׉?ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://7Wu9UcIOmZbkli4QuaktiE9Q5qoMPV2bm2g0Mq__2sAZy`׉ 7cassandra://7qeZ78GRj3RRSwCdzaQE-x1S1zad7HcItNeD6tETlxc͌{`s׉ 7cassandra://4xB5Sq7ALjU-tFms2sdfjLMbaAzVOanPyspF9RqOHYw0;`׉ 7cassandra://R9ZbGfiNVql1eZx3VXz5H2HDSNklAdOrGEdqYoIJwMQ]͠]_|3T՘ט(u׈CNSvu׈E_z3T~׉EdReynoldsburg Vol. VIII, No. 2 • FALL, 2020 M A G A Z I N E Living life well, after hell and back A gripping and emotional story Beauty on steroids in the Macedonian Church Mexican food tasty in Reynoldsburg TM Read by Reynoldsburg residents and businesses in print and through social media Reynoldsburg’s newest park ready Small business and the Covid ׉ 7cassandra://4xB5Sq7ALjU-tFms2sdfjLMbaAzVOanPyspF9RqOHYw0;`_z3T_z3T~(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Gf5UCbcHL_nqCY2QSaCfzNBVPP931jwoqZ8XqyHfcIE`׉ 7cassandra://9eX3s3lrg1-V_1AA7wRXFKG5Ctu1v7zPm9Vo_gL-voQ?`s׉ 7cassandra://1yEx1PgvG4pD8dFQmFHHBGkoxYBbe5-uweZ82NKoNOA`׉ 7cassandra://-hRI1ERHurS30l0vGndt5AovCuxsOajoYKw3aFnFwm41͠]_}3T՛ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://HUb9-vOAz4K5qE4U_POLLuZ-EsjefJaCPH_WXqjZzto`׉ 7cassandra://0O4yaDkIXQpMg51bsAWuM6Bgk14Wl38CGO1WZmOrmwk~t`s׉ 7cassandra://O6HnDSoH9x-pXjvACHisrZVKcv1p6TD9wOFw8ATQBH0*e`׉ 7cassandra://1vZlab_JBp0EKzj46_n2o2gkmIvzYVzyRo1I6_F3bFEy͠]_3T՜נ_3TՠQ9ׁHhttp://www.huntersflorist.comׁ ׁ Јנ_3T՟̆ 9ׁH!mailto:info@visitreynoldsburg.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EGENE 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, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://1yEx1PgvG4pD8dFQmFHHBGkoxYBbe5-uweZ82NKoNOA`_z3TՀ׉EReynoldsburg M A G A Z I N E Publisher Les Somogyi Contributing Writers Andrew Bowsher Debbie Dunlap Bee Fisher Kocher Lisa Sherck Kelley Youman Content Advisor Odella Lampkin-Crafter Design Les Somogyi Advertising Sales Experience Reynoldsburg The editorial 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 written permission of the publisher. Send comments to: info@visitreynoldsburg.com TM Vol. VIII No. 2 • Fall, 2020 What’s inside: Publisher’s Column ................................................... 4 Macedonian Church...A Reynoldsburg beauty .......... 6 Fire Department levy request .................................... 9 Small business and the Covid .................................... 10 I’m Okay...a local tale of hard life ............................. 12 Gardening tips from Bee ........................................... 17 Reynoldsburg Magazine Snapshot ............................ 19 New park unveiled at Lancaster and Main ................ 19 Coming to Reynoldsburg development ..................... 21 Tempe Taco - a restaurant review ............................. 22 7357 E Main St• Reynoldsburg www.huntersflorist.com 614.866.1336 voice 1.800.301.6294 toll free Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 "Fresh and beautiful flowers arranged by your Reynoldsburg floral professionals" 3 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos ׉ 7cassandra://O6HnDSoH9x-pXjvACHisrZVKcv1p6TD9wOFw8ATQBH0*e`_z3TՁ_z3TՀ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://hCYzVTKvfE009iU3PpMdqdpajm-c2KAbVNMYb1CqFJQ`׉ 7cassandra://IVpU9fvybwv1j6zVUSvkgM1XedrIa9jzjlhCbIWTXgc`s׉ 7cassandra://X_AMCk_ge1D7mvCRmhQE29w14ZYg_FwMHRL39voFbog$l`׉ 7cassandra://D9wLl-T6_wi21U8fF9-RLeqKZGoqTa5AxoNOm7AfUjY&̰͠]_3Tաט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://3jaC2eQ-4PBUrhqy0vscKWRF_gHswRyjtqM9uIif1LkC`׉ 7cassandra://NvHw_0n2BuYKQuuZVoOVP0-BrOCdZ7_vLoezojmibY8_`s׉ 7cassandra://5zavJcW-dQeI2pPX2y2pIr_Sy490ijEvRPmSKHCxliw$`׉ 7cassandra://Y7gzzr8XlacZNMOYANt4WLeP8TENesPlmPvf1QjHEaEl͠]_3Tբנ_3Tե9ׁHhttp://www.reidelinsurance.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EhLife, beauty and other issues PUBLISHER’S COLUMN - by Les Somogyi VICTOR LEVENSTEIN In this issue, you should be incredibly pleased to read about a little old man. He is all of barely five-foot tall but a full 98-years-old who grew up in Russia. After surviving Siberian exile in hell, not because of his own choosing, he settled in Reynoldsburg and moved on, rebuilding his life. But his memories are still alive. He shared those memories with Reynoldsburg Magazine contributing writer Debbie Dunlap. And those memories are chilling, to say the least. It’s tough to imagine that in our lifetime, people were so cruel. But they were. Some survived, some needlessly died. Victor Levenstein, a long-time Reynoldsburg resident, was one of the lucky ones. He survived a brutal Russian purging era, with quite a few unpleasant memories. He shares those memories with Debbie in a sincere, gutwrenching interview, all conducted via social distancing - Zoom - yet still gripping because you cannot escape the power of words. He then sat with me for a morning of chat at Kennedy Park, at first wearing his aviator sunglasses and later removing them and exposing his tired, worn, raked-over-coal eyes. There was no hiding that Victor had a hard life. We are so glad Victor shared those events with us. We cannot and will not forget the atrocities of the past. Chronicled here is part of his life, bad, sometimes downright brutal, and also sometimes good. The fact that he feels Covid is a piece of cake compared to his past, is actually encouraging. MACEDONIAN CHURCH I just came back from an interview at the Macedonian Church in Reynoldsburg with Priest Rodovan