A PREMIER REMOTE WORK LOCATION

Working Remotely. One thing companies have learned over the past year is that letting their employees work from home is a viable option and may even benefit them financially. The potential for having a happier workforce and access to much broader pools of talent has been an unexpected benefit of remote work during the COVID-19 restrictions. Places like Granville are now a realistic option now for workers who have the flexibility to live further away from their jobs. Granville has always been a desirable place to live, with its New England-style charm, historic and active downtown area, and high-performing school system. Having greater access to jobs makes it an even more attractive place to live.

Many companies have decided that they will not bring their workforces back to the office, with as much as 60-80% of their workforce shifting to remote work. High-tech industries that historically have seen themselves with a need to be in a physical space have realized that’s not necessarily true, and that providing more work and life flexibility can be a benefit to employees while helping companies retain talent. “They are now very fluid on where they can be and where their workers can be,” said Nate Strum, the outgoing director of GROW Licking County.

Strum recently gave a presentation on the potential of Central Ohio and its link to Columbus. “Columbus in general was just rated one of the top metro areas for affordability and Granville is poised to take advantage of that. With Columbus gaining attention and population as an attractive place for corporations, the changing views about work-from-home means that areas like Granville will become much more desirable for professionals in high-tech jobs that want a small-town lifestyle.”

Granville is also uniquely positioned to take advantage of the new remote work opportunities because of its location and proximity to the airport. It’s a short highway drive to John Glenn International Airport and from there people can be on the west coast or in New York City within a few hours. This flexibility is something that companies will be looking for moving forward. Their employees may be able to work remotely and choose where they live, but they may still need to travel as needed. According to Strum, “One of the other key factors that was highlighted in the livability study was accessibility to major international airports. Companies will say that they would like you to stay remote, but if they need you on the west coast, or New England, or Chicago or Dallas or DC, can you get there and can you get there quickly? And Columbus’ access to those markets is second to none.”

For families and individuals desiring to live somewhere with a sense of “place”, Granville offers a personality all its own. Strum believes it provides a sense of community. “Here in Licking County, I really look at it from an authenticity standpoint. Whether you’re going to the Sertoma Ice Cream Festival or the 4th of July Festival here in Granville, the Heath Star Spangled Banner Program or the Pataskala Power Show – you have these really great communities that have tremendous identities. If you’re a worker and you can live anywhere in the United States, you need consistent high speed internet access – whatever your employer’s threshold is, and then you’re going to look for those types of experiences. You’re going to look for restaurants that you want dine at, bars that you enjoy going to, schools that your kids can get a great education in. A place where you can feel like part of a community.”

With people moving away from expensive metro areas and seeking out communities that better fit their lifestyle and financial needs, Granville is perfectly positioned to be a remote work destination and and thrive in this new economy.

WILDWOOD PARK

The newly remodeled Wildwood Park on West Broadway in Granville features a very popular playground, access to the TJ Evans Bike Path, a picnic area and a soccer field. The playground renovation, spearheaded by Granville Kiwanis, was completed in the summer of 2018 and has been enjoyed by many in the community as a fun and safe play space.

The updated playground is split into play areas for younger and older children with age-appropriate play equipment in each area. Parents will find plenty of things to occupy their kids of all ages from animals to ride on, large and small slides, nets, climbing structures, ramps, wobbly bridges, and lots and lots of swings! There is even a reading nook, teeter totter and large musical instruments to play. The design incorporated ADA accessibility standards to ensure an inclusive and safe experience. Another special feature is a castle tower from the original playground that has been turned into a bench for a little nostalgia while watching the kids at play. The entire play area is fenced in to help keep little ones at a safe distance while they play. The spectacular Wildwood Park is sure to entertain many generations!

