South & Canal Winchester Messenger - May 7th, 2023

Messenger 

South & Canal Winchester 

May 7-20, 2023 www.columbusmessenger.com Vol. XLIV, No. 6 

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Spring on the farm 

Messenger photos by Rick Palsgrove 

When you are a farmer you have to know how to do many tasks, from handling livestock 

to preparing fields, planting and harvesting crops, maintaining equipment, 

and more. Dave Trotter, a farmer at Slate Run Living Historical Farm, is shown here 

preparing a horse drawn drag that will be used to smooth out the dirt clumps in 

the farmhouse gardens to prepare the gardens for spring planting. Once the gardens 

are smooth, the drag can be flipped over and used to make rows for planting. 

Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which recreates Ohio farm life as it was in the 

1880s, is located at 1375 State Route 674 North, near Canal Winchester. Visit 

metroparks.net for information. 

A sheep 

grazing 

in the 

field on 

a find 

spring 

day at 

Slate 

Run 

Living 

Historic 

al Farm. 

What to do about the 

CW mayor position? 

By Linda Dillman 

Staff Writer 

Determining the worth of the mayor, 

now that a city administrator position is 

part of the Canal Winchester city hierarchy, 

continues to dominate council discussion. 

First tabled and then untabled for discussion 

purposes during the May 1 Canal 

Winchester City Council work session, 

council then again tabled the resolution 

establishing salary and benefit compensation 

for the mayor’s position. 

A decision must be made before a July 1 

deadline. 

The estimated salary range for the city 

administrator is between $104,000 and 

$146,000. The current base salary for the 

mayor–not including benefits such as a 

$500 a month car allowance and insurance 

coverage–is $100,842. 

Previously, council discussed potential 

salary reduction ranges, but did not settle 

on a specific number until the city administrator 

position was adopted. 

Suggestions included reducing the 

salary down to $40,000 to as high as maintaining 

the current base for two years until 

the charter commission meets and makes 

recommendations for potential changes. 

“You’re paying that person for being the 

executive leader of the city,” said 

Councilwoman Laurie Amick. 

She suggested reducing the mayor’s 

auto allowance by half and only offering 

single insurance coverage. 

“Public sector benefits are generous and 

expensive,” said Councilman Patrick Shea. 

“I think you need to include that as part of 

the package. It’s surprising how much 

those benefit packages are.” 

Councilwoman Jill Amos asked if it is 

fiscally responsible to have two salary top 

heavy positions. 

“I think it is fiscally responsible not to 

have two top heavy positions for 9,000 people,” 

said Amos. 

Council President Chuck Milliken 

thought the current $100,000-plus salary 

should still be the floor compensation for 

the mayor. 

“The residents approved the city manager’s 

position,” said Milliken. “What we’re 

here to do is to determine the salary. We’re 

here to deliberate what is best.” 

Councilman Steve Buskirk said he felt 

like council was attempting to make a 

charter change that needs to be decided by 

constituents. 

“The change we’re trying to push forward 

should be made by our constituents 

and not this council,” said Buskirk. “I think 

it gives the appearance we are going 

toward a weak mayor by this decision.” 

See CW, page 21 

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Facsimile: (614) 834-9480 

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Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110

PAGE 2 - SOUTH & CANAL WINCHESTER MESSENGER - May 7, 2023 

Dr. Hobbs 

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3700 Parsons Ave. 

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New Patients & Emergencies Always Welcome 

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DENTURE CHECKUPS 

If you wear a full upper denture, 

does that mean that your 

dental problems are over in that 

geographic area? Not if you value 

your health and future comfort. 

Regular appointments with your 

dentist are as important for denture-wearers 

as for people with 

natural teeth. The mouth tissue, 

bony ridges and gums that support 

dentures are constantly undergoing 

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impair the denture’s proper function. 

Even such general health ailments 

as vitamin deficiencies, 

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Ill-fitting dentures can seriously 

damage the mouth, causing abrasions, 

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to have a dental checkup at least 

once a year to insure that your 

dentures are properly adjusted 

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Prepared as a public service to 

promote better dental health. 

From the office of: 

SCOTT A. KELLY, D.D.S. 

Phone 614-491-5511 

www.columbusmessenger.com 

CW’s 

Palsgrove 

honored 

Canal Winchester 

Middle School 

Assistant Principal 

and Athletic 

Director Brent 

Palsgrove has been 

recognized as the 

Middle School 

Athletic Director of 

the Year by the 

Central Ohio 

Interscholastic 

Athletic 

Administrators 

Association. He 

was recognized for 

his service, leadership, 

and involvement 

with interscholastic 

athletics 

at the local and 

district levels. 

Wagnalls 

Wagnalls Memorial 

Library, 150 E. 

Columbus St., 

Lithopolis. Call 

(614) 837-4765 or 

visit www.wagnalls.org. 

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800-213-9083 

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Obetz Spring Clean-up 

Obetz’s annual Spring Clean-up will be 

held May 12. Waste Management will 

send extra trucks to pick up additional 

household waste. Tire disposal will be held 

May 12 from 4-6 p.m. and May 13 from 9- 

11 a.m. Tire disposal will take place in the 

dumpster at the Obetz Street Department 

building at 4100 Orchard Lane. 

O.P. Chaney Grain 

Elevator ceremony 

The Canal Winchester Area Historical 

Society will hold a ceremony on May 6 at 

5:45 p.m. to commemorate the groundbreaking 

of the $4 million restoration and 

preservation project for the 130-year-old O. 

P. Chaney Grain Elevator, located at 40 W. 

May 7, 2023 - SOUTH & CANAL WINCHESTER MESSENGER - PAGE 3 

Oak St. in Canal Winchester. 

leaders. 

The event is part of the Canal After the groundbreaking ceremony, 

Winchester Area Historical Society’s annual 

take a tour of the Grain Elevator, led by 

fundraising Gala, which will be from 6-9 those from Archall Architects, to learn 

p.m. 

more about the comprehensive plan to 

The Grain Elevator is listed in the U.S. restore it into a Cultural Heritage Center 

National Register of Historic Places. and space for educational and community 

The ceremony will include elected officials, 

events. 

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Matthew & Sarah who attended Cedarwood Elementary and 

Buckeye Middle School. Jeff and I currently share our home with 

our dogs, Diamond and Mishka and our cat, Lil'Bit. If you happen 

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Obetz Police officer saves suicidal man 

By Katelyn Sattler 

Staff Writer 

Memorial Day in CW 

In remembrance of fallen veterans, 

VFW Post #10523 will host Canal 

Winchester’s annual Memorial Day ceremony 

on May 29 at Union Grove Cemetery, 

400 Winchester Cemetery Road, beginning 

at 10:30 a.m. 

The ceremony will feature keynote 

speaker Air Force Chief Master Sgt.Troy 

R. Taylor, the Command Chief Master 

Sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard. 

Other ceremony participants will include 

Boy Scouts Troop 103, Cub Scouts Troop 

103, and the Canal Winchester High 

School Band. 

Immediately following the Canal 

Winchester Memorial Day Ceremony, the 

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will host a flag 

retirement ceremony on the cemetery 

grounds. 

The public is invited to attend both ceremonies. 

Lawn chairs or blankets are 

encouraged for seating. 

County Mitigation Plan 

Franklin County is updating its Hazard 

Mitigation Plan and wants a better understanding 

of the preparedness needs and 

risk perceptions of those who live and work 

in Franklin County. In this regard, county 

officials created an online survey and each 

resident of Franklin County is encouraged 

to participate. The feedback will help 

county officials better serve the community 

as they update the Hazard Mitigation 

Plan. The survey can be found online at 

www.surveymonkey.com/r/FranklinOHH 

MPPublic 

Alum Creek Drive project 

Brad Foster, chief deputy of operations 

for the Franklin County Engineer’s office, 

Obetz Police Officer Carl Higgenbotham 

recently saved the life of a suicidal man. 

Higgenbotham pulled the suicidal man 

from the barrier of the Parsons Avenue 

over I-270 bridge as the man was climbing 

to jump from the bridge on to I-270. 

“It's outstanding work,” said Obetz City 

Administrator Rod Davisson. “You see 

what officers have to deal with on a day-today 

basis. And it’s basically traumatic and 

scary things all the time. And occasionally 

they’re lucky enough to save somebody who 

needs help. It’s important, and we’re 

extremely proud of him. We have good officers.” 

In his letter of commendation to 

Higgenbotham, Obetz Police Chief Mike 

Confer wrote, “Higgenbotham’s calm and 

professional demeanor helped to establish 

a rapport with the distraught individual. 

He was able to charge and gain control of 

the individual as he was climbing over the 

barrier wall to jump onto I-270. His actions 

ultimately prevented a tragedy from occurring.” 

Confer noted Higgenbotham demonstrated 

exceptional teamwork and coordination 

with other first responders on the 

scene. 

“He effectively communicated with dispatch 

and coordinated the efforts of the 

Columbus Fire Department and Ohio State 

Highway Patrol to ensure the safety of all 

involved,” wrote Confer. “His actions on 

March 16 exemplify the highest standards 

of professionalism and dedication to public 

service. His quick thinking and compassionate 

approach to a difficult situation 

undoubtedly saved a life and prevented a 

tragedy from occurring. He is a credit to 

the Obetz Police Department and an inspiration 

to all who serve in law enforcement.” 

Obetz Mayor Angela Kirk said, “As you 

can tell, he rushed after the man to prevent 

him from going over that bridge. My God, 

what if our officer would’ve flipped over 

that bridge with the man? That’s the kind 

of dangerous stuff that people don’t think 

about. But that’s their job and they take it 

very seriously.” 

said a proposed project improving Alum 

Creek Drive from State Route 317 to 

Groveport Road, has a projected construction 

time frame of 2028 to 2029. 

