April 2020

Designer furniture without the designer prices.

F urn i tu re

Shop your favorite styles in stores and at VCF.com Buy online, pick up for free!

BIG PICTURE Even the youngest of Columbus community members are finding ways to create happiness.

PHOTO REBECCA TIEN

CONTENTS

49

COV E R PACKAG E WE WILL DO IT: A PROFILE ON AMY ACTON 49

RESTAURANT SURVIVAL GUIDE 20

30

FOOD TRUCKIN' ALONG 24 LAST CALL FOR ALCOHOL 26 BE YOUR OWN BARTENDER 30 READER'S SURVEY RESULTS 38

52

RRECOGNIZING COMMUNITY RESOURCES 45 HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC 52 THE GREAT OUTDOORS SCAVENGER HUNT 62

62 12

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

ON THE COVER:

Illustration by Sarah Moore

O P E N I N G VO L L E Y

Of course we will.

700 words That’s how much space they tell me I have. But can you really say much about these incredibly tragic times in just 700 words? I can try… that’s all we can really do now.

For over a decade, (614) has been a brand that wakes up every day with an optimistic eye—looking to celebrate and promote what’s great about our city. From fresh additions to our dining scene, new things to do, adventures to be had, hidden gems to revisit, and generally, all the things and people that make life so enjoyable here. We love telling the city’s stories— especially the joyful ones.

Just weeks ago, thousands of you were in the midst of voting in our annual ColumBest poll—deciding who should reign as the top businesses and people in each category.

We were in the midst of launching (614) Midwestern Lager with our friends at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing. And Pizza & Beer Week was right around the corner.

2020 was shaping up to be a fun, prosperous year. Spring was in the air.

We were oh-so-close to patio season.

And then it happened.

The Arnold was cancelled, schools were closed, an election delayed, restaurants shuttered, then salons, then retail, then...

The darkness of the last few weeks has been profound.

We’ve watched as the government response to the coronavirus created an instant wave of economic destruction for so many of our partners—small businesses who rely on the daily demand created by our normal routines. Most run on tight profit margins, operating in very competitive spaces with little margin for error.

The cascade of government orders had the effect of flicking off a light switch, bringing with it darkness for tens of thousands of local service industry workers and related industries. For many businesses, that light won’t come back on. And this is tragic because it’s due to no fault of their own.

Yet some are still fighting to preserve what for many is a life’s worth of work, passion and investment.

We’re rooting for each and every one of them. Speaking with people like Abimael Ruiz, owner of two Taquitos food trucks, is a source of inspiration as he carries on, determined to find business in new ways. Adversity has historically been kindling to the American entrepreneurial spirit.

We’re seeing it once again.

14

PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis

EDITOR IN CHIEF Linda Lee Baird ASSISTANT EDITOR Mitch Hooper PHOTO EDITOR Brian Kaiser CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Tien 614NOW EDITOR Regina Fox STAFF WRITER Mike Thomas

SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS J.R. McMillan

LEAD DESIGNER Sarah Moore

P H OTO BY B R I A N KA I S E R Like many small businesses, we too have faced tough choices and temporary layoffs.

What you’re looking at now is the product of a tremendous volunteer effort—Team 614 intent on not being defeated. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue! This includes our Ohio-based printer, Freeport Press, who has been a rock by our side. In some small way, we hope this edition of (614) Magazine will provide a tiny sliver of normalcy to your lives and ours.

Is it all worth it? Frankly, we don’t know yet. We’ve put an incredible amount of power into a few people’s hands and it is certainly fair to question the wisdom in that. But there will be plenty of time for armchair quarterbacking and accountability down the road.

In the meantime, we all have work to do.

First and foremost to be conscious about our personal hygiene: washing hands, keeping some distance, staying put if you feel sick.

We can also use this time to support people and businesses in need to the best of our abilities. Be kind and generous. Whether going

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor, ordering carryout from your favorite local restaurant or being there for someone having an especially rough go of it, you have the power to make a difference right now. Despite the order for social distancing, we’re finding out how much we truly rely on other people.

Finally, and this is the toughest part of all… have the courage to stay positive. We are likely still in the early stages of this generation’s great challenge and things may well get tougher on us. Like it or not, our character is being tested. As someone who has been in business for more than 20 years and faced many challenges, a healthy sense of optimism goes a long way.

CREATIVE DESIGNERS Justin Remotap, Imana Onipe, Hugo Albornoz, Paul Barton ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Derek Landers ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Nikki Harris, Mindy Wilhite DIGITAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lori Brittenham VIDEO PRODUCER John Thorne VP OF SALES AND MARKETING Lindsay Press

See, 700 words wasn’t so bad after all.

“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”

– Mark Twain

Wayne T. Lewis Publisher/CEO

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614columbus.com www.614now.com

( INSIDE the PARENTHESES )

BY MI TC H H O O P E R

QUOTABLE

Unemployed?

Y O U 'R E N O T A L O N E .

This COVID-19 pandemic has had sweeping effects across the state of Ohio since the first confirmed case was reported. These impacts aren’t hard to find either; a cursory glance at Facebook can confirm that claim. To put it simply, many folks are left searching for means of income right now. And to put it in perspective, we put together this bar graph with statistics per articles from The Columbus Dispatch.

1

562

2

11,995

3

36,645

187,780

4 0

200,000

1. March 10, three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio: 562 unemployment claims 2. M arch 15, the day Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all restaurants and bars to close at 9 p.m.: 11,995 unemployment claims arch 16, one day before Gov. DeWine’s orders to shutdown all Ohio schools: 3. M 36,645 unemployment claims 4. M arch 26, two days into Gov. DeWine’s shelter in-place order: 187,780 unemployment claims

Statistics reported by The Columbus Dispatch on March 17, 2020 as well as an article by Randy Ludlow for The Columbus Dispatch on March 26, 2020.

16

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

“ [Ohio Gov. Mike]

DeWine’s paternal instincts used to prompt snickers, his decades grinding through public office discounted as the bloodless work of a career politician.

But in a crisis, where DeWine has parlayed 40 years of government experience into calm and quick decisiveness, those old weaknesses now project as strengths.

” — Henry J. Gomez, How The Ultimate Career Politician Is Making The Coronavirus Crisis His Moment for BuzzFeed News.

Lights, Camera, Acton Amy Acton, the director of Ohio’s Department of Health, has become a household name within the last month during the COVID-19 outbreak.

She’s shown fearless leadership and decisiveness; putting her on the cover of this issue is the least we can do to say thanks for the work she continues to do for our state. But as we’ve come to rely on her, it’s worth taking a moment to get to know Acton and how she got to this point.

Here are five quick facts you might not have known about her.

1. S he is the first female to hold the position of director of the ODH: Gov. DeWine made her his final cabinet pick in February 2019.

2. She had a non-traditional path to this position, too: In an interview with The Youngstown Vindicator in 2019, Acton revealed she and her mother experienced a stint of homelessness in her childhood following her parents’ divorce.

3. S he kept her education local: In addition to receiving her medical degree at Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine, she also obtained her master’s degree in public health from the Ohio State University.

4. This isn’t her first time working with the ODH, either: As a part of her residency training with OSU in ‘95 to ‘96, Acton served in the ODH in an area formerly known as The Division of Family and Community Health.

5. S he has been the face of Ohio’s fight against COVID-19: “And so Dr. Acton has been communicating, and she really has been the face of this administration. She’s been the face of public health as we go through this crisis. And that will continue.” — Gov. DeWine.

Learn more about Dr. Acton in the profile piece we’ve included in this issue.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

17

Food & Drink Ray Ray’s Hog Pit | Photo by Chris Casella

I

t’s not often that the pages between this magazine are sought after for breaking news or inside scoops. What (614) has been able to leverage over the years is an inside eye into the food and booze scene bustling around us. Now more than ever, these folks need us. And furthermore, it’s pivotal that these voices are heard. These stories tell the struggles restaurant and bar owners are facing, the creative solutions that are being implemented, and how we—the community—can band together to help out the spots that we all rely on in many different ways.

