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Holiday Gift Guide

Give something delicious, beautiful, or made right here in Columbus. These local favorites have thoughtful picks for everyone on your list

The Magpie market experience

’Tis the Season to Be Shiny!

Magpie Market is an independent, woman-owned business started by two best friends with a love for antique and vintage décor. We have 25 carefully curated vendors who each bring their own unique perspective to today’s design aesthetics. Visit us for one of a kind Holiday gifts and décor.

Give the gift of a sparkling clean car! Moo Moo Express Car Wash gift cards and Wash Smart Unlimited Club gift memberships are perfect for everyone on your list. With gift options starting at just $35, spreading holiday cheer has never been easier. Shop today in-store or online and give the gift of clean!

HOLIDAY MOMENTS. BEAUTIFULLY GIFTED. Give them the gift of Easton. From favorite brands and thoughtful finds to memorable dining experiences, an Easton Gift Card offers endless possibilities at more than 200 participating Easton brands. Learn more at EastonTownCenter.com.

Shop Local. Win Gift Giving. Not Your Mama’s Craft Market is Columbus’ OG handmade holiday tradition. Discover local makers, get a tattoo, and make holiday shopping way more fun. Nov 14–15: Polaris Fashion Place Nov 22: The Exchange • Bridge Park Dec 6: Schiller Park Community Ctr. • German Village Lights Dec 13: The Harrison • Short North Four very different markets. Loads of very good gifts.

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Give the gift of the jeff ruby experience Jeff Ruby gift cards are 20% off from November 23-30! Treat everyone on your list to USDA Prime steaks, exceptional seafood, and five-star hospitality. Available for purchase in restaurant or at jeffruby.com.

This holiday season, support local, fresh, and authentic independent businesses at your North Market! Celebrating 150 years! Where else can you buy one-of-a-kind gifts, shop a wide selection of fresh food for holiday meals, and even get lunch—or dinner (libations, too!)—all while supporting local merchants right here in Central Ohio? North Market Downtown and North Market Bridge Park have all of this and more for you to enjoy this holiday season! Scan the QR code for more information!

The gift they actually want? A moment of Peace. Give the gift of self-care at The 614 Head Spa with limited-time savings on gift cards, indulgent holiday services, and more. Save time. Skip the stress. Holiday gifting made easy.

Give the gift of sycamore In the heart of German Village, Sycamore is a place to gather and linger, with a seasonal all-day menu made for sharing, from morning coffee to dinner and a glass of wine. This holiday season, give someone a table at Sycamore. Gift cards are available at the restaurant, so stop in and say hello. We’d love to see you.

ON THE COVER: Design by Andrew Thomas and Leah Ronski Photo by Tyler Jamison Creative

CONTENTS

53 22

C O V E R PA C K A G E MADE HERE

8 Local Makers Shaping Columbus

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

KEEPING IT CLASSIC

OFF THE WALL FALL FLAVORS

HANDHELD HAVEN

NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 73

32 86 10

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KARAOKE FOR A CAUSE

CARING IS COOL

50 YEARS OF WINTERFAIR

WINTER WONDERLANDS

THEATRE OF THE CENTURY

106

OHIO LIONS

110

Opening Volley

PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lindsay Press EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jack McLaughlin

J AC K M C L AU G H L I N Editor-In-Chief

Close to Home In one sense–considering we live in an era of globalism and instant everything–we’ve never been more connected to the people and places around us. You can learn everything about anywhere with a few keystrokes. Did you know Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio? Or that the shortest street in America is located in Bellefontaine? In another very real sense, we’ve never been more placeless. With an increasing number of direct flights, and the ability of cars to insulate us from the outside world with noise-cancelling tech, TVs, and Bluetooth all over, traveling doesn’t feel like you’re moving in a linear direction from place to place. It feels more like teleportation, like you get into a vehicle or board an airplane, shut out the world around you, and arrive at your destination, whether that’s an hour away, or an ocean away. The space in between the places we go matters less and less. For some, buying locally-made goods can be about the quality or uniqueness of an item, but for me, it’s about humanity. I mean this in terms of the personal history that anything made by hand carries with it: Donna’s Delicious Dozen invokes the story of owner Traci Lukemire’s grandmother, and the namesake of her shop; Old Salts Leatherworks products come with the story of owner Brandon Ault discovering leatherworking while working on a sailing ship. But I also mean it in terms of community. Old Salts operates a quirky studio-home combo in Olde Towne East. Donna’s straddles the border between Gahanna and Columbus on the city’s growing Northeast Side. Tarik Yousef and the eclectic T.Y. Fine Furniture store stands in the bustling heart of Clintonville. In an age where the speed and efficiency of transportation makes our physical location matter less and less, the idea that you’re buying something from someone, who is somewhere, helps me feel connected to the real world in and around where I live. It’s so easy to lose track of your physical community. Sure, we all walk around our neighborhoods, but have you ever actually walked somewhere more than a half mile away recently, or paid any real attention to the small-scale physical details of your own neighborhood? The act of buying local not only connects us to the locations of the stores we visit, but—more importantly for me—it builds a mental map in ours brains of the cities and states in which we live. I can tell you that every time I pick up a container of milk from Snowville Creamery, I think of the unique, rocky landscape of southeastern Ohio, and the tiny rural neighborhood of Snowville, located just south of Athens. I can also tell you that, without Snowville Creamery, this area—this real, physical place not far from where I live—wouldn’t exist in my own mental landscape. I’m not advocating for you to dump everything you own for locally-made options. I just believe that shopping local–in some sense regardless of the product—can help connect us to others, if even just a tiny bit more, while keeping our own ideas of what local means alive and well. 12

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ASSOCIATE EDITORS Maggie Valentine Mary McCarthy CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jen Brown, Tommy Feisel, Sumner Howells CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John M. Clark, Sav McKee, Jack McLaughlin, David Shaw, Asia Atuah, J.R. McMillan, Mary McCarthy, Maggie Valentine, Chris Alexis, Laura Hennigan, Melinda Green, Jonathan Keilholz CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Brooke Stanley, Julie Friedman Levi Gaidos, Darpan Musale, Leah Ronski Miles Dobson, Lindsey Combs CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Thomas CREATIVE DESIGNERS Abby Nocera Lauren Green MARKETING MANAGER Emma Mortellaro MARKETING ASSISTANT Gillian Dunahoe ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mindy Wilhite Anna Gerhard Meghan Chapman

Questions about Questions about advertising? advertising? Scan here! Scan here!

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Where Columbus Gets Engaged ® Not sure where to start? We’ll walk you through it!

Over 1,600 Five Star Reviews

Why Columbus Couples Choose Worthington Jewelers

“I had zero knowledge of rings. He could not have made it easier.” Alex G., Google

“I walked out knowing exactly what I wanted. I truly felt special.” Monica E., Google

“We will never go to another jeweler ever again.” Faith M., The Knot

� S TA F F P I C K S We asked (614) staff which local artisans and makers they’re most excited to support this season. Here’s what they said:

I love my tea mug from Daphnia Ceramics! I’m excited to add to my collection this season. —Mary McCarthy, Associate Editor

Cinda Lou in Uptown Westerville! Beyond the endless record collection and antique home finds, I can always count on the cutest handmade items— perfect for gift giving! —Maggie Valentine, Associate Editor

I’m excited to dive into more experiential gifts! On my short list: Glass blowing at Columbus Glass Art Center, Horseback riding at Livingston Farm, and a Woodworking class at Woodcraft. —Lindsay Press, CEO

Parsons North Brewing Co. serves up the BEST hard cider in town. It is the perfect drink for an autumn afternoon of playing cards and watching the leaves fall. I look forward to it every year. —Meghan Chapman, Account Executive

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Collin Williams has such recognizable illustration work that is so fun. He’s opening up a stationery shop in Columbus this month that I can’t wait to check out! —Andrew Thomas, Creative Director

ON t h e W E B Every day we’re posting Columbus’ top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below, at 614now.com and subscribe to our daily email!

Columbus.FunnyBone.com Visit our site to see the entire lineup of shows!

FOOD & DRINK

Bakery concept from member of Auddino’s family now open Pegasus Bread Co., a new bakery concept from the Auddino family, is now open in Sunbury. The shop offers a mix of sweet and savory favorites, including donuts, bagels, pizza, gelato, and more.

FOOD & DRINK

More details emerge of anticipated Short North restaurant opening this year Chef Jeremy Nelson and restaurateur Marco Piazza’s new restaurant will offer an eight-course tasting menu, à la carte options and weekday happy hour.

EVE N TS C A L E N DA R From a taste of Korea and Columbus Fashion Week to WinterFest and Holiday Brass just around the corner, November has plenty to enjoy. NOV

Taste of Korea

Covenant Presbyterian Church

NOV

Fashion Week Columbus

8-1 4 NOV

21 DEC

Free Admission

Around Columbus Free

WinterFest Columbus Dorrian Green Free Admission

SPONSORED

Holiday Brass Columbus First Community Church North Campus Start Time 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices: $15 student, $20 seniors, $25 adults, group sales available

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Artist Katie Lee puts together a sketch of German Village Coffee Shop ↓

Columbus artist Katie Lee stopped by a local cafe for coffee; she left with a compelling new book and an entire community of new friends

By John M. Clark Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Lindsey Combs

ne morning last year, 24-year-old Katie Lee awoke in her “artist commune” apartment in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood and checked social media website Reddit for a new breakfast spot. Taking Reddit’s advice, she was overjoyed to find great food, friendly people, and an important part of life that had been missing for years. German Village Coffee Shop is the kind of place that’s easy to overlook—a tiny sliver of a diner on Thurman Avenue, tucked between the stylish, upscale South Village Grille and the iconic Thurman Café, known nationwide for its absurdly huge hamburgers. A humble sign with the words, “Home of the Western Omelette” hangs above an old, wooden door that hasn’t closed properly in years. On especially hot or cold days, you’ll hear customers asking politely of no one in particular, “Would you please close the door?” Inside, a well-worn tile floor separates a handful of small wooden booths on one side from a dozen vinylcovered stools on the other, along with an even smaller food preparation area behind it where the co-owner, the cook, and the cashier spend much of the day just trying to keep from bumping into one another. It’s the kind of unassuming eatery one might have expected to encounter in mid-20th century Middle America. On her very first visit, Katie knew she would be coming back. “Now that I’m a regular, I almost always get the corned beef hash,” she said. “Then there are days I’ll go for a huge pancake or maybe eggs and hash browns and some of the best bacon I’ve ever eaten.” But for all the meals she consumes here, it’s something less tangible that keeps leading Katie back—a staff who quickly became like family and the regulars who seem to know just about everyone else who comes through the door. If you’re a stranger when you walk in, you’re not likely to be one when you leave. “I was lucky to come in on a Thursday,” recalled Katie. “That’s the one day of the week when Shannon works the tables. She and I hit it off from the very start, just like I did with Mark, the cook.” And she noticed something else: “It was the conversations people were having with each other. I just sat quietly and listened to them talk about the weather and what they planned to do that weekend. In an odd way, it was very comforting.” →

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Katie Lee’s 64-page book includes hand-drawn art and descriptions of her time spent in the coffee shop’s booths →

↑ Katie Lee and German Village Coffee Shop co-owner Craig Burke

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So comforting that she pulled out paper and pens and began documenting the experience. “And I became a regular—having meals, talking with the staff, and drawing what I saw,” she said. “I also love making books—the old craft of bookbinding. It wasn’t much of a leap to go from drawing and writing to creating a little book about one of my favorite new places.” The 64-page, palm-sized book is evenly divided between full-color artwork and descriptions of what Katie saw and ate during her earlier visits to the coffee shop. It may sound prosaic, but taken as a whole, it is anything but. Katie’s little sketches of life here illustrate a need for connectedness. “Most of my generation is missing this in their lives,” she said. “We have our home and we have school or a job. But everyone needs a third place; maybe it’s a coffee shop or a diner like this where we can feel we’re part of a community.” For a lot of her friends, that “third place” is either social media or in front of a TV. “The older generations,” she added, “have figured this out much more than we have.”

Cook manager Mark Barrett →

EVERYONE NEEDS A THIRD PLACE where we can feel we’re part of a community. Katie’s book, Some Months at German Village Coffee Shop, looks in on many of the eatery’s employees and customers who have become her friends. There’s Ray, a retired Army veteran who was blinded by meningitis 40 years ago. He lives nearby and has been walking to lunch here every day for longer than anyone can remember. “It’s simple,” he explained. “They have the food I like to eat.” Ray is a favorite at the counter, and the staff take extra care to give him any special help he needs. Mark, the chief cook, is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to the States for love almost 20 years ago. When that didn’t work out, he found his true calling in a Craigslist ad. “I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was little,” he said, “and coming to work here was probably the best decision of my life. This family has taken care of me.” →

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Katie Lee and her book, Some Months at German Village Coffee Shop ↓

Andy, a retired health care worker, lives above the restaurant. He can often be seen about midday, sitting just inside the front door, exchanging pleasantries with the staff and other customers and waiting for his takeout order. Craig and Christa have nurtured these relationships with customers since buying the business in 2003. And those relationships have paid off. “I like the people who come here,” he said. “They’re like one big family. That’s the way they treat us, and I hope that’s the way we treat them.” In historic German Village, residents and businesspeople don’t consider themselves so much owners as they do “caretakers of a legacy,” carefully maintaining and enjoying these places before they’re handed off to the next generation of stewards. Katie appreciates how Craig and the others have fostered such a large and devoted following. “Some people say I should turn my book into a business, that I should visit other restaurants and create books for them,” she said. “But this came very naturally, and it wouldn’t seem right. Besides, it’s not about the money. It’s about belonging. And for now, at least, this is where I belong.” ♦ Katie Lee’s hand-stitched book, Some Months at German Village Coffee Shop, can be purchased at the diner, at 193 Thurman Ave. You can view her artwork at katieleedancerevolution.com.

