Vol. IX, No. 2 • FALL, 2021 M A G A Z I N E TM Reynoldsburg’s Finest. Motorcyle Unit Officer David Wilson “Exhilarating....” One-on-one with former State Health Department Director Stephanie McCloud Preston Stearn: Mr. Reynoldsburg THE REAL ESTATE ISSUE Our Ever Growing City Reynoldsburg Magazine PO Box 357 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID EDDM Retail **************ECRWSSEDDM**** Postal Customer
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Reynoldsburg What’s inside this fall: M A G A Z I N E TM The editorial and advertising content of The Reynoldsburg Magazine is published under the supervision of the Reynoldsburg Visitors and Community Activities Bureau, Experience Reynoldsburg. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Page 7 Publisher Les Somogyi Contributing Writers Andrew Bowsher Kiki Caines Debbie Dunlap Marquetta Hayes Natalie Morrison Lisa Sherck Contributing Photographer Janet Adams Content Advisor Odella Lampkin-Crafter Vol. IX., No. 2 • Fall, 2021 Our front cover features Reynoldsburg police officer David Wilson, a member of the motorcycle unit, who underwent intensive training this summer to keep us safe. Details on Page 29. Publisher’s Column ......................................................................... 4 How to get a mortgage ..................................................................... 7 Buy or Rent? Which is better for me? ............................................. 9 Announcing the 2021 essay and photo contest ................. 11 Briarcliff’s Preston Stearns...A classy public servant..................... 13 Cornerbrook Farm: Nature - brought inside the living room ...... 14 Reynoldsburg real estate developments - Our city growing ........... 16 Reynoldsburg’s Stephanie McCloud on the world stage ................ 20 Reynoldsburg fall and winter activities .......................................... 24 Reynoldsburg Helping Hands food drive ....................................... 27 “We saw it in Reynoldsburg” Scenes from the city ........................ 29 My home: Make it simple ............................................................... 31 Oui, monsiseu! French desserts right here on Brice Road ............ 35 Parting Shots .................................................................................... 38 Page 13 Page 14 Page 29 Page 35 Page 38 7357 E Main St• Reynoldsburg www.huntersflorist.com 614.866.1336 voice 1.800.301.6294 toll free Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 "Fresh and beautiful flowers arranged by your Reynoldsburg floral professionals" 3
Returning to normal. Are we or arent’we? Chime in, Reynoldsburg! Letters to the Editor Commenting on the content of this publication or in general about the city, is more than welcome. We are starting a new program in the Spring giving our residents and readers a platform to sound off. Only well-written, well-thought-out, respectful, courteous and timely letters will be considered for publication on a limited basis. It’s Reynoldsburg Magazine’s efforts to create conversation and input into the well-being of our city. Please send your contributions to lsomogyi@ameritech.net. by Jan 20, 2022. Publisher’s Column by Les Somogyi French bakery right here in our city I was both delighted and apprehensive about assigning Lisa Sherck, our restaurant reviewer, the job of tasting French delicacies in Reynoldsburg for review. Why? Because I did not know how it was going to go down. But when I read Lisa’s review, I was totally surprised. She figured out a sweet way of telling an unusual restaurant review story by including her family in the tasting process and making reference to her previous visit to France. Lisa has done an incredible job with Le Vieux Lyon in Reynoldsburg. Good luck to a nice Reynoldsburg couple, the owners of the bakery, making a French Midwest splash here. We love it. Writing and photo contest Reynoldsburg Magazine is returning to some old times, when we involved our readers with submitting entries in a contest. Back some years ago, it was only a photo contest. We are happy to announce the lauch of an essay and photo contest in this issue. Check it out on Page 11. Thank you so much to local writer Jen Knox for stepping up and creating the contest and to Janet Adams, our staff photographer, for jumping in an taking the contest a step further. These two ladies are gems of Reynoldsburg, caring and loving individuals who don’t mind the extra work in the hopes of involving the people of the city. Winners of the Fall contests will be published in the Spring, 2022 issue of Reynoldsburg Magazine. Police motorcycle training Seeing police motorcycle units on the streets might be a rare and sometimes intimidating Jen Knox 4 scene, except for me. This summer, I have witnessed the instruction of dozens of police officers from all over the Central Ohio area, and from the state, being trained on Harleys, thanks to a program by the Columbus Police Department’s motorcycle unit. They conducted a full summer of training at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Road campus parking lot. Believe me: You have got to experience the vision of a 900-pound, two-wheeled monster going at full speed and then stopping on a dime. Easy? Hardly. Dangerous? For sure. See my report on Page 29 featuring Reynoldsburg police officer David Wilson’s turn at this exhausting and grueling training. The real estate issue feature One of the items in our real estate issue is a review of an unusual home in Reynoldsburg: The Cornerbrook Farm on Taylor Road. The home was built about 81 years ago but it stacks up in beauty and design with any of the nice homes in our area. The idea, by C. W. Brook, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, was to bring the outdoors inside. This home is just that, plus more. Read Janet Adams’ review on page 14. More pandemic news As we publish our fall issue, the global pandemic has not yet released its grip on us. Reports of virus flare-ups are dogging us and, clearly, we are not out of the woods yet. Masks have returned and the pandemic is still a huge liability. I interviewed former Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud for this issue, a woman who spent her working days dealing with a global health crisis, a big part of which is right here in Ohio. There are no clear answers. There are no clear short-range solutions. The battle continues and we are lucky that we have a woman who hails from Reynoldsburg but has lauched her efforts into a global scene. Since the interview, Stephanie has returned to her former position to head the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Good luck, Stephanie! Your local community is totally behind you. We appreciate your incredible leadership and we are so proud of you. Food drive for Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Reynoldsburg