A PIZZA PARADISE GROWS IN GAHANNA, COFFEE LOVERS HAVE A “LATTE” MORE TO LOVE IN THE CITY, HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY’S STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS + UPCOMING EVENTS
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Progress continues on 825 Tech Center Drive, the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, City Hall, and Senior Center. Once completed, the building will provide quality training facilities for police, expanded programming space and amenities for seniors, and a modernized approach to serving our residents. Stay tuned to Council meetings for monthly updates on the project. For more information on 825 Tech Center Drive (including links to all previous presentations), go to Gahanna.gov/825/ or scan the code.
ear Gahanna Resident, Welcome to this spring edition of Uniquely Gahanna! As always, we're excited to share the incredible stories of those who make our community vibrant, compassionate, and full of promise. This edition is packed with inspiring tales of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make a difference. From teaching new skills to the next generation to raising awareness for causes that deserve our attention, there is much to be proud of in our community.
In this issue, we shine a spotlight on two local businessowners who are doing more than just operating a business — they're empowering kids with valuable skills for the future. Their commitment to nurturing young minds shows us all the importance of investing in the potential of our youth.
We also feature our own local veteran organizations that are raising muchneeded funds to support homeless veterans, and their efforts to bring the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to our town – a powerful initiative that will offer us all an opportunity to reflect, learn, and honor those who have served our country.
In addition, we dive into the life of a resident and coach who is just as passionate about fostering individual character as he is about teaching skills of the game. His work goes beyond the scoreboard, teaching valuable life lessons centered on compassion, integrity, and resilience.
Finally, we celebrate the efforts of students who are spending their summer as camp counselors. Their work not only inspires younger campers, but also ignites their own passions for careers in leadership, teaching, and community service.
As you flip through these pages, we hope you’ll be inspired by the dedication, hard work, and heart that drive these local heroes. Their stories remind us of the spirit of our city and the power we all have to make a difference — whether through business, education, or service to those in need.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community. We’re grateful to share these stories with you and look forward to continuing to highlight the good work that shapes Our Gahanna.
-L aurie Jadwin
LAURIE JADWIN • MAYOR
The City of Gahanna launched its strategic planning process, Our Gahanna, in late 2024. The Our Gahanna initiative aims to blend the City's rich traditions with innovative strategies that ensure smart growth.
A strategic plan is a long-term framework that outlines a roadmap for the future. Our Gahanna will guide City decision makers and is based on input from community members who care about the future of the City as a place to thrive, succeed, and prosper.
This planning process will leverage Gahanna's strategic location within the Columbus region. The City's proximity to major transportation hubs and regional economic development initiatives position it well for future development and prosperity. The Our Gahanna planning effort will help the City to be in the best position to leverage all the positive momentum going on in the region.
Mayor Laurie Jadwin shares her enthusiasm for the initiative and said, “Our community's input is invaluable as we navigate this strategic planning journey. By leveraging our unique location and maximizing new opportunities, we can build a future that honors our past and embraces our potential.”
The best ideas come from those who know the community best. This planning process invites everyone to get involved and share
thoughts on the City's future. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer, your insights are invaluable. Friends, family, and neighbors are invited to join in this collaborative effort to chart a path forward for Gahanna. Your ideas will ensure that this plan truly reflects the voice of the community.
The strategic planning process includes three rounds of community engagement. The first round, which recently concluded, saw Steering Committee members, City staff, and dedicated volunteers energizing the community through small group meetings. An online survey on the project website also captured valuable insights that will help to shape a shared vision and values for the community.
If you did not have a chance to participate in the first round of engagement, there is more to come! Join us for the second round at the Our Gahanna Vision Festival, happening in the first week of May. This exciting event will feature a week of activities designed to engage the entire community. Events will take place on May 6, 7, and 8 at various locations around the community. Be a part of shaping Gahanna's future and make your voice heard!
For more information and to get involved in the next engagement round, please visit OurGahanna.com. ♦
Behind every smooth road, sturdy bridge, and efficient drainage system in our city is a dedicated team of engineers and support staff who work tirelessly to keep our community running safely and efficiently. Whether working on the design of infrastructure projects for streets or sewers, overseeing construction projects, or focusing on transit challenges, the City of Gahanna’s engineering team plays a crucial role in shaping our daily lives and strengthening our future.
Tom Komlanc, Director of Engineering and City Engineer, oversees the team whose expertise, innovation, and commitment ensures that the places where we live, work, and play are built to last.
A licensed Professional Engineer with 29 years of experience in the public sector, Komlanc has served as Gahanna’s City Engineer since August 2022. However, he is no stranger to Gahanna, as he began his career with the City in 1996 as an assistant to then-City Engineer, Karl Wetherholt. Years later, after working with the City of Upper Arlington and The Ohio State University, Komlanc made the decision to return to serving the citizens of Gahanna.
“Gahanna has a special place in my heart,” Komlanc said. “I had the opportunity to start my career here and I learned a lot, working in a great community, with a great mentor. I wanted to come back and offer the same help to other engineers and give back to Gahanna.”