Cekovski. My heart is still in overdrive just from talking to a humble servant of his congregation and seeing the beauty of the church eventhough this was not my first 4 time there. I have been there before and each time I came away with incredible awe. How can pieces of art work become more than a human’s imagination is beyond me. But they can. If the interior of this church doesn’t affect your soul, I don’t know what does. You walk away from this gorgeous collection of brick and morter like someone who has been possessed and cannot express what you’re feeling. You simply cannot find the words to describe what you have seen. To do justice to describing such beauty, you would need to spend months there, day after day and still not be all accurate. But short of that, let it suffice that the beauty and the deep meaning have been preserved maticulously by the people who came from Macedonia years ago, decided to settle here, and continue their worship here in Reynoldsburg. Reynoldsburg is the lucky community to harbor such beauty. It is cherished by the church’s members and awed by the surrounding community and beyond every single day. ODELLA LAMPKIN-CRAFTER Reynoldsburg is lucky to have a local resident who volunteered to assist Reynoldsburg Magazine in creating timely and appropriate content in the future. Her name is Odella LampkinCrafter, a retired Franklin County Juvenile Magistrate who read my magazine in the Spring, was impressed by it, and offered to help make it better and more relevant to our diverse community. We love having her aboard and look forward to her guidance along the way. DR Z He just wants to be called Dr. Z. That’s okay with us. His new dental office on Main Street is a welcome addition to Reynoldsburg business and the Chamber of Commerce. We will be talking to Dr. Z in the future about his background...a local business owner who has a lifealtering story to tell, one that makes us appreciate where we live. I promise you that his story which I already heard, is better than a CBS 60 Minutes episode. More to come in a future issue of the magazine. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Your local Chamber of Commerce has gone through a facelift and a reorganization during the past several months, especially after the pandamic hit us. As most non-profit organizations, the Chamber has endured some hard times but their resiliance is beyond comparison. Newly appointed Chamber president Rick Wagner took the bull by the horns, and made lemonade from lemon. And if you ask anyone in these uncertain times, that’s pretty remarkable. Susan Brusk took the helm at running the organization, as temporary as it may be, but the fact is that they did not falter. They are standing strong and ready to serve Reynoldsburg’s business community. Please reach out to them and assist them in their activities. FISHERS GARDENS Congratulations to one of Reynoldsburg’s new business owners, Kiki and Dan Caines, who recently purchased Fisher’s Gardens from Bee and Brian Kocher. Kiki is a sweet Reynoldsburg High School graduate. It’s funny how time runs faster than you can blink an eye, changes quickly, and our children become our sustainers. Nevertheless, I love it. Thank you so much, Bee, for years of contributions to Reynoldsburg Magazine with your always timely and sincere advice on gardening. AND LAST, A WORD ABOUT ME An admission. The picture of me you see above was taken years ago, when I first started the magazine. I am older, I am more wrinkled now then ever, and by my wife’s collaboration, I forget things more easily. But those of you who have known me for 13 years since the magazine has been published, and much beyond, can attest that we have an ever-changing city, but still very much great. Let’s keep it that way. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://X_AMCk_ge1D7mvCRmhQE29w14ZYg_FwMHRL39voFbog$l`_z3TՂ׉ETA Trusted Partner for Your Peace of Mind Serving Reynoldsburg Since 1962 Our Team Left to right: Barbara Reidel; Dave Reidel, President; Ryann Reidel, Vice President; Kim Dell BOX 543 • 7540 SLATE RIDGE BLVD • REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 43068-0543 LOCAL: 614.866.7799 • TOLL FREE: 1.877.954.6787 • FAX: 614.759.4763 www.reidelinsurance.com ׉ 7cassandra://5zavJcW-dQeI2pPX2y2pIr_Sy490ijEvRPmSKHCxliw$`_z3TՃ_z3TՂ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://yUzOW03FVlFn9y1TG_8pAs_DSFAA_4a84HPgsREwouE`׉ 7cassandra://dKIhiXHeGlY2k7FNS7k2wvHwY4leWY5TjpB0upTXLYU͚``s׉ 7cassandra://biQOoZaTr4MjIuqJso4jovlimHr27FmhCJsu5vZJINY1`׉ 7cassandra://9TWOBkVlFKG8x_omb7rr67i4csPTDFP_IsDxHszjNLA͠]_3Tէט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://CZn6j0lhp5NLgV9hwILUFfFTRwaAuuYbe9Am5F-2ugI`׉ 7cassandra://qgYcC0CFQCh05YydYiGP8uRiRtqvzQTbASPsXnV8MpQ͉o`s׉ 7cassandra://Nm8SmuKuzNzbxDLryU2k3ED2PtgW_lU3h3hA_Ql-bsM(`׉ 7cassandra://qPbQhYepxRdf0hMZK6geLIG0UQ46QGC3hIIVx1k5bcI3͠]_3Tը׉E$Breathtaking T If beauty was a commodity, Reynoldsburg’s Macedonian Church would be the richest place on earth by Les Somogyi here, a stone-throw away from most people in Reynoldsburg is situated a collection of beauty that is very difficult to describe in a written piece. It would be more appropriate in a graphic presentation. But be that as it may, my visit to the Macedonian Church was, and always will be, a trip of a lifetime. For what I had seen will always stay with