, transportation and related topics. This document gives a universal view of the city, is a tool to prepare for change and acts as both a business plan and guidebook for decision-makers.

The plan, now in draft form, will be open for public inspection in July and August as part of a series of meetings and hearings scheduled to gain input before its official adoption by Westerville City Coun-cil early next year. There are a number of ways you can get involved.

Take an online tourVisit www.imaginewesterville.org to get a perspective on the plan’s current status and see where and when it will be presented. Read more about the public input process that has given shape to the document. See it in personThe public review draft will be available for its 30-day inspection through-out the month of August (Aug. 3-31) at various sites as well as online. Hard copies will be available at the City building at 64 E. Walnut St., City Hall, the Westerville Public Library, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce and Westerville City Schools district offices. Save the dateAt least two public hearings are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 at City Hall, 21 S. State St., during Westerville Planning Commission meet-ings. The schedule is also available at www.westerville.org.

Imagine Westerville Presented for Public View

1

2

3


and in the general ledger. This pro-cess ensures customer information balances with our financial systems. Throughout the day I assist custom-ers and staff to update information based on new charges, adjustments, payments and account maintenance updates. Our department is cur-rently involved in several projects, chiefly related to new software systems. These include advanced metering, a new work order system and billing software. I also serve on several staff committees, including the Advanced Metering Program Project Team, Westerville Customer Service Steering Committee, the In-formation Security Committee, the Records Retention Committee and the Westerville Safety Committee.

You’ve been a longtime champion of customer service training and

professional development for City staff. What’s your customer service philoso-phy, and how did you develop it?

My endeavor is to continually provide staff with the information, training and resources they will need to assist utility customers and residents of Westerville. When they have these items, it is easy to respond to customer requests in a quick, confident and thorough manner.

You work on customer service initiatives outside the City, including the customer committee for the American Water Works Association. How does that influ-ence your work in Westerville?

For the past several years I have worked with a group of utility supervi-sors from AWWA-member organizations to provide customer service training op-portunities at regional workshops and the state chapter annual conference. I have learned so much from networking with my counterparts throughout Ohio and have implemented many ideas that are shared at our workshops. I have worked hard to foster relationships with other utility professionals and establish Westerville as a resource for others who can benefit from my experience.


Caryn DachnerCustomer Service to the Core

Each month, a utility bill arrives in your mailbox without much fanfare. Yet there’s a team behind the process ensuring a smooth, accurate billing cycle each month for utility services. Meet its leader, Caryn Dachner. Caryn’s responsibility and oversight of Util-ity Billing, a division within the Finance De-partment, is focused on efficiency, accuracy and excellence, particularly when it comes to customer service.

Where are you from originally? I grew up in a suburb of Chicago called

Worth and moved to Columbus in 1979.

What’s your professional back-ground? How did you come to your position at the City of Westerville?

After teaching on the secondary level for five years in Addison, Ill., I accepted a position with an investor-owned water and sewer utility in the Columbus area. I stayed there for 12 years before coming to the City of Westerville in 1998.

What is a typical day like in your position?

The first thing I do each morning is verify all transactions from the previous day have settled on the customer accounts

Staff Profile

In what ways are you looking to the future in terms of how utility billing will change or evolve?

Customers are requesting more ways to access their utility bills online, track their usage patterns, request services and make payments. As we look to implementing new billing software, the technology will be in place to offer easy, accessible ways for our customers to do business with us in ways they find more convenient.

What would Westerville customers be surprised to know about the division?

Residents would probably be surprised to know just how many transactions we handle each month with a very small staff. Each month, we bill more than $6 million in revenues, prepare over 16,800 utility bills, process more than 300 cash trans-actions at the window and answer about 1,200 phone calls.

What are your interests? What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have been a garden club member for over 35 years and find enjoyment in be-ing outside with my hands in the earth, nurturing plants that provide beautiful blooms. My husband and I have grown sons with families in southern California and Cleveland, so we enjoy visiting them whenever we can. Liesel and Daphne are our beautiful little granddaughters.

“My endeavor is to

continually provide staff

with the information,

training and resources

they will need to assist

utility customers and

residents of Westerville. ”


w

ww

.wes

terv

ille

.org

Identity ProtectionStarts with Planning

Mark Your Calendars

Public Safety Profile

Annual Maintenance, Westerville Community CenterAug. 28-Sept. 6, Open to Close

Each year, the Community Center is closed for a two-week period for maintenance and repairs. The Wa-tering Hole (indoor pool) is drained and cleaned and the gym, fitness room and indoor playground are closed for a limited time for clean-ing. The southern end of the build-ing will remain closed through the two-week duration. Passholders may use Highlands Park Aquatic Center during this time. For more in-formation or questions about plan-ning your activities in advance, please contact Westerville Parks & Recreation at 614-901-6500.