PORTRAIT OF A ‘CONNECTED’ SMALL BUSINESS – SONGBIRD TRANSITIONS

Connecting with community relations directors at senior living communities like Middleton (see p. 9) and Kendal has been the key for us to get our start as senior-downsizers and to launch Songbird Transitions in Granville. Our angel in all of this was Max Kirby at Middleton Senior Living… we connected with her immediately. She loves supporting small businesses and knew exactly what families were experiencing in the process of transitioning to a senior living facility. Max was regularly referring clients to us and I felt so lucky to have her in my corner. But, when it came for her own in-laws to transition to an independent living cottage, she called to say “Sam, I need your help with my family now.” It was only then that I knew just how special she thought Songbird Transitions is. To refer business services to strangers is one thing, but to refer business to your own family is a sincere endorsement.

What sets us apart is that we understand how much people care about their families during this transition to a senior living facility. Families want their parents to avoid stress and to feel comfortable going into this next chapter of their lives…maybe even to feel a little excited about the comforts of a new “home” while leaving the all-too-familiar space of their original house. This is our aim – we want to make the downsizing process as enjoyable as possible because we know just how difficult moving can be when you’ve lived in a space for 30 or 40 years.

This is why we recommend that families use a downsizer for this transition. Having a nonrelative coordinate the move versus having family members manage the process allows adult-aged children and their parents to stay positive when downsizing (or clearing out their estate). Families are better able to focus on their parents’ mental health and well-being … instead of the belongings surrounding them. We take care of all the “stuff” while you take care of mom and/or dad. Our quintessential goal is to ensure your parents and loved ones (our clients) are settling in comfortably in their new home at Middleton Senior Living or Kendal at Granville so that they can get involved and enjoy their new community from day one.

Our continuing partnerships with both Kendal and Middleton illustrate a unique element of the Granville community. There is a ‘connectedness’ among and between many of our local businesses and we at Songbird are proud to share in, and be a part of, that network. It’s mutually beneficial, it’s good business, and it’s one of the reasons we love this town and this community

POLO MATCHES AT THE BRYN DU MANSION

Granville’s Bryn Du Mansion is no stranger to horses. Horses have been present on the Bryn Du grounds for over a century. Former mansion resident, Sally Jones, was a world famous equestrian who housed many horses in the Bryn Du stables. As a nod to the mansion’s history, it is a natural home for equestrian sportsmanship.

Present day, anyone can come see horses, or as they are officially called in the sport, “polo ponies.” The festivities are in action every other Sunday from May to October starting at 4:00pm on the lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion, (also known as the Great Lawn). Follow Bryn Du Mansion’s Facebook page for weather cancellations.

Belgium native, Horace Henriot, started the Play Polo Club in Westerville in 2013 in hopes of introducing the sport to men and women who had never played polo. His club has been playing bi-weekly matches at the Bryn Du Mansion ever since.

Horace’s wife Tina announces the matches, explaining the rules and adding in fun polo facts for the audience. Their six children are also very involved with the sport, from participating in the matches or helping tend to the horses at their farm where they board the polo ponies.

If you’ve never seen polo played, the matches on the Great Lawn are a perfect place to start. Horace and his wife want the sport to be accessible for all, players and viewers alike. They want to encourage everyone to come out and watch the matches, dress up or dress down! The highlight for many youngsters comes at half time during the ceremonial divot stomp. All guests can partake in it, just don’t wear your best shoes!

Guests also love lining up to wave to the players and often even get a chance to meet the athletes - in both human and horse form. Many of the polo ponies are Creosios, a South American breed that are known for their speed and ability to stop and turn quickly.

According to Tina, match attendees, “can expect to have a really lovely afternoon, to bring a picnic and learn something new regarding the sport and a little bit of history of the sport and to be with the community.”

Another feature of the polo matches is that it provides a great outdoor family activity where folks can easily social distance from others given the vast size of the Bryn Du lawn. It’s a perfect event if you’re looking for some family fun this summer.

Not only is polo a sport for anyone to come watch and enjoy, but also for anyone to play. According to Horace, “it’s a hard game to get really good at but it’s not a hard game to start playing.” Horace wants to make the sport accessible to beginners and notes that many folks who first come to their polo club have never even been on a horse before.