18

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

Restaurant Survival Guide

BY J. R . MC MI L L A N

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

• Ray Ray’s Hog Pit Photo by Chris Casella

J

ust getting by is the new normal for the once bustling Columbus culinary scene. Some are still struggling to make it from one day to the next, while others have shuttered their establishments entirely for now, maybe forever. With the future as uncertain as the spread of the coronavirus that prompted such dramatic measures, a few creative solutions and lessons have emerged to help our favorite haunts weather the weeks, perhaps months ahead.

A sincere thank you to the community for your overwhelming support during this time! We truly appreciate it!

r place you t carry-ou with us! a ays *open 7 d pm -9 week 11am

RAY RAY’S HOG PIT | RAYRAYSHOGPIT.COM Locally known and nationally renowned, James Anderson’s beloved barbecue might be the best prescription for troubled times. With an already abbreviated menu of best sellers and rotating specials, brick and mortar counterparts would be wise to consider running their operations more like a food truck. Light, tight, and low frills—just like any legit pit.

Though the Land-Grant location is temporarily closed, Clintonville and Westerville remain open with added procedures to ensure patrons maintain minimal direct interaction, like a chain and new signage to make handoffs less hands-on and transactions less face-to-face.

“The taproom generates 90 percent of our business at LandGrant. It was a no-brainer to close from the very beginning,” Anderson noted. “They close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we’ve always gone with their hours. We moved everyone up to the other two, which are going strong and surviving just fine.”

Suggesting cards over cash, changing gloves between any back and forth exchanges, and ensuring longtime customers know what to expect through social media have become standard practices for most businesses. But Ray Ray’s is still trying to keep the experience original and authentic, even as everyday interactions grow farther apart.

“We’ve started doing call-ahead ordering with no minimum, encouraging people to prepay, so there is less hand-to-hand contact,” he noted. “There’s also a 6-foot chain at the front of the line. You have to kind of reach for your order to get to the window. We're protecting customers and employees that way.”

Operating limited days and limited hours have always been part of his business strategy, as is a more limited menu with only those items that always sell well making the cut. Staffing is also a factor facing restaurants that remain operational, often with more workers than they need or too few to make do.

“Right now, I have a full staff, so I'm going to have a full menu. I've already seen some competitors paring their menus down, which I think is a smart idea,” Anderson revealed. “But we're giving all of our staff the option to work or not. If they don't feel comfortable in this crisis, there's no boss telling anyone they have to come to work.” •

*Hours may vary

Visit us at www.roosterswings.com

CD102.5.COM/CARES YOUR GUIDE TO SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBUS AREA.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

21

• Staufs, Photo by Megan Leigh Barnard • King Gyros Photo courtesy of social media

STAUF’S COFFEE ROASTERS | STAUFS.COM The pioneer of coffee culture in Columbus continues to pull espresso shots, steam milk, and bag beans—albeit with some apparent accommodations. To-go and curbside pickup are now standard, with an expanded menu of commodities to hopefully help patrons procure provisions and simple staples without a separate trip to the grocery store.

Blurring the line between supply chains may sound like an obvious approach to address supermarket scarcity. But Mark Swanson, president of Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, knew launching an untested retail strategy amid upheaval in everyone’s daily coffeehouse ritual required rethinking nearly everything.

“We didn’t waste any time and started adjusting procedures more than a month ago. One of the things I love about our team is that they’re creative and flexible,” explained Swanson. “If anyone had an idea to improve what we were doing, we discussed it and implemented it immediately. Then we let our customers know why we were making changes to help keep everyone healthy.”

Offering milk, eggs, and bread for easy pickup, as well as meal kits, soups, salads, and such isn’t an end run around the grocery. It’s a stopgap solution, especially for items that may be tough to find for a while, like diary-free milk alternatives, perishables, and personal hygiene products that may seem incidental until they’re essential.

“We still have sandwiches, pastries, and cookies. We'll start doing growlers of iced coffee as it gets warmer,” he noted. “What we're trying to do is become a place where you can grab a couple meals and maybe six essential things without bumping into people at the grocery. It’s all about reducing risk by reducing exposure.”

Less conspicuous changes required delaying an expansion at the Cup O’ Joe in Clintonville and building up the small-scale side of their commercial coffee roasting business by offering free shipping on beans by the pound mailed directly to customers. They’ve even added a clever contraption in stores to fill bags of beans with less direct contact.

“Everyone at Stauf’s has worked in the service industry. We've all been baristas, servers, and delivery drivers. We’ve been out there on the frontlines,” Swanson noted. “Our changes come from a place of empathy.

We know exactly what would have scared us. It’s why information and transparency are so important for our staff and our customers.”

KING GYROS | KINGGYROS.COM Ethnic eateries thrive by offering entrées even accomplished cooks can’t replicate at home. But unlike the strip mall spots many select, this Mediterranean mainstay happens to have a drive-thru window, one that has become a life raft for the business and customers eager to remain connected through the current crisis.

22

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

“What we're trying to do is become a place where you can grab a couple meals and maybe six essential things without bumping into people at the grocery. It’s all about reducing risk by reducing exposure.”

Like many first-generation immigrants, Yianni Chalkias grew up working in his family’s restaurant. But when he started looking for the right place to open his own three decades ago— what we now call a “fast casual” concept—the former Taco Bell left little room for tables.

“My dad had a full-service restaurant. But when I was looking for someplace, I knew I wanted to have a drive-thru,” Chalkias recalled.

“We’ve always offered the same quality and service with our drive-thru and takeout as we do with dine-in. Everything is beautiful when you open up the box. It’s the experience customers expect.”

An extensive remodel added an expansive dining room and patio that now sit empty.

But building a robust takeout business and an exhaustive menu around shared ingredients helped increase selection and control costs, both smart strategies during tough times.

“People crave what they can’t make at home. Like our kabobs, char-grilled salmon, and calamari—or specials like our lamb shanks and Greek meatballs. But vegetarians love our falafel and pita with hummus or roasted eggplant,” he noted. “Sometimes people don't believe we make like 20 different desserts in house. But we do. They may only go out once a week, so ordering dessert makes it more of a special occasion.”

Stepping up their social media presence has proven pivotal as well. Facebook posts and Instagram remind longtime patrons about hours and specials. Short videos also share the familiar faces of staff customers are used to seeing behind the counter, whom many admit they miss most of all.

“I started on Instagram as a way to get out of the kitchen, but it’s become a business tool.

I do a lot of polls, just to see what people think about how we’re doing,” Chalkias revealed.

“These are vulnerable times. So you have to be sure you maintain your connection to your customers. They’re our family too, and you always take care of family.” • Please call ahead or check social media for current menus and hours of operations, as website information may not reflect recent changes.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

23

d o Fo t h Fig With festivals postponed, food trucks are coming to a neighborhood near you

BY W.T. LEW IS

C

olumbus has a certain love affair with food trucks. We must, since there are over 200 of them in the metro area. Ranging from international flavors to local staples, these mobile kitchens bring slices of diverse cuisine to our parks, favorite bars and sidewalks.

It’s a challenging business in good times, with most trucks having just a few hours each day to log a success. Of course this is Ohio, so weather brings its own challenges to the table. While the entire restaurant industry has been hit hard by closures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, food trucks are now facing an economic snowstorm.

“It’s devastating. Some are making 10 percent of what they did. The spots they have on a daily basis, 90 percent cancelled,” said Nik Ghandy, founder of Streetfoodfinder.com, a website that helps the public locate their favorite food trucks.

24

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

Abimael Ruiz, working out of one of his two Taquitos food trucks

On top of their daily walk-up business, a significant portion of business is catering parties and events. Those too, have been virtually all cancelled.

“Here at Pitabilities, we are working hard to keep our staff employed as much as possible. Our sales have dropped nearly 90 percent, with some new opportunities coming up that may help us save a few jobs. As of today, we are making some really hard decisions as to who and how many of our staff to lay off. This has been the most difficult decision of my entire life, I have never laid off anyone in over 35 years of having employees,” Jim Pashovich, founder of Pitabilities trucks, said.

Despite these hardships, there is a certain resilience and scrappiness that makes up the food truck community. Leading the charge is the Central Ohio Food Truck Association (COFTA).