As City Engineer, Komlanc oversees public works for city utilities, transportation, and mobility, making sure everything runs smoothly and meets local design and construction standards. He also safeguards that private developments and utility
companies follow the City’s design and construction rules.
Paige Wright, Senior Transportation & Mobility Engineer for the City, is one of the engineers working with Komlanc. Her interest in engineering was sparked early on, when she explored her local downtown’s architecture during a second grade field trip. Now a licensed Professional Engineer, she enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of residents.
She referenced the recent construction of the Taylor Station and Claycraft Roads roundabout as the first project in Gahanna where she was involved from design to construction to the opening of the roadway.
“I love seeing a project through from start to finish,” Wright said. “From dealing with challenges along the way, like conflicts with utilities or materials delays, to seeing it through to success, it’s rewarding to be part of a project that makes a positive impact in the community.”
She currently is overseeing the City’s work on developing a Comprehensive Transportation & Mobility Plan, which will guide future improvements for roads and streets in Gahanna with the goal of making safe spaces for walking, biking, and public transit.
Like Wright, Engineering Technician Rob Rose also prefers the feeling of working in a city where he feels connected and is able to make meaningful changes.
With nearly 25 years of experience, Rose’s journey into engineering began while working as a pile driver. Observing the work on site, he decided to transition into engineering, a move that brought him to Gahanna, where he now plays a key role in ensuring that projects and contractors meet the quality standards expected by Gahanna and its residents.
“I’ve worked for both large and small cities, and I prefer the smaller ones like Gahanna,” he shared. “I’ve found that I can get answers to any questions I may have much more quickly here than in larger cities.”
Sean Pryer works alongside Rose as an Engineering Inspector, monitoring construction projects involving the City’s streets and sidewalks. A Gahanna resident himself, Pryer jumped at the opportunity to work for the city where he lives and his children go to school. With a background in construction management that was inspired by his Lego set as a child, Pryer takes great pride in his work, especially knowing that he is helping to improve his own community.
“Our street and sidewalk programs provide safe routes for residents and visitors, whether they’re driving or walking through the City,” he explained.
As a Project Administrator in the Engineering Department, Brian Kennedy brings years of experience in project management to his role in Gahanna. Although he initially joined the City as a Parks Coordinator following stints at Columbus Metro Parks, Walt Disney World, and The Ohio State University, he eventually transitioned to the engineering team, where he now manages the City’s extensive street and sidewalk program – a $5+M program in 2024 that improved more than eight miles of roadway and nearly five miles of sidewalks in Gahanna.
“I enjoy finding solutions that make a real difference for the community,” Kennedy said. “Every improvement we make is a step toward a better, more connected Gahanna and I enjoy that they make life better for our residents.”
Civil engineering was a natural fit for Robert Settles, who is the team’s Project Administrator for private development projects. In this role, he is responsible for reviewing site plans for matters ranging from code compliance to traffic and environmental impacts, helping to ensure that Gahanna grows thoughtfully.
“I’ve always been interested in cities and problem-solving,” he shared. “Civil engineering seemed like an ideal pairing of the two.”
Settles joined the Gahanna team two years ago, after relocating from Arizona back to Central Ohio. As an engineer for the City, he enjoys working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to public service.
As the Right-of-Way Project Administrator for the City, Steve Savanick finds motivation in the ever-changing challenges and solutions of engineering.
“Each project presents its own unique challenges,” he said. “Developing solutions and communicating them is what keeps me passionate about the field.”
Savanick joined the Gahanna team six months ago, after working in the private sector. As part of his role, he manages right-of-way permits submitted by residents, developers, and utility companies, and he builds relationships with them to ensure that they adhere to city code. One of his favorite parts of his job is simply serving the community, and his work has already shown benefits – as the Department is now seeing reductions in review and approval time needed for permits as well as improvements to overall code compliance.
Before joining Gahanna, Program Coordinator Angie Roth spent over 20 years working at a private engineering firm, where she gained extensive experience that she brought with her when she started her role in Gahanna three years ago. Roth oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including managing all bid processes and contracts for the Department, ensuring that the City’s infrastructure projects remain organized and are completed on schedule.
Roth cites her team’s collaborative approach as being key to their success.
“My team supports each other—we tackle challenges together,” she said. “Everyone has their own experience and background. We work collaboratively to solve problems and respect one another’s insights and perspectives.”
With a background in public utilities at the City of Columbus, Latoya Crandall joined Gahanna’s Engineering Department as an Administrative Coordinator in September 2024. She is the first point of contact for citizens who call with questions or concerns, helping to get the information they need or connecting them with the team member who otherwise is best able to help and answer their questions. After joining Gahanna’s Engineering team, Crandall quickly found herself drawn to the Department’s strong sense of teamwork and collaboration.
“I love building new relationships, and my coworkers make this job even better,” she said. “Coming from a larger organization, I love the tight-knit feel and bonds that we share here – with co-workers, residents, and the community.”
For this team, they have much more in common than their experience in engineering – it’s their commitment to building a community that is safe and accessible for everyone.