Keeping it Classic It With vinyl records, vintage couches, and zero TVs, this new cocktail bar brings back old-school connection By Sav McKee Photos by Tommy Feisel Story Design by Leah Ronski

Let Me Roll It owner Conor Stratton →

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One patient. Many angles. You’re not just a symptom or a scan. We look at everything—daily habits, stressors, history, goals— because the whole picture matters when it comes to care that works.

emember when going out simply meant hanging out? Back in Conor Stratton’s day (okay, he’s only in his 30s, but a lot has changed since then), before bars were blasting eight different ball games on flat screen TVs and every table had a QR code to order from, there was sitting around with friends, listening to music, talking, laughing, and going wherever the night took you. He grew up in Yellow Springs, a small “hippie” town about an hour away from Columbus, where strangers don’t stay strangers for very long. “You’d go Downtown, sit around, wait for someone to come by, talk to them, and eventually end up with a little posse figuring out what to get into,” Stratton reminisced. “That slowness and peace is something I loved having growing up—being more in the moment, being intentional,” Stratton continued. “That’s something I want to have here in Columbus, too.” After trying to find that sense of community, and even trying to foster it when he took ownership of the bar and music venue Ace of Cups, Stratton decided to take matters into his own hands and give Columbus a place to slow down, settle in, and strike up a good conversation. He teamed up with his business partner Sarah Fleming to open the ultimate hangout spot and cocktail lounge in August, called Let Me Roll It, located in the heart of Italian Village. →

Primary care in Worthington 55 Dillmont Drive MedOneHP.com

Book an appointment

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← Classic Old Fashioned & Negroni cocktails

↑ “The city’s best espresso martini”

And no, Stratton didn’t name Let Me Roll It after marijuana (despite those Yellow Springs roots and customer speculation), but rather as an ode to his favorite song by Wings, a band both he and his dad have always loved. In fact, a Wings album was spinning when I stopped by. Flipping through records by Al Green, Quincy Jones, and The Beatles, Stratton told me the only music allowed inside Let Me Roll It is on vinyl or cassette from the 1960s through the 1980s. They’re open to customers bringing their own records in, but with some limitations. “We already had to ban Michael Jackson,” laughed bar manager Courtney White, telling me that he’s already been played too many times. Guests are encouraged to pick out an album themselves and drop the needle. Maybe someone across the room loves your choice. Maybe a song brings back a memory you want to share with your date. Either way, you’re forced to be intentional. To converse. To listen. To participate. “You know, no instant gratification,” Stratton explained. “Well, besides the photos,” I chided, holding up the black-and-white film strip I’d just gotten from the vintage-inspired photo booth in the corner. “No. Even then, you gotta wait for that photo to develop and print,” Stratton said. “I just think everyone could benefit from being open to going to a place that isn’t riddled with distraction,” he added. “Meet somebody, talk to somebody, just like I’m talking to you right now.” We were sitting on Let Me Roll It’s patio

← The Pequeña: a pineapple, carrot, habanero mezcal margarita with fresh, hand-pressed juice

under twinkling lights and palm plants. I told Stratton it reminded me of New Orleans and asked about the benches we were sitting on, which looked entirely custom. Turns out, they were. Stratton built them himself. He worked in construction years ago, learning skills that came in handy when transforming the former hookah bar to a cocktail bar. Inside, he pointed out the bar, shelves, bathrooms, and other woodwork he built or renovated by hand. Fleming, a longtime interior designer, took Stratton’s desired design direction— “slow, low light, cozy, like the ’70s, with vinyl, classic cocktails, places for conversation”—and ran with it. But not in a burnt-orange-shag-carpet-withold-couches-that-still-smell-like -stale cigarettes type of way. Instead, sleek leather sofas, vintage rugs, and plush chairs make the bar feel more like someone’s really cool living room from decades back. The low lighting, warm wood, exposed brick, and huge garage doors that let the sunset pour in before giving way to city lights all add to that feeling of a home away from home. You won’t find many two-tops that keep everyone to themselves, but rather seating that invites people to share space. You might find a few people you’ve never met at the other end of the six-person couch. Stratton hopes you sit down anyway. “Who knows, maybe they’ll take you in,” he said. “Maybe you’ll make friends out of that.” He’s already watched it happen. Strangers greet each other while ordering drinks and bond over the music playing. →

“THAT SLOWNESS AND PEACE IS SOMETHING I LOVED HAVING GROWING UP—”

BEING MORE IN THE MOMENT,” “BEING INTENTIONAL, THAT’S SOMETHING I WANT TO HAVE HERE IN COLUMBUS, TOO.” 614NOW.COM

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Stratton has even made friends himself while hanging around, sometimes without mentioning he co-owns the place. Stratton has no interest in a cocktail menu filled with five unfamiliar liqueurs, obscure bitters, and ingredients that customers don’t actually know if they’ll like. With all due respect, he emphasized, there’s a time and place for that. “There are plenty of places doing that well,” he said. “Let Me Roll It doesn’t need to be one of them.” Instead, the bar starts with classics you already know—negronis, old fashioneds, margaritas, martinis, and daiquiris—then adds their own twist on them. The Pequeña riffs on a mezcal margarita with carrot, pineapple, habanero, and green curry. The Party Animal takes a Negroni to the tropics, with rum, pineapple, and coconut. Stratton’s partial to the house LMRI Martini, made with orange bitters and a hint of Thai basil, while the Strawberry Daiquiri has become a customer favorite. So, cocktail people can still geek out over green curry mixed with mezcal. And someone who just wants a whiskey on the rocks can order that, too.

Fruity or boozy, shaken or straight, this is a local spot for everyone who’s open to dialing it back to the analog days. Pick a record or tape. Maybe try something new, or the beer you’ve been drinking for a decade. Take the open seat. Make eye contact with someone. See what happens. As I was leaving, Stratton’s point about showing up and talking to people in-person started to sink in. I could have just interviewed him over the phone. But then I wouldn’t have heard the crackle of Wings spinning, run my hand along the bar he built, or watched a group of customers walk in and take in the space with awe, just as I did. And I wouldn’t have asked about all the little details that came up simply because we were sitting there together. Which means I couldn’t have shared them with, well, you. Don’t let people convince you that hanging out went out of style. We just needed somewhere to do it again. ♦ Let Me Roll It is located at 132 E. 5th Ave. Stop by Monday through Saturday, leave that phone at home, and even bring a record to spin. Follow LMRI on Instagram, @letmerollitbar.

OFF THE WALL FALL FLAVORS Thanksgiving pizza? Acorn ice cream? A deep dive into the city’s most unique autumnal offerings By Sav McKee and Jack McLaughlin Story Design by Darpan Musale

THE GOBBLER MIKEY’S LATE NIGHT SLICE

o hate to your aunt’s cranberry sauce sitting untouched on the table, or to your cousin who brought up politics even though everyone asked them not to, but oftentimes, the best part of Thanksgiving is after dinner, when everyone has gone their separate ways and you’re left with mounds of leftovers (and possibilities) in the fridge. And while your leftover turkey nachos are quite impressive, we can all thank Jason Biundo’s “Ma” for what’s quite possibly the greatest use of Thanksgiving leftovers in this city: “It goes back to when we were just getting started. And I mean near the very beginning,”

Biundo, chief creative officer of Mikey’s Late Night Slice, explained. At the time, in 2009, Mikey’s was open on Thanksgiving. One year, Biundo went to work after his family’s Thanksgiving dinner with a haul of leftovers from his Ma that was enough to feed 12 people. Biundo posted a photo of his leftovers on Facebook and asked Mikey’s followers if they thought he should turn them into a pizza. And more importantly, if he did, would anyone even show up to try it? Believe it or not, people were sick of pumpkin and open to trying a savory pie instead. “I wound up selling ten pies of that first

iteration of The Gobbler all before midnight, which was more than everything else sold that night combined,” he said. As the next year rolled around, Mikey’s decided to see what would happen if they did it on purpose. Ma’s cooking could never be replaced, of course, but this time, the team sourced its own turkey, stuffing, and gravy for their pizza, making roughly 50 pies. “We started selling them the Monday before Thanksgiving, and we were completely sold out before the actual holiday,” Biundo emphasized. The Gobbler has only gotten more popular after 17 years. What started with 10 pies made from Ma’s Thanksgiving leftovers has turned into a yearly Mikey’s tradition and a collaboration with Ray Ray’s Hog Pit’s smoked turkey. Mikey’s keeps The Gobbler on their menu for an extra week in November “so the folks who’ve made their own traditions with it can be sure to get their fix,” said Biundo. Not ready to commit to an entire pie? You can get The Gobbler by the slice. But if you’re ready to embrace a more unique version of a Thanksgiving pie, whole pizzas are available too, typically the week before Thanksgiving and for a little while afterward. Just keep an eye on Mikey’s social media for the dates it’s offered. If another Thanksgiving pizza happens to cross your path this holiday season, Biundo wants to set the record straight: “Mikey’s Late Night Slice is where the original Gobbler was born. Accept no substitutes.” This Turkey Day, let’s add Jason’s mom to our list of people we’re grateful for. After all, we wouldn’t have The Gobbler without her.

Cranberry Sauce (Served on the side) Ray Ray’s Smoked Turkey

Mikey’s Late Night Slice Signature cheese blend Savory Stuffing

Decadent Gravy

Airy & Crispy Homemade Crust

The Gobbler is available this November at all Mikey’s Late Night Slice locations while supplies last. 614NOW.COM

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← Appalachian Acorn Pie. Photo courtesy of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

APPALACHIAN ACORN PIE JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS

eni’s Splendid Ice Creams is well known for pushing the boundaries with interesting and unusual flavors, and this fall, they may have outdone themselves. Last month, the Columbus-based company debuted a seasonal flavor that uses real, Ohiogrown acorns. And did we mention it took five years of experimentation to come to market? Called Appalachian Acorn Pie, the new flavor uses foraged acorns to create an acorn ice cream base with a graham cracker swirl. The local brand describes the flavor as “nutty and sweet—somewhere in the realm of hazelnut, coconut, and chestnut.”

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While it seems easy enough to grab a handful of acorns from your backyard, the reality is far more complicated, and resulted in Jeni’s spending half a decade puzzling over logistics. Unlike commercial nuts, acorns—while plentiful in the United States and used as a cold-weather food source for native communities—are not domestically regulated or distributed. After pondering how to incorporate them into a seasonal flavor five years ago, Jeni’s first looked into international sources. None of these ended up working out, although the initial, small-scale tasting experiments they tried sparked a hunger (literally) in the Jeni’s team.

“From that moment, we knew we had to find a way to make this flavor, whatever it took. And it took a lot of amazing work,” said Jeni’s senior director of innovation Beth Stallings. The Jeni’s team eventually paired with Carroll County agricultural co-op Route 9 Action Center, which foraged local acorns in quantities high enough to use in the new ice cream. The co-op was also able to leach the tannins—which create a strong bitterness if not removed—from the acorns. The last step in the sourcing process was to send the acorns to a nearby Amish farm (a move that required the use of snail mail, community phones, and in-person meetings) where they were milled into flour. And the rest, as they say, is history. ♦ Appalachian Acorn Pie is available in limited quantities at Jeni’s scoop shops and online now.

“...SO FRAGRANT AND NUTTY AND BEAUTIFUL. UNLIKE ANYTHING I’D EVER EATEN, BUT ALSO FELT WILDLY FAMILIAR.”

HANDHELD HAVEN ← Fat Arnie’s Empanadas featuring Mojo Pork, pickled jalapeño and cheese; ground beef and cheese; and chorizo and cheese

Following the widespread success of family-run Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop, a Chapman’s Eat Market alum has launched a spin-off brick-andmortar spot in Uptown Westerville

By David Shaw Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Levi Gaidos

chance meeting in Ecuador between Christopher Beardman and the woman who would become his wife set off a chain of events that resulted in the opening of Fat Arnie’s Provecho in Westerville, a Latininspired takeout spot specializing in sandwiches and empanadas. Provecho’s opening comes just one year after Clintonville’s Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop, located inside Rafters Beer Pub, took Columbus by storm, earning near-immediate praise as one of the city’s best sandwich stops. The success of the first Fat Arnie’s can at least partially be attributed to Christopher’s six years spent with his now wife in Ecuador, where he began his culinary career selling burritos out of a backpack to local university students. After opening up a pair of taquerias in Ecuador with the support of his family, Christopher moved to Columbus to take a chef position at the nowclosed Chapman’s Eat Market, reuniting with the rest of the Beardman clan. →

↑ Fat Arnie’s Provecho co-owner and chef Andrew Beardman

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“WE’VE JUST GOT TO GET A LITTLE CREATIVE WITH IT.”