National Night OutAug. 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Westerville Division of Police will host and participate in sev-eral neighborhood events for this year’s National Night Out, known as “American’s Night Out Against Crime.” The national event brings lo-cal public safety agencies and com-munities together for the evening to heighten awareness about and par-ticipation in crime prevention. The event is also targeted at sending a message to criminals that neighbor-hoods are organized and ready to combat crime. For more information or to visit specific sites, please visit www.westerville.org/police.

Odd/Even Lawn Watering ProgramIn effect all summer

Remember that lawn watering in Westerville is on an Odd-Even sys-tem. If your house number ends in an odd number, water on an odd-numbered day of the week. Vice versa for even numbers. Please con-tact the Westerville Water Division for more information or questions at 614-901-6770.

Your personal information is confidential and private, but in today’s identity theft environment, it’s getting harder to keep it that way. The Westerville Division of Police investigates fraud and theft related to stolen identities and/or personal information on a daily basis. In fact, WPD received a spike in reports of stolen Social Security Num-bers and fraudulent tax filings this April during tax season.

To help protect yourself, there are dozens of tips and strategies you can find from reputable sources online (Social Se-curity Administration, law enforcement agencies). Some common tips and reminders are listed below. But always remember, there is no fail-safe way to prevent becoming a victim of crime. Report suspicious activity to WPD as quickly as possible if you suspect your identity has been compromised.

Shred your paperworkCredit card offers, bank statements,

medical records and various other pieces pertaining to personal records can and should be destroyed by shredding. Invest in a home office shredder, or collect it and shred at one time at a community event. The Westerville Parks & Recreation spon-sors a Shredding Day each year in April.

“Let’s not make it easy for a thief,” said Westerville Assistant Police Chief Paul J. Scowden. “Leaving a paper trail of docu-mentation gives someone enough personal information to get started. Guard your credit and personal records to reduce your risk of having account numbers and other data exposed.”

Use securely or not at allIf you’re buying online, make sure

you’re entering credit card information on a secure site. The URL bar will have “https://” before the website name. Buy only from reputable companies that offer online security features. Also, be cautious

about emails that look and sound unusual. Even if it is from someone you know, pause

before clicking on any links.“A lot of times, you’ll notice un-usual grammar or spelling in an

email because its origin is from outside the U.S.,” said Scowden. “If it looks suspicious, send it to your spam folder.”

Report suspicious activity

If something rais-es your suspicions, it’s

worth checking out. Re-cently, some Westerville businesses have received phone calls from someone saying he or she represents the utility billing division

and demanding payment on an account. These phone calls were reported quickly because the customers were familiar with the way the City conducts business and handles utility accounts. Re-member, the City does not request credit card numbers over the phone.

Check your credit reportThe best way to know what credit

and debt you have in your name is to look at your credit report. It will show you all open accounts and can help you spot any errors. You can purchase a credit report or get a free copy (once a year, but it may not include your credit score). Research it online and find out which credit agency and option works best for you. Remember to check the fine print and terms and conditions if receiving your report online.

Consider an extra investmentCheck with your insurance provider

to see if it offers identify theft/fraud pro-tection. It may be a few extra dollars a month for sufficient coverage to help you if credit card debt or other financial burdens come your way as a result of your identity becoming compromised. Plus, cash and additional resources will be helpful if you have to battle with lenders while restoring your good name and credit rating.


FIRE/MEDICAL/POLICE EMERGENCY . . . 9-1-1Gas/Carbon Monoxide Leaks . . . . . . . . 9-1-1Mental Health Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1-1Fire, non-life threatening emergency . 882-2213Police, non-life threatening emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7444City Website . . . . . . . . . . . www.westerville.orgCommunity Affairs .. . . . . . . . . . . ... 901-6411Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6863Animal Removal (dead at roadside) . . 901-6740Cemeteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740City Manager’s Office . . . . . . . . . . 901-6400 TDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6413Clerk of Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6410Digging (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-362-2764Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . 901-6403 Electric Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Electrical Outages . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Street Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6700 Tree Trimming Near Electric Lines . . 901-6700Finance Department . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6440Fire Division Headquarters . . . . . . . 901-6600 CPR/First Aid Training . . . . . . . . . 901-6600Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6406Income Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6420Leaf Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740Mayor’s Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419 TDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6418Parks & Recreation Department . . . . 901-6500 Inclement Weather Hotline . . . . . . 901-6888 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6530 Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6500 Everal Barn & Homestead . . . . . . 901-6570

Parks Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6591 Highlands Park Aquatic Center . . . 901-7665 Recreation Program Center . . . . . . 901-6531 Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6560 Shelter Information . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6515 Urban Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6598Permits Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650 Burning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6600 Parade/Block Party . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6410 Security Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6482 Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650 Planning & Development Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6650 Planning, Engineering & Zoning . . 901-6650 Traffic Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6670 Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6816Police Division Headquarters . . . . . . 901-6450 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6470 Detectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6475 Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6482 Recorded Information Line . . . . . . . 901-6879 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6450Service Department . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Sewer Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Sewer Line Maintenance . . . . . . . 901-6740 Stormwater Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Street Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Street Maintenance Repairs . . . . . 901-6740 Trash/Recycling Collection . . . . . . 901-6740

