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dublinlife
CityScene Media Group
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Fall Farm Days
• Large selection of our home-grown pumpkins, gourds, and winter squash
• Fresh local apples and cider
• Indian corn, corn stalks, straw bales and more fall décor
• U-Pick pumpkins available (separate hours and location)
• Outdoor, fall fun for your family
• Huge selection of farm fresh jams, jellies, baking mixes and local honey from our market.
• Enjoy our bakery offering an assortment of fall baked goods, locally roasted coffee, and more.
7437 Hyland Croy Road • Plain City, OH 43064
614-873-5725 • www.jacqueminfarms.net
For hours, u-pick details and more visit our website and follow us on & mm
The market may shift with the seasons, but buying or selling a home is never one-size-fits-all. I love tailoring the process to fit you—whether your home sells quickly or takes a little longer, or whether you prefer texts or emails. Every client, every story, every home is different— and that’s what I love most about real estate. Whether you’re preparing to buy or sell now or next year, I’d love to help you plan your next move. From crafting the perfect offer to marketing your home creatively, I’ll make the process smooth and personal.
DUBLIN’S EVENTS BRING US
TOGETHER AND SET US APART
A
Message from Megan O’Callaghan, City Manager
I’m proud to share that Dublin has once again been named an IFEA World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association. This award honors cities that demonstrate exceptional leadership in event planning, strong public-private partnerships and vibrant cultural programming. It re ects our City's ongoing commitment to producing world-class events and fostering meaningful connections that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Dublin previously received this honor in 2012 and 2014. To be recognized again places us among a distinguished group of cities worldwide whose infrastructure, investments and cultural o erings contribute to an exceptional quality of life.
In Dublin, we know that great events don’t just happen.
Its exible green spaces, riverfront views and pedestrian pathways create an ideal setting for inclusive programming that re ects Dublin’s welcoming character.
Our broader amenities reinforce this sense of community: 18 hotels with more than 2,400 rooms and suites, two public outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art recreation center, a skate park, 150+ miles of shared-use paths and over 1,300 acres of parkland across 64 developed parks.
We are also home to premier cultural and recreational destinations. The Abbey Theater has been named Broadway World Columbus’ favorite local theater for three years running. Muir eld Village Golf Club remains the only venue in the world to have hosted the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup.
the heart of Downtown Dublin. It hosts events of all kinds, celebrating cultural traditions, seasonal experiences and community engagement.
This international honor builds on the momentum of national and local recognition. The Dublin Irish Festival was named the 2025 Readers’ Choice for Best Cultural Festival in America by Best Suburban Festival by CityScene magazine in its 2024 “Best of the ‘Bus” awards.
All these honors are shared accomplishments. They re ect the continued investment of City Council and the dedication of our sta , partners, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who make Dublin’s events a source of pride year after year.
Thank you for helping make Dublin a global city of choice and a community worth celebrating.
Sincerely,
Megan O’Callaghan Dublin City Manager
N OR T H M AR K E T BR I D G E P AR K
N O VE M BER 7T H
PRESENTED BY
CommunityCalendar
OctoberNovember
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH NOV. 19
Food Truck Wednesdays
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Park 5200 Emerald Pkwy. www.dublinohiousa.gov
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH DEC. 17
Trivia at North High 6-8 p.m.
North High Brewing 56 N. High St. www.northhighbrewing.com
THURS.-SUN. THROUGH OCT. 5
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd. www.columbuszoo.org
SUN., OCT. 5
Sundays at Scioto 5-7 p.m.
Scioto Park
7377 Riverside Dr. www.dublinarts.org
THURS., OCT. 9, 23
Night Market at North Market Bridge Park 6-9 p.m.
North Market Bridge Park 6750 Longshore St. www.northmarket.org
FRI.-SUN., OCT. 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
Boo at the Zoo
Friday, 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd. www.columbuszoo.org
FRI.-SAT., OCT. 11-12
Fall Festival at Oakland Nursery 12-4 p.m.
Oakland Nursery 4261 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. www.oaklandnursery.com
SAT., OCT. 11
Ohio Moon Festival 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Riverside Crossing Park 6625 Riverside Dr. www.moon-festival.org
THURS.-FRI., OCT. 16-17
Halloween Spooktacular
Thurs.: 4-8 p.m. Fri.: 1-5 p.m. Coffman Park 5200 Emerald Pkwy. www.dublinohiousa.gov
WED., OCT. 22
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park 5-10 p.m.
Bridge Park 6741 Longshore St. www.bridgepark.com
Boo at the Zoo
Boo & Brew at Bridge Park
Ohio Moon Festival
FRI.-SAT., OCT. 24-25
ZipZone Goosebumps & Ghouls Night Flight
7-10 p.m.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures 7925 N. High St. www.zipzonetours.com
THURS., OCT. 30
Trick or Treat in Dublin
6-8 p.m. www.dublinohiousa.gov
FRI.-SUN., NOV. 7-9, 14-16
The Witch of November presented by Abbey Theater of Dublin
Fri.-Sat.: 7 p.m.
Sundays: 2 p.m.
Abbey Theater of Dublin 5600 Post Rd. www.dublinohiousa.gov
SAT., NOV. 8
Harvest Market at Bridge Park 9 a.m.-noon
Bridge Park 6741 Longshore St. www.thedublinmarket.com
TUES., NOV. 11
Veterans Day Ceremony
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dublin Veterans Park 77 N. High St. www.dublinohiousa.gov
TUES., NOV. 18
Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd. www.columbuszoo.org
FRI.-SUN., NOV. 21-23
Frozen Jr. presented by Abbey Theater of Dublin Fri.: 7 p.m. Sat.: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Sun.: 1 and 4 p.m.
Abbey Theater of Dublin 5600 Post Rd. www.dublinohiousa.gov
NOV. 21- JAN. 4
Wildlights Sun.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd. www.columbuszoo.org
THURS., NOV. 27
Flying Feather Four Miler 9-11 a.m.
The Club at Corazon 7155 Corazon Dr. www.theflyingfeather.com
Veterans Day Ceremony
by Ellison Price
Connecting Curiosity and Community Impact
How Dublin’s civic academies are building engaged community leaders
“Residents are a part of government. They are the government. It’s their democracy, and it doesn’t work without citizen engagement.”
In Dublin, education doesn’t stop in the classroom. As Christine Nardecchia, director of Outreach & Engagement, notes, the City values lifelong learning and hands-on experience that’s rooted in community.
This is shown through civic academies such as McDaniel Citizen U, Citizen U Jumpstart, the Citizens’ Police Academy and the Washington Township Citizens Fire Academy. These programs give residents a closer look at how local government and public safety efforts work and are designed to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the services they rely on daily, building connections and encouraging active civic involvement.
The
power of participation
For nearly four decades, Chitra Goyal has found meaningful ways to connect with her community. One of the original volunteers at the Dublin Irish Festival, she’s been a familiar face at City events ever since.
“Volunteering has always felt like a way to make a real difference and connect with people who care deeply about Dublin,” she says.
Her journey took a deeper turn after her husband participated in the City’s Citizens’ Police Academy and encouraged her to join. Inspired by his experience, Goyal enrolled in the 12-week program, which offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement.
From patrol procedures to criminal investigations and crime scene processing, she gained firsthand insight into the complexity and risks officers navigate every day.
Photos courtesy of City of Dublin
Chitra Goyal (front row, second from left) has found meaningful ways to connect with her community through the Citizens’ Police Academy, volunteerism and serving on the Chief’s Advisory Committee.
“It’s an eye-opening experience that reveals the dedication behind keeping Dublin safe,” she says.