Christopher Beardman and brother Andrew, then working for Columbus Brewing Company, decided to explore setting out on their own, first envisioning a bar before being tipped off by father Chris, a Rafters Beer Pub regular, that an unused kitchen in the rear of the bar was up for grabs. A full year of construction led to the October 2025 opening of Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop, a full Beardman family undertaking. “My dad, he has a construction background, so he built out the entire place,” said Andrew. “My mom worked the register, my dad worked the register, my cousin, my wife. My brother’s wife is (at Provecho) right now making food. Everyone helps out when they can.” The Beardman brothers prioritized an Italian sub and burger as flagship items (“We felt it was just a necessity for the bar,” said Christopher) at the original Fat Arnie’s. The rest of the sandwich shop menu has evolved over time, eventually settling on a core set of six sandwiches complemented by empanada recipes originally tested and perfected in Ecuador. “I thought it would be good bar food,” said Christopher of the now-signature empanadas. “In a sense, it’s handheld and my wife was always against it. For her, that’s just breakfast. That goes with coffee. She’s like, ‘This is not gonna work.’ And it worked. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t think they would actually be that popular, but that’s our bestselling item.” “Provecho” is a word heard in many Latin American households, meant to wish someone enjoyment before their meal, and ultimately encouraging good company. Fat Arnie’s Provecho menu is still developing following its October 2026 opening, but will likely prioritize the comfort food handhelds the Beardmans have built their brand on. The empanada selection, the lone holdover menu item from the sandwich shop, has been expanded, and while Provecho will offer its own sandwiches, they’ll all be unique to the Westerville location. The Beardmans plan to let customer reactions dictate the new store’s menu, which will evolve over time. Both Fat Arnie’s locations source as many ingredients as possible from local suppliers, including The Hungarian Butcher and a craft sausage company started by one of Christopher’s former Chapman’s Eat Market colleagues. →

← New menu items include “Chancho” Pork Belly + Llampingacho and Fat Arnie’s favorites like Pollo Al Pastor

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Before selecting a specific business venture to pursue, the Beardman brothers had already picked out a name, landing on Fat Arnie’s as an homage to Andrew’s well-fed cat. Expansion into Provecho not only opens up a new tribute to the family’s beloved pet, but also provides much-needed prep space to augment the limited square footage at Fat Arnie’s original location. “The idea is that this one is going to help that one,” Andrew said. “At (the original location) there is no room to prep anything. It’s the smallest kitchen in the world. We probably could have survived, but this is going to help big time.” Unique to the Provecho space is a doubledecker oven left behind by previous tenant DiCarlo’s Pizza. Because the space is slightly larger than Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop but still snug given its takeout and delivery focus, additional prep space is possible but an expansion of cooking equipment is less feasible. “(The oven) presents a little bit of a challenge in a sense,” said Christopher. “There are no flat tops or anything like that. I don’t have a hood system built in to do all that kind of stuff. You can still use it for a number of things besides just pizzas and empanadas. We’ve just got to get a little creative with it.” As the Provecho menu is dialed in over time, an emphasis will be placed on seasonal items, with culinary input offered by all members of the restaurant’s staff. And right now, building out the best team is the top priority, but one that’s coming together quickly. “We’re building out a good team right now of talented chefs from around the city,” said Christopher. “The idea is that everybody kind of pitches in on this, so it’s not just my menu. Everybody kind of does it. It’s something at a previous job before working at Fat Arnie’s that we did and it was just a really cool concept that everybody got to throw in.” ♦

Enjoy Latin-inspired handhelds at Fat Arnie’s Provecho located at 20 S. State St., in Westerville, and follow @fatarnies_provecho on Instagram for future menu updates.

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Fat Arnie’s team member Johanna Jimenez, making empanadas by hand ↓

“THE IDEA IS THAT EVERYBODY KIND OF PITCHES IN ON THIS, SO IT’S NOT JUST MY MENU.”

Presents

HOLIDAY Cocktail Guide

Featuring

MAKE IT A

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

Cocktail GUIDE TECHNIQUES

You don’t need a bar program or professional tools to craft exceptional cocktails. With a few foundational techniques, you can transform ordinary spirits into extraordinary experiences. Here’s how to start building flavor like a pro—right from your kitchen.

Simple Syrups

Infusions

Combine equal parts sugar and hot water in a small sauce pan over medium to low heat, stir until sugar dissolves, remove from heat, add in desired flavor (herb, spices, fruit) and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes.

Add your chosen ingredients to a sealed jar of spirit. Let it rest for 1-3 days, gently shaking and tasting as you go. Strain when flavor peaks.

Fat washing

Mix your all ingredients in your cocktail or with a small amount of milk, (usually 30% of total liquid) let rest in a cold space for 2-24 hours depending on batch size. After the milk solidifies, strain through a coffee strainer. This process removes harsh flavors and impurities leaving you with a smooth cocktail with silky texture.

Combine your chosen spirit with a flavorful fat—think browned butter, coconut oil, or bacon grease. Let it infuse for several hours, then freeze until the fat solidifies. Skim and strain through cheesecloth. Keep refrigerated to store.

Milk Punch (clarification)

PRO TIP Label and date your creations. Flavor evolves, and keeping notes helps you master your personal house style—one experiment at a time.

YUKI-ONNA Ingredients 2 oz Haku Yuzu Vodka 1/2 oz Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur 3/4 oz spiced cranberry syrup 1/2 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz Snow Maiden Nigori Sake Spiced Cranberry Syrup Recipe: 1 cup sugar 1 cup organic cranberry juice 1 cinnamon stick 2 whole cloves 1 star anise

Instructions Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake for 10-15 seconds, double strain into martini glass, garnish with dried apricot

Elaina Lucido Song Lan

FUN FACT Yuki-onna is the “snow woman.” She is a supernatural figure in Japanese folklore, embodying both the beauty and deadly power of winter.

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MAMUSHI Ingredients 2 oz Roku Gin 1/2 oz Falernum 1/2 oz spiced fassionola syrup 1 oz lime juice 1/2 oz orange juice

Evan Hass

Getaway Brewing Company

Instructions Serve over ice in a cocktail glass garnished with a dehydrated lime and mint bouquet

FUN FACT In my free time I enjoy cooking and eating foods from cultures around the world.

VAQUERO HALO Ingredients

Kevin Thompson Bristol Republic

FUN FACT I’ve been developing this cocktail over many years, with many different versions before arriving at this final recipe.

1 oz Hornitos Plata 1/2 oz Hornitos Reposado 1/2 oz grapefruit liqueur 2 drops of rose water 2 dash of Sass & Sizzle Bitters 1 oz grapefruit Juice 1/2 oz lime juice 1/2 oz cinnamon agave

Instructions Combine all ingredients, serve in a cocktail glass, garnished with a dehydrated lime wheel

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

PRETTY IN PINK Ingredients 2 oz buttery shortbread tea infused Haku Vodka 1 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz rosehip hibiscus syrup 1/2 oz Campari 3/4 oz egg white

Instructions Combine all ingredients in a shaker, dry shake for 10-15 seconds, serve in cocktail glass of choice FUN FACT From my point of view; this is one of the best cocktails I’ve made.

SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT Ingredients

1- 1/2 oz cacao and coconut infused Knob Creek Bourbon 1/4 oz cream 1/2 oz orange juice 1/2 oz honey 1/4 oz espresso 1/4 oz lemon

Instructions Serve in crystal rocks glass with 1 large ice cube, garnish with a chocolate covered toasted marshmallow

Alex Marcum Vaso

FUN FACT I’m really into all things Christmas because my mom was born on Christmas Eve. The holiday has always been a big deal in my family!

Micah Barnes Asterisk Supper Club

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MAKER’S PECAN PIE Ingredients 1 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon 1-1/2 oz Evangeline Pecan Praline liqueur 1/2 oz vodka

Instructions Ray Valentine Hollywood Casino Columbus

ST. NICK’S NIGHTCAP Ingredients 1 oz Toki Whiskey 1 oz Basil Hayden Dark Rye 3/4 oz Cherry Heering 1/4 oz Averna 1/4 oz Carpano Antica 5 drops Woodford Chocolate Bitters Allspice Rinse, Luxardo Cherry garnish

Instructions Combine and garnish with Luxardo Cherry

Ian Lattea Budd Dairy

FUN FACT Ian loves collecting rare plants— he has over 70 varieties.

Pour over ice and stir, garnish with a pecan FUN FACT Ray started with Hollywood Casino on opening day in 2012.

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

COSECHA KAMI Ingredients

Jordan Keeble SIDEBAR

FUN FACT Apples float because they are 25% air. Which is why you can bob for apples.

CHAWAN AURA Ingredients

Michael Harvey Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge

FUN FACT The grass family is the largest of all of the plant food species.

1 oz Roku 3/4 oz Green Tea Umeshu 1/2 oz Madeira 1/2 oz matcha liqueur 1/4 oz vanilla liqueur 1/4 oz amontillado 1/4 honey syrup 1-1/4 oz matcha latte garnished with a matcha foam

Instructions Combine all ingredients, pour into cocktail glass, and garnish with matcha foam

1-3/4 oz cinnamon cacao nib infused Hornitos Reposado 1- 1/2 oz cinnamon hazelnut cold brew 1/2 oz Cantera Negra 1/4 oz Watershed apple brandy Bar Spoon of Frangelico Dash of apple bitters 2 dash Hinoki bitters 1 oz tonic

Instructions Combine all ingredients, pour into glass, and garnish with dehydrated cinnamon apple with smoked cinnamon stick

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

PINK CARNATION AND A PICKUP TRUCK Ingredients 1 1/2 oz chamomile and rosemary Infused Maker’s Mark 3/4 oz Campari 3/4 oz dry vermouth 3/4 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz strawberry syrup 1 egg white

Instructions Combine all ingredients in a shaker, dry shake for 10-15 seconds, strain over a coupe glass, garnish with Peychaud’s bitters and rosemary sprig

SEQUIN STOCKINGS Ingredients 1-1/2 oz cocoa butter washed Maker’s Mark 3/4 oz Campari 1/2 oz sweet vermouth (Cocchi Di Torino) 1/4 oz Branca Menta 3 drops hot cocoa tincture (dry milk, dark chocolate, sugar, alcohol) Islay Scotch rinse

Instructions Combine all ingredients in a shaker and serve over a large ice cube, garnish with toasted marshmallows

Matthew Fitzsimmons Harvest Pizzeria

FUN FACT I’ve created a new riff on the Negroni every Sunday for over three years!

Geoff Ming

Soul at the Joseph

FUN FACT I’ve consumed more than 5000 hot dogs in my life, and aspire to consume 5000 more.

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PEAR-APHRASE Ingredients 2 oz Toki Whiskey 1/2 oz fresh pear juice (Bosc pear) 1/4 oz St. George’s spiced pear liqueur 4 dashes Bittermen’s wintermelon bitters 2 oz Copenhagen Sparkling Green Citrus Tea

Instructions Start with your chilled Collins/highball glass (6 oz), add in your (two) sliced Bosc pears around your spear ice cube or loose cubes, add 4 dashes of wintermelon bitters, fresh pear juice, spiced pear liqueur, followed by your Toki Whiskey and then finish with sparkling green citrus tea, garnish with thinly sliced pears

Lindsey West Understory

FUN FACT: A young pear is called a fruitlet.

UNDER THE MISTLETOE Ingredients

1-1/2 oz Roku Gin 1/2 cocchi americano Rosa 1 oz acid adjusted cherry juice 1/4 spiced rose syrup 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters 2 drops saline

Instructions Combine and serve over ice, top with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic

Praj Rajkumar Lindey’s

FUN FACT Cherries and roses are part of the same botanical family named Rosaceae.

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

SANTA’S SECRET SAUCE Ingredients 2 oz strawberry infused Roku Minori Gin 1/2 oz white cranberry juice 3/4 lime juice 3/4 simple syrup 1/4 oz Malibu 1/2 oz dry curaçao 2 dash saline

Instructions

Dane Koch Lincoln Social

Combine all ingredients and serve chilled in a coupe glass, garnish with sugar strawberry FUN FACT I’ve been in the restaurant/bar industry for about 15 years, but I’m also seriously into creating high-end craft cocktails—basically turning bartending into my own little cocktail laboratory.

GREEN MONKEY Ingredients 1-1/2 oz Roku Gin 3/4 oz pineapple juice 1-1/4 oz matcha syrup 3/4 oz Banana Giffard Egg white

Instructions Combine all ingredients and garnish with brûlée bananas and cinnamon

Jordan Peoples Goodale Station

FUN FACT I enjoy fishing and the outdoors.

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TROPIC MERIDIAN Ingredients 1 oz Knob Creek Bourbon 3/4 oz Barrel Aged Cachaca 1/4 oz Amaro Montenegro 1/4 oz roasted pineapple syrup 2 dashes tiki bitters

Rustun Nichols

FYR at Hilton Columbus Downtown

FUN FACT Tropic Meridian doesn’t really mean anything. But whatever…

Instructions Fat wash liquor in ember smoked coconut oil, freeze over night, strain through coffee filter, then combine with the roasted pineapple syrup and tiki bitters and stir over large ice cube, express orange peel over drink and enjoy

NOT SO SILENT NIGHT Ingredients 2 oz juniper Jim Beam Black (25 g whole juniper in 1 bottle of Jim Beam Black, sous vide at 57c for an hour or leave on your counter for a week) 1 oz white pine vermouth blend (5 g white pine, 10 oz Berto Dry vermouth, 10 oz Berto Sweet vermouth. Sous vide at 57c for 1 hour or leave on the counter for 3 days) 1 large dash of Angostura bitters or 3-4 small dashes

Instructions Combine all ingredients, serve in glass, garnish with lemon expression and peel

Genevieve Johnson I Like It Like That

FUN FACT I changed my handwriting over a dozen times throughout middle and high school.