Wright summed up the sentiments of the team by saying, “I love the community feel of Gahanna. I feel like I’m making a difference.” ♦
By Dan Pearlman
Anew era of healthcare arrived in the City of Gahanna late last year with the grand opening of Orthopedic ONE’s new state-of-the-art facility in the Crescent at Central Park.
Located at 605 Crescent Place, on the northeast corner of the Hamilton Road and Tech Center Drive intersection, the new home of the largest physicianowned orthopedic surgery practice in Ohio includes 60,000 square feet of physician clinic space representing all orthopedic specialties, expanded physical and occupational therapy space, and MRI services.
Nationally recognized for their high level of experience and care for patients, Orthopedic ONE’s new Gahanna site offers convenience for patients seeking a continuum of care, all-in-one facility.
"We strive to put patients first in all we do,” said Joel R. Politi, MD, Physician Partner, Orthopedic ONE. “One of the ways we do that is by providing the highest quality care, close to home. Our physicians have served the Gahanna community for decades –and we are thrilled to now call Gahanna home. We appreciate the City's support and enthusiasm through planning and construction – and look forward to a long and successful future in Gahanna.”
Along with innovative, high-quality care that is easily accessible to residents, the new
facility brings 215 physicians and associates to the City, with a starting annual total payroll of approximately $28 million. With its new expanded space, Orthopedic ONE expects to increase its Gahanna workforce by roughly 10 percent within the first 10 years of operation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ohio’s #1 orthopedic practice to Gahanna,” said Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Orthopedic ONE’s decision to grow their practice in our city adds direct access to high-quality healthcare and job opportunities to our community, and reaffirms that Gahanna, and specifically the Crescent at Central Park, is a desired destination for Central Ohio’s top medical providers.”
When Sarah Jacobson moved to Central Ohio and opened Skin & Sugar, the business was a one-woman operation. Now, Skin & Sugar caters to more than 16,000 clients across its three locations, the newest of which opened at 63 Mill Street in the Creekside District in September.
“Since it sits so close to the highway, it’s really easy to get to,” explained Jacobson. “We just felt that if we were going to do an east side location, the centralized area that is Mill Street was the best area to do it.”
Skin & Sugar specializes in all things related to facials, as Jacobson and her team utilize various devices and machines. In addition, they offer Sugaring hair removal, which is completed with an all-natural mixture of sugar, water and lemon juice.
“When I moved to Columbus from Cleveland, no one knew what Sugar was,” Jacobson said. “I feel like we brought that method of hair removal to the Columbus area, and it does really well. Our clients love it.”
And their client base is growing with the addition of the Gahanna location. According to Jacobson, the community has been very supportive and welcomed them with open arms. Her plan is to continue growing her business in the Creekside District, while supporting the area’s growth as well.
“One of my main reasons for bringing the business there is that I really want to help, in a positive way, and contribute to the growth of that area,” she said. “My hope was – by bringing our business there – that we would also encourage other businesses to want to open in that area too, so we can all see growth together and contribute to the build up of Creekside.”
To learn more about these businesses, visit their websites below:
Orthopedic ONE: OrthopedicONE.com
Skin & Sugar: SkinandSugar.co
By
American Legion Post 797 is inviting the Gahanna community to come together in the coming months for two special events to honor and support the brave men and women who have served our country.
On Saturday, May 3, the Legion will hold the 3rd annual Walk In Our Boots 5k, which begins and ends at Veterans Memorial Park.
“This is really about the community supporting veterans and veterans
supporting veterans,” said Tom Kneeland, former Gahanna Mayor and current Finance Officer for American Legion Post 797.
The funds raised by the Walk In Our Boots 5k support previously-homeless veterans in Central Ohio – specifically 100 men and women currently living at the Commons at Livingston.
In 2023, the Legion was able to raise a couple thousand dollars through the inaugural 5k event, which was used to
purchase food for an emergency food pantry that serves veterans. Last year, the Legion tripled their fundraising results through increased participation in the event, enabling the group to make an even bigger impact. Kneeland is hoping to see the donations continue to increase, as the funds will now go toward food, clothing and household supplies that will help the veterans to get established in their new homes.
“It’s really sad, but it’s happy because we are helping them get a better outcome from what they had before by helping to fulfill some of the needs that they have to be productive citizens now,” he said. “We really are trying to help them get to a position where they can become productive citizens in society again.”
All donors are welcome to participate in the growing 5k, regardless of whether they choose to walk or run the course.
“It’s not a race that you win,” Kneeland said. “It’s a fun walk/run that you donate to, to be able to participate in. We don’t time things, like how long it takes for people to get from A to B or any of that stuff. It’s a community event that we do to raise money for these veterans.”
“It’s not a race that you win,” Kneeland said. “It’s a fun walk/run that you donate to, to be able to participate in. We don’t time things, like how long it takes for people to get from A to B or any of that stuff. It’s a community event that we do to raise money for these veterans.”
As the community rallies in the spring for the 5k, the spirit of support and remembrance will continue in the fall with another meaningful tribute, when American Legion Post 797 will host The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at Veterans Memorial Park, from Thursday, October 2 through Monday, October 6. Offering a powerful opportunity to honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War, the Memorial will serve as a place of reflection, education, and healing, ensuring that the legacy of our veterans is never forgotten.