The experience further strengthened Goyal’s commitment to public service and led her to a new role. Now serving on the Chief’s Advisory Committee, she continues engaging with local leaders and supporting initiatives shaping the city.
Lieutenant Jake Stoll, who oversees the Citizens’ Police Academy, says the program was launched in 2012 to “engage the police with the community members and allow them to get an insight as to what we do on a day-to-day basis.”
The immersive format gives residents a practical understanding beyond traditional lectures or media portrayals.
Another civic program, the Washington Township Citizens Fire Academy, also offers residents a closer look at the people and services behind public safety. The academy invites participants to experience the dedicated service of firefighters/paramedics up close, from climbing ladders to practicing rescue techniques, showcasing the skill, coordination and teamwork involved in emergency response.
Another resident who has taken part in one of Dublin’s civic academies is Aakriti Chhabra. A participant in the 2023 Citizen U Jumpstart program for teens, Chhabra arrived with little knowledge of how city government operates.
Over the course of the week, she met City staff members from all departments, toured facilities and explored departments, including finance, engineering, police, and parks and recreation. Chhabra also learned about public service careers and how City decisions impact daily life, noting how the fast-paced format gave her a clearer picture of the City’s responsibilities.
“Before the program, I never really thought about how a city functions,” Chhabra says. “Now I understand the work behind the scenes and feel proud to be part of this community.”
Citizen U Jumpstart transformed her curiosity into confidence and motivation to stay engaged with Dublin’s civic life. For Chhabra, the Jumpstart experience was educational and a personal invitation to contribute to the City’s future.
McDaniel Citizen U, the version of Jumpstart for adults, offers a more immersive experience over nine weeks that starts
with learning about Dublin’s council-manager form of government and financial structure. It provides an immersive journey that shows how the City aims to deliver exceptional services and create a community full of opportunity and choice.
Nardecchia, who leads both Citizen U programs, says the programs follow best practices nationwide and are designed to encourage ongoing engagement.
“Participants get to see their democracy at work and in action and walk away knowing the why behind the what,” Nardecchia says.
Both Nardecchia and Stoll agree that these citizen learning programs are building a network of informed residents who can advocate for and provide meaningful feedback on public safety and local government.
A lasting impact
For graduates, the experience doesn’t end with the last class. In 2025, the City launched All Academy Graduate Gatherings, which are informal networking events that bring alumni from Citizen U, Citizen U Jumpstart, the Citizens’ Police Academy and the Washington Township Citizens Fire Academy together to keep learning and stay connected.
Goyal, who has attended the gatherings, reflects on the ongoing value of these events.
“The gatherings are a great way to connect with other alumni, share experiences and continue learning,” she says. “Every time I attend, I leave with new insights from listening to others’ experiences.”
Dublin’s civic academies have proven to be powerful tools for building trust, transparency and confidence in local leadership. Nardecchia highlights how these programs break down barriers and inspire residents to see themselves as active partners in community life, connecting them with people, places and processes.
“When residents meet the passionate public servants who have chosen their careers of service, learn how their city works and see democracy in action, they become champions for the community,” Nardec-
chia says. “These programs don’t just teach; they enable residents to understand how they ultimately can shape Dublin’s future with confidence and care.”
Learning opportunities take place throughout the year, offering residents multiple ways to get involved. While signups for 2025 have closed, residents are encouraged to watch for announcements about the 2026 sessions and consider joining to deepen their understanding and connection to Dublin.
For more information on upcoming academies and how to get involved, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or connect with the City’s Outreach & Engagement team.
Ellison Price is an intern with the City of Dublin’s Communications & Marketing team. Feedback is welcome at cpi@dublin.oh.us.
dublin faces
by Korrigan Craddock
Undercover Insights
Retired FBI agent dedicates time to sharing his knowledge
Originally from Alliance, Harry Trombitas never planned on becoming an FBI agent.
Over the course of almost 30 years with the FBI, Harry has been dedicated
Fun Fact
Harry was a walk-on basketball player during his freshman and sophomore years at OSU. His high school basketball coach sent a letter to the head coach at the time, asking if Harry could be a walk-on player.
to sharing his experience and knowledge with the world. He has done everything from lecture classes at The Ohio State University and writing books to helping as a security consultant.
Trail to the FBI
Harry started college at OSU as a pre-med student, but decided to switch after discovering his passion for criminal justice while working a security position with the campus police department. In 1978, he graduated from OSU with a degree in criminal justice.
After graduation, he moved to Evanston, Illinois, where he served as a police officer assigned to the Northwestern University campus for two years.
Harry then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he was the supervisor and then the director of public safety at Creighton University. While there, he earned his master’s degree in counseling and psychology in 1982.
It was while working in the public safety office when Harry was introduced to the idea of joining the FBI.
“I kept seeing these guys come into the public safety office wearing suits,” says Harry. “I struck up a relationship with them and they said they were with the FBI. They said, ‘Have you ever thought about being an FBI agent?’”
Until then, he thought only attorneys or accountants could join. Inspired by the agents, he applied and passed the test, then headed to Quantico for training in 1983.
Case by case
Harry was a special agent with the FBI, where most of his career was in the violent crimes squad. He would investigate cases from serial murder and kidnapping to bank robberies and fugitives.
He began his FBI career in Omaha, where his first case was a serial murder. After that he transferred to St. Louis followed by New York City before settling in Columbus in 1991.
During his career he would work undercover and work on some high-profile cases such as organized crime.
When asked what was the main motivator that kept him going every day, Harry says it was helping the victims.
Photos courtesy of Ray LaVoie and Harry Trombitas
“They count on law enforcement to be there, to bring answers to them and to hold the bad guys accountable, something that they can’t do themselves,” says Harry. “There’s that real trust between them, the victims and their families, and law enforcement, which I always truly value. And I hope, to this day, that every victim and every family believes that we gave it our best effort and that we did our job.”
He still remains connected to some of the families he has come across during his career via Christmas cards and occasional messages.
Inside the case
Harry’s wife, Barb, encouraged him to turn his knowledge and experiences into a book.
“It felt irresponsible to me for him to take everything he knew home and not do anything with it,” says Barb. “I really pushed him because I just felt even if only our children read it, and potentially our grandchildren at some point, at least there would be a record of all that he knew.”
Harry spent four years writing, creating a manuscript filled with 269,000 words. After speaking with publishers, he decided to break it into a four-book series called The Dark Places Series: My Life as an FBI Special Agent.
His books take a different approach than many true-crime stories, as they focus more on the behind-the-scenes work.
“I hope that when people read the books that they understand what went into the investigation,” says Harry. “What it was like to actually work the
Trisha DeLong, CISR
Andrew DeLong, SCLA, AINS, AIC
Harry and Barb with their son, and his wife, Katy, and their two grandchildren, Will and Tyson, on a recent vacation (not pictured the Trombitas’ daughter, Kristen)
Beyond the Badge
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED PUBLIC ART TOUR
While at OSU, Harry met Barb at the Baker Hall cafeteria. The two are celebrating 46 years of marriage this year.
Harry and Barb have lived in Dublin since he transferred to the Columbus division and it is where they raised their two children, Matt and Kristen.
Harry and Barb are also proud grandparents to two children.
case, day to day. The interaction with the investigators, the interaction with the families and the victims.”
Along with his books, Harry hosts a podcast called “Off the Record: An FBI Agent’s Perspective.”
Past the Bureau
After retiring from the FBI in 2012, Harry worked for OhioHealth as the system vice president of security operations before stepping into the world of security consulting where he worked with banks and other organizations.
