Hilliard is a city of 36,000 people with a size of 13.34 square miles. According to Niche.com, Hilliard, with its sparse suburban feel, is one of the best places to live in Ohio. In fact, Niche gives Hilliard an overall rating of A+ with public schools and job opportunities receiving an A rating. The Hilliard City School District has superior academic, athletic and arts programs. Niche also says Hilliard gets an A+ on being a good place for families. The crime rate is 71% lower than the national average, and it is safer than 83% of the cities in the country. Hilliard is the only place in the U.S. where you can find an Early Television Museum. We also have the second largest park in the country dedicated to first responders. Our community boasts 27 parks and 41 miles of multipurpose trails. There are about 20 coffee shops in Hilliard and over 100 restaurants with everything from traditional American fare at family friendly spots and sports pubs to places with international flair like Lebanese, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Cuban, Creole, Italian and Mediterranean. The city of Hilliard expanded around what was a railway station, Hilliard’s Station, on the Piqua and Indiana Railroad. Ten acres of farmland between the Scioto River and Big Darby Creek were purchased by John Reed Hilliard in 1852, and by 1854 the town’s name was shortened to Hilliard when a post office was established. Just five years later, the Village of Hilliard incorporated. At that time, there were just 280 residents. In the 50s, tremendous residential growth took place. In the 60s, connection to Columbus water and sewer systems allowed for even more development, and another explosive expansion took place in the 70s after I-270 was built. The city has hosted the Franklin County Fair for over 100 years. Besides the fair, notable community events include Freedom Fest in July, Old Hilliardfest Art and Street Fair in September and the Celebration at the Station summer concert series. Unfortunately, all these events except the Old Hilliardfest have been cancelled due to Covid-19.

The Historic Clifton Mill, originally built in 1802, the year before Ohio became a state, is less than an hour away from Hilliard. The mill is one of the largest water-powered grist mills still around. At one time, the Little Miami River’s power was harnessed by six mills all within a mile of one another. The Clifton Mill (the only one in the area that is still standing) is a grist mill; the others were a saw mill, a paper mill, a woolen mill, a barrel mill and another grist mill. They were built to take advantage of the way the Little Miami rushes down into the Clifton Gorge, which is now a state nature preserve. The area comprises many things to enjoy including a quaint restaurant and gift shop, a country store, a 90’ wooden covered bridge overlooking the waterfall, tours of the working mill and “gorgeous” hiking! Right next to the mill is the 1940s Gas Station Museum which is stocked with original products and signs. From the mill, beautiful Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a four minute walk. Here hikers can enjoy a 2.6 mile hike on an out-and-back trail. The river can be seen 40-60 feet below the top of the gorge, which is a 20-40 foot wide chasm between walls of limestone bedrock at the narrows. From there, the trail widens out and down into the gorge along paths of rapids. It connects with trails from John Bryan State Park, or hikers can return by the way they came. Clifton Mill is open from 9-4 Monday through Friday and 8-5 Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a pancake breakfast or homemade pie overlooking the falls, then browse the gift shop, tour the Gas Station Museum and cross the covered bridge. After a hike at the gorge, enjoy quaint shops, quirky art and fun restaurants in downtown Yellow Springs, just a six-mile drive away. Consider visiting during the month of December to see the legendary lights of Clifton Mill, named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2019 Travel Awards.

Are you curious about your representation in the local, state and federal government? Do you know who your representative and senator in the Ohio legislature are? What about in the U.S. congress? The city of Hilliard is run by its very first city manager, Michelle Crandall, and the city council. The president of city council, Andy Teater, also serves as the mayor, now a largely ceremonial role. Michelle Crandall was sworn in on January 2, 2020 and is the former assistant city manager of Dublin. She has a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Public Administration. Hilliard voted to change its city charter from a mayor/council plan to a council/city manager plan in 2018. The current Governor of Ohio is Mike (Richard Michael) DeWine. He is the 70th governor for the state of Ohio. He was elected in 2018, inaugurated in January 2019, and his term ends in January 2023; the Lieutenant Governor is Jon Husted; the Attorney General is Dave Yost. The Ohio General Assembly is the name of the state legislature of Ohio. It consists of the 99-member Ohio House of Representatives and the 33-member Ohio State Senate. Both houses of the General Assembly meet at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus. Our representative in District 24 is C. Allison Russo (democrat) who has an office at: 77 S. High St.,10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Her phone is (614) 466-8012. Our senator is Stephanie Kunze (republican)whose office is: Senate Building, 1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Her phone is (614) 466-5981. Ohio’s two senators serve staggered 6-year terms in Washington, D.C.. Sherrod Brown is the senior senator for Ohio and has been serving in that role since January, 2007. He is a democrat and is up for election next in 2024. His local office is: 200 North High St., Room 614, Columbus, OH 43215. His phone is (614) 469-2083. Robert “Rob” Portman is the junior senator for Ohio and has been serving in that role since January 2011. He is a republican and is up for election in 2022. His local office is: 37 W Broad St #300, Columbus, OH 43215. His phone is (614) 469-6774. The US is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 people. Each district elects a representative to the U.S. House of Representatives for a two-year term. Steve Stivers is the representative for Ohio’s 15th congressional district. He has served in the house of representatives since January 2011. He is a republican and is up for election in 2020. His local office is: 3790 Municipal Way, Hilliard, OH 43026. His phone is (614) 771-4968.