Magazine is proud to sponsor the Fall-Winter Food Drive benefitting Reynoldsburg Helping Hands. The event will be held November 6, 10 am - 2 pm at the food pantry on East Main Street. Food drop off only. Rain or shine. Please come out in droves. Non-perishable food only, please. Chamber of Commerce Fund Raising Annual Dinner/Auction, one of the major fund raising events of the Chamber of Commerce will be Nov. 16 at the VFW Hall on Waggoner Road. We are encouraging all local businesses to take part in this event. To donate or volunteer, please call Acting Executive Director Susan Brusk at 614866-4753. School levy It’s been about 10 years since the schools asked for more money. But years of wear and tear on Hannah J. Ashton Middle School and the tremendous growth in the number students necessitated the school board to go back to the voters. On Nov. 2, the district will ask voters to consider a 4.9 mill bond issue (3.9 for building and 1.0 for general improvements). If the issue is approved by the voters, it would provide: • Construct a new Middle School; • Build a new Early Learning Center where the Graham Road building currently sits; • Repurpose Waggoner Middle School into an elementary school; • Address increased enrollment in our elementary schools; • Upgrade electrical and technology systems to accommodate modern learning; • Consolidate the district’s business offices for greater efficiency; and, • Create a Permanent Improvement fund to maintain buildings and facilities in the future. Campaign chairs are Tori Begeny and Aria Ragland. For information on the bond issue, please visit Reyn.org and click on Planning for Our Future, or www.forreynoldsburgschools.com. Preston Stearns What a pleasure sharing with you a timely personality sketch about a man who dedicated several years of his life to public service and the beneficiary of that service was Reynoldsburg. Preston has been an icon in shaping Reynoldsburg’s present and future. A sweet, soft-spoken, kind gentleman, his presence in our city touched my life and the lives of many others. His family has been close to Reynoldsburg Athletics as his granddaughter, Ashton Grigley, played tennis on my team. Thank you to our Staff Writer Debbie Dunlap for spending time with Preston to get us the story. Page 13. Dr. Hickman A brand new building on Main Street in Reynoldsburg but an existing practice. Dr. Hickman’s new stone-brick-wood building is a nice addition to Reynoldsburg’s streetscape. Good luck, Dr. Hickman and thank you for investing in our city. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 • Provide flexible learning spaces for today’s educational models;
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What you need to know before you can get a key to a home in your home and making repayments for many years to come, so make sure you shop around and do your homework. When you carefully choose a by Marquetta Hayes Mortgage Originator Heartland Bank, Reynoldsburg P purchase of your life thus far, so you will want to ensure that everything runs smoothly. As a potential first time home buyer you may first wonder, “Should I rent or buy?” Here’s what you need to do: especially if it is your first home. It’s likely the largest Objectives. Why do you want to buy a home? Need more room? Downsizing? Tired of paying a monthly rent for nothing in return? Determine Your Needs. Prioritize what is most important to you in a home (style of home, size of home, neighborhood, schools, cost, etc.). Keep in mind, there is a difference between what you need and what you want, so be realistic. Become Informed. If you’re a Determine Your Buying first-time home buyer, learn everything you can about the buying process. Research the market by searching the Internet to see what homes are for sale in the areas you desire, as well as looking at classified ads and homes for sale magazines, and maybe even driving around neighborhoods you’re interested in. After that you should have a good feel for what’s available. Get Your Financing in Order. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 urchasing a home is without question a daunting task, home you can afford, the outcome can be significant. By paying your mortgage, you are building equity in a place of your own. Equity is the portion of the property that you actually own. It is important to stay in a home long enough to build equity. This allows you to “keep” some of what you’ve paid. Also, while you’re making your payments, your home generally appreciates in value. After a number of years the equity you’ve paid into your home plus the appreciation will usually overcome the extra money you had to pay to get into the home. Once an Owner, Always an Now that you know how much you can afford, you will be able to shop and compare the different types of mortgages and determine which one fits you the best. Finding Your Best Fit Mortgage Types Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): • Offers a fixed initial interest rate that is often lower than Fixed Rate Mortgages. • Rate and payment will adjust after the initial period. Payment may go up or down. Fixed Rate Mortgage: • The interest rate is set for the length of the loan Owner: A first home often leads to a better second home. Owning and properly maintaining the property also offers a sense of accomplishment. Sense of Pride: This is a “feel good” reason -- but it’s true, at least for most people. You’ll have a greater sense of accomplishment when you own a home. How much home can you FHA Mortgage: • A conventional loan insured by the Federal Housing Authority. Pros • ARM - Initial interest rate is often lower than market rates. Rates after the initial period may be lower than the fixed rates offered at that time. • Fixed - You know exactly what your monthly payment will be for the entire term of the loan afford? After you determine whether you want to rent or buy, you will need to determine a price you can afford. According to a general rule of thumb, you can afford a home that costs two and a half times your annual salary. But determining how much you can afford to spend on a home is not quite so simple. Since most people finance their home purchases, buying a home usually means getting a mortgage. So, the amount you can afford to spend on a home is often tied to figuring out how large a mortgage you can afford. To figure this out, you’ll need to (usually 15, 20, or 30 years). • FHA - Allows home buyers to purchase homes with lower down payments. Lenders using the program will often allow lower credit scores and higher debt ratios to qualify for the mortgage. Cons • ARM - Your rate and payment could increase after the initial period is over (usually 5 or 7 years). It is important to know how much your payments can increase and if you can afford the take into account your gross monthly income, housing expenses, and any long-term debt. Banks have the flexibility to provide you the loan program that best fits your needs. To find out how much you qualify for and to learn more about our mortThis is not the time to make any major purchases on a credit card. Remember, you’ll probably be living gage programs visit our financial calculators can help you compare the cost of renting versus the real cost of buying a home. highest possible increase. • Fixed - Sometimes these mortgages can be more costly than other mortgage types. • FHA - Borrowers pay an FHA funding fee as well as mortgage insurance. These costs may be higher than private mortgage insurance. Lower down payments mean that it will take longer to build equity in homes. Although higher debt ratios are allowed, borrowers should be careful to consider their ability to make payments. It is possible that the lender may allow the higher ratio but the borrower will not be able to afford the payments. 7