“Because of his experience, he thinks very differently than you and I do. When he walks into a space, he looks at what’s safe,” says Barb. “He is always watching or thinking about someone he sees, somebody who does a particular action, how they move, what they’re doing. (Things) that I would never notice.”
Harry continues to serve on the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee, a role he was appointed to by former Ohio Governor Bob Taft in 2002.
Harry volunteers at his church, Northwest Presbyterian Church, as head of security.
Harry has also been a security consultant at Ability Matters, where Barb works. With his background, Barb says he was able to help ensure a safe environment for both clients and staff.
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
by Carlos Roa
by Marshall Shorts
by Megan Brokamp
Event Economics
Dublin Irish Festival and the Memorial Tournament local fiscal impacts
Ask a non-resident what makes them think of Dublin, and the answer is likely to be the Memorial Tournament or the Dublin Irish Festival. The two events bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and although they might be flocking to the city for golf and Guinness, the impact is felt by businesses throughout the town.
Dublin Irish Festival
Since its 1988 origins, the Dublin Irish Festival has been a summer staple, and not just for residents. According to the 2023 Dublin Irish Festival Economic Impact Study, a study conducted by the City of Dublin every five years, there were 48,750 unique attendees at the festival, with 51 percent of festival attendees residing beyond the Greater Columbus Area.
The festival’s draw extends well beyond the event grounds. In 2023, the Dublin Irish Festival generated $5.98 million in spending from non-local visitors. Of that, $1.65 million went toward accommodations.
“It’s great because the hotels get a huge uptick over that weekend because we’re bringing people in from all over the country, but also then all over the world,” City of Dublin Events Director Alison LeRoy says.
The Dublin Irish Festival is powered inpart by the city’s hotel/motel tax, which comes from visitors who stay overnight in local ho-
Bed Tax and Beyond
The money from the hotel/motel taxes doesn’t just go toward the Irish Festival; it also supports events such as the Independence Day Celebration and community grants. Some of Dublin’s famous public art displays have even been funded through the revenue from Dublin’s expansive lodging options.
Non-local visitors also spent $1.54 mil lion at local businesses outside the festival grounds, including restaurants, grocery stores and regional attractions. When visitors stay in Dublin for the festival, they also experience the city itself, spending time and money at shops, dining spots and other destinations.
This tourism surge during the first weekend of August not only boosts the econo-
the event, they would return to this region for a vacation.
For Dublin Irish Festival veterans, the weekend is a time to admire the evolution of Dublin each year.
“Some of the people who’ve been coming for years talk about the change in downtown Dublin, and they see everything,” LeRoy says. “They may not come back every year, but they may come back every five years or (so), and they see the big difference in the city and get out and enjoy it.”
Photos courtesy of Dublin Irish Festival and the Memorial Tournament
Memorial Tournament
The Memorial Tournament was established in 1976 as a world-class PGA TOUR event and it also gives back to its community. As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, the tournament has only grown in its impact and prestige.
Like the Dublin Irish Festival, the Memorial Tournament draws thousands of visitors to Dublin each year, creating a significant boost for local restaurants, shops and other businesses.
“(With all) the thriving restaurants we have across the city, there is no way as residents that we would enjoy all those restaurants, if it wasn’t for visitors,” President and CEO of Visit Dublin Scott Dring says.
The tournament’s economic impact extends well beyond hotels and restaurants, as visitors spend money throughout the community, from grocery stores and shops to gas stations, creating a broad boost across Dublin’s economy.
The Tournament’s impact extends well beyond the fans who visit in person. For an entire week, Dublin is broadcast on a global stage, with millions of viewers tuning in.
CBS, the Golf Channel and other national outlets cover the tournament on-site, often staying in the city for more than a week. While their focus is on the competition, various parts of the city appear in drone shots
and broadcast footage, showcasing the community to audiences worldwide.
“It’s a couple hundred countries in terms of the visibility of media that we’re on across the world during that week, and (there are) thousands of hours of worldwide TV coverage,” Dring says. “We are literally on the world stage, so we absolutely want to put our best foot forward.”
Tournament directors, local business owners and countless other organizations prepare several months in advance to ensure they are prepared for tournament week.
“These events bring us attention from around the world,” City of Dublin Director of Economic Development Jeremiah Gracia says. “To hear Jim Nantz say ‘Welcome to the Memorial Tournament here in Dublin, Ohio’ is priceless.”
When visitors come for tournament week, they subsequently become ambassadors for Dublin, Dring explains. When they leave the tournament, they will go on to tell friends and family about their experience, and the Dublin community works to ensure it is a special one. From welcome banners to specialized menus to increased inventory, Dublin works to ensure visitors not only feel welcome but also are eager to come back.
Beyond attracting tourists, the tournament gives Dublin a chance to grow through new business opportunities.
Winner, Winner!
This year, Dublin was honored with the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, presented by the International Festivals & Events Association. The award recognizes cities around the globe that excel at hosting and supporting festivals and events while leveraging them for cultural, social and economic growth.
For Dublin, the recognition reflects the success of key events such as the Dublin Irish Festival and the Memorial Tournament, which not only draw thousands of visitors but also showcase the city’s commitment to using events as a tool for tourism, economic development and community pride.
“If you’re looking for someplace to start your business, you’re going to visit that city for the first time as a visitor,” Dring says. “So, it absolutely opens the door for us from an economic development standpoint.”
Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.
We Understand ATHLETES
Both Division I college soccer players, Andre and Ashton know how important it is to partner with a sports medicine team that understands what it means to be an athlete, and more importantly, a soccer player. Both grew up playing in central Ohio and dreamed of putting on the scarlet and gray. Throughout their careers, they’ve trusted Orthopedic One to help them return to the pitch following injuries or setbacks.
Ashton Bilow (L)
Andre Roberts (R) Division I College Athletes
Athletes proudly paid for their testimonials
Corey T. Beals, MD Sports Medicine
Alex C. DiBartola, MD Hip & Knee Reconstruction
Interactivity Meets Instruction
Prepping professionals at Dublin’s Emerald Campus
By Avery Gillis
courtesy of Jennifer Hinderer
When you walk across the stage and receive your high school diploma, there’s a rush of accomplishment mixed with feelings of concern for what everyone calls the real world.
Dublin City Schools’ Emerald Campus works to helps students feel excited and prepared to make that transition post-graduation.
With a range of pathways to choose from, the Emerald Campus provides unique curricula that prepare students for work or further study no matter where their interests lie.
Stepping stones
The Dublin Emerald Campus was established in 2018 with the goal of fostering both a sense of community between high schools as well as invaluable professional skills to help high school students develop into independent adults.
The most unique opportunities lie within the more than 10 academies, including everything from aviation to hospitality to biomed. The academies are open to all Dublin City Schools students with courses offered in two-period blocks that are tailored to each student’s needs.
“Whether you’re in engineering or in aviation, or IT and cybersecurity, you’re learning job skills. You’re learning what it takes to actually be working in (these fields) ...This is knowledge that kids need to have,” says Coordinator of Pathways Jennifer Hinderer.
Choosing a potential pathway comes down to factors such as personal interest and career aptitude. When it comes time for students to decide if they will pursue a pathway, they are well-prepped to seamlessly integrate traditional schooling with the more specific academies at the Emerald Campus.
“Every school does (a) visit when they are sophomores... Those conversations are
happening so that when the time comes to decide, they’ve had the exposure, and they’ve had the conversations about what their strengths are and where they want to go,” says Hinderer.