me, and now with you as well. It’s not just noting the beauty of the church that I came away with. It’s what lies beyond it that is so gripping, so emotional, so wonderful. A group of European people came to America many years ago, seeking an easier living but never relinquishing their love for their religion and for their way of life. They brought with them their tradition of reflecting beauty and their devotion to sustaining their religion, first to Whitehall, then later to Reynoldsburg. Each time devoting more and more love, more affection to their own undeniable heritage. “This is our soul,” said Rodovan Cekovski, the church’s spiritual leader since 2017. The Macedonian community brought their religion and their way of life some 50 years ago to America. They settled mostly in Whitehall where they built a church. But over the years, the migration began eastward. After An impressive frasco rendition of Jesus Christ in the middle of the church, above a huge chandelier that defines the entire church. 6 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://biQOoZaTr4MjIuqJso4jovlimHr27FmhCJsu5vZJINY1`_z3TՄ׉EThe Rev. Rodovan Cekovski, the spiritual leader of the Macedonian Church today, speaking from the podium from where the word of God is read. The dove in front of him symbolizes the Holy Spririt. and they never let it go. They held on to customs, icons, culture, and when they came to the church, they brought those values with them so that they felt like one people. You cannot rely on words to Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo describe the journey through the Bible in this church. You have to see it to believe it and to be moved by it. Everywhere you look is a different story - a story not told but shown. The church’s beauty has deep meaning for the Macedonians. And if you’re like me, gasping for air is about the only human way to react to all of this. So, who did this magnificent painting of the bible? History the turn of the century, the new church in Reynoldsburg was built. But the parishoners never forgot where they came from. Macedonia is a small country of about two million people and there are more than 2,500 churches. Christianity is and has been a way of life there. So when the immigrants settled here, they brought with them their love of beauty for the church and the relentless commitment to their religion. “I’m here with my people,” said the The Rev. Cekovski, , a soft-spoken Priest who speaks with a heavy Macedonian accent. Occasionally, he can’t find the right English words to describe what he wants to say but visitors will pick up easily on what those feelings are. “We are like a small flower in the village,” he said. “We are so different, we have different lifestyles. But when we are in here, we are all one, one soul. This church represents what we are all about.” More than four generations of Macedonians packed what they believe in into this church. They had their baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other life-cycle events here. Many of them bring the beauty from their homes right into the church. Walking into the church is like taking a stroll through the bible. In fact, the story goes, that hundreds of years ago, when being literate was highly unusual, most people connected with the Bible through graphic renditions of it. They brought it into their homes in various forms of art work Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 shows that the work was done by Very Rev. Theodore Jurewicz, a priest from Erie, Pa. who spent twelve years, on and off, working the frescos with the help of many local devotees. The work was just recently completed and anyone belonging to this church is proud of it. How could you not be? This congregation of nearly 500 families has made this church their second home. They lived through tougher times organizing in Whitehall back in the 60s, had seen their church burn down in 2006, wept and mourned, but resiliently rebuilt. And never, ever, during the rebuilding years have they forgotten to bring the beauty of the old country, a small country, but rich in tradition, devotion, to the focal point of their lives. I have met many Macedonian families in the past years and their love for the old country never leaves them. They are Americans. But they are European Americans. Some still speak the language, others moved on with sweet memories of the past. Either way, the focal point of their culture and religion - the Macedonian Church - thankfully remains a gem of Reynoldsburg. The Very Rev. Theodore Jurewicz, from Erie, Pa., spent almost two months working on frescos at the Reynoldsburg Macedonian Church with the help of many local and national groups. He is responsible for bringing this beauty to our city. Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo The fresco on the west side of the church, as photographed by Reynoldsburg Magazine, is a depiction of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which was completed about 10 years ago. The Virgin Mary’s story is woven into most every aspects of the church’s art work and its way of conducting their religion. 