Last week, COFTA introduced its Neighborhood Pickup program.

This program is offering the opportunity for local food trucks to continue to serve their community, while practicing appropriate social distancing measures.

In the coming weeks, food trucks are scheduled to serve at designated locations around Greater Columbus. These locations have been selected with ample parking and immediate access to residential neighborhoods.

“We have transitioned from serving our guests at their place of employment and now going to the neighborhoods where they live.”

Residents can view live, updated truck schedules online and place their order in advance. A designated pickup time will be provided, eliminating the need to wait in line to order. Payment can also be made online, so cash and cards do not need to be exchanged at the order window.

“We have transitioned from serving our guests at their place of employment and now going to the neighborhoods where they live. Our lunch service is nearly nonexistent and we hope that we can build a dinner service in the neighborhoods,” Pashovish said.

Gandhy added there are also efforts to use Netxdoor.com to identify neighborhoods that would like to see a food truck stop by.

“It’s hard, but we’re trying to get better finding new spots. We’re actually trying to go to apartment complexes instead of the streets, so we can get some business,” Abimael Ruiz, owner of two Taquitos food trucks, said.

Food safety has always been a high priority for the food truck industry, and with the new social distancing measures in place, they are working on methods to serve carry-out while keeping customers safe.

“A lot of the trucks have signs out that say “please respect social distancing.” So customers can still walk up to order. But other trucks are requiring all orders be placed online,” Gandhy said.

Gandhy has been working day and night to get as many food trucks as possible set up with online ordering so they can better compete in the new reality. Customers can find a truck, place an order, and pay on the site, and walk-up to the truck when it’s ready for pick-up.

Despite the massive challenges facing these small business owners, many of whom toil in their trucks day-in, day-out, the guy who builds many of the trucks thinks the industry will survive, and perhaps even grow as a result of this economic storm.

Michael Gallichio is the owner of Titan Trucks—a Central Ohio custom food truck builder and founder of the annual Food Truck Fest.

Gallichio says the latest food truck boom was created in the wake of the last economic collapse when everyone lost their jobs. “People figured, hey I don’t have a job, and for a relatively small investment I can be in business for myself.”

Starting a truck can be done for as little as $75,000, according to Gallichio. For now though, those dreaming of a new mobile business will need to wait, as the current food truck operators figure out ways to navigate a world with far less demand and virtually no access to crowds.

“Some of the food trucks are shutting down and hoping to ride it out.

But these guys are innovators. They’re gonna find a way. That’s what’s so cool about this industry. They’re constantly evolving,” Gallichio said.

As for the Food Truck Festival, it’s still scheduled for early August, but like many things these days, that’s subject to change as the state and nation combat the coronavirus threat. Until then, we can all daydream of being next in line, wearing our flip-flops, hot sun on our back, cold beer in our hand, waiting to experience something special. •

Find food trucks headed to your neighborhood on streetfoodfinder.com 614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

25

Last Call For Alcohol A look at how COVID-19 is impacting the bar industry in Columbus

BY MITCH HOOP ER ILLUSTRATION S BY SA RA H MOORE

26

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

I

t’s Friday night and Eight & Sand Tavern is empty. There’s not a pint being poured, a March Madness game on the televisions, or a song playing on the speakers. Saint Patrick’s Day? That came and went weeks ago. A month that was supposed to be primed for making cash has turned into quite the opposite.

This is life for Brody Wakefield, owner of Eight & Sand Tavern, and many others involved in the bar industry. Life has come to a screeching halt amid the COVID-19 outbreak. This situation has evolved quickly and the impacts have been sweeping, leaving little time for many of these folks to prepare for the unknown in the upcoming months. Combine an international pandemic with the slow financial months for bars in winter and you are left with a tough situation.

“We’ve just come out of our two slowest months of the year— where we actually lose money—and we [were] hoping March is the month where we turn a corner,” Wakefield said. “St. Patrick’s Day, patio weather, and March Madness often make March the best month of the year. Now it’s gone.”

Columbus has welcomed many new bars to its city within the last few years and Eight & Sand fits the bill as a newly opened spot. It requires a great deal of overhead and risk to open a bar, and hitting goals and projections are crucial for long-term survival. Though Wakefield said the tavern was on track in many ways, it was still two years out from hitting those projections that can provide regular profits. Given past viruses and diseases that garnered media attention, he said COVID-19 wasn’t something that was initially concerning him. It was business as usual until simply it wasn’t.

“This is unprecedented territory. Like most folks, I underestimated the results early on, citing the many outbreaks we’ve had over the last few decades and thinking our exposure would be minimal. I thought about SARS, H1N1, Zika, Ebola and others that certainly had a global impact, but locally we came out relatively unscathed,” he said. “That thought process didn’t age very well.”

Quickly, what looked like something that would blow over became chaos. Now, with business closed indefinitely, he’s looking into coronavirus-related small business loans with lowered interest rates and extended payment periods, but like many things during a pandemic, there are caveats. •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

27

“We are still a young business. We only have one year of tax filings available right now, and we don’t show a regular history of profitability, so those may be barriers we’re not able to overcome,” he explained. “The SBA Disaster Relief portal also crashed [on March 23], so we’re in an additional level of purgatory.”

In a press release, the Columbus Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild said that industry experts predict 25 percent of Ohio’s 22,000 bars and restaurants will close business permanently due to the outbreak. While the Guild is in agreement with the calls for social distancing, it has left more than half a million Ohioans without a job seemingly overnight.

In collaboration with the Cincinnati and Cleveland chapters, the USBG has sent letters to more than 200 public officials outlining the struggles the industry is facing and the kind of relief they will need to survive this.

“The state has laid us off, not our employers,” the press release stated. “The state bears responsibility for providing us with full, livable incomes while we serve through our duty of preventing the spread of COVID-19. We are Ohioans who love to help and serve, but in this time of turmoil, we must ask the public for help.”

This pandemic has exposed some of the problems that are inherent in the service industry. Variables such as low hourly wages have led to servers receiving unemployment checks that are well below 50 percent of their typical income, or simply struggling to even get unemployment. It’s also shown the need for these employees to have benefits in place such as health

28

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

care, retirement, and paid time off. This, combined with the fact that many places aren’t hiring in the midst of an international pandemic, and you can start to get a clearer picture of the magnitude of this situation for many folks.

Wakefield takes these sentiments to heart. While he attempts to navigate the waters of receiving a loan, his staff lives unemployed and unsure how they will meet their basic needs like rent, utilities and food. However, through all this adversity, he and his staff are banding together.

“Our staff has been incredibly gracious and understanding.

We have a group of all-stars that I’d put up against anybody,” he explained. “We opened a GoFundMe to try to ease the burden, and we’ve had some really generous friends and regulars donate.” Still, the unpredictability of this crisis adds challenges.

“I’m hoping we can meet that goal but the reality is, we don’t know what to ask for because we have no idea what the timeline will be. There’s so much uncertainty right now, which is perhaps the hardest piece.”

As Wakefield said, it’s time for leaders to lead, and much like other bar owners in the city, he’s doing his best to lead his team.

Plus, he’s leading in other ways, too.

“I’ve been turning myself inside out for the past two years trying to get Eight & Sand off the ground. Long days, late nights, and very little time with my wife and three young girls. So now I have been able to really dig in as a father again, which is amazing,” Wakefield said. “Bike rides, our daily viewing of Frozen II, and having family meals again is a recharge I wasn’t aware I needed.”

“The community is doing what it can to support small businesses, but we’ll need politicians on both sides of the line to work together to help them survive.”

These impacts on the economy aren’t exclusive to the bar scene, and Wakefield is concerned for those within the restaurant scene, too. He thinks of some of his favorite spots around town like Ambrose & Eve, Skillet, Barcelona, and Red Brick Tavern and knows—much like his own tavern—they will need assistance to survive all this.

“The community is doing what it can to support small businesses, but we’ll need politicians on both sides of the line to work together to help them survive,” he said.