Hands-on learning
The thing that sets the Emerald Campus apart is the emphasis on hands-on professional experience. Students leave behind the constraints of desks and exams to gain real-world experience in professional settings that they can apply to their longterm career goals.
“We try to bring that real world learning into everything. Our aviation students spend two days a week out at OSU Airport... Eighteen of our students who graduated from our Dublin Teacher Academy actually worked over the summer as para-pros in our extended school year,” says Hinderer. “We have our Young Professionals Academy... they actually go into the workplace for six weeks at a time and they have internships and job placements.”
One of the most interesting experiences is the Dublin Business Academy (DBA) where juniors and seniors learn the ins and outs of running a business.
The DBA doesn’t lecture students on the skills they will need; it puts those skills into practice in their student-run small
business. The business focuses on designing, producing and marketing school spirit wear for their respective high schools.
“Kids are assigned a schedule... for these weeks you’re doing production. For these weeks, you are fulfilling orders and doing the accounting side. For these few weeks, you’re doing the marketing and the advertising. They have different times, and they rotate so they’re learning all the different pieces of it as they go,” says Hinderer.
By offering hands-on learning, the Emerald Campus helps them to further realize their goals and build the skills that will distinguish them in a professional setting while also helping them grow as people.
Avery Gillis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
Photos
ALL THINGS DUBLIN AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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your number. Then choose the types of updates you want to receive — from public safety and tra c impacts to volunteer opportunities and community events. And don’t forget to save us to your contacts.
History Hub
Dublin History Museum celebrates its first year of operation
By Ella Jay
One year ago, the Dublin Historical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of its museum in Historic Dublin, marking a major milestone and fulfilling a dream decades-in-the-making.
Now, with a permanent space to display its collections and share the city’s rich history, the Dublin History Museum is not only preserving the past, but
reshaping how Dublin is experienced today – acting as hub for community engagement, volunteer collaboration, storytelling and connection.
Finding a home for history
“(The Society) has always had aspirations for a brick-and-mortar facility,” says Mike Jewell, current president of the Dublin Historical Society. “There were a lot of people that wanted this to happen.”
The Many Lives of 35 S. High St.
The house which now holds the Dublin History Museum was built in 1880 by George Butler.
Since then, it has been home to the Hansbrough family (1880 to roughly 1900), Bonham family (1900-1943), Benigna Leppert (1943-1952) and the Eger family (19521991).
Throughout the years, it has also served as a barbershop, medical office, milkshake dairy, art gallery, yarn store and gift shop. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
For decades prior, the Society housed its collections in and operated out of multiple temporary locations, including but not limited to: the Fletcher Coffman Homestead and Davis Log Cabin; the Dublin Community Church, library and justice center; and the old city hall.
When the property located at 35 S. High St. in Historic Dublin – otherwise known as the historic J.G. Butler house – hit the market shortly before the Society’s 50th anniversary, the Society seized its opportunity.
With help from the community – including a bed-tax grant from the City of Dublin and substantial sponsorships from Crawford Hoying and Performance Columbus –the Society signed a lease for the property on March 1, 2023.
A labor of love
Acquiring the J.G. Butler house was only the beginning – what truly brought the Dublin History Museum to life was generous donations and hundreds of hours of volunteer work.
Photos courtesy of Dublin Historical Society and Ella Jay
By the Numbers
“We had a huge meeting before our opening and said, ‘If anyone wants to help us open this museum, come help us,’” says Katie Cook, vice president and secretary of the Society. “We listed a bunch of different skills that we could use.”
From there, a group of about 40 volunteers – ranging in age from 15 up to 90 – was assembled and organized into committees, each led by a Leadership Dublin guide. Volunteers were kept on track by Society Trustee John Leppert’s extensive punch list.
Given the house’s historic status, as little as possible was changed.
“We kept everything as original as we could,” says Leppert. “The floors, the staircase, the plaster walls, the molding, baseboards and door frames… are all original. The only thing we did was (remove) the kitchen and (refurbish) the bathrooms.”
Research and design efforts were driven by Julie Duffy, Gina Kantner, Senior Historian/Past President Tom Holton and his wife, Gayle Holton, while fabrication and renovation efforts were spearheaded by Jewell, Leppert, Cook, Jim Early, Kari Parsons and Linda Zack. The group also received material donations from Home Depot, Lowes and several other organizations.
“We did (all) that without hiring a company because we had so many talented people,” says Cook.
At the end of the journey, which was completed in just seven months, the only out-of-pocket expense was new carpeting.
“People came to help whenever they had time. You could stop over here, and almost every day, somebody was in here,” says Jewell. “It was truly a labor of love.”
The Museum celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 19, 2024, just one day after its 50th anniversary, with a heartfelt ribbon cutting ceremony featuring former Society presidents and founding Society members, celebrated by the Dublin Cornet Band and a painting of the Museum commissioned by the Dublin Arts Council.
More than a museum
Walking into the Dublin History Museum today, visitors are greeted with exhibits that range from timelines tracing Dublin’s transformation from a small quarry town to a thriving city, to unique artifacts such as a paper wedding dress from the 1940s.
“We wanted a museum here that reflected Dublin, and not just a collection of stuff,” says Gayle. “We wanted it to be presented in a way (so) that people can really see what’s there rather than having to dig.”
From the rotating notable people exhibit to the sports display, each room tells its own
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story, and together they create a space where the past feels both preserved and alive.
Not only has the Museum permitted the Society to create this unique learning center, it has also allowed it to expand its reach to both its partners and the public alike. The space has also quickly transformed into a place where the community can gather – offering many more meaningful benefits than the Society could have imagined.
Since opening, the Museum has been utilized for field trips and school curriculum, summer camps, family and school reunions, and serves as a meeting space for several other nonprofit organizations as well as a training hub for multiple volunteer groups.
“(Our first year in operation) has been highly successful, without a doubt,” says Clayton Rose III, Society treasurer and trustee. “We’re learning as we go, and… there’s no doubt there’s momentum. Now, it’s just keeping it going.”
Dublin’s story continues
While the first year of the Dublin History Museum was dedicated to establishing a home, the next will be about imagining what else is possible within it.
The Historical Society will continue to put on its usual programming such as the Historic Dublin Walking Tours, Christmas at Coffman Homestead (including Visit Santa at the Museum this year) and its Second Sunday Speaker Series, and the group is also looking forward to additional opportunities.
One of those includes a new exhibit dedicated to the history of the Memorial Tournament, planned to coincide with the tournament’s 50th anniversary next year. The Society is also working closely with America 250 in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary next July.
The Society also hopes to become more involved with Historic Dublin events, Dublin City Schools curricula, upcoming city anniversaries and additional Dublin nonprofits and corporations.
Most importantly, the Society looks forward to incorporating more recent traditions into the Museum alongside its current displays – including in video form – to continue telling the story of Dublin.
“Our mission is to collect and tell those stories before they’re totally lost,” says Tom. “That’s the unique role we’re playing in the community that nobody else is doing.”
For more information about the Dublin Historical Society, its programming and the Dublin History Museum, visit www. dublinohiohistory.org.
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
by Jane Dimel
Fun for Forty Years
Commemorating the history of the Dublin Prince of Peace church
Over the past 40 years, the Dublin Prince of Peace has grown with the City of Dublin, undergoing renovations and expansions to include new spaces, initiatives and members.
As it reflects on this milestone, the Prince of Peace celebrates different developments to come in this pivotal year.
Beginnings and initiatives
The Prince of Peace established its roots in the Dublin community long before the groundbreaking on Brand Road.
Megan Orr, a member of the Prince of Peace for more than 30 years and an anniversary committee member for the church, had recently moved to Dublin at the time the church was starting.