7 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo ׉ 7cassandra://Nm8SmuKuzNzbxDLryU2k3ED2PtgW_lU3h3hA_Ql-bsM(`_z3TՅ_z3TՄ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://DTS77hAtURnSW1vqx2hGYqHR6lqWrD_M8Faqb8DyXMkT`׉ 7cassandra://VLGsxQteNdIKH2UCmbBL7Joy478Oa5ctNMhEGImMdks͐Y`s׉ 7cassandra://RXh3AvDKsqvN7VUCgyCbu-Kaj3EdG2IqwPTXWGOHECI/`׉ 7cassandra://H73hWNMyp1RzoFSUoYHy7Mfg2mvA0CiKoBaowitnbdc $L͠]_3Tիט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://fYVGljjSNcttjZeiXbB0pUoOqU4yVJOaLS6FQUIJHPQ'v`׉ 7cassandra://e-4WvAjCcJQAbDc_sR3D3F9BD1OUbtmv-f93_kCyOmE͒&`s׉ 7cassandra://-BPn2rOsKzg2zZ0sEqdllnsiML5QTctFc1lt8PEzZnU-i`׉ 7cassandra://oAC1OqDEmWs_1RJzy_Hd168IsakSGG2jo3qOIK1nQ1E9t$͠]_3Tլנ_3Tծ_?49ׁH http://wagnerinsuranceagency.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EDo you have an Independent Insurance Agent backed by DOZENS of insurance carriers watching out for all your insurance needs? MEDICARE AND MARKET PLACE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Since 1992, we have been helping individuals, families, seniors, businesses and farm owners protect what matters most to them. AUTO • HOME • MEDICARE • LIFE • BUSINESS • FARM • HEALTH wagnerinsuranceagency.net Expires March 31, 2021 8 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://RXh3AvDKsqvN7VUCgyCbu-Kaj3EdG2IqwPTXWGOHECI/`_z3TՆ׉E anot Update: Voters approved the Truro Township Fire Levy Help up for Truro Township hit six-year mark and then some, said Trustee Patrick Mahaffey. Aside from big-ticket items like a new engine, passing the levy will help maintain staffing levels and make sure technology and equipment stays current. “We look long range, to see by Kelley Youman This fall Truro Township voters will be asked to show their support for the fire department at the polls. A new, 4-mill permanent fire levy is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. If approved, the levy is expected to cost property owners about $140 annually per every $100,000 in valuation, township officials said. Truro Township trustees in June voted unanimously to put the issue before voters. The levy is estimated to generate an additional $1.9 million for the department annually, said fire Chief Jeff Sharps. “It would allow us to maintain our current levels of service and response times and also plan for big-ticket items” like a new engine, Sharps said. “Our newest fire engine right now is a 2009. The other is a 2007 (model year) and the oldest is 2002. We are in that cycle where it’s time to replace an engine. The fire engine just doesn’t respond on fire runs, but it also responds on (emergency medic) runs.” Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 The price tag on a new engine is expected to cost around $800,000, Sharps said. The department has about 60 employees and an annual budget of $7.8 million. In 2019, TTFD responded to 7,580 calls for service and completed more than 1,100 fire inspections, according to department statistics. Firefighter/paramedics serve Truro Township, the village of Brice and the city of Reynoldsburg from two fire stations: Station 161, 6900 E. Main St., and Station 162 at 6305 E. Livingston Ave. The township used money generated from a 2.5-mill general fund levy approved in 2016 to help pay for a new, $3.9 million replacement for Station 161. The new 16,471-squarefoot firehouse opened in July, replacing an outdated 1960s-era department store building that was retrofitted to serve as a firehouse. Voters last approved a dedicated fire levy in 2012. At that time, the department promised to stretch funding for at least six years. what we think we are going to need for the long term, what can we do to manage our budget for the next eight to 10 years? Nobody likes to have their tax bill go up, so we’re very cognizant of that,” Mahaffey said. “We’re very cognizant of the fact that the taxpayer is footing the bill – my taxes go up just like everybody else’s – so I try to look at it from a citizen’s perspective, as well as from a trustee’s perspective.” Mahaffey said he will be encouraging neighbors and community member to support the levy this fall. “Every four years you go to the ballot to elect somebody and you’ve elected me five times,” he said. “Trust me when I tell you that this is not some frivolous thing that we’re doing. It’s something that we need, that has to do with the safety of the community, and the safety of the staff.” Kelley Youman is a freeelance writer in the Reynoldsburg area. 9 vote ׉ 7cassandra://-BPn2rOsKzg2zZ0sEqdllnsiML5QTctFc1lt8PEzZnU-i`_z3TՇ_z3TՆ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://bLLF4xpwwQit3VDmbRbNE0ytfce6ycFTXw6ghdb7el8/%`׉ 7cassandra://MrdMQvw9i_usY_zwWE3Kh1cxBy-kZ4zAB-zC6ddBzoA|`s׉ 7cassandra://EHDiY_yX_Tm0n4tpVrZy1sOffMRLT9NXcblnDhGcC4Y(g`׉ 7cassandra://_5mZoP8ycNf7As5vdEbxHWid2KLb-XATfcRmycEYq5E*|͠]_3Tկט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Z2v1sN0k3Kwu_lEuA3dNZi6X9ZkNDBqcmP2DF9097Bg#j`׉ 7cassandra://ZFnw0LO15642yBk1O-nB1SNuM5IqH_YNUrtpp9qDP0IK*`s׉ 7cassandra://je191VnTnRm-KSN_gW7R1gWos1b8LPLuOJb7865fLkc`׉ 7cassandra://QiuOCSlAcVAA3EljoEzh46YlGXIuNARPljC86DjPZQkT͠]_3Tհנ_3Tն'9ׁHhttp://www.StellarDentistry.netׁ ׁ Ј׉E HCovid-stricken small business hoping to be next year by Les Somogyi Zuri Greer had high expectations last spring when he opened his custom tailoring shop in Olde Town Reynoldsburg. He came from a background of tax preparations, but quickly found his love for a business that he was having fun with custom tailoring, Persona Custom Clothiers, the makers of fine crafted suiting, shirting and custom footwear. Little did he know