Presented by Suntory Global Spirits

FROZEN CIDER DOUGHNUT Ingredients 3/4 oz Knob Creek Rye Whiskey 2-1/2 oz apple cider 2 oz sweetened condensed oat milk 1-1/2 oz VESO Fig Leaf Vermouth 3/4 oz Amontillado Sherry 1/4 oz 1:1 demerara syrup 1.4 g malic acid 3 dashes Fee Brother’s Brown Butter Tincture 2 dashes saline 20%

Instructions Combine all, serve over ice, and enjoy

THE MOTHRA Ingredients

1-1/4 oz Haku Vodka 1-1/4 oz unfiltered sake 3/4 oz strawberry syrup 1/2 oz lemon juice

Instructions Ryan English Ampersand

Combine all ingredients, serve over ice with Butterfly Tea ice cube FUN FACT When I was little I thought the AnheuserBusch brewery was a cloud factory.

Hans Maggard Forno

FUN FACT Love Island lover!

Special Advertising Section

MISTLETOE’S KISS Ingredients 2 oz Hoku Vodka 1 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz rosemary syrup Soda water Fresh rosemary

Max Martin The Farm

Instructions Combine all ingredients, serve over ice, and garnish with rosemary FUN FACT

Enjoys scuba diving in the Caribbean.

DRUNKEN GINGERBREAD Ingredients 2 oz Maker’s Mark 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup 3 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions Combine all ingredients, serve over ice, and garnish with cinnamon sugar rim

Max Martin

Xmas Bar at Good Night John Boy

WISHING YOU JOY, CHEER, AND

the Perfect Pour May your season be spirited and bright.

Please drink responsibly. 52

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From furniture to fine jewelry, these eight Columbus artisans are building the best the city has to offer, one stitch at a time

↑ Photo by Tyler Jamison

By Jordan Abbruzzese, Asia Atuah, Mary McCarthy, J.R. McMillan, and Maggie Valentine Photos by Hannah Anthony | Section Design by Andrew Thomas

n a world increasingly dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, our ability to make things manually feels more and more necessary. In this month’s cover section, we’ve hand-picked eight Central Ohio makers who are crafting their wares the same way: by hand. Whether it’s nationally recognized donuts or leather goods hammered out in the heart of Olde Towne East, these are the local builders who are building Columbus. →

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Traci Lukemire DONNA’S DELICIOUS DOZEN

onuts are simple. Traci Lukemire won’t argue this. Even so, the final product at Donna’s Delicious Dozen isn’t simply donuts; it’s more like a “donut experience.” The shop doesn’t offer pre-made donuts waiting in display cases. Rather, donuts are made-to-order, coming out fresh and warm. And while choosing flavors off the menu is certainly an option, customers can really customize their donut icing, toppings, and drizzle to suit their palate, according to Donna’s founder Lukemire. “We definitely try to stand out. We try to make [the donuts] as consistent as possible every single time we make them. I don’t want anybody to go, ‘This didn’t taste like Donna’s,’” she said.

The bakery keeps busy. Beyond its brick-and-mortar location in the Gahanna area, Donna’s also runs two food trucks and operates concession spaces in The Schottenstein Center and Ohio Stadium. These great strides were not in Lukemire’s original business plan for the bakery, she said. What started in 2019 as a way to leave corporate America behind through her baking skill has morphed into an operation capable of processing 150-dozen custom donut orders. Donna’s boasts a variety of flavors, including sweet favorites plus sweet-salty standouts, like “The Mitch,” a donut created by Lukemire’s son that’s topped with chopped bacon, vanilla icing, and caramel drizzle. And music lovers might notice other specialty donuts like “Raspberry Beret” for the Prince song, or “All About That Bacon,” a play on the Meghan Trainor hit. No name is more meaningful, though, than the bakery itself, as it’s named after Lukemire’s favorite person, her late grandmother Donna. “She was my biggest supporter. She just always had my back. She was my best friend,” she shared fondly. “My husband, when we were trying to decide on a name for it, he said, ‘Don’t just pick a name. Pick a name that means something to you.’ And instantly it was Donna’s.” Getting to this level of success with Donna’s has been nothing short of amazing, Lukemire said, yet embracing it can be difficult, particularly when there’s no clear end. “Being a black woman and accomplishing this with little to no help… It’s hard to take that breath and say, ‘Wow, look at what you’ve done,’” she said. Despite additional hurdles that came from COVID and construction challenges, Lukemire always has her eyes ahead. “It’s a lot, but I love what I do—most days,” she laughed. “I try to put little reminders up to remind myself of what I am doing and what I am building and the legacy I am trying to create, with no sort of the imagination of knowing if I’ll ever truly accomplish it. But you just keep going.” And her heights don’t have a ceiling. Lukemire intends to keep going strong, including future expansion opportunities and growing her offerings, such as recent additions like donut towers, donut cake jars, and cake pops. “I think everybody doubts themselves, especially when you’re doing something like this. But the people that have come and supported me [are] truly amazing,” she said. Follow Lukemire and Donna’s Delicious Dozen @ donnasdeliciousdozen.

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Jared Hughes GROOVY PLANTS RANCH

ust one visit to Groovy Plants Ranch in Marengo, Ohio, will make it clear it’s not your average garden center. Accessible gravel paths and surrounding trees help set off a farm-esque feel. Then there’s the “relics,” a crashed airplane and hippie bus that serve as permanent onsite fixtures channeling the Groovy aesthetic. The facility is also comfortingly set up like a village, Hughes notes, with different locations for different things: There are succulent and houseplant greenhouses; a pottery shed is where visitors can pot their own plants for free; and the rock shop, home to a variety of rocks, gems, and fossils, was once a 150-year-old historic schoolhouse. This plant destination, co-run by Hughes and his wife, Liz, is for people with any level of horticultural knowledge— from experts to complete beginners.

“We believe that cultivation and growing plants is a really important part of the human experience, and we’re just here to make it fun, engaging, supportive, and just an awesome place to visit, whether you like plants or not,” he shared. Groovy is an operating farm, with interconnected greenhouses run by a team of horticulturists. The center easily grows a couple thousand varieties of perennials, according to Hughes, plus standard annuals. Houseplants, succulents, and cacti are naturally abundant, and various herbs and vegetables round out the selections, he said, with an emphasis on high quality. “We really make sure that if we’re growing it, we’re doing our best to offer things that people are going to have success with, because if you’re not having success, then maybe you won’t garden again. That’s, like, the fear,” he reflected. The center is also no stranger to rare offerings. One of its greenhouses stores plants up to 200-years-old, not to mention the hybrid plants the Groovy team creates. Perhaps most notable is its creation of the Canary Wings Begonia, the world’s first and only gold-leaf, Dragon Wingtype begonia. This unique mutation with ruby red flowers and bright yellow leaves is just one of many first-of-its-kind Groovy plants. Beyond the scale of its offerings, what truly makes the Groovy experience for visitors is the knowledgeable team working there, he said. “The plants, they make it easy,” he said. “It’s like the easiest product in the world to merchandise, because they’re inherently wonderful. But the people here, I think they really take it to a level that’s just beyond, we like to think, beyond expectation.” “You know, we could just let weekend after weekend pass by, or we could have a great time and really educate and just enjoy the lifestyle of growing things,” Hughes mused. Horticulture matters deeply to Hughes, and has since the very beginning. So connecting people with plants in a positive, accessible way will never stop being the end goal. “It’s kind of like our life’s mission to make sure that people feel great about that and continue to do it. It’s not only very fulfilling; it’s also really healthy for you. It’s a very healthy activity. I mean, the people that live the longest are people that work with their hands and garden,” he said. “To be able to create beautiful things and enrich our life experience, that’s a great thing that we get to do, so we love that we get to be part of that.”

Follow Hughes and Groovy Plants Ranch @groovyplantsranch.

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Tarik Yousef T.Y. FINE FURNITURE

arik Yousef doesn’t want to sell you your next piece of furniture. He wants to sell you your last. From his humble showroom in Clintonville, and another more recent expansion in Grandview, T.Y. Fine Furniture has offered one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality designs that adorn homes near and far for more than two decades. “We’ve hyper-refined our designs and allow customers to come in and customize those pieces,” Yousef explained. “When you order a piece of furniture, it’s number one of one.” While wrapping up his undergrad in mechanical engineering at Ohio State, Yousef still pined for the satisfaction of high school shop class. That tactile intersection of art and science inspired a side hustle in furniture design that eventually replaced his day job designing precision parts for the auto industry.

“When Honda offered me a job, they were like, ‘We want you now.’ I was still in school, and working 40-hour weeks there, and working nights and weekends building furniture,” he recalled. “The limitation on the business was my time. My wife finally told me, ‘Just pick a side.’” That ultimatum soon led to an unassuming warehouse space in Merion Village, eventually the former Beechwold brand of the Columbus Public Library, and a second showroom closer to downtown. The trouble with high-end furniture stores is that they often feel more like galleries with an unspoken disclaimer to, “Look, but don’t touch.” T.Y. Fine Furniture is designed for everyday use with an equally durable finish that sets it apart. Derived from natural, food-grade ingredients, Yousef created his own finish free from the harsh chemicals that are commonly used throughout the industry. The result is all grain, no stain, only the character and color of the wood. It’s a distinction that attracts customers from all 50 states, despite the occasional shipping challenge. “I remember my first sale to Alaska. I was just so geeked and it ended up going on a barge in the middle of winter. Of course, it got stuck in the ice and just sat there in the ocean for a few weeks,” he recalled. “Even with the shipping costs, we have customers in Hawaii who order from us over and over.” Return customers are common, locally or thousands of miles away. He can often tell when a first-time purchase is delivered because customers who may have been initially apprehensive immediately order another piece from the same collection to complement it. For many, “Ohio furniture” evokes the reputation of Amish craftsmanship. Yousef’s approach echoes that work ethic but with an entirely original aesthetic—though his first dedicated studio did happen to be a backyard barn on the far side of Marysville. You’ll find the same attention to detail he honed at Honda stripped down to its essential elements. There are no veneers here, nor screws and glues, just solid wood and traditional joinery. T.Y. Fine Furniture only uses native white oak, black walnut, maple and cherry, almost exclusively from fallen timbers. From sleek Scandinavian lines to seamless Japanese minimalism, international inspirations converge in designs that imbue a contemporary, Midwest beauty. “We still have customers come in, look around, and sincerely ask, ‘Where is your furniture built?’,” Yousef admitted, noting some occasional skepticism that fine furnishings really do come from Ohio. “Even if I’m covered in sawdust, I have to assure them our furniture is all handmade, right here.”

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Butterfly Hero Partner, Mutts & Co.

To learn more, scan the QR code.

Follow Yousef and T.Y. Fine Furniture @tyfinefurniture.

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Edlyn Otero DESIGNER JEWELRY CO

young Edlyn Otero might gape in awe at the business she’s built. That young creative—who’d take the beads found at stores in the Old San Juan district of Puerto Rico and craft $5 necklaces for her elementary school classmates—is now the founder of Designer Jewelry Co. The small jewelry business combines authentic, often vintage, designer finds with globally sourced beads and chains to create a collection full of one-of-a-kind, statement pieces, including top designer brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel, and more.

These designer-vintage fusions each have their own story to tell. “When I go to the antique shops, I always ask for the history of it, because I want my pieces to be conversational pieces, meaningful,” Otero said. “There’s a history with each piece, and I think that makes each of them very special.” An avid traveler, Otero has ethically sourced rare jewelry and materials from estate auctions and antique stores across Japan, Peru, Turkey, and Italy. Many vintage finds are from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and even the 1920s. “With how the environment is getting, I think we’ve all become more environmentally conscious. So from recycling Nespresso pods,” Otero laughed, “to now bringing that to my small business. And I think more of us humans are becoming aware of that. It’s buying with a purpose, still being fashionable, still being very unique. The fact that I’m doing my little bit to contribute to our planet, it’s just so fulfilling for me.” Otero has developed a trained eye to spot designer knockoffs. Lettering, stitching, and even quantity of an item are all tells that help her catch fakes before she buys them. Otero doesn’t run the risk of relying on instinct alone. Instead, every designer item she sources is authenticated before she works with them. In the name of quality craftsmanship, Otero also loves her vintage finds. The decades-old bags, shoes, and jewelry stand out for how robust and well made they are. “I mean those pieces still look like new after 20, 30, 40 years, versus what you find now,” she said. “It’s higher quality. A lot of them were made by hand, rather than machines. And you can tell the difference.” Finding the right material for her pieces means carefully considering color, weight, and textures. Chains and pendants made from silver, stainless steel, or gold-filled are common, as well as natural stones, beads, and crystals from countries she visits. “My brain is always thinking and looking. It’s addicting,” she laughed. Otero is a hands-on founder. Her role includes website admin, marketing, networking, packaging, and shipping. Her time is split between her business and a full-time commitment as a school counselor. Juggling the two is a process, but Otero revels in it. “There’s a lot of aspects to having a small business that people don’t realize when you’re working a regular job with set hours. It’s neverending,” she said. “It never ends but I love it.”