“I remember I had a young baby, and this guy rang the doorbell, and it was Pastor Roger Ganzel, who was getting ready to start this church,” Orr says.
As the programming and interest were growing, the church learned to utilize spaces beyond its walls. Sunday school was offered
Milestones To Know
1981: A plot of five acres was purchased by the Lutheran Church in America on Brand Road.
1984: Pastor Roger Ganzel arrived in Dublin to develop the new congregation and became the first pastor of the church. The first service was held at Dublin High School (now Dublin Coffman) on Dec. 4.
1985: Groundbreaking started on 5475 Brand Rd.
1986: The space was dedicated by Bishop Kenneth Sauer on April 14.
1996-1997: The west educational wing and current sanctuary were added to the original building.
2004-2005: The fellowship hall, upstairs music rooms, chapel and more were added.
at Bailey Elementary, adult bible study was hosted at the firehouse and over the summer, vacation bible school was housed at the Homestead Metro Park in Hilliard.
The Prince of Peace has foregrounded traditional liturgical services, as well as educating others of all ages about the faith, from early education to the youth and high school programs to adult studies and senior ministries.
The congregation offers many ways to get involved, from assisting with services and volunteering in the POPS Café to providing rides for seniors and supporting online service streaming.
“We are having more and more programs and things for our older congregation, which we didn’t have (when I joined) in 2000. So that’s something that is changing things. We have to take care of everybody,” Communications Coordinator Jocelyn Alford says.
The church has continued to develop its in-house early education facility, the Little Shepherds Learning Center, since it was
established under Director Sue Miller in 2001. Little Shepherds caters to kids ages 2 to 5 and focuses on building foundational skills for their education.
“We just take them from wherever they’re at. Because of our small class sizes, we’re really able to cater learning lesson plans for each child. And I don’t know if you’d be able to get that in larger learning environments,” says Alice Lawler, a coordinator for Little Shepherds.
Photos courtesy of Dublin Prince of Peace
Packing school kits for Lutheran World Relief
Connections
The Prince of Peace has built partnerships locally and globally to make a widespread impact.
“What’s driven our motivation has been the people (who) have brought organizations, connections and relationships to us, and it’s mostly people (who) have been in the congregation with a focus outside the walls,” says nearly 30-year church member Jim Hoyt.
One member, who is a physical therapist, started Help Your Neighbor to help cover the cost of medical appointments not covered by insurance. A retired executive from a large automotive company started the nonprofit Rides for Refugees to help refugees obtain access to driver training and buy a car.
These and other connections bring the current and relevant to the forefront of Church initiatives.
Anniversary celebration
To celebrate four decades of community and growth, the congregation has hosted a yearlong list of celebrations to recognize different aspects of the church’s history and future.
From last year’s Thanksgiving potluck honoring the church’s charter members to this year’s 40 days of Lenten Testimonials, anniversary concert and baptism, wedding and confirmation remembrances, and more, the congregation has found countless ways to celebrate.
To close out this year, the congregation will also be hosting a chili cookoff and talent show in October as well as an anniversary gala in November.
Throughout the celebration, the Prince of Peace is raising money for multiple charities. One fundraising focus is four spotlighted mission partnerships – two local organizations, the Dublin Food Pantry and One Dublin, and two global organizations, Lutheran World Relief and the Grain of Rice Project. The congregation is also looking to install a three-story bell tower to commemorate the special connection between the church and music.
“Bells have historically been thought of as a connection to churches for all ages, and that idea of being called to worship with bell tolls. So, we thought as part of both the in-reach and outreach of celebrating 40 years, it would be a cool thing to build a bell tower,” says Jeremy Bankson, the director of music and worship for the church.
Jane Dimel is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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by Raygan Barrett
Art, Activism and Community
Alejandro “Mono” González Comes to Dublin Arts Council
This fall, Dublin Arts Council welcomes an artist whose work has shaped the visual and cultural landscapes of Latin America and beyond.
From Sept. 13-Oct. 30, Dublin Arts Council will host an exhibition of prints by Chilean artist, Alejandro “Mono” González, one of the most important Latin American muralists working in public art today. He is known for vibrant murals that merge aesthetics with social purpose and he brings with him not only decades of experience but a deep commitment to mentorship and community engagement. He reminds viewers that art is not only for galleries but for public spaces where everyday people gather. González’s bold, colorful and profoundly human artwork is inspired by working-class life, cultural heritage and political struggle.
Art
and activism
Born in 1947 in Curicó, Chile, González grew up in a working-class family. His artistic education began at Santiago’s Experimental Artistic School, where he trained under Fernando Marcos and Osvaldo Reyes. His formative years coincided with a moment of great political and cultural ferment in Chile, and González soon became a founding member of the Ramona Parra Brigade, a collective of artists whose large-scale murals became symbols of solidarity with Salvador Allende’s Unidad Popular government.
After Chile’s 1973 coup, González’s career took on new urgency and risk. Murals became acts of resistance, often painted under semi-clandestine conditions.
To support himself, he also pursued theater set design, most notably with the Teatro Municipal de Santiago, and later contributed to Chilean cinema and television. His credits include set work for celebrated films such as La Frontera, Machuca and La danza de la realidad.
Community involvement
González will be in residence with Dublin Arts Council from Oct. 9-18, engaging the community through art-making opportunities, educational programs and collaborative projects.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Dublin Arts Council partners with the Dublin Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library to host a panel discussion featuring González alongside prominent voices in Latinx art and scholarship.
Panelists include Dr. Paloma MartinezCruz, Professor of Latinx and Latin American Cultural Studies at The Ohio State University; Dr. Fernanda Díaz-Basteris, Assistant Professor of Latinx New Media and Ethnic Studies at OSU; and Carlos Roa, a multidisciplinary artist working in central Ohio. Moderated in conversation with central Ohio-based artist Adam Hernandez, the panel will explore the intersec-
Photos courtesy of Adam Hernandez, Elliot González, Alejandro González
Alejandro “Mono” González’s exhibition and residency at Dublin Arts Council is made possible through partnerships with the City of Dublin, Dublin City Schools, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, The Ohio State University and community collaborators. Together, these programs invite audiences to consider the transformative power of art in public life.
JUNCOS (Reeds)
tion of art, community engagement and Latinx voices in public spaces.
In addition, González will collaborate with Hernandez on a mural project from Oct. 12–16, fostering an exchange between a local artistic leader and an international master. The project includes a unique partnership with art students from Dublin City Schools.
The mural will be created on a cube structure at Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin’s Bridge Park district. In keeping with González’s mindset of collective art-making, the cube will invite participation from the community.
Legacy and mentorship
González is not only a prolific creator but also a dedicated teacher. He has taught muralism and urban art both in Chile and internationally, influencing generations of artists who see public art as a vehicle for change.
In 2011, he won the prestigious Altazor Award for 27 febrero, an illustrated book inspired by Chile’s 2010 earthquake. Since 2015, he has run Taller del Mono, a gallery and printmaking workshop in Santiago, alongside his son Sebastián.
His presence in Dublin highlights the Dublin Arts Council’s commitment to connecting local audiences with global voices. By inviting González into dialogue with central Ohio’s Latinx community, students and the broader public, the residency captures how art can foster cross-cultural exchange.
Why it matters
Public art helps us see the world anew and connects us with the environment around us. For González, it is a medium that belongs to everyone. His work challenges hierarchies of art and insists that beauty, protest and storytelling should live in shared spaces.