that a week or two after he moved into his new digs on Main Street, Covid was going to hit, and hit hard. So because of restrictions, he had to shut down. Even after reopening, he still never had his grand opening ribbon cutting. “We have cancelled and rescheduled our grand opening. I think we’re going to have a oneyear anniversary grand opening in the spring,” he said with a smile. He is convinced that his grand opening is in his future, and nobody, not even Covid, is going to rob him of that. Covid did a number of many businesses. Greer considers himself lucky that he wasn’t in the hospitality industry where the devastation may have been much more serious. Spring was going to be Greer’s “boom season.” With weddings, proms and other seasonal activities, it’s the time he has been accustomed to making his living. This year, all plans fizzled. He was lucky to have had some loyal customers who gave him the support he needed to survive. He said he has 10 Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo Zuri Greer puts up with hand sanitizers and many other inconvenient restrictions in his custom tailing business in Olde Town Reynoldsburg. He is shown here with one of his favorite jackets that he created and wore at a previous event. been the private tailor of many celebrities and athletes. But in addition, he needed to pivot the focus of his business on merchandise other than his highend customer creations. He began selling lower-end leisure wear, casual clothing that carried him through the rough times. “I have been treading water for months,” he said. “I am a little bit concerned. I’m hoping to have a clear view for 2021 in the spring.” His optimism is often echoed by other business. But the true measure of his own success is that after this spring, summer and fall, he is still in business, still smiling and still looking forward to his grand opening that he never had. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 dapper ׉ 7cassandra://EHDiY_yX_Tm0n4tpVrZy1sOffMRLT9NXcblnDhGcC4Y(g`_z3TՈ׉EZiad Hennawi, D.D.S., M.S. (Dr. Z) Exceptionally good. Outstanding! Our STELLAR reviews speak for themselves. Call Marissa at 614-974-2900 to schedule your appointment 6810 E. Main St. • Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 www.StellarDentistry.net Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 11 ׉ 7cassandra://je191VnTnRm-KSN_gW7R1gWos1b8LPLuOJb7865fLkc`_z3TՉ_z3TՈ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://0oJdiv7OQ12a9bucWteNXs-FuIL0xXBwbk18wiFJrWU`׉ 7cassandra://UpCcy2efeN3v8sptE7mFcDoJ9e6R_IW-Q6_vz3o1N5E̓n`s׉ 7cassandra://n2TuItLX81Khmp8vAqQtzsdxt4HH655YCS7JfV5oakE-V`׉ 7cassandra://z98FcOkts35qNdgV8L8L14QVV0-7E4tOUcS3I0Bgn6Yɒ͠]_3Tճט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://MPwbyr9ZKbuhWIeU0w8wPpqBbAhnMBlS1VXeWiTuJJkJ`׉ 7cassandra://wyzOAdTiioC_NTGFveZW2ZBVh0RvnmVS-2KKVG4r8s0͚`s׉ 7cassandra://1MZu5cXG9TNca6XHH_aIWkphyx_qfnS7WY8Oc9ozYaM*`׉ 7cassandra://KRr43Od29g8RJ85KJ87IEkcNq562whtQ1KVZha3PMYk J͠]_3Tմ׉E׉ 7cassandra://n2TuItLX81Khmp8vAqQtzsdxt4HH655YCS7JfV5oakE-V`_z3TՊ׉E׉ 7cassandra://1MZu5cXG9TNca6XHH_aIWkphyx_qfnS7WY8Oc9ozYaM*`_z3TՋ_z3TՊ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ztiwO49Z80WfMs-defMGhT1J0K4N9OkvZvyXeFB81D4`׉ 7cassandra://jLfWA0-rCOtvSzkSRRq5k0fcSzPi0alEv30VryyEHZsn`s׉ 7cassandra://AhhHDaJIqDht6glMWnKf4YbpKcTtJwTfv93jkpoqLxo+z`׉ 7cassandra://GpPogE9Fda3-5oCvmG_ASXCZSze10JfJlnF_WY_lHlY+$͠]_3Tշט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://B3B8VlkYQmtwkvyH_UDIFJr73Pd-7uQdiFQ1IAc-b8w:`׉ 7cassandra://CWZS3pZ0qkCy4aPHFl-EIdQlVWBLycniQy6KbukSBMY͚`s׉ 7cassandra://G_fUpjCp2U597YuywnfPN_bmdGlK5TkThwYiUkKHoyI5`׉ 7cassandra://imvG0Qjshv2iRtnV7dP2Z3PWEiDGbtvQUchM-ExuNAw Z͠]_3Tչנ_3Tռ'Kz9ׁHhttp://reductcleaners.comׁ ׁ Јנ_3Tջ[9ׁH!mailto:office@frenchrundental.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E(14 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://AhhHDaJIqDht6glMWnKf4YbpKcTtJwTfv93jkpoqLxo+z`_z3TՌ׉EmAIR DUCT CLEANING BEFORE AFTER 1 return, 1 main, plus FREE complete system inspection. 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Contact us at (614) 866-1234 or office@frenchrundental.com to schedule today! reductcleaners.com $5599* Expires 3/31/2021 Value of $199.00 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 15 ׉ 7cassandra://G_fUpjCp2U597YuywnfPN_bmdGlK5TkThwYiUkKHoyI5`_z3TՍ_z3TՌ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://O38DyYL5kvnS1eM73OEDKcTYM8C_PqEXvy8Z1t4-7L8L`׉ 7cassandra://Kj9wT7f4z7QeH_oG-_UNJ3-ii3BOBlzGsyFTFo_8toMy`s׉ 7cassandra://XFIkvD2tCY9cEYm8Kywd4wd8G8hlLf7_MbwCcQlZuKc)`׉ 7cassandra://B0bzXOXNbRMHI1G6b_QBtXH64MbYImRGwEvc_vaXi7Q4͠]_3Tսט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://KQSDE7u4yO_5joCm4D5DOOVPJkCV9nIN8OtenSl55MUe`׉ 7cassandra://_rWg2e-qBWmY_PH3LuNmWuW3tsOdOZDBFJ3vl89f6Zw͔`s׉ 7cassandra://KO8f8IwAvTkrIJVl_Xc0Jr085zfXcFe5DU1pkHRMbb4,`׉ 7cassandra://_-zpVrUruwSwX108rALc-ezu1ESnmpg-wPStnZoN3nEe0͠]_3Tվ׉E6781 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. 