December 10-27, 2026 Ohio Theatre

Don’t miss this holiday classic! Join Clara on her enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy. For more information, visit www.balletmet.org

Follow Otero and Designer Jewelry Co @designerjewelry.co.

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Brandon Ault OLD SALTS LEATHERWORKS

randon Ault has never wanted a mundane life. As a self-taught maker, the leather craftsman has been quite a few things over the past 20 years, including a scuba diver and sailboat captain. All of this—in one way or another— has led to Old Salts Leatherworks opening in the Franklin Park neighborhood. “I just found a piece of leather on a sailboat I was working on and started messing around with it,” recalled Ault. “I made a little wallet for the captain, and made a wallet for my girlfriend at the time.”

Ault had always wanted to be an artist, but was daunted by putting creations out into the world. After watching a total of one YouTube leatherwork tutorial, he bought some tools and never looked back. This was a medium he was comfortable with. With the East Market construction as an impetus, Ault saw an opportunity in his own community to finally sell what he had been making for family and friends. “The shop itself kind of came during COVID when my ex partner came up with the idea of converting part of our home into a retail space,” explained Ault. “So, we went through that process, from the neighborhood council all the way up to the City Council.” For Ault, working with leather is extremely natural. The material is very forgiving, and he took to the process from the get-go. “I remember the first time I bought an entire hide of good leather, and I was working on my hands and knees on a cutting mat because I didn’t have a work space,” said Ault. “I was so scared to make that first cut.” Now, customers will send Ault photos of beloved wallets he hand-stitched for them eight years prior. And if they lose their wallet—they come back for another one. While Ault stays in his wheelhouse with his offerings, his confidence has grown. Today, his best sellers are front pocket wallets and a popular, functional tote bag. “All of my stuff is simple, functionforward, with nothing extra,” explained Ault. “I keep it simple, and I use good materials.” During the week, Old Salts Leatherworks is open by appointment only. When the weekend rolls around, both appointments and walk-ins are welcome. When asked about his hours, Ault laughed. “I’m not always open, but I ain’t never closed.” Follow Ault and Old Salts Leatherworks @oldsaltsleatherworks.

CARMEL

A little more wonder this winter. NOV 21 – DEC 24, 2026 CARMEL, INDIANA

CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com

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Hannah Schreiber + Kelsi Rupersburg-Day MANTIS METALCRAFT

fter a chance encounter at a roller derby rink, then a life-altering meeting at Great Wolf Lodge, Hannah Schreiber and Kelsi RupersburgDay have developed a Columbus-based welding company that has them making a living out of what they love. “I always had this pipe dream of starting my own business, but I was like I am not confident in the business side of things, and then when we met and started talking about it, and (Kelsi was) like, ‘Let’s just do it.’ I’m like, ‘Okay. What’s the worst that happens?’” Schreiber said. Since transitioning from a garage to a full-time operation out of a suite on Fornof Road in February 2025, Mantis Metalcraft has taken the Central Ohio metalwork market by storm. Mantis specializes in custom-made metalwork tailored to clients’ tastes, rather than mass-produced, generic products.

“The one thing that’s like it’s a blessing and a curse, but every single piece we do is custom. We don’t have a production shop where we are churning out like 20 of this item. It is custom to the client’s home,” said Rupersburg-Day. Mantis Metalcraft’s work is on display throughout the Columbus area, from wine cellar doors to a steel and bronze dividing wall at Middle West Spirits headquarters, moving beyond small welding projects completed in Schreiber’s parents’ garage. While the pair have honed their welding skills, they’ve learned that the reality of running a business always includes its own unique challenges. “We use way more math than we ever thought we would,” joked Schreiber, who has over 15 years of metalwork experience after earning her welding certification from Fort Hayes Career Center. Schreiber, who leads the fabrication and installation of metalwork projects while Rupersburg-Day manages the clerical side of their business, along with finishing and painting. The duo has worked hard to make a name for themselves, especially when navigating a male-dominated field such as metalworking. “We’re really fortunate with the clients that we work with and the builders that we work with. We work with people who respect us, so we don’t actually face a lot of that pushback. And people are deferring to us to answer the questions they don’t have the answers to,” Rupersburg-Day said. While the question of “where’s your boss” often enters initial client meetings, Schreiber and Rupersburg-Day let their work speak for themselves. “Everything you see on that rack,” said Schreiber, pointing across their workspace to a wire rack stacked with sheet metal. “That’s just raw material that we order in, and then we cut everything to size, shape it, bend it, weld it, grind it, just from that.” The duo initially met through Schreiber’s girlfriend while at a roller derby event and immediately hit it off. Later, a Great Wolf Lodge party turned business proposal sparked their foundation of friendship and began the start of a flourishing professional relationship. “We were like ‘We could do this,’” Schreiber said. Keeping Mantis Metalcraft successful is a daily effort, but as good friends surrounded by a strong community, Schreiber and Rupersburg-Day owe it all to their constant communication. “Maintaining our friendship and working relationship is what has allowed this business to flourish,” Rupersburg-Day said.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISIT DUBLIN, OHIO

Explore 9 walkable public art installations in Dublin, Ohio and redeem points for a public art inspired gift.

Check out the full itinerary and get your pass using the QR code below.

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Follow Schreiber, Rupersburg- Day, and Mantis Metalcraft @mantismetalcraft.

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Anique + Ali Russell TOO GOOD EATS

t Too Good Eats, the Russells want a drink for everyone. The brand is based on healthy ingredients and mixing bold (yet healthy) flavors, offering versatile artisan mixes that can be poured over ice and sipped, or mixed with alcohol for an elevated at-home cocktail experience.

“It’s truly a sip or mix type product,” said cofounder Anique Russell. “We like to host Sunday dinners and holidays, and we wanted to create a mixer that everyone in our family could enjoy whether they’re drinking or not.” In their early days, the Russells were inspired to make fruit pops as a treat for their loved ones, with a goal of combatting family health issues while making it fun to eat produce—minus all the added sugar. At home, Ali Russell took over creation in the kitchen, while Anique focused on the business side of their new venture. From their first farmers market at Easton, to acquiring Rime Time’s Curiously Crafted Pops to take over fruit pop manufacturing, Too Good Eats’ mixes have taken off in retail stores across Columbus. Too Good Eats’ flavors are anything but generic. When approaching a mix, the first thing the Russells consider is color. They select from a variety of produce, pairing the flavors with herbs and spices that bring out subtle notes while benefitting the body. Take their popular Pineapple Hibiscus Ginger Mix, where the cardamom cuts through the hibiscus flower’s natural tartness and complements the sweetness of the pineapple. “The flavors are intended to be super bold, but it’s not a concentrate,” clarified Anique. “There’s no added water either. It can be poured over ice and curated for cocktails or mocktails without any added sugar and no additives.” To validate their mixes and create a proper nutrition label, the Russells worked with a local nutritionist and had their recipes tested at Cornell University. “The products are now all manufactured at the same place as the fruit pops,” said Anique. Production is largely hands-on and intentional. “We do everything, including hand-bottling. Everything is very manual with our drinks.” While neither Russell came from a food and beverage background, they have approached this business from a place of curiosity, love, and wanting to make something that tastes good. “To make the drinks, you definitely need to have creativity, and you need to be personable,” said Anique. “You have to be able to create the mixes, sell the product, and ask questions you don’t know the answer to.” Follow the Russells and Too Good Eats @too_good_eats.

Chef-Owned • Scratch Kitchen

NEW

SEASONAL MENU

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Lauren Alexander WAFFI TOWELS

aper towels, kitchen sponges and cotton pads might seem like small things, but the waste they generate adds up over time. For Columbus entrepreneur Lauren Alexander, finding a better alternative to everyday disposables inspired Waffi Towels, a brand built around making sustainable swaps easy, practical and aesthetically pleasing. After teaching herself to sew during COVID in 2020, Alexander began making reusable products by hand, eventually launching Lauren Alexander Designs. Six years later, she wanted to find a way to tackle single-use waste on a larger scale. That led to Waffi Towels, her spinoff brand, which launched earlier this year. “I love the idea of taking something that would otherwise contribute to plastic pollution and turning it into a high-quality product that people actually enjoy using in their homes,” Alexander said. “That’s the heart behind Waffi, to create products that are better for the planet without asking people to sacrifice quality, function, or design.” The concept is simple: replace disposable household essentials with washable products that can be used again and again. Waffi Towels pairs that practicality with colorful prints and patterns. Each print is designed by Alexander in Columbus, and every oversized kitchen towel is made using material from 3.5 recycled water bottles, giving single-use plastic a colorful second life. According to Alexander’s figures, her products have helped divert approximately 137,600 rolls of paper towels from landfills, along with 11,184 disposable kitchen sponges, 840,960-plus cotton pads and 488,700 individual napkins. One pack of reusable towels can replace an estimated 80 rolls of disposable paper towels. While Alexander continues to handcraft products through Lauren Alexander Designs, Waffi has partnered with a manufacturer to produce its towels using recycled materials. The partnership allows the brand to grow beyond what Alexander and her small team could make by hand. “I want people to see that making more environmentally conscious choices doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or style,” she said. “We can take something as simple as a dish towel and turn it into something beautiful, useful, and support the environment.” A Columbus native who has lived in both Dublin and Clintonville, Alexander said building her business in the community where she grew up has been especially rewarding. Through local markets and retail partnerships, she hopes to introduce more people to sustainable products that are as fun as they are functional. Follow Alexander and Waffi Towels @waffi.towels.

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“We used to watch companies leave. Then Meta helped kickstart the Silicon Heartland.” Chris

President and CEO, OhioX

Stephanie

CEO, The Dawes Arboretum

Jeremy

Operations Manager New Albany Data Center

Investing more than $1.5 billion in Central Ohio. Meta’s investment in New Albany goes beyond the data center. It helps support small businesses, schools and nonprofits across the community. Part of a nearly decade-long partnership that continues to thrive.

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New Home for the Holidays

Six high-end Columbus homes to add to your holiday wish list—all under $1 million

e can dream, can’t we? For all the chronic Zillowers out there, we’ve put together a list of six Columbus homes that are to die for, and are currently listed for under $1 million, so you can get your online real estate fix this season. While that’s still out of budget for most of us, it sure does make that keys-in-hand feeling a whole lot more realistic, doesn’t it? →

PRESENTED BY

Sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union, where we are celebrating 90 years of making banking personal!

By Mary McCarthy and Maggie Valentine Story Design by Andrew Thomas Illustrations by Chanelle Nibbelink

EDITOR’S NOTE: All of the homes were still available at the time this story was published. Some may have since been sold.

4248 Westleton Ct Columbus, OH 43221

Contact Scott Abbruzzese, Coldwell Banker Realty, 614-402-5065 to set up a showing.

estled in the Woods of Scioto neighborhood on the city’s Northwest side, this open and bright 2-story home on a quiet cul-de-sac might be your forever retreat. Located only 20 minutes from Downtown Columbus, this woodland escape will make you forget you’re in the city. The home brings the outdoors inside with vaulted ceilings, lots of natural wood, great light, and massive windows. The great room has a gas log fireplace, and access to your own deck in the trees. The first floor den is a cozy hangout with access to the 3-season room, full bath, and built-ins. It might as well be a fourth bedroom.

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When it’s time to entertain, there’s a wet bar off the foyer and a spacious dining room. Upstairs, the primary suite takes the cake. With vaulted ceilings and a private balcony, it’s an ideal space to start or end the day in. The ensuite bathroom has a whirlpool tub, dual-sink vanity, two walk-in closets and, because one fireplace isn’t enough, a second gas fireplace. With a loft upstairs and a rec room downstairs, there’s plenty of room to spread out without losing that cozy, tucked-away feeling.

3,388 sqft

DINE, SHOP & CELEBRATE

This Holiday Season!

From unique gifts and festive dining to holiday parties, and memorable gatherings,

Grandview Yard has everything you need to make the season bright. Scan for a full list of restaurants, retailers, and hotel options.

Sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union, where we are celebrating 90 years of making banking personal!

Brekkie Shack

Winans Coffee & Chocolate

grandviewyard.com 75

14659 E State Rt 37 Sunbury, OH 43074

Contact Jack Curtis and Jill Rudler, The Rudler Team, 614-895-7400 to set up a showing.

hat if your next home came with its own place in Ohio history? The legendary Van Dorn Inn in Sunbury dates all the way back to 1817, when Gilbert and Magdalena Van Dorn built on 1.44 scenic acres. Over the years, the historic home has been an inn, tavern, stagecoach stop, store, post office, church, and more. Today, it’s a 4,397-square-foot home with six bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and enough charming character to fill a book. Five original fireplaces remain, including a massive, fully functional 6.5-foot-wide tavern fireplace. The house boasts

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original wood floors, original front, funeral, and tavern doors, original 12-over-12 single-pane windows, and two original staircases. The picturesque property also features a 4-car detached garage that may or may not technically be a historic barn. Don’t worry—the barn is fully updated with a spacious recreation room and a new roof. This charming inn is a slice of history with convenient modern comforts. This might be one of the only homes in Ohio where you can settle in for the evening with a roaring, tavern-style fireplace and the latest episode of Love Island under one roof.