“Mono’s residency is an invitation to both reflect on and envision Dublin’s evolving cultural landscape. His creative process is fueled by community participation. It is a conversation that unfolds through curiosity, play and exchange,” says Ava Truman Morgan, Ph.D., Director of Public Practice at Dublin Arts Council.
Raygan Barrett is the Director of Design & Marketing at Dublin Arts Council.
Prints by Alejandro “Mono” González
On view: Sept. 13-Oct. 30, 2025
Dublin Arts Council, 7125 Riverside Dr.
Mural Collaboration: Oct. 12-16
River Crossing Park at Bridge Park
Panel Discussion: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dublin Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Local Artist Adam Hernandez
Adam Hernandez is a professional artist, muralist and designer with more than 13 years of experience creating public art, working through commercial partnerships and exhibiting in the gallery setting. Named Best Artist in Columbus, Ohio in 2024, 2023 and 2019, Hernandez has been featured in mural festivals worldwide and published in multiple works. He is a passionate advocate for the Latin artist voice. For more information about Hernandez and his work visit ahernandezart.com
LA FRUTERA DEL TIEMPO (The Fruit Bowl Of Time)
by Dr. John Marschhausen
Embracing the Journey Together
A letter from your superintendent
As I begin my fifth school year as Superintendent of Dublin City Schools, I find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come – and how much we have to look forward to.
When I accepted this role in May 2021, I challenged our students, staff and community to align around a shared purpose: moving in the same direction, toward the same goals. Together, we built a culture of connection and a strategic vision through our Journey 2030 plan. Each year, we’ve taken intentional steps forward, and this year’s theme, Embrace the Journey, captures both the spirit of our progress and the excitement of what lies ahead.
Milestones achieved
One of the most visible milestones we celebrate this fall is the opening of Bishop Elementary. This new school, along with an expanded preschool and critical facility upgrades across the district, was made possible by the passage of Issue 12 – a 7.9 mill levy and $145 million bond issue approved by our community in November 2023. Your support has provided not only new
spaces for our youngest learners but also investments in safety, wellness and extracurricular opportunities for every student.
These improvements are more than bricks and mortar; they represent our community’s commitment to ensuring Dublin City Schools remain one of the best places to learn and grow.
Our enrollment continues to surpass projections, a testament to the strength of our schools and the appeal of our community. Families choose Dublin because they know their children will be challenged, supported and prepared for success.
Tackling big challenges
We are also embracing some of the most complex challenges in our district’s recent history. Last year, we successfully completed elementary and middle school redistricting – an effort that required collaboration, transparency and trust. This year, we have turned our attention to high school redistricting, something Dublin has not faced since 2006.
High school boundaries are deeply personal, and we recognize that redistricting
can stir strong emotions. Yet, it is also an opportunity. As we grow, we must balance enrollment, provide equitable opportunities and maintain the excellence for which our schools are known.
Already, I have been encouraged by the engagement of our families, the thoughtfulness of our Board of Education and the expertise of our partners. These conversations are not easy, but they are essential as we prepare our students for the future.
Alongside redistricting, we are also navigating the implementation of all-day kindergarten. This step represents an investment in our youngest learners, providing more time for academic growth, social development and discovery. We know early education sets the stage for lifelong success, and we are committed to ensuring every child has the best possible start.
Finally, we continue to advance our Responsible Staffing Plan. This approach helps us maximize talent, extend levy cycles and explore new revenue opportunities while maintaining the high-quality staff who make Dublin City Schools extraordinary. It is a del -
Photos courtesy of Dublin City Schools
Dr. John Marschhausen
Suzie Feasel, daughter of Deane Brown Bishop, cuts the ribbon at the August 11 dedication of Deane Brown Bishop Elementary, joined by Bishop students and Principal Lucas Bauer.
icate balance, but one we are managing with foresight and responsibility.
Advocacy and leadership
Our work extends well beyond the walls of our schools. I am honored to serve on the Governor’s Property Tax Reform Group, where I meet regularly with state leaders and lobbyists to advocate for public education.
These conversations matter because decisions made by legislators directly affect our classrooms. My goal is to ensure Dublin City Schools has the resources and flexibility to serve every child well.
But advocacy is not just about speaking to policymakers; it’s also about engaging our community right here at home. In Dublin, we’ve made it a priority to tell our story in new and meaningful ways. Through our district’s podcasts, we invite parents and residents into conversations with educators and experts about the issues that matter most to families.
My Leading Thoughts blog provides space for me to reflect on what I’m learning as a leader, what challenges we face as a district and how we can grow together. These platforms – along with newsletters, videos and
community events – are designed to give stakeholders insight into our decision-making and create stronger connections between the district and the community.
We know that when people are informed, engaged and involved, our schools are stronger. Communication builds trust, and trust is the foundation of everything we do.
Looking ahead
As I walk through our schools, I see students engaged in rigorous learning, teachers inspiring curiosity and families proud of their community. I see the results of alignment – of what happens when a district comes together around a shared vision.
Our journey is not without obstacles. Growth brings challenges. Budgets demand discipline. Change requires courage. But in Dublin City Schools, we have shown again and again that we are stronger together.
This year, I invite you to Embrace the Journey with us. Celebrate the new schools and programs your support has made possible. Engage in the redistricting process with openness and trust. Encourage our youngest learners as they begin all-day kindergarten. And continue to believe in the power of public education to transform lives.
Dr. John Marschhausen, Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Dublin City Schools staff gather in front of the Embrace the Journey banner during 2025 Convocation on their first day back.
Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen speaks with Senator Jon Husted in Washington, D.C., following a roundtable on education and pressing policy issues.
student spotlight
by Elise Conrad
Designing DREAMS
A Dublin Jerome Graduate’s path to interning at LEGO
When Adam Wolshire received his first LEGO set at the age of 4, he didn’t know that childhood fascination would turn into a lifelong passion. Now 22 years old, he spent several months abroad last spring in Billund, Denmark, completing an internship with LEGO – a dream come true.
“I had access to every brick in production,” Wolshire says. “Eight-year-old me was screaming every time I was in that building.”
Wolshire graduated from Dublin Jerome High School in 2021 before entering the Industrial Design in the Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) program at the University of Cincinnati. Currently, he is entering his fifth and final year in the program.
When Adam met LEGO
Wolshire’s passion for LEGO began when his cousins introduced him to his first LEGO set.
“The only reason that I liked (LEGO) was because my cousins liked it. … but then I really latched on to it, and I took it with me forward. I can’t explain why I like it. It’s just been a part of my life for so long,” he says.
After years of playing with LEGO as a kid, Wolshire realized that LEGO design was a career and began telling people that’s what he would do when he grew up.
“I never was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be a realistic career,’” Wolshire says.
Only when someone suggested he go into industrial design did he think it would be possible to pursue his dream job.
A shared passion
Located in the small town of Billund, Denmark, LEGO’s headquarters is where the company was first founded in 1932. The design internship is offered only two times a year, with an average of 10 to 15 interns each cycle.
Wolshire worked with other interns as well as LEGO employees, creating new builds that represented new concepts and pitches.
Getting to work alongside a team of fellow creatives and LEGO enthusiasts was a highlight for Wolshire. He met a lot of designers he’d looked up to for years and even worked alongside them.
“I don’t really think I’ve ever worked in a place where the people care (as much)
about what they do, as much as they do at LEGO,” he says. “You have to move to work there, and it definitely takes dedication to want to move that far from home. So, you have to be passionate about what you do.”
His stay away also had some fun outings as well, including visiting museums and restaurants in nearby cities, such as Vejle, Kolding and Aarhus, as well as regular trips to LEGOLAND.