Water Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . 901-6740 Water Line Maintenance . . . . . . . 901-6740Traffic Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6419Tree/Storm Damage (in right of way) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6591 After hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6790Tree Trimming (in right of way) . . . . . . 901-6598Utility Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6430 [email protected] Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901-6770Other Community Service ContactsAirport—Port Columbus . . . . . . . . . . 239-4083Concord Counseling Services . . . . . . 882-9338COTA Bus Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228-1776Delaware County General Information . . . . . . . 740-548-7313Franklin County Board of Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3160 Property Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3696 Voter Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3100Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital . . . . 898-4000Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-8917Westerville Area Resource Ministry . . 899-0196Westerville City Schools . . . . . . . . . 797-5700Westerville Historical Society . . . . . . 891-0821Westerville Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882-7277Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 794-0401

Westerville Community Contacts All area codes are 614 unless otherwise noted.


A Year of ShutterbugsEvery year, the “Shutterbugs” submitted photo feature that runs in the July/August edition of Westerville Magazine has been overwhelmingly popular. For that reason, we’ve decided to give our readers more opportunities to send in their photos and feature one per issue in this space for 2015.

This issue’s photo was submitted by John Conley.

Please send photo submissions to [email protected] by July 31 to be considered for the September/October issue. Photos must be high-resolution and horizontal.

Wes t e r v i l l e C i t y Coun c i l(Back left-right) Michael Heyeck, Vice Chair Larry Jenkins, John Bokros and L. Pete Otteson. (Front left-right) Vice Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi, Mayor Diane Fosselman and Chair Craig Treneff

C i t y Manage rDave Collinsworth

www.westerville.orgwww.westervillemagazine.com14 July/August 2015

faces By Hannah Bealer Photography by Wes Kroninger

Meanwhile,Back atthe Ranch


During a drive to a grocery store, where a 16-year old Nick Rees would begin his first job bagging

groceries, his father gave him a piece of advice Rees would carry with him for the rest of his career.

“He said, ‘You’ll always be success-ful if you treat everyone you meet as someone you could one day work for in the future,’” Rees says.

Rees took that to heart. Now 57, the Westerville resident serves as president and CEO of the Buckeye Ranch.

Empathy and work ethic are driving forces for Buckeye Ranch leader


The Buckeye Ranch is known as one of Ohio’s top providers of mental health services for children, young

adults and families. The Ranch operates from seven locations that serve central and southwestern Ohio.

Rees was born in Gallipolis, a small village on the banks of the Ohio River. His father was in the Air Force, so Rees moved around a lot. His family would stay in one area for about eight or nine months. They lived mainly in Ohio, Mas-sachusetts and Maine.

Rees attended 11 schools before he reached high school.

“Living like that, you learn how to make friends quickly,” Rees says.

After high school, Rees attended the University of Rio Grande before transfer-ring to Ohio Dominican University. He also took summer classes at The Ohio State University. In 1980, he graduated from Ohio Dominican with a degree in economics and business administration, and accounting.

“In 1980, it was hard to find jobs due to the recession,” Rees says.

But, as fate would have it, Rees inter-viewed with Kroger and landed a job in the company’s accounting department. He stayed at Kroger for 24 years – the most formative years of his career. It’s also where he met Lynne Hartman, his wife of 20 years.

During his time at Kroger, Rees worked in a variety of departments. He did some work for human resources, but spent most of his career in advertising and marketing. He did the company’s sports marketing and was also a spokesman for Kroger.

Through his work with nonprofits and philanthropic endeavors, Rees got to know the Buckeye Ranch.

In 2002, the Buckeye Ranch reached out to Rees and asked him for some help with finding a suitable person to fill an open position.

“We looked around, and eventually we found me,” Rees says.

In 2003, Rees joined the Buckeye Ranch as its vice president of develop-ment. However, leaving Kroger wasn’t the easiest decision.

“I basically grew up there,” Rees says. “I didn’t want to leave.”

Still, after some reflection, Rees says moving on to work for the Buck-eye Ranch was more in line with his career goals.

“I never really felt like I was making much of a difference (with Kroger),” he says. “I always thought I was lacking something, and I never thought I was do-ing anything for the greater good.”

Rees left Kroger, he says, for the “chance to touch a lot of lives.” Through the Buckeye Ranch, more than 3,400 families are assisted each year by the 500 staff members.

Rees still has a great relationship with Kroger, he says. In fact, much of what he learned throughout his career at Kroger has carried over into his role at the Buck-eye Ranch.

“No matter what people ask, I say ‘OK.’ Not, ‘I can’t do that,’” Rees says. “When people ask me to do something, I always try.”

He attributes that attitude to Kroger, but also his mother and father.

“It’s about

doing a great

job for kids

in need.”


“Mom and Dad were hard-working people,” he says. “Dad worked 60 hours a week, but he was always optimistic and friendly.”

Rees’ mother stayed at home for the most part, but during her time at home, she always strove to educate Rees and his brother.