Of course, there are ways we, the community, can support our favorite establishments. Similarly to Eight & Sand, many places have started a GoFundMe to support non-hourly waged employees. There’s also take-out from many spots as well as delivery options with reduced fees on apps such as UberEats, PostMates, and GrubHub. Those are some “easier” ways to support the food and drink scene in the city. But if you want to truly help out, pick up a phone; Wakefield encourages you to make a call to a local representative.

“We also are asking people to reach out to their representatives to press for sales tax relief for the months of February and March,” he explained. “Ask them to loosen SBA stipulations so newer businesses aren’t being left out. Ask them to provide real relief for restaurants.”

And above all else, show some kindness to your fellow community members.

“We just need to be patient and have some empathy for each other. I’ve seen a lot of folks using this situation to lob political spears at their perceived opponents. We don’t have the luxury of division right now. Let’s understand that yes, the service industry is in peril right now, but there will be other industries that follow quickly and they also will need help. The economy could be in real trouble right now. We’ll need real action from our elected officials to solve these problems in the short term.” •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

29

Be Your Own Bartender

BY MI TC H H O O PER I L LU STR ATI O N BY SA R A H MO O R E

WHISKEY SOUR

Looking to elevate your quarantined cocktails?

Cris Dehlavi is here to help.

I

t’s during times like now that some normalcy is much needed. Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that can serve as a reminder that not all is lost. And if that simple thing can also provide a buzz, that’s what we call a win-win.

However, amid all the quarantines and shut downs, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to find relics of a normal, non-coronavirus related society. Cris Dehlavi—head bartender at the M at Miranova, founder of the Columbus United States Bartenders Guild, and perennial winner of our Columbest Best Bartender Award—knows this sentiment all too well.

“Normally tonight I would be behind the bar at M at Miranova, where I have worked since the fall of 2002,” Dehlavi said. “I miss my regulars, my coworkers, and the stage in which I have been given the ability to let my creativity flourish.”

It’s times like these where we learn each other’s strengths and how we can help each other. And while we can’t stop in and visit Dehlavi for one of her award-winningcocktails, we can try to take a few pages out of her playbook that she so graciously is sharing with us.

“You probably don’t realize it, but you likely have the ingredients you need right there in your cabinets,” she said. “Mixology is a lot like baking, and if you follow this simple recipe, you can make hundreds of variations.”

30

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

THE FORMULA IS AS FOLLOWS: 2 PARTS SPIRIT (whatever bottle of liquor you have, this will work!)

1 PART SWEET (if you like it a little less sweet, drop this down to ¾

or even ½)

1 PART SOUR (always fresh juice, and this can be lemon, lime, grapefruit, sour orange. This can also be dropped down a bit if you prefer your drink a bit more sweet and less tart. Be creative.)

This formula will open the door to better tasting drinks for at-home bartenders. Dehlavi said the key to your sweet element is simple syrup and that’s the crux of these cocktails. Just add equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heat on low until it’s all dissolved. Looking to change up the complexity of your simple syrup? Try out different sugars or sugar alternatives—white table sugar, brown sugar, agave, nectar, and maple syrup are all options. And if you want to take your syrup to the next level, infuse herbs, baking spices, or fruits to add extra flavor.

So, are you ready to whip up a batch of cocktails and settle in for some Netflix and quarantine, or what? Here are some recipes you can add to your repertoire and rest easy knowing they are from a bartending expert.

Whiskey Sour Love whiskey, but can’t handle the powerful flavors of it straight up?

This whiskey sour provides the perfect amount of pucker to mask the whiskey without becoming an overly tart mess.

TWO PARTS WHISKEY (*this also works great with bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey, or scotch) ONE PART simple syrup ONE PART fresh lemon juice •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

31

Tom Collins or Vodka Collins These two options are great ways to use middle shelf liquor to save some money without sacrificing taste. This part is important, though: add the club soda in last once the drink has been shaken. If you shake with club soda in it, your at home bar will be hit like a tidal wave.

TWO PARTS gin or vodka ONE PART simple syrup ONE PART fresh lemon SPLASH of club soda

TOM COLLINS

32

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

VODKA GIMLET

Gin or Vodka or Tequila Gimlet The great thing about simple cocktails is the versatility you can get through similar ingredients. For this drink, swap out the fresh lemon juice for fresh lime juice and instead of a Tom/Vodka Collins, you’re sipping on a gimlet!

TWO PARTS gin or tequila ONE PART simple syrup ONE PART fresh lime juice • 614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

33

CLASSIC DAIQUIRI

Classic Daiquiri If your travel plans have been put on hold, you’re in a category of folks who truly need a beach drink. While this classic daiquiri can’t take you to a sandy shore, it can at least trick your brain for a few blissful sips. *Drink umbrellas not included.

TWO PARTS rum ONE PART simple syrup ONE PART fresh lime juice

●

Mojito While this drink requires one perishable ingredient—mint—its addition is worth it. The cool sensation mint provides to this cocktail is refreshing and perfect for those times cuddled up on the couch with your significant other. Again, add the club soda as the last step.

TWO PARTS rum ONE PART simple syrup ONE PART fresh lime juice MUDDLED mint leaves SPLASH of club soda •

34

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

MOJITO

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

35

Community Photo by Rebecca Tien

M

oments of clarity come from moments of crisis.

A few weeks ago, we were prioritizing which shows to go to and planning for patio season. And now? Now we’re prioritizing the safety of ourselves and our community. Even in these isolated moments, none of us are alone. The best of Columbus shines through: from two young siblings playing a concert for an elderly neighbor, to local businesses pivoting their production to address critical shortages, to the folks who are putting their own safety on the line in order to help ensure ours. That tourism slogan— ColumbUS—never felt so true as it does now; we’re still finding connections during our time apart, and celebrating what we can accomplish together.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

37

READERS WEIGH IN March 23 reader poll results

BY L I N DA L E E B A I R D

38

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

U

nprecedented is a word that’s getting tossed around a lot lately, and while we hate to overuse language, it’s an accurate way to describe our times. After learning of its first few cases of coronavirus, Ohio was the first state in the nation to shut down its k-12 schools, and has been ahead of the curve in its efforts to flatten the curve ever since. As of this writing, the state is in its first 24 hours of “stay-at-home” orders, its second week of school closures, and a week into all bars and restaurants being takeout only. (These measures will be reevaluated soon after this magazine is released, but of course, even if restrictions ease, we’re still many months from the “normal” we used to know).

In each of these decisions, there’s a tradeoff required between public health, personal liberty, and economic interests.

Ohio is navigating this balance, along with governments across the world. We at (614) wanted to hear from our readers about how you are feeling regarding the choices Governor DeWine has made as he tries to walk this tightrope. Further, we wanted to understand how these decision have personally affected you. So far, you all seem pretty impressed with DeWine’s performance, although the disruption of income is real. But don’t take it from us; here’s what you had to say about it. •

POLL DATE: MARCH 23-24, 2020 RESPONSES: 265

1

Based on your current financial and employment situation, how long do you expect to be able to weather the economy as it has changed under the coronavirus?

263 responses

A few days to a few weeks A few wks to a few months

33.8%

3 months or more Indefinitely

30.8% 10.3% 25.1%

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

39

2

“ Amy Acton is not the hero we deserve, but she's the hero we need.

What is your level of confidence in maintaining employment during this time?

260 responses

I have been laid off due to business lost from the virus

48.8%

I am concerned I will lose my job if this extends longer than a month

10% 29.6% 11.5%

I am concerned I will lose my job if this extends longer than three months

”

I am not concerned I will lose my job

3

What do you think of the current balance we’ve found around closing businesses to reduce spread of the virus?

261 responses

We have closed too many businesses across the state

30.3%

We have found the best balance possible There are too many businesses still operating

59%

4

10.7%

What personal changes have you experienced since the outbreak began?

I am working remotely: 60% My child’s school has closed: 25% Colleagues have been laid off: 19% My spouse or partner has been laid off: 6% I have changed the hours that I shop and/or the amount of what I buy: 75% I have stopped visiting friends and family: 89% I haven’t made personal changes: 4%

5

Please share your comments about the state’s response to the coronavirus.