Looking ahead
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Wolshire hopes to move to a city to pursue a career in industrial design. To him, it’s important to experience a variety of jobs before settling down, and he wants to experience living in a bigger city.
When asked if he still wants to work for LEGO after his internship, Wolshire remains sure of his passion.
“I definitely still want to work for LEGO someday. I don’t know if it’s something I want to do right after school, because it’s a lifestyle shift, for sure,” he says. “But it seems like a great place to settle down.”
Elise Conrad is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Outside the Design Room
Aside from his interests in design and LEGO, Wolshire is a member of the University of Cincinnati non-major choir, which he says is a passion in and of itself.
“Especially being in a very physical arts-focused major, it’s really nice to have an outlet that’s also artistic expression, but a very different form,” he says.
It offers a change of pace from his usual work, giving him a chance to focus on something creative without the same kind of demands.
Photo courtesy of Adam Wolshire
by Korrigan Craddock
From Farm to Table
Jacquemin Farms’ uses of homegrown and local produce
With changing leaves comes everyone’s favorite fall flavors. Once the wintertime frost hits, Ohio produce disappears, making fall the last chance of the year to enjoy many local fruits and vegetables. Fall is the perfect time to savor what’s available and make the most of the Ohio produce.
The family-run farm Jacquemin Farms makes the most of fall produce with its farm-to-table mentality.
Jacquemin Farms’ market offers a variety of homegrown and locally-sourced produce, while the cafe uses the produce to make its own goods in-house.
Business and Operations Director Kerry Sullivan emphasizes the importance the fresh produce.
“(We like to) enjoy it while it’s here. Apples go into storage. A lot of the fall produce, like winter squash, you can actually keep for a while,” says Sullivan. “So, when people buy it in the fall, you can store it through the holidays as long as you store it in your house or in your garage.”
From scratch
Jacquemin Farms’ first introduction to making dishes in-house was a donut trailer during the outdoor seasons.
Local Bites
Local produce and products you might find at Jacquemin Farms in the market or in the cafe include:
• Milk and meats from Woodruff Farm in Urbana
• Sammy’s New York Bagels from Columbus
• Hemisphere Coffee from Mechanicsburg
• Meats and cheeses from Yutzy’s Farm Market in Plain City
• Blackberries from Rhoads Farm in Circleville
• Peaches from Champaign Berry Farm in Urbana
In 2021, the cafe opened which now helps the farm stay open year-round with an emphasis on homegrown and local goods.
“We do as much farm-to-table as we possibly can. We support local businesses and also have the freshest stuff available,” says Sullivan. The farm’s popular homemade cake donuts, which originated from the trailer, can be found in the cafe, including the seasonal pumpkin-flavored donuts. The cafe also serves a variety of baked goods such as muffins, cookies and pies.
For other fall flavors, the cafe has pumpkin and fall-themed coffees as well as its apple cider, which is made in-house and is also used in the café’s apple cider slushies.
If you are looking for something more on the savory side, the cafe also offers sandwiches, egg bites and pasta salad.
Leftover produce
Although Jacquemin Farms prides itself in making the most out of its produce, any surplus of goods are donated.
For example, if the baking mixes are not going to be used in time, they are donated to a local food pantry so others can use them before they expire.
“One year we took eight bushels of cucumbers down to the local food pantry because we just had tons that we couldn’t use and we weren’t going to be able to sell all of them,” says Sullivan.
This year Jacquemin Farms plans to donate the surplus produce and goods to the Dublin Food Pantry.
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Photos courtesy of Jacquemin Farms
Pumpkin Drop Cookies with Brown Sugar Buttercream Icing
Recipe Courtesy of Jacquemin Farms
Cookies
• 2 cups softened butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups pumpkin (15 oz. can)
• 2 cups flour
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Mix until fully combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla until combined and then add in the pumpkin.
Gradually add 1 cup of flour at a time until all combined.
Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough roughly 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until tops of cookies are set.
Once cool, frost the cookies. Garnish with cinnamon.
Icing
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3-4 cups powder sugar
With an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and vanilla until sugar is fully dissolved.
Gradually add the powder sugar and milk until desired consistency.
Pro tip: If you want to make use of your fall produce and use fresh pumpkin, you can bake, boil or microwave it, then purée in a food processor
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by Avery Gillis
Charm and Chimneys
How to maintain the hearth in historical homes
As the weather gets colder many look forward to lighting the fireplace for a cozy night in with fuzzy blankets and a good movie.
But before piling wood in the hearth, it is important to make sure that both the fireplace and chimney are in tip-top shape. While there are countless resources for maintaining a modern chimney, historical homes may face unique challenges when it comes to fireplace and chimney maintenance.
First order of business
Before the beginning of winter, the first thing that any homeowner can do to ensure chimney health is to have it inspected by a professional. Understanding your chimney’s baseline will help to address potential problem areas before they put a damper on any cozy fireside plans.
“The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection and sweeping if necessary. That’s especially important in Ohio,” says Katie Poole, owner of The Chimney Guys. “We go through so many freeze and thaw weather cycles that
Photos courtesy of Frazao Studio Latino, kraftmen/iStock
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a lot of damage can happen to the chimney with water. Water enters the chimney, and it expands and contracts with the freeze and the thaw and that’s what breaks the brick or the mortar joint, the flue tiles, (and) perhaps even inside.”
Poole not only owns her own chimney business; she is also the only certified chimney refiner in Franklin and surrounding counties with the National Chimney Sweeps Guild.
She says identifying any underlying issues that may come with temperamental Ohio winters is paramount to the wellbeing of chimney construction.
Historical hiccups
Owning a historical home comes with a host of unique problems that owners of modern homes may not face, especially when it comes to chimney and fireplace care.
“Oftentimes, the challenge with having a chimney in a historical home is that it is not set up to today’s codes and standards for safe operation,” says Poole.
Older fireplaces may not be set up to withstand certain temperatures when burning wood, or might have flue issues that could pose problems regarding safe ventilation in the home.
But never fear, there are ways to address these issues while maintaining the historical charm of the hearth itself.
“Typically, in situations like this, the best option is actually going to be to install some sort of an insert, like a gas burning insert, because that would bypass using the actual firebox,” Poole says. “That would also bypass using the existing flue because an insert is going to come with its own liner that connects directly to the insert.”
Casual cleaning
Older chimneys can be more susceptible to chimney fires because of creosote buildup. However, with regular cleaning this issue can be resolved.
One cause of creosote buildup can be the use of a suboptimal fuel type such as wet and green wood. Ensuring the fuel for wood burning fireplaces is dry and seasoned can reduce the risk of potential buildup.
Additionally, when cleaning, it is best to avoid chemical treatments that may damage the masonry of an older chimney.
Although they come with unique challenges, the charm of a historic chimney is worth the special attention to keep it looking and working its best.
Avery Gillis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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SOLD IN DUBLIN
In July, Dublin homes had an average sale price of $682,540, which is up 13.7 percent compared to last year. Homes stayed on the market a little bit longer this year, with an average of 40 days as opposed to last year’s 36 days. A total of 66 homes sold in July 2025, which is down from 69 last year.
