• Public Meeting Scheduled Regarding Pickaway East-West Connector
• Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal Celebrates Anniversary
• Military to Build New Entrance on Second Street
• Rickenbacker Area on Facebook
• COTA’s Rickenbacker Express Line
• Network Global Logistics Welcomes Operations Manager
• Nonstop Flights to Myrtle Beach Return to Rickenbacker
• Follow Rickenbacker International Airport on Twitter
• Navy Operational Support Center at Rickenbacker Mobilizing Reservists
• 2009 REAN Schedule
• Rickenbacker Area Council Update
• Groveport Madison Adopt-A-Family Scholarship Announced
• Navy’s Mission is Drug-Free Schools
• Rickenbacker Backers Meeting
• Lockbourne Fish Fry
• Healthy Families, Healthy Communities – Speaker Series
• Military Families Need Your Support
• Premier One-Day Leadership Event
• Strengthening the Resilience of Ohio's Military Children

The Pickaway County Engineer’s Office and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) encourages the public to attend a public meeting for the Pickaway East-West Connector project.

The proposed project is studying potential connections between the Rickenbacker area and US 23 in northern Pickaway County. The area under study is bound roughly by the Franklin/Pickaway County line (north), approximately 3,000 feet east of Lockbourne-Eastern Road (east), approximately 4,000 feet south of Duvall Road (south), and approximately 2,000 feet west of US 23 (west).

The meeting will be on March 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ashville Elementary School, 90 Walnut Street, Ashville, Ohio 43103. The meeting will be an “open house” style and no formal presentations will be made. Project materials, such as maps of the conceptual alternative solutions (or “concepts”), a matrix that compares the concepts, and other pertinent information, including previous project documents, will be displayed and questions from the public will be addressed. The meeting is designed to inform the public about the project and encourage comments and questions.

During the meeting the public will be able to discuss the project in an informal manner with Pickaway County and Ohio Department of Transportation officials along with representatives from TranSystems Corp., who is conducting the study. Public comments received during and following the meeting will be considered when making future project related decisions.

Contact Anthony Neff, Pickaway County’s Project Manager, at 740-474-3360 regarding general project questions. Comments can be mailed prior to the close of the public comment period on April 16 to Anthony Neff, Pickaway County Engineer’s Office, 207 South Court Street, Circleville, Ohio 43113.

Roll out the birthday cake and light a candle – the Norfolk Southern Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal is celebrating its first year of operation.

Connected to major ports like the Port of Virginia, the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal is a transfer point for international containerized goods between trains and trucks. Many products ranging from raw materials to consumer goods are transported intermodally with Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Ford, Honda, The Limited, UPS and the US Postal Service among the many large users of intermodal transportation.

“As we have seen across our entire network, and indeed the whole country, the current economic conditions have had a negative impact on overall demand for transportation services including those at the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal,” said Rudy Husband, Director of Public Relations for Norfolk Southern. “While we may experience slower growth in the short term, our purpose for investing in Central Ohio was part of our longer term strategy. We firmly believe the fundamentals of our business and the Columbus market still fits well with that strategy.”

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority partnered with Norfolk Southern to develop the intermodal yard in the Rickenbacker area to expand Central Ohio's supply-chain network and create economic benefits, including job creation and other development opportunities. According to an independent study, the Intermodal Terminal will be a catalyst for over 20,000 jobs in areas such as warehousing and distribution in the next 30 years.

The military is seeking to increase security and awareness of its presence at Rickenbacker International Airport by constructing a new gated entrance.

The military has always had a strong presence at the airport and has been home to active military units through several wars. Now it is home to military units from the Air and Army National Guards, U.S. Army Reserve and Navy/Marine Reserves.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which oversees the operations of Rickenbacker International Airport, and the military have identified a section of property on the south end of Second Street between A Avenue and Rickenbacker Drive for the new consolidated entrance.

The 300 square-foot main entrance facility will manage access security to all military units at Rickenbacker International Airport and is being funded by the military. It will have space for vehicle pull-off, visitor parking and vehicle inspection stations. Construction of the facility is being coordinated by the military and will begin by fall 2009. It is scheduled to conclude by mid-summer 2010. Once built, the facility will consolidate all access to military property through one primary entrance.

Through traffic on Second Street will end when the project is complete. With construction of the main military entrance and an additional gate on the north side of Second Street, just south of Club Road, the military area at Rickenbacker International Airport will be completely fenced, providing an additional level of security. Traffic will be permanently rerouted to Rickenbacker Parkway West, which will soon be widened to four lanes – two in each direction.

COTA’s 50 Rickenbacker Express bus route now travels on High Street between downtown and I-270 to serve more people traveling to the Rickenbacker area. There is plenty of room for more riders and this service helps area employers offer reliable transportation to their employees. Make sure your employees and co-workers are aware of this great economical and alternative transportation opportunity. More information can be found at COTA.com.

