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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