The estimated cost is $58.5 million, 

with 80 percent covered by federal dollars 

and the remaining 20 percent from $11.5 

million in local money, including public 

and private funds. 

Replacing the bridge crossing Big 

Walnut Creek and adding additional lanes 

to Alum Creek Drive without major interruptions 

to traffic are key pieces of the 

project. Foster said many of the shipments 

heading to the new Intel facility in Licking 

County will pass in and out of the 

Rickenbacker airport. 

“Alum Creek Drive is a major thoroughfare,” 

said Foster. “We need all stakeholders 

(Columbus, Groveport, Obetz and Madison 

and Hamilton townships) on board.” 

Special Olympics 

The mission of Special Olympics Ohio 

and its Groveport and Canal Winchester 

Special Olympics chapter is to provide year 

round sports training and competition in a 

variety of Olympic type sports for intellectually 

disabled individuals. For information 

contact Penny and Cassandra Hilty at 

groveportspecialolympics@gmail.com or at 

(614) 395-8992 or 395-6640. Donations may 

be sent to Groveport Special Olympics, P.O. 

Box 296, Groveport, OH 43125. 

Garden Club plant auction 

The Groveport Garden Club will hold its 

annual plant auction sale on May 9 at 

Groveport Zion Lutheran Church, 6014 

Groveport Road (across from Kroger). 

Refreshments at 6 p.m. with the plant auction 

starting at 6:30 p.m. Come see the 

variety of plants available! 

Messenger photo by Katelyn Sattler 

Obetz Police Officer C.J Higgenbotham (center) recently prevented a suicidal man 

from jumping off a bridge by grabbing the man as he tried to jump. Higgenbotham 

was honored for his efforts at the April 24 Obetz City Council meeting. Pictured with 

him are Obetz Police Chief Mike Confer and Obetz Mayor Angela Kirk. 

Southeast Library 

The Southeast Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is located at 3980 S. 

Hamilton Road, Groveport. For information visit www.columbuslibrary.org or call 614- 

645-2275. 

BETHANY LUTHERAN 

CHURCH, LCMS 

1000 Noe-Bixby Rd. Columbus, OH 43213 

Telephone: 614-866-7755 

WEBSITE: bethanylutherancolumbus.com 

E-MAIL: bethanycolumbus@sbcglobal.net 

NEW SUMMER HOURS 

Beginning Sunday, May 7: 10:00 AM 

Beginning Sunday, May 14, and continuing through 

the Summer, the 2nd Sunday of every month 

will be a “DRIVE-IN Service. 

Bring lawn chairs to sit on the lawn or remain in your car 

Be a Part of Our Local Worship Guide 

Our Worship Guide is geared toward celebrating faith and helping readers connect 

with religious resources in our community. Make sure these readers know 

how you can help with a presence in this very special section distributed to more 

than 19,000 households in the South area. 

Contact us today to secure your spot in our Worship Guide. 

614.272.5422 • kathy@columbusmessenger.com 


South 

Please visit the 

South/Canal Winchester 

Church of your choice. 

List your Worship 

Services here. 

For info. call 614-272-5422


Lockbourne Memorial Day 

Lockbourne’s annual Memorial Day Parade and 

Celebrationwill be held May 29, to honor veterans and to celebrate 

the history of Lockbourne / Rickenbacker Air Force Base. 

This special even begins at noon with a parade through the village 

followed by a ceremony at Lockbourne Veterans Park. 

“We anticipate a strong presence of veterans from the area,” 

said Lockbourne Mayor Christie Ward. “This event is a central 

part of the village, Hamilton Township, and the surrounding communities.” 

If you would like to participate in the parade, contact Kendall 

Collins at deputy.admin@lockbourneohio.us or (614) 491-3161. 

Obetz Farmers Market 

The Obetz Farmers Market will take place on the second 

Wednesday of each month from June to September between 4-7 

p.m. It will be held across from the Obetz Hardware Store located 

at 4256 Groveport Road, Obetz. 

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Rowing his way to success 


Staff Writer 

Indoor rowing was not part of Tyson 

Whitt’s exercise regime five years ago, but 

the world class athlete accepted a challenge 

by a workout partner to join a competition 

that has taken him virtually and 

in person across the ocean. 

Earlier this year, he traveled to Paris, 

France, and raced in the 2023 European 

Rowing Indoor Championships. 

“The arena was electric and the adrenaline 

rush from it was like nothing else 

I’ve ever experienced in indoor rowing,” 

said Whitt, of Canal Winchester. 

When Whitt was first introduced to the 

sport at age 40, he said he never rowed 

with any serious effort. 

“After rowing 500m as hard as I could 

go, I’m surprised I ever got back on a rowing 

machine. It completely wiped me out 

for the rest of the afternoon,” admitted 

Whitt. 

Since the competition spanned a twoweek 

period, he tried the 500m two more 

times. Each time, he got a little faster and 

it hurt a little less. By the end of the competition, 

Whitt was hooked and purchased 

a rowing machine for home. 

The top five finishers in the challenge 

were rewarded by having their name and 

result posted on the gym’s whiteboard. 

The winner of the competition was awarded a gym bag. 

“I really wanted to be on that whiteboard, but I finished 

just outside of the top five at the end of the twoweek 

competition,” said Whitt. 

He did not pursue competitive indoor rowing until 

early-2021, and by that time, competitions transitioned 

to virtual due to COVID. He found it amazing 

that the sport had the capability to hold world championship 

events virtually with very little equipment 

requirements. 

According to Whitt, a competitor basically only 

needs access to a Concept2 rowing machine, a computer 

and an internet connection. The 2022 World Rowing 

Indoor Championships were completely virtual. 

Competitors from 66 countries competed in the event, 

some of which were former Olympians and professional 

athletes from other sports. 

“Competing during COVID was a great experience 

and virtual events do have their advantages,” said 

Whitt. “For example, athletes that may not have the 

means to travel long distances to compete are able to 

race from home or their local gym. The larger events 

are typically broadcast live, so anyone can watch them 

in real time. In my opinion, the viewing experience is 

better for virtual events due to the viewing format and 

presentation.” 

Whitt feels racing organizations are now in a transitional 

phase where they are trying to determine what 

works best. Some events are in-person only, some are 

virtual only, and his most recent event–the 2023 

World Rowing Indoor Championship–was hybrid. 

Prior to COVID, all races were in-person only. 

Over the past two and a half years, Whitt raced in 

11 events, winning seven gold medals and two silver 

medals. He won a gold medal in the 2022 World 

Championships for the age 40-49 lightweight men’s 

division for five hundred meters. He was a silver 

medalist in the 2023 World Championships for the 

same event. 

Races (virtual or in-person) are managed by racing 

Tyson Whitt is shown here in his home gym with the gold medal he 

won in the 2022 World Rowing Indoor Championships which was a 

virtual event held in February 2022. He won the Lightweight Men’s 

Age 40-49 500m race and was considered the world champion in 

2022 for this event. 

software that collects data from each of the rowing 

machines in real-time. During the race, competitors 

can see their current standing and how many meters 

ahead or behind they are in the race. 

Whitt typically trains one and a half to two hours 

per day six days a week. His regime consists of aerobic 

base building, strength training and high intensity 

workouts. 

“My goals and my inner competitiveness are what 

keeps me rowing,” said Whitt. “They give me a purpose, 

which is vital in order to stick with it and not get 

burned out. I also want to be a good role model for my 

kids. I want them to see first-hand that if you put your 

mind to something and put in the work, good results 

will come of it. I have a mentor that helps me plan my 

workouts. He has been instrumental in my success in 

the sport. With his instruction and wealth of knowledge, 

I’ve been able to obtain results I never would 

have thought were possible a few years ago.” 

Outside of the gym, he plays recreational sports 

including baseball, softball, and basketball. Whitt 

recently acquired local sponsorships for indoor rowing 

and said their generosity helped make it possible for 

him to travel to Paris earlier this year to compete. 

He plans to travel to Prague, Czech Republic, for 

the 2024 World Rowing Indoor Championships. 

So far, no one in Whitt’s family followed him in taking 

up the sport, but he said his wife’s support is vital 

to his success and he is hopeful one day his children 

will take an interest in indoor rowing. 

“Even if they don’t pursue competing, indoor rowing 

is a great training tool to help improve fitness as well 

as creating mental toughness,” said Whitt. “These 

skills are a great addition to any sport they may pursue. 

I would highly encourage indoor rowing to anyone 

to improve their fitness and health. It is a great, lowimpact, 

exercise that works almost the entire body. 

Even if you don’t pursue competing, there are enormous 

benefits from consistently using a rowing 

machine.”


Increasing awareness of human trafficking 


Staff Writer 

CW selects athletic director 

The Canal Winchester Board of Education will vote 

on May 15 on a recommendation to hire Jacob Ramsey, 

currently Assistant Director of Student Life at Upper 

Arlington High School, as the district’s athletic director. 

“Mr. Ramsey’s experience with cultivating studentcentered 

athletic programs and enthusiasm for supporting 

student-athletes in their academic and athletic 

journeys made him the top choice for this role,” sai 

Canal Winchester Schools Superintendent Kiya Hunt. 

“His vision for the future of Canal Winchester 

Athletics aligns to our district mission of Empowering 

All Students for Success and we are excited about the 

future of our programs under his direction.” 