8 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
Make sure you can afford your choice. by Natalie Morrison, Realtor, GRI, SRS, RENE, CTA R eal estate is an extremely large word. From purchasing land to purchasing homes, established pieces of real estate, verses new development. Do you want to own? Do you need to rent? Lease or buy? Maybe you are an investor. It’s big decision. Right? But which one is best for you? Are you someone who moves around a lot? Maybe your job relocates you often? Do you travel a lot and the grass doesn’t grow under your feet? Then renting is a great choice. Sometimes the need to rent is justified because someone is in the process of rebuilding their credit score and qualification to purchase a home. This is a fantastic option for anyone in these situations. If choosing to rent is your only option, proceed with caution. Not all rents are the same. There should be a lease agreeing to establish price and deposits but also the term of the lease. What utilities are paid for by the owner or the tenant. Who is responsible for maintenance. If there is a possibility of terminating Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 the lease early, be sure to understand the lease break fees. Are pets allowed and what fees do they charge for them. Some rentals include amenities like a club house, pool, and fitness. Break down the lease and expenses so you are sure to stay within your budget and lifestyle. Let’s look at the long-term goal. Anything 12 months and longer would be considered longterm. It’s an investment. You are putting down roots and you are building equity. Every mortgage payment made is paying down your principle balance and increasing your equity. When the housing market is growing, you are also building equity because the comparable sales are growing around you. Many people feel home ownership denotes stability. It’s a sense of accomplishment and independence. If you are thinking of buying, do your homework. Purchasing a home is often the largest purchase someone will ever make. Consider the tax benefits and flexibility to modify the home 9 with renovations and updates. Also calculate the costs to maintain the home, repairs, lawn care, and more. When purchasing a home you will need to review your finances with a lender to make sure you qualify for the mortgage, but be sure to include the above mentioned maintenance expenses as well. Home ownership is rewarding but you want to make sure it fits your budget not just what a lender says you qualify for. When making the decision to rent or buy, be sure you can afford your choice and you are considering all aspects. Knowing your timeline and goals will put your decision in perspective. Natalie Morrison is owner of The Natalie Morrison Group at E-Merge Real Estate. She is also involved in Reynoldsburg High School tennis.
Latest Covid protocols are strictly followed Call Sharon Fitzpatrick for information or a tour of this magnificent facility 614-270-1987 When the best care is important Memory Support Program • Assisted Living Rehabilitation Services 245 E. Main St. • New Albany 740-513-3044 10 www.theavalonofnewalbany.com Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
Embracing The New Normal Reynoldsburg Magazine’s Essay and Photo Contests Calling all Reynoldsburg writers! What does it mean to return to normal? What are the joys and challenges? We’d like to hear about your experience via the written word. All stories will be read by a panel of judges selected by Reynoldsburg Magazine staff and the winning stories will be published in Reynoldsburg Magazine’s Spring, 2022 issue. • Submissions should be no more than 400 words. • Only one submission per person. • Poetry, fiction and short essays are acceptable • Identify yourself and your category • Three categories: Adult (18 and over) Young writer ( 13-17) New writer (12 and under) • Please submit writing in the body of an email or Word doc. or docx with 12 pt. font. • Top three stories will appear in the Spring, 2022 edition of Reynoldsburg Magazine with the expressed permission of the entrant. • Submit your entries to Reynoldsburg Author Jen Knox at jen@unleashcreatives.com • DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JAN 29, 2022 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 • Send your submission with the subject line text: Contest Entry: “Your Title” After close to 24 months under the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all grown in ways we never imagined before. For some people, time has stood still and for others, you will never be the same. We would like you to interpret what it means to go back to normal. Break out your camera and illustrate your feelings. Winning photos will be judged by panel of judges selected by Reynoldsburg Magazine staff and the winning images will be published in Reynoldsburg Magazine’s Spring, 2022 issue. ENTRY GUIDELINES • Photos are being accepted in a digital file only: Maximum size 1600 x 2400 pixels, 300 dpi Minimum size 800 x 1600 pixels, 72 dpi • Submissions will be limited to two per person • Two categories: Adult (18 and over) Youth (5-17) • Submit entries to Janet Adams at photodog@janetadamsphoto.com • Winning entries will be published only with the expressed permission of the entrant. • DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JAN 29, 2022 11
Does Your Child Need Help Keeping Up With Schoolwork? Tutoring help is available right now in Reynoldsburg! Low, affordable costs! Services available for children in grades K-8th grade TUTORING TENACITY also provides remote learning accommodations for all students in a safe, adult-supervised, welcoming space where students are supported learning virtually during the day if needed. Additional services include access to the Internet, learning supplies, homework assistance, mentorship programs, and behavioral intervention services. TUTORING TENACITY 1296 Brice Road (in the old Kmart Plaza) - Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Call for more information: (614) 762-2443 Email: tutoringtenacity@outlook.com Website: 4mywishfoundation.com 12 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