4,397 sqft

129 E Beck St

Columbus, OH 43206

Contact Jennifer Clark, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, 908-209-7279 to setup a showing.

$849,000

intricately detailed slate fireplace, a library lined with custom bookshelves, a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, an Art Deco crystal chandelier, and a Wolf gas cooktop. Out back, an award-winning brick patio surrounded by high brick walls and wrought iron fencing offers a private sanctuary, complete with a historic horse-head hitching post. And while the house is a landmark in its own right, some of German Village’s favorite spots are right outside your door. Lindey’s is just a block away, and Schiller Park is a short stroll down the street.

beds

baths

Sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union, where we are celebrating 90 years of making banking personal!

rom its quintessential Victorian brick exterior to the Art Deco chandelier and custom-built library, 129 E Beck Street is anything but cookie-cutter. Known as the Ehrler House, this historic gem was originally a saloon in the late 1800s and has since become a neighborhood landmark. It’s appeared in magazines, landed twice on the Haus und Garten Tour, and even made it onto a Bath & Body Works soap label. Inside, Brazilian cherry wood floors, soaring ceilings, plantation shutters, and original antique fixtures showcase the home’s craftsmanship. There’s a formal parlor with an

1,559 sqft

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Buying Your First Home?

You’re not alone with BMI FCU® At BMI Federal Credit Union, we provide more than just mortgage loans and refinancing options; we're also your partners during your homebuying journey.

First-Time Homebuyer Program • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is not required • Minimum of 3% down payment • Down payment can be from a gift

Explore rates and options or request a call at www.bmifcu.org/mortgages

BMI FCU is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, Delaware, or Morrow County. Federally insured by NCUA. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID: 410831

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

623 Park Rd Worthington, OH 43085

Contact Justin Dill, 614-989-8662, or Ron Kendle, 614-325-6295, of RE/MAX Town Center to set up a showing.

or those more inclined to a one-story dream home, this Worthington ranch offers a rare opportunity on over an acre of land in the Worthington School District. With over 3,000 square feet of finished living space and a beautiful open layout, this home was conveniently built in a prime location. Constructed in 1958 on a 1.09 acre lot, the home features sprawling land, including a chicken

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coop and greenhouse for those ready to start in-house farm to table meals. As the holiday season ramps up, entertaining in this space would come easy—a lower level recreation room for the kiddos to tire themselves out in while the adults enjoy the built-in bar and a surround sound system that allows your favorite music to flow through the entire home.

4.5 3,340

baths

sqft

Every Detail. Down to the Spice.

˿ Find Inspiration for Your Kitchen

Check clearances, cabinet depth, and pull-out hardware. Make sure the rack opens fully without interfering with adjacent cabinets and keeps spices within reach of the cooking area.

Sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union, where we are celebrating 90 years of making banking personal!

A pull-out spice rack is a small detail, but it makes a difference when preparing holiday meals. That same attention goes into the more complicated parts of a remodel, from changing floor plans to working with the structure of an older home.

JSB ROWNCO.COM | 614. 324.0405 J.S. Brown & Co. is Columbus’ design-build firm for complex, structurally demanding remodels, where expertise and meticulous planning matter most.

4116 Audley Rd New Albany, OH 43054

Contact Jill Beckett-Hill, 614-563-9819, of Beckett Reality Group to set up a showing.

magine it: a full fir tree nearly brushing the vaulted ceiling as you send the kids off to bed, eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival. Then settle by the fireplace, savoring the glow of another successful holiday This is the ultimate family dream home. This beautifully updated New Albany brick home welcomes you with natural light throughout the space. Beyond the heart of the main level sits a private office and first-floor laundry.

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Upstairs, three bedrooms and two full baths are joined by a versatile bonus room that could serve as a fourth bedroom, guest suite, playroom, or creative space. In the owner’s suite, a new quartz countertop brings a fresh, elevated finish to the private bath.

2.5 3,387

baths

sqft

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

3951 Clotts Rd Gahanna, OH 43230

ust minutes from Hamilton Road, this Gahanna ranch has everything a family is looking for sprawled out over 2.5 acres. Surrounded by a wooded area, this open floor plan home offers a private life on this lot, near Gahanna schools but still enclaved in a quiet neighborhood. The interior is ideal for hosting in the open living room and eating space leading to the recently updated kitchen. The primary bedroom is a standout space in this home—including its own bathroom, the room was recently updated to include a sitting area and walk-in closet. The outdoor area features a fire pit so enticing you’ll be inviting your friends over on the coldest of nights to host bonfires.

$875,000 4

beds

rom the airfield to the closing table, Columbus REALTORS® 2026 President-Elect, Jeremy Pape, understands what it means to work through a stressful situation. As a Captain in the U.S. Air Force National Guard, Pape spent 14 years as a C-130 pilot, initially enlisting in 1995 as an F-16 Fuel Systems Mechanic. In 2001, through years of service and multiple deployments, Pape decided it was time to purchase a home for his family. For one of the most anticipated and exciting moments in a person’s life—purchasing a home—Pape’s experience fell flat. “It was stressful and lacked the communication and care this big moment for my family deserved,” Pape said. “Right then and there, I had a lightbulb moment: I knew I could make this process so much better for people.” And so he did. With the same attention to detail and execution he demonstrated in his military career, he entered real estate with a new perspective and the drive to protect his clients from the disappointments he faced as a consumer. In 2003, Pape entered the real estate industry while concurrently serving as a C-130 pilot until 2009. Now, with over two decades of real estate experience, Jeremy Pape is the Broker-Owner of CRT, Realtors and Columbus REALTORS® 2026 President-Elect. As a Veteran, he has proudly tied the attributes of his service into supporting his community, right here in central Ohio.

Sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union, where we are celebrating 90 years of making banking personal!

SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, AND A PASSION FOR HELPING PEOPLE HOME

3.5 2,274

baths

sqft

Contact Mike McCoy, 614-523-1000, or Matt Phillips, 614-599-0186, of RE/MAX Impact to setup a showing.

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Clintonville • Graceland • Easton • Powell

KARAOKE PRESENTED BY

By Chris Alexis Story Design by Brooke Stanley

← Reymond Wallace, USKA participant and The Voice contestant

osting competitions around the country, the Columbus-based United States Karaoke Association is using bar-time ballads as a way to give back. Boss Gal Beauty Bar is proud to support causes such as these that strengthen our community. →

Presented by Boss Gal Beauty Bar, proud to support causes that strengthen our community.

for a Cause

“USKA volunteers showing up in costume to sing with our kids is the kind of joy these families deserve: no cost, no worry, just a chance to be kids.”

← A Kid Again teamed up with

USKA to hold the Capes & Crowns event at Dublin Coffman Park

Sponsored by Boss Gal Beauty Bar Proud to support the causes that strengthen our community

Many people don’t take karaoke that seriously. They step onto a stage, ham it up, and try to get the crowd to cheer and clap. But for others, it’s life-changing. Those folks would feel right at home in the United States Karaoke Association (USKA). The Columbusbased national nonprofit runs competitions around the country, with singers advancing from local qualifiers to state, national, and international competition. This year, the IKF Karaoke Cup World Finals, produced by USKA, will take place November 9-11 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Singers from the Buckeye State earned spots on the USKA National Team during the state finals over Labor Day weekend at the King of Clubs in Columbus. USKA president and COO Robin “Sissi” MercerThompson said Columbus made sense as a place for the organization to call home. After moving from Florida, she was impressed by the city’s focus on community and giving back. She and her husband also had local karaoke connections. Today, the United States Karaoke Association puts plenty of thought into judging. Its national and international competitions use entertainers and entertainment-industry professionals, including casting professionals associated with American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. Michael Thompson, USKA vice president and director of judges, helps refine the judging system and recruit experienced judges. But while singing is a huge part of it all, there’s more. Nikki Briggs, USKA’s director of finance, said the 501(c) (3) nonprofit has a strong focus on giving back. And that focus has personal roots. Toward the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sissi, Michael Thompson, and CEO Whitney-John Stuart started talking about doing competitive singing a little differently. →

USKA contestants compete to qualify for state, national, and international competitions ↓

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Sissi’s husband has a son with autism who responds strongly to music. She also watched music act as a steady hand for her mother as Alzheimer’s stripped away her memories. At times, her mom no longer recognized family members. But with church or old country songs, she would sometimes hum along or remember the words. “It’s almost like that miracle that you’re searching for, for a moment to reconnect with somebody that you’ve lost,” Sissi said. In Ohio, USKA has begun working with A Kid Again, which supports families raising children with serious illnesses. The connection came through Grace Beam, USKA executive assistant and known as “Princess Grace,” who had previously worked with A Kid Again. On October 4, USKA took part in A Kid Again’s Capes & Crowns event at Dublin Coffman Park. Rich Mason volunteered as USKA Ohio singers performed, and Sissi, Michael Thompson and Kristin Martinez, aka “Coach,” were among those who volunteered. Capes & Crowns is an annual charity walk and familyfocused event where kids can dress up, meet superheroes and princesses, and enjoy games, music, food trucks, and more. A Kid Again Development Manager Laura Owens said: “USKA volunteers showing up in costume to sing with our kids is the kind of joy these families deserve: no cost, no worry, just a chance to be kids.”

USKA volunteers teamed up with A Kid Again to support families at this year Capes & Crowns event ↓

↑ Capes & Crowns visitors

Sissi and USKA leadership hope this relationship expands into other states. Gayle Fisher, USKA’s director of wellness and community involvement, is helping grow similar opportunities in Missouri and Illinois, including with Shriners Children’s in the Chicago area. And the competitive side is growing quickly, too. The IKF Karaoke Cup, produced by USKA, is USKA’s original competition. Anyone 21 or older can enter a qualifier, with top singers advancing through later rounds. USKA also runs the U.S. Open Karaoke Championships, created after singers asked for the chance to compete within specific genres. This year’s competition included rock, country, pop, and show tunes. The turnout surprised even the people behind it. Rich Mason, USKA vice president and director of standards, put it this way: “We were not ready for the beast of a competition that we created.” By the time competitors reached Las Vegas, there were nearly 300 performances over three days. USKA Ohio’s team included Mason, Michael Thompson, Kristin Martinez, Nikki Briggs, Grace Beam, Kathryn Cogion, and Gus Koppenhaver, along with the 2026 Ohio State U.S. Open finalists.

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Presented by Boss Gal Beauty Bar, proud to support causes that strengthen our community.

Those competitions also depend on people back home. Sissi credits longtime supporters Ricky and Angie Wolf and the team at King of Clubs, USKA Ohio’s participating venues and local judges, and Cigar Nation owner Aaron Young, a longtime sponsor. More divisions are in the works, including a Masters Division for singers 50 and older. Sissi also hopes for a future Junior Division involving schools. And this isn’t karaoke for the giggles and cheering. “I want everybody to come in and say, ‘I wanna win,’” Sissi said. But she also tells competitors not to lose sight of what happens around the competition. “Don’t miss the relationships. Don’t miss the memories,” she said. “At the end of the day, there’s only one person getting the trophy and the prize.” For Sissi and Vancouver-based partner WhitneyJohn Stuart, there’s a bigger picture. “USKA isn’t being built by one person or a handful of people,” Sissi said. “It is being built together.” ♦

raoke.co

The USKA National Team will take on the IKF Karaoke Cup World Finals this November ↓

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Boss Gal Gives Back At Boss Gal Beauty Bar, beauty goes beyond the surface. Boss Gal Gives Back reflects our commitment to uplifting women, children, and families throughout Central Ohio. By supporting organizations that provide safety, nourishment, healing, and opportunity, we’re helping build a stronger community where more people have the chance to thrive.

Provides nutritious, freshly prepared meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Brings communities together through food, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a good meal.

Provides free clothing, household essentials, and meals to individuals and families in need. Builds community through generosity, dignity, and meaningful human connection.

Helps young children of all abilities reach their full potential through early education and developmental support. Empowers families with the resources and care needed to help their children thrive.

Grants life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses. Creates unforgettable experiences that bring hope, strength, and joy to children and their families.

Provides safe shelter, counseling, and support for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Empowers individuals and families to find safety, independence, and a fresh start.

Helps individuals overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and successfully reenter society. Provides treatment, education, and support to create stronger families and brighter futures.

Kathy Keeney Founder

Beers & Board Games 24-hour gaming marathon held at local Columbus breweries ↓

In addition to a karaoke nonprofit, Columbus is home to a handful of other charity events that making giving back a good time

Furniture Bank of Central Ohio’s Bed Race →

ince we all don’t have tens of thousands of dollars lying around, oftentimes the best way you’re able to lend a helping hand is with your own personal time and energy. If we said that you could give back locally and still have a blast, it’s a likely a lot more people would do their part, so we’re here to do exactly that. Furniture Bank of Central Ohio’s Bed Race Annually in October

Presented by Boss Gal Beauty Bar, proud to support causes that strengthen our community.

While we just missed out on this year’s Bed Race, the event comes back every fall, so mark your calendar. The annual event, which acts as a fundraiser for the Furniture Bank of Ohio, features a handful of teams who craft a mobile bed that’s then used to race around the outdoor space at Land-Grant Brewing Co. Beers & Board Games Weekly at local breweries While I may be banned from playing Settlers of Catan with my friends because I get far too heated when I lose, chances are you’re good to go. The Beers and Board Games organization not only operates regular board game meetups for players of all skill levels at local breweries, it operates a charitable fund that has raised nearly $200,000 for local non-proftis, often through its 24 hour gaming marathon.