You may have questions when it comes to voting. For example, do you know where and how to register to vote? Do you know where you can go to vote on election day? If you recently moved here and you’re already registered to vote in another location, you’ll need to update your voter registration with your new address. You can do this online at: https://www.usa.gov/change-voter-registration. To get a voter registration form, you may ask a county board of elections or the Secretary of State’s office to mail a form to you, or you may obtain a form and may register to vote at the following locations: The office of the Secretary of State; the office of any of the 88 county boards of elections; the office of the registrar or any deputy registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles; public libraries; public high schools or vocational schools; county treasurers’ offices; or offices of designated agencies, including: the Department of Job and Family Services; the Department of Health (including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program); the Department of Mental Health; the Department of Developmental Disabilities; Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities; or the office of any state-assisted college or university responsible for providing assistance to students with disabilities. The polling place for residents of the Square at Latham Park is: Hoffman Trails Elementary School located at 4301 Hoffman Farms Dr. If you prefer to vote by absentee ballot, you can request one at: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/ohio/ We are in the Hilliard City School District in Norwich Township. The general election day is 11/3/2020 with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The deadline for voter registration for the general election is 10/5/2020.

In addition to the paths around the apartment complex, there are several dog parks in close proximity to the Square at Latham Park where our pets can get the exercise they need. Each one offers different attractions for our furry friends. Spindler Dog Park on Spindler Road is less than three miles away and has parking available. There are two sections of fenced area: one for smaller breeds, and one for larger breeds. The park also features a water fountain, portable restrooms and picnic tables. Nando’s Dog Park at Darree Fields on Cosgray Road has a fenced play section with a separation between large and small dog areas. This park also offers some agility features for added interest. For the people, there are benches, picnic tables and a trail. Heritage Trail Park includes a four-acre off-leash dog area in addition to a paved six-mile trail where people can walk dogs on a leash. The park also offers a doggie splash pad, obstacle course equipment and a shelter house with picnic tables. This park is less than two miles away at the trailhead on Hayden Run Road. Prairie Oaks Dog Beach on Amity Road is a part of the metro park where canine friends can swim and fetch in the water after their runs. The Doggie Beach can be found in the Darby Bend Lakes area. It even has a doggie dock from which pooches can jump into the water. There are specific trails in the 500-acre Prairie Oaks park that are pet-friendly. Dogs and cats are also permitted in picnic areas, parking lots and on roadways. Most dog parks will have posted rules, but a few rules are universal: Pick up and properly dispose of dog waste right away. Fill in any holes your dog digs. Be sure your dog has the proper dog license and vaccination tags on. Don’t bring dogs that are aggressive, sick or in heat. Remove chokers and spiked collars from your dog in the fenced area. Remove your dog at the first sign of aggressive behavior.

One of the things residents of the Square at Latham Park like best about our community is the peaceful, park-like setting with the nature trail and walking paths. We all know that Latham Park, for which this complex is named, adjoins this property, but did you know that there are at least 27 parks within five miles of the Square? Just a little over a mile away in downtown Hilliard are several parks, including First Responders Park, Hilliard’s Station Park, Weaver Park and Bandstand Park. First Responders Park on Center Street was built in remembrance of those who died on 9/11. There is a sculpture made of seven tons of steel recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, a reflecting pool, fountains and granite walls etched with the names of those who died in the tragedy. The park pays tribute to the 403 first responders who lost their lives trying to save others. Across the street is Hilliard’s Station Park with its splash pad, café tables and amphitheater. It is the location of the Celebration at the Station concert series on Thursdays in the summer. A short distance west on Center Street is Heritage Trail Park, an 87-acre park which includes a 4-acre dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs. This is the location of the trailhead of the six-mile Heritage Rail Trail that ends at Cemetery Pike near Plain City. The Rail Trail also includes a four-mile bridle trail. A short walk to Norwich Street is where Bandstand Park — another location for summer concerts — can be found. Hilliard’s 4th of July parade route passes in front of the bandstand. Just down Main Street from the center of town, Weaver Park can be found showcasing Hilliard’s Historic Village. The village allows visitors to be transported to the 1850s through restored buildings and a museum with period antiques. The new Norwich Pavilion at Weaver Park is an ideal location for parties and celebrations. Homestead Park on Cosgray Road has 44 acres of attractions including a covered bridge, a train station replica, two barns, picnic shelters, a fishing pond, playground equipment and sand volleyball and basketball courts. Homestead Park connects to the Heritage Rail Trail. A multi-use park with attractions for everyone is less than a mile away on Scioto Darby Road. The Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park is the location of the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center, featuring a large pool with two 30-foot water slides, a kiddie pool, a lazy river and a competition pool. There are also soccer, baseball and lacrosse fields, tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts, 9-hole disc golf and many beautiful trails. This park is the location of Hilliard’s 4th of July Freedom Fest.