“She took really good care of us,” Rees says. “We read a lot of history; she helped build our imaginations. She continues to drive and motivate us, and she never let us feel like we had failed at anything. Everything I learned prepared me for this job.”

In November 2009, Rees was named president and CEO of the Buckeye Ranch. This made him only the third leader in the Ranch’s history.

When the Buckeye Ranch originated in 1961, it was exclusively for young men. Now, it reaches all genders. The business also changes as knowledge of mental health evolves.

“The business has changed dramatical-ly from when we first started,” Rees says. “Now, we do more work with children who are diagnosed with mental health disorders. And every year, there are more and more issues (with abuse and drugs).”

But, overall, Rees says the organiza-tion’s mission has remained intact. Every day, he says, he strives to keep the tradi-tion alive.

“It’s about doing a great job for kids in need,” he says.

Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at [email protected].

• Artist Soutchay Soungpradith continues to evolve his skills

• Dr. Peter Rogers’ book recounts his experience during Civil Rights

Movement

• World War II vet’s memories help keep community informed

• Bill Streetman finds a slimmer waist line – and a new lease on life

• Magic Nate leaves ‘em laughing – without saying a word

RELATED READS www.westervillemagazine.com

• State-of-the-Art Equipment • Botox® & Juvederm® Treatments • Invisalign Preferred Provider • Evening & Saturday Appointments • Most PPO Insurance plans accepted • Nitrous Oxide, Oral & IV Sedation Available

General, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

538 Polaris Parkway Westerville, OH. 43082

614.682.6213 www.northstarfamilydental.com

Christina M. Kulesa, DDS Brooke H. Buller, DDS

With new patient exam, cleaning and x-rays


This year, hundreds of young, fresh faces take on the chal-lenge of presenting new, fresh art to thousands of strangers.

They present their hard work, creativity and imagination at the youth art exhibit at the 42nd annual Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival.

The festival will be held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12 at Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave. The youth exhibit, spon-sored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, is located on the second floor of the Everal Barn.

Students will be divided into five age groups. The Budding Artists group is ages 3-5; group one is ages 6-8; group two is ages 9-11; group three is ages 12-14; and group four is ages 15-18.

Exhibition categories include everything from classic, two-dimensional paintings to innovative, three-dimensional sculptures. These young artists will show their diver-sity, range of styles and approaches to art.

“The focus will be on the actual art. We try to keep each year consistent and to not detract from the artists’ work. And it’s always so interesting to see students using mediums people have used for centuries,”

says John Lubinsky, coordinator of youth exhibits for the festival.

Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, charcoal, tempera painting, pastels, pencil or pen drawings, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber art/wood art, calligraphy, photography, and digital art.

“Every year is exciting because the art is al-ways new and different than the year before,” Lubinsky says. “And it’s always interesting to see how many entries there will be.”

With 134 exhibitors and 318 pieces at last year’s event, it reached the largest number of exhibitors in the past 10 years. This year’s goal is to top that number.

The exhibit coordinators also hope to expand the number of participants in the Budding Artist category. Both winners of last year’s top prizes were in this category. Mashawn Stroh, coordinator of youth ex-hibits for the Chamber, encourages more artists in this category to join.

David Koo, director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville and sponsor of youth exhibits, explains that in previous years, organizers received feedback that there were many children who would like to take part, but were unable to do so because of cost. So this year’s exhibit features new artist scholar-

ships. Art teachers from each Westerville school are given an opportunity to select a student for free entry.

“With the scholarships, we are hoping to see new entrants and, possibly, a more diverse collection of artwork,” Koo says.

Since all submitted artwork must be appropriate for all ages, anyone can enjoy the exhibit.

“It’s great for the little ones to see, and great for adults to see,” Stroh says.

Coordinators stress the importance of encouraging these young artists to contin-ue their craft and practice their creativity.

“I recommend everyone to attend and support these children’s futures in the arts.” Lubinsky says. “This (exhibit) is a way to see how important it is to youth,” Lubinsky says.

The Best in Show prize is judged by qualified, local artists. First, second, third and honorable mention ribbons will be presented in each age group. Festival patrons will also have a chance to vote on their favorites; a People’s Choice Award based on festival attendees’ votes will be awarded.

Lubinsky encourages all to attend and sub-mit their votes for the People’s Choice Award.

“This gives them a chance to choose what impacts them the most,” he says.

in focus By Corinne Murphy Photos courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

Little Artists, Big ImpactA growing number of talented young artists showcase diverse forms of art at festival


Admission to the festival is $1, and ages 16 and under are offered free admission.

For more information about the festival, visit www.westervillechamber.com.

Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at [email protected].

The Best of Show and People’s Choice winners – five for each of the age groups – will be recognized at the awards ceremony 1:30 p.m., July 12 on the Heartland Bank Stage. Winners and their families are en-couraged to attend. Every participant will receive a participation ribbon.

The festival itself attracts approximately 20,000 patrons over the weekend. Visitors can enjoy juried arts and crafts exhibits from more than 140 artists throughout the country, including local artists and civic organizations as part of the Westerville Walkway. Heartland Bank Stage will feature an exciting band lineup and the Teleperfor-mance Community Stage will also feature music and local entertainment.