Per Tina, lessons are taken by children as young as 8 who can ride a horse and they even have players in their 70s. “Teams are co-ed and it’s a great sport for families and for men and women and all ages. People are playing together regardless of their age and regardless of their gender.”

If you are interested in giving polo a try, contact Tina Henriot at the Play Polo Club and she will schedule a lesson for you. You don’t have to bring a horse, just yourself! Be sure to bring your family to the polo matches at Bryn Du Mansion this summer!

SUGAR LOAF PARK

Nestled in the woods at 411 West Broadway, Sugar Loaf Park is a hidden gem. While only blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Broadway, you will feel transported into nature while hiking up the several paths at Sugar Loaf Park that meet at the top of the hill and bring you to a lovely picnic spot. In the middle of the many picnic tables, you will find Founders Monument, a large rock with a plaque dedicated in 1905 during Granville’s Centennial celebration. There is also a geocache hidden for you to find at Sugar Loaf Park. If you plan to seek it out, be sure to bring a little trinket so you can take one and leave one for the next treasure hunter. Sugar Loaf is a perfect family friendly hiking spot for all ages. If you stick to the main path, it is a relatively easy hike up, but there are various side trail options that are steeper and more rustic for a challenging hike. Overall, Sugar Loaf Park is a wonderful place to stop, take a break, and enjoy nature!

FANCHION LEWIS PARK

Fanchion Lewis Park is a 43-acre park with hiking trails and a fishing pond located at 1179 Jones Road. Dedicated by a retired Granville High School librarian, Fanchion Lewis, this park is reserved for public use to enjoy the natural beauty of the ponds and trails. Hiking trails begin in a scrub-shrub habitat and then primarily go through a dense forest. The park is open every day from dusk to dawn and often used for hiking, jogging, fishing, and bird watching.

DAWES ARBORETUM

Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, the Dawes Arboretum is dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees and nature. It was Beman Dawes’ aim to inspire people to plant trees. He planted trees, striving to obtain specimens from all over the world that would survive in central Ohio. The first planned tree planting began in 1917 with 50 sugar maples. The Arboretum now covers nearly 2,000 acres and includes eight miles of hiking trails and a fourmile Auto Tour. Relax in the Japanese Garden. Hike through the Woodlands or Dutch Fork Wetlands. Stroll along Dawes Lake and climb the Observation Tower for an amazing view.

SPRING VALLEY NATURE PRESERVE

A true jewel for the community, the 45 acres of this picturesque reserve and trails are among the nicest in the county. Located off Columbus Road (Route 16), Spring Valley Nature Preserve was once a privately owned park in the 1800s. The serene atmosphere was also a favored spot for events, picnics, and romantic interludes. A tree of unique shape on the property, referred to as the Proposal Tree, was often utilized in marriage proposals. In 1933, the property owners decided to take advantage of the spring water and created a stream-fed pool for park visitors. The membership-based pool quickly became a popular location for sunbathers and swimmers to relax and socialize. In 2005, the land was sold to the Granville Township and, to avoid further development, was sanctioned as green space and is now a public location. Within minutes, you can find yourself deep in nature at Spring Valley. It is a treasured location where locals and visitors can have a picnic, go for a hike, take a creek walk, hunt for wildflowers, and explore a multitude of trails.

RACCOON VALLEY PARK

If you’re looking for a Granville park with easy access from the freeway, a playground, ball fields and access to the TJ Evans bike path, then this is the park for you. You’ll often see baseball, softball, and soccer players on the fields. If you are visiting to enjoy a game, you will find various parking areas with easy access to each field and a concession area in the middle of the baseball fields.