The effort to bring the Traveling Wall to Gahanna is a project that has been two years in the making. Among those leading the charge to bring it to the City is Gary Filaseta, Commander of American Legion Post 797.
“The reason we want to do it is because there are a lot of veterans within the tri-state area that have never been to Washington, DC, to have a visual contact with the Wall,” Filaseta said. “A lot of these veterans did serve in Vietnam, and so we want to bring every opportunity possible so they can come view the Wall and see if they recognize any of the names of the personnel that they served with. Plus, we’re hoping to get a lot of the kids to come view the Wall for educational purposes. It’s part of history.”
Additional displays and activities that will accompany the Wall are still being finalized, but Filaseta said there will be a Vietnam-era display presented by Motts Military Museum, Inc.
Both he and Kneeland are hopeful that the Walk In Our Boots 5k and The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will attract Gahanna residents as well as visitors, and will show the community’s continued support and recognition of our veterans’ service.
Filaseta said, “Veterans make a sacrifice to serve the country, and they don’t question what that sacrifice entails.”
Please visit GahannaVets.org to register for the Walk In Our Boots 5k, donate to the event, and/or donate to American Legion Post 797 to assist with bringing The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Gahanna.
The VFW Post 4719 (75 W. Johnstown Road) also works to raise funds by offering weekly Friday night dinners from 5:307:30 p.m., which are open to the public. Additionally, the Post offers weekly Sunday morning breakfasts from 9-11 a.m. For more information, go to VFW4719.org.
Your Insider Scoop to Business News in the City
NOW OPEN
Orthopedic ONE 605 Crescent Place OrthopedicONE.com
Musicologie 960 N. Hamilton Rd. Musicologie.com
Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails 258 Granville St. ThreeCreeksGahanna.com
Tony & Enzo’s Pizzeria 1259 N. Hamilton Rd. TonyandEnzos.com
Cantina Sports Bar & Grill 101 Mill St., Ste. 100 CantinaSBG.com
Third Base Pinthouse 230 Granville St.
Bowl Boba 366 S. Hamilton Rd. BowlBoba.com
Performance Therapy
358 A S. Hamilton Rd. PerformanceTherapy1.com
Ohio Gastroenterology 722 Buckles Ct. N. OhioGastro.com/Gahanna/ Office Opened March 3, 2025
Anticipated Opening of Center (Procedures) Later in 2025
Resch’s Bakery
150 N. Hamilton Rd. ReschBakery.com
Anticipated Opening July 2025
SGT Coffee Co.
140 N. High St. SGTcoffee.co
Anticipated Opening Spring 2025
If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us directly:
City Attorney: (614) 342-4096
City Council: (614) 342-4090
City Hall (Front Desk): (614) 342-4000
Code Enforcement: (614) 342-4022
Engineering: (614) 342-4050
Mayor's Court: (614) 342-4080
Mayor's Office: (614) 342-4045
Parks & Recreation: (614) 342-4250
Police (non-emergency): (614) 342-4240
Public Service: General: (614) 342-4005
Trash, Recycling, and Water Bills: (614) 342-4440
Streets, Streetlights, and Potholes: (614) 342-4425
Senior Center: (614) 342-4265
Be a part of shaping Gahanna’s future! Our Gahanna is a citywide initiative to develop a bold new Strategic Plan, ensuring our city grows in a direction that makes you proud to call it home. Your voice matters. Join us at the Vision Festival, where you have a seat at the table to present your ideas. Find an event that fits your schedule and get involved—this is your city, and your input will make a difference!
TUE, MAY 6
5-7 p.m.
Hannah Park
WED, MAY 7
7:30-9 a.m.
TBD
WED, MAY 7
11:30-1 p.m.
Senior Center
THU, MAY 8
4-6 p.m.
TACO TUESDAY FAMILY FEST
Bring the whole family for an evening of free tacos for the first 100 attendees, fun activities, and community engagement! Stop by anytime!
An opportunity to connect with fellow business owners from diverse backgrounds and engage with City representatives.
SENIOR LUNCH
Seniors are invited to join for a delicious lunch and discussion at the Senior Center!
An evening of networking designed for young professionals who live and/or work in Gahanna.
Edison Brewing OURGAHANNA.COM
Learn more and get involved at
By Dan Pearlman
Summer camp is a place to have fun. It is a place to try new activities. And it is a place that helps children of all backgrounds grow into young adults.
Connor Tilton, a Gahanna native and current Hiram College student, can attest to all of that.
“When I was a [Camp Hannah] camper, the counselors were a lot of fun,” Tilton recalled. “I got to know a lot of them really closely because a lot of them came back for many summers in a row. I was able to build a bond with them throughout my childhood and growing up.”
Inspired by the staff when he was a camper, Tilton first joined the City’s Parks & Recreation Department as a seasonal Camp Counselor in 2022. He returned again for the summer seasons in 2023 and 2024,
and this year, he will serve as a Camp Coordinator as he takes the next steps in forging a career in the parks and recreation field.