“The music is phenomenal this year. There’s always a good selection and variety,” Lubinksy says, hinting at an exciting headliner.

There will also be a special area for youth entertainment sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, Roush Honda and Tuffy Auto Service Center-Westerville, and a silent auction sponsored by Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital.

Little Artists, Big Impact

• Organizers ramp up the kids’ activities at 40th annual arts fest

• Public art project benefits the city’s parks foundation

• More trolley rides are just one adjust-ment made to the 2014 Music & Arts Festival

• Palette knife and paint brush are tools of the trade for Dennis J. Rano

• Uptown business owners offer artistic opportunity to seniors and the disabled


An aerial view of displays at the youth art exhibit, located in Everal Barn

http://www.westervillechamber.com


Shutterbugs!

SHUTTERBUGSSPONSORED BY

April Delahunty

Life through the lens of Westerville residents

Alice Miglets


Shutterbugs!

Roger Howard

Chris Sharp

Marc Kielmeyer Keith Ratliff

J. Rexroad

Jeff Laine


George A. Zonders

Amy Parry

John Baker

Teresa Bohrer

Toni Perkins

Kelli Porter

SHUTTERBUGSSPONSORED BY

Sarah Glassburn

For more Shutterbugs visit

westervillemagazine.com

The story behind this photo:www.westervillemagazine.com


Preferred provider for Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Metlife and many other plans.

6027 S. Sunbury RoadWesterville, Ohio 43081(Sunbury Plaza Shopping Center)

(614) 895-4722www.shelleythompsondds.com

Accepting New Patients

Marc Hatton

Amy Weimer

Tim Hull

We are proud to announce ourdeficiency free state survey

conducted by Ohio Department of Health!

Stop by for a visit and see what we are all about!

Country View of Sunbury 14961 N Old 3-C Highway

Sunbury Ohio 43074740-965-3984

www.countryview-sunbury.com

Congratulations to our staff and residents!

DEFICIENCY FREE!


living By Matthew Kent Photos courtesy of Mary Jane Hitt

Home Is Where the Heart IsHouse built in 1924 is one of the highlights of annual tour

Mary Jane Hitt and her husband, Bill, live at 15 W. Plum St. and will open their doors to visitors as part of this year’s Tapestry

of a Town. The Hitts have owned their prairie-style bungalow home, which was built in 1924, for about two years and moved to Westerville for their retirement.

Mary Jane says the historic structure was owned by the same family for 50 years. After it was purchased by neigh-bors living next door, it was given a complete makeover. However, the Hitts eventually stepped up and bought the 2,600-square-foot home after it was put on the market again.

The home has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, and an outdoor living space featuring a deck, patio, a fire pit and other amenities.

“It’s just the perfect size house for re-tirees who have family in the area,” Mary Jane says. “This is a home that you walk in, and you are at home. It just feels good; it feels cozy and warm, and it just feels like the place we enjoy and our guests enjoy.”

Mary Jane also says she be-lieves it’s always enjoyable to take a peek inside someone else’s home, whether it’s a public space or private property, and thinks Tapestry of a Town will be an enjoyable time for the general public.

“It’s just fun to get ideas and translate them into your living environment, and it’s for such a great cause, and it’s just fun to walk the streets and see other people doing the same thing, just out and about on a Sun-day afternoon,” she says. “So I would say the more the merrier. We’re going to have our doors open and hope that lots of people will come.”

Historic homes like the Hitts’, busi-nesses and city buildings in Westerville will be showcased as part of the third annual Tapestry of a Town event July 26, which offers a firsthand look inside various struc-tures while also showing off their character.

The event, hosted by the Westerville Habitat Partnership, will bring visitors

to 11 different sites in the city as part of a self-guided walking tour. All proceeds directly benefit projects supported by Habitat for Humanity.

Kay Hedges, who serves as co-chairwoman of the event, says Tapestry of a Town was created after the partnership thought there might be an opportunity to show off different sites in Westerville that people might not know much about. The organization also holds an annual pro-gressive Christmas concert through three of its part-ner churches.

Hedges says Tapestry of a Town’s mis-sion is to not only raise money for Habitat, but also highlight homes and businesses in an effort to help people learn more about them.

“I think everybody wins with our event. We’re really proud of it, and it seems to have been well-received,” she says.

The first event in 2013 drew about 400 people, guided through the city by a map that allows visitors to start where they wish. Pictures of the sites, addresses and background about each location are provided, while docents and greeters are on hand to provide further information.

Almost half of the sites on the Tapestry of a Town tour, which runs from 1-5 p.m., are residences. These locations proved to be popular with attendees in 2014. Nearly all the locations this year are located on the west side of State Street, and many sites are clustered together in an effort to make the tour more convenient for visitors.

Hedges says Tapestry of a Town show-cases the best of Westerville and what it has to offer.