SCAN TO SHOP

Nissan

Co-Pilot Dog Training Program Pilot Dogs At the end of the day, almost everyone would like a puppy. If you’re one of those people, Pilot Dogs, a Columbus nonprofit pairing visually impaired individuals with guide dogs, might be for you. As part of its CoPilot program, you can help raise and train one of the Columbus group’s animals before they’re assigned to their forever home. Various Opportunities Columbus Recreation and Parks There’s a very good chance that your next volunteering opportunity could literally be a walk in the park. Columbus Recreation and Parks is regularly offering volunteer opportunities, including outdoor options like landscaping, tree planting, and conservation, in addition to coaching and officiating across its 30 different community centers. Offers on select in-stock vehicles only. Trade-in assistance and customer cash subject to eligibility and program requirements. 0% APR for 60 months available to well-qualified buyers through NMAC on select models. Discounts include applicable dealer savings and manufacturer incentives; not all customers qualify for all offers. Offers cannot be combined unless specified. Tax, title and license extra; doc fee included. See dealer for complete details. Offers expire 11/30/2026.

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Shriner members can be spotted wearing their iconic fez hats, symbolizing the mission’s philanthropy →

Charitable

Cheer

The Aladdin Shrine Center creates holiday magic with an indoor forest of themed trees and community fundraising

← Santa is available throughout the entire FEZtival for anyone to visit

By Maggie Valentine Story Design by Lindsey Combs

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“Even if you want to buy just a few tickets, you can still win a tree that is probably worth $500 to $1,000.”

n 2023, the Aladdin Shrine’s FEZtival of Trees celebration started as a small community event. Now in its fourth year, and celebrating 10 years at their Grove City location off Marlane Drive, the annual tradition has grown into a Central Ohio holiday staple. For more than 70 years, Shriners around the world have been serving their hospitals globally. Community work such as the FEZtival of Trees makes it possible for Aladdin Shriners to continue to donate their time and efforts to philanthropic activities such as the donation of lifesaving equipment to firefighters through their ASHAC program and giving back to the Central Ohio community. “It’s been 10 years that we’ve been here in Grove City, after moving from our Easton location, and we’re getting a lot of community participation as people learn who we are and what we do,” said Treasurer of Aladdin Shrine and Chairman of the FEZtival, J. William Kutschbach. Aladdin Shriners have made it their goal to be known and respected members of their community. The more the public is exposed

← Past tree sponsors include churches, Walmart, and Ohio founded organizations

to them through their fun public events like the FEZtival, the more they know about what Shriners do. They aren’t just a bunch of guys in funny red hats. Featuring nearly 50 sponsored trees, the FEZtival is an opportunity for community members to do good while also receiving some holiday cheer. Each Christmas tree is fully decorated and surrounded with gifts donated by its sponsor. During the event, which takes place from November 21 to 28, attendees can drop tickets in the candy canes next to their favorite trees for a chance to take home the tree, the trimmings, and all the goodies underneath. “It’s really something that people like to take a chance on,” said Kutschbach. A few fan favorites will return, such as the $1,000 Cash Tree and the $500 Scratch-Off Lottery Tree, and this year the FEZtival has added a Gift Card Tree, adorned with gift cards valued more than $100 to restaurants and shops. Past gifts from sponsored trees include Blackstone grills, a 55″ Smart HDTV, designer purses, an OSU football helmet autographed by Chris Spielman, and a pair of tickets to great seats at a Columbus Blue Jackets game—and of course, tons of toys for the littles. After the doors close for the year on Saturday, November 28th, a winning ticket for each tree will be drawn live on the FEZtival of Trees Facebook page. The FEZtival of Trees was curated with the intention of being accessible. “We have a committee that meets monthly yearround to make sure that this big event is well organized, with the best kind of beneficial outcomes for everyone involved,” said Kutschbach. For $5, guests will receive 10 raffle tickets that they can use on their favorite trees. There is no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase and enter, allowing a chance for anybody to go home with a prize.

“Even if you want to buy just a few tickets, you can still win a tree that is probably worth $500 to $1,000. A lot more than that—the raffle is a chance at having a great holiday season for your family even if you might not be able to afford it otherwise,” said Kutschbach. If you already have a tree and are all set for Christmas, no worries. “There are some people who come in and just enjoy the trees, the music, and the atmosphere.” The FEZtival of Trees offers festive activities and overall holiday cheer. Families can meet Santa, write letters to the North Pole, decorate ornaments, and listen to musical performances. Food, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, is provided for an affordable price as well for those who want to grab a snack while basking in the Christmas spirit. Located at 1801 Gateway Circle, the Aladdin Shrine’s FEZtival of Trees sees thousands of visitors annually and expects to see yet another increase in attendance this year. “It’s way more than fundraising,” said Kutschbach. “It’s just fun for everybody. It puts a smile on everybody’s face.”

Visit aladdinfeztival.com for more event information, hours, and the full entertainment schedule.

50 Years of

Winterfair Featuring more than 350 vendors, this award-winning Columbus arts fair celebrates its 50th anniversary By Jack McLaughlin Photos courtesy of Columbus Winterfair Design by Abby Nocera

n the span of just 10 years, the city of Columbus looks and feels like a different place. Over the last five decades, however, Columbus Winterfair has remained a constant in the city’s arts scene, and in 2026, the event that was named the top Fine Art & Design Show by Sunshine Artist magazine will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. This year, Columbus Winterfair (which is presented by Ohio Designer Craftsmen) will be held Dec. 4-6 at the Ohio Expo Center’s Bricker Building, which is located at 717 E. 17th Ave. As it has for the last halfcentury, the event will connect the Ohio public to some of the area’s most talented makers, as it plans to feature more than 350 artists. “Being voted number one on our 50th anniversary was a joy to celebrate with our team,” said Roxanne McGovern, the Fair’s coordinator. “Ohio Designer Craftsmen takes great pride in the work we do to help ensure a successful show for more than 350 artists. We strive to make each year better than the last. Receiving this honor on our 50th anniversary was the cherry on top.” The 2026 iteration of the event, which has grown from a small regional fair in 1976 to one of the Midwest’s

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best-known arts events, will feature makers across a wide range of disciplines and mediums, including clay, glass, fiber art, metal, wood, jewelry, printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and wearable art. The Fair will include more than 350 local vendors this year, including local printmaker Evangelia Philippidis (The Swan Queen Rises), jewelers, and many more. Kim and Katherine McClelland from Tree of Life Artworks— who create nature-inspired art and scrimshaw—will also be joining in 2026, as they have for each of the last 50 years. “Columbus Winterfair's success reflects the enduring value people place on the handmade, as well as the strong relationships we've built with artists, collectors and the community,” said executive director of Ohio Designer Craftsmen Kim Nagorski. “We look forward to welcoming visitors this December as we celebrate our past and inspire the next generation of makers.” Tickets for this year’s Winterfair are on sale now. They are $8 for adults ($6 if purchased at the Ohio Craft Museum), and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are good for admission all three days of the event.

↑ Celebrating 50 years, Columbus Winterfair has grown to be a Midwest art show staple

re o M

S L A V TI S FE er N

FU is Wint Th

GRAND ILLUMINATION Easton Town Center Nov. 13, 5 p.m.

WILDLIGHTS Columbus Zoo Nov. 20 - Jan. 3 ↑ More than 350 vendors will be featured at the Ohio Expo Center

CONSERVATORY AGLOW Franklin Park Conservatory Nov. 21- Jan. 10

VILLAGE LIGHTS BAUERNMARKT 555 S. 3rd St. Dec. 6, 3 p.m.

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SCOTT ANTIQUE MARKETS Attention treasure hunters and vintage lovers! One weekend a month from November to March, the Scott Antique Markets will be live from the Ohio Expo Center just north of downtown Columbus. Step into a one-of-a-kind experience, where a vast selection of antiques, vintages, and collectibles await you curated by vendors from across the region for your discovery and enjoyment. You never know what hidden gems you’ll uncover at Scott’s, so don’t miss out — join us this winter for an unforgettable adventure!

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717 EAST 117 7TH AVE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43211

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JAN FEB MAR Closed

23 - 24 20 - 21 For Easter

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Winter From quiet snow-covered woodlands to cold-weather caves and lakefront views, these five winter getaways are just a short drive from Columbus By Laura Hennigan Story Design By Miles Dobson

inter in Columbus is long, cold, and can be boring if you're staying cooped up inside all day. Before the bustle of the holidays arrives, pre-plan a little getaway for a few of the 263 days that seem to make up January and February. Whether you need a solo respite, a couple’s retreat, a family adventure, or a reunion with friends, booking an escape in a new location with plenty of great amenities is a surefire way to beat the cabin fever that always rolls around. Your future self will thank you! →

↑ One of the many unique treehouse cabins at The Mohicans Treehouse Resort

Laurel Highlands, PA While the Poconos are most popular, if you’re looking for a winter getaway on a path that's a bit less traveled—and is a manageable drive from Central Ohio—this region in Western Pennsylvania is for you. Located just southwest of Pittsburgh, the area boasts idyllic snow-covered landscapes, cross country and downhill skiing (at Laurel Mountain Hill Resort), and plenty of cozy cabins. If getting out into nature is more your speed, the nearby Ohiopyle State Park covers more than 20,000 acres (making it the secondlargest state park in Pennsylvania). Rates start at $99 per night. To book, visit Ohiopylevacationrentals.com.

← The Laurel Highlands has dozens of waterfalls

← Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park holds the world’s longest-known cave system

Mammoth Cave, KY You’d be hard-pressed to find a national park in the summer that isn’t packed with visitors, often turning the experience into a traffic-jammed nightmare. But opt to travel a bit south this winter to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest known-cave system, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. There are no seasons underground, meaning the caves themselves remain at a balmy 54 degrees yearround. The cave tours are physically active, so you will stay plenty warm while exploring, plus the property has over 70 miles of trails. Stay onsite in one of the cabins or cottages, and utilize the modern lodge, which has several dining options. Rates start at $127 per night. To book, visit Mammothcavelodge.com.

Maumee Bay, OH

CHRISTKINDLMARKT D UBLIN Winter may not seem like the best time to visit Lake Erie, but the area takes on a whole new personality once the temperatures drop. Activities like crosscountry skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding are prevalent. Wildlife can be surprisingly active, and there are miles of trails to follow through wetlands, ponds, open meadows, and beaches. When it’s time to head inside, book a room at the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, where guests can take advantage of the indoor pool, game room, racquetball courts, lounge, and restaurants.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT D UBLIN NOV 21 - DEC 24 | RIVERSIDE CROSSING PARK | DUBLIN, OH

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Rates start at $133 per night. To book, visit Maumeebaylodge.com.

HOLIDAY TRADITION STA R T S H E R E

Discover the warmth, Freude (joy) and wonder of a German Christmas market, in Dublin, Ohio. ← Frost encases the shoreline trees at Maumee Bay State Park

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Holland, MI Love wandering through small, picturesque towns, but hate maneuvering through winter slush? Then Holland, Michigan is where you need to be. Holland is home to the largest snowmelt system in North America, ensuring zero slipping and sliding. Using waste heat from power generation, water is circulated through 400 miles of plastic tubing underneath the streets and sidewalks, keeping them clear of snow and ice. Explore the many shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries throughout the Downtown area. Then tuck in for the night at the Centennial Inn, a charming B&B located in a restored Victorian home. The “Big Red” Lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Holland →

Rates start at $160 per night. To book, visit Centennialinnholland.com.

The Mohicans If you prefer to stick a bit closer to home, the Mohicans Treehouse Resort is just a 90-minute drive from Columbus. Sleep under the stars in one of their 10 amazing treehouses, all of which are heated and house 2-6 guests. Or stay firmly on the ground in one of the four wellappointed cabins, three of which don’t have Wi-Fi, ensuring a completely unplugged stay. Feel free to hunker down inside, snuggled up playing games and watching movies, or brave the cold with a hike at nearby Mohican State Park to check out the Gorge Overlook and covered bridge. Rates start at $375 per night. To book, visit Themohicans.net.

↑ The Historic Mohican Covered Bridge in winter

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Locals Cannabis puts a human face behind the bustling world of Columbus cannabis By Chris Alexis | Photos by Aaron Massey

uying cannabis legally in Ohio may no longer be new, but for plenty of people, walking into a dispensary still is. Some prospective new customers walk a bit nervously through the door at Locals Cannabis, wondering whether they need a medical marijuana card. Others aren’t sure what to buy, how different products work, or even what questions to ask. “Walking into a dispensary that first time can be really scary for people,” said Mandy Morton, Co-Founder and CEO of Locals Cannabis. But Morton and the rest of her team are there to offer a calm, nonjudgmental hand. Locals Cannabis opened its Columbus dispensary, Locals Dispensary, in the summer of 2024, about a month before Ohio gave the green light to adult-use cannabis sales. For its first month, the store served only medical patients before expanding to adult-use customers. The locally owned company has since opened a second dispensary in Cincinnati. And at both locations, customers can get some much-needed guidance. That can mean explaining the differences between flower, edibles, vapes, tinctures, and other products. Questions are natural and encouraged. And there’s another important difference for customers who may be used to getting cannabis outside the legal market: unregulated cannabis can come with added risks because consumers may not know exactly what they’re getting. Products sold through Ohio’s licensed dispensary system are required to undergo state-regulated testing. And that oversight doesn’t end once a product reaches the dispensary shelf. “If there ever is a product that has an issue, whether a recall, we’re notified right away, and we’re able to notify consumers right away,” she said.

