Vol. IX, No. 1 • SPRING, 2021 M A G A Z I N E TM Read by 20,000 Reynoldsburg residents and businesses The face of Covid Reynoldsburg residents “pour their hearts out” coping with a disruption in their lives Dr. Z An incredible story of perseverance The Baer Farm: A little bit of Montana right ` here on Waggoner Road Reynoldsburg activities this year Reynoldsburg Magazine PO Box 357 Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID EDDM Retail **************ECRWSSEDDM**** Postal Customer
GENE P. JOHNSON REALTY, INC. GJ GENE P. JOHNSON R E A L T Y 40 years on Main Street in Reynoldsburg New location: 6810 E. MAIN ST. REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 614-864-4363 2 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
Reynoldsburg What’s inside: M A G A Z I N E TM The editorial content of The Reynoldsburg Magazine is published under the supervision of the Reynoldsburg Visitors and Community Activities Bureau. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. TM Publisher Les Somogyi Contributing Writers Andrew Bowsher Kiki Caines Debbie Dunlap Lisa Sherck Contributing Photographer Janet Adams Guest Columnists Mayor Joe Begeny Odella Lampkin-Crafter Barth Cotner Pastor John Pierce Mary Turner-Stoots Laxmi Oli Coach Buddy White Content Advisor Odella Lampkin-Crafter Publisher’s Column ............................................................ 4 Dr. Z - A survival story from the war .................................. 9 Days Inn: The hotel that almost wasn’t ............................... 10 Go Outside! ........................................................................ 12 A little bit of Montana in Reynoldsburg: The Baer Farm .... 14 Pour Your Heart Out Reynoldsburg .................................... 17 Reynoldsburg Activities ..................................................... 21 Food from the land of the tallest mountain A restaurant review .................................................. 24 Our Cover Photo Our cover photo features Reynoldsburg High School freshman and tennis ace Kareen Meoko, who graciously posed for our cover symbolizing the state of our affairs: “The Face of Covid.” We are all bound by the mask and what it all means to us. None of us likes it but we all respect it. And we all hope that it’s going to end soon. Thank you to our staff photographer Janet Adams for spending a morning with Kareen and her family to get these images. Vol. IX., No. 1 • Spring, 2021 What’s going in the old K-Mart space? This real estate development will offer a variety of office, restaurant, retail, convention, conference, hotel, and housing space over the next five to seven years. It will truly be the largest development in Reynoldsburg, and create hundreds of jobs, while providing a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy. A variety of options will grace its new storefronts, while businesses will grace the upper floors, of this walkable district at the corner of Main and Brice. In landing this major project, the city courted various possible tenants along the way, but it was a group called Alliance which ultimately successfully brought it all together for what made the best sense for Reynoldsburg. More details in our fall issue. Andrew Bowsher 7357 E Main St• Reynoldsburg www.huntersflorist.com 614.866.1336 voice 1.800.301.6294 toll free Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 "Fresh and beautiful flowers arranged by your Reynoldsburg floral professionals" 3
It’s going to be PUBLISHER’S COLUMN by Les Somogyi In this pandemic Reynoldsburg remains a small speck in the horizon as the Covid ravaged the world but thanks to our foresightful city leaders, we have been able to keep up with it as well as we can. Keeping a close eye on what’s going on in the city, I have been able to conclude that everyone is mindful of the risks associated with it. Most local groups have been meeting via Zoom and mass gatherings have been virtually eliminated altogether. We are not happy about it - not by a longshot - but we respect the situation we were dealt and we are working it to the best of our abilities. There is light at end of the tunnel. We’re winning the fight. Editorial staff additions Janet Adams has joined our staff as a freelance photographer. Janet is a professional cameraman, and we are excited to reap the benefit of her talents. Janet hooked up with us last fall when our paths accidentally crossed. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in photography. She spent 14 years as a staff photographer for Columbus Business First newspaper. Recently, she was not afraid to lay down on the frozen ground in mud, dirt and manure on an exciting magazine assignment to get the best images for our readers. This is what photographers do to follow their assignments. Besides clicking the shutter, Janet is also involved in local charitable activities and raises alpacas on her farm in Reynoldsburg. Her website is www.janetadamsphoto.com. Kiki Caines will debut this issue with advice on gardening and the outdoors. She is a Reynoldsburg High School graduate and owner of Fisher’s Gardens on Rt. 256. Nice to work with young and energetic folks like Kiki. Helping Hands We are so pleased to announce two of the year’s food drives: May 15, Nov 20. These two dates are important in raising awareness in helping a local charity that help our residents who are in need. The food drive is sponsored by Experience Reynoldsburg, and Reynoldsburg Magazine. Please participate with us. More information will be coming through local media and social media. 