An exciting new space is set to open soon in downtown Hilliard — Crooked Can Brewery and Center Street Market. It will include a 3,000 square foot event space and places for eleven vendors, including the anchor, Crooked Can Brewery. The brewery started in Winter Garden, Florida and features hand-crafted and original brews. Crooked Can will have 16 taps for beers and ciders. Visitors can enjoy innovative, hand-crafted India Pale Ale like High Stepper in the taproom, in the large outdoor beer garden, or even as they take a stroll through the market. The idea behind Center Street Market is to serve the Hilliard community and beyond with a family-friendly experience like a mini-Short North according to co-owner Robert Frye. Other establishments that will be filling slots in the market include: *Coffee Connections — a local Hilliard original with a strong community vibe *Al’s Delicious Popcorn — featuring dozens of both sweet and savory flavors of popcorn *Dumplings of Fury — a Seattle-based dumpling spot serving handmade, fresh dumplings, noodles, bao and rice bowls *Meatball Mafia — serving Ohio-made sausage subs, meatball subs, meatball bowls and Italian grilled cheeses *Legacy Station Wings and Tacos — an outgrowth of Legacy Smokehouse down the street *The Cheesecake Girl — featuring full-size and mini cheesecakes, cheesecake shooters and push-pops and cookies with gluten-free options *Bakes by Lo — featuring gorgeous handmade and hand-decorated personalized cookies and other treats *Rime Time — serving popsicle flavors like: Strawberry Angostura, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Watermelon Habanero, Avocado, Blood Orange and Lime and White Nectarine Rosé *Serendipity — a home décor and gift shop featuring new, vintage and repurposed items Several of the vendors have popular food trucks in the area and will be launching their first brick-and-mortar stores. Watch for other exciting vendors and for a full opening soon!

Many of us have the good fortune of having work we can do from home. Some of us are now working from home for the first time because of the coronavirus. If you are working from home with children, you are facing a multiplied challenge. Boundaries between work and home may be even harder to maintain since they’re both in the same place, but you may have some non-negotiables you can put into your schedule. Consider using an “out-of-office” email during family meal time and coming back to work afterward if you need to. Young children love to imitate whatever their parents do, so give your son or daughter “work” to do with coloring pages or educational software on an iPad while you work on a computer. Maximize your productivity by using available distractions for kids at the time you are most sharp. If you’re a morning person, consider getting up before the children do. If you’re typically on a roll in the early afternoon, consider making that time nap time, quiet play time or movie time for the kids. Teaching children to entertain themselves without electronics is doable with a little planning and patience. Start with a small period of time like 15 minutes and increase the time gradually every few days. Set a timer for your child that he or she can see and hear. Consider providing music and quiet toys or books. Offering praise for the accomplishment is a great way to encourage the development of a skill that has value for a lifetime. Keeping kids busy with meaningful activities can be helpful. Dividing kids’ toys into baskets or boxes and rotating which ones you pull out every week or two can keep their interest level higher. The toys will seem new, and a bonus is that your living area might be easier to tidy up! Older kids might write a story or research a topic they’re interested in and share their findings with the family at dinner. Remember to give everyone a break from the four walls as often as you can. A walk outside on nice days or a drive in the country can provide a welcome change of scenery.

Lake Erie is only about two hours away from Columbus, and the shores and islands of Lake Erie offer many opportunities for entertainment. Jill Bauer, public relations manager for Lake Erie Shores & Islands says that visitors will feel they have “left Ohio for a truly different locale. I often hear visitors from central Ohio marvel about the distinct feeling that hits when they see Lake Erie or cross the Sandusky Bay Bridge en route to the islands.” Whether visitors are nature lovers, thrill seekers, history buffs, beach bums or hydrophiles (people who love being in the water), they will all find what they’re looking for at the lake. Cedar Point in Sandusky will be opening this year for its 150th season, and with more rides than any other amusement park in the world (including 17 roller coasters), it’s a destination of its own. But the Lake Erie area offers so much more. Kelleys Island is the largest of Ohio’s Lake Erie islands, and it offers kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking and camping. There are several nature preserves, a sculpture garden and the Glacial Grooves State Memorial with a 400-foot section of grooves cut out of limestone by glacial movement across the state. The memorial is a National Natural Landmark. Visitors to Kelleys Island can bike quiet streets, visit great restaurants or enjoy wines made right on the island. South Bass Island is a short ferry ride from Kelleys Island. The best known spot on South Bass Island is the village of Put-in-Bay with its nightlife and live entertainment. It boasts a brewery and several wineries, including Heineman’s Winery with nearby Crystal Cave, the world’s largest celestite geode which people can walk into. Put-in-Bay has a tour train with stops at the Doller Mansion/Put-in-Bay Winery, the Aquatic Visitor Center, Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center and Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial with its 352-foot National Park Monument. Gibraltar Island’s limestone cliffs are a short paddle away from South Bass Island by kayak, and the Marblehead Peninsula features the Marblehead Lighthouse, one of the most photographed landmarks on the lake. Consider a visit to Lake Erie’s shores and islands this summer to experience what Jill Bauer calls “coasting on island time.”