“I love working with kids, and it’s something I have always loved to do,” he explained. “I had such a great experience as a camper, and I think it’s helped shape who I am in some ways. I definitely want kids to have that same experience.”
Now, as he looks ahead to the summer, Tilton is unquestionably excited to begin welcoming back the summer campers.
“Camps are great spots for kids to explore new things and different ideas and to find themselves as well as new interests,” he said.
Presented by the Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation, Gahanna’s camps offer a diverse array of programming that includes outdoor education, art, sports and games, team building activities, and time for free play.
The demand for camp programming has increased nationally in recent years, and that demand has increased in Gahanna as well. Chris Skidmore, Recreation Supervisor of Youth and Family Programming, is always seeking new and innovative strategies to make the Department’s camps stand out and improve with each new year. He believes there are a number of reasons why Gahanna’s camps flourish.
“I believe we provide the community with an outstanding product,” said Skidmore. “This starts and ends with the incredible seasonal staff that I consider to be the meat and potatoes of everything we do camp wise. They are the boots on the ground so to speak, and they take great pride in bringing immense joy to our camp environments daily.”
Gahanna’s summer camps have earned accreditation by the American Camp Association for decades and were again accredited in 2024. This designation means the camps meet the highest industry standards for policy, procedure, and documentation, and reaffirms the City’s commitment to providing the best and the safest camp experience for children and families.
Camp options for this summer include:
• Camp Begins (Ages 4-5): This introduction to all things summer camp is a half-day program that runs from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for eight weeks, beginning the week of June 2.
• Camp Hannah and Camp Friendship (Ages 6-12): Both camps are full day programs that run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for 11 weeks, beginning the week of May 27. Attendees enjoy a variety of traditional camp experiences.
• Camp Thrive (Ages 12-14): Now offered for eight weeks due to increased interest and demand, this program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting the week of June 2. Campers will enjoy guest speakers and participate in a weekly service project.
No matter the camp, Skidmore is passionate about ensuring that all options are safe spaces where both campers and staff can be their true selves.
“Gahanna is an incredibly diverse community, and both our staff and campers reflect that,” he said. “This makes us unique in a positive way, where our campers are meeting kids from other communities, school districts, and backgrounds. All are welcome and can be successful in the City of Gahanna Summer Camps because we celebrate our differences, and we are intentional in the language we use to promote an environment where everyone can feel safe.”
But as Skidmore noted, the success of the City’s summer camps begins with the staff – many of whom are seasonal employees like Tilton.
“When you come to camp every day, whether you’re a counselor or a camper, there’s always going to be something fun – a smile on people’s faces,” Tilton said. ♦
Parents can learn more and register children to attend their selected camp for one week or multiple weeks by visiting ExploreGahannaParks.com.
To apply to be a part of the camp staff, or for another seasonal position such as a lifeguard or event and paddleboat staff member, please go to GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Gahanna.
How Roy Hall, Jr. Uses His Football Journey to Inspire Others
By Erick Starkey
For Gahanna resident Roy Hall, Jr., being driven is more than just an attribute or character trait—it is a life’s work.
The internal drive shown by Hall led him from the Cleveland area to the pinnacle of college football and the NFL. Now, he puts his focus on fostering drive in others, from the Gahanna Lincoln High School football team, to families in need all around Central Ohio.
“With him playing receiver in the NFL, I know that he knows what he’s talking about,” GLHS junior football player Ryan Washington said. “He continues to give me great pointers. I knew of him from the NFL, but as we continue to talk to each other, he is just a great guy.”
Hall was a standout scholar athlete in high school, where he was first-team all-state in football and basketball. Despite offers from across the country to study and compete collegiately, Hall stayed in state and attended The Ohio State University. He played wide receiver for the Buckeyes and was a part of two teams to make the National Championship, including the 2002 National Championship winning team.
In 2007, Hall was drafted in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts, where he played for three seasons. He also had stints with the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. While dealing with various injuries throughout his professional career, Hall decided to change course and devote time to helping others.
“The longer that you drag your feet, the longer that people you’re supposed to be helping are dragged through the mud,” Hall said of his transition. “If I want to help people with their situations, I can’t think about what I lost or what could have been or woe is me.”
Fortunately, Hall had already been using his platform to help others when he left professional football. He and his former teammate, Antonio Smith, started the Driven Foundation in 2009. Hall and Smith have been able to use their Foundation to shed light on how to help people in need.
The Driven Foundation, which has its offices in Gahanna, offers various ways to help those in need, including outreach, youth programs, and speaking engagements. To date, the Foundation has provided more than 2 million pounds of food to families in need throughout Central Ohio and the surrounding areas. They also have had more than 2,000 youth come through their mentorship programs. The Foundation continues to work with anyone who wants to get involved and make a difference in their local communities.
Here in Gahanna, Hall is combining his love and passion for football with his desire to help others by serving on the coaching staff of the GLHS football team over the past several years. He has played a part in the success of the program on the field, but he really makes an effort to use his background to make an impact off the field.
“He's a great coach to me,” Washington said. “I think of him as a role model. He gives a lot of motivational speeches, and he pushes me to get better every day.”