SPOTLIGHT Mr. by Debbie Dunlap Longtime Reynoldsburg resident and first Black city councilmember Preston Stearns was born in 1945 in Scottsboro, Alabama, on a 40-acre farm with one mule. He was number 13 of 14 children in the large Stearns family where summers were spent in the hot Alabama heat on the shores of the Tennessee River. Scottsboro was a long way from Reynoldsburg in more ways than one. Some 530 miles separated the two towns, but in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, racism, segregation, and Jim Crow laws drew a deep divide that only mobility could surmount. Stearns, a humble and soft-spoken gentleman, knows that had he stayed in Alabama, things would likely have been very different for him. His relocation north gave Stearns the opportunity to be a trailblazer and a pioneer in Reynoldsburg, sparking change and paving the way for other African Americans to follow his footsteps into political life and public service. Scottsboro is a small town in the corner of Northeast Alabama, where just 14 years prior to Stearns’ birth, the Scottsboro Boys’ trial and their struggle for justice unfolded in dramatic and unforgivable fashion. The case is now widely regarded as one of the worst travesties of justice perpetrated against Blacks in the post-Reconstruction South. It was here Stearns called home. Despite separate schools and Jim Crow laws that prohibited much interaction between Whites and Blacks, Stearns remembers friends of both races. He lived and worked on the farm while going to school in a single structure that housed kindergarten through 12th grade all in one building. But just before his junior year, Stearns’ brother invited him to move to the Columbus area to live with him because he knew that his little brother would receive a much better education in Ohio. So, in 1962, Stearns packed his bags and moved to Columbus where his brother was stationed at Lockbourne Air Base, now known as Rickenbacker International Airport. Stearns enrolled at Marion Franklin High School on the city’s south side, graduating in 1964. After serving in the Army for two years, he began his career at General Motors in Columbus where he spent the next 37 years as a maintenance supervisor. During that time, he met the love of his life, Carolyn. The two were married in 1972 and moved to Reynoldsburg nearly a decade later in 1985. It was in Reynoldsburg at a local Democratic meeting, that he was introduced to Henry Schutte, Reynoldsburg’s City Auditor (and later Assistant Auditor for the State of Ohio). “He was always at city council meetings and always raising hell, I guess you could say,” remembers Stearns. “He was the only Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 Standing by Blacklick Creek, minutes from his Briarcliff area home, where he so proudly represented his beloved neighbors on Reynoldsburg City Council. Democrat to hold an elected position locally at the time, and I thought, ‘Why can’t I bring some change too.’” Stearns ran for a city council seat in 1991 and lost. “But I was very persistent,” he insists. Stearns ran again in 2003 and won, becoming the first Black city councilman in Reynoldsburg’s history. Stearns is very humble in recognizing his trailblazing efforts. But his achievements are nothing short of remarkable and inspirational to those who have followed behind him. “I’m proud to have been a part of this,” he says with a shy grin. “And I hope it continues.” As the fabric and demographics of Reynoldsburg continues to change, Stearns recognizes the importance of strong leadership and his role in helping to pave the path to change. He was a formidable advocate for the YMCA and a community center as a councilman, and for welcoming a predominately Black church at the former Big Bear location, a move opposed by some residents and which resulted in some nasty, threatening letters. It didn’t phase him much. “I was glad to be a part of the change. I just believed that I needed to do what I’m supposed to do as an elected official and I was not going to be swayed by everyone else. I fought for what was right.” Stearns looks forward to continued change in Reynoldsburg – changes in development, changes in the city’s diverse culture, changes that inspire younger generations to step up and serve. “You have to keep the pride of Reynoldsburg going. I hope to see people inspired to get involved in the city,” said Stearns. “I guess I was making good trouble,” he says, chuckling quietly. “I’ve been glad to have been a part of all of this, and I hope change continues well into the future.” Debbie Dunlap is a freelance writer and is a staff member of Reynoldsburg Magazine. She is also President of the Reynoldsburg Board of Education 13 Preston Stearns: Always fighting for what was right eynoldsburg
The Cornerbook Farm: Nature - totally brought inside Home built in 1938 still very much relevant in Reynoldsburg Architectural review written and photographed by Janet Adams S ometimes you stumble upon a home that is unique in all respects: It’s beautiful in its own right, it’s relevant because of our constant yearning for seemingly forgotten beauties of the past, and it’s famous because of who created it. Cornerbrook Farm is a home that’s all of that and more - designed and built by C.W. Brook in 1938. It took two years back then to build. It is a Mission Style, 4,000 square feet home with three floors, six bathrooms, three bedrooms, four fireplaces, eighty-four windows of various different shapes and sizes, and it sits on an over nine-acre piece of land in Reynoldsburg’s far east side. It must have been quite a project in 1938 for a young architect, C.W. Brook, who was a student of the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Fellowship program at the time. Reynoldsburg is the lucky beneficiary of this design and building. 14 Top: Living room flowing with outside influence; Middle: Three shapes of windows reflect the design element to bring in nature from all views; Bottom: The oak floors are original throughout the home. The bay window highlights the room in bright white lights. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