MOST OF YOU WERE POSITIVE:

“ “ “

I don’t envy the leaders’ jobs—every decision has a major trickle-down effect. But I am proud that our state is leading the timeline ahead of many states, even though comparatively our case numbers are lower.”

With so much unknown, it’s refreshing to know what our Ohio government is doing, and it’s even more refreshing to know WHY they’re doing it. I trust their opinions. With so many people applauding our great state, it makes me feel even more at ease knowing our leaders made the fastest and smartest calls they could” I believe Ohio has led the charge nationally for preparedness.

The implementation of closures in waves allowed people to adequately prepare for shelter in place. Compared to friends and family in other states, I have felt much more informed and prepared.”

AND DR. AMY ACTON HAS SOME REAL FANS:

“ “ “ “ “

Governor DeWine's actions have made me proud to live in Ohio. Not to mention, how blessed are we to have Dr. Acton?”

Amy Acton rocks! At first I thought the Arnold changes were extreme. Now I think had we not done that we would be in the same situation as New York and California.”

Amy Acton is not the hero we deserve, but she's the hero we need.”

BUT THERE WERE CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPACT: They aren't detailing how they are going to protect small business and families from losing everything... doesn't seem like a good balance of who will be affected by the virus and who won't and the effects to each. Seems like most of us won't even know we have the virus, yet we're going to [be] financially crippled.”

If so many of us are expected to make sacrifices and lose our jobs in order to keep people safe and healthy, then those fortunate enough to keep working from home or who are in good financial conditions need to make the sacrifice to give money to those who need it. Keep that same energy if/when government checks start going out. If you are still working then you should donate some of your extra funds to those who are not. If we are not allowed to earn a living then we shouldn't be expected to pay rent or other bills without full wage reimbursement.” •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

41

“ “ “

It's a shame to see our government drive our economy to a standstill over this. It seems we should be able to find a solution that avoids draconian measures.”

AND SOME OF YOU WANT TO SEE THINGS GO EVEN FURTHER: I honestly just wish they would shut everything down (minus legitimate essential businesses) so we can get out of this lockdown a lot quicker.”

The state response has been smart, and ahead of the outbreak until now. The lockdown has to be total now when cases are rising. They are making a mistake keeping businesses open and people on the street. How are real estate and car dealers essential?”

6

If you are an essential employee, tell us about your job and what it’s like to work now.

SOME OF YOU CAN WORK FROM HOME, BUT WITH SERIOUS CHANGES:

“ “ “ “

I am considered essential because I work for a logistics and transportation company. We are working full time remotely which has been a challenge, but our company is continuing to provide support to the supply chain and the growing need for products and supplies.”

Veterinarian. I do consults from home and work in the office with 50 percent less staff for 50 percent less hours seeing urgent/emergent cases only.”

I am a teacher—I don't have to physically be there, but things are very different. These kiddos are scared and the ones that aren't are going stir crazy.”

I work for juvenile court in Delaware County. We have been conducting hearings by conference call as much as possible and I am working from home. Our judge and our court are extremely proactive and I feel honored to be working with my colleagues as they step up on a daily basis and work selflessly to ensure that all parties are staying as safe as possible.”

“

I work in IT. I have worked remotely before but only a day here and there. This is more isolating. We are planning a virtual happy hour. Video conference call, group chats, sharing pictures, videos, stories and group IM's are helping with social interaction. There are a lot of good people out there doing great things like buying groceries for the person behind them in line. Thank you.”

42

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

SOME OF YOU ARE STILL SHOWING UP TO WORK:

“

Our company sells janitorial and maintenance supplies. People depend on us having the answers to help keep them safe and using proper procedures now more than ever. We are depended on to be able to answer their questions and help keep them supplied with product.”

“

I am still working. Although my place of employment may not be "essential" in the strictest sense of the word, it falls under the category of restaurant offering delivery and carryout, so we are still open. Most of my coworkers have been effectively laid off, and we are operating with a skeleton crew working far fewer hours than I would normally. I am grateful to still be working at all, but I cannot sustain myself on the reduced income. I am weighing options of asking to be taken off the schedule completely so I can apply for unemployment, or seeking a second temporary job at a grocery store or similar.”

“

It's strange to hear everyone talking about working from home, sharing about how they are staying occupied while stuck in the house, and how life is different not being around people, etc. when I'm still getting up, going to work, and interacting with the public every day.”

AND FINALLY, TO OUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND FIRST RESPONDERS ON THE FRONT LINES, WE SALUTE YOU:

“ “

Nurse; we are running of supplies very quickly while we are on the front line of caring for our COVID-19 patients as well as our general population patients. Being told to wear less PPE because we don’t have enough of it is very discouraging.”

As a Lieutenant Firefighter-Paramedic, the health and well-being of my men has always been top priority. Now, not only are we vigilant of the medical state of the public we interact with daily, we have implemented a whole series of personal checks for our crews, both at the beginning and end of shifts including but not limited to: temperature checks of each member, questionnaire of general health and well-being of members, as well as many, many more new public interaction protocols. It’s definitely a new day in the firefighter service.”

“

As an emergency room nurse, I have found that a lot of people are disregarding the suggestion to stay home. Many people remain out and about socializing or shopping for non-essential items, but what really bothers me are the people with mild symptoms coming into the emergency department and putting others at risk. Whether it be people with compromised immune systems, or simply my coworkers and myself, there is a blatant disregard of the safety of others.

Please stay home, and ride out the storm.”

“

I work in hospital administration.

Times are a bit chaotic and changing every hour at work for us. You can rest assured though that your Ohio health systems are working hard to do everything we can to handle COVID-19 in our community.” •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

43

Columbus Does Good: The COVID-19 Edition

BY L I N DA L E E B A I R D

T

he people of Columbus are always finding ways to up their game when it comes to giving back. We’re a city that’s continually building a virtuous cycle: a non-profit with a new idea solves a problem; a business builds the concept of social responsibility into its mission; a neighborhood bands together to accomplish a task—and then others are inspired by these efforts.

The question here, to paraphrase JFK, is not what Columbus can do for you, but what you can do for Columbus.

On second thought, maybe those aren’t the right questions. A city, afterall, is nothing but buildings without the people who live there. The question, then, is what can we do for each other? And during times like this, we’re finding out.

Following Fred Rogers’ advice to “look for the helpers,” we’ve been keeping our eyes out over the past weeks to see how the community is adapting. It turns out that even when we’re required by law to socially distance ourselves, the community is still there—maybe standing six feet away—but never far enough to forget what it means to be part of something larger. Here are just a few of the many awesome resources and examples of doing good that caught our eye.

Remember, though, things are changing rapidly, so please reach out and confirm efforts are still underway before showing up to help!

Food One of the greatest concerns that came when Gov. DeWine closed schools was for the kids across the state who rely on daily free breakfast and lunch, including the 50,000 students in Columbus City Schools. Luckily, the school district continues to provide free breakfast and lunch to any child under the age of 18 who needs it—even those not enrolled in CCS—at 15 “grab and go” sites across the city. The Mid Ohio Foodbank and the Parks and Recreation department even teamed up with the schools one morning to offer free, pre-bagged produce at a Grab and Go site in addition to the meal. A list of the Grab and Go sites is available at ccsoh. us/Page/7560.

Kids, of course, aren’t the only ones who need to eat. The Clintonville Beechwold Community Resources Center has partnered with the Clinton Heights Lutheran Church for a sack lunch drive offering food to all ages. The CRC has also assembled and distributed “necessity boxes” for older adults in Central Ohio. The CRC plans to keep giving, and is requesting monetary donations to support its work at this time. Visit clintonvillecrc.org/ updated-crc-services-for-covid19 to learn more.

COhatch has proven to be more than just a coworking space during this crisis. It partnered with Vaso and the Point App to make and deliver meals to those in need across the city. Reach out for help if you are in need of food or supplies to help@cohatch.com; or contact volunteer@ cohatch.com to support their efforts.

Make-A-Day is seeking funding to send food trucks to low-income areas of Columbus in order to feed the homeless, children home from school, and other residents. Support their mission with a donation at makeaday.fun.