Network Global Logistics (NGL), a premier provider of mission-critical transportation and supply chain solutions, announced that Jake Armstrong has been hired as Operations Manager of its Columbus Distribution Center. The 500,000 square-foot facility is located in close proximity to Rickenbacker International Airport. 

As Operations Manager, Jake’s responsibilities include operational performance, process improvement, quality assurance, safety, training and employee management for the busy distribution center that is home to over 20 of NGL’s customers. 

Prior to joining NGL, Jake was employed as a Sort Supervisor for ABX Air in Wilmington, OH. He was responsible for managing over 75 employees in a fast-paced air cargo environment driven and measured by customer service and outbound fleet performance of over 90 aircraft and over 100 truck departures.

Welcome Jake to the Rickenbacker area by contacting him at 491-5662, extension 1251, or jarmstrong@nglog.com.

Central Ohio golfers and beach lovers can once again fly nonstop to Myrtle Beach, S.C., with the return of DirectAir to the Rickenbacker Charter Terminal beginning May 20. The Wednesday and Saturday flights are being offered at a $79 introductory fare for a limited time. The regular one-way fare starts at an affordable $99.

“The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is very pleased that DirectAir is reinvesting their resources in our community and returning with nonstop air service to the Rickenbacker Charter Terminal (LCK),” said David Whitaker, Vice President of Business Development & Communications for the Authority. “We’re hoping their Myrtle Beach success will lead to DirectAir adding additional destinations from LCK.

The Myrtle Beach based provider will utilize a 105-seat DC-9 aircraft operated by third-party USA Jet of Ypsilanti, Mich. DirectAir, however, manages marketing, vacation-package sales, catering and ground handling. To check schedules or book flights, go to visitdirectair.com or call 877-432-DIRECT (3473).

Find out what’s happening at Rickenbacker International Airport and in the area by following the airport on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RickIntlAirport.

Twitter is a real-time short messaging service that allows people to read information from sources they select. Information is accessed via Twitter as it happens—from breaking world news to updates from friends and co-workers.

Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Detachment (SECDET) 823 has spent the past several months at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Rickenbacker solidifying their tactical expertise. They will provide maritime security on their upcoming mobilization in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The NOSC will be mobilizing over 70 Reservists from the SECDET 823 this spring for a tour that could last up to a year.

Rickenbacker’s NOSC provides training and administrative support to 21 Navy Reserve Units comprising over 650 Drilling Reservists and 25 full-time support personnel, enhancing their ability to provide mission support to their supported command and the fleet.

The 2009 Rickenbacker Employer Assistance Network (REAN) schedule has been released. Meetings will be held from noon until 1 p.m. and have been tentatively set for:

• April 15
• May 13
• June 17
• July 15
• August 12
• September 16
• October 14
• November 11

REAN members will be notified about upcoming meetings through an agenda which will be distributed two weeks prior to each meeting. The agenda will highlight topics to be discussed and will include the meeting location.

“If you and your company would like to sponsor a topic and/or lunch for a specific month, please let me know,” said Chris Kitchen, Manager of Organizational Development at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and REAN facilitator.

REAN is a volunteer network of human resource professionals and area business owners interested in leveraging each other’s resources and strengths to further develop and grow the Rickenbacker area.

For additional information or if you would like to become a REAN member contact Chris at ckitchen@columbusairports.com or 239-4079.

Commander Michael "Tiki" Varias, Commanding Officer of the Navy Operational Support Center at Rickenbacker, has been named chair of the Rickenbacker Area Council (RAC).

During the first 2009 quarterly meeting, members of RAC heard from Commander Mick Rankin, Executive Officer of Navy Recruiting District Ohio, on the realities and challenges of recruiting for the Navy in Ohio and surrounding states. Also, Commander Varias provided an overview on how the Navy Operational Support Center at Rickenbacker provides all types of support to the Navy from Navy Reserve medical corpsman and doctors to aviation maintenance personnel to administrative support as well as special operations and intel support personnel. 

Members at the meeting also discussed local activities in the neighboring municipalities and bid farewell to Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey, former founder and chair of the RAC. Her leadership and dedicated support to the Rickenbacker civic and military communities will be missed.

All elected officials and business and civic leaders of the Rickenbacker area are welcome to attend the RAC meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17. Please contact Commander Varias at 492-2909 or michael.varias@navy.mil for more information.