As you enter the park, you’ll find the Raccoon Valley Park playground which offers plenty to do for kids of all ages. Young kids can run up and down the ramp to the top of the play structure where they’ll find various slides, while the older children can climb to the top on several more challenging steps and structures. The playground also features two baby swings and a larger swing set for older children. There is a free-standing rock wall for climbing and a small shelter to play in as well. Another popular feature is a very unique structure with climbing nets and hanging shapes to climb through and navigate for a real challenge. Raccoon Valley Park has a lot to offer and is a great way for kids to burn some energy throughout the day

INFIRMARY MOUND PARK

Infirmary Mound Park, maintained by the Licking Park District, is located at 4351 Lancaster Road and is open from dawn to dusk. This 316‐acre park boasts many activities and features, including Mirror Lake, that is stocked with fish and is suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and standup paddle boarding. For gatherings and picnics the park maintains multiple open‐air shelter houses with small playground areas and an indoor facility available for rent. The park district also offers many classes and workshops here throughout the year. If hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking are your thing, you can enjoy the seven miles of well‐maintained trails. During May through September, make sure to visit the Fairy Trail, (located on the Wildflower Trail), where park goers of all ages can see the magical fairy dwellings. Leashed pets are allowed on all trails and general park areas, but if your furry friend needs to run free, you can let them loose in the 4‐acre Paws 2 Play dog park. Infirmary Mound Park is nature’s playground right here in our backyard.

SPECIAL TREASURES ABOUND

Shopping in the Village of Granville is always a uniquely special experience. Small family owned boutiques and galleries are sprinkled along Broadway, Prospect and Main Streets housed in historic buildings, homes and barns. Strolling along the streets of this New England style village from one shop to another is all part of the experience. There are a dozen or more shops to explore. Each with a unique feel, a different specialty or theme. There is truly something for everyone.

Granville shopkeepers have a love and a passion for what they do. Greeted with a warm smile and friendly hello, customers feel the love upon entry. “My favorite part of the shop is the front door!” claims, Michele Koester, owner of Cedar & Thread. “I particularly love to welcome first-time visitors and am so delighted when their first words are “WOW’”. Entering Cedar & Thread not only warms the heart but provides a welcomed feast for the eyes. It offers 3-floors of a unique collection of goods curated to add style to both your home and wardrobe. All 3 floors are visible upon entry and “WOW” is most certainly an appropriate response to make. As the first shop you come to when taking the Granville exit from the highway, Cedar & Thread feels like the “front door” to Granville. This is definitely a stop well worth making. Michele’s mantra - “We greet every guest and neighbor as they arrive into Granville and hopefully set the stage for a wonderful visit to the Village.” And they most certainly do. Be sure to grab a fresh made cookie or cup of cider as you make your way through each section of the shop.

Another great stop is Sister Salvage and Soles. Housed in part of what was once Granville Lumber, this shop offers so many great finds. Describing themselves as two sisters and a crowbar with an eye for all things architectural, industrial, and vintage. “We are dipping our toes into the “sole” of it all and selling incredible shoes along with our forte of salvaged goods.”

A little further up Main Street and you’ll discover Village Pet Market. Providing dog and cat collars along with leashes to match your pet’s personality. Their selection of unique toys, beds, healthy treats and food is outstanding. Free sample bags of biscuits are often available in a basket on the front porch for patrons walking by with their pets.

A favorite gift shop that has become a staple in the Village is Green Velvet. Customers come from miles around to see what’s new here as it is changing all the time. “We are constantly bringing in new products, changing up displays, and carefully curating a large variety of special treasures,” says Elizabeth Stutzman, owner and shopkeeper. Elizabeth’s favorite part of the shop is the front window. The display changes with the season and rivals that of downtown department store windows from days gone by. “We adore decorating our shop window especially for passers-by. At Christmas we love seeing the delight on children’s faces as they peer through the glass and experience the special magic.” While the store foot print is small it is lovingly filled with beautiful gifts for all ages. Whether looking for the perfect gift for a new born baby, graduate, husband, wife, wedding, or house warming you are certain to find it here.

Readers’ Garden is another favorite stop and a long time business of the Village. Offering new and lightly used books along with an assortment of gift items, including a very special children’s section. This is a treasured spot for new parents and grandparents. Selecting a book and coordinating stuffed animal or puppet is a lasting memory cherished by all.