Gear and supplies A key ingredient in the hand sanitizer that you can’t find anywhere on shelves these days is good ol’ ethyl alcohol. Luckily, some local businesses including Middle West Spirits and Watershed Distillery have an abundance. They are making hand sanitizer to provide first responders, hospitals, and homeless shelters. The Columbus Foundation purchased the first $50,000 worth of product from Middle West, according to a report from The Dispatch.

Meanwhile, Bespoke Salon Studio is collecting PPE to donate to area hospitals while the salon is closed. Send them a message on instagram at @bespoke_salon_ studio_columbus to donate.

Caffeine Karma The Roosevelt Coffeehouse is collecting donations of coffee for first responders, because, let’s face it, they’re going to need it in the coming weeks.

The community can help in two ways: by purchasing $9 healthcare worker bags that the shop will give to first responders, or buy a bag of any coffee for yourself and they’ll donate another bag to a healthcare professional. You can also leave notes of encouragement on the bag. Grab your joe and help a hero at 300 E Long St. •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

47

Dr. Amy Acton: Determined, Not Afraid

BY J.R. M CM I LLAN I LLUST RAT I O N BY SARAH M O O RE

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

49

T

he announcement was shocking, even to the pool of hardened reporters gathered in anxious anticipation. On March 12, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered the closure of all schools in the state for at least three weeks to hopefully halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

With only a handful of confirmed cases, based largely on statistical models and patterns emerging from cities and countries around the world, Ohio was among the first to signal, almost prophetically, that life as we all knew it was about to change dramatically, perhaps forever.

Then skepticism suddenly turned to stunned silence as Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton stepped forward to reveal the possibility that more than 100,000 Ohioans were already carrying the virus.

But this dire presumption wasn’t delivered with cold calculation by a career bureaucrat who dithers or withers in front of the cameras. Instead, Acton did something remarkable, in real time. In her signature white coat and without a whiff of wonk, she calmly and confidently broke down the math behind the decision and the prediction, at one point comparing the delay in reliable data to the light of a distant star whose brightness we can only see long after the moment has passed.

And with that, Ohioans discovered the light of a different kind of star, and her moment is now.

Even before Acton was a household name, she was already an unlikely hero. A physician since 1994, she honed both her approachable bedside manner and public policy persona at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and as an assistant professor at Ohio State. During her brief tenure at The Columbus Foundation, Acton was instrumental in raising nearly $2.5 million in just six weeks to combat youth homelessness, blowing past every expectation. It was a philanthropic success that was also hauntingly personal.

It isn’t without irony that as Ohio businesses close their doors, many for the last time, that Youngstown’s venerated daily newspaper, The Vindicator, published its final edition this past August with an intimate portrait of Acton. Then, she was still the local homecoming queen who had beaten the odds, gone on to college, ultimately becoming the top public health official in the state.

50

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

The “grit and grace” we see today, so noted by Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation, was undeniably born of a chaotic, often tragic, childhood. Acton’s parents separated when she was just three, and in the decade that followed before reuniting with her father, she lived in a constant state of uncertainty. This included living in more than a dozen places in as many years across the country, some less desirable than others; she lived once in an unfinished basement, and even spent a winter in a tent. Only after abuse at the hands of one of her mother’s string of boyfriends did life for Acton finally start to turn around. Her father was granted full custody, and she’s never seen her mother again.

But even this backstory only surfaced in retrospect. The newspaper’s website also shut down a day after the final edition hit the streets. No likes, shares, or tweets. Only later were the archives posted online, with that closing interview receiving overdue attention in recent weeks, much like Acton herself.

“Lots of powerful souls walk among us,” noted Todd Franko, former Editor in Chief of The Vindicator. “Last August, she walked in and walked out of our office, and no one knew her. They know her now.”

Yet in darkness, there is still light, with dutiful denizens across the state tuning in daily for afternoon “Wine with DeWine.” But even that fierce following may pale in comparison to the more than 50,000 members of Acton’s entirely unofficial Facebook fan club. The conversation waxes and wanes from harrowing accounts to rays of revelry, from the testimonials of healthcare providers on the frontline of the crisis to heated debate about which actress should portray Acton in some future Hollywood feature. (For those keeping score, Allison Janney, Dana Delany, and Anne Hathaway are currently the top casting contenders.) Local apparel company Homage also honored her with a t-shirt emblazoned with the words, “Not all heroes wear capes.”

Even Acton herself is not above public levity amid unprecedented circumstances. A photo from a recent morning meeting in the lower level of the statehouse went viral, with staffers seemingly orbiting a laughing Acton from a safe social distance. It was a rare and candid glimpse of the loyalty she fosters among the small army she inspires, no longer in anonymity.

“I don’t want you to be afraid. I’m not afraid. I am determined.”

Her candor coupled with compassion is at the heart of her appeal.

The mother of six, one of whom offers her his own daily briefings on her online following from his home in Menlo Park, has been called “Ohio’s Mom” for the tough love that belies every escalating restriction that unfolds aimed at minimizing the worst case scenarios.

It’s the same honesty tempered with hope that won DeWine over barely a year ago. Acton neither sought nor expected to become the governor’s final, perhaps his most crucial, cabinet selection. In discussing the role with him, she offered an unvarnished, apolitical assessment of Ohio’s challenges and opportunities to improve public health, and prepare for unforeseen threats to it.

Thankfully, he hired her anyway.

The hasty cancellation of in-person voting the day before the state’s primary and extension of absentee voting by mail was deemed politically untenable, until it wasn’t. After what was expected to be an uncontested delay erupted into a last-minute legal reversal, Acton’s authority to protect citizens in the midst of a public health emergency found precedent in an obscure provision of the Ohio Revised Code from 1886 in response to an outbreak of tuberculosis.

Now, Ohio leads the country in its response, with fellow states following suit, though not without criticism. The impact on businesses directly and indirectly is as controversial as it is unavoidable. DeWine is charged with an impossible task, desperately trying to land a plane safely, despite the fact that it’s coming apart in the air. There will be casualties, actual and economic. But reducing the former requires increasing the latter. Acton is not only his copilot, but is additionally charged with assuring passengers that they are doing everything they can just to survive.

This is why we need Acton right now—she’s a guiding star in what often seems like an endless night. When human nature and history tend to suggest turning on each other, she’s quick to remind us that we’re all in this together. She’s the hero we didn’t know was in our midst, the same powerful soul who walked up to a podium and into our lives barely a month ago practically unknown, but who is now a part of our daily routine. When all of this is behind us, we’re going to look back on how we have changed. And when that day comes, we will surely have Acton to thank for telling us exactly what we needed to hear, when we needed to hear it, just to get through another day. We should all be forever grateful for her words.

“I don’t want you to be afraid. I’m not afraid. I am determined,” Acton famously confessed. “All of us are going to have to sacrifice. And I know someday, we’ll be looking back and wondering what was it we did in this moment.” • 614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

51

› L INDSAY JORDAN, CO UN TRY SINGER.

52

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

DON't LET the MUSIC Die The city's vibrant music community needs your support now more than ever

BY MI K E TH O M AS P H OTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R

In a better universe, this space would be occupied by a feature on Lindsay Jordan, the West Virginia-born country singer, booking agent, and photographer whose star is rising rapidly in the Columbus music scene. Unfortunately, that’s a story that will have to wait for another time. Jordan’s career as an artist, like so many others, has been sidelined by events that are in turns frustrating and frightening, and utterly unprecedented in our lifetime.

The necessary life-saving measures taken in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ohio have impacted nearly every aspect of daily life, especially when it comes to work. With the temporary closure of all non-essential businesses and laid-off workers filing for unemployment benefits in record numbers, it’s clear that no sector of the job market will go untouched by this historic event. While there’s plenty of hardship to go around right now, people who earn their living making music are facing a particularly tough set of circumstances.

“It’s tricky for me, because you have all of this momentum, and then it just stops,” Jordan says of her career, which seemed to be accelerating rapidly toward bigger and better things prior to the onset of the crisis. “It’s just been going full speed this entire time. So the halt has been really difficult.” •

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

53

Jordan, who also earns much of her living as a professional concert photographer, is facing the new reality as it stands for that line of work as well. Along with performers, there is a whole industry of bookers, promoters, sound engineers, and even bartenders who depend on revenue generated by local music to survive.