4 in Reynoldsburg Chamber of Commerce events This is an annual event of the chamber and this year it’s going to be on May 14 at the Westchester Golf Course. We are hoping for a nice turn out since this is one of the chamber’s main fund raising events. All Covid-related protocols are going to be observed. Please contact the Chamber for participation and to donate door prize items. The annual Taste of Reynoldsburg will be June 22 at the Senior Center. Look for more information on the Chamber website and through social media. Please be aware that possible Covid circumstances may apply. International Arts and Cultural Festival As festivals go, this one is still a “go” as of now. May 3,4, and 5 will be a multi-cultural, diverse happening in Reynoldsburg. Keep up with social and local media. Baer Farm Story Chris Baer, a Reynoldsburg attorney and the proud owner of a unique farm on Waggoner Road, has supported and cherished Reynoldsburg as his home and his story is amazingly sweet. His horses, Vegas and Passo, are influential in what Chris is doing every day, celebrating the place where he grew up. Look at this picture. I asked him to move his hat up a little bit, so that we can see his squinty eyes in the pictures. A smile ensued and we got the picture. Dr. Z story Can’t help but comment on the timeliness of Dr. Z’s saga as he chronicles his war story of the Syrian conflict in this issue through Debbie Dunlap’s compassionate reporting. During the time she interviewed him, his Janet Adams Photo New Year’s Eve, 2020 Florida’s west coast. A handful of people, socially distanced, watching the last sunset of the year. Goodbye and good riddance! beloved country was engaged in another major conflict. There were daily news flashes from Syria of bombings and attacks from both sides. Dr. Z, we are so glad you are safe and that you are in our community. High School graduation Covid has not yet relinquished its grip on us and the school board has decided to play it safe. Graduation will be in the high school stadium. Please mark your calendars for RHS’ graduation ceremony on June 1st and 2nd with rain dates of June 3rd and 4th. More information will be available on the school district’s website. Parent University The school district is pleased to present the first in a series of Parent University videos. These videos are additional resources as you navigate talking with your children about important topics, helping them navigate their school career and more. Parent University is a series of pre-recorded videos and live webinars that we aim to produce once a month covering topics such as health and wellness, social media and more. The first video, "Your Child's School and You: Involved Parenting 101," discusses ways you and your children can engage with RCS principals, teachers, counselors and other staff in all three learning models: remote, hybrid and in person. We hope you enjoy this video, visit YouTube at https:// youtu.be/t8AtLMzangA or you can view this and learn more about the program at www.reyn.org/parents.aspx State of The Schools Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown unveiled the 2021 State of the Schools presentation at a recent Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. To take a peak into the future of Reynoldsburg schools, visit the school’s website: www.reyn.org. Les Somogyi Photo Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
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War E Reynoldsburg doctor turns living through terror into meaningful experience Teaches by Debbie Dunlap ntering Dr. Ziad Hennawi’s Reynoldsburg dental office, patients are greeted with comfort and warmth. A living-room style waiting area, complete with an upholstered sofa, wing chairs, a throw blanket, coasters and framed photos ease nervous patients into what can often be a very stressful experience. But not here. “You belong here. Welcome home,” reads one of the many wallhangings in Dr. Z’s office. It’s a sentiment that is not lost on Dr. Z himself, who is finally settling down after years of upheaval and worry, trauma and terror. He has escaped from a region of the world that has not spared anyone immense pain, suffering or inhumanity for a decade, not then and not today. “That’s the journey,” he says about the road he’s traveled to get here. And despite his relaxed demeanor, his soft laugh, his thoughtful pauses and brilliant smile, Dr. Z admits his journey has been fraught with challenging twists and turns. But it has also made him into the compassionate man he is today. Dr. Z grew up in Damascus, Syria, one of the oldest cities in the world. “Growing up there was beautiful,” he remembers. “It was home.” Since he was a child, he has loved working with his hands, tinkering with tools and figuring out how things work. At the young age of 18, Dr. Z entered dental school immediately following high school graduation, traditional in Syria. Two years before he graduated, though, Syria was thrown into a war crisis after protests in 2011 grew into weeks, months, and years of violence. The decade-long war has become one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century with over 400,000 Syrians killed, more than five million Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 “I was way over my head.” Amid all the chaos, Dr. Z met Top, war-torn Syrian neighborhood, at left, Dr. Z recalls the destruction he has lived through. his wife, another volunteer, at the refugee camp, and they married in April of 2013. Not long after, he traveled to California to visit his sister – but soon received word not to return, for his own safety. For the next seven years, he continued to face enormous personal struggles, the separation from his wife and family, the death of his father, and the guilt he felt being away from home. He attended NYU Langone Hospitals and completed two years of Advanced Education in General Dentistry. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University in Massachusetts. His wife eventually joined him Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo refugees, six million displaced, and almost 12 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance, according to the World Bank and United Nations. “Hell broke loose,” remembers Dr. Z of his beautiful country. “I’ve seen things I should not have seen.” One of his friends disappeared and was never seen again. Another was kidnapped and held for ransom. Just before his graduation from dental school in 2013, Dr. Z was asked by a friend to help out at a refugee camp in Damascus where some 1,200 displaced refugees sought food and shelter. He was put in charge of the medical office. “I’m not a doctor. I’m a dentist! Nothing trained me or prepared me for what I was going to see,” he remembers. One night, when he came to the camp to attend injured people, he found himself with a gun to his head. A security officer did not recognize Dr. Z and threatened to pull the trigger. and they now have a two-year-old son. Settling in the Columbus area was comforting to him. “It’s a perfect place for me.” And while he admits that his son is the best thing that ever happened to him, his practice is his pride and joy, where his home is his patients’ home. It’s a place where he can change lives, a conviction born out of the refugee camp in Damascus. “I promise to never dismiss your fear of pain, always listening to your questions and concerns, and working with your fear rather than trying to work around it.” It’s a lesson he has learned first-hand on a journey painful enough that he never could have predicted. Debbie Dunlap is a freelance writer and is a staff member of Reynoldsburg Magazine. She is also President of the Reynoldsburg Board of Education 9
From Ashes To uccess by Les Somogyi he evening of August 9, 2018 will be a day Xia Zhang likely will never forget. His hotel, the Days Inn, he had just purchased out of bankruptcy less than a year before had the making of a Reynoldsburg hotel survives devastating fire and two years of rebuild Xia Zhang, owner of the Days Inn, in the front lobby of his newly renovated hotel on Brice Road, in front of a marble wall where a devastating fire more than two years ago (below) destroyed his business. blockbuster day. The traditional Reynoldsburg area car racing crowd had a hot summer day. Nearly all of the rooms were occupied. Things couldn’t be any better. Then, shortly after 7:30 in the evening, the call came in. His hotel was on fire. More than 150 firefighters from the Truro Township Fire Department and from several area fire stations battled the flames for three days. The Red Cross was called in to accommodate displaced guests. When it was all over he was devastated. Most of Zhang’s hotel was in ashes or under water. It was in danger of collapsing. No one was hurt in the fire, thank goodness. But for Zhang, a Chinese-American businessman, who has been in the hotel business for more than twenty years, the future looked quite bleak. Although initial determinations said that the fire started in an attic, weeks of investigation by fire officials and insurance adjustors revealed that the fire started by a cigarette butt tossed into mulch. Zhang had to make a major business decision: raze the remaining structure or invest in major restoration. Today, he is proudly showing off his hotel and he is confident that he made the right decision to rebuild. He invested millions of dollars to become a successful business venture. He wants to be what he calls a “good neighbor” in Reynoldsburg. His investment in the latest security The nightmare of Aug. 9, 2018. Pictures by local news media showed the carnage of the evening that lasted three full days and left this Reynoldsburg hotel in limbo for more than two years. measures, and his attention to details in check-in procedures to make the business grow in the right direction puts him in the right way to success. Like many small business owners, he works seven days a week, 12 hours a day at the hotel. He is in constant touch with the city and he is open to any and all suggestions by the city’s administration including the mayor, city attorney and the police department. He offers his space to firefighters and police departments for training purposes. And once in a while, if police bring in a homeless person in need of a place to sleep, he responds generously. The Days Inn, the oldest of three hotels in Reynoldsburg, is likely headed for renewed success. Zhang has 152 completely remodeled rooms from the ground up, a banquet hall that’s ready for events, a restaurant and pub and a large swimming pool in the back of the complex that will open this summer if Covid circumstances will allow. For added security and safety, the hotel is equipped with 48 high definition security cameras and strict check-in procedures that are consistent with the latest security measures in the industry. Zhang is excited about his investment in the future. His biggest challenge is to be able to blend in with the community, keep the hotel on the right track and serve the travel industry as part of the established and reputable name of Day Inn in times when travel and hospitality are under a great deal of pressure. 10 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo
Does Your Child Need Help With Keeping Up With Everything in School? Help available right now! Right here in Reynoldsburg! Math, reading, and writing tutoring for children in grades K-5 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. Additional services include access to the Internet and learning supplies if needed, homework assistance, mentorship programs and behavior intervention tutoring sessions. Second Chances Programming Second Chances is help for children in grades K-12 who can no longer make it in traditional school setting. Second Chances links children to a support coach who will provide mentoring services to help students remain in school and graduate. TUTORING TENACITY 1296 Brice Road - Reynoldsburg, Ohio • in the old Kmart Plaza (614) 762-2443 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 11
by Kiki (Cicak) Caines hen I was growing up, I spent more time in the woods behind Rosehill Elementary school than I did in my house. During the eighties it was normal for kids to play outside all day long coming home only to grab a quick snack. I loved those woods - I had several spots where I could sit for hours and anyone who walked by, sometimes within a few feet, wouldn’t even notice I was there. There was a small meadow where wildflowers grew and I would pick a bouquet for my mother. I would go to that woods no matter the season – snow on the ground and ice in the creek – it didn’t matter. It was peaceful and I could sit for hours daydreaming. One fall afternoon I sat still for so long the cutest little mouse climbed up on my shoe. Nature has a healing effect and so I naturally gravitated to the serenity of being alone with the trees and the birds and just knew it made me happy. I don’t need to tell you that spending time in nature is beneficial to your health - it’s a well-known fact and I won’t bore you with the scientific research. I’m sure that like me, you played outside quite a bit when you were a kid and loved it. And I’m also sure that like me, you spent less and less time outside as you got older. Eventually, getting our mail became our “outdoor” time. We focus on our jobs, our never-ending “to do” list, our barrage of recorded shows to 12 Being outside has many advantages for your health. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners watch – there is always something. It’s too hot, too cold, too wet, and there are bugs outside – it’s more comfortable on our couch or in our bed in our heated or airconditioned house. There is always a reason not to go outside when you are an adult. I personally despise mosquitoes and it seems like whenever I could finally go outside after work the mosquitoes were out - so I get it! However, the physical and mental benefits of spending time in nature cannot be understated and it is our responsibility to teach our children good habits. If you need a reminder, drive on over to Blacklick Metro Park and walk the path. The crunch of the gravel, the canopy of trees and saying hi to your fellow Reynoldsburg residents always makes things feel right in the world. I think we could all use some feel good medicine this year. I agree that if finding ways to be in nature is complicated for you and you really don’t need another complication in life there is a way to make it happen easily with no commute time. Use your home’s outdoor spaces to create a customized sanctuary to enjoy. All you need is a comfortable chair or hammock, some potted plants, a hanging basket and an outdoor rug. It’s so easy! Trust me – if all else fails and you can’t find much time to get outside to parks, seeing a hummingbird enjoy your flowers on a gorgeous summer morning while sipping your coffee will do the trick. Happy Spring! Five simple reasons to spend some time outside: • Charge your immune system • Lift up your mood • Get a dose of Vitamin D • Create mindfulness • Improve your memory Kiki (Cicak) Caines is the newest addition to Reynoldsburg Magazine’s editorial staff. She is a Reynoldsburg High School graduate and is now the owner of Fisher’s Gardens on Route 256. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
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“Everytime I leave, all I h by Les Somogyi S peaking on a brisk, January morning in his Reynoldsburg barn, overlooking about 88 acres of farmland peppered with horse manure, mud, fencing and hay and all his favorite farm animals, Chris Baer appeared to be at the peak of his life. “Every time I leave this place, all I wanna do is come home to Reynoldsburg,” he said with genuine love for the lifestyle he has created for himself over a lifetime. Right here, in the middle of a metropolitan suburb of Columbus, the man who looks like the “Marlboro Man” stands tall and speaks confidently about what he is all about during a time in his life when the world - according to him - seems to have gone haywire. When he is away from TV, from the complexities of the pandemic and politics, he takes sweet refuge in the annual birth of his lambs, the two horses that know him and love him and the fact that he can come home every night from work and feel the solitude and peace. Baer Farm: the Last of a Local Legend Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo 14 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