Ramsey joined Upper Arlington High School as the 

Assistant Director of Student Life in 2021. Prior to 

that, he was the athletic director of Independence and 

Marion-Franklin high schools for six years. He began 

his career in education in 2011 and has served as a fitness 

instructor, coach, and teacher’s assistant. 

“I am honored to be joining the Canal Winchester 

family and excited to bring a fresh perspective and new 

ideas that will help create a culture of success, respect, 

and support for our student-athletes, coaches, and 

community,” said Ramsey. 

Students, coaches, community members, and staff 

were included on the interview committee to select the 

new athletic director. 

Ramsey holds a bachelor's degree in communications 

from the University of Cincinnati, where he was 

also a student-athlete. He will fill the role of retiring 

athletic director Pat Durbin, beginning his new role on 

Aug. 1, pending board approval. 

Kris Sims Relay For Life Dinner 

Canal Winchester’s elected officials will wait tables 

to earn tips for Relay for Life. 

On May 17 from 5—7:30 p.m., Canal Winchester 

Mayor Michael Ebert and city council members will 

serve dinner at the Canal Winchester Community 

Missing children and human trafficking impact 

communities everywhere, including Canal Winchester. 

Cornelius McGrady, the founder of a youth trafficking 

coalition in Reynoldsburg, is bringing awareness of 

the situation to the Canal Winchester community 

through the creation of a local club and a May 13 missing 

children awareness event in the Oley Speaks auditorium, 

100 Washington St., Canal Winchester, from 9 

a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Presenters include the Ohio Attorney General’s 

office, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, FBI, and the 

mayor’s office. 

Outside exhibits feature the BCI’s crime vehicle and 

a Fairfield County sheriff’s department cruiser. 

Informational displays, giveaways and a facial recognition 

exhibit will be located inside the auditorium. 

McGrady, an Army veteran, presented his proposal 

to form a coalition club for students to the local school 

board in October and the program began in December. 

“Like Jesus told his disciples, go out and spread the 

gospel,” said McGrady. “I have made educating our 

most valuable resource my mission. The average age of 

a child abducted and murdered is 11 years old. In 

2022, 15,555 children were reported missing in Ohio 

and more than 800,000 are missing throughout the 

United States annually.” 

According to McGrady, the majority of missing children 

are found. In Ohio in 2022, 96 percent were 

returned safely. However, the four percent that do not 

make it home can be parent’s worst nightmare. 

“These cases have a huge impact on local communities 

and our schools,” said McGrady, who said when 

the Reynoldsburg Youth Human Trafficking coalition 

first began its awareness campaign in 2009, some 

questioned why organizers were bringing negative 

attention and problems to the city. 

“We are bringing awareness to an underground 

existing problem,” said McGrady. “The Brice and 

Livingston corridor–a quarter mile away from 

Reynoldsburg High School–is in the top five spots for 

sex trafficking. To some it was merely coincidence that 

the number of hotel raids, brothel busts, and the 

largest human trafficking took place in Franklin 

County in Reynoldsburg in 2016.” 

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s office, it is 

estimated that 1,078 Ohio children are sex-trafficked 

every year. Thirteen is the most common age for children 

to be victims of sex trafficking. 

The signs of human trafficking in youth include: 

poor mental health or abnormal nervous behavior; the 

child appears fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, 

tense or nervous/paranoid; they exhibit unusual fearful 

or anxious behavior after being around law enforcement; 

avoid eye contact; appear malnourished or 

show signs of physical and/sexual abuse, physical 

restraint, confinement or torture. 

Center, located at 45 E. Waterloo St. The three-course 

meal will include a house salad and bread, spaghetti 

and meatballs, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and a 

dessert. The cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child (10 

and under). Tickets can be purchased at the door the 

night of the event while supplies last. Cash, check, or 

credit cards will be accepted and parties will be seated 

on a first-come, first-served basis. Carry-out will be 

available. 

The event is a charity fundraiser for the city’s Relay 

for Life team, The Village People 4 A Cure. The dinner 

is named in honor of the late Kristen Sims, who 

worked to bring Relay for Life to Canal Winchester. 

All tips and dinner proceeds will benefit Relay for Life, 

American Cancer Society. Donations are tax 

deductible and receipts will be available upon request. 

In addition to the dinner, visitors can purchase raffle 

tickets for a variety of prizes, including a season 

pass to the Canal Winchester Municipal Pool. Tickets 

for the raffle will also be sold at the American Cancer 

Society’s Relay for Life event on June 24 at the Canal 

Winchester High School, where the winners will be 

announced. 

CW school board meetings 

The Canal Winchester Board of Education meets on 

the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Canal 

Winchester Education Center, 100 Washington St. on 

the second floor in room 204/206. The public is welcome 

to attend. 

GMHS Alumni Banquet 

Groveport Madison High School will host the 129th 

annual Alumni Banquet on May 20 at Groveport 

Madison High School, 4475 S. Hamilton Road. Dinners 

are $25 each and will be served at 5 p.m. Reservations 

must be made by May 12. Make checks payable to and 

send to: Groveport Madison Alumni Association, P.O. 

Box 382, Groveport, OH 43125. 




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Kroger - Winchester Square 

The Wigwam Restaurant - 4 South High St. 

Marie Scramblers - 6402 Winchester Blvd. 

Shade on the Canal - 19 South High St. 

Canal Winchester Library - 115 Franklin St. 

CW City Hall and Community Center – 45 E. Waterloo St. 

Harvest Moon - 7 N. High St. 

Rex Barber Shop - 1 W. Waterloo 

Sunoco Gas Station - 501 W. Waterloo St. 

Panera - 685 W. Waterloo St. 

Save & Smoke - 6211 Winchester Blvd. 

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Locations: 

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Columbus Library - High St. & Highview 

CVS Pharmacy - High St. & Williams Rd. 

Walgreen’s - High St. & Williams Rd. 

Kelly’s Market - 3453 Parsons Ave. 

K & M Market - 4305 Andy Groom Blvd. 

Stoney’s Market - 3517 Lockbourne Rd. 

Kroger - S. High St. 

READ US ONLINE: www.columbusmessenger.com



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eastside 


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Blume’s book brought to the screen with care 

The Reel Deal 

Dedra 

Cordle 

Judy Blume was long resistant to a film adaptation of her 

beloved novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” 

According to numerous interviews 

the prolific children’s and 

young adult author has given 

throughout her career, it was her 

fear that the story would be mishandled and 

that the 11-year-old girl at its center would be 

misunderstood that kept her from granting 

any and all requests to bring this world to life 

on the big screen. 

It was a concern that was likely well founded. 

Since its debut in 1970, the award-winning 

novel has been right near the top of the 

list of books that some individuals would like 

to see censored, if not outright banned, for its 

frank exploration of puberty and the questions 

it raises on whether there is a higher power who looks after 

all of us from above and beyond. 

Blume has never once shied away from debating the critics of 

her work but she is also a bit of a realist; she knew that any film 

studio would have had no issue with sanitizing the content of her 

book to make it more palatable to a wider general audience, completely 

bypassing the fact that over 90 million copies of her novel 

have been sold internationally. 

In 2016, she came across a little gem of a movie called “The 

Edge of Seventeen”, which is kind of like a more adult version of 

her most known book and fell in love with its realistic depiction of 

teenage angst. Although she did not reach out to the writer-director 

Kelly Fremon Craig and veteran producer James L. Brooks to 

tell them of her admiration for the film, she did agree to meet with 

the duo two years later to hear their pitch to bring “Are You There 

God? It’s Me, Margaret” to the silver screen for the first time. 

I don’t think the sky opened up or anything during the meeting, 

but something awesome must have happened because the everreluctant 

Blume finally saw a vision worth greenlighting and 

allowed Fremon Craig and Brooks to adapt her novel. Although 

the final product is not quite heaven sent, it is everything a fan of 

the novel could ask for — and everything a genuine lover of sweet 

movies that have just the right amount of kick would enjoy as well. 

This classic story of girlhood, puberty, and religious belonging 

begins with the titular character Margaret Simon (played by Abby 

Ryder Fortson) finding out that she and her parents, Barbara 

(Rachel McAdams) and Herb (Benny Safdie), are relocating from 

New York City to a New Jersey suburb. Margaret is unhappy with 

the news, to say the least, and is sure it will be an outright disaster. 

Much to her surprise, it’s not quite as disastrous as she was 

fearing as she makes new friends, largely enjoys the new school, 

and is still able to see her much-loved Grandma Sylvia (Kathy 

Bates, a scene stealer) on a semi-regular basis, but doubts about 

her looks and personality start creeping in as her new group of 

pals focus on things like the size of their boobs (or lack thereof), 

garnering the attention of the cutest boy in school, and rushing to 

be the first to get their period. 

Because there is so much turmoil going on in her life, Margaret 

turns to God for comfort but finds herself woefully lacking in that 

department as well. You see, a big plot point in this book and 

adaptation is Margaret struggling to believe. She’ll talk to God, 

sure, especially when she wants to get that leg up in the bra 

department, but she was raised secular by her Christian mother 

and Jewish father and isn’t sure there is anyone listening to her 

pleas for help and understanding. 

Much of the film alternates between these two threads — her 

attempts of self-discovery and her attempts to discover (or disavow) 

religion — and it never falls into that trap of being too soft 

or too hard about either. Like our titular heroine, it flows with her 

and is never in judgment of her decisions. 

Part of what makes this adaptation work as well as it does is 

the pre-teen at the center of the action. Fortson, who was 12 or 13 

when filming began, gracefully captures the prepubescent agony 

of waiting for life to begin. You feel the urgency, shame, and wonder 

that Margaret does and it makes you so unbelievably glad that 

you have moved beyond that state of being. If you are still in that 

state of being, my condolences. (Life spoiler alert: It doesn’t get 

better. It just gets different.) 