A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE

Striving to provide guests with a personalized experience in our wonderful community is at the forefront for many Granville lodging proprietors. They offer many unique features, special touches, and add-on packages to enhance your stay.

Lazy River at Granville is a great example of where a guest can personalize their stay as an individual or family. It is so much more than just a campground. This unique adventure playground situated along a creek encourages campers to design their stay with many family-friendly daily adventures.

Guests may even choose to camp during one of the unique “Themed Week/Weekend” stays. The Adventures Challenge Rope Course and Climbing Wall, one of the special activities available, is a two-story structure that includes 19 elements. Participants attack the course and challenge themselves both physically and mentally. For the less adventurous, hiking trails offer a quiet walk through nature. The goal, says campground owners, “We want families to come here to do activities together and come away with a great family experience.”

The Welsh Hills Inn has several customer touchpoints at which the hosts gather information to ensure guests have the experience they desire. The state-of-the-art website is mobile-friendly and developed with the customer’s interests, community, and Central Ohio in mind. When booking a reservation, there are several opportunities to personalize a getaway.

This can be done online or during a private phone conversation. An individualized profile is created for each guest and is modified as needed for return visits. It includes things like allergies; food likes and dislikes, special dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, and much more. In addition, the Inn offers over forty specially designed packages and unique amenities to enhance their guest’s stay. For example, guests may choose the Inn’s “Live Like a Local Basket” and 90-minute Hot Stone Massage to pamper themselves. Or they might decide upon a personalized yoga session and the Celebration Package, which includes a four-course candlelight dinner for two. Suppose they happen to be looking for more of a sporting adventure. In that case, guests may select a weekend of clay pigeon shooting, target practice, trail hiking, and fishing.

Upon arrival, hosts take extra care to individually welcome each guest. They provide a private tour of the facilities, answer questions, and gather additional information that may help them provide guests with that extra special touch during their stay. “Our goal is to ensure guests have an unforgettable experience and leave excited to plan their return visit to Granville’s Welsh Hills.”

T.J. EVANS BIKE TRAIL

The T.J. Evans trail features beautiful scenery from Newark to Alexandria in Licking County and is enjoyed for running, walking or biking. Stretching 14 miles long, the trail is one of Ohio’s first rail trails and once used by Penn Central Railroad. From farmlands to peaceful river views of Raccoon Creek, the trail has something for everyone to enjoy. Several different habitats support a diversity of birds and there is a Bald Eagle nest in the riparian buffer. The tree-covered canopy keeps locals and visitors cool on the hot summer days. Take a break at the impressive Wildwood Park or make a stop in downtown Granville for shopping or a good bite to eat. You will always see a friendly face on the trail and we hope to see you too.

1500 TREES FOR LIFE

The First Presbyterian Church of Granville has a goal, “Within the next 5 Years, we aim to plant 1500 healthy, native trees in public spaces in our community to do our part in caring for this place we call home.”

The idea came to light during an adult education discussion group at the church on the book “The Gospel According to the Earth” by Matthew Sleeth. The book touts many benefits of planting trees. The obvious, beauty, community pride and health to our environment. Studies have also shown benefits go beyond, linking trees and vegetation in a city, to reducing crime rate. From these discussions, along with the Church’s pledge of being an Earth Care Congregation, the 1500 Trees for life project was born. Last fall, as part of a pilot launch, 25 trees were planted near the new Village and Township Service Facility. Trees range in size from 6 to 15ft tall. Moving forward, trees will be planted in the spring and fall each year throughout Granville and Licking County

GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

One hundred eighty six years and counting. That’s how long the Granville Fire Department (GFD) has proudly served the Granville community. In 1834, Granville was a thriving community. Since its founding in 1805, the population had grown to 362 residents in the village and 1,421 in the township. There were numerous brick and frame residences, a growing commercial center, three chartered schools, four churches, and a number of industrial ventures. While the community had been spared many fires, the threat was real. A sense of pride and necessity to protect and maintain what had been built spurred the organization of the first “fire department”. The department was manned by uniformed volunteers who used a small hand pulled tank bound by metal bands and 12 leather buckets to put out fires.