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Open letter to Reynoldsburg, a city we call “home...” from The Days Inn Thank you... We would like to express our sincere appreciation • to the Reynoldsburg city government for their efforts to create business friendly environment and to promote local businesses • to the fire department for their timely response and their efficiency to put out the fire • to the American Red Cross for showing up at the first moment to faithfully fulfill their mission of disaster relief • to the building department and code enforcement team for their help and professionalism during the reconstruction • to the police department and all front-line officers for their professional preventive ideas, diligent work to bring peace and their endless efforts to lower the crime rate of our neighborhood • to the State of Ohio and Truro Township fire marshal for the final three days inspection they conducted • to our loyal neighboring patrons for their constant support REYNOLDSBURG 16 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
POUR YOUR The alternative to feeling sorry for yourself is keeping busy A community speaks... What we learned and what we hope to do. In this section of our magazine, we opened up our pages - by invitation - to select members of our community to “pour their hearts out” regarding the past and the future. We understand that it was a difficult year behind us...the past meant different things to different people but we hope that 2021 and the future will be much better and prosperous for all of us. Here is what they said: Mary Turner Stoots is the safekeeper of Reynoldsburg’s historical legacy. She is President of the Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society and is the Editor of The Courier, the society’s newsletter. The Coronavirus is new to the younger generation, but as old as I am, I remember the Polio Virus. We all went to the Reynoldsburg School auditorium in the mid-1950s. Not the Livingston campus, but the old school building on Jackson Street, now the Hannah J. Ashton School. Back then, it was the only school in town and housed all the grades from first grade through high school. Kindergarten was optional and was held in half-day sessions at the Grange Hall and the Methodist Church. Hundreds of children were Best of Times, Worst of Times It was a normal day in March 2020, when we received urgent calls from two universities telling us that they were closing due to Covid-19. We changed our schedules to move our three kids back home; the beginning of our family of five quarantining for almost a year, and the end of being empty nesters. We were disappointed that we were no longer empty nesters. We were sullen and sometimes salty at the empty cups again being left on tables and the increased laundry. And oh my, the momma cooking duties had to ramp up again, with cooking collard greens, cornbread, baked chicken, fried fish, BBQ ribs, crock pot meals, and etc. But, we prayed, dusted ourselves off, pulled up our britches, accepted the change, and settled back into our previous supportive Crafter family routine. We had been learning how to let the parental reins go, while helping our children become independent. It was a delicate balance. We were still responsible for paying their bi lls. But, the kids had had autonomy in deciding what to buy, when to study and how late to stay up. We were learning how to become confidants and advisors to them, and not dictatorial parents. It was challenging, but we were slowly and subtly helping them into adulthood. When they returned home, I felt a familiar urge to lead and protect. Without reflection though on how my children might have grown and changed, there were tense moments in our home as it appeared to them Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 Odella Lampkin-Crafter is a lawyer and retired Franklin County Domestic & Juvenile Court Magistrate. She is also Content Advisor to Reynoldsburg Magazine that their newly found, and welcomed, independence was disregarded. Through discussion, we soon accepted that all five of us were on a different trajectory of shock, disbelief, and sadness. Spending 10 months in close quarters with our young adult children, with no opportunities to flee to a movie or dinner out with friends, ironically, my husband and I gained a closer relationship with them. There were/are more opportunities for conversation, discussion of social issues, and to reinforce our family values. Corona virus - It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. assembled in the school auditorium. We ascended the short stairs to walk across the curtained stage and received an oral dose of the vaccine. I was lucky, but my cousin wasn’t. Johnny is the same age as me, but he contracted the polio virus at the age of three months and has been in a wheelchair his entire life. I never considered him disabled. He does everything the rest of us can do. The only difference is that Johnny sits while he does it. Last year, I was recuperating from cervical spine surgery, so I didn’t notice what was happening in the world outside. When I was finally ready to explore the great outdoors, the door was virtually locked. I’ve always been an optimist. The alternative to feeling sorry for yourself is keeping busy. There’s an abundance of tasks you can accomplish from your desk at home. I’ve been disabled since 2011, so finding something to do is a piece of cake. 17