The movie takes an expanded approach with the other women 

in Margaret’s life and the story is all the more richer for it. 

Although I would have liked to see Bates’ role more developed, 

McAdams has more to work with as her character struggles too 

with this new change in their lives. 

The theatrical adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, 

Margaret” may take a slightly different course than the novel on 

which it is based, but the magic of the material is all over this film. 

This is a film that cares for its characters, that cares to handle its 

themes with care, and it is infused with that humorous spirit and 

relatability that are the cornerstones of Blume’s work. 

Grade: B+ 

Dedra Cordle is a Messenger staff writer and columnist. 

pets of the week 

BIRTHDAY • ENGAGEMENT • WEDDING • ANNIVERSARY 

• GRADUATION • RETIREMENT 

IN MEMORIUM • ARMED FORCES 

Say it with an announcement ad in 

the Messenger and spread the word. 

You can download the appropriate form from 

our Web site or stop by our office 

Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Columbus Messenger 

3500 Sullivant Ave. 

614-272-5422 


Panda Bear is a sweet 1-year-old boy. He 

enjoys everything the world has to offer - 

playing, running, cuddling, eating, sleeping, 

and sun bathing. He loves both people and 

cats, and even likes the dogs that walk up to 

the window. Panda Bear would love a home 

that has a lot of windows and people with a 

lot of love. Meet him at the Colony Cats cagefree 

adoption center. 

FYI: colonycats.org 

Blackbird, the short-haired black cat with 

one eye was found as a stray. With her sleek 

black fur, she blends in perfectly with the 

night sky, just like a blackbird soaring through 

the air. Her singular eye is sharp and focused, 

always on the lookout for any feathered 

friends that may be nearby. Blackbird is a 

gentle, unique, and charming cat who is sure 

to keep you on your toes. So if you’re looking 

for a feline companion who is as fierce and 

independent as a bird of prey, yet as gentle 

and loving as a little songbird, then Blackbird might be perfect for you. 

FYI: colonycats.org 

Winnie is 12 years old. She is very social and 

enjoys to be around people. She will even let 

people (and kids) pick her up for some cuddles. 

She likes to play with her toys and would 

love a forever family who will play with her 

and lavish her with attention. Winnie is up for 

adoption through Friends for Life Animal 

Haven. 

FYI: fflah.org 

Dee Dee is 12 years old and is the sister of 

Winnie. She is shy at first but will warm up 

quickly with a can of food. Dee Dee has no 

teeth, so she will need wet food or very small 

bites of kibble. She is a sweet girl who will sit 

on your lap and hang out. Adopt her from 

Friends for Life Animal Haven. 

FYI: fflah.org 

These furry friends are available for adoption at 

local rescues and shelters.

ActiveLifestyles 



A bi-monthly feature celebrating our community’s senior citizens 

Fun ways to stay active 

Physical activity is 

an important component 

of overall health. 

Health experts advise 

that exercise can 

increase lean body 

mass, prevent conditions 

like diabetes 

and cardiovascular 

disease, improve balance, 

and positively 

affect mental 

h e a l t h / c o g n i t i o n . 

Exercise also can foster 

socialization with 

others, helping people 

overcome boredom 

and isolation. 

As individuals get 

older, they may not 

be able to participate in all of the activities 

they enjoyed as youths, but that doesn’t 

mean older adults must resign themselves 

to sedentary lifestyles. There are plenty of 

entertaining ways to remain physically 

active that can accommodate any limitations 

a person may have. Explore these 

methods for staying active. 

Explore senior center offerings 

Community senior centers often fill calendars 

with a vast array of activities, some 

of which can include physical activities. 

Hikes, walking tours, dances, and other 

activities all serve as entertaining ways to 

get out and about while meeting some fitness 

goals. 

Garden or do yard work 

The Office of Disease Prevention and 

Health Promotions says adults should get 

150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. 

Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, digging in 

flower beds, trimming bushes, and other 

outdoor tasks could help a person meet this 

quota in a way that doesn’t seem like exercise 

at all. 

Play games with grandchildren 

Little kids may inspire older adults to be 

more active, as it can be difficult to keep up 

with those youngsters. Take infants or toddlers 

for walks or push them in strollers. 

Attach a child seat or towing carriage to a 

bicycle and ride around the neighborhood. 

Play games that require movement, such as 

hide-and-seek or Marco Polo in the pool. If 

it’s snowing, have a snowball fight or make 

a snowman in the yard. 

Take up a new hobby 

Find hobbies that incorporate physical 

activity. Perhaps learning to salsa dance or 

taking Zumba will be fun? Pickleball has 

caught on across the nation. The sport is a 

mix of tennis, racquetball and badminton 

that caters to all ages. Joining a bowling 

team is another way to get active and meet 

new people. 

Physical activity is important at any 

age. Seniors can explore fun ways to stay in 

shape and be active to reap all the benefits 

of exercise. 

Veterans Hall of Fame nominations 

The deadline for submitting nominations 

for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is 

fast approaching. The Hall of Fame recognizes 

those who served in the U.S. Armed 

Forces and continue to contribute to their 

communities, state, and nation through 

exceptional acts of volunteerism, advocacy, 

professional distinction, public service, or 

philanthropy.The deadline to submit nomination 

forms for consideration for the 2023 

class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is 

June 1. The veteran must meet the following 

criteria: Be a past or current Ohio resident; 

Have received an honorable discharge; 

Be of good moral character.This 

Hall of Fame sets the standard for recognizing 

Ohio’s veterans for accomplishments 

beyond their military service. 

Visit dvs.ohio.gov/hall-of-fame for information. 

Photo courtesy of the Columbus Clippers 

Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 TH @ 12:05 PM 

 

 

CLIPPERS VS. LOUISVILLE BATS 

 

Tickets are $6 RESERVED and $5 BLEACHER SEATING 

LUNCH PROVIDED FOR FANS 60 AND OVER WITH TICKET PURCHASE 

 

Make checks/money orders payable to Columbus Clippers and mail to: 

 

 

Columbus Clippers Aenon: Spencer Harrison 

330 

Hunngton Park Lane, Columbus, OH 43215 

Orders 

can be emailed to sharrison@clippersbaseball.com 

For cket quesons, call (614) 4625250 

Ticket orders must be received by the Clippers before June 1st, 2023 

 

www.clippersbaseball.com


SUMMER BLAST! 

ELVIS 

featuring 

Mike Albert 

and the Big E Band 

Saturday 

June 10, 2023 

VILLA MILANO 

1630 Schrock Rd. 

Dinner/Show Tickets $ 58.00 

Tickets by Phone: 614-792-3135 

Visa • Mastercard • Discover 

NO REFUNDS 

Active Lifestyles 

Losing a loved one is a crushing experience. It 

knocks the wind out of you so much it’s hard to 

think. It’s ironic that when we are grief stricken 

and overwhelmed, we must make some of the 

most difficult decisions like how to honor our 

loved one, one final time. 

Writing an obituary, planning a service, and 

choosing a monument can seem unwieldy in those 

moments. What if you never discussed those 

things? What if you are not sure what they’d like, 

or your family members disagree? What if the 

costs are not within your budget? These challenges 

could be eliminated by preplanning. 

According to the National Funeral Directors 

Association, the median cost of a traditional 

funeral today is $7,640, before cemetery and 

headstone costs. Inclusive of them, it can be a 

$10,000 investment or more. 


Tips to make baking more healthy 

Baking sessions are a beloved family 

tradition in many households. But 

such sessions may not be as revered by 

family physicians, as baked goods are 

often prepared with ingredients, like 

sugar and butter, that aren’t necessarily 

sound additions to a person’s diet. 

Though baked goods may never 

rival vegetables in nutritional value, 

there are ways for amateur bakers to 

make these beloved foods a little more 

healthy. 

• Replace sugar with a fig puree. 

Figs are nutrition-rich fruits that serve 

as significant sources of calcium, 

potassium and iron. WebMD notes 

that figs also are excellent sources of 

fiber. Soaking eight ounces of figs in 

water can soften them before they’re 

pureed with water. The resulting fig 

puree can serve as a sugar substitute. 

• Make it a ‘dates’ night. Much like 

figs, dates can be pureed and serve as 

a sugar substitute. However, WebMD 

notes that pureed dates will not be 

able to replace all of the sugar in a 

recipe. One cup of pureed pitted dates 

with one cup of water can replace as 

much as half of the sugar a recipe calls 

for. 

• Replace butter with avocados. It’s 

not just sugar that can make baked 

goods so unhealthy. Many baking 

recipes call for a substantial amount of 

butter. California Avocados notes that 

avocados can replace butter at a 1:1 

ratio when baking. So if a recipe calls for 

one cup of butter, bakers can replace that 

with one cup of pureed avocados. WebMD 

warns that avocados have more water than 

butter, so bakers may want to reduce the 

temperature in their ovens by 25 percent 

and bake the foods a little longer. 

• Replace white flour with whole wheat 

flour. White flour is often the go-to for amateur 

and even professional bakers. But 

white flour is processed, which removes the 

bran and germ of the grain, thus stripping 

white flour of much of its nutritional value. 

Whole wheat flour is not processed, so it 

retains its nutritional value. Baking with 

whole wheat flour may require a learning 

curve, and some bakers prefer to use a mix 

of whole-wheat and white flour to preserve 

the flavors they’ve grown accustomed to. 

Baked goods may never pack the most 

nutritious punch, but there are ways for 

amateur bakers to make such foods a little 

more healthy. 