Wright’s architectural teachings suggest that, when done well, there is a seamless integration of interior space with the outdoors. The structure will always tend to promote well being and lots of creativity. It is necessary to bring the outdoors in, human scale being true building scale. And, it’s also essential to edit out the unnecessary. Cornerbrook farms has maintained these features throughout the home. As you drive up a wooded lane to the house you round a corner and see trees, flowers, and bushes to the degree of wild but they are absolutely meant to be that way. You live magically with nature here. Up the stone layer path to the front door you pass ten of the eighty-four windows that bring nature always inside. You pass a window box for plants or natural items that appears to have you outside again with it glass roof and side. Then you arrive into the living room and dining room which are open and flowing together. The living room is an incredible space with its cathedral ceilings and complete with a decoration goose flying in. How much more of the outdoors do we want - in? The south wall is completely windows and looks out into a glassed sunroom. Floor to ceiling bookcase on the west wall and a six by six feet large stone fireplace and built in bar are nestled within the Philippine mahogany paneling. Original wood floors dominate the living room and dining room. A large bay window on the eastside of the dining room was a new design element in the 1930’s and brings in light to all four sides of the first floor. Off the dining room to the south is another sunroom with a curved wall of windows giving perfect light for arts or crafts and a fireplace for winter heat: A practical element Wright used in many of his designs. Cornerbrook Farm was built at a time before freeways and major suburban developments. In time, this all changed around the farm. Over the decades, nature grew overly abundant and provided even more of the outdoors for peace of mind. And that gives way to the simple way of life. C.W. Brook would be happy to see that his design still reflects his study with Taliesin and Frank Lloyd Wright. Nature is everywhere inside and out in this Reynoldsburg home and it’s flowing with creativity and peace as it was meant to be back in the late 1930’s. Above, another view of the living room. Left: Atrium, skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows have you feeling like you are sitting outdoors while you are indoors; Right: Kitchen, cozy and bathed in sunlight a small dining table awaits morning coffee. Janet Adams is a freelance photographer for Reynoldsburg Magazine Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 15 Large pieces of hanging colored glass, rocks from special places and river stones find a home in the window box.
The Eastside Upscaled by Andrew Bowsher The Eastwood development is a mixed-use housing and commercial development comprising of restaurant, retail, office, single-family homes, and apartments. The entire development will be comprised of several parcels just over 240 acres. This planned development is being built by Ciminello Development LLC. Joe Ciminello President has been one of Central Ohio’s largest land developers. Ciminello and his company are known for a variety of upscale neighborhoods, most notably being the Pinnacle in Grove City. 12 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 The Pinnacle development is is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, where you can find Cimi’s Bistro, which is open to the public. Additionally, the surrounding acres is dedicated to hundreds of homes, ranging from starter condominiums to estate lots.
as catalyst to a new area of the City. Eastwood when it’s fully built out, will be home to 1400 brand new homes, state of the art community features, like outdoor recreation, and pools. There will be pedestrian-friendly walking trails, bike paths, and a community center. Along Main Street right across from the Department of Agriculture you will find new shopping and restaurant space, on either side of a new office building, which will serve as the grand entrance to the East Side of Reynoldsburg. This will truly be the Ruby of Reynoldsburg and be one of the finest developments the City has to offer. What’s more, the prices of their condominiums, ranch style cottages, boutique brownstones, and estate lot homes will meet almost all budgets. Andrew Bowsher is Director of Development City of Reynoldsburg Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 17
A Shot In The Arm Reynoldsburg lands major development at Brice and Main Drone image of the Brice and Main site TheAlliance If you have lived in Reynoldsburg long enough, you may have seen a now- vacant property on the corner of Brice and Main. So many of us shopped at the old KMart for decades. Times have changed and economics dictated a new future for this property. This summer, the City of Reynoldsburg and The Alliance, an international Christian organization committed to caring for overlooked people in the this country and throughout the world, came together to establish a new international headquarter for the organization for several reasons. As the idea of moving from Colorado to Reynoldsburg was discussed, a set of criteria emerged that included diversity of population, proximity to the majority of The Alliance’s 2,000 U.S. churches, affordability for staff and operations and most importantly, opportunities for daily interaction with neighbors and local business owners. Reynoldsburg by the friendly, inviting posture of the governmental leadership,” said Robb Childs, Alliance relocation coordinator. His comments validate the aggressive and fruitful campaign of city development leaders to fill vacant but potentially successful properties in the city. The development proposal as “Initially, we were attracted to The first structure to be built will be a multi-story building along Brice Road that will house retail stores, offices for The Alliance, an event center and space for lease on the upper floors. Eventually there will be more retail shops, restaurants and sustainable housing. The Alliance is expected to unveil detailed plans for the development in the spring. One of the key anchors for this new size. John Stumbo, President of The Alliance, led by example, moving into Reynoldsburg right away. “We made the decision to trade the amazing view of Pike’s Peak for the significant vision of a new expression of our work,” he said. development will be the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Reynoldsburg Branch. This addition will result in the demolition of their current facility, and will be replaced with a new state-of-theart two-story library, almost doubling in “We’ve been here for six months and have absolutely no regrets. The welcome of the city has been encouraging, the vision for our future continues to sharpen, and our hope for a solid, long-term engagement with this city that benefits all has been confirmed. We feel rightly situated for our future.” planned by city developers will be a 1015 acre site full of shopping, dining, office space, and housing. The best description of this new development would be something like that of Grandview Yard, or a version of Bridge Park in Dublin or Creekside in Gahanna. 18 Top left, The Alliance President John Stumbo removes ceiling tiles as a part of the interior renovations of the new temporary headquarters; Top right, demolition begins; Bottom, President Stumbo, Reynoldsburg Development Director Andrew Bowsher, and Mayor Joe Begeny, in a friendly game of tomato tossing at the new construction site. What is The Alliance? The Alliance was started in 1887 from a vision by Pastor A. B. Simpson in New York City, who became heartbroken over the plight of the homeless, the immigrant, and the marginalized. Today, it shares this passion to offer tangible help and lasting hope to the world’s neediest people. Through 2,000 churches in the United States and 700 workers in 70 countries, The Alliance pays forward the love of Jesus to suffering and overlooked people in our communities and throughout the world through a wide variety of developmental and compassionate care ministries and initiatives. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