Teachers and staff never gave up on us Laxmi Oli is a senior at Reynoldsburg High School’s eSTEM Academy. She hopes to attend Ohio State University in the fall. proper goodbye from those teachers who helped me throughout my school I still remember the last day of my in-person classes. It is that one memory that gives me hope---hope for a good change. Before the start of this extreme change in our lives, I have had the advantage of interacting with people, building new relationships, volunteering to help my community, and setting goals to accomplish in 2020-2021. After the lockdown my goals and dreams were shattered; I had a dream to walk down the stage with my friends for graduation, I wanted to experience the feeling of gratitude, and lastly, I wanted a years. The schools transitioning to virtual learning was the first obstacle I faced. I had mixed emotions and frustration towards this change that I was not ready to accept. I have never had a class where everything was virtual which made it difficult for me to adapt to this new change. I realized that I had to create a plan. Day after day it became a routine, to wake up an hour early before class, look at assignments, emails, updates, and join my classes. Something I appreciate about virtual learning is that I can take my time to finish my assignments. The time frame of the class did not affect me anymore considering that even after the class was over I still had the benefit to review the materials. It feels comforting to have the time to go back and learn the things instead of worrying about which class I had next. Facing this pandemic, even when it felt like every door was closed, the teachers and the staff never gave up on us. Their passion towards helping the students brighten my dull energy. Overall, this pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride, but it has allowed me to self reflect and continue my academic growth. Fall into a great smile with French Run Family Dental Proudly serving Reynoldsburg and the surrounding area for over 30 years! Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo Contact us at (614) 866-1234 or office@frenchrundental.com to schedule today! 18 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
What’s pouring out of your heart today? Pastor John Pierce is Community Center Director of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church Growing up, my mom used to say, “What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.” This reminder usually came following a moment when I said something that was not very edifying to others. As I grew older, I realized this statement is more than often true. When a person speaks out of anger, lashes out, or hurts others with their words, there is usually a deeperrooted issue at hand. It’s what I tend to call a “heart condition.” Over the last year, there have undoubtedly been times when each of us have more than likely needed to check our own “heart condition.” I know the pandemic has challenged us. Any time our lives change drastically, challenge is inevitable! So, even the little things tend to upset us. Now, the opposite is also true— when I hear a person speak kind, uplifting words, it’s usually a sign their heart is in a good place. In the last eleven months, I’ve seen so many people giving back to our community, serving with their time and finances. It’s inspiring to watch people pour out their hearts for the needs of others. I believe it’s a sign our community has a good heart condition! Now is not the time for us to stop, though. There are so many who are isolated and lonely, jobs that have been lost, a loved one who is no longer there, others who are trying to figure out how to understand (let alone assist our children) in virtual school lessons. There is so much need right here in our local community. You may be in a place right now where you don’t feel like being encouraging. I understand. It’s difficult, at times, for me as well. When I’m working on my heart condition, I find meditating on things, which are admirable, pure, lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy often changes my perspective. What a difference we could make if we decided to live by these virtues! And when I do, almost always, I find I love a little better. I’m a little more joyful. Peace seems to be evident in my life. I’m more patient with and kind to others. I choose goodness. All of this leads to a healthy heart condition! So what’s pouring out of your heart today? Covid convinced me to support everything local “We are living in interesting times”. This was a quote that I heard in a movie and I think it is very appropriate to describe what we are living through today. This pandemic that we are experiencing is creating a new normal. With many of our small businesses closing and the job losses that it has created and the mental stress that many of our citizens are going through, it is time for us to pour our hearts out and do what we can for our community, which includes people who live in our community but their business may be just outside of Reynoldsburg. I include these people because they also live here and bring a lot to community. Reynoldsburg is one of the fastest growing