PAID ADVERTISING 

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Making final plans is a wonderful gift to a 

family. It not only protects loved ones from 

unplanned expenses, it takes the guesswork and 

stress out of making important decisions during 

an emotional time. Today, it is possible to plan, 

design, and pay for everything up front from the 

service, burial, and headstone. In fact, companies 

like Modlich Monument Company can produce a 

headstone in advance, adding final touches at the 

passing of a loved one. 

Pre-planning gives the family time to research 

options, talk and include personal details that ads 

a special touch. Pre-planning also locks in the cost 

and removes the financial burden from survivors, 

a gift they will truly appreciate. 

Learn more at Modlich-monument.com or call 

614-276-1439.




Proud to welcome Central Ohio Primary Care 

to our Medicare Advantage plan network 

Get even more for your Medicare dollar. If you're turning 65, new to Medicare, recently moved, have limited income, 

or qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be able to take advantage of a plan that includes medical, 

prescription drug coverage and more. 

Medicare Advantage plans from 

UnitedHealthcare ® may also include: 

$1,500 for comprehensive dental services 

Use your UnitedHealthcare UCard 

when you visit your provider, 

fill a prescription, check in at 

the gym and buy healthy food or 

OTC products. 

Up to $50 a quarter for OTC products 

$0 prescription drug deductible 

$0 copay for preventive care 

Expanded 

Network 

Turning 65 or new to Medicare? 

Call UnitedHealthcare or go online today. 

1-855-263-1852, TTY 711 

8 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days a week. Se habla español. 

Or visit exploreuhc.com 

Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Other providers are available in our network. Network size varies by market. If your plan offers out-of-network dental 

coverage and you see an out-of-network dentist, you might be billed more. Network size varies by local market. Other providers are available in our network. Network size varies by market. OTC benefits have 

expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare 

Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. 

© 2023 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

60155098 H5253-109-002 

Y0066_220722_025325_M 

SPRJ80903



Active Adult 

Communities: A Lifestyle 

Worth Considering 

Times have changed and people are 

now living longer, healthier lives. 

Through technology, diet, fitness and 

medicine, active adults remain independent 

longer. At age 55 plus, you 

might not be ready for a retirement community 

but may want to explore Active 

Adult living that affords a simpler 

lifestyle. 

In most cases, exploring options is 

really an issue of “when” and not “if” for 

active adults. When is the right time to 

give up mowing the lawn or shoveling the 

snow? What keeps you on the go? Active 

adult communities offer the space and 

environment for an engaging resident 

experience. Social engagement, physical 

fitness, intellectual and educational 

endeavors, creative, regular programming, 

and entertainment events are directed by 

residents and/or led by those whose interests 

are being served in the community. 

While Active Adult Communities are 

new to central Ohio, it is a growing segment 

of multi-family residential properties 

across the country. If you have not 

explored being a renter by choice, this 

55+ lifestyle option is something to consider. 

While you might want to live in 

the community where you raised your 

family, you can now opt for a lifestyle 

solution that is convenient, maintenance-free, 

carefree, and fun. 

These communities are meant to provide 

all the comforts of a single-family 

home with the convenience of being in a 

walkable neighborhood or a short drive 

from shopping, dining, entertainment, 

and healthcare. Such offerings fit with 

active adult consumers’ priorities, which 

can include housing accessibility, 

affordability, ease of maintenance, outdoor 

spaces for relaxation, proximity to 

shopping and activities, social interaction 

and connectivity and access to support 

and concierge services. 

Active adult living provides a social 

lifestyle that comes with being empty 

nesters and/or retired and having more 

time to learn, play, explore and make 

new and lasting friends on the same 

journey. 

Content provided by Treplus 

Communities. 



Why it pays for seniors to have good credit 

The benefits of maintaining 

good credit include looking more 

reliable in the eyes of prospective 

employers and securing lower 

mortgage interest rates when 

buying a home. Those rewards 

can benefit anyone, but they’re 

especially enticing to young people. 

But what about seniors? Do 

individuals stand to benefit significantly 

from maintaining good 

credit into their golden years? 

According to the credit reporting agency 

Experian, senior citizens tend to have the best 

credit scores of any consumer demographic. That 

could be a byproduct of years of financial discipline, 

and there are many benefits to maintaining that 

discipline into retirement. 

• Home buying and borrowing: Buying a home is 

often considered a big financial step forward for 

young people, but that doesn’t mean aging men and 

women are completely out of the real estate market. 

In its 2020 State of the Nation’s Housing 

report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of 

Harvard University reported that the share of 

homeowners age 65 and over with housing debt 

doubled to 42 percent between 1989 and 2019. In 

addition, 27 percent of homeowners age 80 and 

over were carrying mortgage debt in 2019. 

Maintaining strong credit after retirement can help 

homeowners who still have mortgage debt get better 

terms if they choose to refinance their mortgages. 

Even seniors who have paid off their mortgages 

can benefit from maintaining good credit if 

they decide to downsize to a smaller home but cannot 

afford to simply buy the new 

home outright. 

• Rewards: Retirement is often 

associated with travel, recreation 

and leisure. Such pursuits can be 

more affordable when seniors utilize 

rewards-based credit cards 

that help them finance vacations, 

weekend getaways and other 

expenses associated with traveling. 

Seniors who maintain strong credit 

ratings into their golden years may have more 

access to the best travel-based rewards cards than 

those whose credit scores dip in retirement. 

• Unforeseen expenses: No one knows what’s 

around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the 

importance of planning for the unknown. The 

COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of 

nowhere, and among its many ripple effects was 

the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The 

JCHS report found that 21 percent of homeowners 

age 65 and over had reported loss of employment 

income related to the pandemic. Unforeseen medical 

expenses also can compromise seniors’ financial 

freedom. Maintaining a strong credit rating 

into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such 

financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy 

can help seniors secure low-interest loans or 

credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, 

unforeseen expenses without getting into significant 

debt. 

The importance of a strong credit rating is often 

emphasized to young people. However, a strong 

credit rating can be equally beneficial for seniors. 

New Community! 

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Grove City, Ohio 43123




 

 

Franklin County Board of Commissioners: President John O’Grady • Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce, and Commissioner Erica C. Crawley 

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and The Franklin County Office on Aging join with the Messenger Newspaper in providing this update on aging issues in Franklin County. 

Play Ball! Office on Aging Day with the 

Columbus Clippers Scheduled for June 8 

For the past 21 years, the Franklin County Office on Aging has partnered 

with the Columbus Clippers to host their annual Office on Aging Day at 

the award-winning Huntington Park. Office on Aging Day with the 

Columbus Clippers provides seniors aged 60 and older a chance to gather 

with their family and friends for a fun-filled day at the ballpark through 

discounted ticket prices. 

This year’s Office on Aging Day with the Columbus Clippers is scheduled 

for Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 12:05 p.m. in which the Columbus Clippers 

will go head-to-head with the Louisville Bats. Ticket prices for seniors 

will be $5.00 for bleacher seating and $6.00 for reserved seating, and the 

ticket price also includes a boxed lunch as well as a chance to win a variety 

of raffle prizes. Seniors who have a group of 10 or more can also 

request free transportation through the Office on Aging by calling (614) 

525-8832 by no later than Monday, May 8. 

This event also provides seniors the chance to connect with community 

organizations that provide resources to older adults. In the past, seniors 

have been able to get connected to resources regarding tax preparation, 

kinship support, mental health and other valuable services that make 

aging in place possible. This year seniors and their families will once 

again be able to connect to a variety of resources from community providers 

that help support aging in place, including Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 

the Franklin County Auditor’s Office, and the Veterans Service Commission 

among others. Franklin County’s Health & Human Services mobile 

unit will also be in attendance, which includes representatives from the 

Office on Aging, Job and Family Services, Justice Policy & Programs, and 

Child Support Enforcement Agency. The mobile unit helps residents get 

the assistance they need all in one place, including help with food assistance, 

Medicaid, rental assistance, employment opportunities, child 

support, re-entry support and more. 

Lastly, the day will also include pre-ceremonial activities including a 

warm welcome from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ President, 

John O’Grady, as well as a ceremonial first pitch. Past local celebrities 

for the first pitch include former 10TV Anchor, Jerry Revish, Professional 

Baseball Player, Allan Lee Anderson, and Community Leader and 

Civil Rights Activist, Don Elder. This year fans can expect to see the 

Office on Aging’s first African American female director, Chanda Wingo, 

to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

Franklin County seniors who are interested in attending the game can 

purchase tickets several ways. They can mail the order form found in the 

Columbus Messenger to: 

Columbus Clippers 

ATTN: Spencer Harrison 

330 Huntington Park Lane 

Columbus, OH 43215 

Seniors can also order tickets by calling the Columbus Clippers at (614) 

462-5250. To request transportation for groups of 10 or more, call the 

Office on Aging at (614) 525-8832 by no later than Monday, May 8.


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What to do after being diagnosed with high blood pressure 

Hypertension, a condition marked by abnormally with high blood pressure who are unaccustomed to 

high blood pressure, is more common than many people 

physical activity should work with their physicians 

may recognize. 

and a personal trainer to design an exercise regimen 

Hypertension is not normal, nor is it something to that’s within their abilities. As their bodies get used to 

take lightly. The American Heart Association notes increased physical activity, people can then work with 

that, if left undetected or uncontrolled, hypertension the same individuals to tweak their routines so they 

can lead to serious, and potentially deadly, conditions, can keep making progress toward their fitness goals. 

including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney 

Routine exercise also helps to reduce stress, which the 

disease. The AHA notes that individuals diagnosed AHA notes is another step people with hypertension 

with hypertension can try various strategies to get should take to lower their blood pressure. 

their number down to a normal, healthy range. 