43016
7356 Macbeth Dr. 3 beds, 2.5 baths
$1,133,333
Sold 8//22/25
10828 Brinsworth Dr. 4 beds, 3.5 baths
$934,000
Sold 7/28/25
5808 Glendavon Lp. 4 beds, 4.5 baths
$825,000
Sold 8/15/25
5773 Glendavon Lp. 4 beds, 3.5 baths
$810,000
Sold 8/6/25
7788 Boylston Ct. 4 beds, 4 baths
$800,000
Sold 8/15/25
5893 Dunheath Lp. 5 beds, 3.5 baths
$790,499
Sold 8/11/25
43017
10202 Concord Rd. 5 beds, 4 baths
$1,825,000
Sold 8/1/25
105 N. Riverview St., Unit 216 3 beds, 3.5 baths
$1,635,000
Sold 8/15/25
9120 Tartan Fields Dr. 6 beds, 4.5 baths
$1,525,000
Sold 8/18/25
5124 Reserve Dr. 6 beds, 5.5 baths
$1,500,000
Sold 8/8/25
5328 Hawthornden Ct. 5 beds, 4.5 baths
$1,461,000
Sold 8/22/25
7307 Roycroft Ct. 5 beds, 3.5 baths
$1,200,000
Sold 8/15/25
Data from Redfin
by Colleen D’Angelo
Sip, Savor and Socialize
Historic Dublin welcomes two new businesses
Two unique spaces just opened in Historic Dublin that combine the rustic charm of their roots with modern tastes for wine, bourbon, cigars and community.
Jennifer Kuo, her husband Todd Corwin and his brother, Mark, spent five years renovating and restoring 30 and 32 South High St., two of the oldest buildings in downtown Dublin.
One is a log cabin structure, built between 1790-1820 that was an outpost for the Virginia military, and later became a pharmacy. The second is a wood frame structure that was built around the 1830s and served as a grocery store for many years.
The properties sat vacant for the past 20 years or so, until the Corwin brothers/family purchased both in 2021.
The backs of the buildings date back to 1900 and Dublin’s Architectural Review Board said that part could be destroyed but the front of the log cabin had to stay. The brothers had to lift up the building and pour concrete to keep the 2 x 4’s.
“We could feel the building swaying as we did the work,” says Todd. “The only thing keeping it together was the roof.”
Eventually, they salvaged much of the wood, including floor joists dating back to
the late 1600s that are now part of the bar and high-top tables. The original exterior of the log cabin has new life as an interior wall, adding to the warmth and character of the building.
I attended the soft opening of the new businesses, starting with Uncorked Wine Tastings, and was immediately struck by the pleasant contrast of the wooden beams, ceiling and floor, with the pristine selfpour wine containers.
The Napa Wine System keeps each bottle at its ideal temperature, protected with argon gas to ensure flavor and freshness, while preventing waste and oxidation. This innovative self-pour system allows you to taste and explore at your own pace. You can opt for a 1.5 oz. sample, 3 oz. or 6 oz. pour, or order the entire bottle.
I chatted with Jason Hartman, owner of The Sommelier Company, and the one who helped choose the selection of 48 wines.
Photos courtesy of Ken Wald Productions
“We wanted to showcase a wide variety of taste, region and price,” explains Hartman.
There are sweet rieslings from the Finger Lakes of New York, bold reds from Italy and California, Sake from Japan and non-alcoholic wines as well. I chose a 2016 dry Spanish Rioja called Anciano Gran Reserva and absolutely recommend it.
To complement your tasting journey, the shop offers an artfully curated adult Lunchable featuring a mix of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits and crackers. You can also enjoy the veggie platter with a dip trio of hummus, ranch and gochujang. Every bite is designed to enhance the wine experience as you savor global flavors, or you can bring in your own food of choice as well.
Other plans for the future include Uncorked hosting specialty nights like Euchre, trivia, puzzle competitions and private rentals. There is a cozy back room with tables and chairs and windows overlooking their beautiful outdoor space complete with an original outhouse, used only as a photo op these days.
The open green space, dotted with Adirondack chairs and tables for relaxing and conversing, leads to the next-door establishment: The Apothecary Bourbon & Cigar Lounge.
The Apothecary name is a nod to the pharmacy that once resided in the log cabin building and also to Jennifer’s lifelong career in pharmacy. A selection of fine spirits, premium cigars and a curated cocktail menu are offered in this charming, sophisticated space.
Cigar brands include C.L.E., Espinosa, Oliva and Micallef, and the option to rent a humidified state-of-the-art locker which can house your cigars and/or onsite purchased bottles of bourbon. Smoking can be enjoyed outside on the patio, grassy area or
gazebo, but not indoors as to protect the integrity of the log cabin.
Lead bartender at Apothecary, Jeremy Anderson, has created a cocktail list like no other, with intriguing Dublin stories behind the title of each one. Apparently, Dublin had a rough reputation in the mid to late 1800’s.
“It was a wild, borderline lawless, settlement and later village,” says Anderson.
The Rocks have Handles is a tequila cocktail with citrus notes and a dried blood orange slice floating on top and it gets its name from the old quarry mines. Many of the locals worked in the quarries where frequent rock fights would break out so often that surrounding communities said the rocks on Dublin must have handles that make them easier to pick up and throw.
Anderson created another drink called Kings to Aces which is similar to a Cuba Libre made with rum.
The legend behind the name is that several representatives lobbying for a new capital could not agree on the location and decided to settle it with a poker game. It came down to the final hand where the Dubliner turned over three kings, fully expecting to win. But the rep from Franklinton showed three aces and won the rights to the location of the new capital.
Come for the wine, bourbon or cigars. Stay for the story and the experience.
Colleen D’Angelo is a Dublin Life columnist and freelance writer who has lived in Dublin for 27 years. You can find her on the pickleball court, in the yoga studio or on an airplane to international destinations. Contact her at colleendangelo1@gmail.com
bookmarks
by Josh Duke Information Services Specialist at the Dublin Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library
A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting by Casey Johnston
Casey Johnston, author of multiple books and the longrunning Ask a Swole Woman column, wants you to think about strength training differently. Instead of feelings of guilt and shame about body image and eating habits, she advocates listening to your body’s health and fitness needs. This book is part memoir and part cultural commentary, with a good dose of science (and humor). More women than ever are lifting, and if you’re considering it, this is a practical and engaging guide.
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
Having finished her Nantucket novels, Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter Shelby Cunningham have co-written a new novel. Though The Academy is a coming-of-age story, it is decidedly not for young adults, with more than the usual amount of adult content fans of Hilderbrand have come to expect. Tiffin Academy, an elite and highly-ranked boarding school, is the setting for this drama-filled, multi-perspective first in a new series by the mother-daughter duo.
Expect Great Things!: How the Katharine Gibbs School Revolutionized the American Workplace for Women by Vanda Krefft
In an era where women were expected to focus on the domestic sphere and the four walls of home, the founding of the Katharine Gibbs School (a women-only secretarial institution) in 1911 was a quietly revolutionary act. Author and historian Vanda Krefft reveals just how important the schools five-decade run was as a liberating force for young women looking to gain professional skills, social mobility and opportunities… and do as the school’s mission and motto said: Expect great things!
The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad, memoirist and creator of The Isolation Journals, combines her own story with essays and prompts from a mix of writers, artists and thinkers. The prompts cover a wide range of topics, including memory, fear, love, purpose and more, to emphasize how journaling can help clarify and inspire thoughts and ideas, improve mental health and increase self-awareness.
Dublin Life Book Club Selection
Editor’s note: To be added to the Dublin Life Book Club mailing list or for more information, email kgill@cityscenemediagroup.com. The club will meet Wed., Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Location TBD.
The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
Based on the true story of Johanna Bonger – sister-in-law and inheritor of the famed artist Vincent van Gogh – art history enthusiast and author Marta Molnar dives into the story that brought van Gogh to fame. Through the lens of fictional struggling Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson, we read the diary entries of Johanna as she worked through the struggles as a widowed single mother with only a few unknown paintings to her name.
Taste comes first