We’ve come a long way over the years. The fire department has continuously adapted and grown with the times as needed. Today, in addition to protecting life and property from fire hazard, the department is responsible for mitigating hazardous material incidents and responding to medical emergencies making over 2000 runs per year. The department also provides public education for citizens, inspections of schools and fire drills, approval of building fire-protection systems, permitting and testing of fireworks technicians, fire guards and fire extinguisher servicemen and is an integral part of the Licking County Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Plan (Office of Emergency Management).

The number of “runs” made by the fire department has grown exponentially over the years. This growth has stemmed primarily from the addition of medical emergency response to the fire department’s responsibilities along with community growth. To address, today’s department consist of 50 highly trained full and part time members with access to 9 specialty vehicles equipped to handle any emergency situation.

The year 2020 marked a special time in the history of the GFD. After serving the community for 83 years from its downtown Prospect Street location, the fire station has been relocated to a green field facility south of downtown on S. Main Street. It was with much debate, careful thought, and detailed planning this decision to relocate was made. The benefits the new station will provide to the GFD and community will make it all worthwhile. Of particular note, the new space will contain all operations under one roof, the ability to get trucks out of the station quickly and easily, improved service and storage spaces, and classroom and hands on training spaces. In addition, the interior was designed with the fireman’s health benefits in mind, reducing the risk of cancer causing material exposure. Relocation to the new “state of the art” facility occurred in October, 2020.

MIDDLETON: LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Love where you live. That has been the tagline of Middleton since it made Granville its home five years ago. Middleton has strived and certainly achieved this sense of belonging by building an active and lively retirement community that is tightly woven into the fabric of this wonderful town. Its proximity to downtown Granville allows residents to feel connected to, and to partake in, a variety of local events and activities.

Some residents have lived in Granville for many decades, having raised their own families in this town. Andy Sterrett, a former Mathematics professor at Denison University, was one of Middleton’s first residents. He has resided in Granville for over 60 years. When asked why he chose Middleton to be his permanent home, Andy said he admired the aesthetics of the building and immediately fell in love with his two-bedroom apartment. As for staying put in Granville, he said this is where a lot of his lifelong friends live.

Jack and Sara Kirby have been in Granville since the time when Jack was offered a teaching position in Denison’s History Department. In late 2019, they made a final move to Middleton in the newly built Independent Living Cottages, which they said immediately felt like “home”. It was an easy transition, allowing them to remain in Granville and near all that they have loved since 1971. This underscores the overlapping ties, bonds, and commitment shared by the Middleton and Granville communities that enrich the lives of all.

At Middleton, there is a wonderful interactive ambiance where residents can take strolls down verdant paths and join each other for meals and exciting activities throughout the day. This is one of the many reasons Susan Watson, a French teacher who taught in the Newark Schools for 40 years, chose to move to Middleton. On her first visit, Susan said she just knew it was the right place to be. “I feel at home at Middleton and realize that I have a lot of connections with the other residents,” she adds. Susan is no stranger to Granville as she has always visited shops and restaurants here, and even once modeled clothes for the former Phoebe’s Dress Shop.

As Middleton celebrates its fifth year, it is a wonderful opportunity to look back at how it has grown not only in scale, but also in personal relationships and its ties to the Granville community. Executive Director Debbie Hartshorn has witnessed the friendships that the residents, families, and staff have built, as well as how Middleton has fully integrated itself into this beautiful, quaint town. She said, “It is truly a wonderful place and Middleton provides the most ideal setting in one’s golden years. Middleton has always believed it is about the people, the staff, the residents, the sense of community, and being surrounded by all that is worthwhile and meaningful. Middleton has added great value to the Granville community by sharing in the spirit of small town living where people know, care, and look out for each other.”