• Shed extra weight. The AHA notes that losing as 

•Eat a healthy, low-salt diet. A diet that’s rich in few as 10 pounds can help to manage high blood pressure. 

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, 

Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces strain 

skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, and nontropical 

on the heart, thus lowering the risk for high blood pres- 

vegetable oils ensures people are getting sure and the conditions that can arise from it. 

ample nutrition from healthy sources. 

More than 1.2 billion people across the globe are 

•Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. 

currently living with high blood pressure. Taking steps 

•Exercise regularly. Routine exercise benefits the to reduce hypertension is a great way to promote longterm 

heart in many ways, including helping people control 

health and overcome this often silent killer. 

high blood pressure. Individuals recently diagnosed 


Be confident in the plan you select 

It is finally getting warm outside! You are using the 

Medicare plan you chose this past Annual Election Period 

(AEP). 

My name is Terri Curcio, I live in Franklin County – you are 

welcome to contact me at 614-460-0601 or email TERRIL- 

CURCIO@GMAIL.COM. An item to review now is the cost of 

your medications, and to check if any assistance is available to 

help reduce your co-pays. Medicare provides a Low-Income 

Assistance (LIS) program for individuals according to their 

annual income, if approved this would reduce the amount of 

your monthly pharmacy copays.We could review to see if you 

may qualify and apply. I also work with a Rx discount company 

that has a monthly copay of $39 for some of the more costly 

medications. Also, if you are turning 65 this year – know your 

best option, if still working, maybe just keeping your group 

plan.For Medicare plan options, select the coverage that offers 

the lowest copays for services and medications while including 

your current physicians. Plan options may include dental, 

vision, a monthly food allowance along with a fitness program. 

$0 cost for my consultation and enrollment services. You need 

to be confident in the plan you select! 

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) 

is over for 2023, but maybe you still have 

 

- will I have to pay a penalty if I keep working 

after I turn 65, and decide to keep my group 

plan? 

- are there any 5 Star Medicare rated plans in 

my county, that I can enroll into throughout the 

year? 

- 

meet with a local representative, and review 

more than 2 or 3 plan options. 

Terri Curcio Call today 614-460-0601 

$0 fee or $0 Consultation cost 

Be confident in your plan selection, keep your 

doctors, and find the lowest copays for your 

medications. 

Come meet me at the Clippers vs. Louisville Bats 

game June 8 th @12:05 PM 

- I need help in paying my Rx copays, any 

assistance available? 

 

area. Any information we provide is limited to 

those plans we do offer in your area. Please 

contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE 

to get information on all of



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and RSVP for open sessions 

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Centerpoint 7 development progressing 

Plus other Obetz news 


Staff Writer 

Obetz City Council approved the final development plan of 

Centerpoint 7. 

According to Obetz Community Services Director/Council Clerk 

Stacey Boumis, Centerpoint 7 has been zoned Planned Industrial 

District and is the last developable parcel in the Centerpoint 

Business Park. 

The building will be the smallest building of the park at approximately 

100,000 square feet on 8.23 acres. The process began last 

year and was vetted through Planning and Zoning. It required several 

variances and received approval from the Madison Township 

Fire Department due to the gravel fire lane. The primary access is 

on Bixby Road. 

The building is centered on the lot, with the existing landscape 

buffer along Bixby Road and along the residential to the north, 

which is Big Walnut Run, whose retention pond is adjacent. The 

houses are not immediately adjacent to it. 

The dock doors will face the pond. Some dock doors will also 

face the road, but they’re face-shielded from the road with landscaping. 

It will look like the other buildings there. 

The developer will put in a minimal spec building now and putting 

in a minimum amount of parking. If needed over time, there 

The building will have the traditional signage package that 

exists in the park. 

Obetz mayor’s report 

•Mayor Angela Kirk said May 5 is the opening day for baseball, 

softball and tee-ball season. Gates open at 6 pm. 

“We’re throwing out of the first pitch and there will be fireworks 

afterward,” said Kirk. 

•The first ever “Mother-Son Glow Dance: A Night to 

Remember” will be at Stewart Hall on May 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. 

•The annual Obetz Spring Clean Up is scheduled for May 12. 

This is the normal trash collection day; however, Waste 

Management will send extra trucks to pick up additional household 

waste. 

“Remember to wrap any mattresses or couches you have that 

you want to dispose of,” said Kirk. 

•There is also a tire disposal on Friday, May 12 from 4-6 p.m. 

and May 13 from 9- to 11 a.m. Disposal will take place in the 

dumpster at the Street Department building located at 4100 

Orchard Lane. 

•The Farmer’s Market is taking vendor applications for 2023. 

The market takes place on the second Wednesday of each month, 

from June to September, between 4-7 p.m. The event will be held 

across from the Obetz Hardware Store at 4256 Groveport Road. 

Obetz Police 

•“We’ve had a lot of speeding complaints down at Butler 

Farms,” said Obetz Police Chief Mike Confer. “I had guys go down 

and spend the last couple of weeks running random traffic down 

there. They clocked several hundred cars. So hopefully we curb 

that issue, for a while anyway.” 

•Since April 10, Obetz Police have had 967 calls for service; 

patrolled 4,004 miles; 32 moving violations, three for speeding; 

two parking citations; three misdemeanor arrests; 23 offense 

reports; and four crash reports. 

Hamilton Township Fire Department 

Hamilton Township Fire Chief Ralph Shillingburg said that for 

the month of March the department had 70 EMS runs and 17 fire 

runs. 

Obetz delays decision on daycare facility 


Staff Writer 

The Obetz Planning and Zoning Commission has tabled a decision 

on plans for a proposed daycare facility until May. 

Kurtis Wolgast, Director of Design for SHYFT Collective and 

Garrett Baker, Project Manager with American Structurepoint, 

presented changes to the daycare plan at the April 12 planning 

and zoning meeting. attended the Obetz P&Z meeting April 12 to 

The proposed Fountain of Knowledge Daycare is slated for the 

southwest corner of the intersection of Bixby and Groveport roads. 

The property is zoned commercial and needs to be rezoned to support 

the proposed daycare. 

The Obetz city engineer is recommending one curb cut, but the 

Madison Township Fire Department wants two curb cuts. The city 

will follow up with the fire chief to discuss options. 

“We submitted the traffic study in February, then we didn’t get 

comments back until yesterday,” said Wolgast. “In my experience, 

the traffic feedback should have been in time to get feedback for 

any traffic and site impacts that it would have impacted.” 

Obetz Community Services Director Stacey Boumis said officials 

just received the traffic study and they appreciate Wolgast’s 

patience. 

“It would be easier if it wasn’t a rezoning, but it is a rezoning 

and the traffic study is a component of that,” said Boumis. 

Wolgast said that the turnaround time is uncommonly long. 

Boumis said, “We need an approved traffic impact study so the 

engineers can sign off on that. Our engineer has to sign off on the 

curb cuts. So that’s going to mean talking to Madison Township 

Fire Department.” 

Swimming pools 

Boumis mentioned that the state of Ohio controls residential 

“We’ve had a lot of speeding complaints down at Butler 

Farms. I had guys go down and spend the last couple of weeks 

running random traffic down there. They clocked several hundred 

cars.” 

- Obetz Police Chief Mike Confer 

pools. 

“The state of Ohio passed a residential building code years ago 

- back in 2005 or 2006,” said Boumis. “And according to the code, 

there are a variety of things within that. And there’s also state 

level code requirements for swimming pools. So, we have our own 

building department that enforces the Residential Code of Ohio,” 

said Boumis. 

If Obetz didn’t have a building department, enforcement would 

default to the county. 

The state of Ohio requires that all swimming pools with over 18 

inches of water must get a pool permit. Obetz’s water depth for a 

pool is also 18 inches, whereas the city of Columbus defines a pool 

as an artificial construction with 30 inches of water. Dublin also 

requires a swimming pool to have 18 inches of water. Pickerington 

says a swimming pool has at least 24 inches of water. Fairfield 

County requires a swimming pool to have 24 inches or more of 

water. Hamilton Township considers a pool to have 24 inches of 

water. 

The same is true for other pool requirements. An in-ground pool 

owner must have a fence around the pool, but the height varies 

depending upon the city or county. In Fairfield County, all inground 

pools must have a fence between four feet and six feet in 

height. Obetz requires a fence of at least 42 inches in height and 

be of sufficient design as to prohibit children from passing 

through. Columbus requires all pools to have a fence of at least 48 

inches in height. Pickerington requires fencing of at least 48 inches 

in height. Hamilton Township requires enclosures around pools 

to be 48 inches in height. 

Other requirements for pools that may vary are setback from 

the property line, location on the property, design criteria, and 

kinds of lights, among others. 


Guaranteeing 

Religious Freedom 

In March, I reported the progress made on 

Senate Bill 49. It was the first bill I sponsored 

as my first priority as a new Senator. My legislative 

staff and I worked very hard to deliver 

on promises to remove any barriers that 

are not respectful to religious freedom. I am 

pleased to report that the R.E.D. Bill (Senate 

Bill 49) was unanimously passed on April 26 

and will now move to the Ohio House of 

Representatives for their vote. 