Hall has also worked with fellow coaches, regardless of the sport, across Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools to better each other’s coaching craft. He credits his time learning from some of the best coaches and leaders throughout his career - Jim Tressel, Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and others - with his ability to motivate other coaches to be dynamic and get the most out of their players.
“If you go 0-10, but all 85 players on your team have over a 3.0, all those guys graduate on time. None of them had any disciplinary issues in school and they all have the opportunity to go to college or have jobs, that’s the kind of coach I want to be,” Hall said of his coaching style and what he tries to impart on other coaches. “If you can get in the mindset of ‘I want to make these young men and women become the best human beings they can possibly be’ and they can buy into that, then the wins come easy.”
Hall takes his message to other areas of the athletic arena, both locally and beyond. For the last 12 years, he has served as one of the Team Reflection Leaders for the Ohio State football team, traveling with the team and helping them mentally prepare for games. Hall played a role in motivating the Buckeyes in their most recent run through the College Football Playoffs, capped off by a national title.
Outside of athletics, Hall strives to be an inspirer. He travels the country as a motivational speaker, aiming to help people get closer to their hopes and dreams. Whether it is at meetings, before games or on the field, Hall wants to be a driving force for all around him.
“My job on this earth is to make people better, to be a missing puzzle piece that helps them complete that picture and gets them closer to their goals and their dreams that they want at that particular time of their life,” Hall said.
For more information on the Driven Foundation, visit StayDriven.org.
Young Chefs Academy Inspires the Next Generation of Culinary Experts
By Dan Pearlman
Real cooking, real fun!
That is the motto of Young Chefs Academy, and it is what new owners Rochelle Mayo-Barrett and TaRey Hall bring to their cooking courses for children and teens.
“We love cooking,” Mayo-Barrett said. “We love children. We love teaching. We love having fun.”
Young Chefs Academy is a hands-on cooking school available to children from age 4 and up. Through the courses offered, children learn cooking skills that they can carry with them for their entire lives – skills such as how to stay safe in the kitchen, how to read recipes, and how to scale certain recipes as needed. Every month is dedicated to a different theme and cuisine, while every course incorporates STEM curriculum as well.
“Working with kids, families and the community has always been our passion, and this was just a new way for us to do that,” explained Hall.
Hall and Mayo-Barrett bought Young Chefs Academy, which had been in Gahanna for 17 years, last August. Since then, they have attracted new students and retained those who attended the courses before they began leading the way.
Among those enrolled at Young Chefs Academy is Aubree Kinner, a creative 11-year-old who loves to cook, see the results, and see the reactions of those who try her food.
“It [Young Chefs Academy] is really fun,” she said. “You get to make new foods, and you get to eat new foods. That’s one of the best parts.”
Another incredible result of Young Chefs Academy is that the courses have further inspired Kinner to follow her dream of one day utilizing the skills she has learned to open a restaurant.
“I always thought it would be cool to take customers’ orders and make food for them, because I like helping people and I like to cook, so I thought I would put those two things together,” she said.
As Kinner shared her goals, her mother listened with pride.
Not every child is an athlete. Not every child is a scholar or a musician.... This gives them an opportunity to try something totally out of the box that they might not have known was a career option or something they can do.
“It just means so much that she can come here and be happy – that she looks forward to it, that she comes in and knows she is going to learn,” Chasity Kinner said. “She is full of personality, and so are they [Mayo-Barrett and Hall].”
While Aubree spends much of her time in her kitchen at home and at Young Chefs Academy, her mother knows that she has learned, and continues to perfect, a life skill –and that she has done so in a safe space.
Creating that safe environment for children is one of the goals for Mayo-Barrett and Hall.
“Not every child is an athlete,” Hall said. “Not every child is a scholar or a musician. Some of them may be doing that also, but they are more layered individuals. This gives them an opportunity to try something totally out of the box that they might not have known was a career option or something they can do.”
Hall continued, “The world that we live in is not always forgiving, especially for children, and to have a child come to you and say, ‘this is good, you’re a good person and I feel like I can be myself here,’ that’s the greatest thing we can do.”
The two business partners hope to deliver that sense of pride for many years to come.
Not only have they been embraced by the children and families they serve, but they have also been welcomed and supported by the Gahanna community.
“The families that were here before us were like, ‘we want you,’” Hall said. “The community has been so amazing – even just our neighbors – Graeter’s, Cleveland Clinic, and the Gahanna business community as a whole. We went around and introduced ourselves. Everybody was excited for us, and they were excited that we were keeping Young Chefs alive because they did not want to see it leave the community.”
So, with Young Chefs Academy here to stay, MayoBarrett and Hall hope to dish out their love of cooking to even more youngsters.
“We don’t require anyone to be perfect,” they explained together. “We don’t require anyone to be the best. We just require you to be present, try, and give it a chance.”
Young Chefs Academy is located at 425 Beecher Road. More information can be found at GahannaOH.YoungChefsAcademy.com.
More places to gather, sip, and connect
By Dan Pearlman
Coffee lovers, rejoice! There’s a “latte” more to love in Gahanna, as new shops and blends are joining the City’s thriving coffee community.