A Mid-Town Gem kicking in a major THIS may be a Realtors’ or a home buyer’s dream. With the Central Ohio housing boom, Reynoldsburg is adding its part in a cooperative effort with M/I Homes and the Griffin Family in providing housing opportunities at the new Spring Hill Farm on Waggoner Road about half way between East Broad Street and East Main Street on the East side. Spring Hill Farm will be the first housing development for M/I Homes in Reynoldsburg in 15 years and more importantly, it is the first single-family housing subdivision being built in Reynoldsburg in about 10 years. Situated on Waggoner Road just south of Rodebaugh Road, this development will be the feature for over 350 owneroccupied, single family homes. M/I is calling this project their “Smart Home Series” with a starting price of $300k to over $400k based on size, model, lots, and upgrades. This project will also help pave the way for vastly overdue improvements on Waggoner Road in the form of tax incentives and pedestrian amenities. According to plans, M/I Homes will construct 100 plus homes a year. Their construction has already begun and the new home lots are already up for sale. Their official ribbon cutting was this summer. THE STORY BEHIND SPRING HILL FARM The Griffin and Oldham Family have been part of the Reynoldsburg community since 1864 when James and his brother bought land on both sides of what’s now known as Waggoner Road after returning from the Civil War. James built a home and prospering farm that is still standing thanks, to many family members’ dedication to preserve it over the years. Collins began his hard work in the late 1800s and passed the farm to his son Clark and his wife Dorothy in 1925. Clark later passed it onto his daughter's son, Rhoderick. Through the years, this farm has been a home to them as their family grew and they created memories. It was a simple life enjoying the farm and nature throughout the years. Clark would take Rod down to the stream as a young child, and they would look for minnow and crawfish. Rod and his brother worked on the farm growing up, and they learned to drive tractors pulling the hay wagon when they couldn't even reach the pedals yet. His grandfather was tough and always had to keep going because if he didn't do the work, it wouldn't get done. Rod and his grandfather became very close, as they The Griffin Family barn which will be preserved on the site. worked together for 19 years before Clark passed the baton over to Rod in 1970. The four generations did everything together. Rod said it was a great place to raise his kids over the years. They would have hayrides and bonfires in the fall, and they would enjoy the woods and creek. As his children grew up and started families of their own, Rod wanted to retire to travel and spend time with his grandkids. Rod is looking forward to spending time with his seven grandkids, camping in the yard and taking them to the creek as his grandfather did with them. for Reynoldsburg development on Waggoner Road A typical single-family home model at the new Spring Hill Farm Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 19 Spring Hill Farm
The woman who is pulling us through the pandemic by Les Somogyi An Ohio University journalism alumna, attorney, and longtime Reynoldsburg resident, Stephanie McCloud has faced the difficult task and the enormous pressure of leading the citizens of her state through a once-in-a-century global pandemic. 20 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
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Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 23
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Inviting the Reynoldsburg community to support a great cause. Unexpired and non-perishable foods only, please Drop Off Only Saturday, Nov. 6 10-2 pm benefiting Organized by the Reynoldsburg Visitors Bureau and Reynoldsburg Magazine This space is generously donated by: REYNOLDSBURG Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 27 Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Pantry 7453 E. Main Street just west of the old church on Main Street Outside, on the parking lot Drop Off Only
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We saw it in Reynoldsburg “Looking Ahead” Reynoldsburg police officer trains on two wheels Photography by Janet Adams police officer on a motorcycle, by Les Somogyi If you ever see a Reynoldsburg try to remember the hard work that went into preparing him for one of law enforcement’s most demanding, physically exhausting, dangerous and highest pressure jobs there is. On this page, David Wilson, one of just Reynoldsburg’s newest recruits in the motorcycle unit, shows what it takes to handle a more than 900 pound beast of a bike, to maneuver, control and make it perform safely during a recent month-long training camp at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus. “You are always surrounded by the unexpected,” said Wilson during a recent Reynoldsburg Magazine interview, sitting in the shade on a hot summer day, during his training day. On the Reynoldsburg beat for only about 18 months, but a veteran of more than a dozen years in various aspects of law enforcement in Cedarville and Xenia, this noticably soft-spoken but obviously tough cop admits the job is “physically challenging.” Yet the “exhilarating freedom of riding on two wheels,” and the power of a HarleyDavidson under his control gives him an uplift that is difficult to describe. “You are always looking what’s ahead of you,” Wilson said. “We are trained to look ahead,” a motto very appropriate for his police department and for his specific specialist training. So if you happen to get caught in Officer Wilson’s radar, (we hope not) just rememReynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 29 ber that he is working very hard - with countless hours of physically exhausting training behind him - keeping our city safe. That is the bottom line. It’s nothing personal.