Today, many students of diverse religious 

backgrounds in our K-12 public schools 

have to choose between attending school 

and practicing their faith. Those who are absent 

due to religious commitments are often 

marked as unexcused or otherwise academically 

penalized. However, Senate Bill 49 

would encourage fairness and protect religious 

freedom. Under this bill, students who 

participate in a religious expression day, 

would be excused for that specific day and 

provided accommodation for any missed assignments 

including tests. In addition to 

making up any missed examinations or academic 

work for using a religious expression 

day, students will also be eligible to compete 

in interscholastic sports without 

penalty. 

The First Amendment of the United States 

Constitution guarantees freedom of religion 

and religious expression, and no student 

should be penalized or have grades suffer 

due to practicing their religion. 

Results matter, so let’s work together. Subscribe 

and follow me on social media for updates. 

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PAGE 18- SOUTH & CANAL WINCHESTER MESSENGER - May 7, 2023 



ONLY $65.00 

False alarms costly 


Staff Writer 

Alarm drops are costing Madison Township money and Police 

Chief Gary York is looking at ways to curb costs while protecting 

the public. 

During the April 25 Madison Township trustees’ meeting, York 

said there were 131 false alarms in a two month reporting period 

for residential and commercial calls for service. The township is 

charged approximately $16 per call by their dispatching service. 

“Now, with added costs for dispatching, it adds up,” said York. 

“Two months in and we’re already at $2,000 (false alarm calls). 

There is a provision in the Ohio Revised Code for charging for 

false alarms.” 

There are many reasons for alarm drops, such as faulty alarms 

and human error. False alarms trigger a response by law enforcement, 

but chronic incidents are the primary focus for York. 

While still in the discussion phase, York said the process would 

begin with a letter notifying a property owner or business there is 

a problem with repeated false alarms. If the problem continues, 

the next step could include assessing a fee. 

Madison Township Administrator Susan Brobst said the fire 

department has similar, albeit smaller, issues with alarm drops as 

well. 

“This is just a discussion,” said York. 

Other township news 

•Residents with vocal canines are being put on notice if their 

dog’s barking becomes excessive and disturbs neighbors. 

“We’ve had a lot more calls than anticipated,” said Brobst, who 

said a noise resolution passed in 2010 addresses barking dogs. 

“Our resolution does already allow them (law enforcement) to 

enforce excessive barking. The chief is going to monitor that over 

the next couple of months. We wanted to get that out there with 

the nicer weather.” 

Although there was a request to amend the noise resolution to 

specifically list barking dogs, York said the prosecutor said there 

is sufficient language in the current resolution to enforce violations. 

•The success of a fire cadet partnership with Eastland- 

Fairfield is reaping benefits two years after it started, according 

to Fire Chief Derek Robinson. The senior-only program started 

small, but now has a pair of full time instructors and blossomed to 

40 students. 

“Out of the first class we hired a cadet,” said Robinson. “The 

program has become so popular, we have 60 applicants for next 

year.” 

Hamilton Township Purple Star School 

The Ohio Department of Education informed the Hamilton 

Local School District that Hamilton Middle School received its 

designation as a Purple Star School, valid for three years, for its 

unwavering commitment to serving military-connected students 

and families. 

Hamilton Middle School joins the other district buildings in 

receiving this designation, making Hamilton Local School District 

a Purple Star District. 

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CW’s Purple Star schools 

Canal Winchester High School and 

Canal Winchester Middle School were recognized 

by the Ohio Department of 

Education for their support of military 

children and families. 

“At Canal Winchester Schools, it’s 

important to us to support our students 

and their families so children in our community 

can be successful at school and 

beyond,” said Canal Winchester Schools 

Superintendent Kiya Hunt. “The Purple 

Star designation recognizes our staff’s 

commitment to understanding the unique 

challenges military students and families 

face and supporting them in making the 

most of the educational opportunities we 

offer.” 

Canal Winchester Middle School earned 

the Purple Star designation for the first 

time while Canal Winchester High 

School’s Purple Star status was renewed. 

Both schools earned the Purple Star designation 

through 2026. 

“Demonstrating our commitment to our 

military students and families is an important 

example to set for our students as 

they are learning more about themselves, 

the world around them, and their options 

for the future,” said Brian Moore, Canal 

Winchester Middle School principal. “As 

we work to support all students in developing 

the skills of the Canal Winchester 

Portrait of a Graduate, this is one way we 

are helping our middle school students 

become respectful citizens who act with 

integrity and show empathy, compassion 

and kindness.” 

To earn the designation, schools are 

required to identify employees who have 

completed training on military children and 

families as family liaisons and to host a 

page of resource for military families on the 

school website. The school must also complete 

one optional activity, such as hosting 

a military recognition event, celebrating 

Month of the Military Child in April, or 

offering staff professional development 

related to military children and families. 

“At Canal Winchester High School, we 

are helping all of our students explore the 

3Es — Employment in the workforce, 

Enrollment in post-secondary education, or 

Enlistment in the military — and identify 

which path is right for them,” said Amy 

Warren, principal. “As a Purple Star 

school, we are reinforcing for our students 

that each of these paths plays an important 

and valuable role in our communities and 

leads to a fulfilling and successful future.” 

In addition to Canal Winchester Middle 

School and Canal Winchester High School, 

Winchester Trail Elementary is also a 

Purple Star designated school. 

Hamilton school board 

Hamilton Local Board of Education 

meetings are held at 6 p.m. on Mondays 

(unless otherwise noted) at the Hamilton 

Local Education Center, 775 Rathmell 

Road, Columbus. For information on meeting 

dates visit www.hamiltonlocal.k12.oh.us. 

Board meeting dates for 

2023: June 26, Aug. 7, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, 

Nov. 13, and Dec. 11.


Free tire collection 

Residents of Canal Winchester and Madison 

Township are invited to a free tire collection event. 

Franklin County Public Health, in conjunction with 

Columbus Public Health, will hold the tire collection 

from 9 a.m. to noon on May 13 at Brobst Park, 5321 

Winchester Pike, Canal Winchester. 

The event is open to all residents of Franklin 

County, as well as Canal Winchester residents residing 

in Fairfield County. Individuals may bring up to 10 

rimless tires per household to the event for proper disposal 

at no cost to them. Only passenger vehicle tires 

without rims will be accepted. 

Tires pose a public health risk if left unattended or 

disposed of improperly. Tires provide the perfect location 

for standing water to form, creating a habitat for 

mosquitoes. It is on the water that the mosquito larvae 

grow and hatch. By properly disposing of any junk 

tires, potential hot spots are avoided. 

During the 2022 tire drive at Brobst Park, 860 tires 

were collected and properly disposed of through the 

partnering public health agencies. 

The event will also have free larvicide tablets for 

residents to take home and put in rain barrels, decorative 

water fixtures, and any other place with standing 

water to prevent mosquitoes from hatching. Residents 

do not need to turn in tires in order to receive the larvicide 

tablets. 

To report problem areas for mosquitoes or to 

request service, visit mosquito.myfcph.org/request-forservice/ 

or call (614) 525-BITE (2483). 

Obetz Zucchinifest 

The Obetz Zucchinifest will be held Sept. 1 to Sept. 

4 at Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trail, Obetz. 

The event features the Zucchini Parade, Zucchini 

Car Show, and free concerts showcasing live music 

from both local and national artists. All this while 

indulging in delicious zucchini-inspired dishes offered 

by our diverse food vendors. There will also be rides 

and games throughout the event. 

Friday’s hours will be 5-11 p.m. The car show registration 

is Friday when the gates open, with the car 

show and awards finishing up before the concert gates 

open. 

Saturday’s Zucchinifest hours will be 11 a.m. 

through 11 p.m. Concert gates open at 6 p.m. and 

Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, and All 4 One will take the stage 

at 8:30 p.m. 

Sunday’s Zucchinifest hours will be 11 a.m. through 

11 p.m. The parade will begin shortly after opening. 

There will be other entertainment before concert gates 

open at 6 p.m. TikTok-famous Matt Schuster will take 

the stage at 7 p.m. and American country rock singer 

and songwriter Brantley Gilbert will perform at 8:30 

p.m. 

Monday’s Zucchinifest hours will be noon through 6 

p.m. More activities and entertainment and will be 

announced at a later date. Admission is free and no 

tickets are required. 

For information following the Zucchinifest on social 

media at @obetzzucchinifest and the website at obetzzucchinifest.com. 

Elementary Career Day 

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools will 

hold its first Elementary Career Day on May 16 from 

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ohio University Lancaster, 1570 

Granville Pike, Lancaster. 

Elementary school students from up to six Fairfield 

and Franklin County schools will be attending. This 

event is designed to introduce students between 

grades 4-6 to jobs and careers that may interest them 

in an interactive and fun way. Through a series of 

activities, local elementary students will engage with 

Eastland Career Center and Fairfield Career Center 

students from more than 14 EFCTS programs, giving 

them a chance to not just see but engage in the opportunities 

that are available in their futures. One local 

fire department is also scheduled to be in attendance 

with an in-service vehicle. 

Obetz City Council 

The Obetz Council meets the second and fourth 

Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council 

Chambers at 4175 Alum Creek Drive, Obetz, to review 

and pass legislation and hear concerns from the residents. 

If the meeting date occurs on a holiday, the regular 

meeting is held on the next Tuesday following the 

holiday. Call (614) 491-1080. 

Lockbourne Council 

Lockbourne Village Council meets the second and 

fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at the 

Lockbourne Municipal Building, 85 Commerce St., 

Lockbourne. 

CW City Council meetings 

Canal Winchester City Council meetings are held 

on the first and third Monday of every month. 

Meetings begin at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to the 

public. 