16 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://XFIkvD2tCY9cEYm8Kywd4wd8G8hlLf7_MbwCcQlZuKc)`_z3TՎ׉E 7GREEN Gardening... a life-long hobby that will never disappoint you by Bee Fisher Kocher If you are like most people this year you dipped your toe into the wonderful world of gardening. Congratulations! Hopefully you were successful and want to continue this lifelong hobby. If your garden didn’t turn out as you planned, have no fear because that is also part of the wonderful world of gardening. Here are some tidbits that will help you continue your gardening success: 1. Accept failure. It’s going to happen. Plants will die. Seeds won’t germinate. A family of groundhogs will move in and eat all your bounty. The weather won’t cooperate. Welcome to the world of a farmer. There is no such thing as a perfect season. Once you accept this fact you will feel so much better about your gardening skills. Remember this quote from author unknown: “The true test of a seasoned gardener depends on the number of plants that they have lost.” 2. Pull weeds once a week. I know, I hate it, too. But it is the best and a surefire way to keep them under control. Yes, there are sprays and homemade tonics but when it comes down to it, pulling them out by the roots is the most effective without killing everything in your garden by spraying chemicals everywhere. 3. Fix your soil. Most Central Ohio neighborhoods have the worst soil. You can Google why our soil Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 is so hard but it won’t change anything. It will make it difficult to dig and plant beautiful flowers. The remedy? Add compost, such as Sweet Peet, or other natural ingredients, such as decayed leaves, to help break up the dense clay. 4. Water like a pro. Don’t mimic actors in a commercial spraying water all over the tops of their immaculate garden. That is wrong. Watering overhead introduces so many problems such as fungus, diseases, bug issues, you name it. Water at ground level to ensure the plant is actually receiving the water and not just running off. Using a long wand hose extension to s ave you from getting a backache, too. (Side note: tropical indoor plants benefit from occasional overhead watering or spritzing water on their leaves.) 5. Right plant, right place:. We’ve all done it. Bought a plant because it was soooo pretty or just a cool plant you’ve never seen before. But then you get home and realize you don’t know where it fits best into your garden. Or, worse, it’s not hardy in Ohio. Plant tags have a wealth of information on them - from what sunlight conditions it needs to how tall it will be at maturity. Be informed. Gardening and gardens are ever changing and never complete. Treat them like dieting...once you’ve lost the weight you have to maintain the health habits otherwise you’re back to square one. Bee Fisher Kocher is a Reynoldsburg resident and has been a frequent contributor to Reynoldsburg Magazine. 17 ׉ 7cassandra://KO8f8IwAvTkrIJVl_Xc0Jr085zfXcFe5DU1pkHRMbb4,`_z3TՏ_z3TՎ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://c48crW0Zbil4PPGVx09EKT7pcMuPAtty3qWr3563DnQ')`׉ 7cassandra://p2ziZQRjtSQgG_nJiiVBs54PmrLMuAjVmLRTVBt1G7Yf\`s׉ 7cassandra://FY-ZH11kKRg4Nux3fEHUZJk1YTG7ajcxhkxiyibLUhM$Y`׉ 7cassandra://nT8vEPX2_c8RYG7sHWkyD9ktWp6qatcepTTFmk6GW_Y#T͠]_3Tט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://XZTfzKv_bLeMgMAmRWQpa03AzBy75fUX6mczt5TbPeQ`׉ 7cassandra://lpnnoxgnPgTt4FyD-fLTOyfcMeRl53Yi87_pDIjO_4M͏`s׉ 7cassandra://wSnmoAsI1UWbngR6XGjj_EuMq--lfQhkXw9M4mC3i6o/"`׉ 7cassandra://7lYsXh7AFe7u4dCChtAasElWVorRbqLeRBoD9e_Dz2wy͠]_3Tנ_3TŁt 9ׁHhttp://Facebook.com/medigoldׁ ׁ Јנ_3Tāށ̘9ׁHhttp://medigold.comׁ ׁ Јנ_3TÁS;9ׁH!mailto:frank.smithjr@medigold.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EFrank Smith, Jr. Sales & Marketing Representative 6150 E. Broad St. • Columbus, Ohio • 43213 Tel:323-363-3257 frank.smithjr@medigold.com medigold.com Facebook.com/medigold OFFICIAL RAIDER WEAR 18 Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://FY-ZH11kKRg4Nux3fEHUZJk1YTG7ajcxhkxiyibLUhM$Y`_z3TՐ׉EFReynoldsburg Magazine snapshot Reynoldsburg Magazine Photo These Reynoldsburg High School principals are part of a group of school leaders honored and appreciated in a fun, city-wide scavanger hunt recently. Their stop at Reynoldsburg Magazine’s offices was captured above. Left to right: Encore Principal Dr. Tonya Bailey, 9X Impact Principal Donita Hampton, HS2 STEM Principal Garla Brown, and eSTEM Principal Scott Bennett. The principals are holding up a poster depicting the Reynoldsburg High School girls varsity tennis team, in a posed, fun, Covid-related poster. Some of those girls in the poster are in these principals’ academies. New park at Lancaster and Main The Lancaster and Main Parking lot, eloquently now dubbed “Memorial Plaza” is a downtown Olde Reynoldsburg revitalization project designed by OHM Advisors, a Central Ohio; Architecture, Planning, and Engineering Firm. The parking lot finished in 2019, followed by the beautification, and park like amenities in 2020. A roughly 40 space parking lot, with two electric charging stations, all wrapped and surrounded by streetscape improvements, bio-swale, 3 picnic pavilions, creek access, and open green space. Under the direction of Mayor Joe Begeny, decided to tweak the previous plan to also include a memorial focused approach, which would pay homage to the brave men and women of our armed services. Dedication pillars to each branch, and service member bricks are a part of the finishing touches which will create this unique, and quant Memorial Plaza. Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 19 ׉ 7cassandra://wSnmoAsI1UWbngR6XGjj_EuMq--lfQhkXw9M4mC3i6o/"`_z3TՑ_z3TՐ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://lkqABwSetfs-hPERvBPpMaqgS2TJjzwpQkQLOW2i45o7 `׉ 7cassandra://jTV5KB03F3PKPU_PySNF3i79qBxYGfMMp3WXMbcuLMU͈`s׉ 7cassandra://ovvETbPdoBZtjMsFQjaJCYQYxLbILCxZ653rHsd5Pyw1`׉ 7cassandra://OyIAd8U241M8f99LT6vPwnyQhNfPkpRRkuZjwj8n2dM14͠]_3Tט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://3ButJNxIdSlYpVTandAaG2OQnlx2Vis7jrvbdep2fmE`׉ 7cassandra://18qnBKK6novoq2Xx0UGUjXHxYXeZUR0Jyoz7EeXiH0g͈+`s׉ 7cassandra://1_vneRh8I7kBqE1rIhmETE6GLUPAmCuJCmU8tikNcLE&d`׉ 7cassandra://V8yMYpEm4k6nwM5ncZBW6yY9Q7A0YWDQJDVo2yii-l4[6͠]_3TǓנ_3Tˁ̔9ׁHhttp://ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us/ׁ ׁ Јנ_3TʁNV9ׁHhttp://Realtor.comׁ ׁ Јנ_3TɁLd$9ׁHhttp://Realtor.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EReynoldsburg “The Original” • No Repair Too Large Or Too Small • Domestic & Import Car Specialists • Certified Mechanics Beer Lottery Cigarettes 861-4222 BREATHE EASIER • No Tar or Ashes • No Flame or Fire • No Lingering Smell • No Bad Breath • No Smoking Ban • No Second Hand Smoke • More Flavor Variety SAVE 5 7055 E. Main St 614-694-0196 10% OFF WITH THIS COUPON Offer Expires Expires 3-1-21 Not valid with any other coupons 20 CENTS PER GALLON When filling 8 gallons or more Limit one coupon per filling Expires 3-1-21 7098 E. Main St. (Corner of Main & Aida) $25 AnOFF $150 or more Regular price or more Limit one coupon per customer. Expires 3-1-21 y Repair of 250+ “KICK THE ASH” flavors to help you A 95% healthier, cleaner, cheaper alternative to smoking! Warning: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Must be 21 or over Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://ovvETbPdoBZtjMsFQjaJCYQYxLbILCxZ653rHsd5Pyw1`_z3TՒ׉ERealtor.com and USA Today list as the second hottest real estate market in the country It is 2020, and we have by Andrew Bowsher Director of Development City of Reynoldsburg seen changes come and changes stay. The world is a little more “flat” than it used to be, and the global economy has seen a downward trend with COVID-19 still looming over the United States. In Reynoldsburg, we have seen jobs disappear, schools disabled from physical interaction, and the introduction of Zoom to corporate relationships. With all of the bad news lingering in our local and national perspectives, it is sometimes hard to focus on the truly good things happening. Yet, there is a lot happening. Even aspiring accolades to highlight. In 2020, Realtor.com, and USA Today listed the City of Reynoldsburg as the second hottest real estate market in the country. These statistics were based off of the current real property market, how fast the homes go from market to contract, and finally their overall affordability. This is nothing to glaze over, as it is a driving factor of Reynoldsburg’s growth, and upward prosperity. Even during a pandemic, Central Ohio continued to have an under supplied housing stock. This housing stock creates a hardship for those looking to obtain Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 homeownership. Central Ohio and Reynoldsburg have seen housing prices increase due to the lack of available homes. These homes, as they have in the past, serve as one of the greatest ways to amass wealth throughout your life. By building more homes, we can stabilize the supply and demand keeping Reynoldsburg fairly affordable, while allowing young families a great place to call home. Reynoldsburg is seeing a boom, and as we look towards revitalized shopping centers, due to increased code enforcement or redevelopment we are also seeing applications for new housing. This is coming in the form of owner-occupied, and rental. As the City looks to attract businesses, large and small, these employers and their employees, will look to co-locate. Without this new housing, the City loses out on new opportunities. Fortunately, when Central Ohio succeeds, so does Reynoldsburg. As of right now, Reynoldsburg is quickly making its presence known and other local municipalities are taking stock, looking at ways to implement some of the same strategies and policies, which we have started to prosper with. One of these strategies has been our new zoning code which allows for a greater, reinvented look to the built environment. It has been called by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) the gateway code for all progressive and forwardthinking municipalities. Jobs Ohio and One Columbus have sung Reynoldsburg praises for taking the challenge head on. Reynoldsburg has positioned itself to strive for better, where in a past era we were happy to just fill empty spaces. All this being said, we are not without our challenges. Reynoldsburg needs a lot of TLC and nothing comes free or cheap in this world. Where some residents urge for new roads, better infrastructure, increased pedestrian offerings and park improvements, other residents are searching for jobs, and equitable housing options. It’s truly a balancing act which never factors out exactly how you want it. Let’s agree - Central Ohio is growing faster than it has in over 50 years, and with that comes strategic planning. I know first-hand we don’t Wright Patt Credit Union building across from the Main Street Kroger, is about to open this Fall. take this lightly, but I encourage all residents to reach out and voice their concerns; both good and bad. For when we come together collectively in an organized and cooperative fashion we all can learn and gain something in the process. Some of the highlights on the horizon for the Burg can be found on the Reynoldsburg Story Maps page @ https:// ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us/ NewsDetail/story-mapprojects Update: Andrew Bowser reports the development of a few more businesses: Urban Cheapskate (boutique clothing) on Taylor Road just opened. Chick-Fil-A starts early 2021. 