We saw it in Reynoldsburg In an unusual show of inter-city cooperation, The West Licking Fire District, Reynoldsburg Schools Athletic Department, and the City of Reynoldsburg Water Department came together this summer to clean the Summit Road Tennis Center’s courts, getting them ready for the state’s final boys tennis tournament. About 64 athletes, 20 coaches and about 400 spectators from every part of the state, enjoyed a successful “post-pandemic” atmosphere. Thank you so much for all who made this possible. Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos Top of the tower: Firefighters Barnhill and Rhodes; Under the tower: Firefighter O’Brien. Firefighter Hallissey Firefighters Daniel, Hallissey, Barnhill, O’Brien, Rhodes and Lt. Watling. 30 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
GOOD ADVICE Keep it clean and simple by Kiki Cicak Caines an you imagine living a life free of envy? It’s difficult. We grow up bombarded by media images so beautiful we can’t help but want what others have. There is so much to buy, see, and do. How can we ever be satisfied? In particular, the perfectly staged homes we see on tv can make us feel inadequate beyond belief. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to that gut-wrenching feeling and like all things of balance in nature the solution can be found in the envy’s opposite – Gratitude. Gratitude unleashes a powerful force that not only helps give you the energy to better care for what you have; it also results in the one thing everyone wants – to feel happy. Abundance in life is all a matter of perspective. If you had a studio in Paris with a view of the Eifel Tower you would definitely appreciate it however tiny it was. We may not have the Eifel Tower here in central Ohio but we do have beautiful sunsets and moonlit nights just like Paris. Here are some tips to appreciating and enjoying the home you have. Keep it clean, simple and manageable. A few years back I read Marie Condo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. I had always enjoyed a thorough cleaning instilled by my mother who insisted we spend every Saturday morning cleaning. We would reward ourselves with a lunch at the old Swenson’s restaurant and books from the bookstore at the mall. It was the best feeling to sit on a Sunday morning reading my book in a perfectly clean bedroom. Marie Condo’s book takes cleaning and organizing to a whole new level. The premise is simple really - she recommends you only keep items that spark joy. By ridding your life of items that make you feel guilt, resentment, shame etc. clears massive amounts of clutter and results in a Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 life that is lighthearted and free. It truly is a life-changing book. Bring nature into your home. Add light and life to your home! Houseplants are insanely popular right now and for good reason. Not only are they beautiful, they are beneficial to improving the air quality in your home and help create a Zen-like atmosphere. I also find that taking care of a plant results in a sense of accomplishment and encourages you to slow down. Curb appeal matters I don’t mention curb appeal because we want to impress neighbors or we want our home to be worth more – both may be true but more importantly I recommend a visually pleasing entrance because the front of your home is the first thing you see and can induce a feeling of peace or anxiety. When I come home after a long day and I see an overgrown lawn, my garage a mess or an untidy front porch it immediately stresses me out. But if I come home to a kept yard, a terracotta pot filled with blooming geraniums and swept sidewalks I feel as you should feel when you arrive home – at peace. Engage your family in the discussion on how you want your home to look and feel. With a little bit of elbow grease, vision and an attitude of gratitude you can turn it into your very own castle. Photo Courtesy of Proven Winners Kiki (Cicak) Caines returns to Reynoldsburg Magazine this fall. She is a Reynoldsburg High School graduate and is now the owner of Fisher’s Gardens on Route 256. 31 and managable
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Work With Your Local Reynoldsburg Realty Company Eric Seagle, Realtor/Owner 614-419-5068 ericbseagle@gmail.com Todd Burns, Realtor 614-565-6070 realtortoddburns@yahoo.com Committed to taking care of Reynoldsburg residents • Life-time Reynoldsburg residents • Reynoldsburg Raider graduates Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 www.HashtagHomesOhio.com Email - Text - Call us with any questions, anytime 33
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in Reynoldsburg can save you the long haul... by Lisa Sherck L e Vieux Lyon (translated into The Old Lyon in English) is a French bakery in the heart of Reynoldsburg and is a delightful hidden gem. Though not so hidden now that it has been featured in both the Columbus Dispatch and “Foodies on 4.” When I was given the assignment for reviewing a French bakery, I was a little apprehensive, as I could not see how a bakery in Reynoldsburg, Ohio could compare to the pain au chocolat (croissants stuffed with chocolate) that I had every morning in southern France years ago. When I learned that one of the co-owners, Manira Camara, made all the pastries from scratch, and learned to bake when she lived in France and worked at the pastry shops, I was willing to give it the old college try. To help ensure I had a good sampling of pastries, I enlisted my family, who were visiting from out of town, to help me make a wide selection of the various pastries.We entered the small shop and were immediately greeted by a very friendly and helpful server. He directed us to the chocolate and peanut butter mousse cake. We