“I think Westerville is such an inter-esting town, and one of the reasons we called it the Tapestry of a Town is that we think there’s so many interesting sites in Westerville,” she says. “There’s a lot of his-

The prairie-style bungalow home was purchased by the Hitts about two years ago and has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, an outdoor living space featuring a deck, patio and fire pit, and other amenities.


Home Is Where the Heart Is

tory that is centered here, and we’re really proud of that and we’d like people to be aware of the town where they live and how interesting it really is. I really like seeing people learning about the uniqueness of Westerville and really appreciate people supporting Habitat, because every penny we raise goes toward the building projects of our program.”

Tickets for Tapestry of a Town, which are $10 each, can be purchased at the Westerville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 20 W. Main St. Tickets will also be available for purchase during Sunday


• Walking tour highlights the elements that help make Westerville what it is today

• Historic building techniques made 145-year-old house new – and old – again

• Garden rooms and copious blooms define prize-winning garden

• Movoto names Westerville best suburb

• Musical couple’s garden a highlight of 2014 WesterFlora Garden Tour

Tapestry of a Town Sites

Local History Museum at the Wester-ville Public Library

110 S. State St.

Private residence, formerly a B&B93 W. College Ave.

Private residence, moved from Otterbein University’s campus

112 N. West St.

Residence of Otterbein president 111 N. West St.

HGTV house, private residence 119 S. Knox St.

Private residence 15 W. Plum St.

Battelle Fine Arts Center/Riley Auditorium

170 W. Park St.

First Presbyterian Church 41 W. College Ave.

Ohio Art Market 30 N. State St.

Hanby House 160 W. Main St.

A Gal Named Cinda Lou 20 N. State St.

morning services in July at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 N. Sunbury Rd.; Church of the Messiah United Method-ist, 51 N. State St.; Church of the Master United Methodist, 24 N. Grove St.; First Presbyterian Church, 41 W. College Ave.; and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd.

For more information on Tapestry of a Town, visit www.tapestryofatown.org.

Matthew Kent is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at [email protected].

http://www.tapestryofatown.org


By Christina Szuch

A Drive to SucceedSchool supply drive assists kids in need

For many children, going back to school brings more challenges than just getting used to waking up early or trying to remember math they learned last year.

Some families struggle to afford the school supplies needed each year. Those are the families the PRIDE Committee of OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus seeks to help.

The PRIDE Committee is a collabora-tive effort among all campus departments. Committee members include OhioHealth associates and community volunteers. Their focus is on the spirit of learning, pride, networking service and giving back to the greater community. One of the ways they work toward this goal is by holding a school supply drive each summer for children in need.

Janet Scott, director of Westerville Medi-cal Campus, says starting the supply drive seemed like “a natural thing to do.”

The drive began six years ago, when the campus opened. The committee had a partnership with Westerville City Schools, and the district’s enrollment center was located on its campus.

Thanks to individuals who donated a variety of school supplies, the committee was able to distribute much-needed items to students. Students qualifying for free or reduced price lunches were identified as recipients.

The drive has grown and changed over time. Since the application system for free and reduced lunches is now submitted online instead of in person, PRIDE has formed a new partnership with the Kids Lunch Club to distribute supplies.

The Kids Lunch Club, sponsored by the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, provides free lunches and fun activities for children over the summer. This year, donations – particularly backpacks – will be collected throughout the summer and given to students at the Kids Lunch Club in August.

The PRIDE Committee hopes to con-tinue the drive and its partnership with

WARM for years to come. Last year’s drive helped three Westerville schools, at which 74 percent of students qualified for free and reduced lunches.

“It’s really eye-opening to see that there is this need within our community,” says Melody Brown, volunteer coordinator at Westerville Medical Campus.

With such a great need comes an even greater amount of appreciation. Karen Ga-bay, an administrative assistant at Wester-ville City Schools, recalls some of the most inspiring moments of the drive.

One young man, she says, came in wearing a pair of men’s shoes that were just barely held together with duct tape. In addition to school supplies, they were able to give him a better pair of shoes.


• Westerville Fund’s assistance helps local organizations improve the community

• Kiwanis members work hard for Westerville’s youth

• Cutting-edge technology and real-life experience highlight Innovation Generation

• W.A.R.M.’s summer program keeps kids fed when school lunch is not an option

• Unique educational initiatives are still target of revamped foundation

Gabay also tells the story of a little girl who was one of eight children in her family and could not believe she was getting her own backpack and supplies to bring to her first day of kindergarten.

“She went skipping down the hall with her new bag,” Gabay says. “As she got half-way down the hall, she turned around and ran back to give everyone in the enrollment center a hug.”

Anyone interested in donating can visit www.warmwesterville.org.

Christina Szuch is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at [email protected].

Volunteer Jean Welte poses with donated supplies.


MADE TO ORDERRobust handles. Impressive power. Generous capacities. GE Café™ Series

delivers restaurant-grade performance and style that takes food further

and kitchens from everyday to gourmet.