Joy Local Coffee Company, a mobile coffee trailer, is the latest addition to Gahanna’s growing coffee scene.
Gahanna resident Leah Hurt, who owns Joy Local Coffee Company along with her husband, Matthew, says their new coffee offering is a true labor of love that became a reality with the support of friends and neighbors.
“I just think Gahanna has a great love for its small businesses,” she said.
The Hurts’ dream of opening a coffee trailer started taking shape when they purchased a 1960s camper and began the process of transforming it.
“I was worried that our trailer would be kind of an eyesore in our neighborhood, but people were so curious and so supportive,” Hurt explained. “People would cheer for us when they walked by or give advice, because my husband and I were pretty new to building.”
After a year and a half of working tirelessly on their trailer, Joy Local Coffee Company officially opened their traveling coffee bistro last September.
Having a trailer naturally allows the Hurts to be mobile, but fans can often find them outside of CrossFit Gahanna (145 South Stygler Road) and at various craft markets throughout Central Ohio, including Gahanna’s Mill Street Market.
While the Hurts continue to build their brand, they do so with the support of others who craft their own coffee, such as Brandi and Ryan Sargent, owners of SGT Coffee Co. - another recent addition to Gahanna’s coffee culture.
“We actually went and met them when they had first opened their trailer and we were still building ours,” Hurt said. “We mentioned what we were doing, and they were just automatically supportive.”
The Sargents certainly understand the mobile coffee business, having opened their own trailer in Gahanna last June.
Founded by a veteran family, SGT Coffee Co. brings a sense of camaraderie and service to every cup. The Sargents began building their community in the Olde Gahanna Schoolhouse parking lot in the Creekside District.
“It’s a basic human need to feel heard, seen and understood, so we want to really just facilitate that kind of experience,” Ryan said.
Connecting over coffee. That is something the Sargents have brought to life through their trailer.
While they look forward to continuing to travel around the area to share their delicious coffee selections with others, they also look forward to expanding that opportunity for connection when they move into their new brick and mortar store inside The Well at 140 North High Street – a location that will provide ample space for gathering and conversation over a cup of coffee.
“We really miss our Short Street spot with the colder weather and having the community that surrounded it on a daily basis,” Brandi explained. “We’re excited to reconnect and be present whether it’s nine degrees or 90.”
Both Joy Local Coffee Company and SGT Coffee Co. are joining a specialty coffee scene in Gahanna that is led by Upper Cup Coffee – a local shop that has become a favorite gathering spot in the community.
Owner Mike Habte started Upper Cup Coffee as a wholesale roasting company on the east side of Columbus in 2010. He expanded his business with his first retail location opening the following year in Olde Towne East, followed by the opening of his second retail site at Creekside (121 Mill Street) in 2016, introducing his love for coffee to Gahanna.
Since then, Gahanna residents have embraced Upper Cup Coffee’s unique blends of coffee, baked goods, and fresh beans.
“We typically roast every Thursday, so every Friday, we’ve got a selection of freshly roasted coffee beans for purchase,” Habte explained. “You can buy them whole bean or ground. We want to give our customers the freshest products we can get them.”
Habte understands the hard work that goes into building a thriving coffee shop and the importance of working with other operators like Joy Local Coffee Company and SGT Coffee Co.
“Specialty coffee only makes up about 10% of the market,” he noted. “Coffee shops - we’re not competing over the 10%. We should be working collectively to convert the other 90% over into specialty coffee.”
In promoting his blends, Habte emphasizes that Upper Cup Coffee is not just about coffee –it’s about community. His shops often hold events
and feature local artwork, inviting the community to connect with fellow coffee lovers – something he has in common with the Sargents and the Hurts. As Gahanna solidifies itself as a coffee destination with a rich blend of local shops, it’s clear that all three coffee connoisseurs are brewing success – one bean and one bond at a time. ♦
For more information:
Joy Local Coffee Company: Visit StreetFoodFinder.com/JoyLocalCoffee and follow on Facebook and Instagram (@joylocalcoffeeco) for location information and more.
SGT Coffee Co.: Follow on Facebook and Instagram (@sgtcoffeeco) or visit SGTCoffee.co to stay updated on their opening and events.
Upper Cup Coffee: Go to UpperCupCoffee.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram (@uppercup) for updated news and information.
By Dan Pearlman
No matter how it’s sliced, Gahanna’s footprint on Central Ohio’s pizza map is growing, and many are taking notice.
“I feel like it’s a cool feature of our city to say that we have so many of these amazing pizza places, whether they are local, regional or even some of the national chains,” said Joe Weitz, a Gahanna resident. “I just think it’s a cool thing that you can potentially get people to come to Gahanna to try out these different pizza places.”
Weitz’s comments come as Gahanna greets three new pizza creators who are carving their own slices of the pie.
Stadz Pizzera, which opened at 207 West Johnstown Road (next to The Pub) late last year, may be new to its location in Gahanna, but it is no stranger to the Gahanna area.
Owner Alex Stadler bought his original location in Blacklick in 2016. As his pizza grew in popularity, he began to think about expanding. Stadler jumped at the opportunity to open a location in Gahanna when a space became available.