also selected a wide variety of other delights, such as a sampling of their petit fours, Key Lime Pie, traditional croissant, and an assortment of mini eclairs. The server packaged up our goodies to go in charming to-go bags, which fit perfectly with the atmosphere in the small bakery. We were able to hold off on sampling the appeal of petit fours are the presentation. They are usually colorful and have intricate designs on top. The petit fours at Le Vieux Lyon met the requirements for presentation, and as we cut into them, we realized the color of the design on top indicated the flavor of the individual cake. The cakes ranged from flavors such as lemon, vanilla, chocolate, but hands down, the strawberry was my favorite. The assortment of mini eclairs ($3.50) was delightful as well and had a nice surprise of fruit flavor in the cream as well. Macarons are a type of French pastry that websters defines as a light, often brightly colored sandwich cookie consisting of two rounded disks made from a batter of egg whites, sugar, and almond flour surrounding a sweet filling (as of ganache, buttercream, or jam). Le Vieux Lyon’s macarons were classic and traditional to the concept of the French macarons and were generally fruit flavored. Don’t mistake these delicacies for the macaroons, of which the main ingredient is coconut! Finally, we tried the traditional croissant ($2.99). It flaked apart beautifully and melted in my mouth. What more can you say? Move over, Vieux Lyon, Nouveaux Reynoldsburg has your number! Le Vieux Lyon is located at 1774 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Per its website, it is closed on Mondays, and open from 10:00 to 3:00 during the rest of the week, and open 8:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday. We stopped by on a Friday, and the other co-owner Maohammed Halaoui said the weekdays were slower, and they had even more pastries on the weekend. Based on the amount of food we ordered, I think it was a good thing that we didn’t have more choices! The owners have lived in Reynoldsburg for the last 10 years and opened the bakery two year ago. Since that time, Mohammed said that their customers are a big support and most of them are more than customers, more like family. He said that the city of Reynoldsburg are their biggest supporters and he is very grateful to be part of this community. Mohammed also said the fruit tart is one of the best items, so I would recommend sampling that as well. The website states that some of the items need a two-day advance notice. Most of the items on its website range from $3.00 to $5.00. They also sell breads, large tarts and fullsized cakes, which cost from between $6-10. One word of caution: If you bring a 12year-old into the shop, you may have to get one of everything. Brace yourself! pastries until we made it back to the house, and then we sat down to savor all the wonderful flavors. First up, I needed to try the pain au chocolat ($3.50) before I had other flavors to change the taste. One bite of the chocolate filled croissant, and it seemed like I was back on my vacation in France. It was just as good as I remembered. So, I confirmed that a bakery in Reynoldsburg, Ohio actually could hold its own against French bakeries. Next up was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse ($3.50). I would compare it to the creaminess of a peanut butter pie filling, and a buckeye with the chocolate layers. It was heavenly, and I had to fight off my family for the last bite. After clearing my palette, third up was the Key Lime Pie tart ($3.50). If you like key lime pie, this was amazing. Then we tasted the petit fours ($1.50 each). For some context to the uninitiated, Petit fours (pronounced like petty) are a classic French pastry that resemble very mini cakes. Webster’s defines them as a small sponge cake and frosted. I believe part of the Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021 Lisa Sherck is one of our favorite contributors to Reynoldsburg Magazine as a restaurant reviewer. She loves her assignments and doing a great job of justice to them. She also has a lethal forehand in tennis* (*Publisher’s opinion) 35 Le Vieux Lyon
Building a future for Reynoldsburg athletes The Reynoldsburg Football Parent Assocation For information on how to get involved, please contact: reynoldsburgfootball@gmail.com 36 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
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PARTING SHOTS Splash! PARTING SHOTS Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo The Ballet of Tennis Reynoldsburg High School Senior Skylar Hogan makes tennis look so easy and graceful in this unusual photo captured recently at a high school tennis match. Skylar is a doubles player on the high school varsity team. Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo This is Chris Shook, Reynoldsburg’s City Attorney. We caught him at the highly successful 2021Tomato Festival. We have no word about the recipient of the tomato he heaved. Our neighbors, our friends The Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a luncheon inviting the Bhutanese and Nepali business community to share cultures, communications, business and living in Reynoldsburg. In the above pictures, left, Mon Phuyel, of Yeti Express is shown with Chamber of Commerce Board member Christine Boucher; in the center, pharmacist Dr. Chandra Sinchuri of WellCare Pharmacy is chatting with a chamber participant; on the right, Dhana Poudel, of Laxmi Threading and Spa is shown with Chamber Board member Cindy Music. (Photos by Reynoldsburg Magazine) Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo 38 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2021
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