“They just cancelled Nelsonville [Music Festival] the other day,” she says. “I make money at that, photographing bands at festivals. How my summer normally is, and how this summer is going to be, it’s so up in the air...I don’t even know where to start.”

It’s not just up-and-coming artists who are feeling the crunch. Well-established local acts are also finding themselves without access to their usual channels of revenue.

Near the top of the local music scene in terms of profile and earning power, bluesrock outfit Zoo Trippin’ are mainstays at the Comfest main stage, and have performed to crowds of thousands at large-scale events such as Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati.

In spite of their popularity, the members of the group are not immune to the sudden and unexpected adversity that comes with the current situation.

“This has completely turned me on my head as a local musician, promoter, and event booker,” says Zoo Trippin’ frontman Tony Casa, who also helms the concert promotion company Free Sandwich Productions. “There was a period of complete mental shutdown, and now I have to reevaluate my entire life, and my dream and goals.”

Zoo Trippin’ had planned to undertake a national tour in the coming weeks, but was forced to cancel its plans when travel became untenable. Having pre-paid for tour-related expenses, the group is out thousands of dollars.

Even the most successful artists in the local scene have been profoundly impacted by the shutdowns. Fresh off the release of their debut record, Columbus emo rockers snarls were prepared to embark on a national tour, having just signed a deal with Massachusettsbased label Take This To Heart. With touring impossible, the group’s financial situation has been impacted dramatically “All snarls shows through June have been cancelled, causing us to lose about $8,000 in show guarantees and countless thousands of dollars in merch sales,” says snarls guitarist Mick Martinez. “Losing that money not only affects the band as a business, but ourselves as well, as we were transitioning to a point where the band is providing income for us.”

Martinez, who was recently laid off from a day job at a local coffee roaster, has filed for unemployment. She is currently attempting to sell handmade goods and offering photography services to help make ends meet.

These stories highlight just how vulnerable members of our local music community can be during these trying times. It’s more than 54

the postponement of a dream of making it big. The income of so many artists is tied to work in various creative fields that are all on hold for now. With venues closed and public congregation out of the question for the foreseeable future, local artists need your support now more than ever. Because when this is all over, and we’re back at the bar hugging our friends we haven’t seen in weeks or months, we’re still going to need music. •

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

ˇ S N A R L S , E MO R O C K B AND

how to help There are many ways to lend a hand to a struggling musician in this time of need. Here are a few tips to get you started, along with some resources for artists who might be in need of assistance.

Buy Merch

1.

Does your favorite local act host an online store?

There’s no better time than now to buy that album or band tee you’ve had your eye on. Check social media for links, or inquire directly to see if artists have anything for sale.

buy music on bandcamp

2.

Many artists use the site bandcamp.com to sell their music, and there’s no easier way to put money in the hands of musicians than paying for a simple download. There’s no need to worry about shipping, and the artists take a much bigger cut of the profit versus streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music

Donate to GoFundMe

3.

Columbus music is the beneficiary of its own GoFundMe effort. Organized by fundraisers Lisa Cave and Stephanie Ewan, an initiative titled “Columbus Artists Relief Fund COVID-19/ Coronavirus” has raised nearly $6,000 for local artists at the time of this writing.

musicares

4.

the charitable foundation of The Recording Academy (the organization behind the Grammy Awards) has established a fund to assist struggling musicians. Donate or apply for funding by visiting www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/ musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund.

The Columbus Music Commission

5.

has gathered a list of resources on its website, including a link to apply for a relief grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Visit musiccolumbus.com/covid-19-resources/ for the full list of resources.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

55

Listening in Place

The story behind the front porch cello concert heard around the world

BY L INDA LEE BA IRD PH OTOS BY REBECC A T I EN

56

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

I

nspired by scenes from Italy of socially distancing neighbors standing on balconies, singing together, Clintonville resident Rebecca Tien (who is also a longtime (614) contributing photographer) had an idea for how her family could make a difference in their neighborhood. Across the street, Tien’s elderly neighbor Helena Schlam was under a self-imposed quarantine due to the coronavirus. Tien knew Schlam loved classical music, and she also knew her children, Taran, nine, and Calliope, six, had to keep practicing on their cellos, even if the school orchestra was canceled for the foreseeable future. So Tien planned for her kids to hold a concert for Schlam on her large front porch, keeping a safe distance away.

If you were anywhere near Twitter that day, you know what came next: another neighbor, Jackie Borchardt, tweeted a clip of the performance. And thanks to Borchardt’s many followers in the media, (she is a reporter for The Cincinnati Enquirer), the

Tiens’ performance exploded across the internet. Taran and Calliope soon landed on national news broadcasts from NBC, CBS, and CNN, as well as in Time magazine and The Washington Post. The story was retweeted by George Takei and the kids’ cello idol, Yo-Yo Ma. Now that their 15 minutes of fame is winding down, (614) caught up with Calliope and Taran to learn what the experience was like.

Turns out, they found fame not only early in their lives, but also early in their cello careers. Both began playing in fall 2019, with Taran joining his school orchestra, and Calliope taking private lessons (Taran soon began doing the same). It’s an instrument the Tiens took to naturally.

“I tend to speed ahead a lot,” Taran said. “I printed out the Bach cello suite and I’m working on that. I bought new music that’s really advanced today and I probably can’t play it but • 614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

57

I want to because I always want to.”

It’s the music they can make on the cello that motivates them. "I just really love the sound,” Calliope said. Taran adds that when he was younger, he pretended almost everything was a cello.

With that motivation, they took the Suzuki Level One cello book over to Schlam’s for their concert. “We played multiple songs. One was a Bach minuet. And then there was Twinkle Twinkle,” Taran said. Although he’s the more advanced musician of the two, having played four years of classical guitar before picking up the cello, part of coming together under quarantine circumstances means playing together. In this case, that meant they stuck to songs both of them were comfortable with from Calliope’s book. The song they became internet famous for was called “Song of the Wind.”

Even before the tweet that changed their lives, the Tiens knew they were about to play for their first international audience when they made their way to Schlam’s porch. Schlam had her relatives in Israel on FaceTime; she wanted them to see what her neighbors were doing for her, and told the Tiens their music would be heard around the world. (Little could they have predicted that it would also be broadcast on the BBC a few days later.)

When the news coverage began, the Tien family was surprised, but Taran and Calliope took to it pretty well. “It was really, really exciting!” Taran said. “I was, like, feeling a little shy, but also pretty excited,” Calliope added.

58

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

Rebecca was concerned all the attention might be too much for her neighbor during her period of isolation, but Schlam enjoyed it, telling Rebecca, “I feel like a little kid. I guess I like all the attention. I think this is wonderful.”

Taran and Calliope had different replies when asked about the best thing to come out of this for them. For Taran, it was the retweet from his cello hero, Yo-Yo Ma. “It was literally the best thing ever. Like, I’ve really wanted to meet Yo-Yo Ma and play with him and stuff, but, at least this is a step towards that.”

Meanwhile, Calliope said she was glad to make her neighbor happy.

One reason the concert resonated across the internet and around the world is that the Tiens managed to find joy and connection during a time when both are in short supply. So what advice do the kids have for others trying to navigate this moment? “Play a musical instrument. Sing. Do something you really like. And just do one of your favorite hobbies and don’t get bored and have a good attitude and be kind to everybody,” Taran suggested.

And remember at the end of the day, this moment is about all of us; our own health and happiness is tied into that of our neighbors. For Calliope, the best part was helping Helena. “She was like ‘bravo! bravo!’”