cities in the state if not the nation. People are starting to realize that our city has many of the things that they are looking for when it comes to their quality of life. We are a Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 Buddy White is a local businessman and is head football coach of the Reynoldsburg Raiders. great community because so many people take great pride in what this community has to offer. During these difficult times, I have had an opportunity to reflect on how I can pour my heart out to keep our community strong. One of the things that came to mind is where I spend my money. For example, where am I buying my gas, where do I buy my groceries, where do I dine, where do I get my drycleaning done, etc. I came to the conclusion that many of the goods and services that I require can be fulfilled by dealing with Reynoldsburg businesses and business owners who live in Reynoldsburg. I also looked at the money that I spend on a weekly and monthly basis. I realized that if I spend the bulk of that money in our community and if other people made the same commitment, it could have a major impact on our local businesses. Being a local businessman myself, I started thinking about ways that my business can give more. I consulted with my corporate sponsor, State Farm Insurance, on ways that my business can contribute. They agreed to support a financial contribution to a non-profit organization of my choice. I decided to give to the HEART Food Market because of the large number of people that they serve. I would challenge other businesses in our community who has large corporate sponsors to look into what they may be willing to do to help those that are in need in our city. Obviously, there are many more things that we can do for our community and many people are already doing them. We will adjust to this new normal because we have done it before and will be forced to do it again. Being a football coach for over 30 years, I understand how important it is to come together for a common cause. Let’s pour our hearts out to keep Reynoldsburg a strong and vibrant city. 19
Always look on the bright side of life gh Joe Begeny is Mayor of Reynoldsburg We knew the community would One thing that years in education taught me is the ability to adjust to the unexpected, and 2020 was the posterchild of the unexpected. Covid-19, flooding, murder hornets, quarantines and more could have frozen all activity, but like many people we took advantage of the extra time and looked inward and addressed things that we felt we never had time for before. We had to look on the bright side of life. get cabin fever, so we first looked to our parks and our recreation programs. We coordinated with different agencies to continue our fall sports programs , the farmers market, and even brought music to different areas of town. We laid the foundation for improvements to Civic Park with plans for a dog park, Frisbee golf, and a splash pad. Pine Quarry Park could see a nature center and pathways for greater exploration of the area. JFK saw new playground equipment installed that is accessible for all who visit. We finished work on the new zoning plan that will speed up the process for business development up and rebrand Reynoldsburg as a city that welcomes innovation in business. We worked with our Code Enforcement Officers to improve the look of our commercial and residential areas while allowing local community groups the opportunity to assist our the elderly residents with property upkeep. Truly living up to the City of Respect. I cannot express how proud I am of how our community with its many different points of view and interests found a way to come together despite the challenges of 2020. While sometimes life at City Hall can be routine, where dealing with the day to day issues can lock you in a bit of tunnel vision, 2020 presented a choice for us, to stand pat and wait for things to run their course, or make the changes that had been needed for so long. We chose the latter and worked hard so that Reynoldsburg would be primed for a big year in 2021. 6781 E. Main St. • Reynoldsburg A proud member and a full supporter of the Reynoldsburg community for over 45 years. Check out our new breakfast menu. 20 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 21
In much sadness, there were lights: my parents Many people, especially this year, find it hard to see the light in the darkest of places. I’ve grown up in, and dedicated my life to being in, what is one of the most difficult places for people to be: a funeral home. Growing up in the funeral home, I saw grief all the time. But in much sadness, there were lights: my parents, Bill and Betty Cotner. From the calm caring demeanor of my dad, to the constant kindness and warmth of my mom, I, and those who they served, were surrounded by their loving presence. Barth Cotner is a Reynoldsburg businessman and also serves on city council and on the board of the Visitors Bureau. This past year, for many, our world has become a sad dark place. Fear, sorrow, loneliness, doubt and anger have filled people’s lives. We have been searching for light and hope in unprecedented times. Reynoldsburg has been my home, my entire life. Through the ups and downs of this world it’s not the things Reynoldsburg has that make it special. Pine Quarry, JFK, and Huber parks, are awesome places that will always hold treasured memories for me. But my light, and my heart for Reynoldsburg, is our people. The people who taught me in the classroom or on the fields. The teachers, the coaches, the leaders. I am blessed because of the people of our community. This year has reminded us more than ever that we need each other. Be thankful for the extra time with our kids. Take some extra time to help your neighbor. Send a hand written card to someone who can't get out. Pick up the phone and call the person who’s been on your mind that just needs to hear a friendly voice. We have the responsibility and opportunity to be the light in our community. I am thankful for and continue to be blessed by the HEART of Reynoldsburg! Expires Aug 31, 2021 22 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021