Council meets in work session at 6 p.m. prior to 

each city council meeting to discuss legislative items 

and other issues of the city prior to being included on 

a city council agenda. The first work session of the 

month focuses on finance/economic development items 

and the second monthly work session focuses on service/safety 

items. While each 

work session includes specific 

areas of focus, other items may 

be brought before council as 

needed. 

CW Library Branch 

The Canal Winchester 

Branch of the Columbus 

Metropolitan Library, 115 

Franklin St., is located in the 

rear portion of the former school 

at 100 Washington St. For information 

visit www.columbuslibrary.org 

or call 614-645-2275. 

Barber Museum 

The National Barber 

Museum in Canal Winchester is 

located at 135 Franklin St. 

(behind the former CW High 

School building). The museum, 

housed in approximately 5,000 

square feet, showcases art, artifacts, 

and memorabilia from 

decades of the barbering profession. 

For information call(614) 

837-8400. 

South High Library 

The Columbus Metropolitan 

Library’s South High Branch is 

located at 3540 S. High St., 

Columbus. Visit www.columbuslibrary.org 

or call 614-645- 

2275. 


Railroad crossing project 

The Ohio Rail Development Commission, in cooperation with 

the city of Obetz and CSX Transportation (CSXT), is planning a 

railroad crossing reconstruction project at Alum Creek Drive. in 

Obetz. The purpose of the project is to improve the roadway surface 

of the railroad crossing for the benefit of the traveling public. 

The schedule is still being developed. The project is projected to 

take place as soon as fall of 2023. Alum Creek Drive at the CSXT 

railroad crossing will be closed for up to 10 days while reconstruction 

work is completed. A detour has been developed for this project 

using Williams Road, South Hamilton Road, London- 

Groveport Road, and Groveport Road. Comments about the project 

may be sent to:Tim Brown, ORDC Environmental Coordinator timothy.brown@dot.ohio.gov; 

or Michael Corbitt, Obetz City Engineer 

mcorbitt@obetz.oh.us 


Messenger


The House 

Passes the 

Budget! 

On Wednesday, April 26, the Ohio House of Representatives 

approved an $88 billion biennium 

budget by a vote of 78 to 19. The bipartisan 

measure saw 32 Democrats join with 46 Republicans 

to pass the measure. The budget now goes 

to the Ohio Senate, which should approve its version 

by mid-June. A Conference Committee will 

work out any differences so that a final measure 

will get passed by both Houses by the June 30 

deadline. The fiscal year 2024-25 budget will take 

effect July 1 and will guide all state spending 

through June 30, 2025. 

I am pleased to report that the budget substantively 

addresses the state portion of public-school 

funding. The House version continues years 3 and 

4 of the implementation of the six-year phase-in 

of the Cupp-Patterson Fair School Funding Plan, 

which raises the share of state funding for the cost 

of public education. Specifically, the House version 

of the budget will increase funding for the 

South-Western City Schools from $138 million in 

FY 2023 to $152 million in FY 2024 and $156 million 

in FY 2025. For the Columbus City schools, 

state funding will increase from $175 million in FY 

2023 to $198 million in FY 2024 and $202 million 

in FY 2025. Other measures in the budget provide 

$200 million for additional facilities and equipment 

for our career technical schools, funding for 

meals for all students who qualify for reducedpriced 

school lunches, over $100 million for literacy 

initiatives, and additional funding for teacher 

training in mathematics and science, which was 

one of my individual proposals. 

In the Medicaid portion of the budget, additional 

funding is allocated to increase the reimbursement 

rate for Ohio’s 60,000+ direct service 

providers (DSPs) from $14 per hour to $17 per 

hour in FY 2024 and $18 per hour in FY 2025. 

DSPs are the folks who provide home health care 

services for the elderly, disabled, and those recovering 

from surgery. Their work often times allows 

folks to continue to live in their homes, as opposed 

to more expensive assisted care facilities. 

Finally, the new budget cuts the state income tax 

by an estimated $930 million for working- and 

middle-class families. Individuals earning between 

$25,000 and $92,000 will see their state income 

tax rate reduced to a flat 2.75% for income 

above $25,000. The State has seen a higher-thanexpected 

increase in tax collections; so, the House 

wants to return a significant portion of it to taxpayers. 

(Dave Dobos represents the 10th District in the 

Ohio House of Representatives, which consists of 

parts of West, Southwest, and South Columbus, 

Grove City, and Urbancrest. He reports regularly 

on his activities in this position and his campaign 

has paid for this communication with you.) 

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Canal Winchester celebrates Arbor Day 


Photo courtesy of the 

city of Canal Winchester 


was named a 2022 

Tree City USA 

Community by the 

Arbor Day 

Foundation. The 

designation honors 

the city’s commitment 

to effective 

urban forest 

management. 


has been recognized 

as a Tree City 

USA community 

for 30 consecutive 

years. Each Tree 

City USA community 

receives 

recognition by 

meeting the program’s 

four 

requirements: a 

tree board or 

department, a treecare 

ordinance, an 

annual community 

forestry budget of 

at least $2 per 

capita, and an 

Arbor Day observance and proclamation. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees provide many benefits to a community 

when properly planted and maintained. In addition to improving neighborhood aesthetics, trees generally increase property 

values, reduce home cooling costs, reduce air pollution, and provide an excellent natural habitat for wildlife. Pictured here are 

city of Canal Winchester representatives at the Tree City USA awards presentation in Groveport on April 19. From left to right: 

Mayor Mike Ebert; Carol Note, Street Tree Advisory Board member; Matt Peoples, Director of Public Service; Ben Terflinger, 

Urban Forestry team member; Austin Lynch, Urban Forestry team member; Patrick Burks, Street Tree Advisory Board member; 

and Dick Miller, Urban Forester. 

Photo courtesy of the city of 


The city of Canal 

Winchester and Canal 

Winchester Schools 

celebrated Arbor Day 

on April 28 at 

Winchester Trail 

Elementary, 6865 

Gender Road. A tree 

was planted on the 

school grounds and 

students learned about 

the history of Arbor 

Day, celebrated annually 

on the last Friday of 

April. Canal Winchester 

Mayor Michael Ebert 

presented an Arbor 

Day Proclamation to 

commemorate the celebration. 

Students 

learned about the 

importance of trees 

from Street Tree 

Advisory Board 

Chairman Patrick Burks 

and Canal Winchester 

Urban Forester Dick Miller. “We want to help teach everyone about the importance of tree canopy coverage. Trees create 

shade and cool temperatures, which is very important in urban areas,” said Miller. The city coordinates Arbor Day events 

through the Street Tree Advisory Board, a five-member panel of Canal Winchester residents who have worked to preserve, protect, 

and enhance trees and plants throughout the community since the early 1990s. Pictured here is Patrick Burks, Street Tree 

Advisory Board Chairman, as he spoke to the students about oxygen and the role trees play in keeping us alive.


AI is already here 

Are humans ready for artificial intelligence? 

It doesn’t matter. It’s already here and while computer scientists 

and software engineers are working on bringing it to the 

masses on a global scale, are we ready? 

Linda 

Dillman 

CW 

Like Humpty 

Dumpty, it depends 

on which side of the 

wall you fall. 

Does the idea of a 

self-driving car or a sentient computer pique 

your curiosity? Does the hunt for the newest 

cellphone find you camping out for hours in 

line to be one of the first to claim ownership? 

Do you dream of smart houses, an android 

companion, or a world where a few simple 

keystrokes can result in a computer generated 

“written” masterpiece in minutes, not 

months or years? 

Or do you approach the idea of artificial 

intelligence cautiously, with a little trepidation 

mixed with a healthy dose of curiosity? 

While others around you perpetually 

clutch an Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung 

Galaxy, do you tuck your Apple 5e into your 

pocket or purse or limp along with a Star 

Places 

Trek communicator-like flip phone? 

Is the smartest thing in your home a five-year-old Dell computer? 

Or an answering machine that was state-of-the-art eight years 

ago? How about a collection of thumb drives tossed haphazardly in 

a kitchen junk drawer? 

You get the idea. 

There are a lot of movies, albeit old ones, that warn against the 

danger of artificial intelligence. Remember “WarGames?” A military 

nightmare where a computer plays games like Global 

Thermonuclear War with real world potential until it learns there 

is no viable outcome. 

Or the 1970 science fiction (perhaps closer to reality today than 

more than 50 years ago) thriller “The Forbin Project” where a sentient 

American government defense system, Colossus, links with a 

Soviet counterpart. The computer system decides it is the best 

arbiter of world order and gives humankind an ultimatum, join 

Colossus in peace or face annihilation. 

Give a computer an inch and they’ll take the world? I hope not. 

Artificial intelligence can be an amazing tool, especially in the 

fields of medicine, science and energy. It can accelerate research to 

a point far surpassing the capability of the human mind. 

Like any tool, it is best utilized under the control of its user or 

creator. When it crosses the boundary of unfettered control, then I 

start to worry. I hope the powers that be behind the push for sentient 

artificial intelligence consider the philosophical and societal 

impact of their creations. 

Meanwhile, I think I’ll trust myself and not an Alexa to turn on 

my own lights, lock my own doors, open the fridge myself to tell me 

what is inside and leave the car driving to my hands on the wheel. 

As for my old, still working cellphone, no Siri for me. I turned 

off that function the minute I activated the phone. Some Luddites 

never change. 

Linda Dillman is a Messenger staff writer. 

Continued from page 1 

Amos replied, “We’re not changing the charter at this point. We 

are being fiscally responsible for doing one thing while maintaining 

the other. We have to look at the salary for what it is.” 

During regular council action, an ordinance updating swimming 

pool admission rates was approved, along with an ordinance 

creating a seasonal aquatics supervisor. 


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