Taran also remained focused on the bigger picture. “This is all for Helena. It’s all to make her happy. Not to get all famous and stuff. It’s cool that all this is happening, but it’s just for Helena.” •

“ This is all for Helena. It’s all to make her happy. Not to get all famous and stuff. It’s cool that all this is happening, but it’s just for Helena. ”

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

59

Stream Dream The Columbus you remember is only a screen away

BY M I K E T H O M A S

Y

ou’re doing the right thing and hunkering down for the long haul of social distancing. As the days blur together, stretching into weeks, and yes, probably months, you’ve already watched and re-watched every season of It’s Always Sunny. That old Playstation 3, once relegated to a back corner of the closet, has long since been dusted off. Congratulations on finally achieving 100% completion on GTA4, by the way. Now shit is getting real. Cabin fever has set in, and the election you held for the squirrels who frequent your back deck was less than civil (a 3% flat tax on acorns!? Squirrel E. Sanders is out of his cute little mind).

You need to get out of the house, but let’s face it: another walk around the block or trip to the park only does so much to stave off the ever-encroaching madness. What you really need is a taste of the city life you remember, the bustling streets of Columbus packed with folks going about their everyday business in the before-times. Alas, civic duty demands that you minimize unnecessary trips into public, not that there would be much to do anyway with most businesses shuttered for the foreseeable future.

Well put on your finest PJ’s, cinch up that robe and comb that greasy, unwashed hair out of your face. It’s 2020, which means we’re still living in some semblance of the future. For a trip through the covid-free streets of the city you know and love, all you need is an internet connection and a subscription to a major streaming service or two. For your viewing pleasure, here are a few choice features with a Columbus connection to get you by until the city re-opens for business.

Ready Player One This Stephen Speilberg-directed flick adapted from the Ernest Cline novel takes place in a future Columbus where a largely unemployed populace escape the doldrums of their dystopian existence by plugging into a complex digital world. On second thought, this one might be a little on the nose. Just cut to the chase and pop in that Bluray of Inception instead.

I Am Wrath Both filmed and set in Columbus, this John Travolta vehicle is chock full of the scenery you know and love. Follow Travolta through the “mean streets” of the Short North (ha) as he hunts down his murdered wife’s killer or something. As a movie, this thing is pretty unwatchable. As a glimpse of our hometown when it was actually occupied by living, breathing people, it’s number one with a bullet. So throw one of the scenes with the Short North in the background on pause and pretend you’re standing in line to get into the Pint House, or whatever it is you used to do down there.

PHOTO BY WARNER BROS PICTURES

60

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

Zombieland Though it might not take place in Columbus, Jesse Eisenberg’s character in this 2009 action-comedy romp is from Columbus, even adopting the city’s name as his moniker. In the film, “Columbus” has a complex set of rules he abides by to get through an apocalyptic, pandemic-ruined landscape. (Talk about relatable). Queue up the scene where Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and the rest of the plucky crew of Zombie hunters are partying down in Bill Murray’s mansion-turned-fortress, and you just might be able to convince yourself you’re back at the bar tying one on with genuine Columbus folk.

PHOTO BY LUNA PICTURES

Edge of Seventeen No, not the 2016 coming-of-age drama starring Haley Steinfeld (apologies to those hoping for a mini-Woody Harrelson marathon). The 1998 movie of the same name tells the story of a young college student coming to terms with his identity as a gay man, with many scenes set on a fictionalized version of The Ohio State University campus. With classes and sporting events cancelled for the foreseeable future, we’ll take any chance we can get to relive our Buckeye glory days—fake campus or not.

Point Break Speaking of fake depictions of Buckeye glory, now seems as good a time as any to rewatch the classic 1991 crime-meets-action-sports thriller Point Break. In the film, onetime OSU star QB and current undercover cop Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) takes on adrenaline junkie “Bodhi” (Patrick Swayze) and his gang of thrill seeking, skydiving, bank-robbing surfer bros. With cameos from members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and more rubber Ronald Reagan masks than you can shake a stick at, this is the most excitement you’re likely to get until the real Buckeyes take to the field again this fall (God willing).

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

61

the

great outdoors are always open An easy scavenger hunt to ease you into nature

BY L I N DA L EE B A I R D | I L LU STR ATI O N S BY J U STI N R E M OTA P

Q

uarantine. Isolation. Social distancing. The words defining our historic (and historically difficult) moment are all about solitude—and we’re bound to be using them for some time to come. But getting through these long days doesn’t mean we need to be inside. In fact, even under the “stay at home” orders currently in effect, getting out in the fresh air is still very much allowed. Spring goes on springing, and the time away from schools and the office gives us the opportunity to soak it in, observe, and enjoy the changes.

For those who have been disconnected from nature for a few years, or never connected in the first place, here’s a beginner’s guide to the plants and animals you may see around our Metro Parks, woods, and rivers this spring. We went with common species—because it feels good to be able to check things off your list—but think of this as a starting point for paying a little more attention to the natural world around you.

And if you are one of the many people who is suddenly leading a homeschool, you can use this as an educational scavenger hunt.

My “class” will be taking this list up to Highbanks on the first warm April afternoon.

62

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

63

BIRDS

Robin

My mom used to point out the “first robin of spring” as March turned to April every year—a sign that the season was changing and more birds would soon be joining their song in the trees.

Hawk

Look up! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… actually a bird. Our flat lands and wide skies are an ideal combination to catch a hawk carefully circling in the sky. (Because this is an easy scavenger hunt, any bird of prey can check this box. We won’t tell).

Warblers

The Ohio Division of Wildlife calls warblers, “one of the avian highlights of spring.” While there are several species that visit our state, the blue-winged, golden winged, and yellow all have bright yellow coloring that perhaps makes them easier to spot in the trees. ODW recommends Greenlawn cemetary as a local spot to see them.

ANIMALS & INSECTS

Deer

They’re everywhere in Ohio, but there’s still something magical about spotting one in the wild and looking into its tranquil eyes.

Butterflies

Yes, there are many different types of butterflies that live in Central Ohio and yes, they are most active later in the year, but the common painted lady starts fluttering around as early as April. If you find a butterfly of any species this early in the season, we’ll give you full credit.

Frogs

Head down to the water and open your ears for that familiar croak. You’re likely to spot them chillin’ on the bank or the nearest lily pad, but it’s really fun if you get to watch them swim.

Baby… anything

FIND YOUR NEAREST METRO PARK AT METROPARKS.NET

64

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

It’s spring, the season many species welcome their babies into the world. And if there’s anything cuter than an animal, it’s a baby animal. Ducklings, bunnies, birds nests; anywhere you can spot an animal family will let you tick this box.

PLANTS

Fiddlehead ferns

One of the first signs that the earth is returning from winter is the emergence of fiddlehead ferns. Their distinctive spiral sticking up from the ground portends more plants to follow.

(They are also supposed to be delicious when cooked, but since this is a scavenger hunt occurring in a public park, please leave them for the next visitor).

Lilac

You’ll probably smell them before you see them. There’s a reason lilac is dried and used in aeromatics year round, but—lucky us—we’re quickly approaching the season to experience the real thing. Those small, purple buds that smell like absolute bliss? That’s lilac.

Maple tree

Sure, it’s at its peak in the fall when the leaves turn gold and red, but can you identify a maple before it’s leaves are in full bloom and it’s not producing any syrup? Now’s your chance to find out.

Fungus

Mushrooms count, but the best fungus in my opinion grows on old tree stumps and boasts beautiful stripes.

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

65

(614)

#ASSEENINCOLUMBUS It’s difficult for us here at (614) to catch it all. That’s where you come in: while you’re out there capturing the city, you might as well slide some of your best shots our way. We’ll throw a few of ours in the mix, too. There’s plenty to see in Columbus, so there’s no reason not to share.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@mlkitchenbus

@mynameismaggie_oh

@phil64justlooking

@sageandstoneliving

@dpoh

@zoommani_nailbar

@wolfsridgebrewing

@lianneredcay

66

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM

@lizjenningsphoto

@bwiththebluehair

@thepapervow

@luxeandlemons

@motleek

@too_good_eats

@noahjwilliamson

@coherg

@phil64justlooking

@walkswithwhitney

@applewaterdesigns

@columbushumane

@dpoh

@sunnymeadowsflowerfarm

@typeincbus

@notyourmamascraftmarket

@wovnbrands

@cliffsideacres

@onlyincbus

@veloscience

@noahjwilliamson

614NOW.COM APRIL 2020 (614) MAGAZINE

67

68

(614) MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 614NOW.COM