OFFICIAL RAIDER WEAR Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 23
RESTAURANT REVIEW Sargam’s gives Reynoldsburg a good taste by Lisa Sherck f you are looking for a great take-out option during this miserable Ohio winter and the ongoing COVID crisis, consider checking out Sargam’s Restaurant at 1571 Hentz Dr in Reynoldsburg. The mix of Nepalese and Indian options seem like they are specifically prepared to maintain their flavor and texture during the transport, and even improve overnight for leftovers the next day. If you have had this type of cuisine before, you know that the longer the flavors combine, the better dishes become. While both Indian and Nepal cuisine use the similar spices, the blending of the spices is unique to each region and produces distinctive flavors. I decided to order from Sargam’s on a bitterly cold and windy Friday night in February. The website has a variety of options for delivery, including Grub Hub, Door Dash, and Uber Eats, as well as a pick-up option. I went with Door Dash, and the food made it to my house piping hot. For most dishes, you can select the level of spice from zero spicy all the way to extra hot. I have some experience with Indian and Nepalese food, so I was extremely interested to see how Sargam’s prepared some of my favorite Indian and Nepalese dishes. I started with the Vegetable Samosa ($3.99), as it is a classic Indian Appetizer. A samosa is a mixture of spiced potatoes and vegetables wrapped in a pastry and fried. Sargam’s version was true to form, but what made it unique was the chutney that came with it. The Chutney had a unique flavor, perhaps with a hint of raspberries, and was probably the best chutney I’ve had. All samsosas tend to be mild in heat, so this is a good option for those that do not like “hot” spice. Next up as an appetizer was the Vegetable Momo ($9.99). This is a traditional delicacy of Nepal and it can be compared to the Chinese steamed dumplings, but with spices specific to Nepal. The accompanying sauce is what 24 Counter clockwise, from the top, is a sampling of the Aloo Gobi, Malai Kofta, Chicken Biryani and Chicken Vindaloo truly gives the momos the extra flavor. Sargam’s sauce for the Momo was delightfully light and gingery, and ended with quite a kick of heat. This dish is steamed, so can be considered a healthy option. I would strongly recommend branching out and trying the momos. You will likely never go back to pot stickers. As for the main meal, I tasted two vegetarian dishes: Aloo Gobi ($10.99), which is potatoes and cauliflower toasted with ginger and other spices and Malai Kofta ($11.99), which is mixed vegetable cheese dumplings (think fried potato and cheese meatball) in a creamy tomato sauce with herbs and spices. You can’t go wrong with either of the dishes, though the Malai Kofta was particularly amazing I also tasted two popular Indian chicken dishes: Chicken Vindaloo ($12.99), where the chicken is marinated in vinegar, hot pepper and spices, cooked in a hot and spicy gravy and Chicken Biryani ($12.99), which is spiced rice dish, including saffron, mixed with chicken and served with Raita, a yogurt-based condiment. Both dishes were very traditional and had just the right spice level for me. And of course, I’ve never met a Naan bread that I haven’t loved, and Left, is vegetable momo on top with naan on bottom, and on the right plate, vegetable samosa. Lisa Sherck is a frequent contributor to Reynoldsburg Magazine as a restaurant reviewer. She also has a lethal forehand in tennis. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2021 this was no exception. Sargam’s naan bread ($1.99) is handmade and baked in its traditional clay tandoori oven. Sargam’s offers different types of naan, some stuffed with mashed potatoes and green peas, and even whole wheat naan. Sargam’s is also open for indoor dining, and has a full bar. As a unique offering for the in-person dining experience, they offer Thali ($13 to $16), which is a traditional combination platter, the best way to sample as many unique dishes as you can. If you are feeling adventurous, try some dishes with goat, a traditional Nepal meat. Overall, Sargam’s is a moderately priced local restaurant, with fresh ingredients, and bursting with Indian and Nepal flavors. One of the owner’s, Narayan Neupane, educated me that when they first opened in the fall of 2018, they were the only restaurant with Nepal and Indian food in the area. They have been very grateful and overwhelmed with the support of all of Reynoldsburg, as they are a very small, local family business, many of whom are originally from Bhutan and Nepal, so if you are looking for some authentic food, stop in. and tall
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