1883 Locale. It’s above Vick’s on Main Street opening soon. Swenson is under construction next to United Dairy Farmers on Main Street. Burger King has moved from Brice Road to Rt. 257 and is now open. 21 Reynoldsburg ׉ 7cassandra://1_vneRh8I7kBqE1rIhmETE6GLUPAmCuJCmU8tikNcLE&d`_z3TՓ_z3TՒ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://0E1prm1ZUzraUfUWcQKDRKgyBnRpQ5pnuqJKMn2jMh8`׉ 7cassandra://FmbgxWqVedENsGBrxhhSJF0mi-2qGjeU3tVHtg4Imt4͓l`s׉ 7cassandra://0xpiFlwM2RcmgfnxihJTcEeOBXCMI0zVitj8unkFIls+`׉ 7cassandra://vStMarK6-_BEIV0gT2AnFo10NTswZ3ocqOXsatrEmDw͠]_3Tט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://fN2cEqQ9lCjxWLvK3XXI1o21BoBWvEtKO2OS88MU-Xg`׉ 7cassandra://yjzINZumjYzir7qtTZrnQnbQ0aGAvLk7tBs58zY8lk8r`s׉ 7cassandra://hPRj9bh5KQPZVuotIR_MHY5yv9kRCsNRJaQZL_dJ-sU)`׉ 7cassandra://gCgr_ChtGjS5u4q-7W2YLqtbTdIFTzpYEpirlK3lg_g͠]_3T׉E Tempe Taco Tastes Terrific by Lisa Sherck T Reynoldsburg Magazine Photos empe Taco in Reynoldsburg has it all. Great atmosphere, amazing location, unique drinks, and delicious food, all without breaking your budget. Tempe Taco has an outdoor patio and outdoor balcony that overlooks Main Street. I was seated immediately and opted to go to the balcony. It made for a great date night to sip our drinks and watch the world go by. On the way up, there was a sign letting patrons know that the baloney is reserved for those with time on their hands to savor the experience. If you are interested in a speedier dinner, the first floor is the way to go. Our server came out immediately and was very helpful and knowledgeable. Upon my request, she pointed out the most popular items as well as unique items. I judge all Mexican restaurants by their chips, and salsa and margaritas, so I started with those. The chips and salsa were a slight upcharge, but the portion size was more than enough for two people and was inexpensive. The chips were warm and salty with a nice crisp, and chunky salsa had a nice kick to it, with tons of flavor - but not too spicy for most people. As for the margarita, I got their house version which was a happy hour special. It didn’t disappoint, so Tempe Taco was off to a good start. I also tried the Jalapeno 20 Pineapple cocktail which was a perfect combination of sweet and spicy without being too overwhelming. As for the tacos, each taco was between $3.50 and $4.50, and as our server explained, was a three to four bite taco. So two to three would fill up most people. I went with the server’s recommendation of the Baja Shrimp, (one of their more popular tacos) and also tried two of her more adventurous selections. It was easy to see why the Baja Shrimp taco is one of their more popular dishes. There were several good sized shrimp in the taco, with the traditional flavoring that make shrimp tacos popular everywhere. The Al Pastor taco featured marinated pork which had a unique flavor with hints of pineapple. The Chorizo Con Papa Style taco had a wonderful flavor, and even a few French fries on top. While we didn’t try it, our server highlighted the Sonaran Dog as an option if someone were especially hungry. It is a hotdog wrapped in bacon, with extra topping and fries on the side. As the cherry on top, Tempe Taco was debuting a new brand of Whiskey and provided me a free shot. When I was leaving, I spoke with one of the owners. He disclosed that Tempe Taco was in the process of upgrading the patio so patrons could continue to enjoy the outdoor scene throughout the winter. I can only imagine how truly magical that would be to sit outside and watch the snow fall around you during the holiday season. It’s easy to stay under $40 even with a couple of drinks and appetizers for a party of two. Also, the restaurant offers a $2 taco special on Monday nights, very popular with the locals. I strongly recommend checking out this relatively new Reynoldsburg gem. RESTAURANT REVIEW Reynoldsburg restaurant makes it through the pandemic with flying colors Left: Chips and chunky salsa, and wild mushroom quesidilla. Below: Al pastor and Baja shrimp taco Lisa Sherck returns to Reynoldsburg Magazine as a restaurant reviewer. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Fall, 2020 ׉ 7cassandra://0xpiFlwM2RcmgfnxihJTcEeOBXCMI0zVitj8unkFIls+`_z3TՔ׉E׉ 7cassandra://hPRj9bh5KQPZVuotIR_MHY5yv9kRCsNRJaQZL_dJ-sU)`_z3TՕ_z3TՔ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://gTmZoQuL2PAve7k1F9rW4xqWLXbQ87k6NOI2aTMilIs`׉ 7cassandra://W2OTny4sOr5vk_Qvy2vlwIP_ABna78LgZBijLd8BjFw`s׉ 7cassandra://LkuQiHEh_q8R2AeEWZ2sAqCPV7G2g5SssVW6e--a_PQ-`׉ 7cassandra://qk2drj8uLAyHXxq2BBbFLtgGZUb8pByJVssT7XUFXSoT͠]_3Tґנ_3TՁTO9ׁH http://www.cotnerfuneralhome.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EkCaring for Our Community 7369 East Main Street • Reynoldsburg • 614-866-6318 www.cotnerfuneralhome.com ׉ 7cassandra://LkuQiHEh_q8R2AeEWZ2sAqCPV7G2g5SssVW6e--a_PQ-`_z3TՖ׈E_z3T՗_z3TՖ(,Reynoldsburg Magazine Fall 2020_pX3?yz