To learn more, contact your dealer or visit geappliances.com 6295 Maxtown Rd. Westerville, OH 43082Cathy Polta: [email protected]

what’s your style?Luxury LivingPenny Robinson-

Huddle(614) 716-9337

Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the Westerville school district. Your listings will also appear in

the digital edition at www.westervillemagazine.com

Contact Robin Weitzel today for more information:

614-572-1252 [email protected]

WHERE ARE YOU?

Fantastic renovation in Shelbark Ridge. This lovely stone & stucco home is move-in ready! So many lavish trim details along with solid wood doors give

this home a rich feel. It features a grand 2 story entry and great room, 1st floor owners suite with spa bath and more. 6175 Wingstem Street. $412,500.

ERA REAL SOLUTIONS REALTY www.TheClarkRealtyGroup.com


Sweet Tacoin’ Man

on the table By Garth Bishop Photos courtesy by Yabo’s Tacos

Chicken-pork one-two punch propels Yabo’s to victory

For someone who used to enter major, national-level gourmet cooking competitions, taking home an award for tacos is an unusual experience.

But Scott Boles – owner of Yabo’s Ta-cos, which opened its original location in Westerville in June 2011 – isn’t complain-ing about winning “Westerville’s Tastiest” at the 2015 Taste of Westerville for the restaurant’s chicken and pork tacos.

“To enter a taco, and for it to win, is just mind-blowing,” Boles says. “The compli-ment was very much appreciated.”

Since opening its doors on state Rt. 3 four years ago, Yabo’s has added locations in Upper Arlington and Powell, as well as a food truck. Boles is scouting for ad-

ditional locations, but that’s not the full extent of his expan-sion hopes.

“ We ’ r e r i g h t now in the process of working on … building (Yabo’s) as a franchise,” he says. “… I did not create this idea just to be a store. I (always) intended this to be a franchise.”

The former Disney Corporation ex-ecutive chef has long been fascinated by indigenous recipes from throughout the country, and parlayed that experience into

Yabo’s when he and business partner Brent King started it.

“I’m not Mexican, and I’m not going to fake it, but I have a vast experience from basically living from coast to coast,” says Boles. “Much of what we do is just Americana in a tortilla.”

To wit: the seasoning for those winning chicken tacos – as well as the fish and shrimp varieties – comes from a Mississippi recipe. The shred-ded pork is derived from a North Carolina barbecue recipe. The shred-ded beef tacos come from a Kansas City short rib recipe. And frequent experimentation leads to regular taco specials, such as a Cuban pork, gyro, buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch and Philly cheesesteak.

A handful of sauces – including Serrano lime, chipotle, strawberry habanero and the super-hot Garlic Fire-Breather – round out the taco options, though Yabo’s also offers such items as burritos, bowls and quesadillas. “Westerville’s Tasti-est” isn’t Yabo’s only award of late; the Garlic Fire-Breather sauce also

recently took “Best Overall” among 750 competitors at a Dallas fiery foods com-petition, Boles says.

The 12th annual Taste was held in April at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North, having outgrown its previous home at the Lakes Golf and Country Club. Other win-ners were Bess’ Cakery, which took “Best Presentation” for its mini cupcakes, and Polaris Grill, which took “People’s Choice” for the fourth year in a row, this time for its Cajun shrimp and grits.

Other food providers represented were Buffalo Wild Wings, Cantina Laredo, Cher-yl & Co., City Barbeque, Crowne Plaza Columbus North, Embassy Suites Hotel, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Friendship Village of Columbus, Giammarco’s Pizza & Pasta, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Great Harvest Bread Company, Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub, Koblé Greek-Italian Grill, Little Caesars Pizza, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, Nicole’s Catering, the Rusty Bucket, Sam’s Club, Sandman Gourmet Deli & Catering and Star Lanes Polaris. Beverages were pro-vided by Firebirds, North High Brewing Co., Quail Crossing Cellars, Meza Wine Shop, Temperance Row Brewing and Wa-tershed Distillery.

Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at [email protected].


Sweet Tacoin’ Man

Yabo’s Slow-Roasted Pork

• 2 lbs. Boston butt pork shoulder• 5 oz. Yabo’s spice blend*

Place in full-size, 4-inch-deep, stain-less steel roasting pan. Place the pork into the pan and rub all sides with Yabo’s spice blend. Cover pan with cling wrap and then cover with aluminum foil to ensure pork is sealed well.

Place in slow roaster. Cook and hold, and set roast temperature at 285 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours. Set the hold temperature for 170 degrees to hold meat until shredding. Check internal tempera-ture with a meat thermometer of pork to a minimum temperature of 170 degrees.

Using a grill turner or meat spatula, cut the roasts into 3- to 4-inch segments. From there, continue to shred pork with two forks pulling apart, until meat is in uniform and small strands.

Serve, or place into deep pan and wrap tightly with cling wrap to serve later.

* Yabo’s spice blends are proprietary, Boles says, but home cooks can simply buy the blends themselves.

Other winners were Bess’ Cakery (top) for “Best Presentation” and Polaris Grill taking “People’s Choice.”