The Groveport Madison Adopt-A-Family (GMAAF) is pleased to announce the Marty DuBoe Muncy Memorial Scholarship designed to provide financial assistance to youth participating in athletic activities at the Groveport Recreation Center (GRC). The goal of this effort is to reduce the cost of athletic programs for children who desire to participate in the various athletic programs offered at GRC, but who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

The scholarship was developed in cooperation with the Marty DuBoe Muncy family, Go Groveport! and the Groveport Recreation Center. Since it was first offered in mid-February, seven scholarships have been granted to three families with children who have never participated in GRC programs.

To help support this opportunity, donations may be delivered to the Huntington Bank in Groveport or mailed to Go Groveport!, c/o GMAAF Scholarship, PO Box 442, Groveport, OH 43125. Checks should be payable to GMAAF.

	Yeoman Second Class Aviation Warfare, Tambre Wilkinson, speaks to area students about the consequences and dangers of using drugs.

The Navy’s mission of drug-free schools has brought Yeoman Second Class (YN2) Aviation Warfare, Tambre Wilkinson, to our local schools. YN2 Wilkinson speaks to the students about the consequences and dangers of using drugs through “Campaign Drug-Free” (CDF).

CDF, sponsored by Commander Navy Reserve Force, is a drug education project that delivers a simple message: “If you want to be a success, don’t use drugs.”

“The drug-free program is far reaching once the children get comfortable with you,” YN2 Wilkinson said. “In addition to talking about drugs, the students share their thoughts, feelings and personal stories.”

YN2 Wilkinson believes that although these children are young, they are perceptive to what is going on within their home.

“I once had a four-year old boy stand up and talk about his mother using drugs,” YN2 Wilkinson said. “Some of these children do not have role models at home, so I am glad to step up to the plate and help guide these children in the right direction. I believe that Navy members can play a vital role in the lives of children.”

CDF is a resource available to schools, organizations and communities that provides speakers and educational materials about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of being drug free. If you are interested in learning more about CDF or have questions contact Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Rickenbacker at 492-2888.

Anyone who desires to support the military members in the Rickenbacker area is invited to attend the next Rickenbacker Backers meeting.

Location: YWCA, 65 South Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Date: March 17
Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Purpose: To address fundraising needs, plan the next Military Appreciation Day and discuss Rickenbacker Backer Awards

Support our local community and enjoy some great food by attending Lockbourne's Fish Fry on March 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Enjoy fried fish, Texas-style BBQ, homemade potato salad, french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and homemade desserts.

Located at Vause Street next to the post office on the Lockbourne Masonic Lodge grounds, the fish fry is sponsored by the Lockbourne Heritage Society. For more information call 332-1963 or 491-0214.

All community residents and families of southern Franklin County are invited to participate in three fun, interactive, hands-on, and free workshops regarding health and wellness.

All workshops will be held at the YMCA Hoover Y-Park in Lockbourne and are scheduled for March 24, April 18 and May 26.

You are invited to attend Operation: Ohio Helps Its Own (O-OHIO) – a town hall meeting focusing on how you, your organization and others can work together in support of Ohio’s military families. O-OHIO will be held on May 7 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in Central Crossing High School’s auditorium at 4500 Big South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Contact Mike Magnusson at 336-7319 for additional information. 

Community Partners of Southern Franklin County invites you to attend a one-day event focusing on key elements of being a great leader.

Leadership is cultivated with humility and discipline. It merges the passion of the heart with the ability of the mind. The premier speaker line-up places you in the craftsman’s workshop – hearing wisdom and experiences from the world’s best leaders. You will be inspired, revived and refocused. The simulcast includes speakers like Tony Blair and Jack Nicklaus.

Date: May 8
Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Ministries Church, 464 Rathmell Road, Columbus 43137
Cost: $75 in advance or $95 day of event; group discounts available
Contact: 409-9421

The Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Service Member Support Program in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and the Military Child Education Coalition invite you to attend a free training opportunity.

Living in the New Normal: Supporting Children through Trauma and Loss Institute
 
May 11-12, 2009
Quest Business Center – Columbus
The Military Child Education Coalition’s (MCEC) Living in the New Normal (LINN) training is a two-day professional development program that prepares school guidance professionals, educators and community members to recognize and address the issues facing children dealing with separation from a loved one or experiencing trauma, grief and loss due to the loss or injury of a loved one. It provides concerned adults with information to help support children during these times of uncertainty and gives them the framework to enable them to support families to ensure that their children have the tools to bounce back from life’s storms and stress. The MCEC’s LINN efforts are predicated on the belief that children’s inherent attributes of courage and resiliency can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement.  

There is no registration, meal, or resource material cost to participants. The training includes two continental breakfasts, two lunches, two break refreshments and materials.

Educational Credits: 1.2 Continuing Education Credits cost $25.00 and/or 1 hour of Graduate Credit costing $175.00 from a branch of Texas A&M University.  

Register on line at www.militarychild.org (Click on “Upcoming Trainings” scroll down the list of events to register for the Ohio Institutes)