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“WE ARE HERE. WE ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY.” Education has become an increasingly important part of Locals’ approach. The company produces online content designed to answer common questions about cannabis and what customers can expect when visiting a dispensary. Morton said the company focuses on four things customers consistently care about. “Price, selection, convenience, service,” she said. “Those are the biggest things for us.” Many cannabis brands are owned by companies that also operate their own dispensaries. But Locals carries products from across the Ohio market, giving customers access to a wide range of brands in one place. That means customers can often find their favorite products without having to shop at multiple stores. Morton said the team also watches pricing and promotions across the market so it can stay competitive. “They can still come to their neighborhood dispensary,” she said. “You might not have to go across town.” Affordability is part of that effort. Locals offers discounts for several groups, including veterans, medical patients, cannabis industry workers, educators, and first responders. Locals also stresses responsible use. Morton encourages customers to keep cannabis secured and away from children and pets, and to take their time when trying something unfamiliar. “We always tell people, start slow,” she said.

Before launching Locals, Morton spent more than two decades in human resources and people operations, most recently with a CPA firm. Her business partners, Derek Davis and Marko Glisic, are both CPAs, and she joined them as they worked through Ohio’s cannabis licensing process. “I honestly never thought I would be here,” Morton said. But the more she learned about the industry, the more intrigued she became. Eventually, Morton left corporate HR behind… but that experience still shapes how she runs Locals. She regularly works in the stores, including at the register and front desk, where she can interact with customers directly. As Locals looks ahead, Morton plans to continue growing the company, both within Ohio and eventually beyond it. However, she doesn’t define growth only by the number of locations peppered across the region. Instead, she wants Locals to educate more consumers and create more opportunities. “I want to get more women, more minorities into the space as well, working for me directly,” she said. Morton wants Locals to always hold onto the neighborhood identity that shaped the company from the beginning. “We are here. We are part of the community,” she said. “We love our neighbors.” Visit Locals Dispensary at 914 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus and online at localscannabis.com.

← The original RKO Palace marquee across High Street on West Broad in 1969

A look back on 100 years of live music, laughs, and legendary performances at Palace Theatre, one of Columbus’ most iconic venues By Melinda Green Story Design by Andrew Thomas

← One member of the Black Violin duo performs at the Palace. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Multimedia ← Mark Szwabinsky, director of operations. Photo by Sumner Howells

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“THE ROLE OF THE WORKHORSE HAS BEEN THE BEST DESCRIPTION, BECAUSE ANYTHING THAT WANTS TO COME TO COLUMBUS CAN PLAY IN THE THEATER.” ver the past century, the Palace Theatre has provided a home for everything from vaudeville, film, and opera to Broadway, pop music, and community events. And, its stewards believe, it’s just getting started. “The Palace, we call it ‘the workhorse theater’ because we bring a ton of different programming,” said Chad Whittington, President and CEO of Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), owner of the Palace. “It’s a way for us to connect to a lot of different audiences.” “The role of the workhorse has been the best description, because anything that wants to come to Columbus can play in the theater,” continued Mark Szwabinsky, the Palace’s Director of Operations. “We’ve had rap concerts. The Palace used to be the home for the opera. We used to do an annual program for elementary kids, which, for most of them, was their first opportunity to get into a theater. You watch those kids walk in, and their faces go straight to the ceiling. They look at you, and they go, ‘Do you live here?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, I feel like I do sometimes.’” Originally named The Keith-Albee Theatre, the venue opened its doors November 9, 1926 to house vaudeville performances. Almost immediately, though, vaudeville began to fall by the wayside as the new “silent movies” took hold on American audiences, and the Keith-Albee soon became the RKO Palace. A projection booth was added to the back of the auditorium; the large chandelier was removed (much to the chagrin of the architect) and replaced with a smaller one from the Cleveland Hippodrome Theater, and the Palace became exclusively a movie theater. Over the years, it fell into disrepair. Modern movie theaters showed blockbusters; the Palace showed martial arts films. Security was lax. Doors needed boards to stay locked. The front brass doors were painted “Pepsi blue,” Szwabinsky said, while the plaster work and wood paneling were deteriorating and covered in paint as well. The workhorse was exhausted. Redemption eventually came—but not without first facing more risk. The LeVeque family purchased the theater in the early 1970s with the intent to incorporate it into the adjacent LeVeque tower. Then, at one point, core samples were taken below the theater to determine the feasibility of turning it into a parking lot. In 1984, though, Katherine LeVeque invested 3 million dollars into saving the building. In 1989, she gifted it to the up-and-coming CAPA, ensuring it would be preserved for the future. → The workhorse returned to full service. In 2018, CAPA

Black Violin at the Palace Theatre. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Multimedia ↓

Brit Floyd at the Palace Theatre. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Multimedia ↓

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The auditorium underwent a major renovation, taking the better part of a year to seal water leaks, replace temporary repairs, and much more. Szwabinsky recalls the auditorium filled with so much scaffolding that “you could literally put your hands on every part of the theater.” Today, he says, “I call it my little golf course, because you start at one end cleaning and maintaining, and by the time you get to the other end of the building, it’s time to start on the other side again. “I also call it the show inside a show, because you come to see a show, but then you also have the architecture, the building. You’re not going to find these types of buildings anymore.” Whittington noted, “The reality is, you don’t maintain buildings like this without the support of the community over generations. We’re really cognizant of that. These are community assets for everybody, and we want to take this opportunity to thank everybody for making that possible. “In a throwaway culture, to have buildings that are 100 years old and are direct connections back to the history of the people and the city that we live in, I think is really special. It literally takes a village to keep these buildings open.” And now, it’s time to celebrate in style. There have been special events throughout the year, and there will be more to come. The crown jewel of the centennial will be Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles on November 14. “Some folks have asked, ‘Why Ray Charles?’ Ray has a very, very long history here in Columbus—not just with CAPA venues, but throughout the entire city,” said Peter Keiser, CAPA VP of Marketing & Sales. “We’ve curated a list of young up-and-coming artists. We’ve really focused on trying to bring modern interpretation to Ray’s music.”

↑ The RKO Palace entrance in 1945

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A wig-donning “Weird Al” Yankovic takes the stage at the Palace. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Multimedia ↓

But that’s not the whole story. With a roster featuring Aloe Blacc, Blessing Offor, Patti Austin, Billy Valentine, Lisa Fischer, Bobby Floyd, Monica Mancini, a band including Nathan East, Dean Parks, and Gregg Field, and host Paul Shaffer, the event promises to be a starstudded celebration that all ages can enjoy. Is the Palace ready for another 100 years? The answer is yes, although of course, like any centenarian structure, it’ll need a little architectural TLC along the way. But, as for looking ahead, the theater and CAPA are all in. “Showing gratitude is certainly a big part of what we want to do here, but it’s also about looking ahead,” Whittington said. “What’s the next hundred years going to look like for CAPA and Columbus, and how do we make sure we’re meeting the needs of the community going forward? The other thing I hope we get out of this is expanding the people that feel like our theaters and what we do inside the theaters, the programming, is something for them. We are really focused on doing that as Columbus changes over the coming decades. And starting that right now is one of our goals.” The future looks bright for the Palace as it enters its second century. As Keiser noted, “The Palace is Columbus’s theater. CAPA is simply the steward of that— recognizing our past, what the Palace has represented to Columbus and what this is going to look like for the next hundred years.” ♦ To learn about upcoming events or book seats for a show, visit capa.com/palace-theatre.

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OHIO LIONS By Jonathan Keilholz Design by Levi Gaidos

With an increasing number of reported sightings, are mountain lions in Ohio reality or myth?

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irst, there was the video from a soybean field near Bucyrus. Then came a truck driver who said he saw a dead mountain lion along a highway in the same area. Not long after, about 50 miles south, a woman in Delaware reported hearing an animal in distress before seeing what she described as a massive cat disappear into the trees. None of the sightings has been confirmed as a mountain lion. In fact, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has disputed the claims. But after several reports surfaced within weeks of each other this summer, some Ohioans are asking a question that isn’t quite as far-fetched as it might initially sound: Could a mountain lion make its way into Ohio?

TH RI F T S TORE

It Started With A Viral Video Speculation began in June when Bucyrus resident Lori Adams spotted an animal moving through a soybean field. Adams initially thought she was looking at a dog, but as she watched the animal move, she became convinced it was a mountain lion. “I’m a cat person. I have a lot of cats, and I’ve studied cats my whole life, and that’s not the movement of a dog,” Adams told (614) Magazine earlier this year. The video went viral, eventually drawing the attention of state wildlife officials. ODNR reviewed the footage and sent a wildlife officer to investigate. Officials said tracks found in the area measured between 3.5 and 4 centimeters long, consistent with a domestic cat. Mountain lion tracks are typically considerably larger. The agency concluded the animal in Adams’ video was most likely a large house cat. Days later, the story got stranger. A truck driver claimed on Facebook that he and another driver stopped to inspect a large dead cat along U.S. Route 30 near State Route 598 in Crawford County, near the Bucyrus sighting. “It was 100 percent a mountain lion,” the driver wrote in messages later shared with Adams, estimating the animal weighed about 125 pounds. The driver also said ODNR later retrieved the animal. But ODNR told (614) Magazine there were no records of that happening. “I touched base with our officers in the area, and none of them picked up a roadkill cat/mountain lion, nor did they receive any calls or information about a roadkill cat/mountain lion,” an ODNR spokesperson told (614) Magazine at the time. There were no known photographs or other physical evidence to verify the truck driver’s claim. →

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Big Cat Sightings Move Closer To Columbus

↑ Mountain lions roamed Ohio until the mid-1800s, and have been considered extinct in the Midwest and Eastern United States ever since

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Could A Mountain Lion Actually Reach Ohio ? Weeks later, another encounter was reported in Delaware. A woman said she was outside near her workplace around 10 p.m. when she heard what sounded like a puppy in distress. She walked toward the sound before spotting what she described as “a huge cat figure” climbing a tree with what appeared to be a small animal in its mouth. “It was definitely a big cat of some kind,” she said. Again, ODNR didn’t believe a mountain lion was involved. So then, what was it? Officials said a bobcat was one possibility. Bobcats have been confirmed in Delaware County, although ODNR noted they aren’t as common there as in some other areas of Ohio. (614) Magazine wanted to get a better understanding of the situation, so we spoke with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Catherine Dennison. She said bobcats are currently Ohio’s only wild cat species. Mountain lions—also called cougars or pumas—historically lived here, but disappeared from the state following European settlement as a result of habitat loss and unregulated hunting. But ODNR acknowledges mountain lions are on the move. “[They] are expanding their range east into areas they were once extirpated from,” Dennison said. If a species is extirpated, it is locally extinct. The nearest known breeding population is in Nebraska, according to Dennison. Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, meanwhile, experience somewhat regular confirmed sightings. And mountain lions—particularly young males—can travel astonishing distances. Dennison said research on mountain lions at the edge of their range in South Dakota’s Black Hills found males dispersed an average of about 275 kilometers, or roughly 171 miles. Females traveled considerably shorter distances. In one extreme case, researchers documented a young male mountain lion traveling roughly 1,800 miles from South Dakota to Connecticut before it was killed by a vehicle in 2011. The animal’s journey was confirmed through DNA evidence. Research highlighted by the Felidae Conservation Fund suggests dispersing mountain lions are increasingly appearing in the Midwest. “Because their range is expanding, it’s possible that we may one day start seeing occasional dispersing mountain lions in Ohio,” Dennison said. “However, we are still far enough away from resident populations that this is very unlikely at this point.” →

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Smile For The Camera With trail cameras, doorbell cameras, and security cameras now seemingly everywhere, Dennison said a mountain lion traveling through densely populated Ohio would probably leave behind more than a single blurry video or eyewitness account. ODNR says it has not had a modern Ohio mountain lion sighting confirmed through photographs, video, DNA, tracks, or other physical evidence. The agency also cautions that judging an animal’s size during a brief encounter can be difficult. Bobcats can appear surprisingly large, and their coats can sometimes look more uniformly colored depending on lighting and the time of year. A mountain lion, however, would be dramatically larger—at least three to four times the size of an average bobcat, according to Dennison—with a long tail and generally solidcolored coat. By all these metrics, it seems the possibility of encountering a mountain lion in Ohio would be exceedingly rare, if not impossible. And yet the reported sightings continue to roll in, season after season. Year after year. Whether or not they’re grounded in reality, and whether or not it was truly one of these majestic and reclusive cats stalking the fields near Lori Adams’ home that afternoon in late June, we’ll likely never know. ♦

Anyone who believes they’ve spotted a mountain lion —or simply isn’t sure what they saw—is encouraged to report the sighting to ODNR through Wild Ohio.

Young male mountain lions can sometimes travel hundreds of miles, with one in 2011 covering 1,800 miles and ending up in Connecticut →

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“Because their range is expanding, it’s possible that we may one day start seeing occasional dispersing mountain lions in Ohio.”

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