• Decorations and on-site preparation propel the Lakes to Taste of Westerville victory

• Franchise’s heavy-laden cupcakes capture hearts in Westerville

• Heritage Middle School’s new after-school club offers students nutritious choices

• New and upcoming restaurants in Uptown Westerville

• Area vendors offer own flavor to 4th Fridays

Design BuilD remoDelersDav e

FoX

www.davefox.com | 614-459-7211

Design | BuilDKitchens

Bathrooms

Whole housesunrooms

outDoor living

room aDDitionsBasementsmuDrooms

est. 1982

Phot

os (2

) cou

rtesy

of W

este

rvill

e Ar

ea C

ham

ber o

f Com

mer

ce

http://www.cityscenecolumbus.com/Westerville/May-2015/Area-Vendors-Offer-Own-Flavor-to-4th-Friday/


Recommended Reads from Susan Carr, Youth Services Librarian

Recommended Reads from Megan Chrusciel, Adult Services Librarian

bookmarks From the Westerville Public Library

Loose Tooth By Anastasia Suen (reader)Peter is accustomed to losing teeth, so another loose tooth is no big deal – ex-cept that it’s picture day at school, and Peter doesn’t want a hole in his smile.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy By Jeanne Birdsall (juvenile fiction)Good times and trouble awaits four sisters, their friend Jeffrey and their trusty hound dog during a summer spent at a Massa-chusetts cottage.

Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome By Robby Novak and Brad Montague (nonfiction)Ten-year-old YouTube sensation Robby gives a pep talk in book form, plus awesome informa-tion on how he be-came Kid President.

The Distance Between Lost and FoundBy Kathryn Holmes (teen fiction)Hallie must confront being bullied by a popular classmate in order to survive after she becomes lost during a hike at church camp.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk By Adele Faber and Elaine MazlishDown-to-earth suggestions and respectful solutions provide you with the know-how to make your relationship with children less stressful and more enjoyable.

Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money By Dave Ramsey and Rachel CruzeThis common-sense approach starts with the basics of work-ing, spending, sav-ing and giving, and moves into more challenging issues such as avoiding debt and paying for college.

The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way By Amanda RipleyThrough the eyes of three teens sent to schools in top-performing coun-tries, learn how other cultures have achieved academic greatness and how we might apply it to our own educa-tion system.

Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures By Amber DusickYou love your kids, but sometimes being a parent stinks. This book won’t help with that, but it will make you laugh about the frustrating moments and letyou know you’re not alone.

www.westervi l lemagazine.com

INSIDECIty REpoRtERWesterville News and Informationpoetry power

Flying High in Westervilletapestry of a town

Westerville inresidents’ photos

Shutterbugs

Contact Robin todayfor special first-time Advertising Rates!

GET NOTICED!

Robin Weitzel614.572.1252

[email protected] Westerville Public Library

126 S. State St. • Phone: 614-882-7277 • www.westervillelibrary.orgMon.-Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun.: 1-6 p.m.

The Annual survey is conducted by The Ohio Department of Health. Congratulations to our staff and residents for completing the annual state survey! Our exceptional care and top notch staff proved our patients come first!

Highbanks Care Center Provides Short-Term Rehabilitation Long-Term Care Private Rooms with Private Showers Beauty Salon 24 Hour Nursing Care Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy 7 Days a week

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

Stop by and see what all the talk is about: 111 E Lazelle road

West Worthington Ohio 43235 614-888-2021

DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE



PROUD TO ANNOUNCE



DEFICIENCY FREE

proud to announce

The Annual Survey is conducted by The Ohio Department of Health. Congratulations to our staff and residents for

completing the Annual State Survey! Our exceptional care and top notch staff proved our patients come first!

SunLight Cleaners Ad • Westerville MagazineJuly/August 2015 • Full Page

Contact: David McKean, Advertising Director, The Hadler Companies • 614-457-6650 • [email protected]

Come to peace with your laundry.

Our laundromat or wash/dry/fold service has you covered.

20 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081Westerville Square Shopping Center - Near Walmart

(614) 891-7187

5018_67392 • Mount Carmel • Srtoke Ad- Westerville Magazine/ Healthy New Albany Magazine • TRIM: 8.25” x 10.875” (LIVE: 7.25x9.875) • 4c • rlf • V1-6/4/15 >>FULL VALUE

THE RIGHT CARE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

IN THE WORLD.

WITH A

STROKE

To learn more about stroke symptoms, or to take a free stroke assessment, visit mountcarmelhealth.com/fast.

A stroke changes the

world. For the person

who had the stroke,

and for everyone

whose life they’ve touched. With three certified Stroke Centers,

Mount Carmel is right here with award-winning stroke care.

You’ll have the personalized care of a Stroke Coordinator to

help you through your treatment and recovery. If you need care

or therapy after your stroke, we’ll help guide you through the

transition with our network of trusted providers. The stroke

centers of Mount Carmel. A world of difference. Because of you.

westerville magazine july/august 2015

Documents