“A good percentage of our customers come from Gahanna,” said Stadler. “We thought we would be a good fit here, and so far, we are correct.”
Stadz Pizzeria is now serving its popular pies, which come with a thin cracker crust and premier toppings, from both locations. Already well-known to Gahanna residents, their new location has quickly gained a loyal following.
But they are not the only new pizzeria that is drawing attention from residents and visitors.
A few weeks after Stadz Pizzeria opened in Gahanna, Pizza Nerds relocated from Newark and opened to great fanfare in its new storefront at 1376 Cherry Bottom Road.
Several years ago, owners Brent and Katelyn Gargasz left their jobs in healthcare to pursue their passion for food service and opened Pizza Nerds in Newark, where they built a devoted fan base.
When the time came to renew their lease and negotiations did not go as planned, the Gargasz’s helped their staff find temporary jobs while they sought a new home for their pizza. Eventually, they identified Gahanna as the place to be and moved to the area, bringing their staff with them.
“When I found out that we had to relocate, I got into our system to see where our customers are actually at,” Brent Gargasz said. “Almost 60% of them were from this general area, so I was like - let’s just move closer to them.”
Now, Pizza Nerds’ traditional Detroit-style pizzas and thinner grandma-style pizzas are growing in popularity, along with their signature cookies that are stuffed with a cream cheese base.
While Pizza Nerds offers their own unique take on tradition, Tony & Enzo’s Pizzeria is serving up its East Coast-inspired pizzas at 1259 North Hamilton Road, in the Stoneridge Plaza.
Owner Anthony Russo and his brother, Vincent Russo, brought Tony & Enzo’s to Gahanna from Zanesville, where they also operate Russo’s Kitchen + Bar.
No strangers to the culinary scene, the brothers are ready to build their brand in Gahanna.
“We’re just super excited to be a part of Gahanna,” said Anthony Russo. “Hopefully, over the next couple of decades, we can become even more a part of the Gahanna community and be around for a while.”
With so many great new pizza options available, these new shop owners see each others’ presence in the City as a positive move. Like Weitz, they hope to see the influx in pizza businesses ultimately lead to an influx of visitors to the City as well.
“I think people will come to Gahanna even more,” said Stadler.
“Everybody puts their own twist on it,” Anthony Russo explained. “If you look at some of the other great places here in town - like you talk about Stadz or Pizza Nerds doing their thing, or Sexton’s, they have some really good pizza - everybody seems to really pick and choose what they really enjoy and incorporate it into their pizza.”
Added Brent Gargasz, “Other pizza shops are not competition. Every shop that comes in is making other people try harder and make a better product. If you’re not constantly trying to make better food, you’re going to get left behind.” ♦
For more information:
Stadz Pizzeria: StadzPizzeria.com
Pizza Nerds: PizzaNerdsOH.com
Tony & Enzo’s Pizzeria: TonyandEnzos.com
These events are tentative and subject to change. Please confirm event details in advance.
Happening Now
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION
Go to ExploreGahannaParks.com or stop by City Hall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays to register now.
Saturday, April 19
CLEANER GREENER
GAHANNA SPRING LITTER CLEAN-UP
Friendship Park, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Presented by Make Gahanna Yours MakeGahannaYours.com
Monday, April 21 – Friday, April 25
FREE TREE GIVEAWAY
Gahanna City Hall, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (while supplies last) Gahanna.gov
Saturday, April 26
SHRED & E-RECYCLE EVENT
Gahanna City Hall, 9 a.m.-12p.m. Gahanna.gov
Thursday, May 1
GAHANNA MIND & WELLNESS FAIR - NEW!
Gahanna City Hall, 5-7 p.m. Gahanna.gov
Join us as we bring awareness to mental health and work to end the stigma surrounding it at this Open House-style event. Multiple mental health providers from the community will be on hand to discuss the resources that they offer and provide to both children and adults. All ages are welcome.
Saturday, May 3
Saturday, June 7
GAHANNA SETTLEMENT OPEN HOUSE
Gahanna Historical Settlement (101 S. High St.), 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Presented by the Gahanna Historical Society GahannaHistory.com
Saturday, May 3
HERB DAY
Creekside Plaza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Presented by Visit Gahanna VisitGahanna.com
Saturday, May 3
WALK IN OUR BOOTS 5K Veterans Memorial Park, 10 a.m. Presented by American Legion Post 797 GahannaVets.org
Monday, May 26
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Veterans Memorial Park, 1 p.m. Presented by VFW Tri-Community Post 4719 and American Legion Post 797 GahannaVets.org
COMING SOON
Wednesday, June 25
Wednesday, July 23
Wednesday, August 27
Wednesday, September 24
GAHANNA MARKET - NEW!
Experience the best of local flavor and community spirit at the Gahanna Market! Stroll through the Creekside Plaza and shop for fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious baked treats, and other unique goods from local vendors. Enjoy live music from the Rotary Stage (presented by Visit Gahanna), family-friendly activities, and the chance to connect with your neighbors while supporting local businesses. Come for the shopping, stay for the music, and explore Creekside with your friends and family!
