Late Winter 2026 Newsletter
Well, what a winter we’ve had! I don’t recall having this much snow and such prolonged cold weather. I usually don’t complain about the weather because I can stay warm inside my house and car. My concern is how our animals endure it. We do everything possible to help them survive the winter — providing extra bedding for mammals, heated lamps and perches for more cold-sensitive bird species, and more food for everyone. Interestingly, some species eat less during cold snaps to conserve energy. It took me years to understand this pattern. So far, everyone seems to be doing well, and we hope spring arrives early and lasts longer. I think we definitely deserve that.
— Mrs. Van
New Enclosure a Success!
We were finishing up the new enclosure when we last sent out a newsletter in late November. It has been completed and has electricity without using extension cords. We have aptly named it the Rine Chateau, after our generous donors Jay & Yvonne Rine. While it is beautiful, most importantly, it is working for our bird species that have a difficult time enduring Ohio winters. Each enclosure has a hallway with a heat source and a perch designated for each species. It is their choice to go into the heated area. It took some of the birds a bit to acclimate, but we’ve found each of them in their heated area at some point or another. I love it when a plan comes together! You can check out the new enclosure during our Annual Donors Open House.
Save the Date
Our Annual Donors Open House will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026 (time TBD) here at ONE headquarters in Johnstown, which will be held rain or shine! You can also check our our new animal ambassadors. What? Haven’t we told you about the new acquisitions? I guess you’ll have to come to the open house. You won’t want to miss it!
Just like any other property, there is always something that needs to be repaired or replaced — and that is certainly true here at ONE. We are continually working to improve the lives of the animals in our care. This spring, Ali, the Virginia opossum, received a new enclosure, thanks to the generosity of Jeannette and Charles Wallschlaeger. The new space includes both indoor and outdoor areas, giving her more freedom and comfort. Some of the shutters can even be opened or closed depending on the weather, ensuring she stays safe and cozy year-round.
Testimonials
“I will always consider my time working with ONE as a very special and formative experience in my life. I tell stories about caring for the animals to my friends here in England often!”
“It was interesting to read that you’ve been doing this for 29 years. I first met Mrs. Van when my son was a cub scout at Blacklick Elementary. He’s 35 now. The organization must have been very new when the animals were brought to the meetings. Keep up the good work for many more years.”
Comment from Mrs Van: “That was for Pack 775 who is still in existence and who we still conduct programs for annually.”
New SRC Program
This year’s library theme for the State of Ohio is “Unearth a Story”. We have created a hands-on program specifically for this theme and linking today’s dinosaurs, or relatives of, by featuring turtles, snakes, and birds. After a brief introduction we will encourage the participants to dig deeper in self-led experiences such as using microscopes to examine bird feathers and snake scales, creating dinosaur masks, buttons and modern-day animals. There will be snakes, turtles and a bird on display for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
We are always looking for dedicated people to help provide care and enrichment for our education ambassadors or to support education displays and programs. If you know someone seeking experience in the field, needing to fulfill graduation hours or community service, or who simply loves wildlife, please share this opportunity. Candidates must be 16 years old and have reliable transportation. No experience is necessary — we will provide training. Visit our website and find our Volunteer Interest Form for more information!
Collaborations
Speaking of volunteers, we will be collaborating with students from Denison University who are enrolled in the service-learning course titled “Beyond Good Intentions: Using Narrative to Explore and Transform Our Efforts to Make a Difference.” Additionally, we are partnering with students from Otterbein University’s Conservation Biology class. These students will be researching the stories of our animal ambassadors, including their backgrounds, injuries, and origins. We are excited to collaborate with all involved and extend our gratitude to Lucy Bryan at Denison and Casey Tucker at Otterbein.
Welcome!
We welcomed Cameron Mason, a new volunteer from Westerville South High School, this winter. Cameron is currently training to be an animal care volunteer. What a winter to start volunteering with ONE! Thank you, Cameron.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Mabel!
Sometimes, you meet someone who simply defies the standard policy. Four years ago, at The Works Museum, we met Mabel. Most volunteers start at 16, but after Mabel visited our booth three separate times in a single day, we knew we were looking at a 14-year-old with exceptional maturity and drive. Since that day, Mabel has become an indispensable part of our team. While we call it volunteering, Mabel would be the first to tell you they are at work & that dedication shows! A heart for animals and community, Mabel’s passion for service extends far beyond our doors. Mabel's resume of community impact is truly impressive:
Animal Care: Providing dedicated care for our animals here at ONE twice a week
Licking County TNR: Helping manage and care for local community cat populations
Kendalwood Farm: Working as a stable hand, ensuring the health and safety of the horses.
When not busy caring for animals, Mabel is a talented musician, sharing their gifts as a cellist in the Granville School orchestra. Mabel’s family moved to Australia to live for 6 months a couple of years ago. They have also visited Italy, Ireland, and Germany. It comes as no surprise that Mabel has applied to the University of Bristol, the University of Edinburg, and the University College of Dublin for veterinary school, all highly competitive programs. When I asked Mabel what their favorite animals were, at ONE the vultures, but worldwide, the nightjars. I’m going to have a hard time saying goodbye to Mabel when they head off to college at summer's end, but I plan to keep in touch. I do not doubt that Mabel will succeed at whatever they put their mind to.